Certain disorders feature distortions of thinking or feeling that interfere with a person's ability to function. When it persists for an extended period, we refer to it as chronic (long lasting). Common examples include depression, anxiety, or panic; attention problems including hyperactivity; obsessions or compulsions; and behavioral disorders involving excessive gambling, spending, or sexual activity (among others). We believe these are best addressed as chronic brain disorders with their own unique causes, course, and treatment.
Many of these disorders have complex origins, both genetic and environmental, with multiple factors influencing their development. Some are easily diagnosed while others present real challenges to the diagnostician- challenges that can lead to failed treatments until a correct diagnosis is made.
It helps to remember that the human brain- yes, everyone's- is the most complex organ yet discovered. Most of what we understand about its function is less than a hundred years old. Yet the brain is who we are. We can't transplant a brain into another person the way we can replace a liver, kidney, or heart, because we are our brains. Everything we think, feel, choose, create, imagine starts in our brain. Likewise, every choice we make, every action we perform, every goal we pursue, every emotion we experience, originates in brain activity.
Logically, then, so do chronic brain disorders. Even those we may have in the past considered largely 'mental' or psychological in origin have a pathophysiology: functional changes within the brain related to the disorder.
The origins of each disorder may be different, and symptoms can and do vary widely, but there are some common characteristics. People with these disorders experience painful physical, spiritual, and/or psychological consequences. Our disordered thinking or emotions may interfere with our ability to form healthy relationships, achieve worthwhile employment, or maintain comfortable lifestyle. Sometimes it can lead us to make choices that later seem catastrophic. The impact of these choices can extend the consequences outward to the people we love or who care about us. We often experience shame and guilt over actions connected with our disorder.
We may make repeated attempts to control our disordered thinking or emotions, attempts that fail, increasing our frustration and continuing the cycle of pain. That is, until we discover a way out.
It helps to remember that the human brain- yes, everyone's- is the most complex organ yet discovered. Most of what we understand about its function is less than a hundred years old. Yet the brain is who we are. We can't transplant a brain into another person the way we can replace a liver, kidney, or heart, because we are our brains. Everything we think, feel, choose, create, imagine starts in our brain. Likewise, every choice we make, every action we perform, every goal we pursue, every emotion we experience, originates in brain activity.
Logically, then, so do chronic brain disorders. Even those we may have in the past considered largely 'mental' or psychological in origin have a pathophysiology: functional changes within the brain related to the disorder.
The origins of each disorder may be different, and symptoms can and do vary widely, but there are some common characteristics. People with these disorders experience painful physical, spiritual, and/or psychological consequences. Our disordered thinking or emotions may interfere with our ability to form healthy relationships, achieve worthwhile employment, or maintain comfortable lifestyle. Sometimes it can lead us to make choices that later seem catastrophic. The impact of these choices can extend the consequences outward to the people we love or who care about us. We often experience shame and guilt over actions connected with our disorder.
We may make repeated attempts to control our disordered thinking or emotions, attempts that fail, increasing our frustration and continuing the cycle of pain. That is, until we discover a way out.