Patient Education

Anna Marie Grace Kastner would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Anna Marie Grace Kastner provides a full range of medical services including the following:

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Addiction

An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can be affected both physically and psychologically. With addiction, the activity or substance often becomes the major focus of a person's life, leading to the exclusion of other activities, impairing work, social, and family responsibilities, and affecting the individual's health, mood, and self-respect. Addicted individuals may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem or depression and often feel as if they have no control over their lives or behavior. ...

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic addiction disorder in which a person becomes dependent on alcohol. Individuals with this condition are unable to control how much they drink and often experience serious consequences as a result of their alcohol consumption. Some people may not be characterized as alcoholics, but can suffer from alcohol abuse, meaning that they drink excessively but are not fully dependent on alcohol. Both conditions are considered serious and require long-term treatment in order to resume a normal, fully functioning lifestyle. ...

Anger Management

Anger management is the process of learning to recognize the signs of one's own encroaching anger and mastering techniques to deal with it safely and effectively. While anger is a normal, healthy emotion, in many people it becomes excessive and out of control, resulting in damaged relationships, employment difficulties, and even physical violence. Uncontrolled anger not only causes disharmony and pain, it is a frequent cause of criminal behavior. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of how widespread issues with anger are and how greatly they affect the world around us. This has resulted in the development of various anger management techniques designed to channel anger in constructive ways. ...

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious emotional eating disorder that involves an obsession with food, weight and body image. Anorexics go to extreme measures to starve themselves or exercise excessively in order to prevent weight gain. Often, anorexia nervosa is not really about food, but a psychological condition that manifests in an unhealthy and dangerous way to cope with emotional problems and issues of control and perfectionism. Females suffer from anorexia nervosa more often than males. ...

Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a range of pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders vary in degree from mild forms like Asperger's syndrome to severe impairment.

Autism is characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction and by repetitive behavior patterns. The disorder has become very common, occurring in more than 1 percent of children. Autism is four times more likely to occur in males. Besides Asperger's syndrome, there are several other types of ASD, including pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett's syndrome. ...

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex psychiatric disorder that involves sudden and dramatic mood swings between mania and depression. An episode may last for hours, days, weeks or months and symptoms may be severe, sometimes resulting in dangerously impulsive or self-destructive behavior and sometimes leading to depression so deep it results in suicide. ...

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person is consumed with weight and body image. People with bulimia often engage in episodes of binge-eating large amounts of food and then purging, or getting rid of the food, often through vomiting, use of laxatives or extreme exercise. Many people with bulimia nervosa may partake in a combination of all of these purging methods. Unlike anorexia nervosa, people with bulimia nervosa usually maintain what is considered a healthy or normal weight, however, they are often very unhappy with their body size and shape and want desperately to lose weight. Bulimic behavior occurs more commonly in women, and is often done secretly because it may be accompanied by feelings of disgust or shame. This binge-eating and purging cycle may occur on a weekly basis, or several times a day in extreme cases. ...

Dementia

Dementia is not a single disorder, but rather a combination of age-related symptoms involving a loss of mental skills and deteriorating brain function. Dementia literally translates to "deprived of mind," and may be the result of several different underlying conditions, some of which are treatable and some of which are not. Patients with dementia gradually lose memory, communication skills, the ability to reason, and the facility to complete the tasks of everyday living. ...

Depression

Depression is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition. ...

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are characterized by a sense of disconnection from oneself or from certain memories or experiences. Such disorders are believed to be the result of traumatic experience. The sense of being walled off from the trauma is considered to be a coping mechanism to keep extremely painful memories at bay. ...

Grief Counseling

In recent decades, various types of grief counseling have been developed to help individuals cope with the intense and complicated pain involved in losing a loved one. It has been accepted that loss involves many emotions which must be dealt with before the bereaved individual can successfully move on and adapt to the changes wrought by the death. For many people, assistance in the form of grief counseling is a necessary part of the process. Grief counselors, trained in the discipline, may be clergy, psychiatric nurses, physician assistants (PAs), psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, or psychiatrists. ...

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes the trance-like state called hypnosis as a means towards uncovering subconscious thoughts or memories, eliminating undesirable behaviors, and improving overall mental health. Hypnotherapy is designed to help the patient reach a deeply focused state in which the mind is particularly receptive and responsive. ...

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, sometimes both. Although most people suffer an occasional sleepless night, patients with insomnia have difficulty sleeping on a regular basis. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10 people in the United States and can lead to other troubling symptoms, such as fatigue, low energy level, and a weakened immune system. While insomnia is not normally considered a serious medical disorder, it can make life difficult, or even unmanageable. ...

Marriage Counseling

Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy, is a type of therapy that helps couples, married or unmarried, work out their conflicts and improve their relationship. These counseling sessions allow for better communication and a way to talk through problems in a controlled setting. Marriage counseling is often provided by a licensed therapist or psychologist, who works as a mediator between both partners, to help them strengthen their bond and gain a better understanding of each other and the problems they may be facing. Some couples may seek marriage counseling in times of crisis, while others may consult with a therapist for guidance with daily marital issues. ...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder involving disturbing repetitive thoughts and rituals designed to try to alleviate such thoughts. The thoughts are obsessions; the rituals are compulsions. OCD affects millions of people and may be associated with other types of psychiatric disorders. ...

Phobias

A phobia is a psychiatric disorder in which the patient suffers a lasting, irrational fear precipitated by a harmless object or situation. A patient with a phobia experiences intense anxiety upon exposure to the trigger and may experience anticipatory anxiety as well. Patients with phobias may be aware that their fear is irrational, but may nonetheless find it overwhelming or even disabling. Phobias which develop in childhood, such as a fear of bees or of thunder, are frequently outgrown, while phobias that develop in adulthood may be longer lasting. Nonetheless, about one-fifth of all phobias resolve without treatment. ...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by a traumatic event during which great physical harm occurs or is threatened. While almost everyone experiences trauma at one time or another, for most people the feelings of terror and helplessness subside over time. For patients with PTSD, symptoms may appear later, last longer and be much more severe than for the average person. There are many reasons an individual may develop PTSD, none of them under the individual's control. ...

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects an estimated 10 percent of new mothers, causing symptoms of sadness and anxiety during this new and often overwhelming experience. This condition often develops as a result of the physical, emotional, hormonal and life changes that take place after childbirth and as a woman adjusts to motherhood. ...

Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic medications are drugs that alter chemical levels in the brain, affecting mood, perception and behavior. Such drugs have been in existence for hundreds of years, both from natural substances and chemical derivatives, and have been used by many cultures for medicinal and hallucinatory purposes. While many of these drugs are dangerous and illegal, during the last 50 years new medications have been researched and developed under strict scientific control to become effective, often lifesaving, prescription medications for psychiatric disorders. ...

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder involving delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and terrifying thoughts. Research has shown that approximately one percent of the population suffer with this condition.

The symptoms of schizophrenia most often become evident in early adulthood, beginning a bit earlier in men than in women. In addition to seeing and hearing things that are not present, schizophrenic patients may believe that other people have invaded their minds or are controlling their thoughts. They may perceive themselves to be in grave danger. With such disturbing thoughts, it is no wonder that patients with this disorder behave in bizarre ways, express garbled ideas, and have difficulty living their lives in the real world. ...

Self-Injury

Self- injury, also known as self-harm, occurs when an individual deliberately harms his or her own body. People who harm their own body, often do so by cutting or burning themselves. Self-injury is often related to trauma, and those who harm or hurt themselves are likely to have been abused in childhood. Self-injury is often a coping mechanism used by people to deal with severe emotional pain, anger, or frustration. The act of hurting themselves helps some people forget their feelings and emotional troubles and focus instead on their self-inflicted physical pain. While these people may not be suicidal, they are consciously injuring themselves and may cause permanent damage or accidental suicide. ...

