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Bipolar disorder

What is it?

Bipolar disorder (previously known as Manic-depressive disorder) has been recognized since the time of Ancient Greeks. Hippocrates described the conditions of melancholia and mania. However, it has only been over the past 20-30 years that this condition of disturbed mood and activity has been appreciated and recognized. The lifetime incidence of bipolar disorder ranges from about 1 to 3.5% of the population.

Symptoms

During the manic phase, symptoms may include:

Extreme happiness, hopefulness, and excitement
Irritability, anger, fits of rage, and hostile behaviour
Restlessness and agitation
Rapid speech and poor concentration
Increased energy and less need for sleep
Unusually high sex drive
Setting unrealistic goals
Paranoia

During the depressive phase, symptoms may include:

Sadness and crying
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
Loss of energy and interest or pleasure in everyday activities
Trouble concentrating and making decisions
Irritability and changes in sleep patterns
Changes in appetite and weight
Suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide

Causes

The causes of bipolar disorder differ between individuals, and the exact mechanism is not clear. It’s often reported in families of affected individuals, suggesting a genetic component. Abnormal brain structure and function may also play a role. Other factors that may contribute include seasonal depression and certain other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorder. Risk factors include family history, stress, and drug or alcohol abuse.

Interventions

Intervention options include psychotherapy and medication. Medications may include mood stabilisers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety drugs. Psychological therapy may involve interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychoeducation, and family-focused therapy. In severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used.

Personality disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

What is it?

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, making it difficult for them to cope in all areas of life. People with BPD often have an abnormally distorted view of themselves and their environment, leading to intense, uncontrollable emotions, distress, and anger. BPD is a potentially life-long disorder that starts in the adolescent and emerging adulthood years.

Symptoms

Symptoms of BPD can vary, but commonly include:

Distorted self-image
Feelings of isolation, boredom, and emptiness
Severe and sudden mood swings
Anxiety
Loss of interest in routine activities
Suicidal thoughts
Delusions

Causes

The exact causes of BPD are not fully understood, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain-related factors. Adverse life experiences such as child abuse, neglect, or anything that causes long-term fear and distress seem to play a key role in causing BPD. In some people, a stressful event or relationship breakup may be associated with the development of BPD. Genetics also play a role, with BPD tending to run in families. Abnormalities in the brain, particularly in the front limbic network of neurons, have also been implicated.

Interventions

Interventions for BPD are mainly treated using psychotherapy, but medication may be added. Psychotherapy — also called talk therapy — is a fundamental treatment approach for BPD. Your therapist may adapt the type of therapy to best meet your needs. The goals of psychotherapy are to help you focus on your current ability to function, learn to manage emotions that feel uncomfortable, reduce your impulsiveness by helping you observe feelings rather than acting on them, and work on improving relationships by being aware of your feelings and those of others. Types of psychotherapy that have been found to be effective include Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), Schema-focused therapy, Mentalisation-based therapy (MBT), and Systems training for emotional predictability and problem-solving (STEPPS).

Psychosis

Schizophrenia and psychosis

What is it?

Schizophrenia and psychosis, often misunderstood and feared, are mental health disorders marked by symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms can impair daily functioning and lead to self-care difficulties, prompting individuals or their loved ones to seek help. Hallucinations often involve hearing voices or seeing images that others don’t, while delusions are fixed, often paranoid beliefs. These experiences can cause distraction and social disconnection, leading to feelings of isolation, fear, anxiety, and depression. While psychosis rarely leads to violence, when it does, it garners attention, perpetuating the misconception that those with psychosis are violent. In reality, they’re socially disconnected and preoccupied with their very real-seeming symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychoses may vary, but usually include:

Delusions: False beliefs that are not based in reality
Hallucinations: Sensory experiences that are not real, such as hearing voices
Disorganized thinking (speech): Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated
Disorganised or abnormal motor behaviour: This may show in a number of ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation
Negative symptoms: Reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion
Decreased speech output: The person may speak less than usual

Causes

Schizophrenia and other psychoses can have multiple causes. These include biological factors such as brain chemistry and genetics, where abnormal neurotransmitter function and hereditary factors can predispose an individual to these conditions. Environmental factors, such as complications during pregnancy and birth, can also contribute. Psychological aspects, including trauma and mental health conditions, are additional risk factors. The interplay of these elements makes these disorders multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive approach to understanding and treatment.

