Behavioral Health Services

Mental Health Conditions We Treat

The team at Memorial Healthcare has the tools and resources to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including:

Depression

Also called major depressive disorder, depression is a common mental health issue. It causes the patient to change how they act, feel, and think. While symptoms can range from mild to severe, individuals can treat and manage them using medications and therapies. Many people become diagnosed with depression as young adults, but diagnosis can occur anytime throughout one’s life. Depression differs from typical bouts of sadness, as it can make it difficult to complete daily tasks and can affect the patient for long periods. Symptoms of depression include:

• Disinterest in activities previously liked
• Feelings of sadness
• Appetite changes
• Suicidal thoughts
• Changes in sleep
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Fatigue

In addition, depression can arise while a patient heals from a medical condition, such as vitamin deficiency or thyroid issues. Once the patient’s health returns to normal, feelings of depression should subside.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes intense mood swings, changes in behavior, and energy levels. When a patient becomes diagnosed with bipolar disorder, they typically experience a shift from manic episodes to depressive ones. Manic episodes can present themselves in the form of many symptoms, including:

• Hallucinations
• Increased happiness
• Sudden mood changes
• Reckless behavior
• Restlessness
• Impulsivity

Manic and depressive episodes can last anywhere from hours to weeks to months and can severely impact one’s ability to function in daily life. There are many types of bipolar disorders, such as:

• Bipolar I disorder
• Bipolar II disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that impacts one’s ability to distinguish between real and unreal situations. This is because it can cause intense, vivid hallucinations at any time. Other symptoms of schizophrenia include:

• Lack of motivation
• Delusions
• Issues with thinking or concentrating
• Unorganized speech

Signs of schizophrenia can last hours or much longer. However, with the right treatment plan, patients can control debilitating symptoms.

Schizo-Affective Disorder

Patients with schizo-affective disorder typically experience symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia. However, there are two kinds of schizo-affective disorders: Depressive and Bipolar. While symptoms can mimic those of schizophrenia, patients with this condition usually experience one spectrum of mood swings over several weeks. For example, a person may have a manic episode and return to a period without symptoms. Or they may have a depressive episode and shift back to a healthy state. These shifts in mood can potentially become triggered through stressful events or trauma, and they can affect work, school, and social events. Those with schizo-affective disorder also can experience suicidal thoughts.

Severe Anxiety

While having anxiety during certain situations is typical, those with severe anxiety find it difficult to complete tasks in their daily life. Severe anxiety can lead to panic attacks, which causes the body to react to overstimulation of anxiety and fear. Those with severe anxiety may find themselves avoiding situations that can cause panic attacks. Anyone can become diagnosed with severe anxiety, from children to adults. Symptoms of severe anxiety include:

• Gastroenterology issues
• Excess nervousness or worrying
• Issues with sleeping
• Feelings of unavoidable danger
• Inability to concentrate
• Increased heart rate
• Fatigue
• Hyperventilation
• Trembling or sweating

Without treatment, symptoms can be difficult to manage.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a symptom that stems from many health disorders. It leads to intense episodes where the patient loses touch with reality, and they cannot determine what is real or unreal. This is because episodes of psychosis can cause the patient to be overcome with intrusive thoughts. Many patients experience psychosis in conjunction with another mental illness, such as depression or schizophrenia. If a patient’s mental illness becomes severe, they can fall into a period of psychosis. Symptoms include:

• Inappropriate behavior
• Anxiety and depression
• Problems sleeping

Grief and Anger

Dealing with the loss of a loved one or other circumstances can be difficult. Alongside long-term mental health conditions, the medical professionals at Memorial Healthcare also can help patients heal from grief and anger. Through therapy, medications, and counseling, patients can learn how to cope with loss, anger management techniques, and other helpful tools to live a productive lifestyle.