Definition

Depression is not a spiritual illness, but an organic and cerebral illness, which manifests due sometimes to poor environmental circumstances or even for no particular reason; genetic background could be a determinant as well.

<<Depression is similar to common cold, yet, instead of nose and throat, involves the brain.>>

Depression could mean gradual death.

Major depressive disorder is a serious and severe disease, which definitely requires therapy and, in some cases, even hospitalization.

<<Dysthymia - persistent depressive - and Neurasthenia disorders should not be mistaken by depression.>>

- How depression works

It disorders the normal performance of one's life.

- When to call it depression

At least two weeks would have been passed as of the criteria mentioned below, and it would not be symptoms of a medical illness (e.g. related to thyroid), side effects of a medicine or grief.

- Criteria for quick diagnosis

1- Nervousness;

2- Down mood (past activities no longer enjoyed);

3- Chronic fatigue;

4- Slack & slow;

5- Lack of concentration;

6- anorexia/overeating;

7- Insomnia/hypersomnia;

8- Guilt and worthlessness; and

9- Suicidal thoughts.

- Why visiting a therapist would be necessary

"Diagnosing depression is not hard. Pharmacies sell various types of anti-depressants; why paying a doctor?"

Answer:

Regardless of the fact that depression is not a joke and may easily lead to death, it could be part of a more serious illness (such as bipolarity), the diagnosis of which must be performed merely by relevant experts and not individuals themselves.

Treating depression effectively is not much easy. Depending upon the type, cause and intensity, there are a number of medical and non-medical solutions. The most effective and fastest treatment at the moment is "shock therapy."

The best medicine would be prescribed based on past experience, adaptability and tolerance of patient. Treatment would be extensive, and its influence would not commence sooner than two weeks.

- Symptoms which do not relate to depression

a) Grief: losing loved ones or even relationship breakup upsets and confuses individuals, which is natural.

b) Dysthymia: depressive mood more than two years along with social isolation, lack of motivation, fatigue and low self-esteem.

c) Neurasthenia is prevalent among students and youth; even though they enjoy their life when accompanied by their friends.

[Neurasthenia: an ill-defined medical condition characterized by lassitude, fatigue, headache, and irritability, associated chiefly with emotional disturbance [Google].]

Despite not having down and depressive mood, they are always impatient and tired. They often feel weakness, suffers from insomnia to a certain extent, and are weary.

Cases such as depression and obsession, similar to diabetes and heart disease, could be a result of injury of one or a number of body parts, which - when developed - would be out of control and volition - "the faculty or power of using one's will [Google]."

Not only is visiting a psychiatrist in these situations not accounted as madness, it would be highly requisite.

- Anti-depressants - when they lead to suicide

Anti-depressants are not sweets and candies, and had better be consumed under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

They - especially in children, adolescents and young adults - can initially cause increase in "suicidal thoughts," which would probably turn into practice.

In this age group (less than 24 years old), the family should, within a certain period of treatment, monitor any changes in behavior and suicidal tendencies; should these be the case for the patient, the medication should cease and the psychiatrist must be contacted.

Depression seems to be the case for the affluent and those who are highly into thinking; you may not find a poor to pay hundreds of dollars to a psychiatrist.

P.S. The text is a translated version of my best friend's experience and knowledge in psychiatry, psychology and psychoanalysis.

Indeed, it'd be of help for those in need.

Peace, love and trampolines!

Ahmad Hosseini

Definition

A (mental*) disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions) and behaviors that drive them to do something over and over (compulsions).

[* Why I insist on not saying "mental" is because of the fact that many individuals take "mental" and "spiritual" interchangeably.]

- Do you know what is considered to be a cancer in neurology and psychiatry?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or, in simple words, "Obsession."

A bit of awareness on this ground would probably be very helpful.

- Obsession - a guide for quick diagnosis

- Intellectual activity of permanent, frequent and unwanted nature in specific thoughts and images; and

- Making concern and stress, and subsequently doing a series of repetitious activities in order to remove that stress and/or obsessive thought.

These activities could encompass checking things out, washing hands, calling others, praying* and counting, among others.

[*Subconsciously and "without" purpose - not necessarily those with religious beliefs]

<<Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is not a spiritual disease, rather an organic illness with genetic background, and it undoubtedly requires medical treatment.>>

Resisting against obsessive thoughts and activities are impossible, and the more you try to remove these thoughts, the more they are going to be reinforced.

- Obsession - the most effective treatment

"Medicine" without doubt; there have been individuals who understood the real meaning of life only following their medical treatment commencement.

Cognitive behavioral therapy including "Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)" would also be effective along with drug therapy.

Cases of very resistant obsession would have a special treatment option: "Brain Surgery."

Note: "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)" should not be mistaken for "Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)." Individuals associated with the latter category are usually perfectionist, orderly, strict, serious and sincere.

They pay excessive attention to their type and clothing, and are of strong and/or even stubborn beliefs.