Stress Management

Now that the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being has been established, stress management is recognized as an important component of daily life. Reducing stress has been found to improve relationships and personal satisfaction, and make students and employees more efficient. In order for successful stress management to take place, a stress assessment must be completed, designed to evaluate a patient's stress level and to highlight any areas of concern. These results are used to devise a customized treatment plan that provides patients with a variety of techniques to alleviate stress and increase comfort, energy level and productivity. ...

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the excessive use of a drug or substance, despite the harmful consequences that may occur. Individuals that abuse certain drugs or substances become addicted to these substances and cannot control their ability to resist the intense urges to take them. This abuse can affect a person's physical health and personal or social functioning. Substance abuse can include regular, excessive, or compulsive drinking of alcohol, and/or the habitual use of illegal or prescription drugs or other harmful substances. Severe substance abuse can destroy relationships, end careers, and lead to stroke, heart disease, brain damage, cancer, and even death. ...

Suicide

Suicide, or intentionally causing one's own death, is a serious and all too common problem in the United States. More than a tenth of all deaths nationwide are attributable to suicide and the rate of death by suicide has increased significantly during the last decade. Suicide has recently become the leading cause of death by injury, surpassing even deaths by car accidents. ...

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and vocalizations called "tics." Although not medically dangerous, it causes serious social and psychological difficulties for those who have it because of its unusual, often disabling, symptoms. Typical onset for Tourette's is between the ages of 3 and 9, with males 3 to 4 times more likely to be affected than females. ...

Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a death, crime, serious injury, accident, or threat of violence and then develops severe anxiety or other symptoms of psychological distress. Patients who develop ASD have experienced terror and helplessness during the event. This relatively newly defined condition has similarities to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but involves short-term symptoms that occur within a month of the traumatic event and last from a few days days to a month or less. ...

ADHD in Children

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects children, with symptoms often continuing into adulthood. Common symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD affects the behavior of children both at home and in school. According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately eleven percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with this condition than girls. Children with ADHD often struggle in school, have poor self-esteem and may be at an increased risk for drug and alcohol abuse as they get older. With treatment, however, most people with ADHD can lead successful and productive lives. ...

Adjustment Disorders

An adjustment disorder is a syndrome in which the patient experiences psychological and sometimes physical symptoms as a result of a stressful life event. While anyone might be expected to have reactions to a stressor, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, when the reaction is extreme and interferes with normal functioning for an extended period of time, it is designated an adjustment disorder. ...

Adult ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is chronic disorder that includes symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in young children, however, many people continue to suffer from this condition as adults. Adult ADHD is typically more subtle and harder to diagnose, but affects many adults that were diagnosed as children. Most adults with ADHD had ADHD as children, even if it was never diagnosed. Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they get older, while others continue to have significant symptoms as adults. ...

Agoraphobia

Agorabphobia is an anxiety disorder in which the patient fears being in public places, particularly crowded ones. Agoraphobia is closely linked to panic disorder. As a matter of fact, the problem is often referred to as panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Agoraphobic patients are afraid of being in public situations, experiencing feelings of distress, and being unable to get help. Such feelings of distress might include acute embarrassment or a sensation of being trapped. In extreme cases, agoraphobia may keep patients housebound. Some patients with agoraphobia are frightened by being on bridges or being outdoors alone. ...

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of intellectual and social abilities; it affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, interfering with the functioning of more than 5 million people in the United States alone. With the aging American population, Alzheimer's is expected to affect as many as three times that number during the coming decades. While aging is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's, severe memory loss is not a natural part of the aging process. ...

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder, or ASP disorder, is a psychiatric disorder in which an individual acts in socially destructive ways, manipulating and exploiting others for personal gain. An individual with antisocial personality disorder has difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships, constantly ignoring or violating the rights of others. The behavior of an individual with this disorder frequently rises to the level of criminality. ...

Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disorder that leaves patients unable to effectively express or understand spoken or written language. The possibility of recovery from aphasia depends on its cause, which part of the brain is affected, and how extensive the damage is. There are many types of aphasia, and a patient may suffer from more than one type. Aphasia can result from physical or psychological trauma, or from a degenerative process. Aphasia has a variety of causes. Most commonly, the condition results from a stroke or progressive dementia. Other causes of aphasia may include: ...

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder, or PDD. Like other PDDs, Asperger's is characterized by difficulties in communication and socialization, but it is mildest of the disorders on the autism spectrum. It is four times more common in boys than in girls and is usually diagnosed in children between 2 and 6 years of age. ...

Athletic Stress

While physical exercise has proven to be a powerful tool in stress management, athletic endeavors can create stress of their own. A certain amount of stress is inherent in competitive sports, but managing athletic stress is necessary in maintaining physical and mental fitness. Stressors involved in athletic involvement include: ...

Autism FAQs

What is autism?

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is the most common pervasive developmental disorder, affecting more than 1 percent of children. The condition interferes with communication skills and social interaction and involves ritualized and repetitive behavioral patterns. It is usually diagnosed during early childhood. Early interventional treatments have been demonstrated to help children with the disorder develop improved language and social skills and to cope more successfully with their environment. ...

Bedwetting in Children

Bedwetting, also known as or nocturnal enuresis, refers to nighttime incontinence in children once they have been toilet-trained. Occasional bedwetting, especially in boys, is not uncommon up until the age of 7. After that time, medical consultation and treatment may be required. Bedwetting is more likely to occur in children who have a family history of the problem and in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the majority of cases, bedwetting simply indicates a slight delay in this particular area of development. ...

Binge Eating Disorders

A binge eating disorder is an eating disorder where people consume unusually large amounts of food in one sitting. Many people who are binge eaters feel a lack of control over their eating and may feel extremely depressed and guilty after a binge eating episode. Binge eaters may be overweight or obese, but can also be of normal weight. Binge eaters are twice as likely to be women than men. There is no specific cause for binge eating but it may be a result of family history, biological factors, long-term dieting and psychological issues. Binge eating may be caused by depression or anxiety or may be the result of painful childhood experiences or family problems. ...

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, the fear of having a deformity, is a chronic psychiatric disorder in which patients become preoccupied with a perceived physical defect in a body part.

A patient with BDD may obsess about the size, shape or texture of a facial feature, thigh, arm muscles or genitalia, or the presence or absence of hair, feeling ashamed to the extent that normal functioning becomes difficult or impossible. Although the defect is imaginary or wildly exaggerated in the patient's mind, for the patient with BDD it dwarfs all other aspects of personal physical reality. BDD is a serious illness. Left untreated, it may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. ...

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by mood instability, impulsive behavior and difficulties with relationships. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood, but may begin to be evident in childhood.

Risk Factors for BPD

The precise causes of borderline personality disorder are unknown, but there seem to be genetic and environmental factors at play in the development of the condition. Studies of twins have demonstrated a hereditary link to the disorder. In patients with BPD there appear to be abnormalities on the genes regulating emotions and impulse control. Females are three times more likely to be diagnosed with BPD than males. ...

Catastrophic Stress

Everyone is subject to the stresses of everyday life, and most people learn how to cope with them successfully. However, catastrophic stress, also known as acute stress reaction, is an intense reaction to rare, extreme events often involving the threat or exercise of violence, and is difficult to cope with. Catastrophic stress may arise from something personal, such as a sexual assault, or from a public event, such as the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Learning how to cope with catastrophic stress can be difficult. If, for an extended period of time, emotional reactions triggered by the event are getting in the way of relationships, work performance or other important activities, a medical professional should be consulted. ...

