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Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many patients who are diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling like you cannot relax
• Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
• Rapid heart rate and breathing or hyperventilation
• Increased or heavy sweating
• Muscle twitching or trembling
• Weakness or lethargy
• Difficulty focusing
• Insomnia
• Digestive problems
• Avoidant behavior
• Obsessions about certain ideas

Treatment
At Esteem Healthcare Services, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of the patient. We will carefully go over any symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and any other relevant factors such as life events and behaviors.

Common treatments for anxiety include individual or group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or electroconvulsive therapy.

Symptoms
The main symptom associated with bipolar disorder is chronic mood swings. During periods of extreme high or mania, the person may feel invincible leading to the engagement of risky behaviors. In episodes of extreme lows or depression, the individual may feel an overwhelming sense of despair or disinterest.

Other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are often a result of the influence of the mood swings. These symptoms can become aggravated by co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse or other health conditions as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Treatment
Though there is no cure, the condition is treatable. Treatment focuses on learning how to manage mood swings and symptoms. Gaining a better understanding of your triggers will help you to respond better to your own emotions. Other forms of treatment include medication, individual or group counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.

Symptoms
Anyone can feel sad or even depressed at times. However, depression is a more intense feeling compared to the normal feelings of sadness. Depression is a mental illness that has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to manage and maintain a good quality of life. They can impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, keep commitments, or complete tasks.

Symptoms vary from person to person and appear during the night and day. Common symptoms or signs of depression include:

• A feeling of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
• Aches or body pain such as migraines, cramps, or digestive problems
• Changes in appetite
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling inadequate
• Inability to make decisions
• Loss of interest
• Low self-esteem
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Treatment
Often depression cannot be managed or treated alone. If you or a loved one has begun to show signs or symptoms of depression, seek help.

Fortunately, depression can be treated, and you can find relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Esteem Healthcare Services, we offer individual and group therapies, behavioral therapy, medication, consultation services, and will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Treatment can vary from therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, prescription medication such as antidepressants, acupuncture, and other forms of therapies such as electrotherapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. One unique treatment option for depression we offer is ketamine infusion therapy.

Typically, TMS treatment is performed four to five times per week for several weeks. Sessions usually last about 40 minutes. If you feel that the medication you take to manage your depression isn’t helping, talk to your doctor, and see if TMS may be right for you.

Although it is an FDA approved treatment, not all insurances cover TMS treatment yet.

Symptoms
If you have OCD, you may have specific routines that can take up large amounts of time to relieve your anxiety. Common signs of OCD include:

• Constant feelings of anxiety
• Repetition of words and actions
• Ordering and arranging
• Excessive agitation or stress

Treatment
If you have OCD, your compulsions or repetitive actions may consume the majority of your day and interfere with your ability to participate in routine activities such as work or spending time with friends or loved ones.

Through an innovative and multi-disciplinary approach, we can help you to retake control of your life. We will customize a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. Common forms of treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mediation, counseling, group and individual therapy, and support and education programs.

Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD are generally grouped into four primary types:

• Avoidance
• Changes in physical and emotional reactions
• Intrusive memories
• Negative changes in thinking and mood

Those with PTSD may experience symptoms from one or all of these categories.

Treatment
We are a compassionate practice and know that the road to feeling like yourself again can be overwhelming at times. We take the time to thoroughly assess your symptoms and history before we recommend a course of treatment for you. Common treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Psychiatrists are specially trained in the treatment of psychiatric and behavioral disorders through the use of medication. If your doctor feels that a particular drug may help you, he or she will prescribe something after they’ve had an opportunity to understand all the facets of your specific medical condition.

Your input is an essential part of this process. We value your thoughts and feelings regarding taking medication and the impact it will have on your life and activities. Your doctor will discuss any new prescriptions or adjustments so that you understand precisely what the medicine is for and what side effects you may experience. Our ultimate goal is to help you feel your best self, and you help us achieve this when you take an active role in your treatment.

Treatment
In emergency situations or if you have attempted suicide and are injured please contact 9-11 for immediate help. After treating your injuries, you will receive proper follow-up care regarding your condition.

