Condition Lookup

Insomnia

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Symptoms:
difficulty falling asleep; difficulty staying asleep; waking up too early; non-restorative sleep; daytime fatigue; irritability; difficulty concentrating

Root Cause:
Hyperarousal of the central nervous system due to stress, anxiety, depression, or disrupted circadian rhythm.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation through patient history, sleep diaries, and questionnaires like the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI); sometimes polysomnography if a sleep disorder is suspected.

Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene improvements, and, when necessary, medication.

Medications:
Medications prescribed may include sedative-hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem , eszopiclone ), melatonin receptor agonists (e.g., ramelteon ), or orexin receptor antagonists (e.g., suvorexant ). Antidepressants such as trazodone may also be used in cases involving comorbid depression or anxiety.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10–30% of adults globally, with chronic insomnia affecting around 10%.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic stress, mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression), poor sleep hygiene, irregular work schedules, and medical conditions such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly treatable with behavioral interventions and/or medication; however, chronic insomnia can persist if underlying causes are not addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and reduced quality of life.

Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder)

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Sub-category: Neurological Symptoms

Symptoms:
motor or sensory deficits (e.g., paralysis, blindness, mutism); inconsistency in symptoms with known neurological disorders; psychological distress linked to symptoms

Root Cause:
Stress or trauma manifests as physical symptoms without a detectable neurological or medical cause.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, neurological exams, ruling out organic causes through imaging and laboratory tests; diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy (CBT), stress management techniques, and physical therapy for functional rehabilitation.

Medications:
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine , sertraline ), may help alleviate associated anxiety or depression.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2–5 people per 100,000 annually; higher prevalence in females and younger individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of trauma, chronic stress, or comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can resolve spontaneously, but relapses are common without addressing underlying stressors.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic disability, social withdrawal, and comorbid mental health disorders.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
excessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws; frequent mirror checking; camouflaging body parts; social withdrawal; feelings of shame or embarrassment; repetitive behaviors (e.g., grooming, seeking reassurance)

Root Cause:
Dysfunction in brain regions related to body image perception (e.g., frontal-striatal circuits) and maladaptive thinking patterns leading to distorted self-image.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews assessing distress and functional impairment due to body image concerns (using tools like the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire or DSM-5 criteria).

Treatment:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focusing on body image distortion and compulsive behaviors; exposure therapy.

Medications:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline , can help reduce obsessive thoughts and anxiety.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.7–2.4% of the population, with similar prevalence in males and females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety, childhood trauma, cultural emphasis on physical appearance.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early intervention, symptoms can be significantly reduced, though relapse is common without ongoing therapy or medication.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, depression, suicidal ideation, unnecessary cosmetic surgeries, or treatments.

Conversion Disorders

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
weakness or paralysis; abnormal movements (tremors, gait abnormalities); speech issues (slurred or loss of speech); non-epileptic seizures; loss of sensation; vision problems (double vision, blindness); difficulty swallowing; pain with no physical cause

Root Cause:
Psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms without an organic medical cause. It is thought to be the result of trauma, stress, or unconscious conflict.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, ruling out neurological or medical conditions through imaging (MRI, CT scans) and laboratory tests, and consideration of psychological factors.

Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, physical therapy, and stress management techniques.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline ) to address associated depression or anxiety, anxiolytics for severe anxiety, and in some cases, off-label use of antipsychotics for associated psychiatric symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, with an estimated prevalence of 2-5 per 100,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of trauma or abuse, high levels of stress, comorbid psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression), and low socioeconomic status.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by case; symptoms may resolve with appropriate treatment, but recurrence is possible. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic disability, emotional distress, impaired social and occupational functioning, and risk of unnecessary medical interventions.

Delusions of Parasitosis

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
persistent belief of being infested with parasites; itching or crawling sensations on the skin; skin damage from scratching or picking; carrying 'evidence' of infestation (e.g., debris, skin flakes)

Root Cause:
A psychiatric disorder where the individual has a false, fixed belief of being infested, often stemming from underlying psychosis, severe anxiety, or depression.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed history and examination, psychiatric evaluation, ruling out medical causes of skin sensations, and sometimes dermatological consultation.

