Addiction
Addiction is a fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
How does addiction work?
What we do
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At ANIMA Health Network, we offer neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic clarification for children (ages 8+), adolescents, adults and older adults.
We assess a broad range of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychological disorders, allowing us to develop a comprehensive diagnostic and clinical picture of the presenting issues considering all aspects of a person’s functioning.
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Trauma is a term used to describe a very distressing or upsetting experience that can deeply impact a person's emotional and psychological well-being. It can result from various situations, like accidents, violence, or natural disasters, and it often leaves people feeling overwhelmed, scared, or helpless. Trauma can affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, and it may lead to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and anxiety. Fortunately, our qualified clinicians with expertise in trauma care can assist in alleviating these symptoms through specialised trauma-focused treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and prolonged exposure therapy. These therapeutic approaches aim to help you regain control over your life and move towards healing and recovery.
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Complex trauma refers to a specific type of psychological distress that can occur when a person experiences multiple and prolonged traumatic events or situations, often in the context of close relationships or at a vulnerable stage in life, such as childhood. Unlike a single traumatic incident, complex trauma involves ongoing exposure to distressing experiences. People who have experienced complex trauma may struggle with various symptoms, such as difficulty trusting others, problems with self-esteem, intense emotional reactions, and challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Recovery from complex trauma typically involves therapy which can help heal from the effects of past traumatic experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies. It's a process that takes time and effort, but with the right help, you can find healing and regain a sense of control and autonomy in your life.
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BPD is a mental health condition that can make a person's emotions feel like a rollercoaster ride. People with BPD often struggle with intense mood swings, a fear of abandonment, and difficulty in forming stable relationships. They may have a shaky sense of self, impulsivity, and engage in behaviours like self-harm or reckless actions to cope with their emotions. These intense feelings and behaviours can make life challenging for individuals with BPD; however, with therapy and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead more stable and fulfilling life.
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ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that, if left undiagnosed and untreated in childhood, can have substantial negative impacts in adulthood. In adults, ADHD can manifest in several ways, including difficulty with focus, impulsive actions leading to regrettable decisions, procrastination, organization and time management challenges, constant inner restlessness, and difficulties regulating emotions, which can significantly affect work and relationships. Seeking assessment and diagnosis from one of our qualified professionals with specialised training in Adult ADHD is crucial. Fortunately, ADHD can be effectively managed with medication and therapy, enabling you to regain control of your life and enhance overall functioning.
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Gender dysphoria is a deep feeling of discomfort or distress that some people experience when their gender identity (how they feel inside as male, female, or something else) doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth based on their physical characteristics. It can cause emotional and psychological distress because individuals may feel like they are living in the wrong body. People with gender dysphoria should seek medical and psychological support to help them align their gender identity with their outward appearance and find a sense of comfort and authenticity in their lives.
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Emotional dysregulation is a term used to describe an emotional response that is poorly regulated and does not fall within the traditionally accepted range of emotional reaction.
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OCD is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts or worries known as "obsessions." To alleviate the anxiety caused by these obsessions, individuals often engage in repetitive behaviours or rituals, referred to as "compulsions." These compulsions can take various forms, such as excessive handwashing, repeatedly checking locks, or arranging objects meticulously. People with OCD feel compelled to perform these rituals, even if they recognize their irrationality. It's important to note that OCD may involve thoughts that individuals find embarrassing or distressing, but discussing these thoughts with one of our therapist is essential for understanding and managing the your condition effectively. Our therapists can work with you to help make sense of your experiences and move towards more adaptive ways of coping.
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Interpersonal difficulties refer to problems with interpersonal relationships. Such difficulties may stem from feelings, thoughts, and behaviours that interfere with your ability to bond with others in general or in particular types of relationships.
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Life transitions are stressful for everyone, and even adjusting to positive changes can cause stress. For some people, the stress of change can be enough to induce mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. In some cases, the symptoms of mental illness become evident around significant changes in life.
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The Diagnostic Assessment is a written report that documents the clinical and functional face-to-face evaluation of your mental health. The report includes the: Nature, severity and impact of behavioural difficulties. Functional impairment.
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Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect a person's relationship with food, eating habits, and body image. They can take different forms, but the most common ones are anorexia (severely restricting food intake), bulimia (binge eating followed by purging), and binge-eating disorder (frequent episodes of excessive eating without purging). People with eating disorders often have an unhealthy focus on their weight and appearance, which can lead to significant physical, emotional problems, and cognitive problems and require professional help to address the underlying issues and develop healthier eating habits and body image.
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Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of deep sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. It differs from regular sadness by enduring and affecting various aspects of life. People experiencing depression often lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, experience sleep disturbances, and may have physical symptoms like changes in appetite or body pain. It's important to know that depression is not a sign of weakness and cannot simply be overcome by willpower. It's a genuine mental health condition that can be effectively treated with therapy, medication, or both.
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Anxiety is a normal human emotion experienced occasionally in response to stress or uncertainty, such as job interviews or exams. However, when anxiety becomes chronic, it can persist even without an apparent reason, leading to constant unease, racing thoughts, physical symptoms like a rapid heart rate, and avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations. Anxiety disorders are treatable, often through therapy. Seeking help for anxiety is a sign of strength, and support is available to help you manage it effectively.