Mental Illness Center - Pittsfield, MA
Pittsfield Psychiatrist Doctors for Mental IllnessType of Physician: Psychiatrist What is a Psychiatrist? A certification by the Board of Psychiatry & Neurology; practitioners are skilled in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders. He or she is trained to understand the biological, psychological and social components of illness and is qualified to order diagnostic laboratory tests and to prescribe medications, as well as to evaluate and treat psychological and interpersonal problems. The psychiatrist is also prepared to intervene with individuals and families who are coping with stress, crises, and other problems in living. Specialty: Psychiatry Common Name: Psychiatrist Doctors in Pittsfield * Berkshire Mental Health & Substance Abuse  William E Knight MD  Berkshire Medical Center Psychiatry  Berkshire Medical Center Psychiatry  Austin Riggs Center  Austin Riggs Center  Austin Riggs Center  Austin Riggs Center  Philip J Pryjma MD  The Breen Center  County Psychiatric Center  Brien Center for Mental Health  Brien Center for Mental Health  SuEllen Hamkins MD  Cooley Dickinson Hospital Behavioral Health Services  Valley Medical Group PC  Valley Medical Group PC  Valley Medical Group PC  Cooley Dickinson Hospital Behavioral Health Services  Luz M Martin MD & Associates  Ballis Psychiatrics Associates  Carl Saviano MD  Marc A Bleicher MD  Therapeutic Associates PC  Sanford Bloomberg MD  Raymond Gottlieb MD  Michael Perlman MD  Richard C Rice MD  Ira Addes MD  Harold R Jordan MD  Service Net Inc  Donna M Cohen MD  Nancy Westermann MD  Holyoke Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry  Holyoke Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry  Holyoke Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry  Holyoke Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry  Franklin Medical Center Psychiatry  Franklin Medical Center Psychiatry  Franklin Medical Center Psychiatry  Providence Behavioral Health  Providence Behavioral Health  Ricardo A Mujica MD  Lydia A Kapell MD  RiverBend Medical Group Chicopee Office  RiverBend Medical Group Chicopee Office  RiverBend Medical Group Chicopee Office  RiverBend Medical Group Chicopee Office  Killian O'Connell MD  UMass Mental Health Services  UMass Mental Health Services  Baystate Medical Center  Baystate Medical Center  Baystate Medical Center  Kenneth Talan MD  Luz M Martin MD & Associates  Moris Pardo MD  Shoshana Sokoloff MD  Behavioral Health Network  Aloysius L Davis III MD  Behavioral Health Network  Ralph L Cohen MD  Brightside School Street Counseling Institute  Memory Wellness LLC  Valley Psychiatric Services Inc  Baystate Behavioral Health Associates  Bay State Behavioral Health  Baystate Behavioral Health Associates  Benjamin Liptzin MD  Baystate Behavioral Health Associates  Baystate Behavioral Health Associates  Psychiatry Care Associates PC  Elizabeth A Bramson MD  Counseling & Gynecology Group  Jay Pomerantz MD  Griswold Center Wing Memorial Hospital  Griswold Center Wing Memorial Hospital  Griswold Center Wing Memorial Hospital  Griswold Center Wing Memorial Hospital  Barre Family Health Center  George B Wells Human Services  George B Wells Human Services  George B Wells Human Services  George B Wells Human Services  George B Wells Human Services  Heywood Hospital Mental Health  Stephen R Greenberg MD  Newton Square Counseling Center  Arbour Counseling Services Pittsfield, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-06-03
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Mental IllnessRead the Mental Illness article » IntroductionMental illness is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves and/or relates to others and to his or her surroundings. Although the symptoms of mental illness can range from mild to severe and are different depending on the type of mental illness, a person with an untreated mental illness often is unable to cope with life's daily routines and demands.
What Causes Mental Illness?Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. One thing is for sure—mental illness is not the result of personal weakness or a character defect, and recovery from a mental illness is not simply a matter of will and self-discipline.
Recommended Reading Related to Mental IllnessWhat is bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a mental illness that is characterized by severe mood swings, repeated episodes of depression, and at least one episode of mania. Bipolar disorder is one kind of mood disorder that afflicts more than 1% of adults in the United States, up to as many as 4 million people. Here are some additional statistics about bipolar disorder:
Other Related Mental Illness ArticlesEmergency Contact for Pittsfield
Nearby Pittsfield Hospitals *Berkshire Medical Center BMC Hillcrest Campus Austen Riggs Center Fairview Hospital North Adams Regional Hospital Samaritan Hospital Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Albany Memorial Hospital St Mary's Hospital Troy Northampton VA Medical Center Stratton VA Medical Center at Albany Albany Medical Center Albany Medical Center South Clinical Campus Capital District Psychiatric Center Columbia Memorial Hospital St Peter's Hospital Cooley Dickinson Hospital Noble Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Mental Illness by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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ADHD
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by the symptoms hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Treatment for ADHD may involve behavioral therapy and psychostimulant or antidepressant medication.
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Anorexia
- Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious psychological disorder and is a condition that goes well beyond out-of-control dieting. With anorexia, the drive to become thinner is actually secondary to concerns about control and/or fears relating to one's body. There are psychological and behavioral symptoms as well as physical symptoms of anorexia including: depression, social withdrawal, fatigue, food obsession, heart and gastrointestinal complications, kidney function, flaky skin, brittle nails, and tooth loss (this list is not exhaustive).