Treatment:
Antipsychotic medications and psychotherapy (CBT). Building therapeutic rapport is crucial.

Medications:
Second-generation antipsychotics such as risperidone or olanzapine are often used. These are dopamine receptor antagonists effective for psychotic symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, though exact prevalence is not well-documented. More common in older adults and individuals with other psychiatric conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Loneliness, substance abuse, prior skin conditions, and family history of psychosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms often improve with treatment, though adherence to therapy may be challenging. Without treatment, the condition can become chronic.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social isolation, secondary skin infections, scarring, and risk of harm from self-treatments.

Dermatitis Artefacta

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
self-inflicted skin lesions (cuts, burns, abrasions); unusual patterns of injury; lesions that do not match known dermatological conditions; frequent doctor visits for skin issues

Root Cause:
Intentional self-infliction of skin damage to gain attention or as an expression of psychological distress, often associated with factitious disorders.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination reveals inconsistent patterns of lesions; history of frequent medical visits and psychological evaluation confirming intentional self-harm.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy, particularly CBT, to address underlying psychological issues. Supportive dermatological care for wound healing.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) for underlying depression or anxiety, and anxiolytics if stress-related factors are prominent.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in women and individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of trauma, abuse, or neglect, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and need for attention or care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatment adherence is challenging, and relapses are common. Long-term psychotherapy is often needed for sustained improvement.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic skin infections, scarring, emotional distress, and impaired interpersonal relationships.

Dissociative Disorders

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
memory loss (amnesia); feelings of detachment from self (depersonalization); sense of unreality about surroundings (derealization); identity confusion or fragmentation (e.g., dissociative identity disorder)

Root Cause:
Disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception due to psychological trauma or stress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Psychiatric evaluation, ruling out medical causes (e.g., epilepsy, head injury), and clinical observation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy (trauma-focused therapy, CBT, or EMDR for trauma), and sometimes family therapy or group therapy.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., sertraline , fluoxetine ) for comorbid depression or anxiety; antipsychotics for severe dissociation symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated 1-2% of the population; more common in individuals with a history of trauma or abuse.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Childhood trauma, PTSD, severe stress, or genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Long-term therapy can lead to significant improvements, but recovery is gradual. Severe cases may require prolonged treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired functioning in personal and professional life, substance abuse, and chronic psychiatric comorbidities.

Excoriation Disorder

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
compulsive skin picking; visible skin lesions; frequent attempts to stop picking; distress or impairment in daily functioning

Root Cause:
Compulsive behavior linked to anxiety, stress, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically based on recurrent skin picking causing lesions, repeated attempts to stop, and significant distress or impairment, as outlined in the DSM-5 criteria.

Treatment:
CBT, habit reversal training, and mindfulness-based therapies.

Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine , sertraline ) to manage underlying anxiety or OCD-like symptoms. Occasionally, antipsychotics or glutamatergic agents are used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-5% of the population, more common in females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety, OCD, family history of similar conditions, and dermatological issues.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With consistent treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively. However, relapses are common during periods of stress.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Scarring, infections, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (Munchausen by Proxy)

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a dependent (child, elder); frequent hospitalizations; discrepancies between reported symptoms and clinical findings

Root Cause:
Psychological need to gain attention or sympathy by causing harm to another person under their care.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Investigation of medical history inconsistencies, observation of caregiver-dependent interactions, and psychiatric evaluation.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy for the caregiver; protective measures to safeguard the victim.

Medications:
No direct medications; focus is on therapy. Antidepressants or antipsychotics may be prescribed for underlying psychiatric conditions in the caregiver.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but serious; exact prevalence is difficult to determine due to underreporting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of trauma or abuse, psychiatric disorders, and desire for attention.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Challenging due to denial of the problem by the perpetrator. Victim outcomes improve with early intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe harm or death of the victim, legal consequences, and long-term psychological effects on all parties involved.

