Do people who have Alzheimer’s disease become depressed?

Yes. Depression is very common among people who have Alzheimer’s disease. In many cases, they become depressed when they realize that their memory and ability…

What does depression have to do with my heart attack?

As many as 65% of people who have a heart attack report feeling depressed. Women, people who have been depressed before, and…

What is dysthymic disorder?
Dysthymic disorder, or dysthymia, is a type of depression that lasts for at least 2 years. Some people suffer from dysthymia for many years. Their depression is…

What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. This condition is also called manic-depressive illness. It may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Bipolar…

What is seasonal affective disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that follows the seasons. The most common type of SAD is called winter depression. It usually begins in…

What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are medicines used to help people who have depression. Most people with depression get better with treatment that includes these medicines.

What is depression?
Depression is a medical illness, like diabetes or high blood pressure. People don’t choose to be depressed. It’s not because they’re weak or “crazy.” Depression affects more than…

What conditions does electroconvulsive therapy treat?

Electroconvulsive therapy (also called ECT) may help people who have the following conditions:

What medicines are used to treat ADHD?
Some medicines used to treat attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are called psychostimulants. Some of these drugs are methylphenidate (brand names: Concerta, Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (brand names: Dexedrine,…

What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the name of a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People with ADHD have trouble paying attention in school, at…

What are the signs of ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children with ADHD may have hyperactive behavior, a lack of attention and difficulty concentrating. Most children with ADHD…

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD, is the name for a group of behaviors found in many children and adults. People who have ADHD are hyperactive or distracted…

What is autism?
Autism is a brain disorder. People with autism have trouble communicating and interacting with other people. A child with autism may seem very withdrawn, may not make eye contact…

Anxiety and Panic: Gaining Control Over How You’re Feeling

What is anxiety?
Anxiety can be a normal “alarm system” alerting you to danger. Imagine coming home and finding a burglar in your living…

What is generalized anxiety disorder?

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is ongoing worry or fear that isn’t related to a particular event or situation, or is out of proportion to what you would expect. For…

What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a common condition in which a person has episodes of intense fear or anxiety that occur suddenly (often without warning). These episodes-called panic…

What is social phobia?
Most people feel nervous in certain social situations, such as having a job interview, going to a high school reunion or giving a speech. Most of us worry about what…

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes people to have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and to repeat certain behaviors (compulsions) over and…

What should I do if I think my child is depressed?

Ask your child about his or her thoughts and feelings. It may also be a good idea to talk to your…