SUMMARY OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Mental Health is a Physiological Issue

Many of the major mental illnesses are most often caused by medical conditions that affect our mental health. The vast majority of these are due to the brain’s inability to over or under produce the neurotransmitters and hormones. Inflammation, thyroid conditions, post-myocardial infarction, diabetes, menopause, post-menopause; are just a few of the underlying physiological issues that can trigger or cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Often our diets, trans-fats, lack of exercise, and genetics also will contribute to mental illness. These causes distinguish them from psychological disorders.

The genetics behind mental illnesses have been the subject of much research. Some studies suggest the environment changes the DNA which creates an inextricable link between genetics and the environment. Other studies show that stress on the fetus can turn certain genes on or off to create a predisposition for anxiety. Mental illness is as much a physical condition as it is a mental condition, and treatable with medication. Read more on genetics and mental health.

Psychiatric Disorder are Very Treatable

The good news is that most of these major mental health disorders are very treatable, especially if caught early. Sometimes if these illnesses are left untreated, they can cause harm to the brain cells. New medications and treatments are becoming available on a routine basis. Typically, medication management augmented with another type of psycho-therapy yield the best results. In many cases, if the correct medication is selected by the practitioner, patients will often experience an improvement in their condition in just a matter of days. Often many of the new antidepressants will be up to 70% effective upon their first use for depression, OCD, and anxiety.  If you are seeking treatment in Scottsdale for any of these disorders, please contact my office.

The Major Mental Disorders

Depression – is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. It is also very common. Major depression affects about 6.7% of the U.S. population. This is grounded in the body chemistry and not a psychological issue.

Anxiety – there are many types of anxiety disorders that include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.

ADHD – is an illness characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The most commonly diagnosed behavior disorder in young persons. ADHD affects an estimated three percent to five percent of school-age children. ADD is now referred to as ADHD.

OCD – was considered as a type of anxiety, however, is now in its own class of disorders. This disorder is characterized by compulsive behavior and thoughts that are intrusive and debilitating.

Bipolar Disorder – is a medical illness that causes extreme shifts in mood. These changes may be subtle or dramatic and typically vary greatly over the course of a person’s life as well as among individuals.

Schizophrenia – is a serious medical illness affecting over 2 million American adults. Although it is often feared and misunderstood, schizophrenia is a treatable medical condition. This is not multiple-personality disorder.

Schizoaffective Disorder – this is one of the more common and disabling mental illnesses. This illness manifests itself through a combination of symptoms of schizophrenia and an affective (mood) disorder. Today, most agree that this disorder is a form of schizophrenia.

This is just a summary of the major mental illnesses that are discussed in great depth on this website from a clinical and practical view.