Condition Lookup
Category:
Adult
Number of Conditions: 21
Depression
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
persistent sadness; loss of interest in activities; fatigue; sleep disturbances; changes in appetite or weight; difficulty concentrating; feelings of worthlessness; suicidal thoughts
Root Cause:
Imbalance in brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), genetic predisposition, and environmental triggers (e.g., trauma, stress).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation using criteria from the DSM-5, standardized depression scales, and assessment of duration/severity of symptoms.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy), lifestyle modifications, medications, and in severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Medications:
Antidepressants such as SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine , duloxetine ), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline ), or atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 280 million people worldwide; more common in women than men.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, stressful life events, chronic illness, substance use disorders, and hormonal changes (e.g., postpartum depression).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; with proper treatment, many individuals experience significant improvement. Recurrence is common without long-term management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of suicide, substance abuse, poor physical health, and impaired relationships or job performance.
Anxiety Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
excessive worry; restlessness; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; irritability; muscle tension; sleep disturbances
Root Cause:
Overactivation of the brain's fear and stress response systems, often influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation through interviews and questionnaires like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), lifestyle modifications (e.g., mindfulness, exercise), and medications.
Medications:
Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., sertraline , escitalopram ) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (e.g., venlafaxine ). Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam , clonazepam ) may be used short-term for severe symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 18.1% of adults in the U.S. are affected annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, childhood adversity, chronic stress, comorbid mental health conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, most individuals experience significant symptom improvement; untreated, symptoms may persist and worsen over time.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of depression, substance use disorders, and chronic physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease.
Schizophrenia
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
hallucinations; delusions; disorganized speech; lack of motivation; social withdrawal; cognitive impairments
Root Cause:
Thought to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, neurochemical imbalances (dopamine dysfunction), and environmental triggers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on DSM-5 criteria, including at least two core symptoms for six months; exclusion of other causes.
Treatment:
Antipsychotic medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and social skills training.
Medications:
Second-generation antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole , clozapine , quetiapine ) are preferred due to fewer side effects compared to first-generation drugs.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1% of the global population, with onset typically in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition, urban living, and substance abuse.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic, with periodic exacerbations; early treatment and adherence improve outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Suicide, homelessness, unemployment, and social isolation.
Bipolar Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Mood Disorders
Symptoms:
manic episodes; depressive episodes; mood swings; irritability; elevated self-esteem; decreased need for sleep; racing thoughts; difficulty concentrating
Root Cause:
Dysregulation of brain neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, serotonin) and structural differences in mood regulation areas of the brain.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews, mood assessments, and DSM-5 criteria evaluation.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoeducation) and mood-stabilizing medications.
Medications:
Mood stabilizers like lithium , anticonvulsants like valproate or lamotrigine , atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine or olanzapine , and antidepressants (with caution).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 2.8% of U.S. adults annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, stressful life events, substance abuse, early childhood trauma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatment can help manage symptoms effectively; untreated, episodes can become more severe and frequent.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of suicide, substance use disorders, and social/occupational impairments.
Avoidant Personality Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
intense fear of criticism; avoidance of social interactions; feelings of inadequacy; hypersensitivity to rejection; reluctance to try new activities
Root Cause:
Persistent low self-esteem and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation, often rooted in early life experiences.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria, including patterns of avoidance and feelings of inadequacy.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, schema therapy) and social skills training.
Medications:
Antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ) may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 2.4% of the general population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Childhood emotional neglect, parental criticism, genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatment can improve functioning and reduce symptoms; without treatment, symptoms may persist into adulthood.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, depression, anxiety disorders.
Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
limited interest in food; avoidance of foods based on texture or appearance; nutritional deficiencies; weight loss; dependence on nutritional supplements
Root Cause:
Fear of aversive consequences of eating (e.g., choking, vomiting) or lack of interest in food.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation and ruling out other medical causes of restrictive eating.
Treatment:
Behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and gradual exposure to diverse foods.
Medications:
No FDA-approved medications; some cases may benefit from appetite stimulants like cyproheptadine or medications targeting anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 3.2% of the population, more common in children but can persist into adulthood.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sensory processing issues, anxiety disorders, history of feeding difficulties.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early intervention, outcomes improve significantly; untreated, nutritional deficiencies and health complications may develop.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Growth delays, nutritional deficiencies, social isolation.
