Mental Health and Addiction - Treatments

Mental health conditions are very common and affect millions of Americans. Here's a look at some of the most common disorders and how they are treated.

Relationships between animals and humans offer countless benefits to both species. But some animals can also provide unique forms of therapy to children and adults suffering from mental health conditions.

6 expert tips for managing mental illness.

For some, even positive life changes can bring on bouts of severe anxiety or depression. But there is good news.

Not only is access to mental health care declining, a new study finds the majority of psychiatrists don t accept health insurance.

There's a common belief that writers and artists are more likely to have mental health issues than the general population. We explore if there is any truth to this relationship.

It's easy to over-indulge on festive occasions, but if you do, you're likely to suffer the consequences the next day. Read on for the fact-based tips that will actually cure the dreaded hangover.

What are you afraid of? We ask a few pros for their top tips on working through what scares them.

One study has found that moderate consumption of wine may improve your mental health. But don't uncork that bottle of Chardonnay just yet!

Make "keep calm and carry on" your new motto. Take our advice for worrywarts.

Both talk therapy and medication can help with persistent sadness. Here's how to get started.

Talking to a friend or family member about her alcohol problem can be difficult. Here's help in saying the right thing.

While some people are at higher risk, nervous breakdowns can happen to anyone. Here's what to look for.

Find out why new moms are at increased risk and how to get help.

It's not just your internal organs that can be harmed by excess drinking; your skin, hair, and nails can suffer as well.

Living with bipolar disorder presents an array of challenges. What if there was a way to prevent its onset?

Nearly one in four women who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer will also develop this second condition. Learn more about the connection.

It's the fear of being out of cell phone contact, and two out of three adults have this phobia. Are you one of them?

With so many stigmas surrounding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it's especially important to separate fiction from fact.

A new study has zeroed in on a promising approach to erasing painful memories from the mind. This research may lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders.

Discovering new treatments for mental health diseases is a complicated endeavor with plenty of dead ends. Sometimes, however, an impractical finding opens the door to new possibilities.

Dysthymia is a depressive condition that isn t quite as severe as full-blown depression, but lasts longer and can affect your life in many of the same ways.

There are five main categories of intense, unrealistic fears about certain things and situations.

New research reveals that how you handle such emotions can make a big difference in your well-being.

Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is common. Be aware of these triggers.

Some anxiety is healthy. But these signs mean it's time to get support.

Approach this sensitive situation with these steps.

Distinguish the signs of mental illness from other behaviors that may seem odd.

It's more than just a party trick. Hypnosis has been shown to deliver real mental health benefits for some.

It isn't an easy condition to diagnose. Here's how to discern if your drinking habits, or those of someone you love, are becoming problematic.

If someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, helping them find the support they need can be frustrating, complicated, and necessary.

Review these red flags to determine if you're dealing with sociopathic behavior.

By looking at patterns of mental illness in families with twins and those who have experienced trauma, researchers have uncovered new answers.

This medication can be a blessing and a curse. Here's how to tell if you, or a loved one, have crossed the line into addiction.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe, but with the right treatments, patients can manage the disease. Here's a look at bipolar disorder by the numbers.

Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.

Your condition is real. Here's what to say and do when people say your depression is "all in your head."

Do you recognize these telltale signs of the fear of being out of cell phone contact? Here's how to manage your obsession.

One startling example of the mind-body connection is the link between back pain and depression.

Commonly used to prevent coronary heart disease, statins may also lower the risk of major depression.

When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are big differences between the genders.

It's a real and hidden danger among the older generation. Here are ways to combat isolation.

Typically diagnosed based on questions and answers, it's possible that the blood holds the truth about who is depressed.

This sleep disorder can do more than interrupt your rest.

It's now a proven fact. Being in and around nature makes people feel good.

How do doctors measure and diagnose conditions from anxiety to personality disorders, especially when there is more than one condition involved?

For millions of Americans, depression is more than just a bout with "the blues"; it's a serious psychiatric disorder. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

Not only is it emotionally painful, grief takes a toll on your physical health as well.

