CONDITIONS TREATED
DEPRESSION
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Feeling worthless or guilty
Concentration & Memory Problems
Thoughts of death or suicide
ANXIETY
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Anxiety disorders are common and involve excessive fear or anxiety.
Common Features:
Feeling nervous, tense or rushed
A sense of panic or doom
Breathing fast, palpitations, sweating, shaking, fatigue
Concentration Problems
Having trouble sleeping
Uncontrollable worry
Avoiding certain situations
BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional manic or hypomanic highs and depressive (see above for symptoms) lows.
Features of Mania:
Racing thoughts
Grandiose beliefs
Elation or euphoria
Irritability
Risk taking behaviour
Increased sexual desire
Increased talking speed or volume
Markedly increased energy
Poor judgment
A decreased need for sleep
Hypomania is a less severe form of these symptoms.
BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Borderline personality disorder impacts the way you think and feel about yourself and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life.
It includes a pattern of unstable intense relationships, distorted self-image, extreme emotions and impulsiveness.
Features Include:
An intense fear of abandonment
A pattern of unstable intense relationships
Rapid changes in self-identity and self-image
Periods of stress-related paranoia
Impulsive and risky behavior, such as gambling, reckless driving, unsafe sex, spending sprees, binge eating or drug abuse
Suicidal threats or behavior or self-injury
Wide mood swings lasting from a few hours to a few days
Ongoing feelings of emptiness
Inappropriate, intense anger
SUBSTANCE MISUSE
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication.
Features include:
Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly
Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities
Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug
ADULT ADHD
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Symptoms Include:
Lack of Focus
Disorganisation
Time Management Problems
Forgetfulness
Impulsivity
Moodiness
Anxiety
Relationship discord
Substance Misuse
DEMENTIA
Dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms can be reversed.
Symptoms Include:
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Memory loss
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Difficulty communicating or finding words
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Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving
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Difficulty handling complex tasks
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Difficulty with planning and organising
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Difficulty with coordination and motor functions
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Confusion and disorientation
In addition, there can be changes in personality, mood changes, anxiety, hallucinations and delusions.