Mental Health Treatment in Los Angeles

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. It can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Anxiety refers to a range of disorders characterized by excessive worry, fear, and unease. Common symptoms include restlessness, irritability, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and physical sensations like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath. Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily activities and may include specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings that alternate between periods of elevated or “manic” episodes and depressive episodes. Manic episodes involve heightened energy, euphoria, impulsivity, and erratic behavior, while depressive episodes involve persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest, and feelings of worthlessness.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include intrusive memories or nightmares related to the event, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal or reactivity. Trauma can refer to various distressing experiences that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope, such as physical or sexual abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat exposure.

Suicidal ideations involve thoughts or preoccupations with death, dying, or self-harm. It can range from fleeting thoughts to detailed plans for suicide. Suicidal ideations often indicate significant emotional distress and should be taken seriously, requiring immediate attention and support from mental health professionals.

If you or someone you love has experienced suicidal ideations or self-harm, you can call the 988 Lifeline 24/7 or visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Psychotic disorders are a group of severe mental illnesses characterized by the presence of psychosis, which involves a loss of contact with reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t there) and delusions (strongly held false beliefs). Examples of psychotic disorders include schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Mood disorders are a class of mental health conditions that include all types of depression and bipolar disorders. Mood disorders can be caused by a variety of different factors, including a chemical imbalance, traumatic events, or even genetics. For people with mood disorders, feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety, or hopelessness are more intense than normal. Mood disorders can make it challenging to manage obligations at work, school, or home. 

Mood disorders are typically treated through a combination of medication and therapy.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder is a behavioral disorder often diagnosed in childhood. Children with ODD exhibit consistent defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior, particularly towards authority figures like parents, teachers, or other adults. Their defiance often leads to frequent arguments and conflicts, making adhering to rules and expectations challenging. While some oppositional behavior is considered normal during child development, persistent and severe ODD can disrupt daily life and social functioning.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex and challenging mental health condition affecting emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. People with BPD frequently experience erratic emotions, making it difficult to manage them effectively. Due to this emotional instability, impulsive behaviors like self-harm or reckless behavior may be used as a coping mechanism. Additionally, because of their fears of abandonment and rapidly changing identities, people with BPD may find establishing and maintaining stable and healthy relationships challenging.

Self-harm refers to intentional and non-suicidal acts of inflicting injury upon oneself. Individuals who engage in self-harm may do so to cope with overwhelming emotional pain, stress, or feelings of emotional numbness. Forms of self-harm include cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting oneself. Self-harm is a sign of underlying emotional distress and is not necessarily an expression of suicidal intent. Proper support and professional help are crucial for addressing the root causes and finding healthier coping mechanisms.

Impulsivity is characterized by acting on urges without considering potential consequences. Individuals with high impulsivity may find it challenging to regulate their behaviors, leading to difficulties in making sound decisions and managing their daily lives effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most effective form of treating impulsivity problems or impulse control disorders, as CBT places a heavy emphasis on understanding the relationship between thoughts and behaviors.