Major Depression (Major Depressive Disorder)

Major depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a serious mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. This condition can significantly impact daily functioning, affecting emotions, thoughts, and physical health. Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks for a diagnosis and can include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, and self-esteem. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often manifesting as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs). Individuals experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not, which can significantly impact their ability to function in daily life. Psychosis can be a symptom of various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Effective treatment usually involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. It involves feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that can make it difficult for new mothers to care for themselves and their babies. Symptoms can include severe mood swings, withdrawal from family and friends, difficulty bonding with the baby, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. Treatment typically involves counseling, medication, or a combination of both.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. People with GAD often feel anxious about health, work, social interactions, and routine life circumstances, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This persistent worry can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Treatment typically includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by disturbances in thought processes, perceptions, emotional responsiveness, and social interactions. People with schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and impaired functioning in daily activities. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medications and various forms of psychotherapy.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy and disordered eating behaviors, and an intense preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape. These disorders can lead to severe physical and emotional problems. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. Symptoms vary but can include extreme food restriction, binge eating, purging, and an unhealthy focus on body image. Effective treatment often involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and medical care.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood shifts can affect sleep, energy levels, behavior, judgment, and the ability to think clearly. During manic episodes, individuals may feel euphoric, full of energy, or unusually irritable. During depressive episodes, they may feel sad, hopeless, and lose interest in most activities. Bipolar disorder can be managed with a combination of medications and psychotherapy to help stabilize mood swings.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep. People with insomnia often feel tired and have trouble concentrating during the day, which can affect their overall quality of life. Common causes include stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, and certain medications. Treatment may involve improving sleep habits, cognitive behavioral therapy, and sometimes medication.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. It leads to significant impairment or distress, affecting various aspects of a person’s life. This includes failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home, and recurrent legal or social problems. Substance abuse can result in physical, psychological, and behavioral issues, and often requires a combination of medical intervention, therapy, and support groups for effective treatment.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. Symptoms can include difficulty sustaining attention, excessive fidgeting or restlessness, and impulsive behaviors. ADHD often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, serious accident, combat, or assault. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Individuals with PTSD may also experience emotional numbness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Treatment often involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication to manage symptoms.