How to treat mental illnesses

Psychological disorders can be treated through psychological therapy, medication, physical therapy, social support interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and other methods. Psychological disorders may be related to genetic factors, environmental stress, abnormal brain chemicals, traumatic experiences, chronic diseases, and other factors, usually manifested as symptoms such as low mood, anxiety, cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, and somatic symptoms.

1. Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps improve emotional and behavioral problems by identifying and changing negative thinking patterns, and is suitable for conditions such as depression and anxiety. Psychoanalytic therapy explores the impact of subconscious conflicts on psychological symptoms and is commonly used for personality disorders or childhood trauma related illnesses. Family therapy can alleviate patients' symptoms by improving the interaction mode among family members, especially for adolescent psychological problems. Group therapy provides social support and experience sharing, suitable for social anxiety or addictive behaviors. Exposure therapy gradually involves exposure to sources of fear to reduce anxiety reactions, which is effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

2. Drug therapy

Fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules are used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, improving mood by regulating serotonin levels. Olanzapine tablets can alleviate the delusional symptoms of schizophrenia, but metabolic side effects need to be monitored. Lorazepam tablets can temporarily control acute anxiety attacks, but long-term use may lead to dependence. Lithium carbonate sustained-release tablets are the basic medication for bipolar disorder and require regular monitoring of blood drug concentration. Paroxetine hydrochloride tablets are effective in treating generalized anxiety and panic disorder, and should be gradually reduced when discontinued.

3. Physical therapy

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation changes brain neural activity through magnetic fields, which has a good effect on refractory depression. Electroconvulsive therapy is used for severe depression with suicidal tendencies or stiff state, and requires general anesthesia. Biofeedback training helps patients autonomously regulate physiological indicators, improve anxiety and insomnia symptoms. Phototherapy regulates melatonin secretion by simulating natural light and is suitable for seasonal affective disorders. Vaginal nerve stimulation surgery alleviates drug-resistant depression through implanted devices and requires surgical cooperation.

4. Social support intervention

Vocational rehabilitation training helps patients rebuild their work ability and promotes the recovery of social function in patients with schizophrenia. Community mental health services provide continuous follow-up and crisis intervention to reduce the probability of recurrence. The peer support group consists of recovered individuals sharing their experiences to enhance the confidence of bipolar disorder patients in treatment. Family psychological education guides family members to cope with symptoms correctly and improves the care environment for patients with depression. Social skills training enhances the social skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorder through role-playing.

5. Lifestyle Adjustment

Regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking or swimming can promote endorphin secretion and alleviate mild to moderate depressive symptoms. The Mediterranean dietary pattern is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve mood and cognitive function. Mindfulness meditation practice cultivates awareness of the present moment, reduces anxiety and rumination. Sleep hygiene management improves insomnia through a fixed schedule and has a preventive effect on manic episodes. Pet assisted therapy reduces loneliness through interaction with animals and is suitable for elderly patients with depression. Patients with psychological disorders need to establish a regular daily rhythm, maintain 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep every day, and avoid staying up late and reversing day and night. Increase the intake of whole grains, dark vegetables, and deep-sea fish in the diet, and limit refined sugars and caffeine. Engage in 3-5 30 minute moderate intensity exercises per week, such as yoga or cycling. Learn stress management techniques such as abdominal breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Regularly participate in social activities but avoid excessive stimulation, and keep a diary of emotional changes to help identify triggering factors. Strictly follow the doctor's advice on medication and have regular follow-up visits. Seek medical attention promptly if serious side effects or worsening symptoms occur. Family members should provide unconditional emotional support, avoid criticism and blame, and jointly participate in the development of treatment plans.