Diagnosis and Treatments

At Balance Psychiatric Clinic, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for various mental health conditions. Our personalized approach integrates therapy, medication management, and holistic care to support each individual’s unique needs.

Anxiety Disorders

 

 

Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that interferes with daily life. Common symptoms include restlessness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

 

 

Treatment:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe anxious thoughts and develop coping strategies.
  • Medication Management: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or other medications.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Teaches relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

 

OCD is characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. Symptoms often interfere with daily life.

 

 

 

 

Treatment:

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): A form of CBT that helps individuals gradually face fears without compulsion.
  • Medication Management: SSRIs at higher doses are commonly used to reduce symptoms.
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Helps manage distressing thoughts and build resilience.

Depression

 

Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.

 

Treatment:

  • Psychotherapy: CBT, psychodynamic therapy, or supportive therapy to address thought patterns and emotions.
  • Medication Management: Antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs.
  • Holistic Care: Encouraging lifestyle changes, including exercise and nutrition, to support mental well-being.

Mood Disorders (Including Bipolar Disorder)

 

Mood disorders involve significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. This includes bipolar disorder, which consists of alternating episodes of depression and mania, as well as persistent depressive and mood instability conditions.

 

 Treatment:

  • Mood Stabilizers: These include lithium or anticonvulsants to regulate mood swings.
  • Atypical Antipsychotics: To manage manic and depressive episodes.
  • Psychotherapy: CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and psychoeducation to improve coping strategies.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

 

ADHD is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact daily functioning at work, school, and in relationships.

 

Treatment:

  • Medication Management: Stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) or non-stimulant medications.
  • Behavioral Therapy: Helps with time management, organization, and focus strategies.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging structure, exercise, and mindfulness techniques.

Schizophrenia

 

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and social withdrawal.

 

Treatment:

  • Antipsychotic Medications: First-line treatment to manage symptoms.
  • Psychotherapy: Helps improve daily functioning and coping strategies.
  • Supportive Therapy: Focuses on social skills, employment, and independent living.

Schizoaffective Disorder

 

 

Schizoaffective disorder presents as a combination of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (depression or mania).

 

 

Treatment:

  • Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics: Used together to manage symptoms.
  • CBT and DBT: To address thought patterns and emotional regulation.
  • Supportive Therapy: Helps improve quality of life and daily functioning.

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

 

SUD involves an inability to control substance use despite negative consequences. Symptoms include cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and continued use despite harm.

 

Treatment:

  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone to reduce cravings and withdrawal.
  • CBT and Motivational Interviewing: To address triggers and build coping skills.
  • Support Groups and Relapse Prevention: Encourages sustained recovery.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

 

AUD is characterized by excessive alcohol consumption, leading to dependence, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired control over drinking.

 

Treatment:

  • Medication Management: Naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to reduce alcohol dependence.
  • Therapy: CBT, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies.
  • Supportive Care: Encourages healthy lifestyle changes and coping strategies.

 

 

 

Balance Psychiatric Clinic is committed to providing compassionate, individualized care to help our clients achieve stability & long-term recovery. Our comprehensive approach integrates therapy, medication, & holistic wellness to support mental & emotional well-being.

In addition to the conditions & treatments mentioned, we provide care for various other psychiatric concerns. Our team is dedicated to helping individuals navigate unique mental health challenges, offering tailored treatment plans supporting overall wellness & improving quality of life.

For more information on mental illness, substance use disorder, or alcohol use disorder, please also visit the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

If you or a loved one are seeking support, we are here to help.