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Diseases & Conditions- Adult Health Library
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Mental Health Disorders
Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment Disorders What is an adjustment disorder? An adjustment disorder is defined as an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressful event or change in a person's life that is considered maladaptive or somehow not an expected healthy response to the event or change. The reaction must occur within three months of the identified stressful event or change happening. The identifiable stressful event or change in the life of a child or adolescent may be a family move, parental divorce o...
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food. People who suffer with this behavior problem have a distorted body image and see themselves as overweight even when their weight is dangerously low. Many people with anorexia use abnormal eating rituals to cope with stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Restricting food may give them a sense of control over their lives. Facts about anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa has i...
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders There are several anxiety disorders that require the clinical care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias
Behavior Disorders
Behavior Disorders Behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment. Many types of behavioral disorders require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder Conduct Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating Disorder What is binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder is an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing. It differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge their bodies of the excess food via vomiting, laxative abuse, or diuretic abuse. Who is affected by binge eating disorder? Individuals with binge eating disorder often: Eat large quantities of food. Do not stop eating until they are uncomfortably full. Have a ...
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa, usually referred to as bulimia, is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) and usually followed by purging (self-induced vomiting), misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications that cause increased production of urine, fasting, or excessive exercise to control weight. Bingeing, in this situation, is defined as eating much larger amounts of food than would normally be consumed within a short period of time (usually less than two h...
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation? A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be necessary to diagnose any number of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child, adolescent, or adult is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational components that may be affected as a result of the behaviors presented. Who is evaluated? Many tim...
Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder What is conduct disorder (CD)? Conduct disorder is a behavior disorder, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by antisocial behaviors which violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules. Antisocial behaviors may include irresponsibility, delinquent behaviors (such as truancy or running away), violating the rights of others (such as theft), and/or physical aggression toward others (such as assault or rape). These behaviors sometimes occur t...
Depression and Suicide
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...
Dysthymia
Dysthymia What is dysthymia? Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression. However, persons with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at times. Depression is a mood disorder that involves a person's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns, and is not the same as being unhapp...
Eating Disorders
Eating Disorders The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening. Several types of eating disorders require the clinical care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Anorexia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder What is generalized anxiety disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes its sufferers chronic and exaggerated worry and tension that seem to have no substantial cause. People with generalized anxiety disorder often worry excessively about health, money, family, or work, and continually anticipate disaster. Although GAD may be accompanied by depression, substance abuse, or another anxiety disorder, impairment is usually mild, except in severe cases. Generally, people ...
Glossary - Mental Health Disorders
Glossary - Mental Health Disorders | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Adjustment disorder - Emotional and/or behavioral problems following a specific stressor, which significantly interferes with social, work, or school functioning. Adolescent medicine - a subspecialty of pediatric medicine with a focus on providing healthcare to adolescent patients and treating medi...
Home Page - Mental Health Disorders
Topic Index Statistics Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation Psychiatric Treatment Team Knowing When To Seek Treatment Mood Disorders Anxiety Disorders Eating Disorders Personality Disorders Schizophrenia Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependency Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens Glossary Mental health disorders affect millions of U.S. adults each year. Some disorders are mild, and others are more disabling and require intensive management and care. The majority of people suffering from mental di...
Knowing When to Seek Treatment
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...
Major Depression
Major Depression What is major depression? Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, becoming a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Who is affected by major depression? The onset of depression is occurring earlier in life than in previous years, with women nearly twice as likely as men to develop major depression. What are...
Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder
Manic Depression/Bipolar Disorder What is manic depression? Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and is a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country. Manic depression is characterized by periodic episodes of extreme elation, elevated mood, or irritability (also called mania) countered by periodic, classic depressive symptoms. Depression is a mood diso...
Mental Health Disorder Statistics
Mental Health Disorder Statistics Statistics related to mental health disorders The following are the latest statistics available from the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, part of the National Institutes of Health: Mental health disorders account for four of the top 10 causes of disability in established market economies, such as the U.S., worldwide, and include: major depression (also called clinical depression), manic depression (also called bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, and obsessiv...
Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens
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...
Mood Disorders
Mood Disorders There are many mood disorders, sometimes called affective disorders - medical conditions that are associated with fluctuations in the chemistry of the brain and body - that require the clinical care of a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Overview of Mood Disorders Major Depression Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder Dysthymia Seasonal Affective Disorder Depression and Suicide
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) What is obsessive-compulsive disorder? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he or she tries to manage through a ritualized activity to reduce the anxiety. Frequently occurring disturbing thoughts or images are called obsessions, and the rituals performed to try to prevent or dispel them are called compulsions. What are obsessions, as they relate to OCD? Obsessions are irrational t...
Online Resources - Mental Health Disorders
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...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD are more distressing or troubling to others than they are distressed or troubled themselves. What causes oppositional defiant disorder? While the ca...
Overview of Mood Disorders
Overview of Mood Disorders What are mood disorders? Mood disorders refer to a category of mental health problems that include all types of depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders are sometimes called affective disorders. During the 1980s, mental health professionals began to recognize symptoms of mood disorders in children and adolescents, as well as adults. However, children and adolescents do not necessarily experience or exhibit the same symptoms as adults. It is more difficult to diagnose mo...
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder What is panic disorder? Panic disorder is characterized by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks—bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause for the fear. In between panic attacks, people with panic disorder worry excessively about when and where the next attack may occur. What are the characteristics of a panic attack? Panic attacks can accompany several types of anxiety disorders—not only panic disorder. The following are the most common sympt...
Personality Disorders
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...
Phobias
Phobias What is a phobia? According to the American Psychiatric Association, a phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. The fear experienced by people with phobias can be so great that some individuals go to extreme lengths to avoid the source of their fear. One extreme response to the source of a phobia can be a panic attack. Who is affected by phobias? Every year, approximately 19 million Americans experience one or more phobias that ra...
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) What is post-traumatic stress disorder? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event, causing the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories, or flashbacks of the ordeal. Persons with PTSD often feel chronically, emotionally numb. PTSD was first brought to public attention by war veterans and was once referred to as "shell shock" or "battle fatig...
Psychiatric Treatment Team
Psychiatric Treatment Team Who treats psychiatric disorders? Mental health disorders are complex and require clinical care by a multidisciplinary treatment team. Team members may include, but are not limited to, the following: Child and adolescent psychiatrist. Child and adolescent psychiatrists are licensed doctors (M.D. or D.O.) who specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Their medical and psychiatric training with children and adolescent...
Schizophrenia
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. 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 likely ...
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year – especially winter. However, SAD is often not described as a separate mood disorder but as a "specifier," referring to the seasonal pattern of major depressive episodes that can occur within major depression and manic depression. SAD is a clinical diagnosis accepted in the medical community. Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal, ...
Substance Abuse/Chemical Dependency
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...
Teen Suicide
Teen Suicide What is suicidal behavior? Suicidal behavior is defined as a preoccupation or act that is focused on causing one's own death voluntarily. An intent to cause one's death is essential in the definition. Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of suicide or wanting to take one's own life. Suicidal behavior refers to actions taken by one who is considering or preparing to cause his or her own death. Suicide attempt usually refers to an act focused on causing one's own death that is unsuccessful in...
Topic Index - Mental Health Disorders
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...
Tourette's Disorder
Tourette's Disorder What is Tourette's disorder (TD)? Tourette's disorder (TD), sometimes called Tourette's syndrome (TS), is a neurological disorder characterized by multiple repeated tics. Tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary vocal sounds or muscular jerks. Symptoms of TD usually begin between the ages of five and 10 years of age, and usually begin with mild, simple tics involving the face, head, or arms. With time, tics become more frequent and increase in variety, involving more body parts ...
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SEARCH HEALTH LIBRARY
FIND A PHYSICIAN
WELLNESS LECTURES & EVENTS
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Visit Us
2170 South Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
96150
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