Health Issues

It is a sad reality that mental health disorders are sometimes not taken as seriously as physical ailments. There has long been a stigma against recognizing mental health concerns as a legitimate form of distress, with Psychology Today explaining that people who are afflicted by such disorders often experience prejudice and discrimination from those who … Read more

Most of us go to great lengths to avoid getting sick. Illness takes such a toll on the mind and body that it’s hard to imagine why anyone would deliberately pretend to be unhealthy. But people with factitious disorder have a deep-seated need to be perceived as unwell. They visit multiple doctors, take handfuls of … Read more

The target of prescription medications like Adderall is a serious mental illness known as attention deficient disorder (ADD). People with this particular mental illness feel sped up, distracted and unable to concentrate almost every single day of every single week. Not surprisingly, people who experience this face extra challenges as students. They may hop up … Read more

“The hangovers became worse … My family was starting to recognize that I had a severe drinking problem … I didn’t care because I was so numbed by alcohol …The hidden bottles, slurred speech, sleeping all day (passed out) and isolation was a common occurrence, and I was only 22-23 years old,” recalls Shawn A. in … Read more

If you are loaded with guilt about your drug or alcohol addiction, please stop. Right this second. For starters — and most importantly, for an addict looking to recover — guilt and addiction do not mix. Feeling bad about your alcoholism and/or drug addiction usually only fuels it. Most addicts and alcoholics have been there. … Read more

When a person with a severe mental illness does not respond to traditional outpatient therapy, other approaches may be necessary in order to provide the best care. There are a variety of treatment options available to Dual Diagnosis patients but sometimes an individual needs all-around care that focuses on more than the illness and addiction. … Read more

Of the variety of psychological tests available, personality assessments are some of the most valuable to researchers, clinicians and employers. They can be especially helpful in determining particular characteristics and traits about a person in order to better understand them. When one has insight into the personality of others with whom they are communicating, better discussions can … Read more

Chapter 3 — Mental Health And Addiction Treatment Systems: Philosophical and Treatment Approach Issues Introduction For people with dual disorders, the attempt to obtain professional help can be bewildering and confusing. They may have problems arising within themselves as a result of their psychiatric and AOD use disorders as well as problems of external origin that … Read more

(TS) is a disorder of the nervous system that causes involuntary and repetitive movements or vocalizations called tics. These tics can be hugely disruptive in the life of the patient, making it difficult to maintain relationships in some cases or take on certain types of employment or activities. A spectrum disorder, not all who are … Read more

Psychological trauma often occurs in those who have experienced significant damage to their psyche. This may take place because a patient has lived through a particularly stressful event or situation. This kind of trauma can occur any time a person is faced with stress that exceeds their ability to cope with the respective stress. Because … Read more

In short, art therapy is using art and creative media as a way to help an individual recover and heal from mental illness, trauma, or substance abuse. For over 100 years, the field of art therapy has been found to be effective in helping individuals explore and express feelings and improve overall wellbeing. Through creating art and discovering … Read more

The life of a young adult is a like a rollercoaster that last for years. With emotional ups and downs and ins and outs, a young person can feel on the verge of something – anything – long after puberty sets in. Early adulthood is a period marked by changes and growth physically, mentally, and … Read more

Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder (RCBD) is defined by the experience of four or more extreme mood episodes within a year, according to a study published in the journal Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. These can include any combination of the following types of episodes: Manic Hypomanic Depressive Mixed While for some patients this can translate into multiple episodes … Read more

Determining the difference between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma disorders can be a challenge. Confusing this issue is the fact that PTSD and other anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), often co-occur. Learn the difference between the two so you can learn how to begin the healing process. Signs and Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety … Read more

It’s been thrown around in the media and used interchangeably as a nickname for people with erratic behavior, but what is bipolar disorder exactly? It starts in the brain where dysfunction occurs that impacts mood regulation, energy levels and motivation. Sufferers may feel extremely low at times and have no interest in leaving their home … Read more

Autophobia is the fear of being alone or of loneliness. Solitude, even in a safe place like home, can cause extreme anxiety in those who struggle with the disorder. Even if it is clear that they are physically safe, patients still may fear: Strangers or intruders Being unloved or unwanted Developing an acute medical issue Unexpected or … Read more

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) is one of a number of diagnostic tools that may be useful in helping to evaluate patients effectively when depression is an issue. Depression is not only a spectrum disorder but also a symptom caused by other mental health issues. Therefore, effective treatment starts with a thorough understanding of … Read more