Binge Eating Disorder (BED)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent episodes of eating large amounts of food in a short time; loss of control during episodes; eating when not physically hungry; eating until uncomfortably full; feelings of guilt or distress after eating
Root Cause:
Dysregulated reward and appetite systems in the brain, often influenced by emotional distress, trauma, or genetics.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews based on DSM-5 criteria and patient history; self-report measures like the Binge Eating Scale (BES).
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), structured meal plans, and support groups.
Medications:
Lisdexamfetamine (a stimulant approved for BED), SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline , and topiramate (an anticonvulsant).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 1.9% of the global population, with higher prevalence among females.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, dieting history, emotional trauma, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many individuals improve with treatment; without intervention, BED can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, and depression.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Personality Disorders
Symptoms:
unstable relationships; intense fear of abandonment; emotional instability; impulsive behaviors; self-harming behaviors; chronic feelings of emptiness; difficulty controlling anger
Root Cause:
Emotional dysregulation due to environmental and genetic factors, often linked to early trauma or neglect.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria, often supplemented by structured interviews like the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines.
Treatment:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches.
Medications:
No specific FDA-approved medications; symptom-targeted treatment may include SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine ), mood stabilizers (e.g., lamotrigine ), or antipsychotics (e.g., aripiprazole ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.6% of the general population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of BPD, childhood trauma, emotional neglect.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With intensive treatment, symptoms can improve significantly; untreated, chronic emotional and interpersonal difficulties may persist.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of self-harm, suicide, substance abuse, and unstable relationships.
Bulimia Nervosa
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Eating Disorders
Symptoms:
binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxative use; preoccupation with body weight; fear of weight gain; swollen salivary glands; tooth enamel erosion; dehydration
Root Cause:
Dysregulated eating behaviors driven by psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and societal pressures.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews and DSM-5 criteria assessment, including binge-purge cycles and self-perception of body weight.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring.
Medications:
Fluoxetine (an SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia; other SSRIs may be used off-label.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of young women, with higher prevalence in females than males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dieting, body dissatisfaction, genetic predisposition, history of trauma or abuse.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, many recover; without intervention, long-term complications can develop.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal tears.
Delayed Ejaculation
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
inability to reach orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation; prolonged sexual activity without ejaculation; reduced sexual satisfaction; emotional distress related to sexual performance
Root Cause:
Dysregulation in the neurochemical pathways involved in orgasm, often influenced by psychological factors (e.g., anxiety, depression) or physical causes (e.g., nerve damage, medication side effects).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interview and sexual history, ruling out medical conditions or medication effects, psychological evaluation, and sometimes blood tests to assess hormone levels.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy), couples counseling, addressing underlying psychological or relationship issues, adjustments to medications causing side effects, and lifestyle changes.
Medications:
Bupropion (a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor) may be prescribed to enhance arousal and orgasm. In cases related to low testosterone , testosterone replacement therapy might be considered.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-5% of men; less commonly reported than other sexual dysfunctions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, use of certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often treatable with a combination of psychotherapy and addressing physical causes; prognosis depends on the underlying etiology.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Strain on intimate relationships, reduced self-esteem, and frustration leading to potential avoidance of sexual activity.
Dysthymic Disorder (Persistent Depressive Disorder)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
chronic low mood; fatigue; poor self-esteem; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances; feelings of hopelessness; reduced appetite or overeating
Root Cause:
Chronic dysregulation in serotonin and other neurotransmitters, often combined with genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria requiring low mood for at least two years in adults, with additional depressive symptoms.
Treatment:
Combination of psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy), antidepressant medications, and lifestyle interventions.
Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine , sertraline ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine ), or atypical antidepressants like bupropion are commonly prescribed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.5-2% of the population; more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of depression, chronic stress, trauma, personality disorders, and comorbid mental health conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, symptoms can improve, but the disorder often requires long-term management. Without treatment, it may lead to major depressive episodes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired relationships, occupational difficulties, increased risk of major depressive disorder and substance abuse.
