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1. General Anxiety Disorder
2. Major Depressive Disorder
3. Eating Disorder
4. Substance Abuse/Addiction

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According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, general anxiety disorder is described as a excessive and persistent worry about any number of things. People with GAD anticipate disaster and find it difficult to think rationally and control their worry.

Symptoms include feeling nervous or on edge, an impending sense of danger, difficulty sleeping, experiencing panic attacks, and feeling weak or tired.

The cause of GAD is unknown, however it may be brought on by stressful environments or some genetic factors.

Some treatments for this would be therapy sessions, medication if needed, or other natural techniques to reduce stress such as exercising, adequate sleep, and a nutritional diet.

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MDD is characterized by a persistent lethargic and depressive mood, a loss of interest in activities, and other characteristics that cause impairment on everyday life.

Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, poor appetite, irritability, mood swings and general discontent.

MDD and other forms of depression can start at a very early age. Scientists believe that in 40% of depression cases, it can be traced back to a genetic link. It can also be a result of chemical imbalance in the brain. Non physical things such as stressful life events, grief or loss can bring on depression.

Treatment for depression is usually a combination of therapy and medication, or one or the other.

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There are many different specific types of eating disorders. The general definition of an ED would be a psychological disorder linked to a disturbed or abnormal eating habit. This is very closely related to body image and how one views their self.

Some signs/symptoms of an eating disorder would be skipping meals, going to the bathroom directly after meals, overeating to the point of sickness, and obsessing over the nutritional value of foods.

People with eating disorders almost always have very unhealthy relationships with food. It can go from wanting to eat as little as possible, to binge eating their feelings. It can start from a young age or develop over time from stress, poor body image, or other specific stressors.

Recovery from an ED is often a long and difficult process. It is mainly therapy sessions (could include rehab) or a medication such as antidepressants. It is a complete overhaul mentally and physically of your unhealthy tendencies and relearning how to nourish yourself properly.

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This would be described as overindulgence or dependence on an addictive substance, such as drugs or alcohol.

Signs/symptoms of addiction include the inability to stop using, withdrawal symptoms, social and recreational sacrifices, denial, and obsession.

Addictions such as alcoholism can be genetic, but others can stem from getting involved in drugs and not being able to stop. This can start at any age and is very difficult to get out of.

Some addicts can recover on their own, but depending on the severity of the addiction, the person may need rehab or other therapy to help them deal with the process and withdrawal.

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I wanted to research this topic because mental disorders is something that interests me and it has recently become a very hot button issue and national conversation. I think it is important to acknowledge that mental illness is a very real thing, and educate ourselves more on the topic. I have multiple friends and family members that have had to go through and cope with mental illness so it is a topic that is close to me personally.

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10 Common Signs of an Eating Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.activebeat.com/your-health/10-common-signs-of-an-eating-disorder/9/

Common Disorders in Young Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dualdiagnosis.org/mental-health-and-addiction/common-young-adults/

Do You Have an Anxiety Disorder? Test Your Fear Level. (2015, April 30). Retrieved from https://www.fearof.net/anxiety-disorder-test-your-fear-level/

Normal teenage behaviour vs. early warning signs of mental illness Comportement d'adolescent normal ou signes avant-coureurs de maladie mentale ? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.asmfmh.org/resources/publications/normal-teenage-behaviour-vs-early-warning-signs-of-mental-illness/

Schimelpfening, N. (n.d.). 9 Common Causes of Depression (Some of Them Might Surprise You). Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/common-causes-of-depression-1066772

Teen Mental Health Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.teentreatmentcenter.com/teen-mental-health-treatment-/