Also called: manic depression

A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

Very common

More than 3 million US cases per year

• Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging not required

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.

Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.

Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.

People may experience:

Mood: mood swings, sadness, elevated mood, anger, anxiety, apathy, apprehension, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Behavioral: irritability, risk taking behaviors, disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, crying, excess desire for sex, hyperactivity, impulsivity, restlessness, or self-harm
Cognitive: unwanted thoughts, delusion, lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or slowness in activity
Psychological: depression, manic episode, agitated depression, or paranoia
Sleep: difficulty falling asleep or excess sleepiness
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: false belief of superiority, fatigue, or rapid and frenzied speaking

Treatments

Treatment consists of medications and therapy

Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Therapies

Support group: A forum for counseling and sharing experiences among people with a similar condition or goal, such as depression or weight loss.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Psychoeducation: Education about mental health that also serves to support, validate, and empower patients.
Family therapy: Psychological counseling that helps families resolve conflicts and communicate more effectively.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.

Medications

Anticonvulsant: Prevents or controls seizures, relieves pain, and treats symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders.

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, and Tegretol XR)
• Topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, and Trokendi XR)
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal, Lamictal Starter (Blue) Kit, Lamictal XR, Lamictal XR Starter (Blue), and Lamictal ODT Starter (Green))
• Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal and Oxtellar XR)

Antipsychotic: Reduces or improves the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.

• Haloperidol (Haldol Decanoate)
• Risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consla, and Risperdal M-TAB)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel and Seroquel XR)
• Ziprasidone
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Zyprexa Zydis)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify and Abilify Maintena)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)

Supportive care

Hospitalization: A higher level of care whereby patients are closely monitored and may be given medications that would not be available at home.

Specialists

Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

A less severe type of bipolar disorder characterized by depressive and hypomanic episodes.

Common

More than 200,000 US cases per year

• Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging rarely required

It involves at least one depressive episode lasting at least two weeks and at least one hypomanic episode lasting at least four days.

Depressive symptoms include sadness or hopelessness. Hypomanic symptoms include a persistently elevated or irritable mood.

Treatment includes counseling and medications, such as mood stabilizers.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

Depressive symptoms include sadness or hopelessness. Hypomanic symptoms include a persistently elevated or irritable mood.

People may experience:

Mood: mood swings, anxiety, deep sadness, euphoria, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, or loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Behavioral: compulsive behavior, impulsivity, irritability, restlessness, or self-harm
Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Sleep: excess sleepiness or insomnia
Psychological: depression or grandiosity
Also common: rapid and frenzied speaking

Treatments

Treatment depends on severity

Treatment includes counseling and medications, such as mood stabilizers.

Therapies

Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Psychoeducation: Education about mental health that also serves to support, validate, and empower patients.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.

Medications

Antipsychotic: Reduces or improves the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.

• Risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, and Risperdal M-TAB)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel and Seroquel XR)
• Ziprasidone
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Zyprexa Zydis)
• Aripiprazole (Abilify)
• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo, and Versacloz)

Antidepressant: Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.

• Bupropion (Zyban, Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, and Forfivo XL)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

A disorder in which a child becomes excessively anxious when separated from parents.

Common

More than 200,000 US cases per year

• Usually self-treatable
• Medium-term: resolves within months
• Usually self-diagnosable
• Lab tests or imaging not required

Children are especially prone to separation anxiety during times of stress.

Separation anxiety differs from normal clinginess. Children with the disorder can’t think about anything but the present fear of separation. They may have nightmares or regular physical complaints. They may be reluctant to go to school or other places.

Treatment includes talk therapy and possibly anti-anxiety medication.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Usually self-diagnosable

Separation anxiety differs from normal clinginess. Children with the disorder can’t think about anything but the present fear of separation. They may have nightmares or regular physical complaints. They may be reluctant to go to school or other places.