Child and Adolescent Counseling

Mental health is an important part of a child's overall health and has a profound impact on a child's physical health and his or her ability to succeed in school and in society. The mental health of a child is as important as the child's physical health in affecting how the child thinks, feels, and acts, both on the inside and outside. Mental health issues can have a long term impact on a child's ability to fulfill his or her potential as an adolescent and as an adult. ...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest. Fatigue caused by this condition is ongoing and may worsen after physical activity or mental exertion. Anyone can suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, although it is most common in middle aged women. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown which makes this condition difficult to treat. ...

Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder

Chronic (or persistent) motor or vocal tic disorder is characterized by an ongoing problem with involuntary vocal outbursts or sudden, rapid movements which interfere with daily life. More common than Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorder involves either vocal outbursts or sudden movements, but not both. ...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to treat psychological and psychiatric disorders. It is based on the idea that the patient's unhealthy behavior is the result of distorted thinking, rather than external situations or other people.

Cognitive behavioral therapy trains patients to become aware of their own damaging thoughts and to consciously alter them in productive ways. This treatment is based on the concept that as patients think more clearly, they will react more rationally, with enlightened self-interest. Cognitive behavioral therapy requires honesty and commitment, but can provide great benefits in terms of mental health. ...

Conduct Disorder

A conduct disorder is a mental disorder that may occur during childhood or adolescence. Children and adolescents with conduct disorders experience ongoing emotional and behavioral problems that may include difficulty following rules, defiant or impulsive behavior, criminal activity or drug abuse. Boys are more prone to conduct disorders than girls and many individuals are also afflicted with other disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, or post traumatic stress disorder. ...

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a considerably milder form of bipolar disorder that causes frequent changes in mood. Patients with this condition may experience euphoria and hopelessness more frequently and intensely than the average person, but they do not normally require hospitalization for their manic behavior or depression. Even so, patients with cyclothymic disorder may stand out because of their moodiness and instability and may have trouble holding onto jobs or maintaining intimate relationships. ...

Depressive Disorders

Depression is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition. ...

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a chronic but less severe form of depression. Symptoms of dysthymia are similar to those of major depression but may be less intense. Dysthymia symptoms can last over two years, but do not usually limit a person's lifestyle. Individuals who suffer from dysthymia may sometimes experience periods of major depression that subside over time. Dysthymia often begins in young adulthood and seems to be more common in women. ...

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that treats two or more members of the same family. Family therapists study and help to improve the dynamics in a family in which one or more members is experiencing mental distress.

Family therapy is based on the premise that, because interaction among family members is so close and intense, the beliefs, personality and experiences of each member affect the well-being of the family as a whole. The designated "patient" in a given family not only has an impact on the other members, but may be the subconsciously designated representative of the entire family's inner turmoil. ...

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Many women experience problems with sexual function throughout their lives. However, when sexual problems continue to occur over a long period of time, a woman may be suffering from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is defined as any problems that prevent an individual from enjoying or receiving satisfaction from sexual activity. ...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a psychiatric problem in which anxiety is not a temporary state but a chronic condition. While it is normal for all individuals to worry about an upcoming event such as an examination or job interview, patients with GAD are in a perpetual state of anxiety, unable to relax. The disorder may become so severe that it interferes with school, work or relationships. GAD is a very common disorder, affecting millions of individuals in the United States alone. More than twice as many women as men suffer from the disorder. ...

Habit Reversal Training

Habit reversal is a behavior-changing treatment used to reduce the frequency of repetitive behaviors such as tics and other nervous habits. This treatment teaches patients to become aware of their activities and learn how to control them. Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. They may be associated with Tourette's syndrome or other nervous disorders. Other behavioral disorders that may benefit from habit reversal training may include nail biting, thumb sucking, skin picking and hair pulling. While these behaviors are not usually dangerous, they may cause social fears, low self-esteem and anxiety. ...

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which several patients are treated at the same time. Group therapy takes place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, community centers and private offices. In some cases, group therapy is the only treatment employed, but, more often, is used in combination with individual therapy and/or medication. ...

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients with hypersomnia have trouble staying awake during the day or sleep excessively during the night. Up to 40 percent of the population experiences symptoms of hypersomnia at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of Hypersomnia

The symptoms of hypersomnia are troubling and often dangerous. They interfere with work or school, relationships, and everyday life. These symptoms, which most often first appear in adolescence, include: ...

Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program is a form of psychiatric treatment that can be particularly successful for patients making a transition from inpatient care or those diagnosed with an eating disorder or substance addiction. It is appropriate for those who may be in need of more comprehensive treatment than standard outpatient care but who are capable of participating in most normal daily activities. ...

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder that involves an uncontrollable urge to steal. People with kleptomania usually steal items that they do not need and are of little value. They know that what they are doing is wrong, but cannot resist the urge to do it. Kleptomaniacs often experience uncomfortable feelings of anxiety and tension that can only be relieved by stealing. They then feel pleasure and relief while stealing, and then guilt and shame afterwards. They often also feel remorse and fear of arrest, but the urge to steal is so strong, it often returns and the kleptomania cycle begins again. ...

Learning Disabilities

A learning disability, also referred to as a learning disorder, is a neurological disorder that prevents a child from learning, or significantly impairs the learning process. A learning disability is not a reflection of intelligence, and a child who has one may be of average or above-average intelligence. A child with a learning disability processes information differently from other children, and has difficulty performing specific tasks. A learning disability may affect attention span, coordination, the ability to understand or use spoken or written language or to perform math calculations. ...

Other Mental Health Care Professionals

In addition to psychiatrists, social workers, professional counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners, there are several other types of mental health care workers providing valuable services in various aspects of mental health care. Although specific training is required for each specialty, there are common elements involving patient care, confidentiality and compassion. ...

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy may find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time and experience random, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. Narcolepsy may develop as a result of genetics, stress or an improper balance of chemicals in the brain, although the specific cause of this condition is unknown. While there is no cure for narcolepsy, there are several treatment options available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with this condition. ...

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which patients suffer from sudden and unexplained attacks of extreme fear and loss of physical and psychological control. They may feel in terrible danger of overwhelming embarrassment or death. Panic attacks are sometimes precipitated by an anxiety-producing event, but often seem to occur without any provocation and are all the more terrifying for that reason. ...

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program is a short-term form of psychiatric treatment taking place at a hospital facility. It is not an inpatient program; instead, the patient attends structured therapeutic sessions during the day and then goes home. Therefore, a partial hospitalization program is somewhat less comprehensive than inpatient treatment, but it is significantly more intensive than typical outpatient treatment. ...

Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a psychiatric illness in which the patient's thoughts, emotions and behaviors are distorted in unhealthy ways. Patients with personality disorders tend to be inflexible and may appear irrational, at least at times, to those around them. Over a long time period, their behavior leads to serious difficulties in school, in the workplace and in relationships. For those with personality disorders, life is troubling and often stormy. For them, everyday stresses often represent overwhelming, or even, insurmountable problems. Believed to begin in childhood, personality disorders may have genetic, as well as environmental underpinnings and are often difficult to treat. ...

Pervasive Development Disorder

Pervasive development disorder, also known as PDD or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a group of conditions that affect a person's ability to effectively communicate and interact with others. PPD usually appears before the age of 3. While the specific cause of PDD is unknown, it is believed to be the result of neurological abnormalities and there may be a genetic component to its development. There are several different disorders classified as PDD, each with its own set of indicators, including: autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett's syndrome. ...

