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Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Information for Parents

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Information for Parents

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

No. 72; Reviewed January 2019

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed, or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life.

In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the child's day to day functioning.

Symptoms of ODD may include:

Frequent temper tantrums

Excessive arguing with adults

Often questioning rules

Active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people

Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others

Frequent anger and resentment

Mean and hateful talking when upset

Spiteful attitude and revenge seeking

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings but may be more noticeable at home or at school. One to sixteen percent of all school-age children and adolescents have ODD. The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding than the child's siblings from an early age. Biological, psychological, and social factors may have a role.

A child presenting with ODD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation. It is important to look for other disorders which may be present, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), and anxiety disorders. It may be difficult to improve the symptoms of ODD without treating the coexisting disorder. Some children with ODD may go on to develop conduct disorder.

Treatment of ODD may include:

Parent Management Training to help parents and others manage the child's behavior

Individual Psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management

Family Psychotherapy to improve communication and mutual understanding

Cognitive Problem-Solving Skills Training and Therapies to decrease negativity

Social Skills Training to increase flexibility and improve social skills and frustration tolerance with peers

Medications may be helpful in controlling some of the more distressing symptoms of ODD as well as the symptoms related to coexistent conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and mood disorders.

A child with ODD can be very difficult for parents. These parents need support and understanding. Parents can help their child with ODD in the following ways:

Always build on the positives, give the child praise and positive reinforcement when s/he shows flexibility or cooperation.

Take a time-out or break if you are about to make the conflict with your child worse, not better. This is good modeling for your child. Support your child if s/he decides to take a time-out to prevent overreacting.

Pick your battles. Since the child with ODD has trouble avoiding power struggles, prioritize the things you want your child to do. If you give your child a time-out in his room for misbehavior, don't add time for arguing. Say "your time will start when you go to your room."

Set reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently.

Maintain interests other than your child with ODD, so that managing your child doesn't take all your time and energy. Try to work with and obtain support from the other adults (teachers, coaches, and spouse) dealing with your child.

Manage your own stress with healthy life choices such as exercise and relaxation. Use respite care and other breaks as needed.

Many children with ODD will respond to the positive parenting techniques. Parents may ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other qualified mental health professional who can help diagnose and treat ODD and any coexisting psychiatric condition.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder No. 72; Reviewed January 2019 All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed, or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder San Antionio, TX | Brain Balance Centers

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Brain Balance Center of San Antionio, TX has a plan for children who struggle with oppositional defiant disorder! Call today to learn more about oppositional defiant disorder programs in San Antionio, TX.

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Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance

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Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance

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Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance - The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance stands for hope and recovery through the promotion of education, support programs, & better public policy

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Home - Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance

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The Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance stands for hope and recovery through the promotion of education, support programs, & better public policy

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Psychoeducation can help people understand their disorders and feel more in control of their mental health.

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Psychoeducation can help people understand their disorders and feel more in control of their mental health.

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Finding community through support groups targeted toward specific mental health disorders can help people feel less alone.

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Finding community through support groups targeted toward specific mental health disorders can help people feel less alone.

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With mental health support, struggling individuals can find hope and look toward a brighter future.

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With mental health support, struggling individuals can find hope and look toward a brighter future.

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Dealing with mental health disorders can feel isolating. School counselors can lend a helping hand in times of need to connect struggling individuals with crucial services.

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Dealing with mental health disorders can feel isolating. School counselors can lend a helping hand in times of need to connect struggling individuals with crucial services.

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Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. It is a complex, long-term medical illness. The exact prevalence of schizophrenia is difficult to measure, but estimates range from 0.25% to 0.64% of U.S. adults. Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, the average age of onset tends to be in the late teens to the early 20s for men, and the late 20s to early 30s for women. It is uncommon for schizophrenia to be diagnosed in a person younger than 12 or older than 40. It is possible to live well with schizophrenia.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to diagnose schizophrenia in teens. This is because the first signs can include a change of friends, a drop in grades, sleep problems, and irritability-common and nonspecific adolescent behavior. Other factors include isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. In young people who develop schizophrenia, this stage of the disorder is called the "prodromal" period.

