Behavioral And Emotional Health

There are no chemical tests for schizophrenia. Doctors make the diagnosis based on the symptoms and an interview with the individual. A number of brain imaging techniques are becoming useful in determining if parts of the brain are damaged. These techniques include: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets to produce cross-sectional images of the […]

Because the progression and symptoms of schizophrenia vary from one person to another, treatment must be an individualized decision. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed in many people. Treatment options include: Antipsychotic medications Atypical medications Other useful medications Electroconvulsive (“shock”) therapy Psychotherapy Family support Rehabilitation Antipsychotic Medications Antipsychotic medication has been

Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental and emotional disorders by psychologic techniques and counseling. Psychotherapists can include: Psychiatrists Licensed psychologists Psychiatric nurses or nurse practitioners Psychiatric social workers Individuals trained in counseling Various methods of psychotherapy can help depression, including: Cognitive therapy Interpersonal therapy Situational counseling Group therapy Cognitive Therapy The word “cognitive ” pertains

Not everyone with depression needs medication. Your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment to determine, based on your level of depression, whether medication is needed and which type would work best . Different types of antidepressants are available, and they are designed to restore proper chemical balance in the brain. Most individuals benefit most from a

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, other treatments for depression include: Over-the-counter alternatives Phototherapy for seasonal affective disorder Electroconvulsive therapy Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy Over-The-Counter Alternatives Two over-the-counter preparations may be helpful for mild to moderate depression. St. John’s Wort is an herbal remedy whose mild antidepressant action has been reported by numerous physicians. It

While recovering from depression: Take it one day at a time. Don’t expect too much too soon. Set realistic, doable daily goals. Take part in activities that make you feel better. Do not underestimate the power of laughter. It’s hard to feel depressed when you’re laughing. Seek out people who are supportive and helpful. Stick

New treatments for depression that are on the horizon include: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This is a painless, experimental treatment for stimulating the brain without the use of electrodes, anesthesia, or surgical techniques. Basically, in a series of treatments, a clinician passes a powerful electromagnet over the skull, mainly targeting the left side of the forehead.

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Depression Q: Is entering psychoanalysis a good way to quickly get over depression? A: Not necessarily. When we think of Sigmund Freud (the “grandfather” of psychoanalysis), we think of traditional psychoanalysis, or analytic psychotherapy. We picture the patient lying on a couch while talking, sometimes not even facing

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to depression. Depression is a medical illness linked to changes in the biochemistry of the brain. Depression affects the mind, but this doesn’t mean “it’s all in your head.” Depression is not a weakness of character. A clinically depressed person cannot simply “snap out of it”

Here are definitions of medical terms related to depression Aerobic exercise: Physical activity that requires extra effort of the heart and lungs to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen; examples include running, swimming, cycling, and vigorous dancing. Biochemistry: The chemistry of living organisms and life processes. Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression, this disorder involves mood

Here are reliable sources that can provide more information on depression National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)  Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI http://www.nami.org National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Depression Awareness, Recognition and Treatment (DART) Program  Phone: 1-800-421-4211 http://www.nimh.nih.gov Depression and Bipolar Support Allliance (DBSA)  Phone: 1-800-82-NDMDA http://www.ndmda.org American Psychological Association PsychNET  Phone: 202-336-5500 http://www.apa.org National Foundation

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