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Health Condition |
Description |
Information for Caregivers |
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Anxiety Disorders
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Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Research into their origins continues, but it is believed they are caused by a combination of biological factors and individuals' personal circumstances, much like other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. It is common for people to suffer from more than one anxiety disorder; and for an anxiety disorder to be accompanied by depression, eating disorders or substance abuse. Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical disorders, in which case the physical condition should also be treated. |
Mental Illness in the Family
Family Association for Mental Health - FAME for Families
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Depression
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Depression is the most common mood disorder; a person with depression feels "very low." Symptoms may include: feelings of hopelessness, changes in eating patterns, disturbed sleep, constant tiredness, an inability to have fun, and thoughts of death or suicide.
People with manic depression have periods of depression and periods of feeling unusually "high" or elated. The "highs" get out of hand, and the manic person can behave in a reckless manner, sometimes to the point of financial ruin or getting in trouble with the law. |
Support for the Families
Family Association for Mental Health - FAME for Families
Mental Illness in the Family
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Mood Disorders
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Mood Disorders is a group of disorders which affect the mood of individuals. Depression is the most common mood disorder. Bipolar or manic depressions and seasonal affective disorder are other forms of mood disorders. Everyone experiences "highs" and "lows" in life, but people with mood disorders experience them with greater intensity and for longer periods of time than most people. |
Support for the Families
Family Association for Mental Health - FAME for Families
Mental Illness in the Family
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Schizophrenia
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Although a serious brain disorder, Schizophrenia is treatable.
The illness is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disturbances in thinking and withdrawal from social activity.
The exact causes are still a mystery, but it is believed the disease is caused by a biochemical imbalance. |
What is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia Society of Canada - Family Education and Support
Rays of Hope: A Reference Manual for Families and Caregivers
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