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-Generalized Anxiety Disorder
-Obsession-Compulsive Disorder
-Panic Disorder
-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Learn about anxiety disorders, including signs and symptoms, types, risk factors, and potential treatments and therapies.

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-Anxiety Disorders
-Eating Disorders
-Psychotic and Mood Disorders
-Disruptive and Conduct Disorders
-Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Explained | THIS WAY UP

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What is Obsessive Comulsive Disorder (OCD)? Understanding the signs, symptoms & treatment options available for those dealing with OCD.

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Definition

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions), and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over.

Additional information about obsessive-compulsive disorder can be found on the NIMH Health Topics page on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Prevalence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Among Adults

Based on diagnostic interview data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), Figure 1 shows past year prevalence of OCD among U.S. adults aged 18 or older.¹

An estimated 1.2% of U.S. adults had OCD in the past year.

Past year prevalence of OCD was higher for females (1.8%) than for males (0.5%).

Lifetime prevalence of OCD among U.S. adults was 2.3%.²

Figure 1

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Impairment Among Adults

Of adults with OCD in the past year, degree of impairment ranged from mild to severe, as shown in Figure 2. Impairment was determined by scores on the Sheehan Disability Scale.

Among adults with OCD, approximately one half (50.6%) had had serious impairment.¹

Another 34.8% of adults with OCD had moderate impairment, and 14.6% had mild impairment.¹

Figure 2

Data Sources

References

1. Harvard Medical School, 2007. National Comorbidity Survey (NCSSC). (2017, August 21). Retrieved from https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/index.php. Data Table 2: 12-month prevalence DSM-IV/WMH-CIDI disorders by sex and cohort.

2. Harvard Medical School, 2007. National Comorbidity Survey (NCSSC). (2017, August 21). Retrieved from https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/ncs/index.php. Data Table 1: Lifetime prevalence DSM-IV/WMH-CIDI disorders by sex and cohort.

3. Kessler RC, Chiu WT, Demler O, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Jun;62(6):617-27. PMID: 15939839

Statistical Methods and Measurement Caveats

National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R)

Diagnostic Assessment and Population:

The NCS-R is a nationally representative, face-to-face, household survey conducted between February 2001 and April 2003 with a response rate of 70.9%. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) mental disorders were assessed using a modified version of the fully structured World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI), a fully structured lay-administered diagnostic interview that generates both International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, and DSM-IV diagnoses. The DSM-IV criteria were used here. The Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) assessed disability in work role performance, household maintenance, social life, and intimate relationships on a 0-10 scale. Participants for the main interview totaled 9,282 English-speaking, non-institutionalized, civilian respondents. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) was assessed in a subsample of 1,808 adults. The NCS-R was led by Harvard University.

Unlike the DSM-IV criteria used in the NCS-R, the current DSM-5 no longer places OCD in the anxiety disorder category. It is listed in a new DSM-5 category, "Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders."

Survey Non-response:

In 2001-2002, non-response was 29.1% of primary respondents and 19.6% of secondary respondents. Reasons for non-response to interviewing include: refusal to participate (7.3% of primary, 6.3% of secondary); respondent was reluctant- too busy but did not refuse (17.7% of primary, 11.6% of secondary); circumstantial, such as intellectual developmental disability or overseas work assignment (2.0% of primary, 1.7% of secondary); and household units that were never contacted (2.0%).

For more information, see PMID: 15297905.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a long-lasting disorder in which a person has uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions), and behaviors (compulsions) that he or she feels the urge to repeat over and over. Additional information about obsessive-compulsive disorder can be found on the NIMH Health Topics page on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

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Overview

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead you to do repetitive behaviors, also called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions get in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.

Ultimately, you feel driven to do compulsive acts to ease your stress. Even if you try to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This leads you to act based on ritual. This is the vicious cycle of OCD.

OCD often centers around certain themes, such as being overly fearful of getting contaminated by germs. To ease contamination fears, you may wash your hands over and over again until they're sore and chapped.

If you have OCD, you may be ashamed, embarrassed and frustrated about the condition. But treatment can be effective.