Female Orgasmic Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
inability to achieve orgasm during sexual activity; reduced sexual satisfaction; distress related to difficulty in achieving orgasm
Root Cause:
Complex interplay of psychological factors (e.g., anxiety, trauma, relationship conflicts) and physiological factors (e.g., hormonal changes, nerve damage).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history focusing on sexual behavior, psychological assessment, and ruling out medical conditions through physical examination and lab tests if necessary.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, sensate focus therapy), education about sexual function, and, if applicable, treatment of medical conditions or medication side effects.
Medications:
Topical estrogen or systemic hormone therapy may help if the condition is related to menopause. Bupropion is sometimes used off-label for sexual dysfunction.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-15% of women; prevalence increases with age and certain health conditions.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety, depression, relationship issues, hormonal imbalances, certain medications (e.g., SSRIs), and past sexual trauma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable with appropriate therapy and lifestyle changes; prognosis depends on underlying factors.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relationship dissatisfaction, reduced self-esteem, and emotional distress.
Gender Dysphoria
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
distress due to incongruence between experienced gender and assigned sex at birth; desire to transition to a different gender; discomfort with one's body; social withdrawal; depression or anxiety
Root Cause:
A mismatch between gender identity and assigned sex at birth, with potential contributions from biological, psychological, and social factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation using DSM-5 criteria, assessing persistent distress and functional impairment related to gender incongruence.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., gender-affirming therapy), social transition support, hormonal treatments (e.g., testosterone or estrogen therapy), and gender-affirming surgery if desired.
Medications:
Hormonal therapies such as estrogen (for feminization) or testosterone (for masculinization) are prescribed as part of gender-affirming care.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 0.5-1.0% of the population; prevalence varies globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic and hormonal influences, social stigma, and lack of acceptance or support.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improved quality of life with appropriate gender-affirming care; untreated dysphoria is associated with higher rates of depression and suicidality.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Mental health challenges, social rejection, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare.
Huntington Disease Dementia
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Sub-category: Neurocognitive Disorders
Symptoms:
memory loss; difficulty planning or organizing; mood swings; impulsive behavior; movement abnormalities (chorea); depression
Root Cause:
Progressive neurodegeneration caused by a mutation in the HTT gene leading to abnormal accumulation of huntingtin protein.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for the HTT mutation, neuroimaging (e.g., MRI or CT scans), and cognitive assessments.
Treatment:
Supportive care including psychotherapy, occupational therapy, and medications for symptom management. No cure exists.
Medications:
Antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine ), antidepressants (e.g., sertraline ), and tetrabenazine (for chorea).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5-10 per 100,000 individuals; inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Huntington’s disease.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and fatal; life expectancy is 10-30 years after symptom onset.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe cognitive and motor impairments, aspiration pneumonia, and complete dependence on caregivers.
Menopause and Mood Disorders
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
irritability; depression; anxiety; mood swings; fatigue; difficulty concentrating
Root Cause:
Hormonal changes during menopause, particularly fluctuations and declines in estrogen and progesterone levels, influence brain function and mood regulation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and ruling out other conditions; sometimes confirmed through hormonal testing.
Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy), lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management).
Medications:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline or fluoxetine are often prescribed for mood symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone can also help stabilize mood. Benzodiazepines may be used cautiously for acute anxiety.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 20%-25% of menopausal individuals experience clinically significant mood symptoms.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of depression or anxiety, stressful life events, lack of social support, and sleep disturbances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mood symptoms often improve with effective treatment, and the severity typically decreases over time as hormonal fluctuations stabilize post-menopause.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic depression, anxiety disorders, reduced quality of life, and potential relationship or work-related difficulties.
Schizoaffective Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
hallucinations; delusions; depressed mood; manic episodes; disorganized thinking; impaired social and occupational functioning
Root Cause:
Combination of mood disorder (bipolar or depressive) and psychotic disorder (similar to schizophrenia); possibly due to genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria, patient history, and ruling out other medical or psychiatric conditions.
Treatment:
Combination of antipsychotic medications, mood stabilizers, and psychotherapy. Hospitalization may be necessary during acute episodes.
