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Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the best way to participate is to learn more about the ADHD and co-occurring conditions that often accompany the disorder. ADHD is treatable and easy to manage with the help of a mental health team, including a psychiatrist and therapist. Sharing education on ADHD helps reduce the stigma about getting proper treatment. The more you understand it, the better you can help yourself or someone you know seek help. What is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can appear in three ways: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM5). The requirements include the following: Inattention For someone to have attention deficits, they must have symptoms for at least six months. For children 16 and younger, they must have …

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Substance Abuse and the Brain

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substance abuse

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Substance Abuse According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties” (2022). Addiction describes the “state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs” (APA, 2022). Substance abuse goes hand in hand with addiction, as substance abuse can lead to addiction.  Substance Use Disorder Symptoms The following are symptoms of substance use disorders as outlined by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Using/drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned. Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol. Craving, or a strong …

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

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Overcoming Stigma During Depression Awareness Month

Mental health awareness is the best way to educate people on the symptoms, treatments, and prevention methods of various mental illnesses, like Depression, which affects over 30% of all Americans, according to the latest federal data. This October is Depression Awareness Month. There are millions of reasons to get involved. For example, a 2022 Medicaid survey of behavioral health services shows nearly 14 million enrollees with a mental health disorder. Yet, only a fraction of people seek treatment for depression or other disorders. Why? Stigma is one reason. What is Stigma? A simple definition of stigma is when you or someone else views something in a negative light. When talking about mental health, you4According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are different types of stigma when discussing mental illness, like the following: Public stigma Public stigma refers to other people’s attitudes about mental illness or a mental health condition. Public …

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World Mental Health Day 2023

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World Mental Health Day

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Why World Mental Health Day? October 10th is World Mental Health Day, founded with the purpose of raising awareness regarding mental health issues on a global scale while also holding the intention of mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.   What is mental health? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health encapsulates our emotional, psychological, and social well-being (2021). Our mental health determines how we interact with others, cope with stress, and make healthy choices; it is crucial during every stage of life. Poor mental health and mental illness are not the same, as someone who has poor mental health may not meet the clinical criteria for a mental illness. Similarly, someone who is diagnosed with a mental illness may experience periods of mental well-being. Regardless, our mental health can impact the quality of our lives, highlighting its foundational importance in …

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How to Avoid Seasonal Depression

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woman waking early after learning how to avoid seasonal depression

If you want to know how to avoid seasonal depression, understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is crucial. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually in winter. It’s linked to reduced sunlight, affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin. Symptoms include fatigue, mood swings, and weight gain. Treatment often involves light therapy, medication, and behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes like exercise and a balanced diet can also help. You may hear someone refer to getting the “wintertime blues” or the “summertime blahs.” They are likely struggling with seasonal affective disorder, which is a type of depression related to changes in seasons. They experience symptoms of depression in a seasonal pattern. Some people notice a dramatic increase in symptoms during winter, while others feel worse in the summer. Symptoms can occur during any season and vary in intensity for each person.  The American Psychiatric Association reports at …

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