For non-crisis situations, or if you are at risk of harming yourself, please contact 9-11 or the suicide hotline number 1-800-273-8255.

Effective treatment and care of suicidal individuals depend on their level of risk, personal needs, and preferences. Treatment options include psychotherapy, medication, group therapies, and family support and education. We will conduct a thorough examination to determine your physical and mental health in order to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Though you won’t wake up the next day and feel as though everything is fine, you will notice your symptoms subsiding throughout treatment. Many people experience a feeling of increased calmness and relaxation. It is important to note that effective treatment does take time and you should not be discouraged if you do not notice immediate results.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus and manage their energy levels. At Esteem Healthcare Services, we typically identify ADHD in three main types:

Inattentive Type: Individuals with this type may struggle to concentrate on tasks, overlook details, and frequently misplace important items. They often find distractions challenging and may have difficulty following complex instructions.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Those with this type often seem restless. They might fidget, interrupt others during conversations, or struggle to remain seated in calm situations. Impulsivity can lead them to make quick decisions without fully considering the consequences.

Combined Type: This type includes a combination of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. It is the most common presentation, where individuals display symptoms from both categories.

ADHD Symptoms Across Ages

To reliably diagnose ADHD, certain criteria must be met:

1. Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms must have persisted for a significant period, with clear signs evident for at least the past six months.
2. Onset: While ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, it typically begins in childhood. Therefore, symptoms should have been present before the age of 12.
3. Impact Across Settings: Symptoms must cause noticeable difficulties in more than one setting, meaning they shouldn’t just occur at home but also in school, social situations, or other activities.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms can vary by type and individual, but some common signs include:

• Children: In addition to restlessness, children with ADHD may struggle to wait their turn, daydream frequently, avoid tasks requiring sustained focus, or make careless mistakes in their schoolwork.
• Adolescents: Teenagers might exhibit poor organizational skills, frequently misplace items, become easily frustrated, interrupt conversations, talk excessively, and show a decline in academic performance.
• Adults: For adults, common signs include chronic procrastination, difficulty maintaining attention during tasks or leisure activities, frequent forgetfulness in daily life, mood swings, and ongoing challenges with setting and achieving goals.

If you or someone you know is displaying signs of ADHD, it’s important to seek professional guidance. At Esteem Healthcare Services, we offer comprehensive assessments and tailored treatment plans to help individuals navigate the challenges of ADHD and lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder characterized by brain degeneration and cell death, resulting in a shrinking brain size. It is the most common cause of dementia, leading to declines in memory, thinking, and social skills that hinder daily functioning. In the U.S., approximately 6.5 million individuals aged 65 and older are affected, with most being over 75. Globally, Alzheimer’s accounts for 60%-70% of the 55 million dementia cases. Early symptoms include forgetfulness, which can progress to severe memory loss and difficulty with daily tasks. Although there is no cure, treatments can help manage or slow symptoms, with advanced stages posing risks of complications like dehydration that can be life-threatening.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

The progression of Alzheimer’s varies by individual but typically follows a pattern of worsening symptoms over time. The stages include:

• Preclinical Alzheimer’s: No noticeable symptoms, but changes occur in the brain.
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Minor decline in mental abilities.
• Mild Dementia: Noticeable memory issues and difficulty with complex tasks.
• Moderate Dementia: Increased memory loss and confusion, requiring more support.
• Severe Dementia: Significant memory loss and lack of awareness, necessitating extensive care.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Memory Loss:
As Alzheimer’s progresses, memory loss significantly impacts daily functioning at work or home. Individuals may:

• Repeat questions or statements frequently.
• Forget conversations, appointments, or events.
• Misplace items in illogical places.
• Get lost in familiar locations.
• Eventually forget names of family members and everyday objects.
• Struggle to find the right words or express thoughts during conversations.

Changes in Personality and Behavior:
Brain changes from Alzheimer’s can affect moods and behaviors, leading to issues such as:

• Depression
• Loss of interest in activities
• Social withdrawal
• Mood swings
• Distrust of others
• Anger or aggression
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Wandering
• Loss of inhibitions
• Delusions, such as believing items have been stolen

Thinking and Reasoning:
Alzheimer’s causes difficulties in concentration and abstract thinking, making multitasking especially challenging. Individuals may struggle with managing finances, balancing checkbooks, or paying bills on time, and may eventually find it hard to recognize or work with numbers.

