Adolescence is a turbulent time in a young person’s life. What adults call teenage rebellion can hide emotional problems or even depressive disorders. A child entering adulthood can feel lost, and thoughts circling in their head can even lead to suicide attempts. Worrying behaviour in your child is sometimes a first signal to make an appointment with a psychologist. Referring a teenager to a psychologist is a completely normal thing and specialists get educated how to help young people best.

At what age can one see a psychologist?

In fact,any age is appropriate, to see a psychologist for the first time. Sometimes developmental disorders can appear even in infancy. If they are not detected early, they can evolve and present serious symptoms in the future – resulting in abnormal emotional and psychological development. That is why even a 3-month-old baby can be taken to visit a psychologist. A consultation with a specialist can take place practically at any age, which means also as a teenager – which we focus on here.

Konsultację ze specjalistą można więc odbyć z dzieckiem praktycznie w każdym wieku, czyli również z nastolatkiem – na czym skupiamy się w tym artykule.

What does the first appointment with a psychologist look like for a teenager?

A minor’s first visit to a psychologist’s clinic takes place in the presence of the parents. Depending on the situation or problem, which a young person is reporting, the psychologist may decide on talking only to the parents or only the teenager.

A conversation with a teenage person is customised to their age and emotional state. During the first visit, the psychologist will need such information as listed below:

• When did the problems start?
• Did something happen that affected the teenager
• How did the child behave before? What were their relations, and what are they like now, with peers?
• What symptoms are noticed by the teenager and what are noticed by their parents?

During the first visit with the psychologist discovering the problem is important. The psychologist will discusswith the young patient and their parents whether further psychological support is necessary.
If the situation requires it, a one-off consultation might not be enough. In such case the psychologist will suggest further treatment and the appropriate form of
therapy.

What symptoms in a teenager should be worrying?

What should ring alarm bells? Decidedly different behaviours from the usual ones, mood swings, irritability or impulsiveness. Worrying could be a decrease in motivation, not only when it comes to carrying out everyday duties, but also inpursuit of other interests and hobbies. Very often parents seek specialist’s help because their child refuses to go to school. It is also a worrying signal, which can originate in various negative experiences in the school environment. A teenager can also present to a psychologist, symptoms such as: stomach aches, headaches or neuralgic pains. Such ailments can be caused by somatization of disorders from the mental sphere. Undoubtedly, self-destructive behaviours, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts also require reporting to the specialist.

The aim of a visit to a psychologist’s clinic is to resolve symptoms. We also work on rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence in their selves and their abilities. Adolescent psychotherapy can improve their relations with their peers and their family. On the other hand, parents receive guidance on how to support a young person and react to similar situations. Regular meetings at the IN-MED centre last about 50 minutes. The length of therapy is tailored individually.

The article Teenager at a psychologist – first visit comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

You must, I don’t have to. What is a toxic relationship?

Talking about toxic relationships, we do not have in mind one specific template of a situation. Above all, in a healthy relationship, we should expect mutual respect and equal involvement ina shared life. Sometimes the balance is upset. We have a feeling that the relationship takes more from usthan we get in return. If, in return for our efforts, we don’t hear words of gratitude, our self-esteem suffers and our sense of self-worth decreases. A toxic relationship manifests itself in a lack of support and even ignoring the needs of another person. 

Behaviours of our partner can be subtle. At the beginning of the relationship often we do not know ‘what we get ourselves into’. Particularly a toxic person can hide well their true colours, which become apparent only after some time. Gradual growing of attachment increases with the violation of physical and psychological boundaries of the other person. It can grow to such an extent that even despite of being tired of the situation, we cannot leave a toxic partner who has gained total control over us.

A toxic relationship and how to recognize you are in one?

Realising we are in a toxic relationship sometimes requires a lot of time. It may seem that the situation is maybe temporary, and that things will improve, especially if at the beginning of the relationship it was better. We realise, sometimes by ourselves, sometimes with the help of the people close to us, that the relationship takes away a part of us. Repeating situations of humiliation, accusations or ignoring our needs may cause you to feel depressed and your self-worth suffers. Sometimes we are even willing to believe that all problems in the relationship are caused by us, and our lowered mood is not our partner’s fault. With the help of a psychotherapist, we can come to the realisation that all this time we have been in a toxic relationship. Only after some time has passed, we start to notice the toxic behaviour of our partner – selfishness, sick jealousy, ignoring us or critical approach to everything we do.

