Mental Illnesses and Mental Health Disorders

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Mental Health

In the past half-century, mental health has become a hotbed for scientific research and practice. Myths have been debunked, stigmas diminished, and knowledge continues to pour forth at an astonishing rate. Consider the Internet a mental health fitness center and this guide as your personal trainer. We'll explore a range of subjects including mental illness, finding treatment, support networks, and a whole lot more.

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Mental Health Basics for Children, Adults, Veterans, and Seniors

If you have some basic questions about mental health but don't know where to start, the Internet ... read more »

Mental Illnesses and Mental Health Disorders

Scientific knowledge of the causes, composition, and treatments of mental illness has grown in leaps and bounds. If you or a loved one has been touched by a mental illness, take comfort in knowing that there are myriad resources available to you on the Web. Below you'll find overviews of the causes, types, and treatments of several disorders.

Dulcinea's Insight

Many illnesses are believed to be biologically based; if you're trying to understand mental illness, consider first learning about how the brain works. One of the chapters in the NIH's teacher's guide to mental illness covers the basics on brain function and anatomy.

Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are three of the most prevalent mental health conditions affecting Americans. Though you'll be able to find answers to most of your questions in the overview sites below, we have also included resources specifically covering each of these three disorders.

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For the types of mental illnesses ...

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is one of the nation's most active mental illness advocacy and education organizations. NAMI takes a grassroots approach to providing community services such as public education, information activities, fundraisers, and advocacy. You'll find a variety of information on specific disorders.

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WebMD has a portal dedicated to information on common types of mental illnesses. You can read up on the latest news, or share your concerns with others on the "Boards & Blogs" section. WebMD also hosts a thorough glossary to help you sort through the many new terms you may encounter.

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For depression and anxiety screening ...

The NYU Medical Center has depression screening test, and will assess in minutes if you ought to consider treatment. As the disclaimer states at the bottom of the page, the test is not a substitute for professional evaluation. NYU also has an anxiety screening test, and tests for other disorders.

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For anxiety ...

The ADAA offers a vast range of authoritative material, including how to find a therapist, guides to treatment, self tests, support groups, and a whole lot more. This is a comprehensive resource for anyone concerned with anxiety disorders.

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The Anxiety Network is put forward by psychologist Thomas A. Richards, and is an assemblage of information on panic, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety. This site offers more in the way of facts and info than resources.

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For bipolar disorder ...

See the findingDulcinea Bipolar Disorder Web Guide.

For depression symptoms and support ...

The National Institute of Mental Health gives a rundown of depression-types, symptoms, causes, diagnoses, treatments-using an authoritative tone, facts, and stats.

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Postpartum Support International offers a great support network for anyone touched by postpartum depression. You'll find leads to information for mothers, families, and professionals, local support resources, forums, and events. Some of the resources are also available in Spanish.

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For eating disorders ...

See the findingDulcinea Eating Disorders Web Guide.

For obsessive-compulsive disorder ...

See the findingDulcinea Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Web Guide.