Category Archives: Disorders

Commonly Co-Occurring: Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

Commonly Co-Occurring: Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

The relationship between bipolar disorder and substance abuse is complex. People with bipolar disorder often turn to substances to self-medicate and alleviate the intense emotional roller coaster they experience during manic or depressive episodes. However, research suggests that people with a dual diagnosis of bipolar and addiction don’t respond well to treatment and have a […]

Commonly Co-Occurring: Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse

Commonly Co-Occurring: Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders and substance abuse commonly coexist. Up to 50% of people diagnosed with eating disorders frequently report abusing alcohol and other recreational drugs. At least 35% of people who have substance abuse problems have suffered from an eating disorder. Several underlying factors are shared by individuals […]

The Family’s Role in Supporting Bipolar Disorder

The Family's Role in Supporting Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health diagnosis that 2.8% of the United States population had in the past year. Approximately 4.4% of American adults have experienced the disorder at some point in their lives. When a family member is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it often affects everyone in the household. Living with a bipolar family […]

The Family’s Role in Supporting Schizophrenia

The Family's Role in Supporting Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions worldwide. In the United States alone, 0.25%-0.64% of people either have or are suspected to have some form of the disease. The disturbed thinking and behavior this condition induces is a leading cause of homelessness, drug abuse, arrest and other negative life outcomes. People […]

It’s Complicated: Addiction and Relationships

It's Complicated: Addiction and Relationships

When someone falls into substance abuse, their partner may start wondering, “How does addiction affect relationships?” Change might not happen right away, but as the disorder progresses, arguments become more frequent. Both parties feel like they can’t trust each other and like they aren’t being understood. Sometimes, drugs ruin relationships. However, seeking help in time […]

Orthorexia & ARFID – Little-Known Eating Disorders

Orthorexia ARFID

When most people think about eating disorders, bulimia and anorexia come to mind. However, recent trends have caused an increase in a healthy eating disorder: orthorexia nervosa. This disorder causes rapid weight loss and an obsession with food like anorexia, but instead of trying to lose weight, people starve themselves in the name of clean […]

A Blood Test for Diagnosing PTSD?

A Blood Test for Diagnosing PTSD?

Discover the latest breakthrough in treating post-traumatic stress disorder: a new PTSD diagnostic test. Learn how a blood test can help identify PTSD symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) are mental health issues caused by frightening or dangerous events. PTSD happens after one event, while CPTSD happens after many events […]

Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder – What It Is

PPSD - Post Pandemic Stress Disorder

Post-pandemic stress disorder (PPSD) reflects the trauma caused by COVID-19 for people around the world. When the pandemic started in the United States, people had to restructure their entire lives in the wake of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 146.6 million people caught the virus between February 2020 […]