Bipolar and Related Disorders
Mania
Mania involves a distinct period of heightened, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy and activity levels. During manic episodes, individuals may feel easily distracted, irritable, and excessively confident.
​
In severe cases, mania can lead to psychotic symptoms like grandiose delusions and hallucinations. Mania is a hallmark of bipolar I disorder, while hypomania is characteristic of bipolar II disorder.
​
Hypomanic episodes share similarities with manic episodes in terms of elevated mood and activity levels, but they are less intense and typically shorter in duration.
​
People experiencing mania often engage in risky behaviors with potential long-term consequences, such as excessive spending or gambling. These behaviors are reflective of the heightened impulsivity and poor judgment often associated with manic episodes.
Depressive episodes
During depressive episodes, individuals with bipolar disorder experience feelings of sadness or low mood, coupled with a diminished interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also feel guilt, fatigue, and irritability. Sleep disturbances and thoughts of suicide can also occur during these periods.
​
Both manic and depressive episodes can be distressing for the person affected and for those around them, such as family and friends. Fortunately, effective treatments, which often include medications and psychotherapy, can help individuals manage symptoms and lead productive lives despite the challenges of bipolar disorder.
​
If you are having suicidal thoughts or troubles, consider contacting reaching out for help
​
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are defined by intense and lasting feelings of fear, worry, and anxiety, often accompanied by changes in behavior. Fear is a reaction to an immediate threat, whether real or perceived, while anxiety involves worrying about potential future threats.
​
Types of anxiety disorders include:
-
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
-
Panic Disorder: Sudden and repeated attacks of fear or discomfort, known as panic attacks.
-
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear of social situations or performance situations where embarrassment may occur.
-
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
-
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Persistent symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event, including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
​
These disorders can significantly impact daily life and may require treatment such as therapy and medication to manage symptoms effectively.
​
​
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday events. While it's normal to experience some stress and concern, GAD involves worry that is so intense that it disrupts a person's overall well-being and ability to function normally.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a common psychological condition characterized by an irrational fear of being observed, evaluated, humiliated, or embarrassed. This anxiety significantly affects a person's ability to function in various social settings, including school and work.
​
​
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations in the environment. Common examples include fear of spiders, heights, or snakes.
​
The four primary types of specific phobias are:
-
Natural Environment Phobias: Fear of natural events like thunderstorms, lightning, or tornadoes.
-
Medical Phobias: Fear related to medical procedures, dental visits, or medical equipment.
-
Animal Phobias: Fear of animals such as dogs, snakes, or insects.
-
Situational Phobias: Fear of specific situations like enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), leaving home (agoraphobia), or driving.
​
When confronted with their phobia triggers, individuals may experience symptoms such as nausea, trembling, rapid heart rate, and an intense fear of harm or death.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a psychiatric condition defined by sudden, unexpected panic attacks that can occur without an apparent cause. Individuals with this disorder often live with ongoing anxiety and fear of experiencing another panic attack.
Due to this fear, people may start avoiding places or situations where previous attacks happened or where they believe an attack could happen. This avoidance behavior can severely disrupt daily life and make it challenging to maintain regular routines.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation anxiety disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by an overwhelming fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures. While commonly associated with young children afraid of leaving their parents, this condition can also affect older children and adults.
​
Individuals with separation anxiety disorder may avoid situations that require them to be apart from their attachment figures, such as leaving home, going to school, or getting married. This strong desire to stay close to their attachment figures can significantly impact daily life and relationships.
