Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that can lead to other emotional problems. Symptoms include oversensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, insomnia, and panic attacks. Agoraphobia can develop due to the fear of experiencing a panic attack in public. Treatment options include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and herbal remedies. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder […]
Cognitive disorders affect mental functioning and can be caused by aging, accidents, or learning difficulties. Symptoms include memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and brain exercises. Some disorders, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, have no cure. A cognitive disorder is any of a number of medical conditions that affect a person’s ability […]
Emotional disorders are caused by a person’s inability to manage their emotions normally, often combined with behavioral disorders. Causes include genetics, brain irregularities, and external factors. Disorders can be internalized or externalized, and diagnosis is based on the DSM-IV manual. Early treatment is crucial for a child’s education and social connections. Emotional disorder refers to […]
Affective disorders are mental conditions characterized by severe mood changes, including mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is a common type, causing major mood swings between elation and depression. Seasonal affective disorder is related to changes in weather, while schizoaffective disorder occurs in people with schizophrenia. Treatment includes mood-stabilizing drugs and therapy. An affective disorder, also […]
Blood disorders prevent normal blood function and can include issues with production, clotting, and malformed or infected cells. Anemia is a common disorder that causes fatigue, while sickle cell anemia causes pain. Hemophilia prevents clotting, and blood-borne diseases can infect vital organs. Early detection is key for successful treatment. Blood disorders are physical conditions that […]
Esophageal motility disorder is a condition where the muscles in the esophagus don’t move in a coordinated way or are too weak, causing difficulty swallowing and regurgitation of food and drink. There are several types, including primary and secondary, with achalasia being the most understood. Treatment is based on easing symptoms, such as eating more […]
Metabolic disorders affect an organism’s metabolism, which can cause a range of symptoms and be difficult to diagnose. Enzyme dysfunction is often the cause, and treatments vary depending on the condition and severity. A metabolic disorder is a medical condition characterized by problems with an organism’s metabolism. Since a healthy and functioning metabolism is essential […]
Tic disorders are muscle spasms that can be caused by various conditions and worsened by stress. Acute tics are common, while chronic tics may require treatment. Simple tics are common and often diminish with rest, while complex tics can be a sign of more serious disorders. Rest and acupuncture can help treat simple tics, while […]
Functional disorders are medical conditions with abnormal bodily functions caused by stress or psychological problems. They can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and may require input from multiple physicians. Chronic pain with no known cause is a common example. Some psychiatric conditions may also be associated with functional disorders. The term can cause confusion […]
Comorbid psychiatric disorders occur when a patient has more than one mental illness. Substance abuse patients have a high incidence of comorbid disorders, often using drugs to self-medicate. Diagnosing and treating comorbid disorders is difficult, as symptoms can overlap. Treatment for comorbid disorders is the same as for individual disorders. A comorbid psychiatric disorder is […]
Joint disorders range from inherited conditions to acquired infections and can be hereditary or acquired. Medical professionals can offer assistance to patients struggling with joint ailments. Arthritis is a large family of conditions within joint disorders, and treatment usually focuses on managing associated pain and stiffness. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for a better […]
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental condition characterized by extreme behaviors, often linked to childhood trauma or sexual abuse. Those with BPD have a “black or white” worldview and struggle to maintain stable relationships. Treatment involves long-term psychotherapy and mood-stabilizing medications. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental condition defined by extreme […]
Passive aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) is characterized by negative, resentful attitudes and passive resistance, leading to avoidance of responsibility, resentment of loved ones and authority figures, stubbornness, and general inefficiency. There is no treatment for PAPD, but patients may benefit from therapy and treatment for other issues such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. Someone with […]
Expressive language disorder is difficulty expressing oneself through language, often seen in children and adults with normal intelligence who have suffered a head injury, stroke, or seizure. It is different from speech disorders and is diagnosed by a speech therapist. Treatment involves language training and counseling. Most children with expressive language delay will eventually develop […]
Math disorders, such as dyscalculia and acalculia, can affect a person’s ability to learn and use math skills in everyday life. Symptoms include difficulty with arithmetic, recognizing and writing numbers, and understanding mathematical reasoning. Early diagnosis and treatment can be successful in helping those with math impairments. A math disorder is a learning disorder in […]
Sleepwalking is a parasomnia sleep disorder where a person has repeated episodes of motor activity during sleep, usually in the first third of the night. It can be triggered by genetics, stress, fever, hormonal changes, medications, and medical conditions. Sleepwalkers are at risk of injury and treatment is not usually necessary. A sleepwalking disorder, also […]
Dissociative identity disorder, also known as DID or multiple personality disorder, is a real mental disorder where a person displays different personalities that can take over depending on the situation. Diagnosis is complex and controversial, with some experts believing it is a manifestation of other mental disorders. People with DID often switch personalities during times […]
Transient tic disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by uncontrollable muscle contractions or vocal sounds. There is no cure, but behavior therapy and medication can help if tics become severe. The causes are not well understood, but environmental factors and brain defects may play a role. Parents and teachers should avoid drawing attention to the […]
Depersonalization disorder is a dissociative disorder that causes an altered perception of reality and disconnection from the body and environment. It is often caused by abuse, trauma, or stress and can be diagnosed through exclusion and personality tests. Treatment includes therapy and medication, with most patients making a full recovery. Depersonalization disorder describes a condition […]
Periodic limb movement disorder causes involuntary twitching of the arms and legs during sleep, with symptoms including waking up frequently, never falling into deep sleep, and unexplained fatigue. It is diagnosed using a sleep test and treated with anticonvulsant and insomnia medications. Age, neurological disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can contribute to the disorder. […]