What can I do?

A toxic relationship is not good for anyone. If we do not feel happy and safe in our relationship, it makes sense to work on it. You can start by talking with your partner, however, remember that some toxic people do not want to change their behaviour, because they benefit from it. Appointments with a psychologist and starting psychotherapy will help. Such forms of help will teach you assertiveness and create healthy boundaries in your relationship. Thanks to it, you will be able to improve your life with your currentpartner or start a new, healthy relationship.

In IN-MED clinic we provide individual therapy as well as couples’ and marriage therapy.  There is also a couples’ communication workshop available.

The article How to recognize a toxic relationship? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

Even though intimacy is an intrinsic element of our life, everyone’s needs differ. It becomes a problem when those needs become addictive and make day to day functioning difficult, until finally they entirely take control over us. Sex addiction symptoms – how to recognize them?

Is sex essential to life?

Having sexual intercourse, besides masturbation, is a way of relieving sex drive. Apart from the need of intimacy with partner, sex fulfils our biological needs as well. After intercourse we experience the feeling of relief, and we fall asleep more easily. Sex between long standing partners gives a sense of strong bond and intimacy. It is true that during intercourse, in our brains (and more precisely in our pituitary gland) ‘hormone of love’ – oxytocin is released. This neurotransmitter later reaches receptors in cells in our whole body.

Release of oxytocin helps to create desire, build trust and attachment to your partner.

When sex becomes like a drug – symptoms of sex addiction

Sex drive varies from person to person. We like different things; we have different fantasies and needs. There is no correct answer how many times a week or a month one should have sex. For some of us a few times a week is enough, for others only a few times a month. There are also people for whom the need of intimacy is so strong that they want to have sex every day. It is worth adding that all these people can feel normal and healthy. However, problems arises when our needs to satisfy sex drive dominate us and it disrupts other activities.

According to its definition, sex addiction, also called erotomania is:

‘Abnormal increase of sexual excitability occurring in psychiatric conditions and psychopathy, and organic brain diseases. It can also be a result of harmful influence of the environment. It is a term denoting erotic mania with occurring delusions of love.’

Popular Encyclopaedia PWN

Erotomania is disorder of libido, and its main symptom is excessive need of diverse and frequent sexual activity. The person affected experiences similar symptoms as ingoing through withdrawal, which accompany other habits, such as: irritability, panic, or problems with concentration. A relief can only be reached by sexual intercourse or masturbation.

Sex addiction symptoms and relations with close people

Sex addicts treat sex as method of diffusing tension, escape from unpleasant emotions or problems.The other person is treated with objectification. Sex addicts do not feel attached to their partners, they only care about satisfying their sexual needs. Sometimes they have sex with random people, use prostitutes or even resort to exhibitionism. Browsing pornography and obsessive masturbation becomes an element of daily life. The addicted person initially feels euphoric, but later this feeling is replaced by remorse, guilt and even shame. The addicted person faces consequences, not only on an emotional level, but also on a health, social and financial level.

How do we treat sex addiction?

Even though the symptoms of sex addiction are not always visible at first glance, it is worth suggesting psychotherapy for the partner or other close person, who we suspect of having such a problem. Similarly, to other addictions, such conversations won’t be easy. The patient doesn’t recognize that they find themselves in such a situation and they do not accept the fact that professional help is essential.We wrote here how to persuade the addicted person to seek therapy. Starting therapy is the best way to return to a healthy sexual life.

As opposed to treatment of other addictions,in the case of sex addiction we do not totally stop the addictive activity. In the psychotherapy process, we try to builda conscious foundations concerning intercourse and the sexual sphere. It can happen that some patients require the implementation of pharmacological treatment.

The article Sex addiction symptoms and how to recognize them comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

What is stress?