Symptoms

Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually includes both obsessions and compulsions. But it's also possible to have only obsession symptoms or only compulsion symptoms. You may or may not know that your obsessions and compulsions are beyond reason. But they take up a great deal of time, reduce your quality of life, and get in the way of your daily routines and responsibilities.

Obsession symptoms

OCD obsessions are lasting and unwanted thoughts that keeping coming back or urges or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. You might try to ignore them or get rid of them by acting based on ritual. These obsessions usually intrude when you're trying to think of or do other things.

Obsessions often have themes, such as:

Fear of contamination or dirt.

Doubting and having a hard time dealing with uncertainty.

Needing things to be orderly and balanced.

Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.

Examples of obsession symptoms include:

Fear of being contaminated by touching objects others have touched.

Doubts that you've locked the door or turned off the stove.

Intense stress when objects aren't orderly or facing a certain way.

Images of driving your car into a crowd of people.

Thoughts about shouting obscenities or not acting the right way in public.

Unpleasant sexual images.

Staying away from situations that can cause obsessions, such as shaking hands.

Compulsion symptoms

OCD compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you feel driven to do. These repetitive behaviors or mental acts are meant to reduce anxiety related to your obsessions or prevent something bad from happening. But taking part in the compulsions brings no pleasure and may offer only limited relief from anxiety.

You may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control your anxiety when you're having obsessive thoughts. These compulsions are beyond reason and often don't relate to the issue they're intended to fix.

As with obsessions, compulsions usually have themes, such as:

Washing and cleaning.

Checking.

Counting.

Ordering.

Following a strict routine.

Demanding reassurance.

Examples of compulsion symptoms include:

Hand-washing until your skin becomes raw.

Checking doors over and over again to make sure they're locked.

Checking the stove over and over again to make sure it's off.

Counting in certain patterns.

Silently repeating a prayer, word or phrase.

Trying to replace a bad thought with a good thought.

Arranging your canned goods to face the same way.

Severity varies

OCD usually begins in the teen or young adult years, but it can start in childhood. Symptoms usually begin over time and tend to vary in how serious they are throughout life. The types of obsessions and compulsions you have also can change over time. Symptoms generally get worse when you are under greater stress, including times of transition and change. OCD, usually thought to be a lifelong disorder, can have mild to moderate symptoms or be so severe and time-consuming that it becomes disabling.

When to see a doctor

There's a difference between being a perfectionist - someone who needs flawless results or performance - and having OCD. OCD thoughts aren't simply excessive worries about real issues in your life or liking to have things clean or arranged in a specific way.

If your obsessions and compulsions affect your quality of life, see your doctor or mental health professional.

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Causes

The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder isn't fully understood. Main theories include:

Biology. OCD may be due to changes in your body's natural chemistry or brain functions.

Genetics. OCD may have a genetic component, but specific genes have yet to be found.

Learning. Obsessive fears and compulsive behaviors can be learned from watching family members or learning them over time.

Risk factors

Factors that may raise the risk of causing obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Family history. Having parents or other family members with the disorder can raise your risk of getting OCD.

Stressful life events. If you've gone through traumatic or stressful events, your risk may increase. This reaction may cause the intrusive thoughts, rituals and emotional distress seen in OCD.

Other mental health disorders. OCD may be related to other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse or tic disorders.

Complications

Issues due to obsessive-compulsive disorder include:

Excessive time spent taking part in ritualistic behaviors.

Health issues, such as contact dermatitis from frequent hand-washing.

Having a hard time going to work or school or taking part in social activities.

Troubled relationships.

Poor quality of life.

Thoughts about suicide and behavior related to suicide.

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, getting treated as soon as possible may help keep OCD from getting worse and disrupting activities and your daily routine.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Symptoms and causes

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OCD features unwanted thoughts and fears, or obsessions. These obsessions lead to repetitive behaviors, also known as compulsions, that get in the way of daily activities.

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, affects 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children, according to the . Sometimes when people think of OCD, they think of humerus characters from TV shows or movies who like to sit in a particular seat, or who need to wash their hands repeatedly, but in reality, OCD is no laughing matter. What might seem like a funny quirk to outsiders is an overwhelming compulsion to those living with OCD. Additionally, OCD doesn't only affect those who have been diagnosed - loved one of those struggling with OCD can be affected as well.

