- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent inattention, difficulties with organization, and challenges in maintaining focus. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can also include hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. Individuals with ADD may struggle to complete tasks, follow instructions, or remember details, impacting their academic, professional, and social performance. Effective treatment often involves a combination of behavioral strategies, counseling, and medication to help manage symptoms.
- Depression, Bipolar disorders (Manic-depressive disorder), and other mood disorders
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Depression is a common mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It can significantly impact daily functioning, affecting sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Other mood disorders include bipolar disorder, which involves alternating episodes of depression and mania, and dysthymia, a chronic form of depression with less severe but longer-lasting symptoms. These disorders can result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment typically includes psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Emotional disorders due to medical illnesses
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Emotional disorders due to medical illnesses arise when a physical health condition significantly impacts an individual's mental well-being. These disorders can manifest as anxiety, depression, or mood swings in response to both acute and chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. The emotional strain can result from the stress of managing the illness, changes in body image, or the fear of mortality. Biological factors, such as hormonal changes or inflammation, may also contribute to these emotional challenges. Treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical care with psychological support to address both physical and emotional needs.
- Neurocognitive disorders
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Neurocognitive disorder is clinical diagnosis that describes cognitive decline due to a variety of medical illnesses such as: neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, stroke, autoimmune disorders, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, infections, and metabolic causes. Treatment is often interdisciplinary and commonly involves education, behavioral management, medication, and speech therapy with specialists in psychiatry as well as geriatrics, neurology, and rehabilitation.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety. To alleviate this anxiety, individuals often engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Common obsessions may include fears of contamination, harming others, or doubts about safety, while compulsions might involve excessive cleaning, checking, or counting. The cycle of obsessions and compulsions can interfere with daily life and lead to distress. Treatment typically involves therapy, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), and medication to help manage symptoms.
- Anxiety Disorders and Panic
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Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities. Common types include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, and Panic Disorder, each presenting unique triggers and symptoms. Panic Disorder is marked by recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Individuals with anxiety disorders may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, leading to limitations in their personal and social lives. Treatment often involves therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medication to help manage symptoms effectively.
- Pregnancy-related and postpartum conditions
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Pregnancy-related and postpartum conditions encompass a range of mental health issues that can arise during and after pregnancy. These include perinatal depression, characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness; anxiety disorders, which can involve excessive worry about pregnancy and parenting. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition that may lead to delusions and disconnection from reality. Many women also experience adjustment disorders as they cope with the significant life changes of becoming a parent. Early identification and treatment are crucial for the well-being of both mother and child.
- Stress and Trauma-related disorders (PTSD)
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Stress and trauma-related disorders, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), arise after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms often include intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, leading to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. People with PTSD may also experience avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbness, and heightened arousal, such as irritability or hypervigilance. The disorder can affect individuals of all ages, and its impact varies widely based on personal resilience and support systems. Treatment typically includes trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication to help manage symptoms.