In the world of biology, stressors are defined as all stimuli affecting the body, which cause reaction or effect. Stress is a method of the body coping with changing situations. In psychology we understand the notion of stressslightly as different to the term popularly understood. Moreover, most people perceive stress as an explicitly negative phenomenon. In this case stress is psychological tension caused by one’s life situation, work or family.

Impact of stress on the body

The role of stress is to prepare the body to fight or flight and by this to restore the balance which was there before the stimulus occurred. Simply speaking our body reacts by a series of complex nervous, hormonal and immune reactions. Thanks to it we are ready to face approaching challenges. Examples of impact of stress on everyday situations can be diverse. If we are nervous about the approaching test, our body mobilises, decreasing the feeling of fatigue, enabling us to study for longer in maximum concentration. If we are expecting important guests, we clean our house for longer and more thoroughly, even though for the most of us it is not a pleasant activity. On the other hand, during a driving test our brain sends signals to act quicker; therefore, we are more attentive at junctions, and we notice road traffic signs quicker. Unfortunately, stress is not limited topositive, short action only. We also stress about difficult situations in our lives, such as marital problems, serious illness or the need to care for a person close to us.

Good and bad stress and its consequences.

Short term stress, even when very intense, is called eustress. Its aim is to cope with an encountered difficult situation, and it doesn’t lead to serious health consequences. Even though the notion of stress is rather negative, there are situations where it can be beneficial for us. We become more focused, and we are adapting to the situation we are currently experiencing. Such stress can be even defined as a motivator and one that favours healthy competition.

Its main symptoms are:

•  increased heart rate
• faster breathing
• increase of muscle tension
• sweating

One should observethese symptoms disappear after the stressful situation has finished. A good example of this is completing a presentation at work. Even before a short speech, the heart rate increases, we experience stomach pain, hands sweat, but once it’s over we start to calm down.

On the other hand, distress is defined as prolonged, severe and repeated stress. This type of stress brings several negative effects on our body such as:

• low mood
• sleep difficulties
• problems with concentration
• strong muscle tension
• headaches
• stomach aches
• hypertension
• increased risk of heart attack and stroke

It leads to somatic complications and anxiety disorders, which make functioning difficult. We find it difficult to adapt to the situation, and our reactions might not be adequate, and it is more difficult to control them. A chronic stress creates favourable conditions for depressive disorders

It is not possible to avoid stress

Even though it sounds banal, the impact of stress on our body is unavoidable. Evenshort-term stress, though unpleasant, is necessary. It is not possible to avoid traffic jams, deadlines, life challenges or other unpleasant situations. Unfortunately, quite often popular and available methods of coping with stress turn out to be insufficient. Moreover, some of us have naturally higher tendency to a wrong reaction to stress. Many stressful experiences last months or even years.  At the same time, many of us, as a result of long-term stress, start to suffer psychologically or physically.

When to seek help?

It is always worth talking about stress with members of your family or friends. There are many known relaxation techniques, such as Jacobson’s technique, which can bring relief. It is important to remember, when we are stressed out our functioning begins to suffer negative consequences, so it is worth consulting with a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. A psychiatrist will assess how deeply rooted is the problem and together with the client decides on possible pharmacological therapy. The psychotherapists, on the other hand, help patients to cope with stress by the means of cognitive behaviour therapy.

The article How stress impacts on our body? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

• Do symptoms of men suffering from anorexia differ from those in women?
• How to diagnose anorexia in men?
• ‘Manorexia’ – Anorexia nervosa in males – what do we know about it?

Since when do men suffer from anorexia?

Even though we have less data regarding the prevalence of anorexia in men in comparison to women, it is certain the problem of eating disorder is nothing new in either of the sexes.

For centuries idealised figures – slender with well-defined muscles and practically zero amount of fatty tissue have been reinforced in society. Such models have spread in different sources, starting with newspapers and advertisements, via tv series and full-length movies. This way such ideals of beauty were reinforced, causing many to start the pursuit of a slender figure.

