Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (e.g., contamination fears, harm thoughts, need for symmetry). Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts (e.g., washing, checking, counting, ordering) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a dreaded event, often linked to the obsessions. OCD is associated with neurobiological factors, including specific brain circuits and serotonin function, as well as genetic and cognitive influences. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment confirming obsessions/compulsions are time-consuming or distressing/impairing, often using scales like the Y-BOCS. The gold-standard treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, often combined with SSRI medication. Finding a therapist specialized in ERP is crucial for effective care.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavioral disorder characterized by a lasting pattern of hostile, defiant, and disobedient behavior toward authority figures, alongside frequent angry or irritable mood. Symptoms like excessive arguing, deliberate annoyance of others, blaming, and vindictiveness go beyond typical developmental phases and cause significant impairment in social, academic, or family life. While challenging, ODD is treatable, primarily through parent management training, family therapy, and individual therapy for the child focusing on anger management and social skills. Early intervention is key to improving outcomes and addressing potential co-occurring conditions like ADHD or anxiety. Understanding ODD helps families find effective strategies for support and behavior management.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks – sudden periods of intense fear with physical symptoms like palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cognitive symptoms like fear of losing control. Critically, the diagnosis also requires persistent concern (for at least one month) about having additional attacks or their consequences, and/or significant maladaptive behavioral changes related to the attacks (e.g., avoidance). It may occur with or without Agoraphobia. Panic Disorder is highly treatable with psychotherapy (especially CBT with exposure) and/or medication (commonly SSRIs/SNRIs), helping individuals manage symptoms and reduce anticipatory anxiety.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), formerly Dysthymia, is characterized by a chronic depressed mood occurring most of the day, more days than not, for at least two years (one year in children/adolescents). During depressive periods, associated symptoms like appetite/sleep changes, low energy, low self-esteem, poor concentration, or hopelessness are present. It differs from Major Depressive Disorder mainly by its chronicity, though individuals with PDD can also experience superimposed major depressive episodes ("double depression"). Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy (like CBT or IPT) and antidepressant medication, aimed at managing long-term symptoms and improving quality of life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Symptoms, lasting over a month and causing significant distress or impairment, fall into four clusters: intrusive memories or flashbacks; avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, feelings, or reminders; negative changes in beliefs, mood, and emotional experience (e.g., fear, guilt, detachment); and heightened arousal or reactivity (e.g., irritability, hypervigilance, sleep problems). While trauma exposure is necessary, not everyone develops PTSD; risk factors include trauma severity, lack of support, and prior history. Diagnosis involves professional assessment against DSM-5 criteria. Highly effective treatments include trauma-focused psychotherapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Medication may help manage symptoms. Coping strategies and social support are vital for recovery.