Strip away the stigma and misconceptions. Here are four common myths debunked.

What are common concerns about these highly-prescribed drugs?

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment.

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression.

Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living.

Although depression is treatable, some patients, especially those with more severe cases, can suffer a relapse.

Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips.

An estimated 5.7 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Here's one man's story of despair, diagnosis, treatment, and hope.

Not so black and white: study concludes bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder.

Painkillers are powerful medicines, but with them come the real risk of abuse. Understand the myths and determine how to use painkillers safely.

Studies demonstrate that proper napping techniques can relax your mind and focus your thoughts. What's the right way to catch some z's?

Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are.

Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?

Mind over matter: You've heard it so many times, it may seem meaningless. But new research shows how emotional therapy helps to make pain symptoms easier to bear.

Depression related lethargy is frustrating and can interfere in your daily activities. Here are simple steps you can take to lessen the impact.

Neuroeconomics, a relatively new branch of science, is slowly unraveling how specific gene variations influence how we make decisions. Read on to find out how your may be affected.

Sadness is the most widely recognized symptom of depression. But it is possible to be clinically depressed without being sad. Could you or someone you know be suffering and not know it?

For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Few people, however, know the profound effect caffeine has on their mood.

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders and society's increasing awareness of them, stigmas about mental illness persist. Follow these tips to get past the misnomers.

Depression is particularly prevalent and overlooked in older adults. Despite the high incidence among seniors, it's definitely not a normal part of aging.

Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict.

Everyone copes with loss in his or her own way. If you've lost a child, you can find a multitude of organizations, books, blogs, and support groups to help you. Behind them all, you'll find parents who have also suffered the same loss.

During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical).

Some mental health experts believe social networking can increase stress and anxiety, and they've have even coined names to describe this phenomenon, such as Social Media Anxiety, Social Networking Anxiety, and Facebook Depression.

Does summertime make you sad? While most people welcome the warm weather, long days, and opportunities for outdoor activities, a small percent of the population feels depressed instead.

One of the challenges in diagnosing mental health disorders is that symptoms of different diseases tend to overlap. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are two related conditions that are easy to confuse.

While talking to a trained mental health professional can be invaluable for many patients, nothing compares to talking to others who are going through the same experience. But can the Internet substitute quality interpersonal dialogue?

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication in the country, so mental health experts are trying to understand if, when, and how patients should cease taking them. Here, a guide to the transition to life without depression medication.

Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to combat widespread prescription painkiller abuse. How will it impact patients who take prescription medications for chronic pain? Get the facts here.

You're a smart person. So why, when you're under the most stress, does it seem your brain shuts down and your intelligence disappears?

The topic of hoarding might make good fodder for TV program ratings and mindless entertainment for viewers. But it's a real problem that affects real people. Is it possible that you're among the 15 million who suffer from it?

Just because your symptoms are gone, doesn't mean your depression is. In fact, many relapse as soon as six months after treatment. Read on for triggers and preventative measures.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental health condition that disrupts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. Read on to get the comprehensive information you need to navigate the condition.

Mental health disorders such as depression permeate every aspect of your life, and may cause a multitude of other complications, some of which are even life threatening. Most, however, are easily avoided.

Although yoga advocates have long championed the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, the scientific community is slowly coming to the same conclusion.

Does a loved one suffer from a Cluster A Personality Disorder? If so, coping with his actions may not always be easy. Here, a guide to help you understand and cope with the condition.

Appropriate treatment not only makes you feel better and improves the quality of your life, it helps prevent a relapse in the future. Read on for 7 tips to guarantee you're receiving the treatment you need.

Personality is a combination of thoughts and behaviors that are unique to each individual. It is the way everyone views the world and yourself. In general, individuals with personality disorders have different perceptions of life and thought processes.

In discussing substance dependence, most individuals focus on the use of only one substance at a time. On the other hand, some individuals do not have a drug of choice and will use any substance in order to achieve intoxication.

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there may be a way to ease your symptoms.

Psychotherapy is noted to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Find out whether group or individual therapy is best for you.