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are mental health care professionals who begin their professional careers by attending nursing school, and then going on to complete either master's or doctoral degrees. They are trained to work with individuals and families with psychiatric disorders, and to consult with groups, communities, legislators, educators and corporations. They provide a full range of psychiatric and mental health care, including the administration of psychotherapy and the prescription of medications. In at least 20 states, psychiatric nurses are licensed to treat patients in private-practice venues. ...

Psychosis

Psychosis refers to psychiatric disturbance in which the patient loses contact with reality. This may include having delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking or speech. Delusions are false beliefs. Hallucinations may be visual, involving seeing things that are not there, or auditory, involving hearing sounds that are not present. Disorganized thinking and speech involve jumbled or irrational thoughts and indecipherable speech. ...

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, includes several types of treatment for psychological distress or psychiatric disorder. Psychotherapy involves discussions with a trained professional in order to clarify patient thinking and behavior. Just about any type of emotional disturbance can be effectively addressed with psychotherapy, although in many cases other methods of treatment, such as medication, will be necessary as well. ...

Relaxation Techniques

Practicing different methods of relaxation may be an effective form of treatment for the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions. Stress can contribute to a range of mental and physical health problems. When stress is present on a regular basis, some individuals find that the symptoms of their health conditions may worsen. Since stress plays a major role in many cases of chronic pain or discomfort, reducing stress through relaxation, may in turn reduce these symptoms. ...

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a depressive disorder that occurs in accordance with the seasons. Most people with seasonal affective disorder experience symptoms in the fall and winter seasons. More rarely, patients experience this condition during the spring and summer. It is important to seek medical attention for this condition not only to maintain mood stability, but to prevent symptoms from worsening. ...

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a psychological disorder in which a child who has already developed language skills stops speaking in particular circumstances. Most frequently the mutism occurs in children under the age of 5 in school or in another social environment and is considered to be an extreme form of social phobia. While it may seem to parents, peers or teachers that the child is simply refusing to speak, the child is actually unable to speak in the anxiety-producing situations. It is also possible that a child will experience selective mutism in the presence of a particular person rather than in a social situation. A specific trauma may precipitate a period of selective mutism. ...

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a common condition found in children and young adolescents. Children who suffer from this condition experience excessive anxiety caused by actual or impending separation from their primary attachment figure. While separation anxiety is normal in very young children between the ages of eight months and two years, when this fear occurs excessively in children over the age of six years, they may have a separation anxiety disorder. ...

Premature Ejaculation

A common sexual issue among men, premature ejaculation takes place when a man reaches orgasm too quickly. The man does not have voluntary control of the timing of his ejaculation and it may occur with very little stimulation. When this happens on a regular basis, it often results in both the man and his partner feeling unfulfilled. The timing of the premature ejaculation varies from person to person as well as by circumstances. Some men experience an orgasm before intercourse even begins, while for others it may occur immediately after vaginal penetration. ...

Sleep Disorders in Children

Many children suffer from sleep disorders that prevent them from getting a sufficient amount of sleep. Sleep disorders and insufficient amounts of sleep in children, can affect brain development, cause behavioral problems, and impact the overall quality of life for children and their families. Sleep problems can also cause anxiety and depression in children. In some cases, sleep deprived children may show hyperactive or inattentive behavior during the day, instead of tiredness. These children are sometimes misdiagnosed and treated for attention deficit hyperactive disorders, when the actual problem is a sleep disorder. ...

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are disturbances in sleep patterns. They involve difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, excessive daytime tiredness, irregular breathing during sleep, or abnormal sleep behaviors. Sleep disorders may develop as a result of changes in the neurotransmitters of the brain, taking certain medications (such as corticosteroids), illness, stress, anxiety, depression, excessive caffeine or alcohol, or drug use. A sleep disorder can interfere with daily activities, and affect overall health and quality of life. When accurately diagnosed, however, most sleep disorders can be effectively treated. ...

Snoring

Snoring is the sound created by vibrations of the soft palate when breathing is partially obstructed during sleep. Snoring is often a sign that the airway is partially blocked, usually by soft tissue in the throat. The flow of air causes the soft tissue to vibrate, which generates noise from the mouth or nose. While snoring is a common and usually harmless condition, it may sometimes indicate a serious health problem. Loud and habitual snoring can disrupt sleep and be irritating to sleep partners, resulting in relationship tensions. Snoring is more common in men than women and occurs more often in older people and those who are overweight. ...

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a common anxiety disorder that affects many people. People with social anxiety have excessive and unreasonable fears before and during different social situations. With a social anxiety disorder, normal, everyday interactions may cause feelings of anxiety, nervousness, self-consciousness and embarrassment. Individuals who suffer from social phobia may avoid certain social situations because of the overwhelming fear and anxiety that these situations may cause. The anxiety and emotional discomfort caused by a social anxiety disorder may interfere with daily routines, relationships, school or employment. ...

Somatization Disorder

Somatization disorder, also known as Briquet's syndrome, is a chronic psychiatric condition in which patients experience physical symptoms that have no apparent physiological cause. It is one of several somatoform disorders. Formerly, patients with this condition were dismissed, believed to be imagining their pain or malingering. In recent decades, however, research has shown that pain, whether of physiological or psychogenic origin, is still experienced as pain. Patients are not faking, but suffering real symptoms, whatever their cause. ...

Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform disorders are psychiatric illnesses that result in physical symptoms, often pain. Patients are diagnosed with a somatoform disorder when their symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning, not fabricated, not found to have a medical origin, and are not the result of another type of mental disturbance or of substance abuse. ...

Stress Management Through Exercise

Exercise and physical activity can be an an excellent way to reduce and manage stress. Exercise in any form can reduce stress, provide numerous health benefits, and improve the overall sense of well-being for many individuals. People who exercise experience benefits on chemical, physical and psychological levels. They feel more energetic throughout the day, have a better sex life, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. ...

SUBOXONE® Sublingual Film

SUBOXONE® sublingual film, which contains buprenorphine and naloxone, is a prescription drug used to treat opioid dependence in adults. It treats dependence on both opioid prescription painkillers and heroin. Its manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., instructs that it should only be used "as part of complete treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy." SUBOXONE film is designed to suppress opiate withdrawal symptoms and reduce opiate cravings. It comes in the form of rectangular orange film featuring a white printed logo. Each film is packaged individually, and in child-resistant packaging. The film is placed under the tongue, and the medication it contains is absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels beneath the tongue. ...

Tic Disorders

Tic disorders are neurological conditions that involve sudden involuntary movements or bursts of sound. These disorders normally show up in childhood and may be worsened by stress, anxiety, overheating or fatigue. The specific cause of tics is unknown, although it is believed to be neurological and may have a genetic component. Common tics include: ...

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental illness in which people have uncontrollable urges to pull out the hair on their scalp, eyebrows or other areas of the body. This action often results in patchy bald spots on the head and causes feelings of guilt, shame and severe emotional pain, especially when those afflicted are trying to hide their condition. People with trichotillomania most often pull hair from their scalp and may do so using their fingers, tweezers or brushes. They may enjoy playing with pulled out hair or rubbing it across the face. The hair pulling may result in patchy bald areas or missing eyelashes and eyebrows. Women are more likely than men to have trichotillomania and it usually develops during adolescence. ...

Addiction

An addiction is an uncontrollable dependence on a certain substance or activity. People become addicted to different things for different reasons, but can be affected both physically and psychologically. With addiction, the activity or substance often becomes the major focus of a person's life, leading to the exclusion of other activities, impairing work, social, and family responsibilities, and affecting the individual's health, mood, and self-respect. Addicted individuals may suffer from anxiety, low self-esteem or depression and often feel as if they have no control over their lives or behavior. ...

Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic addiction disorder in which a person becomes dependent on alcohol. Individuals with this condition are unable to control how much they drink and often experience serious consequences as a result of their alcohol consumption. Some people may not be characterized as alcoholics, but can suffer from alcohol abuse, meaning that they drink excessively but are not fully dependent on alcohol. Both conditions are considered serious and require long-term treatment in order to resume a normal, fully functioning lifestyle. ...

Anger Management

Anger management is the process of learning to recognize the signs of one's own encroaching anger and mastering techniques to deal with it safely and effectively. While anger is a normal, healthy emotion, in many people it becomes excessive and out of control, resulting in damaged relationships, employment difficulties, and even physical violence. Uncontrolled anger not only causes disharmony and pain, it is a frequent cause of criminal behavior. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition of how widespread issues with anger are and how greatly they affect the world around us. This has resulted in the development of various anger management techniques designed to channel anger in constructive ways. ...

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious emotional eating disorder that involves an obsession with food, weight and body image. Anorexics go to extreme measures to starve themselves or exercise excessively in order to prevent weight gain. Often, anorexia nervosa is not really about food, but a psychological condition that manifests in an unhealthy and dangerous way to cope with emotional problems and issues of control and perfectionism. Females suffer from anorexia nervosa more often than males. ...

Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), encompasses a range of pervasive developmental disorders. These disorders vary in degree from mild forms like Asperger's syndrome to severe impairment.

Autism is characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction and by repetitive behavior patterns. The disorder has become very common, occurring in more than 1 percent of children. Autism is four times more likely to occur in males. Besides Asperger's syndrome, there are several other types of ASD, including pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Rett's syndrome. ...

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a complex psychiatric disorder that involves sudden and dramatic mood swings between mania and depression. An episode may last for hours, days, weeks or months and symptoms may be severe, sometimes resulting in dangerously impulsive or self-destructive behavior and sometimes leading to depression so deep it results in suicide. ...

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person is consumed with weight and body image. People with bulimia often engage in episodes of binge-eating large amounts of food and then purging, or getting rid of the food, often through vomiting, use of laxatives or extreme exercise. Many people with bulimia nervosa may partake in a combination of all of these purging methods. Unlike anorexia nervosa, people with bulimia nervosa usually maintain what is considered a healthy or normal weight, however, they are often very unhappy with their body size and shape and want desperately to lose weight. Bulimic behavior occurs more commonly in women, and is often done secretly because it may be accompanied by feelings of disgust or shame. This binge-eating and purging cycle may occur on a weekly basis, or several times a day in extreme cases. ...

Dementia

Dementia is not a single disorder, but rather a combination of age-related symptoms involving a loss of mental skills and deteriorating brain function. Dementia literally translates to "deprived of mind," and may be the result of several different underlying conditions, some of which are treatable and some of which are not. Patients with dementia gradually lose memory, communication skills, the ability to reason, and the facility to complete the tasks of everyday living. ...

Depression

Depression is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition. ...

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are characterized by a sense of disconnection from oneself or from certain memories or experiences. Such disorders are believed to be the result of traumatic experience. The sense of being walled off from the trauma is considered to be a coping mechanism to keep extremely painful memories at bay. ...

Grief Counseling

In recent decades, various types of grief counseling have been developed to help individuals cope with the intense and complicated pain involved in losing a loved one. It has been accepted that loss involves many emotions which must be dealt with before the bereaved individual can successfully move on and adapt to the changes wrought by the death. For many people, assistance in the form of grief counseling is a necessary part of the process. Grief counselors, trained in the discipline, may be clergy, psychiatric nurses, physician assistants (PAs), psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, or psychiatrists. ...

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes the trance-like state called hypnosis as a means towards uncovering subconscious thoughts or memories, eliminating undesirable behaviors, and improving overall mental health. Hypnotherapy is designed to help the patient reach a deeply focused state in which the mind is particularly receptive and responsive. ...

Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that involves difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, sometimes both. Although most people suffer an occasional sleepless night, patients with insomnia have difficulty sleeping on a regular basis. This condition affects approximately 1 in 10 people in the United States and can lead to other troubling symptoms, such as fatigue, low energy level, and a weakened immune system. While insomnia is not normally considered a serious medical disorder, it can make life difficult, or even unmanageable. ...

Marriage Counseling

Marriage counseling, also known as couples therapy, is a type of therapy that helps couples, married or unmarried, work out their conflicts and improve their relationship. These counseling sessions allow for better communication and a way to talk through problems in a controlled setting. Marriage counseling is often provided by a licensed therapist or psychologist, who works as a mediator between both partners, to help them strengthen their bond and gain a better understanding of each other and the problems they may be facing. Some couples may seek marriage counseling in times of crisis, while others may consult with a therapist for guidance with daily marital issues. ...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder involving disturbing repetitive thoughts and rituals designed to try to alleviate such thoughts. The thoughts are obsessions; the rituals are compulsions. OCD affects millions of people and may be associated with other types of psychiatric disorders. ...

Phobias

A phobia is a psychiatric disorder in which the patient suffers a lasting, irrational fear precipitated by a harmless object or situation. A patient with a phobia experiences intense anxiety upon exposure to the trigger and may experience anticipatory anxiety as well. Patients with phobias may be aware that their fear is irrational, but may nonetheless find it overwhelming or even disabling. Phobias which develop in childhood, such as a fear of bees or of thunder, are frequently outgrown, while phobias that develop in adulthood may be longer lasting. Nonetheless, about one-fifth of all phobias resolve without treatment. ...

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by a traumatic event during which great physical harm occurs or is threatened. While almost everyone experiences trauma at one time or another, for most people the feelings of terror and helplessness subside over time. For patients with PTSD, symptoms may appear later, last longer and be much more severe than for the average person. There are many reasons an individual may develop PTSD, none of them under the individual's control. ...

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects an estimated 10 percent of new mothers, causing symptoms of sadness and anxiety during this new and often overwhelming experience. This condition often develops as a result of the physical, emotional, hormonal and life changes that take place after childbirth and as a woman adjusts to motherhood. ...

Psychotropic Medications

Psychotropic medications are drugs that alter chemical levels in the brain, affecting mood, perception and behavior. Such drugs have been in existence for hundreds of years, both from natural substances and chemical derivatives, and have been used by many cultures for medicinal and hallucinatory purposes. While many of these drugs are dangerous and illegal, during the last 50 years new medications have been researched and developed under strict scientific control to become effective, often lifesaving, prescription medications for psychiatric disorders. ...

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious psychiatric disorder involving delusions, hallucinations, paranoia and terrifying thoughts. Research has shown that approximately one percent of the population suffer with this condition.

The symptoms of schizophrenia most often become evident in early adulthood, beginning a bit earlier in men than in women. In addition to seeing and hearing things that are not present, schizophrenic patients may believe that other people have invaded their minds or are controlling their thoughts. They may perceive themselves to be in grave danger. With such disturbing thoughts, it is no wonder that patients with this disorder behave in bizarre ways, express garbled ideas, and have difficulty living their lives in the real world. ...

Self-Injury

Self- injury, also known as self-harm, occurs when an individual deliberately harms his or her own body. People who harm their own body, often do so by cutting or burning themselves. Self-injury is often related to trauma, and those who harm or hurt themselves are likely to have been abused in childhood. Self-injury is often a coping mechanism used by people to deal with severe emotional pain, anger, or frustration. The act of hurting themselves helps some people forget their feelings and emotional troubles and focus instead on their self-inflicted physical pain. While these people may not be suicidal, they are consciously injuring themselves and may cause permanent damage or accidental suicide. ...