With any condition, it's essential to get a comprehensive medical evaluation in order to obtain the best diagnosis. For a diagnosis of schizophrenia, some of the following symptoms are present in the context of reduced functioning for a least 6 months:

Hallucinations. These include a person hearing voices, seeing things, or smelling things others can't perceive. The hallucination is very real to the person experiencing it, and it may be very confusing for a loved one to witness. The voices in the hallucination can be critical or threatening. Voices may involve people that are known or unknown to the person hearing them.

Delusions. These are false beliefs that don't change even when the person who holds them is presented with new ideas or facts. People who have delusions often also have problems concentrating, confused thinking, or the sense that their thoughts are blocked.

Negative symptoms are ones that diminish a person's abilities. Negative symptoms often include being emotionally flat or speaking in a dull, disconnected way. People with the negative symptoms may be unable to start or follow through with activities, show little interest in life, or sustain relationships. Negative symptoms are sometimes confused with clinical depression.

Cognitive issues/disorganized thinking. People with the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia often struggle to remember things, organize their thoughts or complete tasks. Commonly, people with schizophrenia have anosognosia or "lack of insight." This means the person is unaware that he has the illness, which can make treating or working with him much more challenging.

Causes

Research suggests that schizophrenia may have several possible causes:

Genetics. Schizophrenia isn't caused by just one genetic variation, but a complex interplay of genetics and environmental influences. Heredity does play a strong role-your likelihood of developing schizophrenia is more than six times higher if you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with the disorder

Environment. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth, particularly in the first and second trimesters has been shown to increase the risk of schizophrenia. Recent research also suggests a relationship between autoimmune disorders and the development of psychosis.

Brain chemistry. Problems with certain brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Neurotransmitters allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Networks of neurons are likely involved as well.

Substance use. Some studies have suggested that taking mind-altering drugs during teen years and young adulthood can increase the risk of schizophrenia. A growing body of evidence indicates that smoking marijuana increases the risk of psychotic incidents and the risk of ongoing psychotic experiences. The younger and more frequent the use, the greater the risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing schizophrenia is not easy. Sometimes using drugs, such as methamphetamines or LSD, can cause a person to have schizophrenia-like symptoms. The difficulty of diagnosing this illness is compounded by the fact that many people who are diagnosed do not believe they have it. Lack of awareness is a common symptom of people diagnosed with schizophrenia and greatly complicates treatment.

While there is no single physical or lab test that can diagnosis schizophrenia, a health care provider who evaluates the symptoms and the course of a person's illness over six months can help ensure a correct diagnosis. The health care provider must rule out other factors such as brain tumors, possible medical conditions and other psychiatric diagnoses, such as bipolar disorder.

To be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a person must have two or more of the following symptoms occurring persistently in the context of reduced functioning:

Delusions

Hallucinations

Disorganized speech

Disorganized or catatonic behavior

Negative symptoms

Delusions or hallucinations alone can often be enough to lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Identifying it as early as possible greatly improves a person's chances of managing the illness, reducing psychotic episodes, and recovering. People who receive good care during their first psychotic episode are admitted to the hospital less often, and may require less time to control symptoms than those who don't receive immediate help. The literature on the role of medicines early in treatment is evolving, but we do know that psychotherapy is essential.

People can describe symptoms in a variety of ways. How a person describes symptoms often depends on the cultural lens she is looking through. African Americans and Latinos are more likely to be misdiagnosed, potentially due to differing cultural perspectives or structural barriers. Any person who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia should try to work with a health care professional that understands his or her cultural background and shares the same expectations for treatment.

Treatment

There is no cure for schizophrenia, but it can be treated and managed in several ways.

Related Conditions

People with schizophrenia may have additional illnesses. These may include:

Successfully treating schizohprenia almost always improves these related illnesses. And successful treatment of substance misuse, PTSD or OCD usually improves the symptoms of schizophrenia.

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What is Schizophrenia? | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Discover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis advice, treatment options and related conditions of schizophrenia.