OCD can appear in various forms, and be composed of compulsions and obsessions. Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that repeat again and again; usually there is a feeling of being out of control when obsessive thoughts are present. Obsessions can leave those experiencing them with a feeling of fear, disgust, or restlessness. OCD obsession can also manifest itself in the form of intrusive thoughts that may lead to severe anxiety or panic attacks.

Compulsions are used to "fix" or "correct" the thoughts or feelings brought on by a person's obsessions. An example might be if a third party sets the table for a person suffering from OCD at a restaurant that person may then need to reorganize the table to "fix" the incorrectness of the previous arrangement. Compulsions can manifest in a variety of forms.

At Family Psychiatry and Therapy , we understand that OCD is more than just "quirks," and strive to help both our patients and their loved ones find personalized coping mechanisms and solutions to some of OCDs biggest challenges. No two cases of OCD are the same, so why should your care be? Our friendly staff takes the time to build relationships with each of our clients to ensure that we are devising the best treatment plan. Below we have listed out seven strategies to cope with OCD. Always keep in mind that OCD is not the fault of the one affected, OCD is a medical condition just like any other illness and should be viewed as such.

OCD can feel like an uncontrollable force that is just waiting to pounce, sort of like the monster that use to live under your bed when you were a child. Instead of allowing your OCD to be a faceless villain, give it a name and a shape. Maybe you want to call your OCD Bully, Bob, or Buddy. Whatever name you give it will help bring your OCD out of the shadows and into the light, making it easier to acknowledge its existence. Next, give your OCD a shape; it can be anything from a purple blob to a cheetah.

If your child is suffering from OCD use this approach to discuss his or her OCD. For example, if you want to talk about your child's OCD levels or actions at school that day you might say something along the lines of "How did your Bully do at school today?" or "Did Bob act up while you were at school today?" Viewing OCD as a separate entity can be helpful for both children and adults, always remember that OCD is not your fault and there is no reason to be ashamed.

You may have seen some people keep food journals to keep track of what they eat every day while on a diet, well an OCD journal plays the same role. An OCD journal can help you keep track of your triggers or find new ones, and help you assess the state of your overall OCD. Carry your OCD journal with you everywhere you go and record what happened after you have completed a compulsion.

Journal Example:

Used a public keypad

The keypad was covered in germs. I could contract a serious illness and spread it to everyone I love.

Wash hands and arms

Washed hands and arms three times for 30 seconds for each washing cycle. Then dried hands for two 30-second cycles.

When you are done journaling for the day and read over your entries, then ask yourself the below questions.

1. Why did these situations trigger my OCD?

2. What would have happened if I hadn't performed my resolutions?

3. What evidence is there that shows that my fear, "contract a serious illness and spread it to everyone I love" would actually come true?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a common way of facing and possibly relieving OCD. When using ERP one exposes him or herself to a situation that results in an obsession and then does not engage in their compulsion. Try building an OCD ladder by listing out your fears and subsequent triggers on a 10 rung ladder in order of severity from 1-10.

When you begin ERP start with a first level trigger, once you have confronted your trigger begin by waiting 10 seconds before using your compulsion. Slowly build up the amount of time before using your compulsion until you can stand to perform the task or confront the situation without needing your compulsion. Progress up your OCD ladder as you conquer your triggers.

If you are experiencing OCD compulsions or obsessions, or you feel one coming on try to refocus your attention from the situation. Refocusing your attention can be done physically or mentally. If at the end of the refocusing period you still feel the need to complete your obsession try repeating the session again.
Physically Refocus Your Attention By:

Pet a furry animal such as your cat or dog
Mentally Refocus Your Attention By:
Make sure that while you are working to cope with your OCD, you are taking the time to celebrate your successes. Battling OCD is hard, so when success is achieved it should be celebrated just like any other accomplishment. Determine your rewards before challenging yourself. For example, you could decide that if you can wait 20 seconds before completing your compulsion, then you are going to order pizza for dinner! You don't need to have rewards or create expectations for every scenario, because that could create more stress. Maybe at the end of the week you could reward yourself for any progress you've made, or if you do decide to face a compulsion head on then reward yourself right away. The balance is up to you.

