Depression Christian Jonathan Haverkampf, M.D. Depression is one of the most common medical conditions, which can interfere significantly with a person’s quality of life, relationships and ability to work. Several effective treatments are available, including psychotherapy and medication. This article contains a brief overview of both areas, while focusing on psychotherapy, particularly Communication-Focused Therapy® (CFT), […]
A drug holiday is when a patient suspends taking a medication for a length of time, from days to even years. One reason for drug holidays is to permit a drug, such as a stimulant used in ADHD, to regain effectiveness after a period of continuous use, and to reduce the tolerance effect that may
St John’s Wort is a medicinal herb with antidepressant activity and potent anti-inflammatory properties. In several countries it is used as an antidepressant for mild (to moderate) depressions. There are a large number of molecules in extracts of St. John’s Wort that are potentially active in the nervous system. St John’s Wort is known to
Work first with the individual on their negative self-talk and possibly low self-confidence and anxieties. Emphasize that there are a number of ways to feel well again, and that medication is merely one of these. Communicate that mental health conditions are not unlike other health conditions that they can affect anyone and that they are
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Psychotherapy and various therapeutic or self-help groups, including AA, are first-line treatment. Medication can be helpful as a support, but does not work for all. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse. They either reduce the urge to drink alcohol or trigger adverse reactions if
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Mood stabilisers help stabilise pronounced and prolonged mood shifts, which include hypomanic or manic phases, such as in bipolar disorder I and II. They can also help to a varying degree against depressive episodes as part of a bipolar disorder. Lithium The precise mechanism of action of lithium is unknown, and it is suspected that
Love to Live Christian Jonathan Haverkampf, M.D. Love make life full and helps against feelings of anxiety and fear. It means connecting with others in a meaningful way. But loves also goes beyond it. It helps to get in contact with the foundation that connects all of us. It reduces distances between people and builds
Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, in which the clear distinction between one’s inner world of thoughts and emotions and perceptions about the outside world weakens or ceases to exist. This can lead to abnormal thoughts, beliefs and behaviours. One may, for example, hear a thought as a voice from the outside or have the
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Rapport refers to the empathic and shared understanding of issues between a therapist and a client. It requires genuine interest in and accepting openness to the other person to be able to experience the empathy that is an important key to rapport. Good rapport with the patient, raises the trust and confidence the patient has
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There are many factors that play a role in mental health conditions, which cannot all be covered by diagnostic manuals, recommendations and guidelines. In the end, much depends on personal observations, clinical experience, information on similar cases, and selecting what seems important. Symptoms are largely subjective with few reference points. The diagnosis often depends on
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