Abuse and Neglect: How Can It Be Treated
GETTING HELP FOR THE CHILD AND FAMILY The child may need medical treatment and counseling. Abused children can be seriously hurt. Children may also have emotional problems. Counseling and support groups are available for children and for abusive parents who want to get help. There are state and other government departments or agencies that are responsible […]
Abuse and Neglect: What Causes It
There is not any single fact which causes abuse; abuse usually occurs in families where there is a combination of risk factors. Abuse and neglect occur most often in families who are under pressure and lack support. Most abuse, other than sexual abuse, occurs in families to which some, or all, of the following apply: […]
Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect may mimic the signs and symptoms of many common chronic medical conditions in either children or elderly persons. A complete assessment for child or elder abuse and neglect is time consuming and is best performed as a regimented evaluation that includes separate histories from the patient(s) and […]
Suicide Prevention: How Can It Be Treated
People who are at risk of suicidal behavior may not seek treatment for many reasons, including: They believe nothing will help They do not want to tell anyone they have problems They think asking for help is a sign of weakness They do not know where to go for help A person may need emergency […]
Suicide Prevention: What Causes It?
Suicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with one or more of the following: Bipolar disorder Borderline personality disorder Depression Drug or alcohol use Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Schizophrenia Stressful life issues, such as serious financial or relationship problems People who try to commit suicide are often trying to get away from a situation […]
Suicide Prevention: Signs and Symptoms
Often, but not always, a person may show certain signs and behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as: Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly Giving away belongings Talking about going away or the need to “get my affairs in order” Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety Losing interest in activities they […]
Schizophrenia: How Can It Be Treated
Antipsychotics Antipsychotic medications are usually taken daily in pill or liquid form. Some antipsychotics are injections that are given once or twice a month. Some people have side effects when they start taking medications, but most side effects go away after a few days. Doctors and patients can work together to find the best medication […]
Schizophrenia: What Causes It?
The causes of schizophrenia are not known. Multiple factors such as genetics and brain chemistry may play a role.
Schizophrenia: Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of schizophrenia usually start between ages 16 and 30. In rare cases, children have schizophrenia too. The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms: “Positive” symptoms are psychotic behaviors not generally seen in healthy people. People with positive symptoms may “lose touch” with some aspects of reality. Symptoms […]
PTSD: How Can It Be Treated
The main treatments for people with PTSD are medications, psychotherapy (“talk” therapy), or both. Everyone is different, and PTSD affects people differently so a treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health provider who is experienced with PTSD. […]
What Causes It?
Genes. Currently, many scientists are focusing on genes that play a role in creating fear memories. Understanding how fear memories are created may help to refine or find new interventions for reducing the symptoms of PTSD. For example, PTSD researchers have pinpointed genes that make: Stathmin, a protein needed to form fear memories. In one […]
Signs and Symptoms
When in danger, it’s natural to feel afraid. This fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to prepare to defend against the danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this reaction is changed or damaged. People […]