Depression
Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
Symptoms
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue and low energy
- Sleep changes (insomnia or oversleeping)
- Appetite changes
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
Treatment
Psychotherapy (CBT, IPT), medication (SSRIs, SNRIs), lifestyle changes, support groups, mindfulness techniques, and in severe cases, ECT or TMS.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural emotional response that becomes problematic when excessive, chronic, or interferes with daily functioning.
Symptoms
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness
- Physical symptoms (trembling, sweating, rapid heartbeat)
- Phobias and panic attacks
- Social anxiety
- OCD symptoms
Treatment
CBT, exposure therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, support groups, and self-help strategies.
Bipolar Disorder
Characterized by extreme mood swings between periods of high energy and euphoria (mania or hypomania) and periods of depression.
Types
- Bipolar I: Manic episodes
- Bipolar II: Hypomanic and depressive episodes
- Cyclothymic Disorder: Milder chronic fluctuations
Treatment
Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, CBT, lifestyle management, and supportive services.
Schizophrenia
A severe disorder affecting thinking, feeling, and behavior.
Symptoms
- Positive: Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking
- Negative: Emotional flatness, reduced speech, anhedonia
- Cognitive: Concentration difficulties, memory problems
Treatment
Antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, supportive services, family education, and hospitalization when needed.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Combines symptoms of schizophrenia (hallucinations or delusions) with mood disorder symptoms.
Subtypes
- Bipolar Type: Mania/hypomania with psychotic symptoms
- Depressive Type: Depression with psychotic symptoms
Treatment
Antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, hospitalization when necessary, and community support.
Personality Disorders
Enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from cultural expectations.
Clusters
- Cluster A: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal
- Cluster B: Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic
- Cluster C: Avoidant, Dependent, Obsessive-Compulsive
Treatment
Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, psychodynamic), with medication for co-occurring symptoms.
PTSD
Develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
Symptom Categories
- Re-experiencing (intrusive thoughts, nightmares)
- Avoidance behaviors
- Negative mood and thinking changes
- Arousal/reactivity (hypervigilance, sleep problems)
Treatment
Trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, medication (SSRIs/SNRIs), lifestyle management, and supportive services.
ADHD
A neurodevelopmental disorder with inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Presentations
- Predominantly Inattentive
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combined Presentation
Treatment
Behavioral therapy, medication (stimulants and non-stimulants), education, and lifestyle management.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Two or more distinct mental health conditions or substance use disorders occurring simultaneously.
Common Examples
- Substance use with mental health disorders
- Anxiety with depression
- PTSD with substance abuse
- Eating disorders with depression
- ADHD with substance abuse
Treatment
Requires integrated treatment addressing both conditions concurrently.