Although the procedure may sound complex, the intended results are not. NFT seeks to teach a brain with a particular abnormality how to behave normally.

Psychotherapy is noted to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The delivery model can be individual or group.

New research has now determined that men and women misuse pain medication differently.

Forensic Psychologist Debra Warner, Psy. D. explores cocaine's effect on the psyche.

Antidepressants are one of the first lines of treatment for depression. While antidepressants are invaluable for many depression sufferers, they re not always the best choice for some people.

Users who inject the substance regularly over a long period of time are at risk for a number of other negative health effects.

For every news report touting the mental or physical health benefits of a supplement, there is another discrediting it, or, worse, warning that it is dangerous. With so many conflicting reports and persuasive marketing promotions, how do you know if what you read is true or just hype?

Over time, it takes more and more medication to ease the pain and not all the pain is necessarily physical. What do you do when a loved one has a painkiller addiction?

Mental health professionals have used lithium for years to treat people with bipolar disorder, especially to prevent the major depressive episode so characteristic of that disease. But is lithium also effective for depression without bipolar disorder?

You ve probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent.

The stigma of alcohol and substance addiction is lifting as scientists learn more about the biology behind addiction. Understanding what drives people to become addicted can help you develop strategies for staying sober.

You know it as the club drug. However, ecstasy may also play a role in treating a prevalent anxiety disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Popularized by cable TV, hoarding has become a well-known occurrence. Here, forensic psychologist Debra Warner examines this phenomenon in part 2 of her weekly series.

Popularized by cable TV, hoarding has become a well-known occurrence. Here, forensic psychologist Debra Warner examines this phenomenon in part 1 of her weekly series.

It s difficult to watch someone you care about hurting. Here are a few tips to help you cope when a loved one is self-medicating.

As its name implies, individuals with this mental health disorder alternate between obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and compulsive rituals to try to control the obsessions. This cycle is disruptive and causes stress and anxiety. In many cases, OCD interferes in an individual s ability to engage in work, school or other daily activities. Approximately 2.2 million Americans suffer from OCD.

Innocent behaviors such as social drinking, dieting, and relieving back pain through a doctor-prescribed medication can unsuspectingly be a gateway to harmful behavior for some people and ultimately death.

Experts agree that prescription painkiller medication addiction is real, and the risk for some can be great.

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

New treatment for depression may be possible based on study that shows how this mood disorder affects areas of brain involved in pleasure.

Once widely considered an inhumane practice, electric shock therapy finds increasing support as a treatment for depression.

The deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and DJ AM spark concerns about deadly drug interactions. Learn how to prevent them from happening to you.

When it comes to treating depression, is there a better option?

A service of The National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health reports that a study has been published suggesting that measuring the levels of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy may predict whether a woman is likely to develop postpartum depression or not.

Is medication necessary, or is talking it out enough?

Certain foods really can enhance your memory and overall cognitive function. Are they part of your diet?

Learn how fitness can have a positive effect on your mind.

See how this disorder that affects 6 million Americans can be a burden to your heart.

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood.

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year.

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits.

Find out how to control your excessive spending.

Contrary to popular belief, your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn't set in stone. Follow these tips to boost your brainpower.

Learn about the four classes of antidepressants, from their indications and efficacy to possible side effects.

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge?

These five do-it-yourself techniques can help you kick the cigarette habit.

Learn about the symptoms of alcoholism and what kinds of treatment are available for this disease.

Some shades are calming, others inspire conversation. Find out how colors can improve your surroundings and your mood.

Follow these tips to start improving your self-worth.

For years, researchers had been debunking the age-old notion of a midlife crisis. But a new global study may prove them wrong.

Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from depression, but the disease is often misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

Nearly everyone has procrastinated, perhaps putting off a load of laundry, but for some, procrastination rules their lives. Here are five reasons people procrastinate.

An estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Schizophrenia affects millions of Americans, but the illness and its causes are often misunderstood. Here, we dispel the disease's most common myths.

There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but new research is improving the outlook for patients.