People may experience:

Mood: anxiety or apprehension
Psychological: depression or fear
Also common: crying, nightmares, palpitations, or rapid breathing

Treatments

Treatment consists of therapy

Treatment includes talk therapy and possibly anti-anxiety medication.

Therapies

Family therapy: Psychological counseling that helps families resolve conflicts and communicate more effectively.
Behavior therapy: A therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviors associated with psychological distress.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.
Systematic desensitization: Psychological treatment that helps people overcome fears by gradually exposing them to the things they’re afraid of.

Supportive care

Reassurance: Providing comfort and support to an anxious person whose condition is not life-threatening and may improve with time.
Monitoring for changes or improvement: Monitoring a medical condition instead of taking action right away.

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

Also called: psychotic disorder

A mental disorder characterized by a disconnection from reality.

Common

More than 200,000 US cases per year

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging not required

Psychosis may occur as a result of a psychiatric illness like schizophrenia. In other instances, it may be caused by a health condition, medications, or drug use.

Possible symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation. The person with the condition usually isn’t aware of his or her behavior.

Treatment may include medication and talk therapy.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

Possible symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, talking incoherently, and agitation. The person with the condition usually isn’t aware of his or her behavior.

People may experience:

Behavioral: disorganized behavior, aggression, agitation, hostility, hyperactivity, hypervigilance, nonsense word repetition, repetitive movements, restlessness, self-harm, social isolation, lack of restraint, or persistent repetition of words or actions
Cognitive: thought disorder, confusion, belief that an ordinary event has special and personal meaning, belief that thoughts aren’t one’s own, disorientation, memory loss, racing thoughts, slowness in activity, thoughts of suicide, unwanted thoughts, or difficulty thinking and understanding
Mood: anger, anxiety, apathy, excitement, feeling detached from self, general discontent, limited range of emotions, or loneliness
Psychological: fear, hearing voices, depression, manic episode, paranoia, persecutory delusion, religious delusion, or visual hallucinations
Speech: deficiency of speech, excessive wordiness, incoherent speech, or rapid and frenzied speaking
Also common: false belief of superiority, nervousness, nightmares, or tactile hallucination

Treatments

Treatment consists of antipsychotics

Treatment may include medication and talk therapy.

Supportive care

Hospitalization: A higher level of care whereby patients are closely monitored and may be given medications that would not be available at home.

Medications

Antipsychotic: Reduces or improves the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.

• Trifluoperazine
• Chlorpromazine
• Haloperidol (Haldol Decanoate)
• Fluphenazine
• Risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consla, and Risperdal M-TAB)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel and Seroquel XR)
• Ziprasidone
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Relprevv, and Zyprexa Zydis)
• Perphenazine
• Aripiprazole (Ability, Ability Maintena, and Aristada)
• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo, and Versacloz)

Therapies

Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Psychoeducation: Education about mental health that also serves to support, validate, and empower patients.
Family therapy: Psychological counseling that helps families resolve conflicts and communicate more effectively.

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Emergency medicine doctor: Treats patients in the emergency department.

Critical: consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

Also called: autism spectrum disorder.

A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.

Common

More than 200,000 US cases per year

• Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging rarely required

Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system.

The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors.

Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Ages affected

Genders affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors.

People may experience:

Behavioral: inappropriate social interaction, poor eye contact, compulsive behavior, impulsivity, repetitive movements, self-harm, or persistent repetition of words or actions
Developmental: learning disability or speech delay in a child
Cognitive: intense interest in a limited number of things or problem paying attention
Psychological: unaware of others’ emotions or depression
Also common: anxiety, change in voice, sensitivity to sound, or tic

Treatments

Treatment consists of therapy

Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Therapies

Anger management: Practicing mindfulness, coping mechanisms, and trigger avoidance to minimize destructive emotional outbursts.
Family therapy: Psychological counseling that helps families resolve conflicts and communicate more effectively.
Applied behavior analysis: A teaching method that helps autistic children learn socially significant skills by encouraging positive behavior.
Behavior therapy: A therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviors associated with psychological distress.
Sensory processing: The way the nervous system receives messages from the senses and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses.
Animal-Assisted therapy: Using animals to enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of humans.
Telepractice: Using high-speed Internet, webcams, Skype, and other communication technologies to provide speech therapy from a distant location.

