This content has been updated from previous article on December 20, 2020. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) earned its name due to its historical position on the “borderline” between neurosis and psychosis, reflecting its complex and variable nature. This terminology originated in the mid-20th century when clinicians noticed patients displaying symptoms that didn’t neatly fit into established diagnostic categories. BPD belongs to the family of Personality Disorders, a group characterized by enduring and maladaptive behavior patterns. However, what sets BPD apart is its hallmark traits: unstable relationships, self-identity disturbances, impulsive actions, and intense mood swings. While sharing some features with other personality disorders, BPD has its unique profile and challenges, making it important for clinicians to distinguish it for accurate diagnosis and treatment. It’s estimated that 1.4% of the adult U.S. population has BPD, making it a relatively rare condition, and nearly 75% of people diagnosed with BPD are people assigned female at birth (AFAB). BPD looks unique in each person, and the full list of symptoms is lengthy. However, all borderline personality disorder symptoms can be grouped in...

This content has been updated from previous article on September 17, 2020. It’s becoming increasingly evident that Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses are on the rise among adults, underscoring the need for understanding and support in this realm. While ADHD is traditionally associated with childhood, the surge in adult diagnoses can be attributed to various factors, including destigmatization, heightened awareness, improved mental health understanding, and more accessible treatment avenues. Unveiling the Growth in Adult ADHD Diagnosis The landscape of ADHD diagnosis is shifting. Although ADHD is typically identified during childhood (between ages 3 and 17), there’s a noticeable increase in adu...

Key Takeaways Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’s complex nature extends beyond commonly held beliefs of excessive cleanliness or perfectionism. Recognizing its various types is pivotal in understanding the breadth of this disorder and ensures that those afflicted receive apt treatment. OCD isn’t just about cleanliness or orderliness. Understanding the different types of OCD—including contamination, harm, symmetry, taboo obsessions, and hoarding—is essential for understanding and treatment. Effective treatment hinges on the type of OCD and its diagnosis timeline. While OCD is an Anxiety Disorder, it’s just a subset. Generalized Anxiety Disorders are more prevalent. While the exact cause of OCD remains elusive, it’s believed to result from a mix of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than an urge for cleanliness or an affectionate term for someone who likes things “just so.” At its core, OCD is characterized by persistent and intrusive obsessions coupled with repetitive compulsions. We define it as a Mental Health condition that causes people to fixate on smaller aspec...

Key Takeaways Distinguishing between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder is essential for developing the right treatment plan. Despite the shared symptoms between the two, recognizing their unique differences ensures tailored care for individual needs. With the help of a trained Psychiatrist, Bipolar Disorder Testing and Diagnosis and BPD diagnosis can lead to an effective treatment plan. Mental Health awareness has expanded significantly over the years, leading to a broader understanding and acceptance of various conditions. While there are strides made in erasing the stigma around it, nuances and complexities in conditions often create confusion. A recurring point of discussion, for instance, is the distinction between Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Bipolar Disorder. Let’s dive into this, exploring the similarities and differences of each....

With recent news reports on ADHD medication shortage, specifically Adderall®, it brings an interesting topic to mind – the modern pill dilemma. Have we become too reliant on medication? For many with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), medication is a lifeline. It can be a tool used to enable longer periods of focus, and in turn greater success in various fields of life. ADHD is among the most common mental conditions in children and teens; CHADD reports approximately 5.3 million children between ages of 3-17 (8.7%) have a current diagnosis of ADHD. ADHD is slightly less common in adults, with approximately 8 million adults (approx. 5%) reported to be living with the condition. There is an ongoing ADHD medication pill dilemma debate if ADHD is being overdiagnosed and medication overprescribed unnecessarily. This also raises questions around the impact of ADHD medication and potential long-term effects especially amongst children. Like any medication, ADHD medication can also have side effects like the following: Loss of appetite or reduced appetite Difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep patterns Irritability or mood swings Dry mouth or throat Dizziness

Understanding the Intrusive Symptoms of PTSD If you’ve ever witnessed a skipping DVD, repeatedly playing the same scene over and over, you have a small sense of the disruptive nature of intrusive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Picture these as glitches in your mental video player, where your mind gets stuck replaying traumatic events without any warning. More than just memories, these flashbacks, obsessive thoughts, and nightmares interrupt your daily life, pulling you back into a past trauma as though it were happening in the here and now. Keep reading as this blog outlines some intrusive symptoms of PTSD and what to do if you are experiencing them. Intrusion Symptoms PTSD: When the Past Takes Over the Present...

6 Common Symptoms of a Mood Disorder Navigating the ups and downs of life feels different for every single person, who holds a spectrum of different emotions and capacities within them. As every day can bring new challenges or new joys, our emotional landscape shifts frequently, and this is completely normal. However, when challenging emotions become overpowering, more intense, or remain fixed for longer periods, it could be a symptom of a Mood Disorder. Every individual’s emotional and mental landscape is unique. Imagine yours like an ocean, with the waves representing our moods, rising and falling naturally. When a storm approaches, the waves become overwhelming, chaotic, and relentless, akin to a mood disorder. Recognizing the storm’s onset can help navigate these tumultuous waters and seek shelter in the form of professional mental health services. Understanding the nuances of these symptoms can help identify if professional help is necessary. Keep reading as we explore six common signs of a mood disorder in depth....