Category Archives: Uncategorized

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRDs) are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) that cause distress, and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

The disorders in this category include:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – a disorder where a person has recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – a disorder where a person is excessively concerned about one or more perceived flaws or defects in their appearance that are not noticeable to others.

Hoarding Disorder – a disorder where a person has difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value, which results in clutter that interferes with the use of living spaces.

Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder) – a disorder where a person has a strong urge to pull out their hair from their scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other body parts, resulting in noticeable hair loss.

Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder – a disorder where a person recurrently picks at their skin, resulting in skin lesions, scarring, and/or infections.

Substance/Medication-Induced Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder – a disorder where the symptoms of an OCD-related disorder are caused by substance abuse or medication.

All of these disorders share the common feature of unwanted, intrusive thoughts or behaviors that are difficult to control and cause significant distress and impairment in daily life. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support.

Shervan K Shahhian

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. These feelings can be so severe that they interfere with a person’s daily activities and quality of life. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. Each of these disorders has its own set of symptoms and diagnostic criteria, but they all share the common feature of excessive and persistent anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling, and nausea, as well as psychological symptoms such as excessive worry, fear, and avoidance behaviors. Treatment for anxiety disorders may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both, and can be highly effective in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. These disorders can significantly affect a person’s daily functioning, including their ability to work, study, and engage in social activities.

The most common forms of depressive disorders are major depressive disorder (MDD), persistent depressive disorder (PDD), and bipolar disorder. MDD is characterized by at least two weeks of persistent sadness or loss of interest in daily activities. PDD involves symptoms that last for two years or longer. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both depression and mania (extreme euphoria and energy) that alternate over time.

Depressive disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Treatment options for depressive disorders typically include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression to seek professional help, as these disorders can have serious consequences if left untreated.

Shervan K Shahhian

Bipolar and Related Disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by significant mood swings or episodes of mania and depression.

Bipolar disorder is the most well-known disorder in this group and is characterized by episodes of mania, hypomania (less intense than mania), and depression. People with bipolar disorder may experience extreme highs or manic episodes where they feel euphoric, have increased energy and impulsivity, engage in risky behavior, and have racing thoughts. These episodes are followed by periods of depression where they feel sad, hopeless, and lack energy and motivation.

Other related disorders include cyclothymic disorder, which is characterized by milder mood swings, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, which involves chronic irritability and frequent outbursts of temper in children and adolescents. There is also a condition called schizoaffective disorder, which involves symptoms of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Treatment for these disorders usually involves medication, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or family-focused therapy.

Shervan K Shahhian

Schizophrenia spectrum is a term used to describe a range of conditions that are related to, or share some features with, schizophrenia. These conditions can be categorized as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder, schizophreniform disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is typically characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal behaviors. Schizophrenia usually develops in the late teen or early adult years, and it can be a lifelong condition.

Schizoaffective disorder is a condition that has features of both schizophrenia and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. Individuals with this condition experience symptoms of psychosis, along with symptoms of mood disorders such as depression or mania.

Delusional disorder is a condition in which an individual has one or more fixed, false beliefs that are not based in reality. These beliefs can be about anything, but they are usually centered around themes such as persecution, jealousy, or grandiosity.

Brief psychotic disorder is a condition in which an individual experiences sudden, short-lived episodes of psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech.

Schizophreniform disorder is a condition that has many of the same symptoms as schizophrenia, but the symptoms are less severe and last for a shorter period of time. If the symptoms persist for more than six months, the diagnosis may be changed to schizophrenia.

Schizotypal personality disorder is a condition in which an individual has difficulty forming close relationships and has odd, eccentric, or unusual behavior, speech, or thoughts. They may also experience mild or intermittent psychotic symptoms.

Overall, the conditions that fall under the schizophrenia spectrum share some common features, such as disturbances in thought processes, perception, and behavior. However, the severity, duration, and specific symptoms can vary widely from one person to another. Proper diagnosis and treatment by a qualified mental health professional are crucial for managing these conditions.

Shervan K Shahhian

Neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions that affect the development of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These disorders typically emerge during the developmental period and can result in difficulties with behavior, learning, communication, and social interaction.

Examples of neurodevelopmental disorders include autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, intellectual disability, and Tourette syndrome. These disorders are usually diagnosed in childhood but may continue into adulthood.

Neurodevelopmental disorders can have a range of causes, including genetic, environmental, and biological factors. Treatment for these disorders typically involves a combination of therapies, such as behavioral interventions, medications, and educational support, to help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Behavioral Medicine is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles and techniques from psychology, medicine, and related health sciences to understand how behavior affects physical health and illness. It focuses on the interactions between individuals’ behaviors, emotions, and biological processes, and how these interactions can lead to health or illness.

Behavioral Medicine interventions can include psychotherapy, stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and behavioral modification programs. The goal of Behavioral Medicine is to promote healthy behaviors and reduce negative health outcomes by addressing the underlying psychological and behavioral factors that contribute to illness. This can include treating conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic pain, among others. Additionally, behavioral medicine can also focus on prevention and health promotion, such as encouraging healthy behaviors like regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction techniques.

Shervan K Shahhian

Group therapy is a form of therapy where a group of individuals with similar issues or concerns meet regularly with a trained therapist to discuss their problems, share their experiences, and provide support to each other. The therapist facilitates the group and helps members to explore their feelings, behaviors, and relationships with others.

Group therapy can be beneficial for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship difficulties, and trauma. It can provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can feel heard and validated, and learn from the experiences and perspectives of others.

Group therapy can be conducted in-person or online, and the size of the group can vary. Group therapy can be a cost-effective and efficient way to receive therapy as individuals can benefit from the collective wisdom of the group and the insights gained from the therapist’s guidance.

Shervan K Shahhian

Anger management refers to a set of skills and techniques that help individuals control and reduce their levels of anger. The goal of anger management is to help individuals better understand the causes of their anger, identify triggers that lead to angry reactions, and develop strategies to manage and reduce their anger in constructive ways.

Anger management techniques can include things like deep breathing exercises, meditation, relaxation techniques, physical exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The specific techniques used will depend on the individual and their particular needs and circumstances.

Anger management can be useful for anyone who struggles with controlling their anger, from those who experience occasional outbursts to those who have chronic problems with anger and aggression. It can help individuals improve their relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve their overall quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Emotional Health?

Emotional health refers to the overall well-being and ability to manage emotions effectively. It includes the ability to understand and express emotions, regulate one’s own emotions, cope with stress and challenges, and maintain positive relationships with others. Emotional health is an important aspect of overall health and can affect physical health, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Maintaining emotional health involves developing healthy coping mechanisms, building strong social support networks, and seeking professional help when necessary.

Shervan K Shahhian