Condition Lookup
Category:
Psychiatric Disorders
Number of Conditions: 3
Delusional Disorder
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Psychiatric Disorders
Sub-category: Psychotic Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent delusions; lack of insight; normal functioning except in delusional areas; irritability; paranoia
Root Cause:
Dysregulation in dopamine pathways and possible environmental stressors or genetic predispositions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically based on the presence of one or more persistent delusions lasting at least one month, without significant hallucinations, disorganized thinking, or impaired functioning outside the scope of the delusion, as per DSM-5 criteria.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy) and medications.
Medications:
Antipsychotics such as risperidone , aripiprazole , or olanzapine . These medications regulate dopamine activity in the brain.
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 psychotic disorders, social isolation, or cultural/environmental factors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is variable; some patients maintain normal functioning, while others may have chronic symptoms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, impaired occupational functioning, or potential harm related to delusions.
Depression and Suicide
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Psychiatric Disorders
Sub-category: Mood Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent sadness; anhedonia (loss of interest); fatigue; changes in appetite or sleep; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; difficulty concentrating; suicidal ideation
Root Cause:
Imbalances in neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine), genetic predisposition, and environmental factors (e.g., trauma, stress).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria, using tools like the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory for assessment. Suicide risk is assessed via interviews or standardized scales (e.g., Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale).
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy), medications, lifestyle modifications, and crisis intervention for suicide risk.
Medications:
Antidepressants such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine , sertraline ), SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine ), and atypical antidepressants like bupropion . In severe cases, ketamine or esketamine may be used for rapid symptom relief.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Major depressive disorder affects approximately 5% of the global population, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 15–29 years.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, history of trauma or abuse, chronic illness, substance abuse, lack of social support, or significant life stressors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, prognosis is generally favorable; however, recurrent episodes are common. Early intervention improves outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, relationship issues, or occupational impairment.
Ganser Syndrome
Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology
Category: Psychiatric Disorders
Sub-category: Dissociative Disorders
Symptoms:
approximate answers; confusion; amnesia; hallucinations; dissociation
Root Cause:
Rare dissociative disorder often linked to extreme stress, trauma, or underlying psychiatric illness.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation and exclusion of organic causes. It is often identified by characteristic symptoms like nonsensical or approximate answers.
Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., trauma-focused therapy) and supportive care. Treat any underlying psychiatric or medical condition.
Medications:
No specific medications; treatment focuses on managing symptoms with antidepressants or antipsychotics as needed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, with most cases reported in individuals under extreme stress or in forensic settings.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severe stress, trauma, personality disorders, or legal pressure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often resolve with appropriate psychological support and stress relief.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misdiagnosis, prolonged distress, or functional impairment.