Author Archives: JmaC

Key facts There are many different mental disorders, with different presentations. They are generally characterized by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. Mental disorders include: depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, … Continue reading →

Key facts Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, an estimated 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. … Continue reading →

Pediatric bipolar disorder is notoriously controversial, with the epicenter of the debate being whether the condition can be diagnosed in prepubertal children at all. Some clinicians avoid labeling affectively labile youngsters with bipolar disorder, preferring instead less stigmatizing categories like … Continue reading →

People often feel sad, blue, or ‘depressed’ from time to time.  These feelings are usually short lived, and do not interfere with daily life.  Major Depressive Disorder, on the other hand, is a serious medical condition that affects the mind and … Continue reading →

Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder: What You Need to Know Bipolar Disorder and African Americans Bipolar Disorder in Children Infographic: Life with Bipolar Mood Disorders “What is Bipolar Disorder?” A Guide to Hope and Recovery for African Americans Staying Well When … Continue reading →

People with bipolar disorder often have cycles of elevated and depressed mood that fit the description of “manic depression.” When a person’s illness follows this classic pattern, diagnosing bipolar disorder is relatively easy. But bipolar disorder can be sneaky. Symptoms … Continue reading →

Ongoing treatment — both psychotherapy and medication — is essential to controlling the mood swings of bipolar disorder. How can family members help their loved one stick with treatment? “Learn as much as you can about the disease,” says Kay … Continue reading →

Caring for someone with bipolar disorder can be very hard, whether you’re a partner, parent, child, or friend of someone who has this condition. It’s stressful for everyone it touches. It’s tough to strike a balance. You want to be supportive and … Continue reading →

Are two conditions that are increasingly being diagnosed in American children and teens, often together. And interestingly, in children and teens, there are some similarities in the symptoms of the two conditions. But how can a doctor know for sure … Continue reading →