Nerve disorders can cause pain, mobility problems, numbness, and other issues. Serious problems can result from injuries to the brain or spinal cord, while milder conditions like sciatica can be caused by daily habits. Motor skill problems and seizures can also be caused by nerve disorders. Nerve disorders are abnormalities in the body’s nervous system […]
The nervous system controls body functions and consists of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Disorders include Alzheimer’s, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy, which can cause memory loss, brain damage, loss of bodily control, and seizures. Treatment can control symptoms, but there is no known cure. Responsible for controlling and directing basic body functions and […]
Narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders are linked to lying, with those affected often lying to appear important or due to an inability to distinguish right from wrong. Symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder include jealousy, setting unrealistic goals, and feeling superior to others. Those with antisocial personality disorder may also be aggressive and charming, and have […]
Sleep disorders can be caused by breathing-related issues, including obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, central sleep apnea syndrome, and central alveolar hypoventilation syndrome. These disorders can cause excessive sleepiness during the day and difficulty sleeping at night. Treatment options include weight loss, medication, therapy, or surgery, with CPAP therapy being a commonly used option. Individuals who […]
Gastrointestinal disorders disrupt nutrient absorption and waste excretion, causing pain, inflammation, and other unpleasant symptoms. Common disorders include constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer. Treatment options vary, but may include medication, dietary changes, and exercise. Gastrointestinal disorders are medical problems that disrupt the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and excrete waste. Many […]
The DSM-IV defines personality disorders as patterns of behavior and experience that differ from the norm. There are ten disorders grouped into three clusters, including odd or erratic behaviors, drama and emotional disturbances, and fearful or anxious behaviors. These disorders can only be diagnosed if they significantly interfere with an individual’s daily life and often […]
Chromosomal disorders can cause a range of health problems, from mild to severe. Down syndrome is a well-known disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, while missing or extra sex chromosomes can cause Turner or Klinefelter syndrome. Chromosome testing during pregnancy is recommended, but even with a diagnosis, it can be difficult to […]
The two main types of spleen disorders are splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and asplenia (lack of spleen function). The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and plays an important role in the immune system. Symptoms of an enlarged spleen include pain in the upper left abdomen and back, feeling full, and tiredness. Asplenia can result […]
The DSM defines impulse control disorders, including pyromania, kleptomania, intermittent explosive disorder, trichotillomania, pathological gambling, and “not otherwise specified.” These disorders involve an inability to control harmful behavior, such as stealing or starting fires. Other disorders, such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder, may also have impulse control components. It is important to understand […]
Anxiety disorders are characterized by abnormal fear, worry, or nervousness, while mood disorders involve extreme sadness or euphoria. Both are classified into three categories and can be treated with various medications. Examples of anxiety disorders include phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive behavior, while mood disorders include major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. The difference between […]
Speech disorders can have physical or psychological causes, including stuttering, dysarthria, and mutism. Treatment depends on the cause, ranging from therapy to surgery and medication. Many types of speech disorders have physical or psychological causes. They often involve the exclusion, addition, distortion or replacement of sounds. Some of the most common include stuttering, speech disorder, […]
Platelet disorders affect platelets, which are important for blood clotting and other bodily functions. There are two types: disorders related to platelet count and problems related to platelet function. Diagnosis involves blood tests and genetic testing, and treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some conditions can be managed, while others may require lifelong appointments with […]
Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression, are characterized by unusual mood experiences. Unipolar disorders, like major depression and mania, are treatable with medication and psychotherapy. Bipolar disorder involves both states of mania and depression, and nearly 1% of the US adult population suffers from it. Many people go untreated due to difficulty accepting […]
Articulation disorders affect more people than most realize, with only 10% having “normal” speech. They can be caused by neurological disorders, injury, or disease, and can also be linked to genetic factors. Common types include voice disorders, stuttering, slurring, and dysarthria. Scientists are making progress in identifying specific genetic causes. Articulation disorders, also known as […]
Fluency disorders are interruptions in speech flow beyond what is considered normal, including stuttering, neurogenic dysfluency, mixed fluency failures, and psychogenic dysfluency. Stuttering is the most common, often accompanied by physical behaviors, while neurogenic dysfluency is caused by neurological problems and psychogenic dysfluency is triggered by emotional crises. Mixed fluency errors can result from combined […]
Psychosomatic disorders are physical symptoms caused by stress and mental problems. Common disorders include pain disorder, hypochondriasis, somatization disorder, and conversion disorder. Treatment involves therapy and medication for underlying mental conditions. Patients should seek medical or psychiatric treatment to rule out physical ailments. Psychosomatic disorders are conditions in which stress and mental problems create or […]
Digestive disorders can be classified by symptom, treatment, or cause. The three main types of causes are diet, stress, and disease/infection. Diagnosis can be difficult and treatment often involves lifestyle, dietary, or medical changes. The digestive system includes the digestive tract and all organs that aid in digestion. Common disorders include heartburn, IBS, Crohn’s disease, […]
Scalp disorders can be categorized based on their causes and symptoms, including itchy and flaky skin, hair loss, hair growth problems, infections, and parasites. Common ailments include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections. Treatment options are available, and seeking medical attention early can help contain the condition. There are many different scalp disorders, some much […]
Throat ailments range from a simple sore throat to invasive infections or diseases. Common ailments include sore throat, strep throat, tonsillitis, throat cancer, and laryngitis. Symptoms vary and can include pain, inflammation, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. There are many different types of throat ailments, many of which are very common. The throat, or pharynx, […]
Dominant genetic disorders only require one faulty gene to be passed down from a parent, with a 50% chance of inheritance. Mutations in autosomes or X chromosomes can cause autosomal or X-linked dominant disorders, respectively. Men are more prone to X-linked disorders, while women can be carriers. Examples include Huntington’s disease and Rett syndrome. These […]
