Behavioral Addiction by Gwy

    Behavioral science experts believe that all entities capable of stimulating a person can be addictive, and whenever a habit changes into an obligation, it can be considered an addiction. Drug addictions and behavioral addiction diagnostic symptoms have several similarities and differences.

    Behavioral addiction, such as internet addiction, is similar to drug addiction except that in the former, the individual is not addicted to a substance but to the behavior or the feeling brought about by the relevant action.

    In addition, the physical signs of drug addiction are absent in behavioral addiction. Others have stated that behaviorally addicted individuals have specific symptoms and will undergo the same consequences brought about by addiction to alcohol and drugs and other obsessive behaviors.

    The idea that true addictions can exist even in the absence of psychotropic drugs (behavioral addictions) was popularized by Peele. According to Peele, addicted individuals depend on a particular set of experiences, of which the reactions to a specific chemical substance are only one example.

    From a neurobiological point of view, behavioral addictions that only indirectly affect the brain's neurotransmitter systems can serve as reinforcers comparable to pharmacological substances that directly affect these systems.

    Indeed, recent findings support the assumption of common mechanisms that underlie the development and maintenance of both behavioral and substance-related addiction.

Starving for Perfection: Understanding Eating Disorders by Miku Miku

    Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health can also affect our lives, and one of the issues affecting Mental health is the Eating disorder. A person with irregular eating habits that harm their physical or mental health is said to have an eating disorder. 

There are types of eating disorders: 

• Anorexia Nervosa.

• Binge Eating Disorder.

• Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (OSFED)

• Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Rumination Disorder.

• Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder (UFED)

    Binge eating disorder is one of the common indicators or symptoms of an eating disorder.

    A person with a binge-eating disorder loses control over their eating and experiences recurrent episodes of overeating. Binge eating episodes are not followed by purging, strenuous exercise, or fasting, unlike bulimia nervosa. People with binge eating disorders are frequently overweight or obese as a result. The most prevalent eating disorder in the United States is binge-eating disorder.

These signs include:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food in a specific amount of time, such as 2 hours

• Eating even when full or not hungry

• Eating fast during binge episodes

• Eating until uncomfortably full

• Eating alone or in secret to avoid embarrassment

• Feeling distressed, ashamed, or guilty about eating

• Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss

Risk elements

    People of all ages, racial/ethnic backgrounds, body weights, and genders can develop eating problems. Eating disorders often arise throughout adolescence or early adulthood but can also appear earlier or later in life.

    Researchers are discovering that a complex interplay of genetic, biochemical, behavioral, psychological, and social factors contributes to the development of eating disorders. Researchers are using modern science and technology to understand eating disorders better.

    Researching human genes is one strategy. Eating disorders are hereditary. In order to reduce the risk of developing eating problems, researchers are trying to find DNA variants.

Cures and Treatments

    Early treatment for eating problems is critical. Eating disorder sufferers are more likely to commit suicide and have serious health issues. Other mental illnesses (such as depression or anxiety) or substance use issues are frequently present in people with eating disorders. It is possible to heal fully. Do not hesitate to counsel and ask for treatment. 

• A mental health professional, such as a psychologist, to provide psychological therapy. If you need medication prescription and management, you may see a psychiatrist. Some psychiatrists also provide psychological therapy.
• A registered dietitian to provide education on nutrition and meal planning.
• Medical or dental specialists to treat health or dental problems that result from your eating disorder.
• Your partner, parents or other family members. For young people still living at home, parents should be actively involved in treatment and may supervise meals.

References:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/in-depth/eating-disorder-treatment/art-20046234

Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) by Luna

    Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. 

Symptoms of ADHD include:

• Inattention (not being able to keep focus).

• Hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting).

• Impulsivity (hasty acts that occur at the moment without thought).

    ADHD is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact individuals in many aspects of their lives, including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning (Harpin, 2005). ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately treated (Harpin et al., 2016). Adults with ADHD may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism, possibly stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout life (Beaton et al., 2022). ADHD presentation and assessment in adults differ; this page focuses on children. 