Losing a few kilograms doesn’t seem to be a harmful idea. However, the problem occurs when we reach the normal weight according to BMI (18,5 – 24,99) and we still want to lose more weight. Anorexia nervosa in men is nothing new. Even though we do not have data relating to eating disorders in men from the XIX and XX centuries, it would be difficult to rule out that such a problem didn’t exist. Nowadays it is said that eating disorder such as anorexia can affect even up to 20% of men. Unfortunately, we can suspect that such data is incomplete – men ask for help less often, therefore anorexia in men is diagnosed much later than in women.

Anorexia in men – Manorexia

Eating disorders can occur in both genders, irrespective of age. For many years we wronglyidentified anorexia only with women. However, today we know it can also affect boys and grown-up men.

Its causes and mechanisms of development should be examined individually in each patient. Reducing and then maintaining body mass to smaller and smaller values is the aim of the patient suffering from anorexia.

Anorexia occurs in women more often than in men (approximately 10 times more), even though in recent timesthe occurrence of this disorder in men is increasing.

Source: Practical Medicine

Even if until noweating disorders were associated with women, statistics clearly show that one third of patients reporting eating problems are men. Even though such data might be underestimated, we can hope that increased awareness in society will cause men to seek medical help more often.

How to diagnose anorexia in men?

The main symptoms of anorexia are practically the same in both genders. Depending on the person’s earlier lifestyle, we can have difficulty in recognizing first symptoms of anorexia. Additionally, in people leading healthy lifestyles, excessive desire to attain an ideal figure and sticking to restricting diets won’t cause suspicions. Those more at risk are the groups of people for whom a slender figure is required – for instance athletes, actors and models, and due to this their diagnosis can be delayed. 

The symptoms connected with anorexia are:

• excessive loss of weight
• following restrictive diets
• intensive training a few times a week
• aggressive response if the subject of food is broached
• unwillingness to eat meals with others
• Obsessivemonitoring of calories

It might occur that the person suffering from anorexia does not feel hunger– however it is just the opposite! Refusing meals is not connected with a loss of appetite in the patient, but the fear of gaining more weight and sense of guilt for eaten calories – even in the patient with insufficientbody mass.

Moreover, anorexia in men can lead to many disorders in thenormal functioning of the body. These can be hormonal imbalances, frequent headaches and lack of concentration and other side effects caused by vomiting or taking laxatives.

Anorexia in men – the consequences

Anorexia can develop for months or even years before it is diagnosed, and treatment implemented. Malnutrition and weight deficiency can result in many negative effects. Therefore, untreated anorexia in men can result in:

• low blood pressure
• heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia)
• weakening of heart muscle
• avitaminosis
• hormonal imbalance
• infertility
• electrolyte disturbances
• osteoporosis
• constipation, stomach aches or ulcers
• kidney and liver diseases
• anaemia
• dehydration

Untreated anorexia can result in serious damage to the body or even death. The sick person often doesn’t notice they have a problem, therefore support of loved ones is invaluable. Active support to seek help will speed up the diagnosis and start the treatment. As shown here, anorexia in men in every stage of life is a serious problem and requires professional help.

Treating anorexia in men – who to turn to?

Anorexia in men can be diagnosed at different stages. The duration of treatment depends on the degree of malnutrition and effects of restrictive diet. One thing we can be sure of – treating anorexia is not just one appointment with a specialist, but a whole process. It is not only restoring healthy body mass, but also:

• treating the effects of malnutrition
• education on basic rules of healthy eating
• introducing abalanced diet
• compensating nutrition deficiency

A team of specialists including family doctor/GP, psychologist, psychiatrist and dietitian should be involved in the process of treatment of anorexia. Some cases require also help from physiotherapists and other specialist doctors.

In some cases,hospitalization of the patient is necessary. It happens in cases where low weight posesa risk to the patient’s health and life; and the degree of damage makes home treatment impossible.

Treatment of anorexia does not only mean putting on weight and restoring nutrients deficiency. Eating disorders start in our heads and continue until we receive appropriate help from a psychologist or a psychiatrist.

Change in our attitude, approach to life and our own body will allow to control our negative body image. Learning of self-acceptance and changing negative patterns of thinking constitutes part of the therapy carried out by the specialist who is an expert in eating disorders.