Living with and battling OCD is hard work that can be made even harder when stress is present. Stress has been shown to significantly increase OCD in people, so keeping your stress level down is crucial. Be sure to include time to destress in your daily schedule. Whether you decide to go for a run, read a book, or watch some TV, finding an hour of time every day to destress can be incredibly beneficial.

It's easy to spiral into a loop of self-doubt and blame, but try to break that cycle. If you start feeling guilty for having OCD remind yourself that you have a diagnosed medical condition. Would you be angry at your friend who had asthma if he needed to stop and take his inhaler? Of course not, so you don't need to feel guilty when you perform behaviors that are out of the norm or cause a slight delay. You have a medical condition and are working with it. End of story, no guilt needed.

Take Control of Your OCD Today

Coping with OCD can be hard, so if you're ready to take the next step in battling your OCD we're ready to help. At Family Psychiatry and Therapy our mission is to restore and rebuild lives while leading the way in transformational care so that every individual assisted can achieve what is possible. We'll work with you to build a custom tailored plan to work on your OCD. We are conveniently open Monday - Friday from 9am-7pm everyday. We're ready to help you get on the road to success today.

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7 Strategies to Cope With OCD - Family Psychiatry & Therapy

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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, affects 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children, according to the . Sometimes when people think of OCD, they think of humerus characters from TV shows or movies who like to sit in a particular seat, or who need to wash their hands repeatedly, but in reality, OCD is no laughing matter.

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Angelo State University - Library Online Resources

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Something that I found interesting was learning that tourettes are considered a disease. I assumed that was something that would not have been under behavior.

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-Oppositional Defiance Disorder
-Conduct Disorder
-Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cause unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

People with ADHD may have trouble focusing their attention on a single task or sitting still for long periods of time.

Many people experience inattention and changes in energy levels. For a person with ADHD, this happens more often and to a greater extent compared with people who do not have the condition. It can have a significant effect on their studies, work, relationships, and home life.

Both adults and children can have ADHD. It's a diagnosis the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes. Learn about types of ADHD and symptoms in both children and adults.

A wide range of behaviors is associated with ADHD. Some of the more common ones include:

having trouble focusing or concentrating on tasks

being forgetful about completing tasks

being easily distracted

having difficulty sitting still

interrupting people while they're talking

Signs and symptoms can be specific to different aspects of ADHD, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, or difficulty focusing.

A person who is experiencing hyperactivity and impulsivity may:

find it difficult to sit still or remain seated in class

have trouble playing or carrying out tasks quietly

talk excessively

find it hard to wait their turn

interrupt others when they're speaking, playing, or carrying out a task

Someone who is having difficulty focusing might:

make frequent mistakes or miss details when studying or working

find it hard to maintain focus when listening, reading, or holding a conversation

have trouble organizing their daily tasks

lose items frequently

be easily distracted by small things happening around them

If you or your child has ADHD, you may have some or all of these symptoms. The symptoms you have will depend on the type of ADHD you have. Explore a list of ADHD symptoms common in children.

To make ADHD diagnoses more consistent, the APA has grouped the condition into three categories, or types. These types are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactivity-impulsive, and a combination of both.

Predominantly inattentive

As the name suggests, people with this type of ADHD have extreme difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, and following instructions.

Experts also think that many children with the inattentive type of ADHD may not receive a proper diagnosis because they don't tend to disrupt the classroom. suggests this is more common among girls with ADHD.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type

People with this type of ADHD primarily show hyperactive and impulsive behavior. This can include:

fidgeting

interrupting people while they're talking

not being able to wait their turn

Although inattention is less of a concern with this type of ADHD, people with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD may still find it difficult to focus on tasks.

Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive type

This is the most common type of ADHD. People with this combined type of ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. These include an inability to pay attention, a tendency toward impulsiveness, and above-average levels of activity and energy.

The type of ADHD you or your child has will determine the treatment method. The ADHD type you have can change over time, so your treatment may change, too. Learn more about the three types of ADHD.

Despite how common ADHD is, doctors and researchers still are not sure what causes the condition. It's believed to have neurological origins. Genetics may also play a role.

suggests that a reduction in dopamine is a factor in ADHD. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that helps move signals from one nerve to another. It plays a role in triggering emotional responses and movements.

