CNN.com - Health

Is it safe to use ketamine as a pain drug?

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:08:28 GMT

What about ketamine as a pain drug? Could it be used to get someone off methadone who previously took Oxycontin and then got sent to a methadone clinic? Is ketamine more addictive than methadone as a pain drug? What are the risks vs. benefits of ketamine?

How can I control my panic attacks?

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:24:30 GMT

I've been having a lot of panic attacks, almost every day; sometimes when I'm working, dealing with the kids or just nothing at all. I'll get shortness of breath, chest hurts on both sides or just one side, and a lot of my heart skipping a beat. And it scares me. I'm 29 years old and in good health. How can I control this?

Why are my OCD feelings so intense?

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:28:52 GMT

I have OCD. When I hear the sink faucet turn off, it makes a squeaking noise, and I feel tense and need to use antibacterial wipes on my hands. I also feel tense and need to use antibacterial wipes when I hear someone say the word "gas," when I see a red gas tank anywhere, when I see a gas nozzle at a gas station (or on TV), and the red color of a gas tank on anything plastic similar to a red gas tank. I also hate looking at sinks in the bathroom and kitchen because I feel tense and literally walk around the apartment covering my eyes so I do not see those objects when I am passing them. Why do I feel so intensely about these things? What can I do?

Psychologist or psychiatrist -- which should I see?

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:17:16 GMT

How do you know if you need a psychologist vs. a psychiatrist? When people say they have had a nervous breakdown, what is that? It isn't a specific diagnosis -- so how do they know what a nervous breakdown really is?

Is my 10-year-old hearing voices serious?

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:32:07 GMT

My son is 10 and while he was home sick with a sinus/cold, he came out of the bathroom and looked very scared and sad. Later he told me he feels like a voice is telling him to take a knife and stab himself. He told me he would never do it because he is strong enough to overcome it. The only medication I gave him today was Sudafed PE and Advil -- two each. He is a sweet, intelligent, funny child. Can this be serious?

Can memory lapses be a sign of identity disorder?

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 21:54:00 GMT

If a person has had a traumatizing year and is finding himself having lapsing memories, is this a sign that he or she has developed dissociative identity disorder?

Why is panic disorder a psychiatric condition?

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:17:11 GMT

Why is panic disorder classified as just a psychiatric condition when there are so many physical symptoms (some painful) that arise during the attack? They would occur whether in good/bad mood, or even asleep.

Help: 'I have a fear of snakes'

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:49:15 GMT

I have a fear of snakes that is making my life miserable. I saw two in my yard and ever since cannot focus. I am afraid to go out. I look under my covers before I go to sleep at night. I run to my car to go to work and I don't want to come home knowing a snake might be outside. This is really interfering with my daily life. It is ruining me.

Who can help my bipolar 6-year-old?

Tue, 25 May 2010 13:03:44 GMT

Editor's note: This answer was published originally on May 11, 2010, and prompted considerable response. Today we offer more on the topic from Raison and Dr. Ken Duckworth of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

What are the long-term brain effects of Xanax?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:02:18 GMT

What are the long-term effects of Xanax use on the brain if taken exactly as directed? It seems that my mind feels like it is stuck in the mud, hazy and there is a feeling of a disconnect with the world sometimes. Ultimately, how long does it take for your brain and mind to return to "normal" function?