Bipolar disorder is a very serious mental condition that causes a person to move between times of deep depression and brief periods of mania. Previously known as manic-depression, this condition affects millions of people of all ages, ethnicities and walks of life. If left untreated, bipolar disorder can lead to a wide range of painful and … Read more

People who are struggling with mental health might be quite capable of describing their symptoms. They might be able to describe how they’re feeling using metaphors, stories or examples, and they might be quite capable of describing how they felt before the troubles began and how things seem different now. But they might not be able … Read more

Often referred to as binge eating, compulsive overeating is an addiction to food that helps meet any of the following needs: To hide from emotions To fill an emotional void To cope with daily stresses and problems While compulsive overeating may relieve some problems, it is often short lived and never deals with the core … Read more

People who struggle with schizophrenia often end up battling substance use disorders after trying to self-medicate the complicated symptoms that they live with on a daily basis. In some cases, schizophrenia and Xanax abuse go hand-in-hand. Xanax is a powerful benzodiazepine drug that is prescribed to treat anxiety and some seizure disorders. This drug is addictive and … Read more

Life is always changing and it is natural for use to go through an adjustment period following any kind of stressful event. People who are experiencing a significant change in their work, personal life, or education will need time to make the adjustment in a healthy way that works for them. However, if a person … Read more

Much attention has been paid to the possible effects that the Affordable Care Act will have on health insurance and access to treatment, especially access to mental health treatment for those who previously may have been unable to afford therapeutic care. Though no one can say for sure how everything will shake out in the end, what … Read more

Similar to social anxiety or social phobia, anthropophobia is the fear of people. Unlike social anxiety, however, which often relates to feeling uncomfortable in crowds or a group context, anthropophobia symptoms can occur when the patient is in the presence of a single person. In some cases, the phobia of interacting personally with others can be … Read more

“I need a drink.” That’s the phrase characters on television shows use when they’ve been exposed to some type of tragic event. The implication is that substance use allows these characters to soothe their minds and forget about the trauma they’ve seen, so the plot can move forward and the writers can inflict yet more … Read more

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) reports that there is a “definite connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances” and that mental health disorder patients are responsible for the consumption of: 38 percent of alcohol 44 percent of cocaine 40 percent of cigarettes NBER also reports that people who have been diagnosed with … Read more

Cyclothymic disorder, also known as Cyclothymia, is the most mild type of bipolar disorder in terms of its symptoms and effects on the patient. Those who are diagnosed with this version of bipolar disorder often struggle with mild depression as well as hypomanic episodes cyclically for a minimum of two years but do not mean the criteria … Read more

Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is a type of mental health diagnosis that is characterized by odd behaviors and beliefs that become the focus of the patient’s life so overwhelmingly that they find it difficult to connect with others in a meaningful way. The disorder can make it difficult for the patient to maintain positive relationships … Read more

Unlike bipolar disorder, also known as bipolar I, bipolar II disorder is not characterized by manic episodes but by depressive episodes as well as hypomanic episodes that occur in cycles. It’s one of the more commonly diagnosed types of bipolar disorder, and it can be disruptive for patients, making it difficult for them to have positive and … Read more

Hormones fluctuate significantly during pregnancy and during the months afterward. Many women will experience feelings of unexplained sadness as a result, be irritable or restless, and struggle with anxiety. Usually, however, these symptoms fade in the first two weeks after giving birth. Some women, however, have a completely different emotional experience after childbirth. Some will experience … Read more

Let’s face it: Everyone has good and bad days, and normal changes in mood are not only expected but a routine aspect of life. But bipolar disorder is something different altogether. When someone’s mood swings are so dramatic they interfere with his/her ability to maintain relationships, career or overall mental and physical health, untreated bipolar … Read more

Everyone gets sad from time to time. Either due to mood swings, hormonal changes, or upsetting life events like divorce or the loss of a loved one, depression is a normal part of life. However, when depression symptoms continue for weeks or months at a time, it can be a sign that major depression – also known … Read more

Experiencing trauma as a child can lead to a host of emotional and psychological issues that may not emerge until later in life. Adults who experienced trauma during childhood may experience difficulties in many aspects of their lives. They may not realize that these traumatic experiences are contributing factors to their current issues or even … Read more

Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, can lead an individual through complicated and overwhelming emotions that sometimes lead to self-destructive behavior. Self-injury and risky decision making can make bipolar disorder dangerous to your health and your life, but there is help available. Symptoms of Mania and Depression Bipolar disorder is the clinical name for manic … Read more

Just talking with a professional is often the best way to identify a deficiency in the brain. When something is amiss in the cells of the brain, a person may find it hard to speak coherently, stay on topic or remember the details of words spoken moments before. While this conversation can sometimes help experts … Read more

Depression is a mental health illness. It has a number of genetic, biological and environmental causes. It contributes to a number of other mental and physical health issues including learning ability. How Does Depression Directly Affect Learning? Individuals with depression may be unable to complete tasks that require high-motor and cognitive skills. They may feel confused, … Read more

Typically, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about addiction recovery is how to quit using or abusing a substance forever. There are proponents of another theory though, that one can control addiction through moderation management (MM) behaviors, and there is evidence to support this theory, too. Abstinence Abstaining is the most traditional … Read more

Bipolar disorder presents differently in different patients — even when the individuals have the same subset diagnosis. Some individuals experience primarily one symptom or another, and these symptoms can closely resemble those of other conditions, such as simple depression or schizophrenia. There is no clinical test for bipolar disorder; rather, a diagnosis is made on the basis of … Read more

Mental health disorders can affect anyone of any gender, race or age. There are over 50 million Americans who suffer from mental illness, and if you’re one of them, you’re not alone. Of both genders, women are often most likely to suffer from certain mental illnesses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) … Read more

Chapter 5 — Mood Disorders Definitions and Diagnoses The term mood describes a pervasive and sustained emotional state that may affect all aspects of an individual’s life and perceptions. Mood disorders are pathologically elevated or depressed disturbances of mood, and include full or partial episodes of depression or mania. A mood episode (for example, major depression) is a cluster of symptoms that occur … Read more

It’s estimated that about 6 percent of the general population suffers from chronic depression, a condition frequently called dysthymia (or dysthymic disorder). What’s upsetting is that many people may not even be aware they have it. Commonly chalked up to bad moods or pessimism, those suffering from chronic depression may just feel that a negative … Read more

Almost everyone on the planet has at least a little bit of self-love. That’s the element that gives people confidence and magnetism, and it’s the sort of personality attribute that can make a person seem attractive or even powerful. But humility is also an important part of the psyche of a healthy adult, as it … Read more

Trying to sort through all the different medications available to treat bipolar disorder can be overwhelming. Here, we present a cheat sheet covering the most widely used medications, how they work, their side effects, and some anecdotes from a couple of bipolar patients who have years of experience with a variety of medications. Your doctor … Read more

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral issues among young people in the United States today. Characterized by a general inability to accomplish tasks in most situations, this disorder can be frustrating for the patient and his or her family alike. In addition to the day-to-day issues that arise … Read more

Trying to sort through all the different medications available to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can seem overwhelming. To help with that, we’ve compiled this short guide that covers some of the most widely used medications, how they work, their side effects, and some first-person accounts from patients who’ve used the medications. Remember, side effects … Read more

Serotonin syndrome is unique among mental health disorders because it is one of the few that has a discernable cause: a negative drug reaction. It is a problem that is usually caused by taking two drugs designed to impact the level of serotonin. For example, combining triptans prescribed to treat migraines in addition to selective … Read more

The existence of both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a substance abuse problem in a single patient is a common occurrence. One study on the subject, published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, found that about 27 percent of their participants – all of whom were diagnosed with OCD – met the criteria for having a co-occurring substance … Read more

Even though the stigma surrounding mental illness has become the topic of national conversation, most people working in corporate America will admit the discussion hasn’t made it very far in the boardroom. If you disclose to your boss that you’re depressed and need some time off, even for one day, chances are you won’t be … Read more

It’s a well-known fact that many people take drugs in order to alleviate or medicate symptoms of mental illness. They take euphoric drugs to ameliorate feelings of depression, for example, or they lean on alcohol to reduce symptoms of anxiety. It might not be a helpful technique, but it certainly does seem common. Drugs can do more … Read more

Perhaps the most well-known piece of mental health legislation has been the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). This law made insurers offer no fewer benefits to an individual for mental health treatment than for physical health treatment. It did not require insurers to offer mental health coverage but it did … Read more

Panic attacks are characterized by a fear of disaster or of losing control even if no danger is currently present. They can affect anyone at any age and at any time. Generally harmless, a person may experience a fight-or-flight response when confronted with a panic attack. But what happens when that instinctive response goes out … Read more

