Mental Health There are many mental health conditions that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Managing Stress Depression Domestic Violence

Depression What is depression? A depressive disorder is a whole-body illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not the same as being unhappy or in a blue mood. Nor is it a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months...

Knowing When to Seek Treatment When to seek treatment Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, families, spouses, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause them to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends and/or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substa...

Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while others are more severe. Some mental health problems last for only short periods of time, while others, potentially, last a lifetime. Listed in the directory below you will find some additional information regarding some of the different types of mental health disorders in children and te...

Depression and Suicide More than 90 percent of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. Warning signs of suicidal feelings, thoughts, or behavior Many of the warning signs of possible suicidal feelings are also symptoms of depression. Observations of the following behaviors may be helpful in identifying persons who may be at risk of attempting suicide: Changes in eating and sleep habits Loss of interest in usual acti...

Topic Index - Mental Health Disorders Mental Health Disorders Home Statistics Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Psychiatric Treatment Team Knowing When To Seek Treatment Mood Disorders Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Dysthymia Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression and Suicide Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervos...

Personality Disorders What are personality disorders? For persons without a personality disorder, personality traits are patterns of thinking, reacting, and behaving that remain relatively consistent and stable over time. Persons with a personality disorder display more rigid and maladaptive thinking and reacting behaviors that often disrupt their personal, professional, and social lives. What are the most common types of personality disorders? Generally, personality disorders are divided into three sub...

Schizophrenia What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all mental health disorders. It involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain. And, what was once classified as a psychological disease is now classified as a brain disease. What causes schizophrenia? There is no known single cause responsible for schizophrenia. It is believed that a chemical imbalance in the brain is an inherited factor which is necessary for schizophrenia to develop. However, it is li...

Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency What is substance abuse/chemical dependence? The main words used medically to describe substance abuse or addiction include the following: Substance (drug) abuse (alcohol or other drugs). Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of substance (drug) use that causes significant problems or distress, such as failure to attend work or school, substance use in dangerous situations (driving a car), substance-related legal problems, or continued substan...

Online Resources - Mental Health Disorders This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your health care provider. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. This pa...