Stress Management

Now that the deep connection between physical health and emotional well-being has been established, stress management is recognized as an important component of daily life. Reducing stress has been found to improve relationships and personal satisfaction, and make students and employees more efficient. In order for successful stress management to take place, a stress assessment must be completed, designed to evaluate a patient's stress level and to highlight any areas of concern. These results are used to devise a customized treatment plan that provides patients with a variety of techniques to alleviate stress and increase comfort, energy level and productivity. ...

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the excessive use of a drug or substance, despite the harmful consequences that may occur. Individuals that abuse certain drugs or substances become addicted to these substances and cannot control their ability to resist the intense urges to take them. This abuse can affect a person's physical health and personal or social functioning. Substance abuse can include regular, excessive, or compulsive drinking of alcohol, and/or the habitual use of illegal or prescription drugs or other harmful substances. Severe substance abuse can destroy relationships, end careers, and lead to stroke, heart disease, brain damage, cancer, and even death. ...

Suicide

Suicide, or intentionally causing one's own death, is a serious and all too common problem in the United States. More than a tenth of all deaths nationwide are attributable to suicide and the rate of death by suicide has increased significantly during the last decade. Suicide has recently become the leading cause of death by injury, surpassing even deaths by car accidents. ...

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and vocalizations called "tics." Although not medically dangerous, it causes serious social and psychological difficulties for those who have it because of its unusual, often disabling, symptoms. Typical onset for Tourette's is between the ages of 3 and 9, with males 3 to 4 times more likely to be affected than females. ...

Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a psychiatric condition that occurs after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as a death, crime, serious injury, accident, or threat of violence and then develops severe anxiety or other symptoms of psychological distress. Patients who develop ASD have experienced terror and helplessness during the event. This relatively newly defined condition has similarities to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but involves short-term symptoms that occur within a month of the traumatic event and last from a few days days to a month or less. ...

ADHD in Children

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects children, with symptoms often continuing into adulthood. Common symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD affects the behavior of children both at home and in school. According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately eleven percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with this condition than girls. Children with ADHD often struggle in school, have poor self-esteem and may be at an increased risk for drug and alcohol abuse as they get older. With treatment, however, most people with ADHD can lead successful and productive lives. ...

Adjustment Disorders

An adjustment disorder is a syndrome in which the patient experiences psychological and sometimes physical symptoms as a result of a stressful life event. While anyone might be expected to have reactions to a stressor, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, when the reaction is extreme and interferes with normal functioning for an extended period of time, it is designated an adjustment disorder. ...

Adult ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is chronic disorder that includes symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in young children, however, many people continue to suffer from this condition as adults. Adult ADHD is typically more subtle and harder to diagnose, but affects many adults that were diagnosed as children. Most adults with ADHD had ADHD as children, even if it was never diagnosed. Some people with ADHD have fewer symptoms as they get older, while others continue to have significant symptoms as adults. ...

Agoraphobia

Agorabphobia is an anxiety disorder in which the patient fears being in public places, particularly crowded ones. Agoraphobia is closely linked to panic disorder. As a matter of fact, the problem is often referred to as panic disorder with agoraphobia.

Agoraphobic patients are afraid of being in public situations, experiencing feelings of distress, and being unable to get help. Such feelings of distress might include acute embarrassment or a sensation of being trapped. In extreme cases, agoraphobia may keep patients housebound. Some patients with agoraphobia are frightened by being on bridges or being outdoors alone. ...

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder that results in a loss of intellectual and social abilities; it affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, interfering with the functioning of more than 5 million people in the United States alone. With the aging American population, Alzheimer's is expected to affect as many as three times that number during the coming decades. While aging is a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's, severe memory loss is not a natural part of the aging process. ...

Antisocial Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder, or ASP disorder, is a psychiatric disorder in which an individual acts in socially destructive ways, manipulating and exploiting others for personal gain. An individual with antisocial personality disorder has difficulty establishing and maintaining relationships, constantly ignoring or violating the rights of others. The behavior of an individual with this disorder frequently rises to the level of criminality. ...

Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disorder that leaves patients unable to effectively express or understand spoken or written language. The possibility of recovery from aphasia depends on its cause, which part of the brain is affected, and how extensive the damage is. There are many types of aphasia, and a patient may suffer from more than one type. Aphasia can result from physical or psychological trauma, or from a degenerative process. Aphasia has a variety of causes. Most commonly, the condition results from a stroke or progressive dementia. Other causes of aphasia may include: ...

Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is a pervasive developmental disorder, or PDD. Like other PDDs, Asperger's is characterized by difficulties in communication and socialization, but it is mildest of the disorders on the autism spectrum. It is four times more common in boys than in girls and is usually diagnosed in children between 2 and 6 years of age. ...

Athletic Stress

While physical exercise has proven to be a powerful tool in stress management, athletic endeavors can create stress of their own. A certain amount of stress is inherent in competitive sports, but managing athletic stress is necessary in maintaining physical and mental fitness. Stressors involved in athletic involvement include: ...

Autism FAQs

What is autism?

Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is the most common pervasive developmental disorder, affecting more than 1 percent of children. The condition interferes with communication skills and social interaction and involves ritualized and repetitive behavioral patterns. It is usually diagnosed during early childhood. Early interventional treatments have been demonstrated to help children with the disorder develop improved language and social skills and to cope more successfully with their environment. ...

Bedwetting in Children

Bedwetting, also known as or nocturnal enuresis, refers to nighttime incontinence in children once they have been toilet-trained. Occasional bedwetting, especially in boys, is not uncommon up until the age of 7. After that time, medical consultation and treatment may be required. Bedwetting is more likely to occur in children who have a family history of the problem and in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In the majority of cases, bedwetting simply indicates a slight delay in this particular area of development. ...

Binge Eating Disorders

A binge eating disorder is an eating disorder where people consume unusually large amounts of food in one sitting. Many people who are binge eaters feel a lack of control over their eating and may feel extremely depressed and guilty after a binge eating episode. Binge eaters may be overweight or obese, but can also be of normal weight. Binge eaters are twice as likely to be women than men. There is no specific cause for binge eating but it may be a result of family history, biological factors, long-term dieting and psychological issues. Binge eating may be caused by depression or anxiety or may be the result of painful childhood experiences or family problems. ...

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), also known as dysmorphophobia, the fear of having a deformity, is a chronic psychiatric disorder in which patients become preoccupied with a perceived physical defect in a body part.

A patient with BDD may obsess about the size, shape or texture of a facial feature, thigh, arm muscles or genitalia, or the presence or absence of hair, feeling ashamed to the extent that normal functioning becomes difficult or impossible. Although the defect is imaginary or wildly exaggerated in the patient's mind, for the patient with BDD it dwarfs all other aspects of personal physical reality. BDD is a serious illness. Left untreated, it may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. ...

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is a psychiatric disorder characterized by mood instability, impulsive behavior and difficulties with relationships. The symptoms usually appear in adolescence or young adulthood, but may begin to be evident in childhood. ...

Catastrophic Stress

Everyone is subject to the stresses of everyday life, and most people learn how to cope with them successfully. However, catastrophic stress, also known as acute stress reaction, is an intense reaction to rare, extreme events often involving the threat or exercise of violence, and is difficult to cope with. Catastrophic stress may arise from something personal, such as a sexual assault, or from a public event, such as the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. Learning how to cope with catastrophic stress can be difficult. If, for an extended period of time, emotional reactions triggered by the event are getting in the way of relationships, work performance or other important activities, a medical professional should be consulted. ...

Child and Adolescent Counseling

Mental health is an important part of a child's overall health and has a profound impact on a child's physical health and his or her ability to succeed in school and in society. The mental health of a child is as important as the child's physical health in affecting how the child thinks, feels, and acts, both on the inside and outside. Mental health issues can have a long term impact on a child's ability to fulfill his or her potential as an adolescent and as an adult. ...