Factitious Disorder Imposed on Self (Munchausen's Syndrome)

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
deliberately fabricating or exaggerating symptoms; frequent hospital visits; eagerness for medical procedures; inconsistent medical history; self-inflicted injuries or manipulation of diagnostic tests (e.g., contaminating samples)

Root Cause:
A psychological need to assume the "sick role" for attention, sympathy, or internal emotional relief without external incentives.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Identification of inconsistencies in medical history, observation of self-inflicted symptoms, and psychiatric evaluation.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy (CBT and psychodynamic therapy), building a therapeutic relationship, and addressing comorbid psychiatric conditions.

Medications:
Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) or antipsychotics for comorbid psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; exact prevalence unknown, though it occurs more commonly in women and individuals with healthcare knowledge.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Childhood trauma, neglect, personality disorders (e.g., borderline personality disorder), and history of prolonged illness or medical experiences.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Challenging due to the denial of the problem and reluctance to engage in therapy. Long-term outcomes depend on treatment adherence.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Unnecessary medical interventions, infections, scarring, and significant healthcare costs.

Illness Anxiety Disorder

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
preoccupation with having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms; frequent self-checks for signs of illness; excessive health-related internet searches; frequent doctor visits or avoiding doctors altogether; anxiety disproportionate to the actual health condition

Root Cause:
Excessive fear or belief of having a serious illness, often rooted in heightened anxiety and misinterpretation of normal bodily sensations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on DSM-5 criteria, ruling out medical conditions through thorough evaluation, and observation of excessive health-related behaviors.

Treatment:
CBT to address cognitive distortions, mindfulness-based therapies, and psychoeducation.

Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine , sertraline ) or SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine ) for underlying anxiety. Anxiolytics may be used short-term.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated prevalence of 1-10% in the general population, with equal distribution between genders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of anxiety or hypochondria, history of significant illness, high stress, and exposure to serious illnesses in close others.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, symptoms can improve significantly, though relapses may occur during periods of high stress.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired daily functioning, unnecessary medical procedures, and chronic anxiety or depression.

Malingering

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
exaggerated or fabricated physical or psychological symptoms; avoidance of responsibilities; inconsistencies in reported symptoms; symptoms worsen under observation; evasive behavior when questioned about symptoms

Root Cause:
Intentional fabrication of symptoms for external gain, such as avoiding work, military service, or legal consequences.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment with careful history-taking, observation of inconsistencies in reported symptoms, psychological tests, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Treatment:
Addressing underlying motivations through psychotherapy; no specific medical treatment since it is a behavioral issue.

Medications:
Not applicable.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but can be seen in various contexts such as litigation or disability claims.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Situational stressors, access to medical knowledge, and potential for external rewards.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on identification and resolution of underlying motivations.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misuse of medical resources, strained relationships with healthcare providers, and potential worsening of actual medical conditions if present.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
severe mood swings; irritability; depression; anxiety; difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances; fatigue; physical symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness

Root Cause:
An abnormal response to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, potentially linked to serotonin sensitivity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on a detailed history of symptoms occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and disappearing with menstruation, confirmed by daily symptom tracking for at least two cycles.

Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, psychotherapy (such as CBT), and medication.

Medications:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, such as fluoxetine or sertraline ) are commonly prescribed to alleviate mood symptoms. Hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives (specifically those containing drospirenone ) can help regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 3-8% of menstruating women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of depression or anxiety, family history of mood disorders, and high stress levels.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, symptoms can be effectively managed, improving quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of major depressive disorder, interpersonal conflicts, and reduced occupational or social functioning.

Somatic Symptom Disorders

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Psychosomatic

Symptoms:
excessive worry about physical symptoms; chronic pain; fatigue; shortness of breath; gastrointestinal complaints

Root Cause:
Maladaptive thought processes and emotional responses to bodily sensations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews, ruling out medical conditions, and identifying disproportionate anxiety about symptoms.

Treatment:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication for comorbid conditions.

Medications:
SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine ) or SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine ) to manage associated anxiety or depression.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 5-7% of the general population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Childhood trauma, chronic illness, or a family history of similar disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but can improve with psychotherapy and consistent care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Frequent medical visits, unnecessary procedures, and functional impairment.