“ Any unexplained phenomenon passes through three stages before the reality of it is accepted. During the first stage it is considered laughable. During the second stage, it is adamantly opposed. Finally, during the third stage, it is accepted as self-evident. ” - Arthur Schopenhauer

There are a series of initial orientating comments that are likely to be helpful when trying to understand and cope with almost any type of psychological symptom. I have arranged these under the headings "Psychological symptoms in the general population", "Diagnosis of psychological disorders", "Taking an active problem solving approach", and "Choosing self-help, psychotherapy or medication". Click on the relevant heading below to read more.