Other research suggests a structural difference in the brain. Findings indicate that people with ADHD have less gray matter volume. Gray matter includes the brain areas that help with:

Researchers are still studying potential causes of ADHD, such as smoking during pregnancy. Find out more about the potential causes and risk factors of ADHD.

There's no single test that can tell if you or your child has ADHD.

A highlighted the benefits of a new test to diagnose adult ADHD, but many clinicians believe an ADHD diagnosis cannot be made based on one test.

To make a diagnosis, a doctor will assess any symptoms you or your child has had over the previous 6 months.

Your doctor will likely gather information from teachers or family members and may use checklists and rating scales to review symptoms. They'll also do a physical exam to check for other health problems. Learn more about ADHD rating scales and what they can and cannot do.

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, talk with a doctor about getting an evaluation. For your child, you can also talk with their school counselor. Schools regularly assess children for conditions that may be affecting their educational performance.

For the assessment, provide your doctor or counselor with notes and observations about your or your child's behavior.

If they suspect ADHD, they may refer you or your child to an ADHD specialist. Depending on the diagnosis, they may also suggest making an appointment with a psychiatrist or neurologist.

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, more than 60 percent of children with ADHD still show symptoms as adults. For many people, hyperactivity symptoms often decrease with age, but inattentiveness and impulsivity may continue.

That said, treatment is important. Untreated ADHD in adults can have a negative impact on many aspects of life. Symptoms such as trouble managing time, forgetfulness, and impatience can cause problems at work, home, and in all types of relationships.
Find out more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they can impact your life.
According to the CDC, around 8.8 percent of people ages 3 to 17 years in the United States have had a diagnosis of ADHD at some point. This includes 11.7 percent of males and 5.7 percent of females.

For children, ADHD is generally associated with problems at school. Children with ADHD often have difficulties in a controlled classroom setting.

Boys are more than twice as likely as girls to receive an ADHD diagnosis. This may be because boys tend to exhibit hallmark symptoms of hyperactivity. Although some girls with ADHD may have the classic symptoms of hyperactivity, many do not.

In many cases, girls with ADHD may:

daydream frequently

be hyper-talkative rather than hyperactive

Many ADHD symptoms can be typical childhood behaviors, so it can be hard to know what's ADHD-related and what's not. Learn more about how to recognize ADHD in toddlers.

While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it's not considered a learning disability. However, ADHD symptoms can make it harder for you to learn. Also, it's possible for ADHD to occur in some people who also have learning disabilities.

To help relieve any effect on children learning, teachers can map out individual guidelines for a student with ADHD. This may include allowing extra time for assignments and tests or developing a personal reward system.

Although it's not technically a learning disability, ADHD can have long-term effects. Learn more about the potential effects of ADHD on adults and children and resources that can help.

People with ADHD sometimes have other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Some of these conditions result from the challenges of living with ADHD.

Anxiety

People with ADHD can find it hard to keep up with daily tasks, maintain relationships, and so on. This can increase the risk of anxiety.

People with ADHD are also more likely to experience an anxiety disorder than those without ADHD, according to the .

Anxiety disorders include:

separation anxiety, when you are afraid of being away from loved ones

social anxiety, which can make you afraid of going to school or other places where people socialize

generalized anxiety, when you're afraid of bad things happening, of the future, and so on

Depression

If you or your child has ADHD, you're more likely to have depression as well. In one study from 2020, around 50 percent of adolescents had major depression or an anxiety disorder compared with 35 percent of those who did not have ADHD. Other research suggests that up to 53.3 percent of adults with ADHD may also have depression.

Though there can be added challenges in managing more than one condition, treatments are available for both conditions. In fact, the treatments often overlap. Talk therapy can help treat both conditions. Also, certain antidepressants, such as bupropion, can sometimes help ease ADHD symptoms.

Of course, having ADHD does not guarantee you'll have depression, but it's important to know it's a possibility. Find out more about the link between ADHD and depression.

Conduct and behavior disorders

Behavior and conduct problems are more common among children with ADHD than those without the condition. These disorders can arise when a person does not feel understood by those around them.

