Impulse control disorder (ICD) is an overarching classificatory label given to psychiatric disorders characterized by inability to resist impulses (or urges) that yield deleterious implications. Examples of impulse control disorders include: compulsive gambling, incessant sexual encounters, and binge shopping. If unrecognized and/or unaddressed for an extended duration, an impulse control disorder may ruin a person’s: …
It is estimated that over 2.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with schizophrenia; this equates to approximately 1.1% of the population. There are many different types of schizophrenia, in fact, genetic clusters suggest it is 8 distinct diseases. Therefore not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia has the same set of symptoms. Certain …
Most pharmacological-based treatments for depression aim to increase levels of various neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin (5-HT). It is thought that approximately 2 out of 3 individuals that seek treatment with standard antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are able to attain therapeutic relief. For a certain percentage of these individuals, the benefits of using pharmaceutical interventions …
A recent publication in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice documented that nearly 4/5 individuals diagnosed with major depression are considered ineligible to participate in clinical trials for new antidepressant drugs. This means that for every 5 individuals with depression that attempt to join an antidepressant clinical trial, only one will meet inclusion criteria for registration. …
If you’re taking a psychiatric drug, you probably hope that you’re taking the one with the lowest overall risk. Sure you want the drug to be therapeutic and alleviate your symptoms, but you also don’t want to take a drug with a rapid tolerance onset, debilitating side effects, and crazy withdrawal symptoms. Many dangerous psychiatric …
Psychiatrists are medical professionals that specialize in prescribing medications to treat mental disorders. They have attained their certification as a medical doctor, but have completed additional schooling to treat individuals with complex disorders of the brain. If you need treatment with a pharmaceutical drug for a mental illness (e.g. depression), a psychiatrist will be most …
Everyone wants to take drugs, eat foods, and supplements for short-term gain, but most are not prepared to face the long-term consequences. Most people are okay with binging on carbohydrates (e.g. chips, pretzels, pastas), sugary treats (e.g. ice cream), and alcohol – but are totally unaware that there’s a biological consequence for each of their …