Making Judgments and Decisions:
The ability to make sensible decisions declines, leading to poor choices in social situations or inappropriate clothing for the weather. Responding to everyday problems becomes increasingly difficult, such as handling a burning pot on the stove or making decisions while driving.

Memory loss is the primary symptom of Alzheimer’s, with early signs often including trouble remembering recent events or conversations. As the disease progresses, memory issues worsen, and other symptoms develop.

Psychotic disorders include various mental health conditions that profoundly influence an individual’s perception of reality. Key characteristics are hallucinations, where one perceives things that aren’t there, and delusions, which are firmly held false beliefs.

These disorders often disrupt thought processes and emotional responses, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion. The causes are multifaceted, involving genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. While they generally manifest in early adulthood, they can occur at any age.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

The primary symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking.

Hallucinations involve perceiving things that aren’t present, such as seeing objects that don’t exist, hearing voices, smelling non-existent odors, experiencing unusual tastes, or feeling sensations on the skin without any physical contact.

Delusions are false beliefs that persist even when proven untrue. For instance, someone may firmly believe their food is poisoned, despite evidence to the contrary.

Other possible symptoms of psychotic disorders include:

• Disorganized or incoherent speech
• Confused thinking
• Strange or potentially dangerous behavior
• Slowed or unusual movements
• Loss of interest in personal hygiene
• Withdrawal from activities
• Problems at school or work, and with relationships
• A cold, detached demeanor with difficulty expressing emotions
• Mood swings or mood-related symptoms, such as depression or mania

Symptoms can vary among individuals and may change over time in the same person.

Types of Insomnia 

Acute insomnia occurs suddenly and briefly, lasting from one night to a few weeks, and is often due to a particular circumstance, such as an upcoming important or stressful event.

Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is when you have sleep trouble falling, staying, or returning to sleep at least three nights per week for at least three months straight.

Additionally, there are two types of insomnia: primary and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia is not linked to any other health condition while secondary insomnia can be the result of another condition such as asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, heartburn, pain, medication, or substance use.

Treatment 

At Esteem Healthcare Services, we can find a solution to help you get a restful night’s sleep. We will work with you to understand your medical history, as well as any lifestyle habits and patterns that may be affecting your sleep. Treatment will vary depending on the cause of your condition. If your insomnia is a result of an underlying health condition, treating the condition may resolve your insomnia. We may also recommend behavior changes, medication, therapy, and other health practices that may improve the likelihood of getting a good night’s rest.

For more information on insomnia and our treatment options or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today at (202) 695-6898.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a frightening event—either experiencing it or witnessing it.

Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event.

While many individuals may experience temporary difficulties adjusting after a traumatic event, most typically improve over time with proper self-care. However, if symptoms worsen, persist for months or years, and disrupt daily functioning, it may indicate PTSD.

Seeking effective treatment once PTSD symptoms emerge is crucial for alleviating symptoms and enhancing daily functioning.

Symptoms of PTSD

Re-Experiencing Symptoms
These symptoms involve intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, nightmares, and flashbacks. A flashback can be particularly distressing, as it feels like reliving the frightening experience.

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms
PTSD often leads to hyperarousal, characterized by heightened vigilance and reactivity. You may feel constantly “on edge,” struggle to relax, and be easily startled. Hyperarousal can also result in insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and sudden outbursts of anger.

Avoidance Symptoms
Individuals with PTSD frequently try to avoid reminders of the traumatic event. This may involve steering clear of certain places or people and avoiding discussions about what they experienced. Although they attempt to suppress thoughts of the event, flashbacks and nightmares can make this challenging.

Cognitive Symptoms
PTSD can lead to changes in thinking and feelings. Affected individuals may become more irritable, anxious, and fearful, often harboring negative thoughts about themselves and the world. For instance, they might view the world as a dangerous place or believe they are at fault for the trauma. These thoughts can result in behavioral changes, such as withdrawing from friends and family or turning to alcohol and drugs for coping.