Alcoholism : Symptoms

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Symptoms could include:
Alcohol affects the central nervous system as a depressant. This leads to a decrease in: Activity; Anxiety; Inhibitions; Tension. Even a few drinks can change behavior, slow motor skills, and decrease the ability to think clearly. It can impair co...
Source:ADAM
Date:February 6, 2008
Detoxification, or withdrawal, involves helping the person to rid his or her body of alcohol as well as the harmful physical effects of the alcohol. Because the person's body has become accustomed to alcohol, he or she needs care and monitoring du...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
The symptoms of alcohol intoxication often include talkativeness and a positive mood while the drinker's blood alcohol level is rising, with depression and mental impairment when it is falling. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) produces the follow...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
The symptoms of alcohol intoxication often include talkativeness and a positive mood while the drinker's blood alcohol level is rising, with depression and mental impairment when it is falling. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) produces the follow...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
There are probably a number of factors that work together to cause a person to become an alcoholic. Recent genetic studies have demonstrated that close relatives of an alcoholic are four times more likely to become alcoholics themselves. Furthermo...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
In their article "Early Identification and Intervention for Adolescent Alcohol Use," Mark Werner and Hoover Adjer Jr., both fellows at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), state that attitudes regarding alcohol use are developed quite early i...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
There are probably a number of factors that work together to cause a person to become an alcoholic. Genetic studies have demonstrated that close relatives of an alcoholic are more likely to become alcoholics themselves. This risk appears to hold t...
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.
Source:ADAM
Date:April 25, 2008
New and severe abdominal pain always needs to be closely evaluated by a doctor. It is frequently a sign of serious illness.
Source:StayWell
Repeated episodes of abdominal pain can arise from a variety of medical causes, including some serious conditions. Everyone who has unexplained abdominal pain requires a medical evaluation by a doctor.
Source:StayWell
Most of the time, children with mild abdominal pain are not seriously ill; the symptoms go away in a day or two and can be managed at home. However, if your child has severe abdominal pain or has a bellyache along with frequent vomiting, you should contact your child's pediatrician.
Source:StayWell
Abdominal pain is very common in children, and in many cases there’s no serious cause. But stomach pain can sometimes point to a serious problem, such as appendicitis, so it is important to know when to seek help.
Source:StayWell
An arrhythmia is any disorder of your heart rate or rhythm. It means your heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular pattern. When the heart beats faster than normal, it is called tachycardia. When the heart beats too slow, it is called bradycardia.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 15, 2008
An arrhythmia is an abnormality in the heart ' s rhythm, or heartbeat pattern. The heartbeat can be too slow, too fast, have extra beats, skip a beat, or otherwise beat irregularly.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Detailed information on arrhythmias, including symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment information
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on arrhythmias, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on problems involving heart rhythm
Source:StayWell
The guidelines for how long to wait before driving after having an ICD implanted have been revised, to reflect the growing number of people who receive the device preventively.
Source:StayWell
When you're sick, even with just a cold, your blood sugar level may rise. Ask your healthcare team to help you develop a sick-day plan for controlling blood sugar. Here are some guidelines.
Source:StayWell
Aggressive behavior is reactionary and impulsive behavior that often results in breaking household rules or the law; aggressive behavior is violent and unpredictable. Aggression can a problem for children with both normal development and those with psychosocial disturbances.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Breath odor is unpleasant, distinctive, or offensive.
Source:ADAM
Date:April 24, 2008
Bad breath, sometimes called halitosis, is an unpleasant odor of the breath. Bad breath is likely to be experienced by most adults at least occasionally.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Detailed information on halitosis (bad breath), including causes and treatment
Source:StayWell
Bad breath, also called halitosis, is an unpleasant odor of the breath. Usually it is due to poor hygiene, but it can be an indication of underlying health problems.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Although it's rarely a sign of a major medical problem, bad breath can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem and even social isolation.
Source:StayWell
Includes up-to-date information on disease prevention, fillings, gingivitis, periodontitis, pulp diseases, root canal therapy, implants, bridges, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures.
Source:StayWell
If you have bad breath, take heart. It's likely caused by a family of foul bacteria encamped upon your tongue.
Source:StayWell
Binge drinkers are most likely found on college campuses, where many students consider a big game or fraternity party an excuse to drink all weekend.
Source:StayWell
By the time teens reach the eighth grade, nearly half of them have had at least one alcoholic drink, and more than 20 percent have been drunk.
Source:StayWell
Too many young people are participating in a dangerous practice called binge drinking, or drinking to intoxication. It's defined as having five or more drinks in a row for men; for women, it’s four-plus drinks in a row.
Source:StayWell
This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.
Source:StayWell
Clumsiness is a common problem in otherwise healthy children with normal intelligence. Motor coordination problems may affect the ability to perform age-appropriate activities, such as dressing and running.