Sleepwalking is not just a random or harmless habit to be ignored. Rather, when it is a chronic behavior and results in actions that are potentially harmful to the patient, it is an issue that should be addressed through mental health treatment. How can you identify a sleepwalking disorder in someone you love? There are … Read more

Mental health disorders are often understood. A person who has never struggled with bipolar disorder may see the symptoms of manic and depressive episodes as signs of the following: Self-absorption Selfishness Manipulation Demanding behavior A person with bipolar is none of these things, but their symptoms can be misunderstood. They struggle during manic and depressive … Read more

In 2013, almost one in five American adults, or 18.5 percent of the population over the age of 18, had a mental illness in the past year, and 4.2 percent had a serious mental illness, according to the most current National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Mental illness affects a person’s mood, thinking, feelings, and … Read more

Mental health disorders and addiction very often go hand in hand, and heroin addiction is commonly diagnosed as co-occurring with an anxiety disorder. Whether panic disorder, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or another type of anxiety disorder, many patients find solace in the use of illicit substances that are sedative in their effect, like heroin. Unfortunately, the existence of … Read more

Humans are, at a cellular level, born to dance. In a study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that even tiny infants had the ability to respond to the beat in a piece of music, and the better they could match the movements of their wee bodies to the sounds … Read more

Dealing with a Dual Diagnosis and an addiction can be costly, time-consuming, and an all-around impairing experience. Those who have lived with mental illness or substance abuse alone know the difficulties involved with coping, even with performing daily functions. Together, the two can create a world for the individual that is scary, depressing, or just plain impossible. Because the … Read more

When you suffer from a severe mental illness, everything in your daily life can be affected, from daily functions like sleeping and eating to more distressing symptoms of impaired cognition, erratic mood swings, and relationships with those you love. In essence, suffering from a mental illness decreases your ability to manage and cope with life. … Read more

Recent epidemiologic surveys show that more than 10 million Americans have co-existing substance-related and mental health disorders (SAMHSA Report, 1996). Several researchers pointed out that patients with comorbidity have poorer outcomes than those with single diagnoses, such as increasing psychiatric symptoms, homelessness, higher risk for relapse, institutionalization, worse compliance, difficulties in managing their lives (Drake … Read more

Binge drinking and depression often go hand in hand, one disorder continually worsening the symptoms of the other as the negative consequences begin to pile up. Either one can cause significant issues in the person’s life, making it more difficult for him to function at work or in relationships with others. But when both disorders are … Read more

For years, researchers have known that people who have schizophrenia tend to develop an addiction to nicotine products. Smoking tends to provide these people with a calming, soothing sensation that can allow them to handle the unusual thoughts and feelings that tend to accompany schizophrenia, and the opportunity to breathe deeply while smoking also seems … Read more

According to the Mayo Clinic, a phobia is defined as an “overwhelming and unreasonable fear” of something that doesn’t actually pose a legitimate danger. A person can be fearful of spiders for instance and suffer from a condition known as arachnophobia. The fear of clowns, common among both adults and children, is known as coulrophobia. Generally … Read more

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell what is real from what is not real. This leads to poor judgment and, at times, bizarre behavior. Delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and incomprehensible communication are the primary symptoms of schizophrenia.1 Individuals who live with schizophrenia are often reluctant to undergo treatment. This is … Read more

Hoarding and substance abuse may seem unrelated. However the two often accompany each other, reinforce each other and reduce overall quality of life. When you learn more about hoarding and treatment options, you give yourself and your loved ones the chance to heal. What Is Hoarding, and How Does It Affect Daily Life? Some people … Read more

Dealing with the symptoms of an anxiety disorder effectively often requires a multi-pronged, multi-phase approach to treatment. A personalized combination of treatment services may provide different types of support including medication, psychotherapy, and holistic services. There are a number of different types of anxiety disorders, including: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Obsessive disorders, especially characterized by compulsive … Read more

Drug dependence is a medical disorder, and though there is no cure, there are a number of viable options when it comes to treatment. Each patient is different in both experience and need so not every treatment opportunity is equally appropriate in every case; however, there is a unique combination of medication and/or therapeutic intervention … Read more

It sounds like a cruel joke. People who have phobias can benefit from therapy, but some people have phobias involving doctors and medical care. These people need help, but the help they need comes from the very thing that fills them with anxiety. While treating people like this can certainly be challenging, there are some … Read more