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Bulimia
- Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by episodes of secretive excessive eating (bingeing) followed by inappropriate methods of weight control, such as self-induced vomiting (purging), abuse of laxatives and diuretics, or excessive exercise. Purging and nonpurging are the two types of bulimia. There are five basic criteria in the diagnosis of bulimia.
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Depression
- Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
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Schizophrenia
- Schizophrenia is a disabling brain disorder that may cause hallucinations and delusions and affect a person's ability to communicate and pay attention. Symptoms of psychosis appear in men in their late teens and early 20s and in women in their mid-20s to early 30s. With treatment involving the use of antipsychotic medications and psychosocial treatment, schizophrenia patients can lead rewarding and meaningful lives.
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Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
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Suicide
- Suicide is the process of intentionally ending one's own life. Approximately 1 million people worldwide commit suicide each year, and 10 million to 20 million attempt suicide annually.
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Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) has many symptoms, signs, and causes. Therapy is one treatment option for antisocial personality disorder. It is closely related to other personality disorders (PD), such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
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Borderline Personality Disorder
- Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and the individual's sense of self-identity. Originally thought to be at the "borderline" of psychosis, people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) suffer from a disorder of emotion regulation.
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that causes a person to suffer repeated obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms include irresistible impulses despite a person's realization that the thoughts are irrational, excessive hand washing, skin picking, lock checking, or repeatedly rearranging items. People with OCD are more likely to develop trichotillomania, muscle or vocal tics, or an eating disorder. Treatment for OCD includes psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and medication.
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Depression in Children
- Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include anger, social withdrawal, vocal outbursts, fatigue, physical complaints, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment may involve psychotherapy and medication.
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Teen Depression
- Depression in teenagers may be caused by many factors. Symptoms of teen depression include apathy, irresponsible behavior, sadness, sudden drop in grades, withdrawal from friends, and alcohol and drug use. Treatment of depression in adolescents may involve psychotherapy and medications.
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Depression in the Elderly
- Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants, psychotherapy, or electroconvulsive therapy.
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Schizoaffective Disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder is a mental illness that features schizophrenia and a mood disorder, either major depression or bipolar disorder. Symptoms include agitation, suicidal thoughts, little need for sleep, delusions, hallucinations, and poor motivation. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication, skills training, or hospitalization.
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Factitious Disorders
- Factitious disorders are conditions in which people pretend to have physical or mental illnesses when they aren't sick. These people may lie about or fake symptoms to obtain the sympathy and attention given to people who are genuinely ill. Symptoms of factitious disorders include dramatic, inconsistent medical history, the presence of many surgical scars, and a history of seeking treatment at many different hospitals.
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Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an illness where a person is overly preoccupied with some minor or imaginary flaw. People with BDD tend to have cosmetic surgery. BDD can be treated with SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Dysthymia
- Dysthymia is a less severe form of chronic depression. Symptoms and signs include insomnia, suicidal thoughts, guilt, empty feeling, loss of energy, helplessness, sluggishness, and persistent aches and pains. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and antidepressants.
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Fragile X Syndrome
- Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. It's caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. People with Fragile X syndrome suffer from physical, social, emotional, speech, language, sensory, intelligence, and learning impairments. There is no definitive treatment for Fragile X, though there are ways to minimize the symptoms.
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Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Dissociative identity disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder or split personality disorder) is a mental illness in which a person has at least two distinct personalities. Symptoms and signs include lapses in memory, feeling unreal, blackouts in time, hearing voices in their head that are not their own, not recognizing themselves in the mirror, and finding items in one's possession but not recalling how they were acquired. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medications, and sometimes hypnosis.
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Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
- Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a mental illness (factitious disorder) in which a caregiver secretly abuses a child by faking symptoms in the child. Symptoms present in the child include suffocation, bleeding, poisoning, and induced seizures. Treatment involves maintaining the safety of the child and typically incorporates psychotherapy and psychiatric medications for both the perpetrator and victim.
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Munchausen Syndrome
- Munchausen syndrome is a factitious disorder and attention-seeking syndrome in which an individual pretends to have physical or psychological symptoms in order to gain attention. Symptoms and signs vary from heart symptoms, chest pain, and fainting to ear problems and hallucinations. Sufferers tend to seek help from multiple care providers, seem overly pleased at being subjected to tests and procedures, and have vague symptoms that are inconsistent with test results. There is no particular treatment approach that is consistently effective in treating Munchausen syndrome.
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Gambling Addiction
- Compulsive gambling is a disorder that affects millions in the U.S. Symptoms and signs include a preoccupation with gambling, lying to family or loved ones to hide gambling, committing crimes to finance gambling, and risking importance relationships and employment due to gambling. Treatment may incorporate participation in Gamblers' Anonymous, psychotherapy, and medications like carbamazepine, topiramate, lithium, naltrexone, antidepressants, clomipramine, and fluvoxamine.
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Sleep Paralysis
- Sleep paralysis is a condition that causes a person to feel as if he or she is awake but is unable to move. Lack of sleep, sleep disorders, use of certain medications, and other factors may be related to sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis usually does not require treatment; however, treating underlying conditions may help sleep paralysis.
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ADHD
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Medications
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Procedures & Tests
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Pictures, Images & Quizzes
3 articles -
Doctor's & Expert's Views
4 articles -
Health News
51 articles -
Health Features
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