Key Concepts OCD is not simply about cleanliness, organization, or perfectionism. Obsessive-compulsive disorder can involve contamination and checking, but it can also center on harm, morality, sexuality, religion, relationships, health, identity, responsibility, mistakes, memory, or the possibility of having done something wrong. Obsessions are intrusive, not intentional. An unwanted thought, image, impulse, sensation, feeling, or doubt is not the same as a desire, belief, p

The Same Professional, A Different Baseline: A meaningful change from baseline may initially look like greater energy, confidence, or productivity rather than illness. Key Concepts Bipolar disorder is not simply frequent mood swings. It involves distinct changes in mood, energy, activity, sleep, thinking, and behavior that occur in recognizable patterns over time. Depression may be the most visible part of bipolar disorder. Some individuals experience substantial depressive s

When the Workday Takes Everything: Sometimes depression does not take away the ability to perform. It takes away what is left after the performance is over. Key Concepts Depression does not always cause obvious outward dysfunction. A person may continue working, leading, parenting, and meeting responsibilities while experiencing clinically significant depressive symptoms. “High-functioning depression” is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It is a commonly used description fo

A comprehensive guide to understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in high-achieving adults. Key Takeaways Success does not rule out ADHD. Many executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and other professionals reach adulthood without recognizing that ADHD has influenced their lives because intelligence, motivation, and hard work can compensate for symptoms for years. ADHD is fundamentally a disorder of executive functioning, not simply attention. Difficul

Key Takeaways Stress is a normal biological response that helps us adapt to challenges, but when it becomes chronic, it can negatively affect both physical and mental health. Anxiety differs from everyday stress in that it often persists even after a stressor has resolved and can significantly interfere with daily functioning. Chronic activation of the body's stress response can influence sleep, memory, concentration, emotional regulation, cardiovascular health, and immune fu