Interventions

Gaining trust and developing a care plan that offers social support as part of the intervention is at the centre of helping people with psychosis. Interventions for schizophrenia and other psychoses are personalised and multifaceted. They include medical care for managing physical symptoms, psychotherapy techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing, lifestyle changes to develop healthier habits and a supportive network, and intervention meetings organised by loved ones to help the individual recognise their problem and the need for help.

Addictions

Substance addiction

Treating addiction is a pressing challenge, as it’s more than a choice—it’s a biological and psychological effect on the brain.

Relationship challenges

Relationship challenges refer to the difficulties and conflicts that occur in a relationship. These challenges can arise from differences in ideas, beliefs, and perspectives, and can cause significant stress and conflict.

Stress

What is it?

Stress is a normal reaction that happens to everyone. It is a physical or mental response that is produced by your body due to changes, challenges or perceived threat or pressure. It’s caused by chemicals and hormones surging throughout your body.

Symptoms

Here are some symptoms of stress:

Headache
Muscle tension or pain
Chest pain
Fatigue
Change in sex drive
Stomach upset
Sleep problems
Anxiety
Restlessness
Lack of motivation or focus
Feeling overwhelmed
Irritability or anger

Causes

Stress is usually caused by the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure. Common stressors are everyday factors such as work-related pressures, financial worries, relationship problems, health issues, and major life changes like moving or starting a new job. Stress can be triggered by different life experiences, and everyone is stressed by different things.

Interventions

Interventions for stress include seeking help and comfort from others, acknowledging you are in the stress process, focusing on solving immediate problems, expressing your feelings out loud or in a journal, learning to recognize emotional triggers, and stress counselling therapy techniques such as role-play, preparing for loss with positive thought processes, and stress and yoga. Relaxation tools such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, and biofeedback are all useful for managing stress.

Workplace Stress

What is it?

Workplace stress, also known as work-related stress, refers to the harmful responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the employee. It can occur when deadlines are constant and immovable or when a worker receives limited support from co-workers or managers. You may feel stressed if there’s a mismatch between what’s expected of you at work and what you’re able to do.

Symptoms

Symptoms of workplace stress may include:

Feeling tense and edgy
Difficulty sleeping or eating
Getting upset or angry easily
Headaches
Feeling tired
Panic attacks
Drinking or smoking more than usual

Causes

Workplace stress can be caused by a variety of factors. Long hours or a heavy workload can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Inflexible deadlines can add to this pressure, making tasks seem insurmountable. Conflict, bullying, or sexual harassment in the workplace can create a hostile environment, leading to increased stress. A lack of support from co-workers or managers can make an employee feel isolated and unsupported in their role. Additionally, a lack of appreciation for efforts can lead to feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction. Lastly, an uncomfortable physical environment that is too noisy, hot, cold, dusty, or otherwise uncomfortable can also contribute to workplace stress.

Interventions

Interventions for workplace stress typically fall into three categories. Primary interventions aim to prevent stress by proactively removing stressors from the environment, such as through work redesign. Secondary interventions focus on improving how workers respond to stress by providing skills to enhance resilience and coping. Tertiary interventions involve treating workers affected by mental health issues and supporting effective return to work. Other interventions include cognitive-behavioural interventions, which aim to change cognitions and reinforce active coping skills, and relaxation techniques, which involve physical and mental relaxation techniques to help cope with the consequences of stress.

Grief

Grief is a natural emotional response to the loss of someone or something important. Our psychologists understand your emotions, build resilience, and find meaning amidst loss in a safe space for healing and growth.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a type of trauma-related mental health disorder. Our psychologists will help you move forward from past events with trauma-focused psychological interventions.

Trauma

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a profound physical and emotional impact on a person. Our psychologists will help you move forward from past events with trauma-focused psychological interventions.

Depression

Postnatal depression

Postnatal depression (PND) is caused by a complex interplay of environmental, emotional, hormonal, and genetic factors. Our psychologists provide you with practical strategies to reframe you mind and introduce positive changes in lifestyle and environment.

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Workplace Stress

Workplace Stress