We are all forgetful sometimes. As people age, they can become more forgetful still. But when remembering information becomes a daily struggle, a person might be suffering from a condition called Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's has been called "the thief," because it steals away the person you loved. Knowing someone with this disease can be hard, but there are ways to encourage your loved ones and help them live happily. The lives of millions of...

Everybody feels anxious sometimes; it's just part of being human. But for some people, those nervous feelings never go away. When anxiety gets so bad that it stops people from doing the things they want to do, it could be an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, there are lots of things people can do to feel better. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like they are alone with their problems....

Experts say that as many as 1 in 68 American kids may fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Autism affects people's ability to communicate and socialize. The disorder can be a challenge sometimes, but people with autism are also capable of amazing things. Learning as much as you can about the disorder can make it easier to cope with it. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like...

"We all have 'down' days as well as happier days. For people with a bipolar disorder, feelings of sadness and happiness can be more extreme. There is an alternation between feeling very 'up' and very 'down.' It can feel like their moods are in control of them. Fortunately, there are ways to treat this disorder and feel more balanced. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like they...

"Feeling sad sometimes is a normal part of being human. But for some people, the sad feelings overtake everything else, leaving them hopeless and empty. The things that used to make them feel happy don't make them feel that way anymore. Having depression is a very common and very serious mental disorder. However, there are ways to fight depression, get treatment, and feel better. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet...

"We all have moments when we want to lash out in anger. As we grow up, we learn how to control such feelings and avoid hurting others. But sometimes people can't get these feelings under control. Disruptive behavior disorders can be very difficult to live with, and the disorders also present huge challenges to friends and family members. With help, however, people can learn to get along in the world more easily. The lives of millions of kids are affected...

"Drugs and alcohol seem to be everywhere in our society. Some people feel that they need to drink or take drugs to have fun or just to feel 'normal.' An addiction to drugs or alcohol can become a serious problem not only for individuals, but also for the people who love them. Fortunately, there are ways to treat the disorder and get better. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like...

Have you ever worried that you've forgotten something important, even though another part of your brain knew everything was fine? We all do this from time to time. But some people can't stop themselves from checking, or counting, or washing their hands. These are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD can leave people feeling helpless and out of control. Fortunately, there is treatment available for OCD to help these people regain control...

Terrible things happen sometimes. Unfortunately, the traumas in our past don't always stay in the past. Traumatic experiences can cause anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks that can last for months or years. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental condition that is difficult for any person to deal with. But PTSD can be treated, lessening the symptoms associated with this frightening disorder. The lives of millions of kids are affected by...

"The disorder known as schizophrenia, which roughly means 'split mind, ' is one of the most misunderstood mental disorders. People with the condition experience hallucinations and delusions as their brains struggle to interpret various mixed-up signals. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of schizophrenia will help reduce the stigma surrounding this rare but frightening disorder. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental...