Behavioral And Emotional Health

The precise cause of depression is not known, but evidence points to several factors, including: Heredity Biochemical makeup Psychological makeup Stressful life events Fluctuating hormone levels Other factors such as general medical conditions and certain medications Heredity Depression does “run in families. ” People with a close relative who has had major depression or bipolar disorder are twice […]

Depression afflicts approximately 19 million Americans, from children to the elderly, in all walks of life. It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men (although some observers speculate that this could be because fewer men admit they need treatment). Among those prone to depression are people: With close relatives who have had depression, especially

We all feel blue sometimes, and it is normal to be sad in reaction to an event that is unhappy, stressful, or traumatic. Grief will follow the illness or death of a loved one, the loss of a close relationship, or termination from a job. Financial or legal problems can cause anxiety and depressed mood.

Since many general medical illnesses can cause the same symptoms, a thorough medical evaluation is essential, especially if the first depression occurs after the age of 40. The first step is to seek treatment from a qualified professional whom you trust. You may choose to consult: Your family physician or internist A psychiatrist, a medical doctor

Depending on the type and severity of depression, treatment may involve: Psychotherapy (counseling), which is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling Antidepressant medications which can restore proper chemical balance in the brain Other treatments such as light therapy and electroconvulsive therapy Treatment is successful in 80% to 90% of

In some cases, panic disorder is linked to agoraphobia, the fear and avoidance of public places. The problem may start when a person has a panic attack in a certain place, or type of place. He or she may then become afraid of going to that place again in case the panic returns. Nice To

Millions of people have a specific phobia. Unlike agoraphobia, which may be a fear of many situations, specific phobias are defined as a fear of one living thing, object or situation. Among the most common phobias are fear of: Spiders, insects Flying Enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) Sex Snakes, dogs, cats Blood, injury, medical and dental procedures

In recent years, mental health specialists have been paying more attention to social phobia. In its mildest form, social phobia – fear of certain social situations – is not much worse that feeling shy. But for millions of people, this type of phobia can make contact with other people extremely difficult or even impossible. People with

If you have an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder or phobia, don’t suffer in silence or wait to “grow out of it.” Too many people may hold back from treatment because they are afraid that only those who are mentally ill go to mental health professionals, and they don’t want to apply that label to themselves.

Here are some frequently asked questions related to anxiety, fears, and phobias. Q: Are there different types of anxiety? A: Yes. Anxiety can be a general feeling of worry, a sudden attack of panicky feelings, a fear of a certain situation or a response to a traumatic experience. Q: One day when I was driving home

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to anxiety, fears, and phobias. Fear is normal and useful, but millions of people suffer inappropriate fear in the form of phobias or panic attacks. In some cases, fears and anxiety may produce physical symptoms. Fears can be treated by a mental health professional,