Someone who does not feel understood may argue a lot, lose their temper, or purposely annoy others. These may be signs of oppositional defiant disorder.

Some people find they cannot help breaking rules or behaving aggressively toward others, maybe fighting, bullying, or perhaps taking things that do not belong to them. This is called conduct disorder.

Treatment is available for people who face these challenges. Experts recommend starting treatment early and making sure the treatment fits the needs of the person and their family.

Learning disorder

Some children with ADHD have a learning disorder that can make it additionally hard to carry out their study tasks. Examples include dyslexia, which makes reading difficult, or presents difficulties with numbers or writing.

These challenges can make it hard for a child to cope at school. They can also worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. Getting help early is essential in trying to minimize the effect of these challenges.

If you or your child has ADHD, a consistent structured schedule and regular expectations may be helpful. For adults, staying organized can be helpful. Here are some ways that can help with getting organized and maintaining it:

making lists

keeping a calendar

setting reminders

For children, it can be helpful to focus on writing down homework assignments and keeping everyday items like toys and backpacks in assigned spots.

Learning more about ADHD in general can also help you learn how to manage it. Organizations like Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or the Attention Deficit Disorder Association provide management tips as well as the latest research.

Your doctor can provide more guidance on ways to manage your ADHD symptoms. Here are some tips for helping your child with ADHD.

For children and adults, untreated ADHD can have a lasting effect on your life. It can affect school, work, and relationships. Treatment is important and can help lessen the effects of the condition.

Many people with ADHD enjoy fulfilling and successful lives. Some even express appreciation for the benefits of the condition.

If you think you or your child may have ADHD, an important first step is talking with a doctor or another healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can help determine if ADHD is a factor for you or your child.

If you or your child receives a confirmed ADHD diagnosis, the doctor can also help you create a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and live well with ADHD.
Read this article in Spanish.

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If you live with ADHD, you know that it's a complex condition. Here's a top-to-bottom look at it, from causes and testing to natural remedies and tips for coping.

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Angelo State University - Library Online Resources

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FastStats is an official application from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) and puts access to topic-specific statistics at your fingertips.

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-Bipolar Disorder
-Depression
-Schizophrenia

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Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Some forms of depression are slightly different, or they may develop under unique circumstances, such as:

Persistent depressive disorder (also called dysthymia)is a depressed mood that lasts for at least two years. A person diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder may have episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms, but symptoms must last for two years to be considered persistent depressive disorder.

Postpartum depression is much more serious than the "baby blues" (relatively mild depressive and anxiety symptoms that typically clear within two weeks after delivery) that many women experience after giving birth. Women with postpartum depression experience full-blown major depression during pregnancy or after delivery (postpartum depression). The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany postpartum depression may make it difficult for these new mothers to complete daily care activities for themselves and/or for their babies.

Psychotic depression occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis, such as having disturbing false fixed beliefs (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations). The psychotic symptoms typically have a depressive "theme," such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness.

Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight. This depression generally lifts during spring and summer. Winter depression, typically accompanied by social withdrawal, increased sleep, and weight gain, predictably returns every year in seasonal affective disorder.

Bipolar disorder is different from depression, but it is included in this list is because someone with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of extremely low moods that meet the criteria for major depression (called "bipolar depression"). But a person with bipolar disorder also experiences extreme high - euphoric or irritable - moods called "mania" or a less severe form called "hypomania."

Examples of other types of depressive disorders newly added to the diagnostic classification of DSM-5 include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (diagnosed in children and adolescents) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

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Depression (major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

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Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.

People who have bipolar disorder can have periods in which they feel overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish. In between those periods, they usually feel normal. You can think of the highs and the lows as two "poles" of mood, which is why it's called "bipolar" disorder.

The word "manic" describes the times when someone with bipolar disorder feels overly excited and confident. These feelings can also involve irritability and impulsive or reckless decision-making. About half of people during mania can also have delusions (believing things that aren't true and that they can't be talked out of) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there).

" Hypomania" describes milder symptoms of mania, in which someone does not have delusions or hallucinations, and their high symptoms do not interfere with their everyday life.