 

    Many children may struggle sitting still, waiting their turn, paying attention, fidgeting, and acting impulsively. However, children who meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD differ in that their symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, organization, and inattention are noticeably more significant than expected for their age or developmental level. These symptoms cause significant suffering and problems at home, at school or work, and in relationships. The observed symptoms are not the result of an individual being defiant or unable to understand tasks or instructions.

 

    Scientists are studying causes and risk factors to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The causes and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors, including Brain injury, exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age, and alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.

 

    ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about the result), or be overly active. Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD; many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and specific learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms. 

 

    One step of the process involves having a medical exam, including hearing and vision tests, to rule out other problems with symptoms like ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD usually includes a checklist for rating ADHD symptoms and taking a history of the child from parents, teachers, and sometimes, the child.

 

    For most children, stimulant medications are a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms. As glasses help people focus their eyes to see, these medications help children with ADHD focus their thoughts better and ignore distractions. This makes them more able to pay attention and control their behavior.

 

    In most cases, ADHD is best treated with behavior therapy and medication. For preschool-aged children (4-5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy, particularly training for parents, is recommended as the first line of treatment before medication is tried. What works best can depend on the child and family. Good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups, and making changes, if needed, along the way.

Living with Trauma: Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by xyz

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health problem associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity. The belief was that an age of worldwide prosperity began with the new millennium. 

    Only a few years, aged people spoke of peace. PTSD was first introduced in the third edition of DSM in 1980, and since, there has been a burgeoning amount of literature on this topic. There have been substantial changes in the criteria for PTSD in the DSM-5. PTSD has been removed from the "anxiety disorders" chapter and moved to a new branch called " Trauma- and Stress-Related Disorders."

    The disorder leads to impairment of the ability to function in society or family: family discord and difficulties in parenting. PTSD can be severe enough and last long to impair the person's daily life. And, in the extreme, lead the patient to suicidal tendencies. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, those struggling with PTSD can lead happy, productive lives. If left untreated, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can negatively impact children's and adolescents' lives. These impacts will probably persist thro6 adulthood with them. These unfavorable impacts might take several forms; effects can include Suicidal thoughts, behaviors, Self-harm, Inability to trust others, and Low Self-esteem.

    Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that results from the experience of witnessing traumatic or life-threatening events such as terrorist attacks, violent crime, and abuse or violent personal Assaults.

Reference:

Javier Iribarren, Paolo Prolo, Negoita Neagos, Francesco Chiappelli, "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Evidence-Based Research for the Third Millennium," Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2, Article ID 938567, 10 pages, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neh127

Depression: Fire of Awareness and Rain of Action by Ace of Seven

    Living in the 21st Century, considerations and awareness are continuously spreading worldwide. One can say that societal awareness is a trend that youths practice taking a better stance in their everyday lives. Meanwhile, talks about mental health issues are being spread thoroughly and are therefore decreasing the previously approaching suicide rates in the world. Like a fire emerging from the force of a single match to the escalation of it in the entire forest, awareness is a fire that ignites all to know about the blazing knowledge of mental health issues. 

    Depression is a state of being extremely sad to the point of unfulfillment, low levels of productivity, and, unfortunately, suicide. With people of this generation likely open to news and world events, it may affect their thoughts and feelings, contributing to the surface of emptiness and loss. Depression has various mental symptoms one can refer to, and these include withdrawal from socialization, constant irritability and sadness, self-pity, self-loathing, and loss of interest in hobbies. The physical symptoms would be erratic sleep habits, loss or increase of appetite, constant fatigue, and body ache. However, these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions, but when they are all experienced altogether can be highly considered as depression. 

    There are causes that a person experiences that ultimately lead to depression. These are personal trauma, stress from school and society, failed relationships, and job loss. It could also be genetic, stemming from the history of the patient's family. Certain medications also cause depression, so medical doctors should always prescribe medications. These causes may be shared and experienced once or twice, but it does not necessarily mean that one has depression. Remember that there are people with different levels of emotional strength that no one can generalize. 