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In this 2-part podcast series, NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth guides discussions on early psychosis that offer insights from individuals, family members and mental health professionals. Read the transcript.
Note: Content includes discussions on topics such as suicide attempts and may be triggering.

Most people think of psychosis as a break with reality. In a way it is. Psychosis is characterized as disruptions to a person's thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn't. These disruptions are often experienced as seeing, hearing and believing things that aren't real or having strange, persistent thoughts, behaviors and emotions. While everyone's experience is different, most people say psychosis is frightening and confusing.

Psychosis is a symptom, not an illness, and it is more common than you may think. In the U.S., approximately 100,000 young people experience psychosis each year. As many as 3 in 100 people will have an episode at some point in their lives.

Early or first-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to when a person first shows signs of beginning to lose contact with reality. Acting quickly to connect a person with the right treatment during early psychosis or FEP can be life-changing and radically alter that person's future. Don't wait to take the first step and prepare yourself with information by reviewing these tip sheets:

What is Early and First-Episode Psychosis?
Early Psychosis: What's Going on and What Can You Do?
Encouraging People to Seek Help for Early Psychosis
Early Intervention: Tips for School Staff and Coaches

Symptoms

Early warning signs before psychosis

Early psychosis or FEP rarely comes suddenly. Usually, a person has gradual, non-specific changes in thoughts and perceptions, but doesn't understand what's going on. Early warning signs can be difficult to distinguish from typical teen or young adult behavior. While such signs should not be cause for alarm, they may indicate the need to get an assessment from a doctor.

Encouraging people to seek help for early psychosis is important. Families are often the first to see early signs of psychosis and the first to address the issue of seeking treatment. However, a person's willingness to accept help is often complicated by delusions, fears, stigma and feeling unsettled. In this case, families can find the situation extremely difficult, but there are engagement strategies to help encourage a person to seek help.

It's important to get help quickly since early treatment provides the best hope of recovery by slowing, stopping and possibly reversing the effects of psychosis. Early warning signs include the following:

A worrisome drop in grades or job performance

Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others

A decline in self-care or personal hygiene

Spending a lot more time alone than usual

Strong, inappropriate emotions or having no feelings at all

Signs of early or first-episode psychosis

Determining exactly when the first episode of psychosis begins can be hard, but these signs and symptoms strongly indicate an episode of psychosis:

Hearing, seeing, tasting or believing things that others don't

Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that can't be set aside regardless of what others believe

Strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all

Withdrawing from family or friends

A sudden decline in self-care

Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

Such warning signs often point to a person's deteriorating health, and a physical and neurological evaluation can help find the problem. A mental health professional performing a psychological evaluation can determine if a mental health condition is involved and discuss next steps. If the psychosis is a symptom of a mental health condition, early action helps to keep lives on track.

Psychosis

Psychosis includes a range of symptoms but typically involves one of these two major experiences:

Hallucinations are seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren't there, such as the following:

Hearing voices (auditory hallucinations)

Strange sensations or unexplainable feelings

Seeing glimpses of objects or people that are not there or distortions

Delusions are strong beliefs that are not consistent with the person's culture, are unlikely to be true and may seem irrational to others, such as the following:

Believing external forces are controlling thoughts, feelings and behaviors

Believing that trivial remarks, events or objects have personal meaning or significance

Thinking you have special powers, are on a special mission or even that you are God.

Causes

We are still learning about how and why psychosis develops, but several factors are likely involved. We do know that teenagers and young adults are at increased risk of experiencing an episode of psychosis because of hormonal changes in their brain during puberty.

Several factors that can contribute to psychosis:

Genetics. Many genes can contribute to the development of psychosis, but just because a person has a gene doesn't mean they will experience psychosis. Ongoing studies will help us better understand which genes play a role in psychosis.

Trauma. A traumatic event such as a death, war or sexual assault can trigger a psychotic episode. The type of trauma-and a person's age-affects whether a traumatic event will result in psychosis.

Substance use. The use of marijuana, LSD, amphetamines and other substances can increase the risk of psychosis in people who are already vulnerable.

