Below are brief descriptions of some common psychiatric conditions. These descriptions are based on current psychiatric thought and are used by many mental health professionals as a framework to apply the explosion of new knowledge concerning brain function and mental illness.

These descriptions are provided as a starting point for the layperson to better understand the meaning of these terms from a psychiatric viewpoint. By no means are these descriptions comprehensive, intended as medical advice, or to be used as a substitute to speaking with a mental health professional. Consulting with a mental health professional is the only valid means by which to explore treatment options - of which there are many successful approaches for each of the conditions listed - so such options are not presented in this format. N.E.L.

Addiction

Anxiety disorders

generalized anxiety disorder

panic disorder

posttraumatic stress disorder

social phobia

specific phobia

Bipolar disorder

Dementia

Alzheimer's disease

vascular dementia

Eating disorders

anorexia nervosa

bulimia nervosa