What Is the Reward System of the Brain?-HealthQM

What Is the Reward System of the Brain?

The brain reward system or mesocorticolimbic circuit is a brain circuit that controls addictive behaviors, mood, feeding behaviors, positive emotions (e.g., pleasure), and learning [1]. 1. What Activates the Reward System? The reward system is activated every time we experience something rewarding. For instance, the reward system is triggered when eating something we really enjoy…

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease-HealthQM

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease)?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) or Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs due to itching, throbbing, and uncomfortable sensations. RLS is a common disease that affects about 10% of the general population [1]. 1. What Is the Main Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome? Although the cause is…

Brain Executive Functions-HealthQM

What Part of the Brain Controls Executive Function?

Executive functions are mainly controlled by the prefrontal regions of the frontal lobes, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the orbitofrontal cortex [1]. 1. What Are the Executive Functions? Executive functions are higher-level cognitive skills and processes that are necessary for the control and coordination of other cognitive abilities and behaviors…

What Is a Tic Disorder? HealthQM

How Do You Know If You Have a Tic Disorder?

Tics are involuntary and repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) that can be rapid, sudden, recurrent, and nonrhythmic [1]. They are due to an urge or sensation that eases after performing the movement or the sound. 1. What Are the Types of Tics? 1.1. Primary Tics Transient tic disorders are motor or vocal…

Neurotransmitters HealthQM

What Are the 7 Major Neurotransmitters (and Their Role in Diseases)?

Neurotransmitters are messengers that transmit specific chemical instructions from a neuron to another neuron and from neurons to tissues and organs. The 7 major neurotransmitters are: Neurotransmitters are produced by neurons and released in gaps that are found between neurons and between neurons and organs. These junctions are known as synapses. When neurotransmitters are released…

Borderline Personality Disorder HealthQM

Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder

Emotionally unstable personality disorder or borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder that affects impulse control, interpersonal relationships, and self-image. BPD is characterized by emotional dysregulation, impulsive aggression, repeated self-injury, and chronic suicidal tendencies. The prevalence of BPD is estimated to be 1.6% in the general population and 20% in the inpatient psychiatric population [1]. It…