This part of our website discusses a number of fairly common mental health problems that generally require some kind of treatment. This list is not at all comprehensive, since I have just written about those problems and diagnoses that I feel I know well. My discussion of these problems is intended to help potential patients or family members understand whether or not they might have one of these problems, and what type of professional help to look for if they do.
The articles here are generally covered by a Creative Commons license, rather than being privately copyrighted. This means they may be downloaded, and copied for one’s own use, and also may be given to others. What is not permitted, however, is to sell or profit from them, and if you use them you must attribute them to the article’s author and to the Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey. Please respect these licensing rules, and feedback is welcome. I hope you find these articles helpful.
Thomas B. Hollenbach, Ph.D.
This section provides general information about a number of common mental health problems and emotional difficulties that may benefit from professional evaluation or treatment. The topics include depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, psychosis-related symptoms, and persistent painful emotions associated with past experiences. The information is intended to help individuals and family members better understand these problems and consider what type of professional help may be appropriate.
Depression can involve persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest or motivation, low energy, hopelessness, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, guilt, and other emotional or physical changes. Depression can vary considerably in severity, and some symptoms can also occur with other medical or mental health conditions. A qualified professional can help determine whether symptoms are related to depression or another condition. Learn more about the symptoms, types, and treatment of depression.
Anxiety is a common emotional response involving fear, apprehension, or concern about possible threats. It can become a significant problem when it is persistent, disproportionate to the situation, or interferes with everyday life. Anxiety can take several forms, including generalized anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks, and it can also occur alongside other mental health conditions. Learn more about anxiety and the different forms it can take.
A phobia is an intense fear of a particular object or situation that is generally out of proportion to the actual danger involved. Avoiding the feared situation can reinforce the fear and make it increasingly difficult to face. Psychotherapy, including exposure-based approaches, may help people gradually change their responses to feared situations. Learn more about phobias and approaches used to treat them.
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that can produce physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling, tingling, or chest discomfort. Panic attacks can be frightening, particularly when someone worries about having another attack. When attacks recur or begin to interfere with daily activities, professional evaluation and treatment may be appropriate. Learn more about panic attacks, their symptoms, and treatment options.
Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive or persistent worry about multiple areas of life that can be difficult to control and may interfere with everyday functioning. Physical symptoms such as tension, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or sleep problems can also occur. Professional evaluation can help distinguish GAD from other causes of persistent anxiety. Learn more about generalized anxiety disorder and its treatment.
Anxiety and depression frequently occur together, and treatment may involve different therapeutic approaches depending on the person's symptoms, circumstances, and treatment needs. Psychotherapy can address patterns of thinking, emotional responses, behavior, and current life difficulties. In some situations, medication or other professional care may also be appropriate. Learn more about psychotherapy approaches for anxiety and depression.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that can interfere with functioning. Symptoms and their effects can vary considerably from one person to another and may appear differently in children and adults. A professional evaluation can help determine whether ADHD or another condition may account for difficulties with attention, organization, or behavior. Learn more about ADHD, its symptoms, and treatment.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts or images called obsessions and/or repetitive behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. These experiences can cause significant anxiety and may interfere with everyday activities and relationships. OCD can be treated, and professional evaluation can help determine an appropriate treatment approach. Learn more about OCD, including obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and treatment approaches.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms may include unwanted memories or images, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened anxiety or alertness, and changes in mood or thinking. When trauma-related symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, professional treatment can be helpful. Learn more about PTSD, its symptoms, and treatment.
Bipolar disorders involve episodes of significant changes in mood, energy, activity, and functioning. Depending on the type of bipolar disorder, a person may experience depressive episodes as well as periods of mania or hypomania. Because bipolar disorder can sometimes resemble or be confused with other conditions, professional evaluation is important when significant mood changes occur. Learn more about bipolar disorder, mania, and treatment.
Hallucinations involve experiencing perceptions that are not actually present, while delusions involve strongly held beliefs that are inconsistent with reality. These symptoms can occur in several psychiatric, neurological, medical, or substance-related situations. When hallucinations or delusions occur while someone is awake and functioning normally, particularly when they are new or severe, professional medical or psychiatric evaluation is important. Learn more about hallucinations, delusions, psychosis, and when professional evaluation may be needed.
Some people experience persistent negative emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety, unhappiness, or relationship difficulties that they believe have been present for many years. ITI-NJ uses the term “painful emotions from the past” to describe this type of experience; it is not an official psychiatric diagnosis or disorder. The concept is presented as a way of understanding how earlier experiences may continue to influence emotional responses and patterns of behavior. Learn more about painful emotions from the past and how they may affect emotional well-being.
Yes. Most of the articles are covered by a Creative Commons license, allowing you to download, copy, and share them for personal use—just be sure not to sell them, and always attribute them to the author and the Integrative Therapy Institute of New Jersey.
In our work with children, teens, parents, and adults, we strive to meet the needs that everyone has for validation and support while helping them to expand their self-awareness and the range of skills they employ to work out solutions to the problems they face in life. Our mission at ITI-NJ is to improve psychotherapy outcomes for all clients and families in the communities we serve and to provide excellent, quality care with compassion and respect for all we serve.
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