Patients and Clients
North Star Psychiatry
Treatment for Depression
Major Depressive Disorder impairs an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and interest in activities are often affected. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for Major Depressive Disorder in the form of medication and psychotherapy.
Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder does not look the same in all individuals. Some patients have manic episodes, during which they may experience increased energy and goal-directed activity, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, pressured speech, grandiosity, distractibility, and impulsivity. In addition to manic symptoms, people with Bipolar Disorder also suffer with episodes of depression. Patients with Bipolar Disorder tend to experience their symptoms in cycles that come and go. The good news is that both the manic and depressive symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be targeted effectively with medications.
Treatment for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD can wreak havoc on a young person’s academic and social functioning. The impairment that it causes often leads to significant distress. Many children and adolescents with ADHD have emotional struggles and suffer from low self-esteem. Research shows that ADHD puts young people at risk for a number of negative outcomes, including poor academic performance, antisocial behavior, substance use, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. But when ADHD is treated effectively, the risk for associated negative outcomes can be reduced substantially.
Treatment for Anxiety
Patients with anxiety disorders frequently present with excessive worry, irrational fears, and overthinking. There are often physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension, fatigue, headache, or upset stomach. Children and adolescents are particularly prone to the physical symptoms of anxiety, as their bodies often “speak” for them. In very young children, anxiety often manifests in the form of hallucinations (hearing and seeing things that are not there). There are a number of different medications and therapy modalities that can be extremely helpful for people suffering with anxiety.
Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
One can imagine that living with OCD is like walking around with a ball and chain. A person is tormented with intrusive and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety and distress. The obsessions drive the individual to engage in ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) in a futile effort to get relief. This repetitive cycle of behavior goes on and on, often consuming hours of the day. Patients suffer academically, vocationally, and socially. The good news is that OCD is a treatable condition. With medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, patients can get relief from their symptoms and live productive, happy lives.
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When an individual endures or witnesses a traumatic event, PTSD may result. Individuals with PTSD often reexperience the traumatic event through nightmares or flashbacks. They might have dissociative episodes, during which they feel detached from reality. PTSD is a very painful and distressing illness, but with proper treatment, patients can recover over time. A combination of psychotherapy and medication can be very helpful for people suffering with PTSD.