    Depression is an inevitable state of being that is a common and significant problem in today's society. World problems affect individuals aside from their personal and professional ones. However, sadness and depression must be legally characterized and assessed by a person. In today's times, depression is a word that is most commonly heard and used in day-to-day life. Generation Z often uses this word to express feelings of unproductivity and loneliness. Nevertheless, this word must not be tossed around without perceiving much thought to and the people it impacts. 

    Depression can lead to self-isolation due to social conflict with family and friends. It could lead one to be unfulfilled and undervalue themselves. A person experiencing depression can think their feelings, emotions, and opinions would be unimportant. School or work productivity can also be affected by depression. People with depression can invalidate themselves often, which leads to intensified sadness. This is why one must dismiss this behavior of a depressive acquaintance to stop this cycle and refer them to a psychological company.

    There are certain medications to fight depression that a legal doctor must prescribe, and it is called antidepressants. In addition, a patient could be addicted, dependent, withdrawn, and overdosed by this because of their depressive urges. Caution must be observed at all times to minimize the side effects of this drug. Therapies must be first considered in helping a patient with depression. These practices do not have side effects but may be costly yet effective. 

    As a student with a first-hand experience with this condition, I know that circumstances make one have such negative thoughts. Struggles within the family, social circles, and school community can lead to mental health issues. In addition to all the information written above, there are no shapes and forms that a person should have to be categorized as depressed. And depression also approaches the youth, young adults, adults, and elders. Therefore, no one could generalize and immediately diagnose themselves with depression or any condition. Awareness indeed spread like a fire in the woods, burning all the triggered confusion of society, and that rain of action could flare the fire more evidently.

Reference:

Hamilton, M. (1960). A RATING SCALE FOR DEPRESSION. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 23(1), 56–62. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.23.1.56

Managing Anxiety: Strategies for Coping and Finding Relief by Nami21

  

       Anxiety refers to anticipating a future concern and is more associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior. Fear is an emotional response to an immediate threat and is more associated with a fight or flight reaction – either staying to fight or leaving to escape danger.

Who often experiences this anxiety? 

    It is usually young people who share it the most. Because of their heavy workload, anxiety builds up to stress because of their experience with piles of work. Workers also experience this because they are too tired from their work.

    Even when they know there is no reason to worry, people with generalized anxiety disorder constantly worry about mundane topics like their health, finances, or family relationships. They have trouble relaxing, staying focused, and starting smoothly. They have difficulty staying sleeping or falling asleep. Muscle aches, headaches, and other strange pains could occur them. Stress frequently makes symptoms worse.

Symptoms:

• When you feel super tired and drained. 
• When severely nervous and trembling, sweating. 
• When you have difficulty breathing, you think something is blocking your breathing. 
• Chest tightness is a symptom of anxiety when you think of something harmful and many others.

Here are some examples of anxiety:

    Examples of anxiety are when you have to present or give a speech at your school and are nervous. Another thing is that when you are looking for a job and have to be interviewed, you feel anxious. And when exams or activities are coming up, you feel all the emotions. Severe aversion to speaking in front of groups, making new friends, or eating or drinking in public. The worry or fear impairs day-to-day activities. When you meet a new person, you feel nervous and sweat because of your feelings.

How can this anxiety be avoided? 

    Eat healthy foods, vegetables, fruits, and other healthy foods. Exercise in the morning and mingle with positive people. Keep bodies and mental health in good condition. Sleep according to ourselves as much as possible and help in advance for good thinking. Listen to someone who can help us with our mental health to make ourselves comfortable with our review.

Tips to Calm Down:

    Distract yourself with the music or draw anything that you feel happy about. Breathing correctly is one of the essential things that can help us. Listen to soothing music to relax and unwind. And be good to yourself, treat yourself, give time, and care for yourself. Do activities that change our mood and bring out our true joy.

References:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhsma.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F03%2Fshutterstock_1531258040-1024x683.jpg&tbnid=n4BpHiy20JMLuM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uhsma.com%2F3-signs-of-having-a-generalized-anxiety-disorder%2F&docid=ZY0BFEFVc2NXrM&w=1024&h=683&hl=en-PH&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim

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Understanding Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options by hidden_in_her_playlist

         "It started carefully and gradually, and I almost didn't notice. It was like a nice summer day when the fog slowly creeps over the sky. First, as a thin veil over the sun, then gradually more, but the sun is still shining, and not until it stops, when it suddenly gets cold. The birds have stopped chirping, do you realize what is happening." —Arnhild Lauveng, "A Road Back from Schizophrenia" 

    It's normal for us to imagine what we hear and see, but is it still normal if your thoughts and behavior don't make sense? Based on what I read before on Wattpad titled He's into Her by Maxinejiji. Her patient doesn't eat and throws the food away; she doesn't know their illness because she's not a psychiatrist. But the story's main character, a high school student, said that based on what she read, she has paranoid schizophrenia. It does not eat the food you give because the patient thought you would poison them. "They are not dangerous as you think. Although the delusional thoughts and hallucinations of schizophrenia sometimes lead to violent behavior, most people with schizophrenia are neither violent nor dangerous to others," said Taguro. 

    Today, we will talk about what schizophrenia is, its symptoms, causes, and effects, and what treatment we can do if we experience its behavior when we meet people with schizophrenia.

What is Schizophrenia? 

    It is a complicated brain condition or severe mental illness where patients have aberrant perceptions of reality. It frequently runs in families and might present troubling signs and symptoms. These might include hearing voices, having difficulties thinking clearly, and relating to others. It also affects a person's ability to recognize the symptoms they have of this condition, making it difficult to carry out daily tasks and devastating. Based on my research, Schizophrenia often begins at various ages, depending on the sex, but men and women are typically affected equally. For men, it typically starts between the ages of 15 and 25, and for women, it typically begins between the ages of 25 and 35. Schizophrenia develops mainly in those under 18; it is conceivable but rare. However, these situations are typically difficult. Early onset frequently results in a more challenging, more severe condition to manage—people over 45 account for 20% of new schizophrenia cases. Women are more likely to experience these occurrences than men. Negative symptoms and interference with thinking and concentration are less severe in these situations, but the delusion symptoms are more intense.

Symptoms:

    A difficult or emotional life event may set off a psychotic episode in some persons predisposed to schizophrenia. Different signs and symptoms may exist, but they typically entail hallucinations, delusions, or slurred speech and indicate a reduced capacity for function. Possible signs include Delusions and false beliefs that do not correspond to reality. For example, you think of yourself as being hurt or harassed; a few gestures and comments will be directed to you; you've got extraordinary ability or fame; someone loves you. Or there is some sort of disaster about to happen. Delusions occur in most people with schizophrenia. Hallucinations usually mean having seen or heard things that are not there. Yet the person with schizophrenia has the full force and impact of everyday experience. Hallucinations may be in any of our senses, but the most frequent hallucination is when we hear voices. Unorganized thinking speech disorganized thinking is inferred from incoherent speech. There may be a loss of communication effectiveness, and answers to questions are sometimes unrelated. In rare cases, our address may contain meaningless words which are not understandable. Sometimes it is referred to as a word salad. The motor behavior is extremely disorganized or abnormal; there are many ways in which this can play out, from children's ridiculousness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior's not focusing on a goal, so it's hard to do tasks. The behavior can include:

• Resistance to the instructions.
• Incorrect or illogical posture.
• Complete lack of reaction.
• Excessive movement.

    Negative symptoms this implies a reduction or impairment of the ability to operate normally. People may fail to exercise their hygiene or show signs of lacking emotion, such as not making eye contact, no facial expressions changing, and speaking in a monotone manner. A person's interest in daily activities, social withdrawal, or feeling of pleasure may also be reduced.

Cause:

    According to research, a person may be more susceptible to acquiring the illness if a combination of physical, genetic, psychological, and environmental factors are present. There is no known specific cause of schizophrenia. Being abused or harassed, losing a loved one, being out of a job, feeling lonely or isolated, having financial problems, or finding yourself homeless are all examples of stressful life events that can sometimes cause schizophrenia. Traumatic events like these are also referred to as stressful life events, highly stressful events, or life-changing events. Drug and alcohol abuse, Some people may get symptoms of schizophrenia after smoking marijuana or other recreational substances. Researchers are still unsure whether consuming recreational drugs directly causes schizophrenia or whether those who develop the disorder are more likely to use them. Research suggests that consuming recreational drugs may make your schizophrenia symptoms worse if you already have it. According to several studies, those who use high-potency cannabis (often known as "skunk") in rehabilitation are also more prone to relapse. Smoking and drinking alcohol decrease the effectiveness of medication in managing your symptoms. Due to genetic inheritance, having a parent or sibling who has gone through psychosis increases your risk of developing schizophrenia. Although scientists are unsure of the exact cause, they believe certain genes may increase the likelihood. Living in specific places appears to raise your risk of developing schizophrenia as well. For instance, some studies indicate that residing in cities increases the chance of, but the reason for this is unknown. According to studies, people with brain development disturbed during pregnancy or early childhood may be more susceptible to schizophrenia due to differences in brain chemistry. Though not all people with schizophrenia experience structural changes in the brain. In the brains of those who have schizophrenia, some molecules also appear to operate differently. Dopamine, which aids in transmitting messages between brain cells, is believed to be one of these substances. One of the reasons for schizophrenia, according to some studies, may be an imbalance of specific neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin.

Effects:

    Schizophrenics may occasionally hear voices in their heads. They could listen to one or many speakers at once and have conversations with those voices or even obey their commands. Additionally, these recommendations can cause patients to hurt themselves unintentionally. You could occasionally find it challenging to communicate with a schizophrenic person you live with. That person may sit motionlessly and be silent for long periods. They might not answer or even glance at you if you say something. Other times, the responses you receive might not be related to what you said. You might also need to assist that person with some of the fundamentals of personal hygiene. Schizophrenia can make daily life terrifying. Patients frequently develop the belief that they are in danger or that specific persons they know are attempting to harm them. These misunderstandings can result in ranting and raving, antisocial conduct, and increased levels of negative stress. In addition, individuals with schizophrenia risk being mocked for their behavior or unintentionally starting conflicts with individuals unaware they have the illness when they enter public spaces alone. Even as all these signs and symptoms appear, most schizophrenics either won't recognize their problem or will minimize it. They may think that they need to unwind more, for instance.

Treatment:

    Even after the symptoms of schizophrenia have faded, treatment is still necessary for life. The illness can be managed with medical care and psychosocial counseling. Hospitalization may be required in specific situations. Typically, a psychiatrist with experience with schizophrenia directs care. The treatment team may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team strategy might be offered in clinics with experience treating schizophrenia.

Medications:

    Antipsychotics are the most commonly prescribed drugs and are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment. They are thought to affect the dopamine-regulating brain neurotransmitter. With the lowest effective dose, antipsychotic drug therapy seeks to manage signs and symptoms properly. The psychiatrist may test various drugs, dosages, or combinations over time to achieve the desired results. Antidepressants and other anxiety or depression drugs may also be helpful. Before symptoms start to improve, it can take a few weeks. Since medicines can have serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them. One's willingness to engage in therapy may impact the drugs one chooses. For instance, someone who has trouble taking their medication regularly would require it.
    These first-generation antipsychotics have frequent and sometimes severe neurological adverse effects, including the potential for developing a movement problem (tardive dyskinesia) that may or may not be curable. When long-term treatment is required, the cost of these antipsychotics can be a crucial factor. They are frequently less expensive than second-generation antipsychotics, especially generic ones. Some injectable antipsychotics with a long half-life can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Depending on the drug, they are often administered every two to four weeks. Inquire with your doctor for further details on injectable drugs. If a person prefers taking fewer medications, this might be an option and could improve adherence. These more recent, second-generation antipsychotic drugs are typically selected because they lower the risk of severe side effects.
    Second-generation antipsychotics, these newer, second-generation medications are generally preferred because they pose a lower risk of severe side effects than first-generation antipsychotics. Psychosocial interventions after psychosis have subsided, it is crucial to continue taking medication and engage in psychological and social therapy (psychosocial interventions). They might consist of Personal counseling. Normalizing cognitive patterns may be aided by psychotherapy. People with schizophrenia may benefit from learning stress management techniques and how to spot early indications of relapse. Training in social skills. This emphasizes enhancing social interactions, communication, and participation in daily activities—family counseling. Families who have schizophrenia can use this to get assistance and information. They supported employment and vocational rehabilitation. Helping persons with schizophrenia get ready for, find, and keep work is the primary goal. Most people with schizophrenia need some assistance with daily activities. Programs are available in many regions to assist people with schizophrenia with finding employment, housing, self-help groups, and crisis circumstances. Resources can be located with assistance from a case manager or a treatment team member. Most schizophrenia sufferers can control their condition with the proper care. Hospitalization may be required to guarantee safety, appropriate nutrition, enough sleep, and fundamental cleanliness during times of crisis or when experiencing severe symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment option for schizophrenia in people who do not respond to medication therapy. When combined with depression, ECT may be beneficial.

