Symptoms and Types of Addiction:

ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often managed with medication to improve focus and self-control.

Symptoms:

∙ Inattention (difficulty focusing)

∙ Hyperactivity (excessive restlessness)

∙ Impulsivity (difficulty with self-control)

∙ Disorganization

∙ Difficulty completing tasks

∙ Problems with time management

∙ Frustration

∙ Increased irritability

Problematic consumption of alcohol that may lead to dependence or addiction, treated with medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms:

∙ Excessive drinking

∙ Loss of control over drinking

∙ Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

∙ Neglect of responsibilities due to drinking

Techniques and medications used to help individuals control and reduce their episodes of intense anger and aggression.

Symptoms:

∙ Frequent or intense anger outbursts

∙ Difficulty controlling temper

∙ Relationship problems due to anger

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States, affecting 40 million adults each year. Anxiety disorders are also some of the most treatable mental health disorders, with treatments such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes proven to be effective. Medications can help manage symptoms such as anxiety attacks.

Symptoms:

∙ Excessive worry

∙ Restlessness

∙ Racing thoughts

∙ Physical symptoms like sweating and palpitations

∙ Panic attacks

∙ Increased heart rate; heart palpitations

∙ Paranoia

∙ Phobias

∙ Having a sense of impending danger, panic, or doom

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, behavioral issues are some of the most common mental health problems in the United States. They affect children and adults of all ages and backgrounds. Medications may be prescribed to manage disruptive or challenging behaviors, especially in children and adolescents.

Symptoms:

∙ ADHD

∙ Disruptive behavior

∙ Personal conduct disorder

∙ Aggression

∙ Defiance of rules or authority

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes radical changes in mood, energy, and functioning. The condition is equally common in men and women. Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can also develop later in life. A mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of manic (elevated mood) and depressive (low mood) episodes; medication is essential for stabilizing mood.

Symptoms:

∙ Manic symptoms (elevated mood, impulsivity)

∙ Depressive symptoms (low mood, loss of interest)

∙ Mood swings

∙ Trouble concentrating

∙ Changes in sleep or appetite

∙ Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

A personality disorder marked by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. People with Borderline Personality Disorder may experience intense episodes of anger, anxiety, and depression. They may also have difficulty controlling their impulses, which can lead to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, binge eating, and self-harm. Medications can help manage associated symptoms.

Symptoms:

∙ Intense fear of abandonment

∙ Unstable relationships

∙ Mood swings

∙ Impulsive behaviors

∙ Self-image issues

∙ Substance abuse

∙ Binge eating

∙ Self-harm

∙ Increased anger or irritability

Although a common mental health disorder it can cause significant impairment in our daily lives. Treatment with various medications can help to alleviate symptoms and you can eventually overcome depression.

Symptoms:

∙ Persistent sadness

∙ Loss of interest in activities

∙ Crying Spells

∙ Fatigue

∙ Changes in appetite, sleep, or sex drive

∙ Thoughts like life isn’t worth living

∙ Suicidal thoughts

The harmful use of drugs, often leading to addiction, which may require medication-assisted treatment to aid recovery.

Symptoms:

∙ Compulsive drug use

∙ Tolerance (needing more of the drug)

∙ Withdrawal symptoms

When an individual has both a mental health disorder (e.g., depression) and a substance use disorder; medication can be prescribed to address both conditions simultaneously.

Symptoms:

∙ Symptoms of both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, can vary widely.

Conditions like anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa may be treated with medication in conjunction with therapy to address underlying issues.

Symptoms:

∙ Anorexia: Extreme weight loss, food restriction

∙ Bulimia: Binge-eating and purging

∙ Distorted body image

A term often used in children and adolescents to describe conditions affecting emotions and behavior, sometimes managed with medication.

Symptoms:

∙ Behavioral problems

∙ Difficulty in social settings

∙ Emotional instability

A condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Obsessions are defined as repetitive, intrusive, and unwelcome thoughts, images, impulses, or doubts that cause anxiety or distress. Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in order to relieve the anxiety or distress caused by the Obsessions. Medication can reduce symptoms.

Symptoms:

∙ Obsessions (persistent, intrusive thoughts)

∙ Compulsions (repetitive behaviors to relieve anxiety)

∙ Obsessions about dirt and contamination

∙ Obsessions about symmetry and order

∙ Obsessions about certain numbers or colors

∙ Excessive worry about making mistakes or doing something wrong

∙ Compulsions to wash hands excessively or to clean surfaces excessively

∙ Compulsions to check things repeatedly

∙ Compulsions to arrange objects in a certain order or symmetry

∙ Compulsions to seek reassurance from others

A group of conditions characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience; medication may be part of the treatment plan.

Symptoms:

∙ Varies widely depending on the specific personality disorder (e.g., instability in borderline personality disorder, detachment in schizoid personality disorder).

sleep disorder that may be treated with medications to improve sleep quality.

Symptoms:

∙ Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

∙ Daytime fatigue and irritability

∙ Exhaustion during the day

∙ Trouble concentrating

∙ Irritability

∙ Brain Fog

Medications can help manage symptoms of stress and anxiety, especially in the short term.

Symptoms:

∙ Anxiety

∙ Muscle tension

∙ Difficulty relaxing

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which may necessitate medication alongside intensive therapy and support.

Symptoms:

∙ Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

∙ May or may not include intent or a plan

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing trauma, treated with medication to alleviate symptoms like anxiety and flashbacks.

Symptoms:

∙ Flashbacks to traumatic events

∙ Nightmares

∙ Hyperarousal (easily startled, tense)

∙ Avoidance of people or places associated with the trauma

∙ Irritability

∙ Aggression

∙ Trust issues

∙ Panic attacks

∙ Changes in sex drive

∙ Issues in relationships

∙ Unable to find joy in everyday activities