Anorexia in men – what can we do?

1. If you notice worrying symptoms – you can seek help from your GP or specialist in internal medicine.
2. Contact a psychologist who specialises in eating disorders. You can make an appointment in person in the clinic or online. The IN-MED Centre offers psychotherapeutic and psychiatric help. You will find theinformation on how to contact us HERE.
3. Do not be afraid to seek help from your loved ones. Treatment of eating disorders is a lengthy process, therefore support from friends and family can be essential.
4. Find a support group in your area – getting to know people who share the same problem can help you to get used to the diagnosis and motivate you to further treatment.

The article Does anorexia affect only women? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

• How does psychotherapy work?
• Is psychotherapy going to help me?
• How long will the therapy last?

Every one of us would prefer to know what to expect when going to a therapy session.  Images from movies and TV series come to our mind, which can create unrealistic expectations as to what such encounter with a psychologist looks like. Sometimes even after the visit we feel unsatisfied. Especially when we seem to think that one visit will resolve all our problems, and the specialist will literally tell us how to continue with our lives. However, the reality is totally different, and how psychotherapy works can differ from our perceptions. What should we expect from a visit?

Who is psychotherapy for?

Psychotherapy is the application of psychological methods through interpersonal contact between a patient and therapist. It makes it easier to cope with various problems that affect us and hinder normal functioning. It can concern a loss of loved one, sudden changes in life or annoying behaviours. People who need psychotherapy can have intrusive thoughts, obsessions or emotional problems. There are many reasons of going to therapy and such need may arise in everyone’s life. People of all ages can go to therapy, as methods and form of therapy are chosen individually for the patient. Unfortunately, many people postpone their visit. This happens because they do not know how psychotherapy works and how it can help them.

How does psychotherapy work – answer

Psychotherapy influences our understanding of our feelings and emotions, helps change our attitudes, motivation and mindset in relations towards others in the direction of bolder, calmer and more satisfying ones. During subsequent meetings, the person undergoing therapy learns to notice their emotions, differentiate them, acquires the ability to emotionally regulatethemselves. On the neurobiological level, changes are similar to those caused by medication, however they are more durable and have definitely longer lasting effect. This difference stems from the fact that psychotherapy in larger degree targets treating unconscious causes of emotional ailments, while medication mainly work on the symptoms i.e., the effects. Above all it should be mentioned there are many techniques and methods of psychotherapy, and therapists usually specialize in various forms of them, to acquire additional knowledge of how to help their patients.

Psychotherapy influences our understanding of our feelings and emotions, helps change our attitudes, motivation and mindset in relations towards others in the direction of bolder, calmer and more satisfying ones. During subsequent meetings, the person undergoing therapy learns to notice their emotions, differentiate them, acquires the ability to emotionally regulatethemselves. On the neurobiological level, changes are similar to those caused by medication, however they are more durable and have definitely longer lasting effect. This difference stems from the fact that psychotherapy in larger degree targets treating unconscious causes of emotional ailments, while medication mainly work on the symptoms i.e., the effects. Above all it should be mentioned there are many techniques and methods of psychotherapy, and therapists usually specialize in various forms of them, to acquire additional knowledge of how to help their patients.

Psychotherapy is a method of treatment which relies on planned and systematic actions, whose goal is to improve internal emotional functioning. It also has crucial impact on improving interpersonal relations.

Psychotherapy usually requires regular meetings with one or several specialists. Meetings usually take place weekly and last about 50 minutes. The length of the therapy depends on the needs and goals expressed by the patient. The whole process can last several months,sometimes even more than a year. Some disorders require simultaneous psychiatric treatment as well as including pharmacological methods.Psychotherapy and medications can complement each other, sometimes on the long road to mental health.

The article How does psychotherapy work? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

About 16% of respondents say they do not drink alcohol at all.  Statistic data reflectsthe fact of increased consumption of pure alcohol per head. According to OCED report an average Pole, consumes up to 11.7 litres of pure alcohol a year and up to one third of Poles gets drunk once a month. The most consumed alcoholic beverage is beer. Many of us imagine an alcoholic to be an unemployed and often homeless person. That is not the true picture.