References:

https://www.wattpad.com/amp/18065043

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4568-schizophrenia

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/schizophrenia/causes/

https://www.affinitytreatmentcenters.com/blog/2017/12/20/how-does-schizophrenia-affect-daily-life

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354449

Exploring Dissociative Identity Disorder: Understanding Multiple Personalities by Mako

    Dissociative identity disorder is a mental health condition. Patients with DID have two or more unique identities. These kinds have control over their behavior at certain times. Each identity has a history, traits, loves, and dislikes. DID can create memory gaps as well as hallucinations.

    Previously, multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder was used to describe dissociative identity disorder.

Dissociative identity disorder is a type of dissociative identity disorder. This illness, formerly known as multiple personality disorder, is characterized by shifting between numerous personas. One or more voices in one's head may feel as if they are attempting to take control. These identities frequently have distinct names, traits, mannerisms, and voices. People with DID will have gaps in recalling everyday occurrences and personal information.

    Dissociative amnesia. The main symptom is memory loss, which is more severe than normal forgetfulness; a medical condition can't explain that. You can't recall information about yourself, events, or people in your life, especially from a traumatic time. Dissociative amnesia can be specific to circumstances in a particular time, such as intense combat, or more rarely, can involve complete loss of memory about yourself. It may sometimes involve travel or confused wandering away from your life (dissociative fugue). An episode of amnesia usually occurs suddenly and may last minutes, hours, or rarely, months or years.

    Dissociative identity disorder. Formerly known as multiple personality disorder, this disorder is characterized by "switching" to alternate identities. You may feel the presence of two or more people talking or living inside your head, and you may feel like other identities possess you. Each identity may have a unique name, personal history, and characteristics, including noticeable differences in voice, gender, mannerisms, and even such physical qualities as the need for eyeglasses. There also are differences in how familiar each identity is with the others. People with dissociative identity disorder typically also have dissociative amnesia and often have dissociative fugue.

    Dissociative disorders typically emerge as a response to trauma. Children subjected to long-term physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or, less frequently, a terrifying or extremely unpredictable home environment are more likely to develop the disorders. The stress of war or natural disasters can also cause dissociative disorders.

    During childhood, your identity is still developing. As a result, a youngster is more able than an adult to step outside of oneself or herself and observe trauma as if it were occurring to someone else. A youngster who learns to detach to cope with a traumatic experience may use this coping method in the future in reaction to stressful situations.

Associated long-term effects of DID can include:

• More prevalent alcohol and drug abuse.
• Increased risk of suicide.
• Frequent self-injurious behavior.
• Impairment in relationships.

    Effects include drug abuse, increased suicide risk, and bad relationships.

Medications for dissociative identity disorder are usually prescribed to treat co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In some cases, antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of DID.

    Depression or anxiety. But the most effective treatment is psychotherapy. A healthcare provider with specialized training in mental health disorders, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can guide you toward the proper treatment. You may benefit from individual, group, or family therapy.

    Therapy focuses on the following:

1. Identifying and working through past trauma or abuse.
2. Managing sudden behavioral changes.
3. Merging separate identities into a single identity.