Guide to Mental Disorders, and How They Can be Effectively Treated

Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, involve persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, euphoric, or irritated that impair regular functioning. Mental health statistics from NIMH indicate that approximately 21.4% of adults in the United States will meet the criteria for a mood disorder throughout their lifetime.

Some mood disorders are linked to seasonal changes. Others may arise following major life transitions or trauma. Symptoms range from feelings of despair and hopelessness to extreme swings between depression and mania. While the causes of mood disorders are not fully understood, research suggests a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to their development. Brain chemistry differences, hormone changes, and stress can play key roles.Below are some of the most common mood disorders that our compassionate clinicians successfully treat:

Major Depressive DisorderAlso known simply as depression, major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in usual activities. Other symptoms may include fatigue, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt, and suicidal thoughts. According to statistics from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, around 17.3 million American adults, equivalent to 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 18 and over, live with major depression in any given year.Our compassionate staff will provide you with a medical assessment and create a comprehensive treatment plan for depression. This may include antidepressant medication, different types of therapy, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms effectively. With professional support, you’ll achieve remission of symptoms and prevention of recurrence.

Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder causes extreme shifts in mood and fluctuations in energy and activity levels. People experience both manic highs and depressive lows. Manic phases may include heightened energy, rapid speech, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior, and reduced sleep. Depressive phases bring overwhelming sadness, loss of energy, and difficulty concentrating. Mood stabilizing medication can be effective at managing bipolar disorder.If you have bipolar disorder, you likely often struggle to recognize how impaired your judgment becomes during mood episodes. Manic states may even feel productive at first. But, over time, the condition will seriously disrupt work performance, finances, and relationships. The proper treatment helps prevent cycling between emotional extremes.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)Also called dysthymia, persistent depressive disorder (PDD) involves a chronic low-grade depression that persists for at least two years in adults or one year in children. People may struggle with hopelessness, low self-esteem, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. However, symptoms are less severe than with major depression. Supportive psychotherapy and antidepressants can help relieve your persistent depressive disorder.The condition typically develops early in life - by age 20 for half of affected adults. Without treatment, symptoms last an average of 10-15 years. Though less debilitating than major depression, persistent depressive disorder can prevent people from feeling their best and fully engaging in life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression triggered by changing seasons, typically in winter when daylight hours are shorter. It is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. Symptoms may include oversleeping, overeating, low mood, and social withdrawal. Light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy can provide relief.SAD is more common at northern latitudes. Reduced sunlight in fall and winter causes changes in the brain, leading to depression symptoms. Production of serotonin and melatonin are affected - brain chemicals that influence mood, sleep-wake cycles, and appetites. At the Edge Treatment Center, we offer therapy options to help those with SAD implement positive lifestyle changes. Our caring experts provide the support and treatment you need to feel sunny and upbeat all year long. You don't have to dread the changing seasons anymore.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) causes severe mood swings, irritability, and anxiety symptoms occurring 1-2 weeks before menstruation and resolving with the onset of the menstrual period. Symptoms are more intense than regular PMS. Lifestyle changes and antidepressants may help women experiencing PMDD.PMDD affects day-to-day functionality and relationships the week or two before getting a period. PMDD can make even ordinary tasks feel overwhelming due to severe fatigue, trouble thinking clearly, and mood instability.

Trauma disorders develop after a person experiences or witnesses a deeply disturbing or life-threatening event. Symptoms may include upsetting memories, anxiety, emotional numbness, insomnia, and dissociation. Our caring experts provide effective treatments to overcome trauma's lingering effects.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and avoidance interfere with normal functioning. Therapies and medication can help patients process trauma and manage PTSD symptoms. When broken down by gender, data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R) reveals PTSD is significantly more prevalent among women, with 5.2% of females experiencing PTSD compared to just 1.8% of males.

Acute Stress DisorderAcute stress disorder involves significant anxiety, dissociation, re-experiencing a trauma, avoidance, and hyperarousal within one month after the traumatic event. If symptoms persist beyond one month, acute stress disorder may transition into PTSD. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Adjustment DisorderAdjustment disorder occurs when excessive emotional or behavioral symptoms emerge within three months of an identifiable stressor. The reaction exceeds what would normally be expected, given the nature of the stressor. Mild depression and anxiety are common symptoms. Counseling helps with coping skills.

Anxiety disorders serve an essential function in signaling potential threats and danger. But when that radar for risk gets stuck in overdrive, everyday life can become tremendously complicated. Even routine, mundane tasks can feel threatening. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry or fear in situations that should not provoke such intense anxiety.