Medications

Antipsychotic: Reduces or improves the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.

• Risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consla, and Risperdal M-TAB)
• Quetiapine (Seroquel and Seroquel XR)

Specialists

Speech therapist: Specializes in voice rehabilitation.
Occupational therapist: Improves daily living and work skills of patients.
Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical

This autism spectrum disorder primarily manifests in difficulties with social interaction and nonverbal communication. Unlike other ASD factors, those with Asperger’s frequently display normal development of language and learning abilities. This disorder often includes intense interest in focused areas, limited feelings of empathy, and physical clumsiness.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, refers to a developmental disorder characterized by inattention, restlessness, disruptive behavior, and impulsivity. This can lead to troubles with academics, maintaining relationships, and social interactions.

Panic Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which includes recurring panic attacks. Diagnosed individuals may also exhibit significant behavioral changes and intense worry about having panic attacks, to the point that their daily behavior may be affected. These attacks are characterized by a number of symptoms, ranging from dizziness to chest pains or shortness of breath.

A neurological disorder, Tourette’s manifests as involuntary, abrupt motor or vocal tics. This can include a wide range of examples, such as sniffing, grunting, head jerking, or tapping. Symptoms can vary dramatically between individuals and even fluctuate regularly for a single individual. Patients with Tourette’s tend to have a higher predisposition for additional neuropsychiatric disorders that accompany their primary diagnosis.

A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Very common

More than 3 million US cases per year

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Medium-term: resolves within months
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging always required

Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide.

People may experience:

Mood: anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness
Behavioral: agitation, excessive crying, irritability, restlessness, or social isolation
Sleep: early awakening, excess sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
Whole body: excessive hunger, fatigue, or loss of appetite
Cognitive: lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Weight: weight gain or weight loss
Also common: poor appetite or repeatedly going over thoughts

Treatments

Treatment consists of antidepressants
The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression.

Therapies

Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Behavior therapy: A therapy focused on modifying harmful behaviors associated with psychological distress.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Fluvoxamine
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, and Paxil CR)

Antidepressant: Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood

• Bupropion (Zyban, Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, and Forfivo XL)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Mirtazapine (Remeron and Remeronsoltab)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta and lrenka)
• Amitriptyline
• Imipramine (Tofranil)
• Selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar, and Eldepryl)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• Trazodone (Oleptro ER)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq and Khedezla)

Anxiolytic: Relieves anxiety and tension. May promote sleep.

• Buspirone

Antipsychotic: Reduces or improves the symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions.

• Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Medical procedure

Electroconvulsive therapy: Treating mental illness by sending electric currents through the brain to trigger a seizure. Also known as shock treatment.

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.
Emergency medicine doctor: Treats patients in the emergency department.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

Also called: GAD

Severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily activities.

Very common

More than 3 million US cases per year

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging not required

Generalized anxiety disorder can occur at any age.

The condition has symptoms similar to panic disorder, obsessive­compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety. These symptoms include constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration.

Treatment may include counseling and medications, such as antidepressants.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

The condition has symptoms similar to panic disorder, obsessive­compulsive disorder, and other types of anxiety. These symptoms include constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration.

People may experience:

Pain areas: in the back
Whole body: fatigue, lightheadedness, or sweating
Behavioral: hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness
Psychological: severe anxiety, fear, or repeatedly going over thoughts
Cognitive: lack of concentration or unwanted thoughts
Also common: emotional distress, excessive worry, difficulty falling asleep, headache, nausea, palpitations, or trembling

Treatments

Treatment consists of therapy

Treatment may include counseling and medications, such as antidepressants.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, and Paxil CR)

Anxiolytic: Relieves anxiety and tension. May promote sleep.