The word "depressive" describes the times when the person feels very sad or depressed. Those symptoms are the same as those described in major depressive disorder or "clinical depression," a condition in which someone never has manic or hypomanic episodes.

Most people with bipolar disorder spend more time with depressive symptoms than manic or hypomanic symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?

In bipolar disorder, the dramatic episodes of high and low moods do not follow a set pattern. Someone may feel the same mood state (depressed or manic) several times before switching to the opposite mood. These episodes can happen over a period of weeks, months, and sometimes even years.

How severe it gets differs from person to person and can also change over time, becoming more or less severe.

Symptoms of mania ("the highs"):

Excessive happiness, hopefulness, and excitement

Sudden changes from being joyful to being irritable, angry, and hostile

Restlessness

Rapid speech and poor concentration

Increased energy and less need for sleep

Unusually high sex drive

Making grand and unrealistic plans

Showing poor judgment

Drug and alcohol abuse

Becoming more impulsive

During depressive periods ("the lows"), a person with bipolar disorder may have:

Sadness

Loss of energy

Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

Not enjoying things they once liked

Trouble concentrating

Uncontrollable crying

Trouble making decisions

Irritability

Needing more sleep

Appetite changes that make them lose or gain weight

Thoughts of death or suicide

Attempting suicide

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Who Gets Bipolar Disorder?

When someone develops bipolar disorder, it usually starts when they're in late adolescence or young adulthood. Rarely, it can happen earlier in childhood. Bipolar disorder can run in families.

Men and women are equally likely to get it. Women are somewhat more likely than men to go through "rapid cycling," which is having four or more distinct mood episodes within a year. Women also tend to spend more time depressed than men with bipolar disorder.

Many people with the condition abuse alcohol or other drugs when manic or depressed. People with bipolar disorder are more likely to have seasonal depression, co-existing anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

There is no single cause. Genes, brain changes, and stress can all play a role.

Researchers are studying how these factors may contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

If you or someone you know has symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to your family doctor or a psychiatrist. They will ask questions about mental illnesses that you, or the person you're concerned about, have had, and any mental illnesses that run in the family. The person will also get a complete psychiatric evaluation to tell if they have likely bipolar disorder or another mental health condition."

Diagnosing bipolar disorder is all about the person's symptoms and determining whether they may be the result of another cause (such as low thyroid, or mood symptoms caused by drug or alcohol abuse). How severe are they? How long have they lasted? How often do they happen?

The most telling symptoms are those that involve highs or lows in mood, along with changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior.

Talking to close friends and family of the person can often help the doctor distinguish bipolar disorder from major depressive (unipolar) disorder or other psychiatric disorders that can involve changes in mood, thinking, and behavior.

What Are the Treatments for Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder can be treated. It's a long-term condition that needs ongoing care.

Medication is the main treatment, usually involving "mood stabilizers" such as carbamazepine ( Tegretol), lamotrigine ( Lamictal), lithium, or valproate ( Depakote). Sometimes antipsychotic drugs are also used such as olanzapine ( Zyprexa), quetiapine ( Seroquel), lurasidone ( Latuda) and cariprazine (Vraylar)), as well as antidepressants. Combinations of medicines are often used. Psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," is often recommended, too.

People who have four or more mood episodes in a year, or who also have drug or alcohol problems, can have forms of the illness that are much harder to treat.

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What Can I Expect After Bipolar Disorder Treatment?

For most people, a good treatment program can stabilize moods and provide symptom relief.

Ongoing treatment is more effective than dealing with problems as they come up. People who also have a substance abuse problem may need more specialized treatment.

Bipolar Disorder and Suicide

Some people who have bipolar disorder may become suicidal.

Learn the warning signs and seek immediate medical help for them:

Depression (changes in eating, sleeping, activities)

Isolating yourself

Talking about suicide, hopelessness, or helplessness

Acting recklessly

Taking more risks

Having more accidents

Abusing alcohol or other drugs

Focusing on morbid and negative themes

Talking about death and dying

Crying more, or becoming less emotionally expressive

Giving away possessions

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Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that brings severe high and low moods and changes in sleep, energy, thinking, and behavior. People who have bipolar disorder can have periods in which they feel overly happy and energized and other periods of feeling very sad, hopeless, and sluggish.