Agoraphobia literally means ‘fear of open or public places’
One condition that commonly exists alongside panic disorder is agoraphobia. Agoraphobia literally means ‘fear of open or public places’. However, in a clinical setting it is defined as a fear of situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or in which help may not be available in the event of a panic attack.…
Although an individual with Antisocial Personality Disorder is capable of charm, it is often used to manipulate the emotions of others
Someone with a history and pattern of disregard for the rights of others would probably be termed a bully by most, but it could be that this individual has what is known as antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). ASPD is defined as a pervasive pattern of disregard that begins by the mid-teenage years. This attitude should…
Miracle healthcare cures often remain unfulfilled. Unfortunately, there is a tendency in humans to see only black and white rather than shades of grey
When it comes to health and medicine, there are an abundance of beliefs, philosophies and practices floating around out there. Unfortunately, many of these healthcare cures have no real evidence to back them up but are still used and strongly supported. Often, erroneous beliefs about healthcare cures are not only wrong but expensive to the…
It is vitally important for women experiencing postpartum illness to seek help, not only for themselves but to help to keep children safe
A child’s birth is supposed to be a joyful, special time for parents. After months and sometimes years of waiting, mother and father finally get to meet the little person they’ve been anxiously expecting. With a new life and growing family, possibility is everywhere. For some mothers though, this joyful time can become a nightmare…
If you suspect your child may be practicing self-abusive behaviours, there are a few signs you can look for
People who deliberately cut themselves with razors, burn themselves with lit cigarettes or pick their skin until it bleeds have often been viewed as attention-seekers – people who simply want to make a statement or frighten others enough to get a rise out of them. Sadly, self-mutilating behaviours such as these are not simply a…
People with IBS tend to be more prone than the general population to psychological symptoms including anxiety or depression
Between 10 and 20 per cent of the general population suffers from a puzzling and uncomfortable condition called irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is one of the most common disorders seen in general practice and it affects more women than men. As the name suggests, this is an illness that affects the bowel and the…
But with proper use they are quite safe and an effective way to help people of all ages in the treatment of depression
The use of antidepressant medications among depressed children has received widespread international coverage in the media over the years. Studies indicating a slightly increased risk of suicidal thoughts, or attempts, in children taking antidepressants sparked a firestorm of public debate and criticism. As a result, FDA mandated all antidepressants being sold in the U.S. have…
For people who experience migraines as well as a mood disorder, the headaches often improve once the mood disorder is treated
If you experience migraine headaches, then you know what it’s like to have debilitating pain. Pain pulsates on one side of your head like a bad drum beat that won’t stop. All the noises around you are magnified to a chaotic cacophony and every time you move the pulsing in your temples seems to intensify.…
If you are troubled by recurring disturbing thoughts and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviours, talk to your family doctor
One psychiatric disorder that is commonly portrayed on television and in the movies is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are usually given a somewhat humourous example of a neurotic person obsessed with germs and washing, who needs things to be exactly in order or who repeatedly checks to make sure the door is locked or…
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which affects about two per cent of women, is a disabling condition that requires treatment
PMS: those three letters have been made the brunt of many jokes and snide comments since they were coined to describe the variety of symptoms many women experience at a certain point in their menstrual cycle. Unfortunately, while the symptoms of PMS are distressing to the 80 per cent of women who experience them, a…