Common Psychiatric Disorders | Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health provides a variety of mental and emotional health services, including treatment for depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
What is Depression?Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. It's more than just a feeling "blue" for a few days. If you are one of the more than 20 million people in the U.S. who have depression, the feelings persist and interfere with your everyday life. Symptoms can include:
- Sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Change in weight
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Energy loss
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. It causes panic attacks, which are sudden feelings of terror for no reason. You may also feel physical symptoms, such as:
- Fast heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Breathing difficulty
- Dizziness
Anxiety can be a normal part of life. But when it lingers, and gets worse over time, it may be an anxiety disorder. Types include:
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder