What is an Anxiety Disorder? Wikipedia defines Anxiety Disorder is a group of disorders characterized by excessive worrying, uneasiness, apprehension and fear about future uncertainties based on either real or imagined events. An Anxiety Disorder exists when the excessive feelings begin to interfere with everyday life such as: school, work or relationships with others. Many Anxiety Disorders start in children and teens. Some anxiety is good. It can help a…

What is a Mood Disorder? The American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) defines Mood Disorders as those disorders that have as their central feature a significant disturbance in mood. According to the DSM-IV, mood disturbance consists of two symptoms • depressed mood (feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps) and • lack of interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day…

What is Bipolar Disorder? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder is when a person has unusual mood changes; feeling very happy and more active than usual (manic) or feeling very sad and much less active than normal (depression). These mood swings are typically dramatic and unpredictable. Bipolar Disorder is often referred to as a manic-depressive illness. Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is often reserved until adulthood; however,…

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? The American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) defines Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a severe anxiety disorder in which a person is exposed to a traumatic event where: The person experienced or witnessed or was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self…