Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations, plus depression
Psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders are often mistaken for physical illnesses because of shared or confusing symptoms. Making a correct diagnosis can be tricky. But sometimes the situation is reversed – a physical illness is mistaken for a psychiatric one due to overlapping symptoms. One excellent example occurs in the presence of…
As many as 90% of people who commit suicide experience depression, substance abuse or other mental health disorders
Suicide is the darkest and most tragic face of mental illness – but we can reach out and help. When a person cuts his or her own life short out of desperation to end mental and emotional suffering, there is little that can comfort families and loved ones. One in 25 Canadians will attempt suicide during their…
Schizophrenia, which affects one per cent of the population, is the result of an organic problem in the brain
Schizophrenia is a frightening disease that is not well understood. Although it has been well characterized in some movies such as A Beautiful Mind, this illness is more often thought of in vague and uncertain terms. Some would say they think a person with schizophrenia is ‘crazy’, or that they have multiple personalities, or that…
Psychiatric symptoms commonly associated with fibromyalgia make the condition worse for those who experience pain and depression or anxiety
Fibromyalgia has stumped health-care professionals for years. Patients experience chronic and sometimes excruciating pain with no obvious physical reason. It's long been understood that fibromyalgia is somehow connected with co-existing psychiatric conditions. New research has examined this relationship more closely. Fibromyalgia is the existence of widespread pain throughout the body. In order to be diagnosed…
Although there are potential risks involved with taking medication, there are very real risks if important psychiatric medication is stopped
Women with psychiatric conditions enter into murky territory when it comes to making decisions about their treatment during pregnancy. As a general rule, women are advised not to take any medications during pregnancy and for many this is not a big sacrifice. Forgoing the use of aspirin or cold medication might make for a couple…
Vascular dementia is caused by a series of small strokes that damage the brain
Dementia is one of the more frightening conditions to affect us as we get older. We expect our bodies to become weaker as we age, but we hope that our minds remain sharp and we are able to interact with the world around us. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia to affect…
Step-parenting is a sensitive role, often fraught with difficulties, but the myth of wicked step-parents is not valid and can be overcome
Blended families involving second marriages and step-parenting are common in Canada. Step-parenting is a sensitive role, often fraught with difficulties. From the time we are small children reading nursery stories, step-parents are portrayed in a negative light. In particular, storybook step-mothers are often wicked and unfair, and this myth sometimes sticks with us as we…
The mental health benefits of exercise are well documented, and even moderate sadness and feelings of anxiety can be improved
Not only is exercise good for our bodies, it’s also good for our minds. Most people with a regular exercise routine will tell you that it makes you feel good physically and is a helpful way of reducing stress, improving confidence and self-esteem, and increasing energy. It adds to a general sense of well-being. Although most fitness…
PTSD is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing traumatic events
Traumatic Stress Disorder, once called shell shock, is a psychiatric condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing life-threatening or traumatic events. Military action is the most commonly discussed experience that can lead to this disorder, but it can occur after natural disasters, terrorist incidents, accidents or violent assaults. This disorder has likely been around…
But there are strategies — and medications — that will help you control this all-too-common condition
Do you worry constantly about your family, money, health or work? Does this uneasiness affect your sleep or your ability to function? These are a few of the common hallmarks of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We all worry to a certain degree about the well-being of our families, our financial situation or jobs, but it isn’t an anxiety…
Psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders are often mistaken for physical illnesses because of shared or confusing symptoms. Making a correct diagnosis can be tricky. But sometimes the situation is reversed – a physical illness is mistaken for a psychiatric one due to overlapping symptoms. One excellent example occurs in the presence of…
