Mental health problems and disorders
Symptoms and support needs vary from person to person. It may be helpful to contact a doctor or another healthcare professional when symptoms continue over time, become difficult to manage or affect work, studies, family life or daily activities.
Common mental health problems and disorders
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders involve strong or persistent fear, worry and unease that interfere with everyday life. Common forms include generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, phobias and agoraphobia. Symptoms may include a racing heart, muscle tension, sleep problems, avoidance and difficulty concentrating.
Treatment often involves psychological therapy, and some people may also benefit from medication. Professional help should be considered when anxiety limits work, relationships or daily activities.
Depression
Depression can cause persistent low mood, loss of interest, low energy and reduced ability to function. Other common signs include changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, and thoughts about death.
Treatment may include psychological therapy, medication or a combination of both. It is important to seek help when symptoms continue over time or affect work, relationships and daily life.
Stress and burnout
Long-term stress can cause anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and physical symptoms. Burnout is often associated with severe exhaustion, reduced capacity and a feeling of no longer being able to cope with demands.
Talking to a healthcare professional, reducing sources of pressure and improving the balance between activity and rest may help. Support should be considered when symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning.
Sleep problems
Sleep problems may include difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, waking too early or poor-quality sleep. Persistent sleep problems can affect mood, concentration, energy and quality of life.
Treatment depends on the cause and may involve changes to sleep habits, psychological treatment or assessment of physical and mental health factors. A doctor can help assess persistent sleep difficulties.
Grief and difficult life events
Grief and emotional crises may follow bereavement, relationship breakdown, illness, work-related problems or other major changes. Common reactions include sadness, anxiety, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and reduced energy.
These reactions are often a natural response to difficult circumstances. Professional support may be helpful when the reactions are very intense, continue for a long time or make everyday functioning difficult.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images or impulses, together with repeated behaviours or mental rituals intended to reduce anxiety. Examples include excessive washing, repeated checking, counting or a strong need for symmetry.
The symptoms can take up considerable time and affect work, relationships and everyday life. Treatment often involves cognitive behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention, and some people may also benefit from medication.
Trauma
Trauma reactions can occur after severely distressing or frightening experiences, such as accidents, violence, abuse, bereavement or prolonged neglect. Reactions vary, but may include distressing memories, anxiety, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, shame, low mood and physical symptoms.
Treatment may include trauma-focused psychological therapy and other support adapted to the person’s symptoms. Help should be sought when the reactions continue or make everyday functioning difficult.
PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder
PTSD may develop after serious or traumatic events, including violence, abuse, accidents, war or other life-threatening experiences. It can also affect people who have witnessed traumatic events involving others.
Common symptoms include intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, sleep problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating and persistent feelings of guilt, shame or insecurity. Treatment often involves trauma-focused psychological therapy.
Bullying
Bullying is repeated harmful behaviour that commonly involves an imbalance of power between the person responsible and the person affected. It may be verbal, physical, social or digital, and can include threats, exclusion, rumours or online harassment.
Bullying can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and social withdrawal. Early support from a school, employer, doctor or another relevant service can be important.
Bulimia
Bulimia is a serious eating disorder involving repeated episodes of binge eating and a feeling of losing control. These episodes are often followed by vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise or the use of laxatives in an attempt to avoid weight gain.
Signs may include an intense focus on weight and body image, shame, secrecy, dental damage, a sore throat and digestive problems. Treatment may include psychological therapy, nutritional support and, in some cases, medication.
Borderline personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder can cause intense and rapidly changing emotions, an unstable sense of self, impulsive behaviour and difficulties in close relationships. Many people also experience a strong fear of rejection or abandonment. The condition may be associated with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Treatment usually involves psychological therapy. Some people may also receive treatment for related problems such as anxiety or depression. With appropriate treatment and support, many people experience significant improvement.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder causes distinct periods of changes in mood, energy and activity levels. A person may experience mania or hypomania, which can involve reduced need for sleep, increased activity and impulsive or risky behaviour. Other periods may involve depression, low energy and hopelessness.
Treatment often includes medication, psychological therapy and regular follow-up. A stable sleep routine and early recognition of new episodes may also be important.
Psychosis
Psychosis is a condition in which a person’s perception of reality becomes disturbed. Common signs include hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that others do not, and delusions, which are strongly held beliefs that do not reflect reality. The person may also become confused, socially withdrawn or behave unusually.
Psychosis can be associated with several mental or physical health conditions and may also be triggered by substance use. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, psychological support and close follow-up. New symptoms of psychosis require prompt medical assessment.
When should you seek help?
It may be appropriate to contact a doctor or another healthcare professional when mental health problems:
- continue over time or become more severe
- affect sleep, work, studies or relationships
- lead to isolation or significant avoidance
- make it difficult to manage everyday needs
- involve self-harm or suicidal thoughts
You do not need to have a confirmed diagnosis before seeking help. A doctor can carry out an initial assessment and advise you about appropriate further support.Det kan være lurt å kontakte lege eller annet helsepersonell dersom psykiske plager:
How can a doctor help?
A doctor can discuss your symptoms, assess whether physical conditions or medication may be affecting your mental health and consider whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
Depending on the situation, the doctor may:
- assess mental and physical symptoms
- review medication and possible side effects
- consider blood tests or other examinations
- assess the need for sick leave
- discuss whether medication may be appropriate
- refer you to a psychologist, psychiatrist or another treatment service
Easy Clinic does not currently offer appointments with a psychologist. When psychological therapy or specialist treatment is needed, the doctor can assess which services may be appropriate.En lege kan snakke med deg om symptomene, vurdere om kroppslige forhold eller medisiner kan påvirke den psykiske helsen og kartlegge behovet for videre oppfølging.
Read more about a doctor’s appointment in Oslo
Book a doctor’s appointment for an initial assessment
At Easy Clinic, you can book a doctor’s appointment when mental health problems affect sleep, work, relationships or everyday functioning. The doctor can carry out an initial medical assessment and help you identify the most appropriate next step.
A standard appointment at Easy Clinic does not replace emergency psychiatric care or specialist treatment for serious mental health disorders.
Read more about a doctor’s appointment in Oslo
Do you need urgent help?
Call 113 if there is an immediate risk of suicide, serious self-harm or another danger to life and health.
When the situation is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, contact the out-of-hours medical service by calling 116 117.