Source:HealthLine
Date:December 31, 2007
Confusion is the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity. When confused, you have difficulty focusing your attention and may feel disoriented. Confusion interferes with your ability to make decisions.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 13, 2008
Uncoordinated movement is an abnormality of muscle control or an inability to finely coordinate movements, resulting in a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the trunk or the limbs.
Source:ADAM
Date:March 5, 2007
Ataxia, a medical term originated from the Greek language meaning " without order, " refers to disturbances in the control of body posture, motor coordination, speech control, and eye movements. Several brain areas, including the cerebellum and the spinocerebellar tracts, substantia nigra, pons, and cerebral cortex control these functions.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Detailed information on ataxia, including sporadic ataxia and the hereditary ataxias
Source:StayWell
Lack of coordination in the muscles. Ataxia, an extreme lack of coordination of the muscles, is a symptom of damage to the central nervous system.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Developmental coordination disorder is diagnosed when children do not develop normal motor coordination (coordination of movements involving the voluntary muscles). Developmental coordination disorder has been known by many other names, some of which are still used today.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping.
Source:ADAM
Date:September 7, 2006
When drowsiness occurs most of the time or causes a person to fall asleep at inappropriate times, quality of life and performance can be affected.
Source:StayWell
Narcolepsy is a disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). Narcolepsy is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (after obstructive sleep apnea ).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Narcolepsy is a disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). Narcolepsy is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (after obstructive sleep apnea ).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders
Narcolepsy is a disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). Narcolepsy is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (after obstructive sleep apnea).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
Narcolepsy is a disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). Narcolepsy is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (after obstructive sleep apnea).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day. Episodes can last from a few seconds to more than an hour and can significantly interfere with daily activities.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Narcolepsy is a disorder of the nervous system marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). The American Psychiatric Association (APA) classifies narcolepsy as a sleep disorder in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , or DSM-IV .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Narcolepsy is a disorder marked by excessive daytime sleepiness, uncontrollable sleep attacks, and cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone, usually lasting up to half an hour). Narcolepsy is the second-leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness (after obstructive sleep apnea).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
Detailed information on depression and depression in women, including types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Source:StayWell
Depression or depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that were once pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite, and mental processes are a common accompaniment.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Depression is the general name for a family of illnesses known as depressive disorders. Depression is an illness that affects not only the mood and thoughts, but also the physical functions of affected individuals.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part II
Depression and depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep , appetite, and mental processes are common symptoms of depression.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Depression is the general name for a family of illnesses known as depressive disorders. Depression is an illness that affects not only the mood and thoughts, but also the physical functions of affected individuals.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders Part I
An emotional state or mood characterized by one or more of these symptoms: sad mood, low energy, poor concentration, sleep or appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. Until recently, it was thought that children and adolescents could not suffer from clinical depression.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Everybody feels sad sometimes, but to be clinically depressed is not just a matter of feeling sad. A patient with cancer is diagnosed as having major depression only if certain symptoms, such as loss of pleasure or thoughts of death, are present for at least two weeks.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Depression is sometimes referred to as the common cold of mental illness. It is a debilitating disease with significant societal costs.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
A depressive disorder is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It encompasses feelings of overwhelming sadness and despair that persist or intensify over time.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Depression or depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that were once pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite, and mental processes are a common accompaniment.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. But true clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended time. See also depression in the elderly and adolescent depression .
Source:ADAM
Date:January 28, 2008
Depression, also known as depressive disorders or unipolar depression, is a mental illness characterized by a profound and persistent feeling of sadness or despair and/or a loss of interest in things that once were pleasurable. Disturbance in sleep, appetite, and mental processes are a common accompaniment.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
This report offers in-depth information on the causes of depression and the treatments and medications that can lift your mood.
Source:StayWell
People who are depressed have a cluster of symptoms characterized by sadness and a profound lack of energy and well-being.
Source:StayWell
It's important not to underestimate the dangers associated with depression, especially if you've had multiple episodes or lingering symptoms. For example, people who don't get treated for their depression have a higher risk for suicide.
Source:StayWell
Depression is a complicated and common mental health condition that affects about 10 to 15 percent of Americans. The following questions and answers can help you recognize and get effective treatment for depression.
Source:StayWell
The analysis of more than 15,000 young people in the United States found about a third of the cases of depression and obesity among those teens could be attributed to being from families with low incomes.
Source:StayWell
Men suffer from depression in smaller numbers than women do, but their treatment needs differ due to responses to medication, especially in older men. Additional medication may be necessary to treat the sexual side effects.
Source:StayWell
Many people with depression do not receive adequate medical treatment, and even if they are treated, doctors may not be paying enough attention to their patients' needs.
