What is it?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
An emotional/mental disturbance is the result of an imbalance in one of the internal organ systems or an imbalance in the spiritual arena. The underlying weakness gradually progresses into the mental/emotional symptoms we experience. External stresses, diet and environmental factors all play significant roles in the development of mental/emotional problems.

The particular symptoms we experience reflect the organ systems most directly involved in our imbalance. Identifying the underlying nature of the problem enables the treatment to be more effective. Identifying the root cause of the problem also allows greater insight and understanding in interpreting the pattern through which the recovery progresses.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE (TWM)
Mental and emotional disorders are very common and can affect any age group. The majority are mild and frequently will resolve without treatment intervention. For those disorders which persist for a longer period of time or when the symptoms begin to effect work, relationships or health in general then outside help is indicated.

A thorough history and physical and appropriate laboratory tests are done to determine if there is an organic cause for the behavior changes. If these are inconclusive, then further cognitive and emotional evaluation and testing may be performed to further delineate the problem.
Anxiety and depression disorders can be the primary disorders or they may be the result of other disorders, diseases or reactions to major life stresses (death of a loved one, loss of income, health worries and so on).
Examples: anxiety; depression; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); addictions; anorexia; grief and so on.

What are the symptoms?

TCM & TWM
The symptoms are usually an exaggeration of our normal mental and emotional responses and capacities, but without the ability to recover. For instance, we all feel depressed, lethargic and sad at times under the right set of circumstances. However, it becomes a medical problem when the depression becomes chronic, is unrelenting or unduly effects our lives.

How is it treated?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)
All of the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual symptoms are used to diagnose and to treat the problem. There are usually a combination of internal and external factors that need to be addressed and altered accordingly.
Acupuncture and herbal formulas are very effective in restoring balance and stability and have the advantage of almost no side effects. TCM recognizes many more important connections throughout the body than does TWM. These relationships reveal how important it is to correct all imbalances and their associated symptoms in order to achieve improvement, especially long term improvement.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE (TWM)
After a clinical diagnosis is established the main treatment options are therapy and psychotropic drugs. There are many styles of therapies (analysis, behavior modification, group) and a large number of drugs available. Therapy focuses on identifying the problem and educating the patient in coping strategies. The drugs are designed to chemically alleviate the symptoms while trying to avoid side effects, addiction or damage to the liver and kidneys. Periodic lab tests may also be required.