Medications:
Antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone , olanzapine , paliperidone ), mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium , valproate), and antidepressants (if depressive symptoms dominate).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 0.3% of the general population; more common in females.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, early life trauma, and stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; better than schizophrenia alone but worse than mood disorders alone. Symptoms often managed with consistent treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Suicide risk, social and occupational dysfunction, substance abuse, and long-term disability.
Schizophreniform Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
hallucinations; delusions; disorganized speech; catatonic behavior; negative symptoms (e.g., flat affect, social withdrawal)
Root Cause:
Similar to schizophrenia but with shorter duration and potentially different prognosis; may involve genetic, neurochemical, and environmental factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
DSM-5 criteria require symptoms lasting more than one month but less than six months, with no other medical or psychiatric explanations.
Treatment:
Antipsychotic medications, psychotherapy, and support to address functional impairments.
Medications:
Second-generation antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone , olanzapine , ziprasidone ) are commonly prescribed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 0.2% of the population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of psychosis, significant life stressors, or substance use.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Approximately one-third recover completely; others may progress to schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to schizophrenia, social dysfunction, and difficulty in daily functioning.
Screening Tests for Depression
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
persistent sadness; loss of interest in activities; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; changes in appetite or sleep; feelings of worthlessness
Root Cause:
Screening tools like the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory identify depressive symptoms associated with mood disorders.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Use of standardized questionnaires and clinical interviews by mental health professionals.
Treatment:
Referral for psychotherapy, antidepressant medications, or both based on the severity of symptoms.
Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine , duloxetine ), or atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting 5–10% of adults annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, chronic illness, stress, and substance abuse.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early identification improves outcomes; untreated depression can worsen or become chronic.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Suicide, impaired relationships, decreased productivity, and exacerbation of medical conditions.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
depressed mood; fatigue; loss of interest in activities; hypersomnia; increased appetite; weight gain
Root Cause:
Thought to be related to reduced sunlight exposure, leading to disturbances in circadian rhythms, melatonin production, and serotonin levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, often assessed through clinical interviews and symptom tracking.
Treatment:
Light therapy (10,000 lux light boxes), psychotherapy, and medications.
Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ), bupropion (approved for SAD prevention).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1–2% of the population in temperate climates; prevalence is higher in regions with less sunlight.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in higher latitudes, family history of depression or SAD, female gender, and younger age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms typically improve with seasonal changes or treatment; chronic cases may require ongoing management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to severe depression, social withdrawal, and impaired functioning.
Shared Psychotic Disorder (Folie à Deux)
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
shared delusions between closely related individuals; social withdrawal; impaired reality testing
Root Cause:
Occurs when a dominant person with psychosis influences another individual to adopt delusional beliefs, often due to close emotional or physical proximity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment of delusional content, relationship dynamics, and exclusion of other mental health conditions.
Treatment:
Separation of individuals, antipsychotic medications, and psychotherapy for both parties.
Medications:
Antipsychotics like risperidone , olanzapine , or aripiprazole for the primary individual with psychosis.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; exact prevalence is unknown.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close emotional dependency, isolated living arrangements, and lack of external social connections.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolution often occurs after separation and treatment; the secondary individual typically recovers faster.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistence of delusions, relationship strain, and potential for harm.
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Adult
Symptoms:
confusion; memory impairment; ataxia; ophthalmoplegia; nystagmus; hallucinations
Root Cause:
Caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often due to chronic alcohol use, malnutrition, or malabsorption.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, history of alcohol use or malnutrition, and response to thiamine supplementation. MRI may show characteristic brain changes.
Treatment:
Immediate thiamine replacement via intravenous or intramuscular administration, followed by oral supplementation. Alcohol cessation and nutritional support are critical.
Medications:
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is the primary treatment; no specific psychiatric medications are typically required unless comorbid conditions exist.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 1–2% of the general population; prevalence is higher in those with alcohol dependence.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, gastrointestinal surgeries, and prolonged vomiting.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment can prevent progression; untreated cases lead to permanent cognitive deficits or death.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Permanent memory deficits (Korsakoff psychosis), confusion, coma, and death if untreated.