Physical illness or injury. Traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, strokes, HIV and some brain diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and dementia can sometimes cause psychosis.

Mental health conditions. Sometimes psychosis is a symptom of a condition like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or depression.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis identifies an illness; symptoms are components of an illness. Health care providers draw on information from medical and family history and a physical examination to diagnose someone. If causes such as a brain tumor, infection or epilepsy are ruled out, a mental illness might be the reason.

If the cause is related to a mental health condition, early diagnosis and treatment provide the best hope of recovery. Research shows that the earlier people experiencing psychosis receive treatment, the better their long-term quality of life.

Treatment

Early or first-episode psychosis

Early treatment of psychosis, especially during the first episode, leads to the best outcomes.

Research has shown significant success using a treatment approach called Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC). CSC uses a team of health professionals and specialists who work with a person to create a personal treatment plan based on life goals while involving family members as much as possible.

CSC has the following key components:

Case management

Family support and education

Psychotherapy

Medication management

Supported education and employment

Peer support

SAMHSA maintains an Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) Treatment Locator as a source of information for family members who are seeking CSC programs in the US. Portions of their website are available in Spanish.

Psychosis treatment

Traditional treatment for psychosis involves psychotherapy and medication. Several types of therapy have successfully helped individuals learn to manage their condition. In addition, medication targets symptoms and helps reduce their impact.

Related Conditions

Psychosis can be related to several mental health conditions:

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In this 2-part podcast series, NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth guides discussions on early psychosis that offer insights from individuals, family members and mental health professionals. Read the transcript. Note: Content includes discussions on topics such as suicide attempts and may be triggering. Most people think of psychosis as a break with reality.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behavior don't make sense, they are often unable to stop them.

Symptoms typically begin during childhood, the teenage years or young adulthood, although males often develop them at a younger age than females. 1.2% of U.S. adults experience OCD each year.

Symptoms

Most people have occasional obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors. In an obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, these symptoms generally last more than an hour each day and interfere with daily life.

Obsessions are intrusive, irrational thoughts or impulses that repeatedly occur. People with these disorders know these thoughts are irrational but are afraid that somehow they might be true. These thoughts and impulses are upsetting, and people may try to ignore or suppress them.

Examples of obsessions include:

Thoughts about harming or having harmed someone

Doubts about having done something right, like turning off the stove or locking a door

Unpleasant sexual images

Fears of saying or shouting inappropriate things in public

Compulsions are repetitive acts that temporarily relieve the stress brought on by an obsession. People with these disorders know that these rituals don't make sense but feel they must perform them to relieve the anxiety and, in some cases, to prevent something bad from happening. Like obsessions, people may try not to perform compulsive acts but feel forced to do so to relieve anxiety.

Examples of compulsions include:

Hand washing due to a fear of germs

Counting and recounting money because a person is can't be sure they added correctly

Checking to see if a door is locked or the stove is off

"Mental checking" that goes with intrusive thoughts is also a form of compulsion

Causes

The exact cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown, but researchers believe that activity in several portions of the brain is responsible. More specifically, these areas of the brain may not respond normally to serotonin, a chemical that some nerve cells use to communicate with each other. Genetics are thought to be very important. If you, your parent or a sibling, have obsessive-compulsive disorder, there's around a 25% chance that another immediate family member will have it.

Diagnosis

A doctor or mental health care professional will make a diagnosis of OCD. A general physical with blood tests is recommended to make sure the symptoms are not caused by illicit drugs, medications, another mental illness, or by a general medical condition. The sudden appearance of symptoms in children or older people merits a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that another illness is not causing of these symptoms.

To be diagnosed with OCD, a person must have must have:

Obsessions, compulsions or both

Obsessions or compulsions that are upsetting and cause difficulty with work, relationships, other parts of life and typically last for at least an hour each day

Treatment

A typical treatment plan will often include both psychotherapy and medications, and combined treatment is usually optimal.

Medication, especially a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is helpful for many people to reduce the obsessions and compulsions.