Source:StayWell
In elderly patients, symptoms of depression can be mistaken for symptoms of another medical problem, so it is important for clinicians to consider all physical problems and medications of elderly patients before making a diagnosis.
Source:StayWell
A woman’s unique biological, social, and cultural factors may increase her risk for depression.
Source:StayWell
Too often, parents miss the signs of depression. Or, they believe their teen will “snap out of it” eventually.
Source:StayWell
Learning more about this illness will allow you to understand what your symptoms may mean and make it easier for you to seek help.
Source:StayWell
In general, only about three percent of the elderly living independently in the community will experience depression. That figure increases to around 20 to 30 percent of persons in nursing homes or with chronic illnesses like emphysema, heart disease or diabetes.
Source:StayWell
Depression is not "all in your head." It is a real illness that saps your energy. It can leave you feeling sad, hopeless, lonely and guilty. It is related to a chemical imbalance in the brain and to certain traits such as low self-esteem and pessimism. Some kinds of depression may be inherited.
Source:StayWell
Everyone feels down at times, but diabetics are especially prone to depression. An unhappy period that’s intense or lasts for more than a couple of weeks can be a sign of depression. Depression is a serious illness.
Source:StayWell
Studies suggest mental health care following a heart attack can improve patient health and mortality.
Source:StayWell
Studies of a link between depression and osteoporosis suggest the bone deterioration could be a result of the depression, or may be caused by taking antidepressant medications for a long period of time.
Source:StayWell
Seasonal affective disorder is thought to be caused by decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter months. Light therapy helps some people, and the FDA has approved the antidepressant bupropion for treatment as well.
Source:StayWell
The mind and the body are intimately connected, and our overall health depends on both working well. This is most evident in depression: Research shows that people who suffer from clinical depression face a higher risk of contracting one of the stress-linked illnesses than the rest of the population.
Source:StayWell
Depression can often develop as a result of a heart attack or cardiac surgery, and has more serious effects on heart health and overall health than depression that was present before a heart attack.
Source:StayWell
Discussing the definition and treatment of a contested psychological diagnosis???atypical depression.
Source:StayWell
A roundup of studies exploring the beneficial effects of exercise on depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Is it a case of the chicken and the egg?
Source:StayWell
Exposure to the right kind of light may go a long way toward reducing seasonal affective disorder symptoms.
Source:StayWell
Two studies examine the correlation between depression in adults and its prevalence in their children, and the effect of adults' treatment on the children's mental health.
Source:StayWell
Depressed patients are more likely to respond to medical treatment if their doctors practice empathy and effective communication skills.
Source:StayWell
My mother has advanced lung cancer and is receiving chemo. I live with her and am also her caregiver. We have been very close all of our lives, and I am having a hard time adjusting well. Sometimes I even get angry with her and then I feel guilty. The next step is I get depressed and have thought about a way out, but have not attempted anything. Can you suggest anything to help me cope?
Source:StayWell
Are children with ADD more likely to be depressed? Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
Source:StayWell
Discusses options for treatment of seasonal affective disorder.The treatment of seasonal affective disorder throws light on dark moods.
Source:StayWell
People who suffer from depression are more likely to have a sleep-related breathing problem such as apnea. Treating the sleep problem may help alleviate the depression in some people.
Source:StayWell
A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about whether Accutane, a powerful acne medication, has been linked to depression or suicide.
Source:StayWell
An explanation of the two-way relationship between depression and stroke. Depressed people are at higher risk for a stroke, but depression often precedes as well as follows a stroke.
Source:StayWell
Hypotheses explaining how depression manifests itself. The American Psychiatric Association requires any five of nine symptoms for a diagnosis of major depression. As the definition implies, these symptoms do not all appear in everyone who is depressed. Two studies explore the consequences for the understanding of depression and come to contrasting conclusions. One study suggests that an individual patient's symptoms are not consistent, but change more or less unpredictably from one episode of depression to the next. The other study suggests that there are several sets of depressive symptoms that are distinguishable genetically and therefore likely to persist in a given individual.
Source:StayWell
Concern about antidepressants increasing the risk of suicide in children could have the unintended effect that children suffering from depression may not receive needed treatment.
Source:StayWell
Researchers in China found that Chinese citizens were more likely to express symptoms of depression as having a physical component as well as an emotional one, due to the way their culture interprets such feelings.
Source:StayWell
Folate, a B vitamin, breaks down homocysteine, which may be associated with depression. Because of this it has been tested as a possible treatment, but the results have been mixed and more research is needed.
Source:StayWell
Behavioral activation therapy is a variation of cognitive therapy that encourages patients to fight depression by examining their feelings and experiences and focusing on their positive accomplishments.
Source:StayWell
A study claims that obese people are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, but the findings do not prove that the conditions are causally related to each other.
Source:StayWell