Author RSSBipolar Disorder - Manic Depression
Because of the highs and the lows -- or two poles of mood -- the condition is referred to as "bipolar" depression. In between episodes of mood swings, a person may experience normal moods.The word "manic" describes the periods when the person feels overly...
The Borderline Experience
Imagine you are faced with a minor stress - a flat tire, a clogged-up sink, or a trivial disagreement with your spouse, friend, lover, child, etc. Instead of finding an acceptable solution, your mind seems to panic. A sense of unease develops, possibly ...
Major Depressive Disorder
People who have major depressive disorder have had at least one major depressive episode (five or more symptoms for at least a two-week period). For some people, this disorder is recurrent, which means they may experience episodes once a month, once a yea...
Mood Disorders and Other Illnesses
Mood disorders often co-exists with other mental or physical illnesses. Substance abuse, anxiety disorders and eating disorders are particularly common conditions that may be worsened by mood disorders. Research is showing, more and more, that mood disord...
Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very seriously.
Research has revealed that depression is occurring earlier in life today than in past decades.24 In addition, research has shown that early onset depression often persists, recurs, and continues into adulthood, and that depression in youth may also predi...
The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The principal characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms appear early in a child's life. Because many normal children may have these symptoms, but at a low level, or the symptoms may be caused by another disord...
Types of Mental Health Care Professionals
Professional Training and Expertise Psychiatrist Medical doctor with 4 years of psychiatric training after graduation from medical school. Can prescribe drugs and admit people to the hospital. Some practice psychotherapy, some only prescribe drugs, and ma...
Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Guide for Families
Psychiatric Hospitalization: A Guide for Families
"You will probably wonder if the whole thing was your fault. If you care enough to feel that way, the problem was probably not your fault. If wondering about it helps you correct mistakes and communica...
Getting Better Sleep: What You Need to Know
Sleeplessness and Depression
Sleeplessness, frequent nighttime waking, or sleeping too much can be symptoms of depression. Clinical depression is more than passing sadness. It's not something a person can snap out of. It is a real, treatable imbalan...
Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions
Eating Disorders: Facts About Eating Disorders and the Search for Solutions
• Introduction
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Binge-Eating Disorder
• Treatment Strategies
• Research Findings and Directions
• For More Informa...
What to do When a Friend is Depressed
What to do When a Friend is Depressed
• ...Find Out More About Depression
• ...Be Able To Tell Fact From Fiction
• ...Know the Symptoms
• ...Find Someone Who Can Help
• For Additional Information About Depression Write To:
• For Mor...
Let's Talk About Depression
Let's Talk About Depression
Sure, everybody feels sad or blue now and then. But if you're sad most of the time, and it's giving you problems with
• your grades or attendance at school
• your relationships with your family and friends
• al...
The Invisible Disease: Depression
Depression is a serious medical condition. In contrast to the normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood states, clinical depression is persistent and can interfere significantly with an individual's ability to function. There are ...
Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
In general, anxiety disorders are treated with medication, specific types of psychotherapy, or both.14 Treatment choices depend on the problem and the person's preference. Before treatment begins, a doctor must conduct a careful diagnostic evaluation ...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
"I always thought I was just a worrier. I'd feel keyed up and unable to relax. At times it would come and go, and at times it would be constant. It could go on for days. I'd worry about what I was going to fix for a dinner party, or what would be a gr...