Variety of Circumstances May Signal Need for Psychotherapy

Short of having hallucinations, hearing voices, being extremely violent or experiencing such severe depression that suicide is a real possibility, experts say there are few absolute indications for consulting a psychotherapist. But there are some general guidelines for judging whether it might be time to get some help. Among them:

--Frequent feelings of depression, unhappiness, hopelessness, despair.

--Severe anxiety, panic or fear.

--Sharp mood swings.

--Lack of interest in family, friends, work, hobbies or other activities you used to enjoy.

--Changes in appetite and sleep patterns.

--Extreme weight gains or losses.

--Recurring sexual difficulties.

--Excessive worrying.

--Periods of confusion or forgetfulness.

--Abuse of drugs or alcohol.

--Feelings of worthlessness, emptiness or apathy.

--Cruelty or hostility to others.

--Unexplained appearance of physical symptoms--such as headaches or stomach pain--or preoccupation with physical illness.

--Personal or professional crisis.

Although such events often propel people into psychotherapy, any change, including a positive one--such as marriage, a promotion or the birth of a child--can be a motive for seeking guidance.