Column Health

Patient and therapist meet 1-on-1 to work through difficult emotions and behavioral challenges in a personal, private setting.

A practiced state of mind that brings patients to the present. It allows them to become fully aware of themselves, their feelings, and the present moment.

Two or more people meet with a therapist together. Patients get valuable peer support, strengthen interpersonal skills, and improve self-awareness.

This form of talk therapy addresses any childhood trauma at the root of a patient's current diagnosis.

This method combines treatment with education, teaching patients about different paths toward recovery. This empowers them to make more effective decisions.

Family therapy addresses group dynamics within a family system, with a focus on improving communication and interrupting unhealthy relationship patterns.

ADHD is a common mental health condition caused by dopamine imbalance. Common symptoms include inattention, hyperactivitiy, and impulsivity.

Using alcohol as a coping mechanism, or drinking excessively throughout the week, signals an alcohol use disorder.

Although anger itself isn't a disorder, it can get out of hand. If this feeling interferes with your relationships and daily functioning, treatment can help.

Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can include excessive worry, panic attacks, physical tension, and increased blood pressure.

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep issues. They are highly habit forming, and their abuse can cause mood changes and poor judgement.

This mental health condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression, mania, and remission.

Consistent relapse occurs repeatedly, after partial recovery from addiction. This condition requires long-term treatment.

A person with multiple mental health diagnoses, such as addiction and depression, has co-occurring disorders also called dual diagnosis.

Cocaine is a stimulant with euphoric effects. Agitation, muscle ticks, psychosis, and heart issues are common symptoms of cocaine abuse.

Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, a sense of numbness, and loss of interest in activities. This condition can range from mild to severe.

Drug addiction is the excessive and repetitive use of substances, despite harmful consequences to a person's life, health, and relationships.

Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid. It can cause insomnia, collapsed veins, heart issues, and additional mental health issues.

Methamphetamine, or meth, increases energy, agitation, and paranoia. Long-term use can result in severe physical and mental health issues.

Opioids produce pain-relief and euphoria, which can lead to addiction. This class of drugs includes prescribed medication and the illegal drug heroin.

PTSD is a long-term mental health issue caused by a disturbing event or events. Symptoms include anxiety, dissociation, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

It's possible to abuse any drug, even prescribed ones. If you crave a medication, or regularly take it more than directed, you may have an addiction.

Stress is a natural reaction to challenges, and it can even help you adapt. However, chronic stress can cause physical and mental health issues.

Synthetic drugs are made in a lab, unlike plant-based drugs like mushrooms. Most synthetic drugs are either stimulants or synthetic cannabinoids.

Some traumatic events are so disturbing that they cause long-term mental health problems. Those ongoing issues can also be referred to as "trauma."