What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar affective disorder, more commonly known as bipolar disorder, is a very common psychiatric illness. Also known as manic-depressive illness (MDI), bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of prolonged depression that alternate with episodes of mania. Between these periods of mania and depression, usually there are periods of higher functionality, in which patients lead a productive life. Bipolar affective disorder leads to severe impairment of social and occupational function with a profound impact on interpersonal relationships.

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What is schizoid personality disorder?

Schizoid personality disorder is a psychiatric condition where a person is indifferent to other people. A person suffering from this disorder prefers isolation to social interaction. The schizoid personality disorder belongs to a group of disorders known as eccentric personality disorders (also known as cluster A personality disorders). The affected individuals behave in a peculiar way which is not considered normal by the general population.

The term “schizoid” means “schizophrenia-like”. Schizoid personality disorder is similar to schizophrenia, but the symptoms are not severe enough for the patient to be termed schizophrenic. In addition, these patients do not exhibit hallucinogenic tendencies, delusions or a complete disconnect from reality that is characteristic of schizophrenics. Since schizoid personality disorder is not as disabling as schizophrenia, these cases are rarely reported or treated.

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What is serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome is a condition where there is an abnormally high concentration of a brain hormone (neurotransmitter) known as serotonin. The nerve cells of the brain produce various chemicals called neurotransmitters, which are used to communicate with other cells, including other nerve cells or muscle cells. Serotonin is one such chemical that plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses between nerve cells (neurons). However, an abnormally increased concentration of serotonin in the brain can disrupt normal nerve communication and function and even lead to death.

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What is dementia?

Dementia is a condition where the mental processes are impaired to the point that it affects normal activities of daily life. Other features for that need to be considered in the definition of dementia is :

• lasting for six months or longer,
• not present since birth, and
• not associated with a loss of consciousness.

It is often that dementia is simply a matter of memory loss but the condition extends beyond poor memory, and the decision making and reasoning processes are also affected. Dementia is not a single disease but rather a syndrome. Even though it is common in the elderly, the associated features of dementia are not a normal part of the aging process and it is more serious than forgetfulness in the senior years. Dementia is largely irreversible. It gets worse with age and the quality of life gradually deteriorates.

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. Inattention, over-activity, impulsive behavior, or a combination of these symptoms are often to be found in normal children, but when these features continue over a longer period of time and occur in different settings, ADHD should be suspected. Previously known as attention deficit disorder or ADD, the term ADHD is now preferred since it includes all features of the disorder. Childhood hyperkinesis is another term that is often used synonymously, although it does not embrace all aspects of the disorder.

ADHD can impair a child’s ability to perform well in school, as well as hamper normal functioning at home, in school, and with in social settings. Although it cannot be cured, appropriate treatment can help children with ADHD to adjust to their problems and carry on normal activities sufficiently well. The symptoms of ADHD may continue into adulthood, but many children outgrow their problem, especially when proper treatment has been instituted in childhood. Adults who do retain the symptoms may be better able to manage it more effectively than children and thus it may only minimally hamper normal functioning.

continue reading Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children