e-Clinic

What are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are serious, biologically influenced medical and psychiatric illnesses. They are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and deeply related thoughts and emotions. Important: Eating disorders are not lifestyle choices, diets gone wrong, or cries for attention. They are deadly mental health conditions with some of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness. The 3 Primary Clinical Diagnoses While there are several types of eating disorders, the vast majority fall into three clinical categories: 1. Anorexia Nervosa People with anorexia view themselves as overweight, even if they are dangerously underweight. They severely restrict their food intake out of an intense, phobic fear of gaining weight. Signs: Extreme restriction of eating, relentless pursuit of thinness, distorted body image, and intense fear of weight gain. Physical Risks: ...

What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by a cycle of uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels the urge to repeat over and over. Myth Buster: OCD is widely misunderstood. It is not an adjective for someone who likes their desk neat or enjoys organizing. It is a severely debilitating disorder driven by intense anxiety and fear, not preference. The OCD Cycle: Obsessions vs. Compulsions The disorder typically follows a relentless neurological loop: 1. Obsessions (The Fear) 2. Compulsions (The Response) Repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or urges that cause immense distress. Examples: Intense fear of germs/contamination, horrific aggressive thoughts of harming loved ones, or an agonizing need for...

What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, life-threatening, or terrifying event. While it is deeply associated with military combat veterans, PTSD can affect anyone . It is frequently caused by natural disasters, serious car accidents, physical or sexual assault, or the unexpected death of a loved one. Signs & Symptoms It is normal to experience anxiety and sleep issues after a trauma. However, if symptoms last longer than a month, cause great distress, or interfere with daily life, it may be PTSD. Symptoms fall into four specific categories: 1. Intrusive Memories: Unwanted, distressing memories of the event; terrifying nightmares; or severe flashbacks where the person feels they are reliving the trauma in real-time. 2. Avoidance: Going out of the way to avoid places, activities, or people that remin...

What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental health disorder that profoundly affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, experiencing the world through a distorted lens. Myth Buster: Schizophrenia does not mean "split personality" or multiple personality disorder (which is a separate condition called DID). It also does not inherently mean a person is violent; in fact, people with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Signs & Symptoms Symptoms generally fall into three clinical categories: Positive, Negative, and Cognitive. Positive Symptoms (Added behaviors) Negative Symptoms (Lost behaviors) • Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist. •...