Articles Index
Maybe It's Not Depression
There are other disorders that can cause symptoms similar to depression. Here are some ways to tell what's what.
Why Your Therapist is Not Your Friend
People often develop a close relationship with their therapist. You've been sitting in a room talking about very personal subjects, often with some frequency over time. Does this make you friends? Some people certainly expect that it does, but the therapist usually does not see it that way.
Causes of Depression
Information about the different causes of depression and research into how depression develops.
Antipsychotic Medications
Antipsychotic medications are the treatment-of-choice for schizophrenia and similar severe mental disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
There are two obsessive-compulsive disorders - OCD and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
What Is Risperdal (risperidone)?
Information about Risperdal (risperidone), the second approved atypical antidepressant which has fewer side effects than older medications.
The Psychological Effects of Trauma
Information about PTSD and the effects of trauma.
A Diagnosis with a Bad Rap
Borderline Personality Disorder is a diagnosis that is sometimes misused. Here's the official definition and information about what it means.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that is caused by medications. This potentially permanent condition is a possible side-effect of long-term treatment with antipsychotic medications such as Thorazine and Haldol which are often used to treat schizophrenia and other major mental disorders.
New Antipsychotics may not have fewer Side-Effects
A meta-analysis of past research studies calls into question the assumption that the newer "atypical" antipsychotic medications have a much better side-effect profile than older antipsychotic medications.
Do I Have a Mental Disorder?
Most of us wonder this at sometime in our life. We all have moods that swing at times, and we all worry. Here are some ways to know if it's time to seek help.
Open-ended Questions
Open-ended questions are used in counseling and psychotherapy to help explore issues.
Causes of Schizophrenia
Understanding the origins of the brain disorder known as Schizophrenia.
What do the letters mean after the name?
A glossary of mental health initials - like M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D., M.S.W., etc.
How to get Help If You're Depressed
Getting less depressed takes time. There are steps that you can take that will eventually pay off.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Antianxiety medications help to calm and relax the anxious person and remove the troubling symptoms. There are a number of antianxiety medications currently available. The preferred medications for most anxiety disorders are the benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax/Zanex, and Ativan.
Cognitive Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
Cognitive therapy has been proven to be effective to treat depression and anxiety.
Build Your Self Esteem, a Guide to Self Improvement
How do you stay cool, composed and sustain self esteem in a tough environment? Here are some tips you may to consider as a starter guide to self improvement. A reader-submitted article.
Medications for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder (sometimes called manic depression) is a mental health disorder characterized by mood swings. A number of different medications are used to treat the symptoms of this disorder.
Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressant medications are one of the most important treatments for depression. Along with psychotherapy, these medications can be lifesaving, and they improve the quality of life for millions.
How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?
We know that exercise has positive effects on the brain. Researchers at Duke University demonstrated several years ago that exercise has antidepressant properties. Other research has shown that exercise can improve the brain functioning of the elderly, and may even protect against dementia. How does exercise improve mental health?
Treatments For Schizophrenia
Education, medication and rehabilitation options for treating schizophrenia
Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
The atypical antipsychotic medications are the first line treatment for Schizophrenia.
Sadness Is not Depression
Sadness is an emotion that we all feel at times. It's not the same as depression. Here are some ways to tell the difference.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. Even though many of us don't suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder, it is clear that some of us are mentally healthier than others.