Psychotherapy is also helpful in relieving obsessions and compulsions. In particular,cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and exposure and response therapy (ERT) are effective for many people. Exposure response prevention therapy helps a person tolerate the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts while not acting out a compulsion to reduce that anxiety. Over time, this leads to less anxiety and more self-mastery.

Though OCD cannot be cured, it can be treated effectively. Read more on our treatment page.

Related Conditions

There are related conditions that share some characteristics with OCD but are considered separate conditions.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This disorder is characterized by an obsession with physical appearance. Unlike simple vanity, BDD is characterized by obsessing over one's appearance and body image, often for many hours a day. Any perceived flaws cause significant distress and ultimately impede on the person's ability to function. In some extreme cases, BDD can lead to bodily injury either due to infection because of skin picking, excessive exercise, or from having unnecessary surgical procedures to change one's appearance.

Hoarding Disorder. This disorder is defined by the drive to collect a large amount of useless or valueless items, coupled with extreme distress at the idea of throwing anything away. Over time, this situation can render a space unhealthy or dangerous to be in. Hoarding disorder can negatively impact someone emotionally, physically, socially and financially, and often leads to distress and disability. In addition, many hoarders cannot see that their actions are potentially harmful, and so may resist diagnosis or treatment.

Trichotillomania. Many people develop unhealthy habits such as nail biting or teeth grinding, especially during periods of high stress. Trichotillomania, however, is the compulsive urge to pull out (and possibly eat) your own hair, including eyelashes and eyebrows. Some people may consciously pull out their hair, while others may not even be aware that they are doing it. Trichotillomania can create serious injuries, such as repetitive motion injury in the arm or hand, or, if the hair is repeatedly swallowed, the formation of hairballs in the stomach, which can be life threatening if left untreated. A similar illness is excoriation disorder, which is the compulsive urge to scratch or pick at the skin.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behavior don't make sense, they are often unable to stop them.

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When you become so preoccupied with food and weight issues that you find it harder and harder to focus on other aspects of your life, it may be an early sign of an eating disorder. Without treatment, eating disorders can take over a person's life and lead to serious, potentially fatal medical complications. Eating disorders can affect people of any age or gender, but rates are higher among women. Symptoms commonly appear in adolescence and young adulthood.

Symptoms

Eating disorders are a group of related conditions that cause serious emotional and physical problems. Each condition involves extreme food and weight issues; however, each has unique symptoms that separate it from the others.

Anorexia Nervosa. People with anorexia will deny themselves food to the point of self-starvation as they obsesses about weight loss. With anorexia, a person will deny hunger and refuse to eat, practice binge eating and purging behaviors or exercise to the point of exhaustion as they attempt to limit, eliminate or "burn" calories.

The emotional symptoms of anorexia include irritability, social withdrawal, lack of mood or emotion, not able to understand the seriousness of the situation, fear of eating in public and obsessions with food and exercise. Often food rituals are developed or whole categories of food are eliminated from the person's diet, out of fear of being "fat".

Anorexia can take a heavy physical toll. Very low food intake and inadequate nutrition causes a person to become very thin. The body is forced to slow down to conserve energy causing irregularities or loss of menstruation, constipation and abdominal pain, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, dehydration and trouble sleeping. Some people with anorexia might also use binge eating and purge behaviors, while others only restrict eating.

Bulimia Nervosa. People living with bulimia will feel out of control when binging on very large amounts of food during short periods of time, and then desperately try to rid themselves of the extra calories using forced vomiting, abusing laxatives or excessive exercise. This becomes a repeating cycle that controls many aspects of the person's life and has a very negative effect both emotionally and physically. People living with bulimia are usually normal weight or even a bit overweight.

The emotional symptoms of bulimia include low self-esteem overly linked to body image, feelings of being out of control, feeling guilty or shameful about eating and withdrawal from friends and family.

