-
The Importance of Promoting Mental Health
Although individuals who suffer from mental illness may feel like they are all alone and alienated from society, the truth is that mental illness is more common than one might think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21% of US adults experienced some level of mental illness in 2020. NAMI also suggests that…
-
Common Types of Eating Disorders _
Eating disorders affect nearly 5% of the population, most prevalent in children and young adults. While the cause of eating disorders is not understood, many studies have identified alterations of brain structure and function in individuals with this condition. What follows will be a discussion about the most common types of eating disorders and their…
-
Characterizations of PTSD and How to Treat It
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that has been well identified in individuals who have fought in military wars. While this is certainly an accurate association, affecting nearly 30% of Vietnam Veterans, PTSD also applies to other individuals who have never been present on the field of battle. In what follows, we’ll be…
-
Characterizations of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
More commonly referred to as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition involving obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors. It is prevalent in nearly 3% of the American population. OCD is not to be confused with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. While both have overlapping characteristics, the former encompasses the intrusiveness of thoughts and behaviors…
-
Characteristics And Treatment of Personality Disorders
According to the data represented in the National Comorbidity Study Replication, nearly 10% of people in the United States suffer from some type of personality disorder. Other major studies, including one from the peer-reviewed journal of Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, have suggested a prevalence rate of about 14%. Of the ten defined personality orders that…
-
The Prevalence of Substance Abuse Disorders
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the prevalence of substance abuse in America is of epidemic proportions, impacting nearly 20 million Americans above the age of 18. Many of this population have both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness. The correlation between these two conditions is seen over and…
-
Psychosis and Related Disorders
According to the National Association of Mental Health, 3% of individuals will experience some level of a psychotic episode, or psychosis, in their lifetime. Those who experience such a psychotic episode do not always develop a psychotic disorder. Yet, an individual who does have such an experience may be at risk of developing other mental…
-
Types of Mood Disorders and Their Characteristics
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 10% of US adults (20-30 million individuals) will be diagnosed with a mood disorder in any given year. Of that 10%, nearly half will suffer from severe symptoms. Due to the prevalence of mood disorders, it’s important to gain a better understanding not only of what…
-
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety isn’t generally considered an abnormality or disorder. Instead, anxiety is understood as a normal biological response to stress in usual circumstances. Yet, a problem arises when the anxiety experienced becomes prolonged and unbearable. When this occurs, it’s characterized as an anxiety disorder, the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the US. The difference between…