We all have to deal with stress sometimes. Learning to balance our many responsibilities, adjust to new situations, and handle multiple stresses is part of life. But does this mean that you should feel stressed all the time? What if you always feel overwhelmed? What if you simply can't adjust to a new challenge or situation? When the normal challenges of life cause such extreme emotional turmoil that a person cannot adapt and react appropriately, he may be suffering from an adjustment disorder.Those who suffer from adjustment disorders find it particularly difficult to adapt and function in their daily environments. Perhaps they are dealing with a loss or change in life, such as divorce, moving, a new baby, or an end to a relationship. Perhaps they overreact to minor stresses or have anxiety, depression, or conduct disorders that interrupt their normal life functions. When their inability to cope becomes a mental illness, people need help from medical professionals to gain control of their lives again.In "Drug Therapy and Adjustment Disorders", you will learn about the antidepressants and antianxiety drugs available to treat adjustment disorders. Along the way, you will read about the history of psychiatric drugs, how they work, and current treatment methods. You will also read valuable information about what to expect when taking psychiatric drugs, as well as some of the most prevalent alternatives to drug treatment. Sharing the experiences of young people as they cope with divorce, disappointment, moving, depression, and anxiety may help you understand how such changes can affect your life as well and where to turn if your reactions to these changes get out of control....

Autism presents unique challenges to the families and friends of young people with this condition. Some children with autism seem to be individuals of great contradiction, unable to perform well in one educational area, while having near-genius abilities in other areas. Children with autism may act withdrawn, unresponsive, or unemotional. They may at times seem impossible to understand. Challenges like these lead to many misunderstandings about autism and the abilities of children with this condition.In "The Hidden Child: Youth with Autism", you will read the story of Livie and her brother Tucker, who has autism. As Livie and her parents experience the challenges that raising Tucker brings, the reader experiences the turmoil and strength needed to face the emotional roller coaster that autism can cause. As you read, you will not only learn about Livie's and Tucker's experiences. You will also learn facts about autism, what the symptoms of autism are, and where to turn for further information or help with issues related to autism. This book will teach you about the different educational treatments that are available to help each unique child. Through early intervention, education, and further research, individuals with autism can lead more fulfilling lives....

Imagine what it would be like to look at the faces of your family members and friends and not know who they are. How would it feel to wake up each morning and find that another piece of your mind had slipped away? What would you do if you could not remember the simplest things, like whether you should get out of bed in the mornings or how to brush your hair?Cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are devastating, not only to the individuals who suffer from them, but to those individuals' families and friends as well. These disorders have become serious topics of research and discussion. Helping patients, caretakers, families, and friends understand what can be done to ease the symptoms of cognitive disorders is a very important part of care.In this book, you will learn about cognitive disorders, what it is like to have them, and how they can be treated. Along the way, you will read about drugs that can help with symptoms like depression, panic, and hallucinations, all of which can be caused by cognitive disorders. In addition, you will learn about some alternative treatments for cognitive disorders and the possible risks and side effects that accompany different forms of treatment. Coauthored by someone who has experienced first-hand the early stages of Alzheimer's, this book will give you an up-close view of what can be done to help individuals with these often-devastating forms of mental illness....