It’s become something of a cliché to say that a substance abuse problem poisons everything in an addict’s life, but that simply means that the truth cannot be underscored enough: a drug, alcohol or compulsive behavior problem really does corrode everything an addict holds dear, including – and especially – romantic and sexual partnerships. Like … Read more

Share An anger flare-up is a natural response to an outside threat. That little puff of power allows a person to fend off an attack and get out of the situation without harm. When a crisis takes place, such as a car accident or a verbal threat from an outsider, anger can help people to … Read more

Stemming from Hindu practices, yoga is considered a holistic exercise that involves controlling one’s breathing and meditating while maintaining specific positions that challenge a variety of muscles in the body. The Huffington Post reports 8.7 percent of the American population practices yoga, a statistic that seems to only be on the rise having jumped from 15.8 million … Read more

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe illness that affects nearly 2.4 million people over the age of 18. You might know the movie versions (John Nash in A Beautiful Mind, Donnie of Donnie Darko, or Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Edward Daniels in Shutter Island) but in real life, the illness isn’t masked as a suspense, thriller or dramatic film. Schizophrenia … Read more

Dysphoric mania refers to a group of symptoms that fall under the umbrella of bipolar disorder. Individuals with these symptoms usually experience depression and mania at the same time, which can trouble patients greatly. The combination of depression and the agitated state of mania can lead to extreme behaviors, such as attempted suicide or violence. Also … Read more

The idea that people suffering from mental disorders are automatically more violent than the general population has been established as a myth, a stereotype that, thankfully, is being shattered. And yet, there are several aspects of untreated bipolar disorder than can lead to an increased risk of domestic violence. This is a confusing and frightening … Read more

A controversial issue in healthcare is the question of involuntary hospitalization. If an individual’s family has confronted him or her repeatedly about the damage that addiction and a struggle with bipolar disorder is causing, and loved ones have joined together to stage an intervention to let him know how bad things really are, and he still refuses to seek recovery help, … Read more

Share “We all have doubts about ourselves, sometimes. It’s part of what makes us sentient beings. Doubt makes us examine ourselves and all that we do. And without the ability to do that, we become nothing short of monsters.” – Princess Leia Organa On December 23, 2016, actress Carrie Fisher — most recognized for playing … Read more

Ongoing depression that is defined by low mood for a long period of time may be diagnosed as dysthymia or chronic depression, a moderate form of depression. Often, the disorder coexists with other mental health or medical conditions, including: Anxiety Chronic pain Alcoholism Drug abuse or addiction According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about … Read more

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, affects more children than any other behavioral disorder. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, up to 5 percent of kids meet the criteria for ADHD, yet many go undiagnosed until they are teens or adults. Impulsive behavior, inability to pay attention and excessive physical activity are the hallmark … Read more

The world is a social place. Tiny babies are expected to connect with their parents, share their toys, and otherwise relate to the people who care for them. Young children are asked to form friendships, work with teachers, and respect their elders. Adults, in turn, might be asked to collaborate, connect and share with their … Read more

Mental illness isn’t a uniquely modern phenomenon. The genetic influences that stand behind some types of mental illnesses, along with the physical and chemical assaults that can spark illnesses in some people, have always been part of human life. But the ways in which impacted people are treated by their peers, as well as the … Read more

Post-rehab residence in a sober living community can be part of an effective recovery plan. The lack of a stable, drug-free, supportive environment after rehab can be a trigger for relapse. Sober living communities provide a safeguard against relapse and can offer a recovering substance abuser the personal space needed to build a new life … Read more

If you struggle with drug or alcohol problems, there’s a strong chance that you may also be fighting depression, anxiety, mood swings or compulsive behavior. It’s not uncommon for people with mental health disorders to abuse street drugs, prescription medications or alcohol as a way to cope with their moods or control their fears. In fact, the National Survey on … Read more

A buildup of emotions like frustration, anger, self-loathing, depression and anxiety can cause someone to seek an outlet through self-mutilation. A common misconception is to lump suicidal behavior with this deliberate self-harm, sometimes referred to as DSH and other times as NSSI, non-suicidal self-injury. They are, however, not the same and should be considered separately. … Read more

Anyone can get nervous when faced with certain events like meeting someone new, being around a large crowd, or doing something in front of an audience. Social anxiety disorder entails a strong fear of being judged in these situations and other less frightening scenarios. Worrying about normal everyday events for weeks before any of them … Read more

Disorganized type schizophrenia is defined by scattered behaviors that are nonsensical and have no purpose. Also called hebephrenic schizophrenia or just disorganized schizophrenia, patients who are diagnosed with this disorder often have a difficult time having functional relationships with others or being able to manage their day-to-day affairs. Too often, rather than seek medical and psychiatric … Read more

Not very long ago, addiction was considered a moral affliction. Addicts were seen as bad people, willfully selfish and hedonistic, rather than individuals suffering from a mental and physical affliction. After years of research, we now have a more enlightened understanding of addiction with the current model revealing that addiction is a chronic, progressive disease … Read more

Chapter 4 — Linkages For Mental Health and AOD Treatment Overview Conventional boundaries between single-focus agencies have impeded the clinical progress of patients who have psychiatric disorders and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders (Baker, 1991; Schorske and Bedard, 1988). The treatment of patients with dual disorders is a clinical challenge, as well as a systems … Read more

Chapter 8 — Psychotic Disorders Dual-Focus Perspective This chapter is an overview of current assessment and treatment principles for patients with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders and psychosis. Along with an increased awareness of the treatment needs of patients with these dual disorders, an increased emphasis on service systems has evolved. These and other … Read more

One of the most emotionally debilitating mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder causes intense anxiety, intrusive memories and nightmarish flashbacks that interfere with daily life. Many individuals with PTSD will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb their pain or to gain some measure of control in their lives. Chronic substance abuse creates a complicated Dual … Read more

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a self-report rating filled out by patients to assist therapists in their ability to measure the signs and symptoms of depression that a patient may be experiencing. With a more thorough evaluation at the onset of treatment, patients can immediately begin a schedule of care that … Read more

Although many people are not familiar with the four types of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the differences between the types are substantial and important to understand. In certain instances, borderline personality disorder co-occurs with alcoholism, presenting a complex dual diagnosis. What Is Impulsive Personality Disorder? Impulsive personality disorder is often seen as the most charismatic … Read more

Everyone has bad days. Whether it’s because of problems at home, at work or in our relationships, we all experience down periods in our lives. For most people, the down periods come and go in a reasonable, ordinary fashion and can be remedied by things that make us happy. But for those who suffer from … Read more

Family therapy can play an important role in an individual’s recovery from substance abuse. The addict is not the only person damaged when substance abuse is in play. Rather, every person the addict deals with intimately or on a regular basis can be affected by the addiction. As a result, family therapy is often needed to repair … Read more

Anger is primal, and it’s one of the first emotions small children learn to express. It’s common to see small children throw tantrums when they don’t get what they want, and everyone has seen tiny kids break into physical expressions of anger when they feel particularly affronted. We never grow out of anger, but we … Read more

Dreams have been called the brain’s home movies. When the lights are low and sleep sets in, the brain seems to process the events of the day in sight, sound and taste. If the day was pleasant, those dreams might be wonderful. But if the day was filled with some kind of tension or distress, … Read more

Trauma can hit even the strongest among us with great force. Of course, physical traumas and injuries are usually visually measureable and can lead to trauma-related physical pain, but emotional trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also have a profound effect on the human body. Emotional trauma can cause long-lasting brain changes that may lead to … Read more

A majority of Americans today (58 percent) believe that smoking marijuana should be legal (1). At the same time, while most Americans recognize that mental illness is a biological problem, most still say they don’t want somebody who is schizophrenic or depressed as a neighbor or a friend (2). How are these statistics related? They … Read more

Mood swings – we all experience them, right? One day you’re feeling on top of the world, the next day you’re irritable and yelling at drivers while in traffic. Some attribute the shift to bad days, hormones, or just feeling a little bit funky. For others, these mood swings are persistent and unpredictable, causing problems … Read more

Marijuana is not the easy breezy, laidback substance that so many make it out to be. For many users, it can induce feelings of paranoia and have a negative effect on mood. It’s a problem, but it’s not one that is stopping too many people from indulging in the substance. According to the United Nations Office … Read more

Chapter 6 — Anxiety Disorders Definitions and Diagnoses The anxiety disorders are the most common group of psychiatric disorders. The term anxiety refers to the sensations of nervousness, tension, apprehension, and fear that emanate from the anticipation of danger, which may be internal or external. Anxiety disorders describe different clusters of signs and symptoms of anxiety, panic, and phobias. A panic … Read more