Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a condition that can lasts months or years after a traumatic event. Although it is typically associated with combat soldiers, PTSD more often affects civilians. It may be caused by an accident, a robbery, a sexual assault, domestic abuse, the unexpected death of a loved one, witnessing violence, or…
The decision to get treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is never easy. Many people know that addiction is messing up their lives but they’re still reluctant to get help. Many fear the stigma of being labeled an addict. This may be even harder if you have kids. It’s not easy to admit you need…
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects about one percent of people. Schizophrenia is characterized by psychosis, which may include hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis is considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia, as opposed to negative symptoms, or the absence or disruption of normal mental functions. These positive symptoms are what usually come to mind…
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 20 percent of American adults report having had an anxiety disorder in the past year, and about 30 percent of Americans will have an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder,…
Addiction doesn’t just affect you; it also affects the people around you, including your friends, your coworkers, and your family. One of the most common reasons people give for getting help for addiction is that they realize how addiction has hurt their families. This is especially true of kids, who are still growing and are…
Whether or not it’s necessary or advisable to drug test your teen is a controversial issue. Some parents feel like it’s intrusive and sends the signal that they don’t trust their children. Other parents feel like it’s their responsibility to protect their children from serious mistakes that could have long-term repercussions, even if that means…
Depression is the number one cause of disability worldwide. It affects your relationships, your career, and your quality of life. Depression and substance use frequently overlap, and each can make the other worse. Although depression can affect anyone, the following factors increase your risk of having a depressive episode. Genetics Genes are a major factor…
Borderline personality disorder, or BPD, is characterized by quick changes in mood, unstable self-image, and erratic behavior. People with BPD often act impulsively and have difficulty in forming healthy relationships. They may be prone to intense anger, depression, or anxiety. People with BPD tend to view things and people as either all good or all…
THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Its structure is very similar to a chemical called anandamide, which occurs naturally in the brain. Anandamide is a kind of neurotransmitter called an endogenous cannabinoid, meaning it’s a cannabis-like chemical made by your brain. Anandamide affects various brain areas, including those related to pleasure, memory, concentration,…
There is a large overlap between depression and alcohol use disorders. Alcohol is a convenient way to temporarily relieve the symptoms of depression, such as persistent self-critical thoughts and ruminating on past mistakes or negative possibilities. This is especially true of men who suffer from depression. While fewer men than women suffer from depression, men…
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