There was a time, not so long ago, when people were afraid of talking about depression. People saw depression as a “weakness”, an inability to handle the normal ups and downs of life. Fortunately that time has passed. We now understand that depression is NOT a weakness in one’s personality, but a medical condition that causes an imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. Sure, the stresses of modern life do have an impact on us, and may be part of the trigger that brings on a bout of depression, but ANYONE can get depression, regardless of how “hard” or how “easy” their life is.

There are numerous types of anxiety: Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Claustrophobia and  dozens of other phobias. Conditions as common as stage-fright or fear of flying are types of anxiety. EVERYONE has some degree of anxiety about certain situations; this is normal. Anxiety becomes a medical condition when it gets out of control and takes over your life.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.  Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts. Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

This mental health disorder is defined as inability to control use of legal and  illegal substances affecting your mental health and behavior.  A person with a substance use disorder has difficulties in their personal relationships, keeping a job, have mood changes, take safety risks in order to obtain the substance of choise.  They experience tolerance to the substance and withdrawal when the substance is not available.

Diagnosis of ADD or ADHD is made when reported symptoms have been occurring for longer than 6 months and are found to cause significant distress. DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) has criteria for diagnosing ADD/ADHD, which are a set of guidelines all psychiatric providers follow for establishing this diagnosis. An individual with ADHD must have 5 out of 9 symptoms of inattention and or hyperactivity to meet criteria  for the diagnosis. Some symptoms must have been present in childhood or prior to age 12.  Another important criteria is that symptoms are reported to be causing distress in 2 areas of function, such as in relationships and work, or relationships and school.

OCD, which stands for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is  diagnosed when a person has reoccuring thoughts and repetitive behaviors that are difficult to control.  These thoughts tend to be unreasonable and the behaviors they cause interfere with daily functioning, are time consuming and cause significant distress.