Mental Health

Food aversion: Signs, treatment, and more.

“I always hated chocolate growing up. The one time I tasted it, it was medicinal. It was an experience that left an impression on me. From that point on, everything was unpleasant about chocolate, including the color and the smell. With all the celebrations and holidays, I never touched chocolate. The kids in my family always chose a chocolate cake for their birthdays. Instead of the appeal, simply being close enough to a chocolate cake made me nauseous.

Hoarding OCD: What to know

Individuals who experience hoarding related to OCD may have distressing feelings about discarding items. It can drive compulsive saving behaviors that they recognize as excessive. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves recurring, unwanted thoughts or obsessions that drive repetitive behaviors or mental acts or compulsions, in an attempt to reduce distress. Mental health professionals’ understanding of OCD has changed significantly over time.

Schizophrenia and aggressive behaviour toward family members

In schizophrenia, aggression toward family can occur. This complex mental health condition can result in hostile behavior during periods of acute symptoms. While aggression is not inevitable for individuals with schizophrenia, it can occur, particularly during acute episodes or if poorly managed. This behavior can be frightening and overwhelming for families who want to provide support while ensuring everyone’s safety.

Treatment-resistant OCD: Causes, management, and more

Treatment-resistant OCD occurs when standard therapies do not provide adequate relief from obsessive-compulsive symptoms. While many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) improve significantly with therapy and medication, some do not experience symptom relief. This resistance can be frustrating and discouraging for individuals who have tried multiple treatments without success. Treatment-resistant or refractory OCD may develop for various reasons.

Understanding the link between PTSD and anger

I was diagnosed with PTSD after a life-altering accident when I was hit by a car driven by one of my colleagues while crossing a road on my way home from work. In an instant, everything changed. I was hospitalized with physical injuries, but the emotional impact surfaced later, culminating in a PTSD diagnosis. What surprised me most was the anger I felt – not toward the driver, but toward my own body. I was desperate to recover and return to my life, but my body couldn’t keep up.

Checking OCD: Signs, treatment, and more

“My checking OCD has revolved around intrusive thoughts related to my safety and the safety of my loved ones. Initially, it revolved around an intrusive thought that someone was going to break into my home at night and harm my family and me, so before going to bed, I would repeatedly check if my front door was locked. Eventually, it progressed to checking if all the windows in my house were also closed. After checking, I would doubt that I checked correctly, and have to do it all over again.

Coming out to your doctor: Advice and more

Although disclosure is voluntary, being open about sexual orientation and gender identity could enhance the quality of medical care received. Coming out to a healthcare professional can feel daunting, but sharing information about sexual orientation and gender identity could improve the quality of care. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals wonder whether they need to disclose this personal information during medical appointments. The decision to come out to a doctor is deeply personal.

The social impact of OCD

“My OCD was always present even as a child. I had great anxiety as someone with no parents, being bounced around in foster homes. However, it became much worse in my teens, up to my early twenties. Before my current relationship, which has lasted seven years, I had trouble maintaining relationships and had several breakups because of a lack of understanding of my OCD. My job constantly puts me in situations where I need to socialize, influence, persuade, and negotiate with complete strangers.

Epilepsy and schizophrenia: Is there a link?

Epilepsy and schizophrenia are two distinct disorders. However, people with epilepsy have an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Epilepsy is a condition involving repeated seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In contrast, schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects thoughts, emotions, and behavior. While they seem unrelated, research suggests a link between the two conditions. Some symptoms and genetic factors may overlap.

Helping a child at home with OCD

OCD can make daily life overwhelming for children, but a supportive home environment can make a significant difference. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition consisting of intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that can significantly disrupt a child’s life. These challenges can leave children feeling overwhelmed and families wondering how to help a child with OCD at home. Parents and caregivers are critical in creating a stable and supportive environment.

Problem-solving therapy: Uses, techniques, and limits

Problem-solving therapy (PST) helps individuals manage stress by breaking down challenges into practical, manageable steps. The aim of the therapy is to help people cope more confidently with adversity.

By breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps, PST empowers people to take control of their circumstances, build resilience, and develop a greater sense of self-efficacy. Its straightforward nature makes it a versatile therapeutic approach, suitable for various mental health conditions.

Bipolar disorder therapies: Options and how they work

Bipolar disorder therapies include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

These therapies may help people process emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and regulate mood. While medication is often essential for stabilizing mood in people with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can also be an important part of long-term management.

What is the best anxiety medication for AFib?

The best anxiety medication for atrial fibrillation (AFib) depends on the individual and their situation, but some options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta-blockers.

AFib is a common heart condition involving an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Some medications that treat AFib, such as beta-blockers, can also reduce anxiety symptoms. Other drugs are only for anxiety but may still be suitable for those with AFib.

The link between anorexia and OCD?

Anorexia and OCD are disorders that interconnect, often driven by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct mental health conditions that can intersect.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction due to a distorted body image. OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that attempt to reduce anxiety.

Regression in autism: Signs and support

Regression in autism refers to the backtracking of skills, often in communication, social interaction, or daily functioning.

Regression in autism is a condition where an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experiences a significant loss of previously acquired skills. It can manifest in various ways, including reduced verbal communication, decreased social engagement, or challenges with previously mastered tasks, such as self-care. Autistic regression can affect children and adults.

Managing political anxiety

Political anxiety refers to the stress, worry, and fear individuals experience due to political events, news, or current affairs.

Political anxiety is becoming increasingly common as politics become more contentious, uncertain, and omnipresent in various media forms. This anxiety may stem from the overwhelming amount of information available, much of which is negative or fear-inducing, leading to a persistent state of worry about the future.

PTSD fracture: How psychological trauma affects bones

There is evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of fractures. This may be due to the effects of chronic stress on bone density and structure.

PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs in some people after they experience a traumatic event. It can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Without support, these symptoms may affect someone for a long time.

Stress disorders: ASD, PTSD, and more

Stress disorders include acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. They originate from major stress or traumatic events.

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can lead to serious mental health issues known as stress disorders. These issues include acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Signs of sexual abuse in children

This feature mentions experiences of trauma and sexual abuse. Please read at your own discretion. Recognizing these signs and responding immediately and appropriately can significantly affect a child’s life. This article will explore the various signs of sexual abuse in children, actions to take in response, and support resources. Sexual abuse in children is a disturbing and sensitive issue that requires immediate attention and intervention.

Sexual abuse signs in adults

The signs of sexual abuse in adults may include chronic pain, substance misuse, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and significant changes in behavior.

The trauma of sexual abuse can linger long after the event, often surfacing in ways that deeply affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Adults who have survived these experiences may exhibit various signs that reflect the depth of their trauma.
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