Elizabeth Layton Center

Some problems are compounded by underlying biochemical disorders, which often benefit from medication. The evaluation, performed by a Psychiatrist or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, will often include collaboration with the family physician. Medication is a tool, which assists individuals in receiving the maximum benefit from other mental health services.

The Beginning Stages While the early months of a relationship can feel effortless and exciting, successful long-term relationships involve ongoing effort and compromise by both partners. Building healthy patterns early in your relationship can establish a solid foundation for the long run. When you are just starting a relationship, it is important to: Build.

The word depression is used in many different ways. People feel sad or blue when bad things happen. However, everyday "blues" or sadness is not a depressive disorder. We all may have a short-term depressed mood, but we cope and soon recover without treatment. A major depressive disorder lasts for at least two weeks and affects a person's ability to work, to carry out usual daily activities, and to have satisfying personal relationships.

When you think of mood disorders, depression and bipolar disorder likely come to mind first. That's because these are common, severe illnesses and leading causes of disability. Depression and bipolar disorder can be emotionally crippling, making it difficult to live life to its fullest. What you may not know is that two milder versions of these mood disorders can also take a toll, and can go undiagnosed. These are called dysthymic disorder and cyclothymic disorder. This mood disorder is a less severe form of depression.

This year, the U.S. Surgeon General will commission an inaugural report outlining the state of substance use, addiction and health. Such reports have a way of changing the national dialog around a heath concern, as evidenced by previous Surgeon General research related to smoking, nutrition, violence and HIV/AIDS.