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that is characterized by extreme fatigue that does not improve with rest. Fatigue caused by this condition is ongoing and may worsen after physical activity or mental exertion. Anyone can suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, although it is most common in middle aged women. The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown which makes this condition difficult to treat. ...

Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder

Chronic (or persistent) motor or vocal tic disorder is characterized by an ongoing problem with involuntary vocal outbursts or sudden, rapid movements which interfere with daily life. More common than Tourette syndrome, chronic motor tic disorder involves either vocal outbursts or sudden movements, but not both. ...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to treat psychological and psychiatric disorders. It is based on the idea that the patient's unhealthy behavior is the result of distorted thinking, rather than external situations or other people.

Cognitive behavioral therapy trains patients to become aware of their own damaging thoughts and to consciously alter them in productive ways. This treatment is based on the concept that as patients think more clearly, they will react more rationally, with enlightened self-interest. Cognitive behavioral therapy requires honesty and commitment, but can provide great benefits in terms of mental health. ...

Conduct Disorder

A conduct disorder is a mental disorder that may occur during childhood or adolescence. Children and adolescents with conduct disorders experience ongoing emotional and behavioral problems that may include difficulty following rules, defiant or impulsive behavior, criminal activity or drug abuse. Boys are more prone to conduct disorders than girls and many individuals are also afflicted with other disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit disorder, or post traumatic stress disorder. ...

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder, also known as cyclothymia, is a considerably milder form of bipolar disorder that causes frequent changes in mood. Patients with this condition may experience euphoria and hopelessness more frequently and intensely than the average person, but they do not normally require hospitalization for their manic behavior or depression. Even so, patients with cyclothymic disorder may stand out because of their moodiness and instability and may have trouble holding onto jobs or maintaining intimate relationships. ...

Depressive Disorders

Depression is a medical condition that causes extreme feelings of sadness and emptiness. People who suffer from depression may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and experience a constant feeling of hopelessness on a daily basis. Depression, also known as clinical or major depression, may be triggered by certain events or occur along with other illnesses. Severe depression can interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, eat, interact with others or enjoy life. With treatment, however, depression can become a manageable condition. ...

Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a chronic but less severe form of depression. Symptoms of dysthymia are similar to those of major depression but may be less intense. Dysthymia symptoms can last over two years, but do not usually limit a person's lifestyle. Individuals who suffer from dysthymia may sometimes experience periods of major depression that subside over time. Dysthymia often begins in young adulthood and seems to be more common in women. ...

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that treats two or more members of the same family. Family therapists study and help to improve the dynamics in a family in which one or more members is experiencing mental distress.

Family therapy is based on the premise that, because interaction among family members is so close and intense, the beliefs, personality and experiences of each member affect the well-being of the family as a whole. The designated "patient" in a given family not only has an impact on the other members, but may be the subconsciously designated representative of the entire family's inner turmoil. ...

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Many women experience problems with sexual function throughout their lives. However, when sexual problems continue to occur over a long period of time, a woman may be suffering from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is defined as any problems that prevent an individual from enjoying or receiving satisfaction from sexual activity. ...

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is a psychiatric problem in which anxiety is not a temporary state but a chronic condition. While it is normal for all individuals to worry about an upcoming event such as an examination or job interview, patients with GAD are in a perpetual state of anxiety, unable to relax. The disorder may become so severe that it interferes with school, work or relationships. GAD is a very common disorder, affecting millions of individuals in the United States alone. More than twice as many women as men suffer from the disorder. ...

Habit Reversal Training

Habit reversal is a behavior-changing treatment used to reduce the frequency of repetitive behaviors such as tics and other nervous habits. This treatment teaches patients to become aware of their activities and learn how to control them. Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. They may be associated with Tourette's syndrome or other nervous disorders. Other behavioral disorders that may benefit from habit reversal training may include nail biting, thumb sucking, skin picking and hair pulling. While these behaviors are not usually dangerous, they may cause social fears, low self-esteem and anxiety. ...

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which several patients are treated at the same time. Group therapy takes place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, community centers and private offices. In some cases, group therapy is the only treatment employed, but, more often, is used in combination with individual therapy and/or medication. ...

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients with hypersomnia have trouble staying awake during the day or sleep excessively during the night. Up to 40 percent of the population experiences symptoms of hypersomnia at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of Hypersomnia

The symptoms of hypersomnia are troubling and often dangerous. They interfere with work or school, relationships, and everyday life. These symptoms, which most often first appear in adolescence, include: ...

Intensive Outpatient Program

An intensive outpatient program is a form of psychiatric treatment that can be particularly successful for patients making a transition from inpatient care or those diagnosed with an eating disorder or substance addiction. It is appropriate for those who may be in need of more comprehensive treatment than standard outpatient care but who are capable of participating in most normal daily activities. ...

Kleptomania

Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder that involves an uncontrollable urge to steal. People with kleptomania usually steal items that they do not need and are of little value. They know that what they are doing is wrong, but cannot resist the urge to do it. Kleptomaniacs often experience uncomfortable feelings of anxiety and tension that can only be relieved by stealing. They then feel pleasure and relief while stealing, and then guilt and shame afterwards. They often also feel remorse and fear of arrest, but the urge to steal is so strong, it often returns and the kleptomania cycle begins again. ...

Learning Disabilities

A learning disability, also referred to as a learning disorder, is a neurological disorder that prevents a child from learning, or significantly impairs the learning process. A learning disability is not a reflection of intelligence, and a child who has one may be of average or above-average intelligence. A child with a learning disability processes information differently from other children, and has difficulty performing specific tasks. A learning disability may affect attention span, coordination, the ability to understand or use spoken or written language or to perform math calculations. ...

Other Mental Health Care Professionals

In addition to psychiatrists, social workers, professional counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners, there are several other types of mental health care workers providing valuable services in various aspects of mental health care. Although specific training is required for each specialty, there are common elements involving patient care, confidentiality and compassion. ...

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy may find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time and experience random, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the daytime. Narcolepsy may develop as a result of genetics, stress or an improper balance of chemicals in the brain, although the specific cause of this condition is unknown. While there is no cure for narcolepsy, there are several treatment options available to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals with this condition. ...

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder in which patients suffer from sudden and unexplained attacks of extreme fear and loss of physical and psychological control. They may feel in terrible danger of overwhelming embarrassment or death. Panic attacks are sometimes precipitated by an anxiety-producing event, but often seem to occur without any provocation and are all the more terrifying for that reason. ...

Partial Hospitalization Program

A partial hospitalization program is a short-term form of psychiatric treatment taking place at a hospital facility. It is not an inpatient program; instead, the patient attends structured therapeutic sessions during the day and then goes home. Therefore, a partial hospitalization program is somewhat less comprehensive than inpatient treatment, but it is significantly more intensive than typical outpatient treatment. ...

Personality Disorders

A personality disorder is a psychiatric illness in which the patient's thoughts, emotions and behaviors are distorted in unhealthy ways. Patients with personality disorders tend to be inflexible and may appear irrational, at least at times, to those around them. Over a long time period, their behavior leads to serious difficulties in school, in the workplace and in relationships. For those with personality disorders, life is troubling and often stormy. For them, everyday stresses often represent overwhelming, or even, insurmountable problems. Believed to begin in childhood, personality disorders may have genetic, as well as environmental underpinnings and are often difficult to treat. ...