P.S. The content presented is a translated version of my best friend's research, knowledge and experience in psychiatry and psychology.

We hope it would be of help in raising awareness on obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Peace, love and trampolines!

Ahmad Hosseini

- Definition

What is social phobia? What's it like to have social phobia?

Example: when you want to hit on someone, but fear to do that!

Following depression and drug addiction, social phobia or SAD is the most common mental health disorder among people.

Hang in a social gathering? Unable to go get their course notes or number? Get speechless due to fear in a gathering? Bearded and cannot eat ice cream cones?!

- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) - Again a brain and genetic disorder

Maybe tired of hearing these two words, but social phobia stems from both brain biochemistry and genetics.

Low birth weight could be a sign of this disorder in future, which is more prominent in women and youth. It may accompany other mental health disorders.

- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) - Common examples

Having trouble when

- Meeting new people;

- Talking to senior individuals e.g. teacher, boss etc.;

- Being in gatherings of same age;

- Speaking with acquaintances;

- Going out with those interested in you; and

- Being the centre of attention.

- Social Anxiety Disorder - A strange case (Andrew Hales)

He dealt with SAD for years. After having been diagnosed with SAD and started medical treatment by his therapist, he embarked on creating hidden camera & prank videos on YouTube, and attracted more than 2M followers!

- Social Harness - Why cure is requisite

<<Owing to endless losses of life opportunities>>

<<Make the most of one's opportunities while one has the chance>>

Moreover, we only live once (at least on this planet), and enjoying this life cannot be obtained except by socialisation.

- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) - Treatment is highly effective

There are cases wherein a shy and unassertive person - to the extent that sometimes they would go to a wall with head first - has turned into the kingfish of all social gatherings.

What would only take to address SAD in these individuals is to lower their brain inhibitory control.

Medical treatment along with "exposure therapy" and "cognitive therapy" is the most effective practice.

- Social Anxiety Disorder - Just Do It

Frequent confrontation with anxiety causing situations is the key to treatment.

"Exposure therapy" is a process in which the individual faces the subject that makes them anxious, and they deal with it by unconscious responses.

- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in Children - Symptoms, Causes and Differential Diagnosis

Symptoms include crying, making a scene, physical complaint e.g. stomachache, isolating and avoiding guests.

The most important cause: ban on and the fear caused by parents, especially fathers, towards the outside world.

Important differential diagnosis: SAD in children should not be mistaken for "Autism," and an evaluation is definitely required.

P.S. Many people, including myself, deal with SAD on a daily basis, but to different extents. The key to beat SAD is to face it! The content is a translated version of my friend's content in Persian, and does not belong to me.

Peace, love and trampolines!

Ahmad Hosseini

Definition

Body Dysmorphia is a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with imaginary defects in their appearance.

In the current era, with the development of medical science in the field of cosmetic and beauty:

1) Wouldn't everyone be entitled to beauty?

2) Does anyone who goes through cosmetic surgery, e.g. nose, suffer from a mental illness?

- Body dysmorphic disorder

You are not that ugly!

When looking at oneself in the mirror, they still see a nose attached to a face.

They have done nose surgery for three times, every time N thousand dollars!

They are always at healthcare system to sue their doctor.

<<They have made everyone sick and themselves depressed.>>

- Body dysmorphic disorder - Four main questions to diagnose

1- Are you concerned how you look like? How much?

2- How much of your daily time is your mind preoccupied with this?

3- Is being fat/thin the major concern of your life?

4- What has the impact of these concerns been on your performance and life?

- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - damage to the image processing section of brain

<<This illness by no means is a personality characteristic or mental illness, rather a brain disease.>>

Genetic roots also could involve in BDD.

Moreover, it could be a result of brain serotonin imbalance and damage to cognitive section of the brain.

Causes and roots are, naturally, much more detailed.

- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - Why psychiatric treatment is requisite?

This illness, in addition to being a brain damage, inflicts financial troubles upon the individual and especially their family.

Money for performing numerous cosmetic surgeries does not grow like grass for a bear to eat!

It will interfere with (mess up) the life of an individual and their family.

It will sicken the family.

It will take marital relationships closer to the edge of the cliff.

- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - common examples

My nose is big; I should go for surgery.

My abdomen (tummy) is huge; I should go for Lipomatic.

I'm still wrinkled; I should go for botox.

My breast is small; I should go to Silicon Valley (no offence!)

My body is not muscular; I should go to the gym.

I'm short; Ilizarov technique!

My hips are not curved; plastic surgery!

- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - Treatment

Medical and psychological treatment of this disorder is complicated, and requires the collaboration of a therapeutic team.

First of all, the respectful cosmetic doctor should, in case of clinical suspicion, refer the patient to a psychiatrist.

Medical treatment by the psychiatrist along with "cognitive behavioral therapy" offered by a psychologist is the most effective approach.

P.S. This text is a translated version of my friend's text in Persian, who is a GP with lots of research experience regarding psychiatry, psychology and psychoanalysis.

Peace, love and trampolines!