Mental Health Diagnoses

With the discovery of the major categories of psycho-pharmaceutical agents beginning in the 1960’s and up to the present day, biologically based mental illness is more effectively treatable today than ever before.  Severe depression and anxiety states, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia are all manageable.  Research into the management of these populations concludes clearly, however, that medications (lowest dose for maximum benefit; beware of polypharmacy or redundancy) and psychotherapy offer the best chance for stability.

My favorite metaphor is the computer, for which both hardware and software are crucial.  Psychiatric medications help to realign the neurochemistry or neurotransmitter levels of our hardware.  If a client has spent significant time viewing the world and self through the distorting lens of depression, anxiety, or psychosis, however, thoughts and perceptions cannot be trusted, rendering the software flawed.  Therapy becomes the medium for identifying distorted cognition, challenging it, and replacing it with constructive, reality-based thinking.  Physical health, healthy routines, treatment compliance, and relationship repair and maintenance are also crucial.  Stigma is always a burden.

I have had the privilege of working with successful schizophrenic doctors and lawyers.  Medications and counseling have literally saved the lives of members of my own family.  The power for change, stability, love, and success is within you!