• Buspirone

Antidepressant: Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta and lrenka)

Self-care

Physical exercise: Aerobic activity for 20-30 minutes 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering.
Stress management: Pursuing an enjoyable activity or verbalizing frustration to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, rhythmic exercise, and other activities that reduce symptoms of stress

Therapies

Mindfulness therapies: The act of turning your attention internally to help manage physical and mental symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Mindfulness: The act of turning your attention internally to help manage physical and mental symptoms.
Psychoanalysis: Uses psychotherapy to treat mental disorders.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.

Specialists

Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.
Pediatrician: Provides medical care for infants, children, and teenagers.
Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases. Geriatrician: Focuses on the health care of elderly people.
Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical

Also called: PTSD

A disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

Very common

More than 3 million US cases per year

• Treatable by a medical professional
• Medium-term: resolves within months
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging not required

The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.

Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety, or depressed mood.

Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety, or depressed mood.

People may experience:

Behavioral: agitation, irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation
Psychological: flashback, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust
Mood: loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness Sleep: insomnia or nightmares
Also common: emotional detachment or unwanted thoughts

Treatments

Treatment consists of medications and therapy

Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.

Therapies

Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Psychological treatment that reduces the stress of traumatic events through eye movements.
Exposure and response prevention: A talk therapy based on exposing feared or traumatic experiences within a safe setting in order to help reduce any associated psychological distress.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, and Paxil CR)

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

Although similar to childhood ADHD, the adult form often manifests in very different ways. Inattentiveness and hyperactivity are the predominant characteristics of this disorder, often leading to procrastination, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and organizational problems in adults that can interfere with employment, relationships, and other important aspects of their lives.

Also called: OCD

Excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Common

More than 200,000 US cases per year

• Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured
• Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
• Requires a medical diagnosis
• Lab tests or imaging not required

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviors.

OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life.

Treatment includes talk therapy, medications, or both.

Ages affected

Symptoms

Requires a medical diagnosis

OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life.

People may experience:

Behavioral: compulsive behavior, agitation, compulsive hoarding, hypervigilance, impulsivity, meaningless repetition of own words, repetitive movements, ritualistic behavior, social isolation, or persistent repetition of words or actions
Mood: anxiety, apprehension, guilt, or panic attack
Psychological: depression, fear, or repeatedly going over thoughts
Also common: food aversion or nightmares

Treatments

Treatment consists of self care and therapy Treatment includes talk therapy, medications, or both.

Medications

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI): Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Fluvoxamine
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, and Prozac Weekly)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, and Paxil CR)

Anxiolytic: Relieves anxiety and tension. May promote sleep.

• Buspirone

Antidepressant: Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

Therapies

Support group: A forum for counseling and sharing experiences among people with a similar condition or goal, such as depression or weight loss.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.
Aversion therapy: Suppressing unwanted behavior, like smoking, by associating it with a negative experience, like an electric shock.
Psychoeducation: Education about mental health that also serves to support, validate, and empower patients.
Rational emotive behavior therapy: Psychological treatment that helps people change negative, irrational thoughts and improve emotional well-being.
Exposure and response prevention: A talk therapy based on exposing feared or traumatic experiences within a safe setting in order to help reduce any associated psychological distress.
Psychotherapy: Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.
Systematic desensitization: Psychological treatment that helps people overcome fears by gradually exposing them to the things they’re afraid of.
Group psychotherapy: Talk therapy where the therapist works with clients in a group instead of one-on-one.

Specialists

Clinical psychologist: Treats mental disorders primarily with talk therapy.
Psychiatrist: Treats mental disorders primarily with medications.

Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition, but doesn’t apply to everyone. This information isn’t medical advice, so make sure to contact a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.