Mental Health Conditions

When we talk about bipolar disorder (BD), we're referring to a mental health condition marked by drastic changes in mood (mood swings), energy and activity levels, and performance in day-to-day life. These episodes may occur several times a year or rarely. BD was...

Gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse, and it can be an important warning sign of an abusive relationship. Basically, it refers to someone trying to manipulate someone else into doubting their perception of reality. It's a technique used to keep the victim...

Abusive relationships take many forms, and can include any mix of physical, sexual, mental, and emotional abuse. And they can manifest in any type of relationship, including romantic, familial, workplace, and other relationships. Any relationship in which one person...

When we talk about burnout, we may not be discussing something that's listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)—at least not yet—but it's a very real, widely recognized mental health condition. Anyone who lives through an extended...

Addiction is a complicated mental health condition involving compulsive substance use (for example, illegal or prescription drugs or alcohol) or compulsive engagement in a behavior (for example, gambling, sex, or shopping) despite negative effects. Some addiction is...

While it's perfectly natural to be afraid and stressed in response to certain situations, some people have lasting psychiatric effects after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Such an event may be a natural disaster, military combat, a rape or other act of...

While many people can get stuck on certain thoughts or engage in repetitive behaviors, it's usually not disruptive to their lives, and can often even help them focus, become motivated, and accomplish tasks and goals through routine. But when we talk about...

All children and teenagers sometimes act out, act uncooperatively, talk back, disobey their parents, shout “No!” and otherwise behave difficultly and defiantly. It's a perfectly normal, healthy part of development as kids seek to assert their desires, become more...

While everyone experiences feelings like sadness, frustration, and loss of motivation from time to time, depression is more than a temporary bad mood. When these sort of feelings are chronic and intense, creating a sense of hopelessness and interfering with daily...