Below are some of the common anxiety disorders we successfully treat:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)Marked by chronic, exaggerated, and irrational concern with mundane matters. Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may experience restlessness and heightened tension, encounter difficulties in maintaining focus, and exhibit physical manifestations of anxiety such as muscle strain. Therapeutic interventions, medication, and modifications to one's lifestyle can effectively mitigate symptoms.GAD often emerges in childhood through the mid-20s. It can significantly impair work performance and relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy, anti-anxiety medication, and learning coping strategies in a supportive environment can help overcome GAD.

Social Anxiety DisorderAlso known as social phobia, this social anxiety disorder causes overwhelming worry and self-consciousness in social interactions and performance situations. It may cause avoidance of social events and activities or enduring them with intense anxiety. Treatment may involve medications, therapy, and gradual exposure to feared situations.

Panic DisorderPanic disorder involves recurring sudden panic attacks, with symptoms like rapid heart rate, terror, dizziness, and feeling out of control. It may include fear of having more attacks or changes in behavior because of the attacks. Therapy and anti-anxiety medication are effective treatment options.Panic attacks typically begin in the late teens or early adulthood. Fear of another attack can lead to avoiding certain places and activities. Talk therapy helps identify triggers and thought patterns contributing to panic episodes. Medications like SSRIs can prevent panic attacks from recurring.

Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderObsessive-compulsive disorder causes upsetting and unwanted obsessive thoughts along with compulsive rituals to try to relieve anxiety caused by the obsessions. OCD treatment typically includes psychotherapy to modify thinking patterns and medication to help control symptoms.Compulsive rituals like repetitive washing, counting, checking, and arranging temporarily alleviate anxiety but negatively impact functionality. With counseling and medication through our comprehensive treatment program, the grip of OCD can be substantially reduced.

Personality disorders involve ingrained patterns of thinking and behaving that differ significantly from social norms and expectations. These disorders cause consistent interpersonal problems as well as substantial inner distress. Often rooted in traumatic early experiences, therapy helps people develop healthier relationship skills and thinking patterns.

Below are some examples of personality disorders we treat across the three clusters:

Antisocial Personality DisorderAntisocial personality disorder is marked by a disregard for right and wrong, violation of others' rights, deceitfulness, aggression, impulsivity, irresponsibility, and lack of remorse.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)Instability in relationships, self-image, emotions, behavior, and chronic feelings of emptiness are all symptoms of borderline personality disorder. BPD also features intense episodes of anger with impulsive actions.

Histrionic Personality DisorderThe symptoms of histrionic personality disorder include constant drawing of attention, inappropriately seductive behavior, shallow expression of emotions, and discomfort when not the center of attention.

Narcissistic Personality DisorderExaggerated self-importance, a strong need for excessive admiration, obsession with fantasies of success, power, and beauty, and a belief that they are superior and can only be understood by other special people are all signs of narcissistic personality disorder.

Avoidant Personality DisorderA person with avoidant personality disorder feels intense social discomfort, fear of rejection, timid until warmed up, feelings of inadequacy, and avoidance of work activities requiring interpersonal interaction.

Obsessive-Compulsive Personality DisorderRigid adherence to rules, perfectionism, excessive need for order, and inflexibility about ethics, values, and personal schemas at the expense of efficiency and emotional intimacy are all signs of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are a set of chronic brain disorders that involve disordered thinking and behavioral difficulties that impede functioning.Schizophrenia interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions, relate to others, and perceive reality accurately. Delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and decreased emotional capacity are common.Though schizophrenia cannot be cured, various medications and therapies allow many people to manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Early intervention after the first episode improves long-term outcomes. Supportive services are key for promoting recovery.There are several types of schizophrenia:

Catatonic SchizophreniaCharacterized by disturbances of movement, including immobility, rigid postures, repetitive motions, and inappropriate or bizarre movements.

Cenesthopathic SchizophreniaA subtype involving predominant disturbances in bodily sensation, such as strange or unreal feelings within or on the body.

Hebephrenic SchizophreniaCharacterized by severe disorganization of thought, emotions, and behavior. Childish silliness, unpredictable agitation, and frequent mannerisms are typical.

Paranoid SchizophreniaMarked by delusions, auditory hallucinations, and paranoid thought content like persecution. Insight is typically preserved.

Residual SchizophreniaHaving a history of at least one previous schizophrenic episode but currently exhibiting no major positive symptoms like delusions or hallucinations.

Schizoaffective DisorderHaving a mix of schizophrenia symptoms like hallucinations or delusions along with mood disorder symptoms of mania and/or major depression.

Simple SchizophreniaA gradual loss of drive, interest, initiative, and socialization over at least a year. No prominent delusions or hallucinations.

Undifferentiated SchizophreniaPsychotic symptoms are present, but the full criteria for paranoid, disorganized, or catatonic types are not met.