Addiction & Autism faq
a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence
The 3 Biggest Factors of Addiction
- Genetics.
- Environment.
- Mental Health.
Drugs or alcohol can hijack the pleasure/reward circuits in your brain and hook you into wanting more and more. Addiction can also send your emotional danger-sensing circuits into overdrive, making you feel anxious and stressed when you’re not using the drugs or alcohol.
If you have a mental health disorder such as depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress disorder, you’re more likely to become addicted to drugs.
Some may develop language and communication skills at later ages than their peers, and some may develop their language in a different order. Some autistic children will develop spoken language in a typical way, but they may need support in other areas of communication, such as social communication or fluency
Yes, autistic people can have kids.
For parents who are on the spectrum, some helpful strategies may include attending parenting classes or workshops specifically designed for individuals with autism and seeking out guidance from family members and friends when needed.
In severe cases, an autistic child may never learn to speak or make eye contact. But many children with autism and other autism spectrum disorders are able to live relatively normal lives.
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Depression FAQ
Persistent depressive disorder, also known as dysthymia or chronic major depression, is a poorly understood condition for which the diagnostic criteria are constantly evolving. In the past, this condition was considered a personality disorder, which connotes a permanent, pervasive nature.
Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men, but men can also be depressed. Because men may be less likely to recognize, talk about, and seek help for their feelings or emotional problems, they are at greater risk of their depression symptoms being undiagnosed or undertreated.
Changes in brain chemistry, especially disruptions in neurotransmitters like serotonin, that play an important role in regulating many bodily functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite, are thought to play a particularly important role in depression.
Key facts
- Depression is a common mental disorder.
- Globally, an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression.
- More women are affected by depression than men.
- Depression can lead to suicide.
- There is effective treatment for mild, moderate and severe depression.
Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression. Your primary care doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medications to relieve symptoms. However, many people with depression also benefit from seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.
Depression is a disorder of the brain. It is a serious mental illness that is more than just a feeling of being “down in the dumps” or “blue” for a few days. For more than 20 million people in the United States who have depression, the feelings persist and can interfere with everyday life.
Ongoing depression likely causes long-term changes to the brain, especially in the hippocampus. That might be why depression is so hard to treat in some people. But researchers also found less gray matter volume in people who were diagnosed with lifelong major depressive disorder but hadn’t had depression in years.
Symptoms of depression include overwhelming sadness, grief, and a sense of guilt. It may be described as a feeling of emptiness or hopelessness. Some people may find it difficult to put these feelings into words. It may also be difficult for them to understand as symptoms can manifest and cause physical reactions.
Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory
- Be physically active every day. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. …
- Stay mentally active. …
- Spend time with others. …
- Stay organized. …
- Sleep well. …
- Eat a healthy diet. …
- Manage chronic health problems.
Risk Factors
- Genetics: A history of depression in your family may make it more likely for you to get it. …
- Death or loss: Sadness and grief are normal reactions. …
- Conflict: Personal turmoil or disputes with family or friends may lead to depression.
- Abuse: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can bring it on, as well.
For example, eating foods that help memory, such as leafy green vegetables, nuts, berries, tea, coffee and oily fish, is a great way to promote your overall health while strengthening your brain. Regular exercise boosts the growth of brain cells and the production of neurotransmitters, enhancing memory.
Many people with clinical depression wonder if their symptoms will go away on their own with time. The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the type and severity of the depression. However, since depression is highly treatable, seeking proper treatment can help you feel better more quickly.
Anxiety & ADHD FAQ
If an anxious friend decides to confide in you, show you support them. Validate, rather than minimize, their experience. If you don’t have an anxiety disorder, avoid offering advice without listening to your friend. Tell them you’re there for them, ask how you can help and listen to what they have to say.
Dealing with anxiety isn’t easy, but it is possible to live a normal life with the right treatment and support. Normalizing your anxiety and finding strategies to reduce stress, change negative thought patterns, and invest in self-care are key to managing your condition successfully.
Some ways to manage anxiety disorders include learning about anxiety, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, correct breathing techniques, dietary adjustments, exercise, learning to be assertive, building self-esteem, cognitive therapy, exposure therapy, structured problem solving, medication and support groups.
Many can’t hold a job or stick with a relationship. They’re chronically late or forgetful. They jump into jobs and purchases and relationships without thinking them through, only to regret their impulsive actions later. They get stuck in self-destructive patterns, fall prey to addiction and depression.
People with ADHD experience an ongoing pattern of the following types of symptoms: Inattention–having difficulty paying attention. Hyperactivity–having too much energy or moving and talking too much. Impulsivity–acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control.
That’s because the ADHD brain tends to process information in a disorganized manner. This makes it harder for that information to be moved and stored successfully in your long-term memory. Plus, ADHDers tend to get easily distracted.