When does occasional drinking become a problem? Can two beers every night be considered a problem? Does a Friday night trip to a bar for a few drinks show a deeper psychological problem which is dependence on alcohol?

Alcoholism and harmful use of alcohol

The problem of alcohol misuse concerns 12 to 15% of Poles. About 2% of our compatriots is addicted to alcohol. A person who is addicted drinks too much but usually does not neglect social or work relations. Such a person does not have strong need to drink and their alcohol consumption is connected mainly with social events or celebrating life’s successes. A person who is addicted to alcohol drinks due to a strong internal compulsion connected with addiction. A person addicted to alcohol has also problems with concentration and usually denies having a problem of excessive drinking.

If such an addicted person stops drinking, withdrawal symptoms occur, such as:

• increased anxiety
• excitement
• tongue, eyelids and hand tremors
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
• excessive sweating and shivers
• goosebumps
• runny nose

The most serious complication of alcohol withdrawal is alcoholic delirium and severe alcoholic hallucinosis, which can pose a risk to life.

Does beer cause addiction?

Even though 100 ml of beer contains less alcohol than wine or vodka, it can still lead to addiction. One 500ml beer contains 18 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to just under 2 standard units of alcohol. A standard unit of alcohol is equivalent to 10 grams of pure ethanol. Two beers contain approximately the same amount of pure alcohol as 100 ml of vodka.

Is drinking to relax a problem?

As I have already mentioned, alcohol consumption is a common occurrence in our culture. We usually drink during social gatherings or to relax after work.

However, one should emphasize that even social drinking can be a cause or symptom of alcohol addiction. Such situations listed below should make us rethink our pattern of drinking:

• drinking more alcohol than we intended
• thinking often about drinking alcohol
• loss of interest in other pleasures and activities in everyday life
• symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

But I work – I cannot be an alcoholic

Alcohol addiction conjures the image of an unemployed person, who starts each day with drinking vodka or cheap wine. However, it is not the case and specialist literature prove the existence of ‘highly functioning’ people who are addicted to alcohol. These are people who despite regular drinking are able to function in a professional field and in social relations. These are usually young, well-educated people, striving for perfection.

When to seek help?

Alcohol addiction is a difficult, but common social problem.

Stigmatizing addicted people prevents them from seeking help or makes them feel they won’t be able to remain abstinent from alcohol. Help from a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist will allow to assess the size of the drinking problem and start therapy.

Source: ‘Psychiatry’ by P. Galecki

The article Alcohol addiction – are 2 beers a night already a problem? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

What is the affect and what is meant by bipolar disorder?

The name itself can cause some difficulties in understanding this illness. Affect is described in psychology and psychiatry as expression of emotions. Bipolarity relates to the fact that people affected by this illness apart from depressive episodes, experience episodes of mania, which are considerably different to depression. To compare – depressive disorders are sometimes defined as unipolar affective disorder – usually when classic symptoms of depression appear, such as low mood, loss of joy of life or sleep disturbances.

What are the causes of bipolar affective disorder?

Bipolar affective disorder occurs relatively often and affects even 1 in 50 people. Women and Men are diagnosed equally often. Researchers have proven that genetic component plays an important part in the development of the illness. Bipolar affective disorderis considered as one of the most hereditary mental illnesses. Changes in structure of the brain have also been noticed, such as smaller capacity of the frontal cortex,and often occurring decrease of the amygdala. Moreover, this leads to excessive activity of the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. It has also been shown that experiencing a very stressful situation, such as death of loved one, job loss or serious illness can lead to affective bi-polar affective disorder emerging. It is worth noting that first symptoms of this illness usually surface before the age of 30.

Two main types of bipolar affective disorder

Specialist literature usually shows two types of the illness:

• type 1 – classic, with occurrence of at least 1 episode of mania,
• type 2 – the patient has more depressive episodes, where usually hypomania occurs.

What is mania?

