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Major Depressive Disorder
Persons with Major Depressive Disorder experience, at least, a two week period of suffering either a depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. In addition, at least four of the following must be met: • Change in appetite or weight...
Bipolar I Disorder
Individuals with Bipolar I Disorder have experienced one or more Manic or Mixed Episodes and often have had one or more Depressive Episodes, though a Depressive Episode is not necessary to meet diagnosis criteria. A Manic Episode is marked by a significant period of...
Bipolar II Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder is defined by the presence of a Major Depressive Episode and at least one Hypomanic Episode (a distinct period of elevated., expansive, or irritable mood lasting, at least, 4 days) The criteria for a Hypomanic Episode are as follows and include at...
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia
Panic Disorder can be defined as the presence of recurrent, unexpected Panic Attacks (at least 2), followed by significant concern over having another attack. A Panic Attack is marked by a discrete period of intense fear or distress in the absence of any real...
Social Phobia
Social Phobia, aka Social Anxiety Disorder, is defined by a marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which embarrassment or humiliation may occur. The individual feels acutely aware of the perceived scrutiny of others. When exposed to a...
Self-harm
Self-injury (self-inflicted violence, self-injurious behavior or self-mutilation) can be defined as deliberate, intentional injury to one’s own body that causes damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue. This behavior is usually engaged in to cope with overwhelming...
Cutting
Cutting is the most common form of self-injury. It involves making cuts or scratches on one’s body with any sharp object, such as knives, needles, blades, scissors, etc. If no such object is available, individuals will often resort to using their own fingernails. ...
Burning
Burning can occur via an actual flame to the skin or by heating something metal and pressing it to the skin (branding). Burning can also be done with a cigarette or other similar object. A friction burn occurs by rubbing something, such as a pencil eraser, on one’s...
Gambling Addiction
Ludomania, more commonly known as, compulsive or problem gambling is an addictive behavior, in which an individual is preoccupied with gambling and continues to engage in this behavior, despite a desire to stop and/or adverse, negative consequences. As with other...
Shopping Addiction
Compulsive shopping, lesser known as omniomania, is a behavioral addiction, where shopping becomes the individual’s primary coping mechanism, pursued to excess, despite negative associated consequences. Social, financial, and occupational functioning is significantly...
Video Game Addiction
While video game addiction does not have nearly the physical health consequences of many of the other addictions, it is debilitating none the less. If you or your loved one spend an excessive amount of time playing video games, to the exclusion of one's social,...