Like anorexia, bulimia will inflict physical damage. The binging and purging can severely harm the parts of the body involved in eating and digesting food, teeth are damaged by frequent vomiting, and acid reflux is common. Excessive purging can cause dehydration that effect the body's electrolytes and leads to cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and even death.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED). A person with BED losses control over their eating and eats a very large amount of food in a short period of time. They may also eat large amounts of food even when he isn't hungry or after he is uncomfortably full. This causes them to feel embarrassed, disgusted, depressed or guilty about their behavior. A person with BED, after an episode of binge eating, does not attempt to purge or exercise excessively like someone living with anorexia or bulimia would. A person with binge eating disorder may be normal weight, overweight or obese.

Causes

Eating disorders are very complex conditions, and scientists are still learning about the causes. Although eating disorders all have food and weight issues in common, most experts now believe that eating disorders are caused by people attempting to cope with overwhelming feelings and painful emotions by controlling food. Unfortunately, this will eventually damage a person's physical and emotional health, self-esteem and sense of control.

Factors that may be involved in developing an eating disorder include:

Genetics. People with first degree relatives, siblings or parents, with an eating disorder appear to be more at risk of developing an eating disorder, too. This suggests a genetic link. Evidence that the brain chemical, serotonin, is involved also points a contributing genetic and biological factors.

Environment. Cultural pressures that idealize a particular body type place undue pressure on people to achieve unrealistic standards. Popular culture and media images often tie thinness (for women) or muscularity (for men) to popularity, success, beauty and happiness.

Peer Pressure. With young people, this can be a very powerful force. Pressure can appear in the form of teasing, bullying or ridicule because of size or weight. A history of physical or sexual abuse can also contribute to some people developing an eating disorder.

Emotional Health. Perfectionism, impulsive behavior and difficult relationships can all contribute to lowering a person's self-esteem and make them vulnerable to developing eating disorders.

Eating disorders affect all types of people. However there are certain risk factors that put some people at greater risk for developing an eating disorder.

Age. Eating disorders are much more common during teens and early 20s.

Gender. Women and girls are more likely to have a diagnosed eating disorder. However, it is important to recognize that men and boys may be under-diagnosed due to differences in seeking treatment.

Family history. Having a parent or sibling with an eating disorder increases the risk.

Dieting. Dieting taken too far can become an eating disorder.

Changes. Times of change like going to college, starting a new job, or getting divorced may be a stressor towards developing an eating disorder.

Vocations and activities. Eating disorders are especially common among gymnasts, runners, wrestlers and dancers.

Diagnosis

A person with an eating disorder will have the best recovery outcome if they receive an early diagnosis. If an eating disorder is believed to an issue, a doctor will usually perform a physical examination, conduct an interview and order lab tests. These will help form the diagnosis and check for related medical issues and complications.

In addition, a mental health professional will conduct a psychological evaluation. They may ask questions about eating habits, behaviors and beliefs. There may be questions about a patient's history of dieting, exercise, bingeing and purging.

Symptoms must meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in order to warrant a diagnosis. Each eating disorder has its own diagnostic criteria that a mental health professional will use to determine which disorder is involved. It is not necessary to have all the criteria for a disorder to benefit from working with a mental health professional on food and eating issues.

Often a person with an eating disorder will have symptoms of another mental health condition that requires treatment. Whenever possible, it is best to identified and address all conditions at the same time. This gives a person comprehensive treatment support that helps ensure a lasting recovery.

Treatment

Eating disorders are managed using a variety of techniques. Treatments will vary depending on the type of disorder, but will generally include the following.

Psychotherapy, such as talk therapy or behavioral therapy.

Medicine, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Many people living with an eating disorder often have a co-occurring illness like depression or anxiety, and while there is no medication available to treat eating disorders themselves, many patients find that these medicines help with underlying issues.

Nutritional counseling and weight restoration monitoring are also crucial. Family-based treatment is especially important for families with children and adolescents because it enlists the families' help to better ensure healthy eating patterns, and increases awareness and support.

Related Conditions

People with eating disorders often have additional illnesses:

Treating these illnesses can help make treating an eating disorder easier. Some of the symptoms of eating disorders may be caused by another ilnesss.

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Discover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis advice, treatment options and related conditions of eating disorders.

