Health Issues

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

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

We all have times when we worry: about our personal relationships, our families, our jobs, our finances or our futures. But if you live in a constant state of worry that manifests itself in physical and psychological ways, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD. Some people who live with this psychiatric … 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

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

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

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

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

(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

On a regular morning, an average person might leave home, buy a frothy beverage at a coffee shop, pop into a crowded subway and then stroll into the office. These little steps might involve interactions with dozens of strangers, and the thought of working with those people might make anyone uncomfortable. In fact, an article … Read more

One of the most moving talks I ever heard was given by former U.S. Senator George McGovern. He spoke eloquently about his daughter Terry, who had both alcoholism and depression. He gave a detailed account of all that he, his wife and many others did to help Terry recover, only to be shocked and saddened … 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

Delusional disorder, previously referred to as paranoid disorder, is a rare condition. Sufferers of delusional disorder experience delusions, but they do not hallucinate nor do they experience thought or mood disorders or other key symptoms of psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia. These delusions are a form of psychosis, and they typically involve a conviction that something … Read more

There are many schools of thought when it comes to combating addiction. Some of them have arisen from recent developments in the fields of psychiatry and medicine, and others have been around for much, much longer. As we understand more about the human condition and the things that drive some people to dangerous behavior, we … 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

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

You might be familiar with some kinds of psychological evaluations like the Rorschach Inkblot test or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory – III (MCMI-III). Similarly, neuropsychological tests measure some personality or cognitive elements present in a person. Like psychological tests, these assessments are equally beneficial to clinicians and psychologists, particularly neuropsychologists. What Are Neuropsychological Tests? … 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

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

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

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

“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

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

Schizophreniform disorder is very close in nature to schizophrenia. In fact, it is only diagnosed when the signs of schizophrenia have not been in evidence long enough to warrant a diagnosis for that disorder. When signs of schizophrenia are an issue for six months or less, the diagnosis is schizophreniform disorder. When those symptoms persist, the diagnosis … Read more

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

Depression is a complex disorder – one characterized by a spectrum of symptoms. The existence – or absence – of a specific defining symptom can completely alter the diagnosis. In the case of psychotic depression, also known as delusional depression, Medline Plus reports that the condition is much like major depression in terms of how it … 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

Though everyone experiences depression from time to time, the experience of moderate to severe depression and the serious contemplation of suicide are serious mental health issues that require immediate intervention and treatment. If you believe that your loved one is at risk of taking his or her own life, don’t wait to intervene. Emergency medical … 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

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

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

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

Anxiety can take many forms. For some, it’s a feeling of nervousness sparked by a person, a place or a thing. For others, it’s an undertow of worry caused by an unresolved event from the past. For still others, it’s a constant presence brought about by something they just can’t name. All of these people … 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

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

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

A patient who is struggling with both a drug and/or alcohol problem and a psychiatric or emotional disorder is said to be living with a co-occurring disorder, or a Dual Diagnosis. These issues can have signs that intertwine and affect each other, causing the patient to experience serious problems with symptom management. How can you tell … 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

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

Schizophrenia is not a singular diagnosis but a disorder that is characterized by a number of different types. Paranoid type schizophrenia is defined by the patient’s unwavering belief that someone or something is conspiring to harm him. This is usually the primary obsession of the person and even with evidence to the contrary, he will tend … Read more

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder in which an individual experiences recurring thoughts that cause irrational fears and anxiety. Individuals with OCD engage in repeated, compulsive rituals, such as counting items, hand washing and organizing. Executing these rituals provides temporary relief while they are being performed, but the anxiety returns soon after they stop. OCD … Read more

The word “codependency” is somewhat controversial. To some, it’s a word that could be applied to a reasonable set of behaviors a family engages in when facing a substance abuse problem. To others, it’s a mental illness that arises due to a substance abuse problem that happened many, many years ago. To still others, the disorder doesn’t … Read more

Methadone is a controversial drug that is primarily used to help addicts recover from an addiction. The controversy is easy to see: many argue that a user is simply trading one substance for another, which can lead to another addiction. While some have used the drug to successfully defeat their problems, there are others that … 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 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

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

Bipolar I disorder, also known as bipolar disorder and formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder that creates a number of noticeable issues in the person’s day-to-day experience of life and ability to handle different issues. Many patients struggle with: Mood swings Fluctuations in energy Fluctuations in activity level Inability to manage … 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

This publication is part of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant technical assistance program. All material appearing in this volume except quoted passages from copyrighted sources is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) or the authors. Citation of the … 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

The realm of psychological testing is broad and complicated. The range of emotions and behaviors humans experience is just as vast and complicated, so it’s only fitting that the field of psychological testing mirrors that. You may have taken some kind of psychological testing without even realizing it. The quizzes found in newsstand magazines are … Read more

Our brains manage a wide range of emotional and psychological functions. They use a sensitive and intricate system of chemical signals and responses sent via the central nervous system. A number of environmental and congenital factors can affect this system. Changes in brain chemistry can cause significant changes in a person’s mood. The Environment’s Impact … Read more

Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a debilitating condition that is often misrepresented in popular culture and misunderstood by the general public. BPD distorts the individual’s self-perception and interferes with their ability to maintain stable relationships. Those who suffer from BPD are seen as highly manipulative, dependent and dramatic, but mental health professionals understand that … Read more

Also known as idiopathic hypersomnia, primary hypersomnia disorder is defined by hypoarousal, or a state of being less awake and alert and experiencing lesser cognitive and motor function as well as emotional capacity. In simpler terms, those who are living with primary hypersomnia disorder are often very sleepy and experience longer episodes of non-REM (rapid eye … 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