Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, sexual assault, or violent attack. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of being scared all the time. PTSD can be very difficult to treat, and often requires professional help [1]. 1-…
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which people have recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that are difficult to stop. The obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress or impairment in daily life [1]. OCD is thought to affect about 2% of adults in the United States. 1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder…
Odorous substances in the air are processed through the following steps: 1. What Part of the Brain Is Most Responsible for Smell? There are several and important parts of the brain that are responsible for smell; however, the olfactory bulb is responsible for transmitting the olfactory (smell) information from the olfactory nerves to the brain…
Sciatic nerve pain or Sciatica is due to the compression of the sciatic nerve in the lower back triggered by the following causes: It is estimated that the annual incidence in the general population is between 1% to 5% and the lifetime incidence is between 10% and 40% [1]. 1- How Long Will Sciatica Take…
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…
Being hungry is natural and can be due to increased physical activity or pregnancy. However, an increased appetite over a long period of time could be a result of mental health disorders or diseases: I. Hunger and Mental Disorders 1- Hunger, Stress, and Anxiety The link between appetite, stress, and anxiety is associated with the…
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…
Energy drinks are one of the most consumed dietary supplements that are popular among men between the ages of 18-34 years and teens between the ages of 12-17 years. They contain large amounts of caffeine, sugars, taurine, B vitamins, glucuronolactone, carnitine, ginseng, Yohimbe, and bitter orange. Although energy drinks may enhance alertness and improve reaction…
Dizziness is a common feeling of being light-headed and unsteady that is not generally associated with a serious condition. Large population-based studies reported that dizziness affects around 15% to 20% of adults yearly. It is prevalent in women and its frequency increases with age [1]. What Are the Causes of Dizziness? The common causes of dizziness…
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep that can last for days or weeks (short-term insomnia) or for more than 6 months (chronic insomnia). Insomnia can be caused by biological factors such as anxiety, depression, sleep apnoea, genetics, and chronic conditions. It can also be caused by environmental factors such as…
