Author Archives: JmaC

After the decision to seek therapy has been made, an individual may feel unsure about how to choose a therapist. People seeking therapy often find that they have no standards to use in evaluating potential therapists. There are many competent … Continue reading →

Everyone experiences stress. Stress can come from anywhere: day-to-day activities, relationships, work, life changes, illness, even from fun events. Everyone reacts differently to it. Many people don’t even know they are stressed until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Symptoms … Continue reading →

Health Anxiety: What Is It? Anxiety is the body’s natural response to the perception of threat. Because most people consider their physical health to be of great importance, it is not surprising that most people experience anxiety about their health … Continue reading →

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses an electric current to treat depression and some other mental illnesses. Description During ECT, the electric current triggers a seizure in the brain. Doctors believe that the seizure activity may help the brain “rewire” itself, which … Continue reading →

Overview Brain stimulation therapies can play a role in treating certain mental disorders. Brain stimulation therapies involve activating or inhibiting the brain directly with electricity. The electricity can be given directly by electrodes implanted in the brain, or noninvasively through … Continue reading →

Psychotherapies What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy”, is a way to treat people with a mental disorder by helping them understand their illness. It teaches people strategies and gives them tools to deal with stress and unhealthy thoughts and … Continue reading →

Overview Medications can play a role in treating several mental disorders and conditions. Treatment may also include psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”) and brain stimulation therapies (less common). In some cases, psychotherapy alone may be the best treatment option. Choosing … Continue reading →

Definition Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. DMDD symptoms go beyond a being a “moody” child—children with DMDD experience severe impairment that requires clinical attention. DMDD is a … Continue reading →