Mania is a state in which psychomotor agitation occurs. A person in a state of mania usually experiences rapid, multitude of thoughts, andis frequently oversensitive or just the opposite – unnaturally friendly. An important characteristicis also excessive, unnatural talkativeness, reduced need of sleep and noticeable sexual loosening. Risk assessing is not functioning well and people with mania often make irresponsible decisions. Examples of such decisions arelarge, unnecessary purchases connected with borrowing money, resigning from work or even violating the law. A person experiencingan episode of mania has also inflated self-worthand changes plans often and easily.

What kind of depression occurs in bipolar affective disorder?

Depression in bipolar affective disorder resembles ‘ordinary’ depression, however, there are some characteristics, which indicatethe fact, its origin is in bipolar affective disorder. Depression in bipolar affective disorder has more tendency to recur, itis characterised also by increased drowsiness and irritability. Suicide in the family is also animportant diagnostic marker, as well asfastsubsiding of depressive episode.

How to treat bipolar affective disorder?

Bipolar affective disease is popularly regarded as a constant rollercoaster. Moreover, different works of culture depict people affected by this illness as untrustworthy, unpredictable or even dangerous. These are harmful and dangerous prejudices. The patients return to normal life ifdiagnostic processis carried out appropriately, using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy with psychoeducation. One needs to remember that appropriately used medication and therapy decrease the risk of occurrence of subsequent episodes of mania and depression. If you notice you have symptoms of depressionand you remember the situationwhen you were significantly agitated, or irritated, it is worth consulting with a doctor or psychiatrist. The doctor or psychiatrist will collect a detailed medical history, which will help them to make a correct diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment. Do not ignore potential symptoms, as bi-polar affective disordergoes hand in hand with significantly increased risk of suicide and death due cardiovascular causes.

The article Bi-polar affective disorder – constant rollercoaster? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

What is depression exactly?

Depression is, in fact, a group of mental disorders. In international classification we distinguish among others:

• a depressive episode which we diagnose if such episode has happened for the first time and has lasted more than 2 weeks.
• recurring depressive disorders – we talk about them if at least 2 depressive episodes occurred in the patient. However, to diagnose such disorders one must rule out an occurrence of an episode of mania.
• Dysthymia – often occurring, but rarely diagnosed disorder. Its symptoms last at least 2 years. However, they are less severe than in the case ofthose disorders mentioned above.
• Some researchers also indicate that the premenstrual tension syndrome also belongs to the group of depressive disorders.

Depression – afiction or serious illness?

Unfortunately, we often hear the statement that depression is not an illness, but only a figment of the imagination of the sick person. However, that is not the case. Scientists agree with the fact that depression is an illness. Depression affects a dozen per cent or so of the population during their lifetime and adversely affects both quality of life and life span. According to WHO depression will have been the most common illness by 2030. It has also been noticed that it is an independent factor for the occurrence of cardio- vascular diseases.  Older age and female gender are the factors which can increase the risk of depression. Unfortunately, there are reasons to claim that men are significantly less likely to seek medical help despite experiencing depression.

Depression is not just sadness

Usually, we associate depression with sadness. This is not a wrong impression; however, it is a little incomplete. People suffering from depression also lose interest in things they used to enjoy. Moreover, they lose the joy of life and become indifferent to activities they used to find pleasurable. Such an example can be a loss of interest in a hobby or work that used to bring joy. Suicidal thoughts occur frequently. Person affected by depression has also lower appetite and suffers weight loss. Fatigue is also a dominant feeling, often accompanied by a sense of guilt or even delusions about the illness. A neglected but important symptom of depression is concentration problem.

Sleep disorders are an inherent part of depression

A significant but often omitted aspect of depression is a sleep disorder. A person who suffers from depression finds it more difficult to fall asleep or sleep through the night until the morning. It means that a person wakes up early and is not able to fall back to sleep, and therefore feels sleepy and tired. So called atypical depression features excessive sleepiness and the affected person is constantly tired despite sleeping a lot. Sometimes it happens that sleep disorders lead to misuse of alcohol as a help to sleep. People suffering from insomnia frequently reach for various sedatives such as benzodiazepines or so-called Z-drugs – e.g., zolpidem and zopiclone. It complicates the diagnostic process and method of treatment.