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In this 2-part podcast series, NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth guides discussions on major depressive disorder that offer insights from individuals, family members and mental health professionals. Read the transcript.
Note: Content includes discussions on topics such as suicide attempts and may be triggering.

Depressive disorder, frequently referred to simply as depression, is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. Left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis and a treatment plan consisting of medication, psychotherapy and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can and do get better.

Some will only experience one depressive episode in a lifetime, but for most, depressive disorder recurs. Without treatment, episodes may last a few months to several years.

About 21 million U.S. adults- 8.4% of the population-had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. People of all ages and all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds experience depression, but it does affect some groups more than others.

Symptoms

Depression can present different symptoms, depending on the person. But for most people, depressive disorder changes how they function day-to-day, and typically for more than two weeks. Common symptoms include:

Changes in sleep

Changes in appetite

Lack of concentration

Loss of energy

Lack of interest in activities

Hopelessness or guilty thoughts

Changes in movement (less activity or agitation)

Physical aches and pains

Suicidal thoughts

Causes

Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or something else-but it can also occur spontaneously. Scientists believe several factors can contribute to depression:

Trauma. When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression.

Genetics. Mood disorders, such as depression, tend to run in families.

Life circumstances. Marital status, relationship changes, financial standing and where a person lives influence whether a person develops depression.

Brain changes. Imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobe of the brain becomes less active when a person is depressed. Depression is also associated with changes in how the pituitary gland and hypothalamus respond to hormone stimulation.

Other medical conditions. People who have a history of sleep disturbances, medical illness, chronic pain, anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to develop depression. Some medical syndromes (like hypothyroidism) can mimic depressive disorder. Some medications can also cause symptoms of depression.

Drug and alcohol misuse. Adults with a substance use disorder are at significantly higher risk for experiencing a major depressive episode. Co-occurring disorders require coordinated treatment for both conditions, as alcohol can worsen depressive symptoms.

Diagnosis

To be diagnosed with depressive disorder, a person must have experienced a depressive episode lasting longer than two weeks. The symptoms of a depressive episode include:

Loss of interest or loss of pleasure in all activities

Change in appetite or weight

Sleep disturbances

Feeling agitated or feeling slowed down

Fatigue

Feelings of low self-worth, guilt or shortcomings

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Suicidal thoughts or intentions

Treatments

Although depressive disorder can be a devastating illness, it often responds to treatment. The key is to get a specific evaluation and treatment plan. Safety planning is important for individuals who have suicidal thoughts. After an assessment rules out medical and other possible causes, a patient-centered treatment plans can include any or a combination of the following:

Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal therapy.

Medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications.

Exercise can help with prevention and mild-to-moderate symptoms.

Brain stimulation therapies can be tried if psychotherapy and/or medication are not effective. These include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for depressive disorder with psychosis or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for severe depression.

Light therapy, which uses a light box to expose a person to full spectrum light in an effort to regulate the hormone melatonin.

Alternative approaches including acupuncture, meditation, faith and nutrition can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Reviewed August 2017

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In this 2-part podcast series, NAMI Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ken Duckworth guides discussions on major depressive disorder that offer insights from individuals, family members and mental health professionals. Read the transcript. Note: Content includes discussions on topics such as suicide attempts and may be triggering.

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Bipolar disorder | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Discover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis advice, treatment options and related conditions of Bipolar disorder.

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Anxiety Disorders | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Discover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis advice, treatment options and related conditions of anxiety disorders.

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Eating Recovery Center is accredited through the Joint Commission. This organization seeks to enhance the lives of the persons served in healthcare settings through a consultative accreditation process emphasizing quality, value and optimal outcomes of services.

Organizations that earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ have met or exceeded The Joint Commission's rigorous performance standards to obtain this distinctive and internationally recognized accreditation. Learn more about this accreditation here.

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Eating Disorder Treatment Centers | Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating

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Eating Recovery Center is accredited through the Joint Commission. This organization seeks to enhance the lives of the persons served in healthcare settings through a consultative accreditation process emphasizing quality, value and optimal outcomes of services. Organizations that earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ have met or exceeded The Joint Commission's rigorous performance standards to obtain this distinctive and internationally recognized accreditation.

