What it is Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition marked by preoccupation with perceived flaws in appearance (skin, hair, nose, body shape, muscles, etc.) that others see as minor or not noticeable. The concern causes significant distress or…
What they are Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): intense stress reactions within the first month after a traumatic event (accident, assault, disaster). Symptoms can resemble PTSD but are time-limited; some people recover naturally, others benefit from early support. Adjustment Disorder: significant…
What it is OCD involves: Obsessions: unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety (e.g., contamination, harm, doubts, “just-right” feelings, taboo or religious themes). Compulsions: repetitive behaviors or mental rituals done to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad (washing,…
What it is PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event (violence, assault, disaster, serious accident, combat, medical trauma). It involves ongoing re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood/cognition changes, and hyperarousal that last longer than a month and interfere with…
What it is Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern—most often starting in late fall or winter and lifting in spring. A less common summer-onset pattern also exists. SAD is treatable, and early steps…
What it is PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual symptoms that significantly affects mood, energy, and daily life. Symptoms appear in the week or two before a period and improve within a few days after it starts. PMDD is…
What it is Bipolar disorder involves shifts between mood “highs” and lows: Mania or hypomania: periods of unusually elevated or irritable mood with increased energy and activity. Depression: periods of low mood, low energy, and loss of interest. Bipolar I…
What it is Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), also called dysthymia, is a long-lasting low mood most days for two years or more in adults (one year in youth). Symptoms are typically milder than major depression but more persistent. Many people…
What it is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is more than a bad week. It’s a health condition marked by persistent low mood and/or loss of interest plus changes in sleep, appetite, energy, focus, or feelings of worth. It’s common and…
What they are Specific phobias are strong, persistent fears of particular objects or situations—such as flying, needles, heights, elevators, spiders, or vomiting. The fear is out of proportion to actual danger and leads to avoidance or intense distress. They’re very…