Pervasive Development Disorder

Pervasive development disorder, also known as PDD or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a group of conditions that affect a person's ability to effectively communicate and interact with others. PPD usually appears before the age of 3. While the specific cause of PDD is unknown, it is believed to be the result of neurological abnormalities and there may be a genetic component to its development. There are several different disorders classified as PDD, each with its own set of indicators, including: autism, Asperger's syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and Rett's syndrome. ...

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are mental health care professionals who begin their professional careers by attending nursing school, and then going on to complete either master's or doctoral degrees. They are trained to work with individuals and families with psychiatric disorders, and to consult with groups, communities, legislators, educators and corporations. They provide a full range of psychiatric and mental health care, including the administration of psychotherapy and the prescription of medications. In at least 20 states, psychiatric nurses are licensed to treat patients in private-practice venues. ...

Psychosis

Psychosis refers to psychiatric disturbance in which the patient loses contact with reality. This may include having delusions, hallucinations and disorganized thinking or speech. Delusions are false beliefs. Hallucinations may be visual, involving seeing things that are not there, or auditory, involving hearing sounds that are not present. Disorganized thinking and speech involve jumbled or irrational thoughts and indecipherable speech. ...

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, includes several types of treatment for psychological distress or psychiatric disorder. Psychotherapy involves discussions with a trained professional in order to clarify patient thinking and behavior. Just about any type of emotional disturbance can be effectively addressed with psychotherapy, although in many cases other methods of treatment, such as medication, will be necessary as well. ...

Relaxation Techniques

Practicing different methods of relaxation may be an effective form of treatment for the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions. Stress can contribute to a range of mental and physical health problems. When stress is present on a regular basis, some individuals find that the symptoms of their health conditions may worsen. Since stress plays a major role in many cases of chronic pain or discomfort, reducing stress through relaxation, may in turn reduce these symptoms. ...

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a depressive disorder that occurs in accordance with the seasons. Most people with seasonal affective disorder experience symptoms in the fall and winter seasons. More rarely, patients experience this condition during the spring and summer. It is important to seek medical attention for this condition not only to maintain mood stability, but to prevent symptoms from worsening. ...

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a psychological disorder in which a child who has already developed language skills stops speaking in particular circumstances. Most frequently the mutism occurs in children under the age of 5 in school or in another social environment and is considered to be an extreme form of social phobia. While it may seem to parents, peers or teachers that the child is simply refusing to speak, the child is actually unable to speak in the anxiety-producing situations. It is also possible that a child will experience selective mutism in the presence of a particular person rather than in a social situation. A specific trauma may precipitate a period of selective mutism. ...

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is a common condition found in children and young adolescents. Children who suffer from this condition experience excessive anxiety caused by actual or impending separation from their primary attachment figure. While separation anxiety is normal in very young children between the ages of eight months and two years, when this fear occurs excessively in children over the age of six years, they may have a separation anxiety disorder. ...

Premature Ejaculation

A common sexual issue among men, premature ejaculation takes place when a man reaches orgasm too quickly. The man does not have voluntary control of the timing of his ejaculation and it may occur with very little stimulation. When this happens on a regular basis, it often results in both the man and his partner feeling unfulfilled. The timing of the premature ejaculation varies from person to person as well as by circumstances. Some men experience an orgasm before intercourse even begins, while for others it may occur immediately after vaginal penetration. ...

Sleep Disorders in Children

Many children suffer from sleep disorders that prevent them from getting a sufficient amount of sleep. Sleep disorders and insufficient amounts of sleep in children, can affect brain development, cause behavioral problems, and impact the overall quality of life for children and their families. Sleep problems can also cause anxiety and depression in children. In some cases, sleep deprived children may show hyperactive or inattentive behavior during the day, instead of tiredness. These children are sometimes misdiagnosed and treated for attention deficit hyperactive disorders, when the actual problem is a sleep disorder. ...

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are disturbances in sleep patterns. They involve difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, excessive daytime tiredness, irregular breathing during sleep, or abnormal sleep behaviors. Sleep disorders may develop as a result of changes in the neurotransmitters of the brain, taking certain medications (such as corticosteroids), illness, stress, anxiety, depression, excessive caffeine or alcohol, or drug use. A sleep disorder can interfere with daily activities, and affect overall health and quality of life. When accurately diagnosed, however, most sleep disorders can be effectively treated. ...

Snoring

Snoring is the sound created by vibrations of the soft palate when breathing is partially obstructed during sleep. Snoring is often a sign that the airway is partially blocked, usually by soft tissue in the throat. The flow of air causes the soft tissue to vibrate, which generates noise from the mouth or nose. While snoring is a common and usually harmless condition, it may sometimes indicate a serious health problem. Loud and habitual snoring can disrupt sleep and be irritating to sleep partners, resulting in relationship tensions. Snoring is more common in men than women and occurs more often in older people and those who are overweight. ...

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a common anxiety disorder that affects many people. People with social anxiety have excessive and unreasonable fears before and during different social situations. With a social anxiety disorder, normal, everyday interactions may cause feelings of anxiety, nervousness, self-consciousness and embarrassment. Individuals who suffer from social phobia may avoid certain social situations because of the overwhelming fear and anxiety that these situations may cause. The anxiety and emotional discomfort caused by a social anxiety disorder may interfere with daily routines, relationships, school or employment. ...

Somatization Disorder

Somatization disorder, also known as Briquet's syndrome, is a chronic psychiatric condition in which patients experience physical symptoms that have no apparent physiological cause. It is one of several somatoform disorders. Formerly, patients with this condition were dismissed, believed to be imagining their pain or malingering. In recent decades, however, research has shown that pain, whether of physiological or psychogenic origin, is still experienced as pain. Patients are not faking, but suffering real symptoms, whatever their cause. ...

Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform disorders are psychiatric illnesses that result in physical symptoms, often pain. Patients are diagnosed with a somatoform disorder when their symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning, not fabricated, not found to have a medical origin, and are not the result of another type of mental disturbance or of substance abuse. ...

Stress Management Through Exercise

Exercise and physical activity can be an an excellent way to reduce and manage stress. Exercise in any form can reduce stress, provide numerous health benefits, and improve the overall sense of well-being for many individuals. People who exercise experience benefits on chemical, physical and psychological levels. They feel more energetic throughout the day, have a better sex life, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. ...

SUBOXONE® Sublingual Film

SUBOXONE® sublingual film, which contains buprenorphine and naloxone, is a prescription drug used to treat opioid dependence in adults. It treats dependence on both opioid prescription painkillers and heroin. Its manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., instructs that it should only be used "as part of complete treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy." SUBOXONE film is designed to suppress opiate withdrawal symptoms and reduce opiate cravings. It comes in the form of rectangular orange film featuring a white printed logo. Each film is packaged individually, and in child-resistant packaging. The film is placed under the tongue, and the medication it contains is absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels beneath the tongue. ...

Tic Disorders

Tic disorders are neurological conditions that involve sudden involuntary movements or bursts of sound. These disorders normally show up in childhood and may be worsened by stress, anxiety, overheating or fatigue. The specific cause of tics is unknown, although it is believed to be neurological and may have a genetic component. Common tics include: ...

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania, also known as hair-pulling disorder, is a mental illness in which people have uncontrollable urges to pull out the hair on their scalp, eyebrows or other areas of the body. This action often results in patchy bald spots on the head and causes feelings of guilt, shame and severe emotional pain, especially when those afflicted are trying to hide their condition. People with trichotillomania most often pull hair from their scalp and may do so using their fingers, tweezers or brushes. They may enjoy playing with pulled out hair or rubbing it across the face. The hair pulling may result in patchy bald areas or missing eyelashes and eyebrows. Women are more likely than men to have trichotillomania and it usually develops during adolescence. ...