With mental health problems affecting one in five people, here are 20 facts that will dispel some lingering myths about these often misunderstood disorders.
Depression: World’s Largest Cause of Disability
The mental health issues have replaced the physical problems when it comes to disability. In 2017, the World Health Organization released a study stating that depression was the leading cause of impairment at work worldwide.
Eating Disorders: Far Beyond Teenagers
Contrary to popular belief, eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and hyperphagia do not only affect adolescents. According to a US research center , these disorders can affect people of any age, gender, race or sexual orientation. They are often diagnosed in adolescents and young adults, but many people identify eating disorders later in life.
Anxiety: The Most Common Psychological Problem
We all go through times when everyday stress causes anxiety. However, when it persists and causes problems in our daily functioning, it becomes pathological. In Brazil, 9% of the population suffers from anxiety disorders, making it the country with the highest incidence rate of these problems in the world.
Medication and Therapy: An Effective Treatment
Although we may prefer sports, relaxation or even taking vitamins to solve psychological problems, the American Psychological Association states that according to expert Stephen D. Hollon and some colleagues, the combination of medication and therapy increases the effectiveness of treatments by up to 75%.
Game Addiction: A Real Problem
Addiction to alcohol, drugs and gambling are well known. But is video game addiction really there? The answer is yes, according to the World Health Organization: this disorder is characterized by a lack of control over willingness to play, a higher priority given to video games over other interests and life, and a longer time spent playing despite negative consequences.
Post-traumatic Stress: More Common Than You Think
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (TSPT), which is usually associated with war veterans and other types of combatants, is far more widespread than previously thought. It affects about 2 million people in Brazil, according to hospital sources. People affected by it have difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a frightening event and suffer from nightmares or flashbacks, escape from trauma-reminding situations, exaggerated reactions to stimuli, anxiety and depressed mood. The treatment is done with therapy and medication.
Depression May Onset During Pregnancy
Parents, both women and men, may suffer from depression during pregnancy, and not only after it. According to studies, between 10% and 20% of women suffer from this problem during pregnancy. In many cases, some medication may be indicated to relieve symptoms.
Is It Possible To Have A Single Episode Of Schizophrenia In Life
There are several ways to live with schizophrenia, but one thing is certain: if it is treated quickly, the chances of further episodes in the future fall. Some people may have only one episode in a lifetime, while others may have long periods of well-being between episodes, but others may have long-lasting experiences, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Face Your Fears
Fighting fire with fire, or in this case exposing yourself to situations that lead to obsession anxiety without reacting with compulsions, is an effective treatment. This method for preventing OCD is called exposure therapy and response prevention : for it to work, it is important to try to resist as much as possible, containing the compulsions during or after exposure. The goal of this therapy is to learn to deal with fear without compulsions.
Bipolar disorder is more frequent among richer population
A person with bipolar disorder changes between periods of depression and mania. These episodes can last from a few days to a few months. What is perhaps surprising is that the richest populations have the highest incidence rates of this problem. According to expert Brian Brexton , people with bipolar disorder have higher than normal energy levels
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