Depression
While everyone feels sad or blue every once in a while, some people may actually suffer from a psychological condition, known as depression. Depression is characterized by constant feelings of sadness or emptiness, and may be triggered by certain events, co-exist with other illnesses, or be a pre-existing condition.
There are several different depressive disorders, but major depressive disorder is the most common. Symptoms of major depression may include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Crying spells
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Suicidal thoughts
- Change in appetite
- Change in daily activities
Like other psychological disorders, the cause of depression may encompass many factors, but is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Depression often occurs with other illnesses or health conditions.
Although depression can be a serious condition, it is highly treatable. It is important to contact someone you trust if you are experiencing symptoms to help prevent the condition from worsening. Treatment of depression typically includes psychotherapy and medication. Following effective treatment methods can help make depression a more manageable condition.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
While we all worry about important issues in our everyday lives, some people are constantly worrying to the extent that it may affect their daily life and the way they live. If you are feeling this way, then you may suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
GAD is believed to be caused by a combination of biologic, genetic and environmental factors. Anxiety can affect children, adolescents, and adults differently.
Symptoms may include:
- Excessive and constant worrying
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Headache
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Hot flashes
- Avoidance behaviors
- Relationship difficulties
Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is typically quite treatable through clinically proven, evidenced-based psychotherapy approaches. Treating your anxiety may also improve other areas of your life including your career, relationships, memory and sleep. In some cases, medication may be necessary, or a combination of both. Reaching out to Dr. Brissett to help you understand your specific symptoms, sources of problematic fears, and how to successfully manage them, will help you to effectively free yourself from unnecessary worries, and live an optimal life!
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy treatment involves a variety of structured, well-researched methods for modifying a person's emotional or behavioral patterns that interfere with healthy functioning and coping. Psychotherapy, or counseling is conducted by Dr. Brissett, who utilizes evidence-based cognitive-behavioral techniques, which can help you learn more effective ways to identify underlying feelings, and challenge unhealthy thoughts, moods and behaviors associated with them.
Psychotherapy can help relieve problems caused by emotional difficulties or other stressful life issues including grief, anger, relationship problems, eating disorders or personality disorders. Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes, and in the case of group sessions, several hours and can be done both on an individual basis, or jointly with others such as family members or spouse. Dr. Brissett uses effective, scientifically-proven psychotherapy approaches, including:
