Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the sleep-wake cycles characterized by the following symptoms: In the United States, narcolepsy affects 1 in 2000 people, while it affects 3 million people worldwide [1]. Although narcolepsy can happen at any age, it is typically observed in individuals between the age of 10 and 30 years old….
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…
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…
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of seasonal depression characterized by major depressive episodes in the fall/winter and remissions in spring/summer. The symptoms include persistent low mood, lack of interest, irritability, lack of energy, irritability, longer hours of sleep, withdrawal from social situations, and craving for carbohydrates. It is estimated that 1-10% of the…
When we exercise or follow a training fitness program, it is believed that the pituitary gland in the brain releases endorphins that block pain receptors named opioid receptors leading to a state of euphoria and a reduction in anxiety levels (anxiolytic effect). However, a study reported that the sense of well-being (euphoria) after exercise referred…
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is an illness characterized by profound disabling tiredness, a diminished capacity to perform routine tasks, and sleep disruption that lasts for more than 6 months. Epidemiology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Based on prevalence estimates from the institute of medicine, chronic fatigue syndrome affects around 0.2-2.6% of the…
Prolonged stress or chronic stress promotes susceptibility to diseases and infections such as sepsis, endocarditis, respiratory viral infections, meningitis, and other central nervous system infections. This type of stress significantly affects the immune system by raising the levels of catecholamine (adrenaline and dopamine), glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol), and suppressor T cells, which suppress the immune…
The gut flora (microbiota) plays an important role in human health through their metabolic function in breaking down ingested food to provide nutrients to cells and organs of the body. Among the metabolic products that are generated by the gut flora, proteins are critical for the function of the nervous system, such as serotonin, which…
