Dr. Benjamin Taggart, DO

Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:

• Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and phobias
• Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia
• Personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders
• Grief and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Impulse control and addiction disorders
• Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:

• Genetic history
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Substance use
• Exposure to viruses, chemicals, or other substances in the womb
• Adverse life experiences, such as childhood trauma or recurring stress
• Isolation and poor living conditions

Osteopathy is one of two distinct schools of medicine in the USA. Founded by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, osteopathy focuses on the prevention of illness and the ability of the body to heal itself. Both medical doctors (M.D.s) and doctors of osteopathy (D.O.s) attend medical school and several years of residency. One technique commonly used in osteopathy is osteopathic manipulation.