Going for a walk won’t cure depression

People suffering from depression are often misunderstood and get a lot of good advice from those around them. ‘Go for a run’ or ‘go shopping’ are the most common forms of advice which result from a lack of knowledge, as well as underestimating the problem of depression. Even though exercise is important in the process of healing and maintaining health, it cannot substitute pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy. Psychiatrist will conduct a full interview with you, which will help them to select the right medication and direct you towards the most appropriate therapeutic treatment. The problem of depression should not be ignored, and one should not be ashamed of it. This condition is quite frequent, severe but curable by an appropriate therapy.

The article Depression – something more than constant sadness comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.

Drinking problem of an addicted person affects indirectly those close to them household members, close family and friends. Trying to help an addicted person we often suggest the idea of therapy. It is not always easy to encourage an addicted person to start therapy. In this article we suggest how to motivate the person who is close to us to seek treatment for addiction.

Let’s start from the beginning – what is an addiction?

Addiction can be easily missed if we do not closely observe an addicted person. This set of characteristic behaviours can be noticed most easily (but not always) by household members of the addicted person. Even though at the beginning they might seem relatively normal, with passing time they will intensify and make functioning of the addicted person and their family difficult.

From the definition of addiction:

Usually thinking about addictions alcohol, smoking or gambling come to our mind. However, it is worth realising that also other activities or substances can be cause of an addiction. The truth is we can get addicted to almost everything and there is fine line between a pleasure and a compulsion. At a certain moment you can notice that a person close to you loses their time and money to giving themselves totally to the addiction. It can have a negative impact on contacts with family which can get worse by day. No wonder question arises in your head – how to encourage an addicted person to addiction therapy?

How to encourage an addicted person to seek therapy – our answer

It is easier to prevent addictions than to treat them. Therefore, at the beginning when you notice worrying behaviour, signal the problem. You need to be prepared that this talk with the close person you suspect of addiction won’t be easy.  The addicted person will deny the information we try to convey. Such talk should be carried out in a gentle manner and ideally when the addicted person is not under influence of addictive substances. Even though it is logical to you that you want to help to overcome an addiction, the addicted person will see it as an attempt to deprive them of a ‘pleasure’, therefore such talks won’t be easy. Starting the subject can lead to a quarrel. Taking control of the emotions is crucial but not easy, especially because such talk can make them angry.

You can prepare yourself for such a talk by co-operating with a therapist. Support from the specialist will be also invaluable to you, because living with the addicted person contributes to your problems and problems of your loved ones. How to encourage addicted person to therapy is a very individual issue and depends on the degree of addiction and the will of the addicted person.

How to encourage addicted person to treatment?

An honest talk is not always enough for the addicted person to start treatment. Being addicted means they do not see they have a problem and subsequently do not pay attention to rational arguments from the loved ones. In many cases they will make promises they will get better, which they won’t be able to keep.

Your support and motivation will also be needed to encourage the addicted person to start therapy. People with addictions are not consciousof their problem and do not control their behaviours, making impression they are in ‘trance’. An attempt to change their habits requires not only starting a therapy with the specialist, but also the support from the loved ones. It is worth remembering that the decision to start an addiction treatment requires willingness from the addicted person. Don’t have regrets if you don’t manage straight away to encourage the addicted person to seek therapy. It can be a long and monotonous process of fighting addiction.

In short – how to encourage anaddicted person to seek therapy?

1. First: TALK – it is crucial that such a conversation takes place when the addicted person is sober and not under influence of substances.
2. Use the help of a therapist, who will suggest how to start such a conversation with the addicted person.  As a co-addicted person, you could also benefit from the help of a specialist.
3. Try to support and motivate to go on therapy. Do not stop talking about the addiction problem when your loved one goes to their first therapy session. Treatment of an addiction is a lengthy process during which and after, the support of loved ones is invaluable.
4. Do not give up if the first conversationdoesn’t bring any result. Wait for another opportunity and bring up the issue.

The article How to encourage an addicted person to seek therapy? comes from IN-MED Psychotherapeutic and Psychiatric Centre Paweł Sala.