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Bipolar, Depressive, and Related Disorders: Reference Guide

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Bipolar, Depressive, and Related Disorders: Reference Guide

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Bipolar and Related Disorders Reference Guide KHermosa (1)

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San Antonio Behavioral - In-patient/Out-patient Services

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San Antonio Behavioral - In-patient/Out-patient Services

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San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

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Behavioral health impacts all aspects of an individual's life, yet many treat the dire need for help as an afterthought. Many more people struggle in silence than those seeking and receiving services. San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is here to help you or a loved one receive the treatment you need. Delivering high quality care is our primary goal, and we are dedicated to partnering with patients to offer personalized treatment plans to empower fulfilling lives and promising futures.

San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is a leading provider of acute care behavioral healthcare, psychiatric services, and substance abuse treatment. Our team is trained and specializes in the delivery of trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment for adults, children, adolescents, active-duty military members, and veterans. We are committed to transforming the lives of our patients through kindhearted, caring, and compassionate treatment to create a lifelong impact.

At San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we treat the individual, not the diagnosis. We understand that each patient has their own complicated history that drives the need for behavioral healthcare services. Our team is determined to understand each patient's unique story and complexities to meet their distinct goals and needs. Through dedicated and compassionate care, clinical excellence and individualized treatment, San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital can help you or a loved one begin the journey to healing today.

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Mental Health Clinic & Psychiatric Hospital - San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

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Behavioral health impacts all aspects of an individual's life, yet many treat the dire need for help as an afterthought. Many more people struggle in silence than those seeking and receiving services. San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital is here to help you or a loved one receive the treatment you need.

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Focus & Balance - Support for Depression

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Focus & Balance - Support for Depression

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Our office is still open and all appointments are still valid, there is no need to cancel appointments.
We are now seeing patients via tele-medicine. If you are not able to use tele-medicine we can schedule phone call visits. This allows you to keep your appointment without having to physically come into the office. Prior to your appointment staff will assist you with setting up telemedicine. Thank you for your patience and support during this time.

Focus and balance is a private psychiatric practice. Our mental health professionals are qualified and experienced in providing advanced psychiatric treatment, including ADHD in adults and children, to patients in the San Antonio area. With us, you can expect advanced psychopharmacology treatment for all mental issues provided by caring and compassionate clinicians.

We are also pleased to offer Neurostar® TMS Therapy to our patients with depression. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy is one of the most technologically advanced depression treatments available. This non-invasive, outpatient therapy is FDA cleared and has helped thousands of depression patients who have not received adequate results from antidepressants.

Lecture by Dr. DeLlanos

How ADHD Can Affect Children at School and at Home

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation >>
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, TMS Therapy, uses short pulses of magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in one of the areas of the brain thought to control mood.

Is TMS Therapy an Effective Treatment for Depression?

Have you sought treatment for your depression only to find unsatisfactory results? NeuroStar TMS Therapy has been clinically proven to improve symptoms of depression.
Depression & TMS >>

Is Neurostar TMS Therapy Safe?
Neurostar TMS Therapy >>
Clinical trials have proven the safety of NeuroStar TMS Therapy® in treating patients who've had an inadequate response to prior antidepressant medications.

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[lseo var=company] - Cutting Edge Depression Treatment

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Our office is still open and all appointments are still valid, there is no need to cancel appointments. We are now seeing patients via tele-medicine. If you are not able to use tele-medicine we can schedule phone call visits. This allows you to keep your appointment without having to physically come into the office.

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NAMI Greater San Antonio

Nominations for Board of Directors

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NAMI Greater San Antonio is accepting board nominations for the 2024-2026 term. You may apply for the board or submit the name of a member in good standing as of July 31. Please complete the application by filling out the application form ( submitting to the Board Nominating Committee at Click HERE) and execdir@nami-sat.org.

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Mental Health Support | NAMI San Antonio

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National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health is Health, Peer and Family Support, NAMI San Antonio, Texas, United States