Psychosis : Risk Factors

Drug interactions are changes in the effect of one drug due to the effect of either another drug taken at the same time (drug-drug interactions) or food consumed while the drug is being taken (drug-food interactions). Some drugs are deliberately combined for administration because there are beneficial effects to be derived.

Drug allergies are a group of symptoms caused by allergic reaction to a drug (medication).

Detailed information on different types of drug rashes, including acne, exfoliative dermatitis, fixed drug eruption, hives, morbiliform/maculopapular rash, purpuric eruptions, Stevens-Johnson syndrome

A drug allergy is an adverse reaction to a medication, often an antibiotic, that is mediated by the body ' s immune system. A drug sensitivity is an unusual reaction to a drug that does not involve the immune system.

If you want to be fully informed, you should read the fine print connected with any drug that you intend to use.

Drug metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down and converts medication into active chemical substances. Precautions Drugs can interact with other drugs, foods, and beverages.

Detailed information on food-drug interactions

Can the high blood pressure drugs Vasotec and Toprol affect the libido?

Exploring the causes and treatment for loss of taste, which may result from years of taking high blood pressure medications.

A guide to information available online and in print about the side effects of prescription drugs.

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments save lives. They also can bring a variety of temporary but unpleasant side effects.

Alcoholism is the layman ' s term for alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , published by the American Psychiatric Association and commonly called the DSM-IV, the essential feature of substance abuse (in this instance, alcohol abuse) is maladaptive use of the substance with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use.

Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting). People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink.

Like cancer or heart disease, alcoholism is a primary chronic disease with its own symptoms and causes. The disease is progressive and often fatal if not treated.

The most important thing that friends and family can do for an alcoholic is to stop enabling the addictive behavior.

This report includes information on recognizing the symptoms of problem drinking, treatment techniques, coping with a loved one's drinking, and overcoming denial.

Alcoholism is an addictive disease in which the victim becomes dependent on a drug—alcohol. The disease affects the alcoholic physically, psychologically, and behaviorally. Alcoholism is not a character weakness or moral shortcoming; it is an unrelenting, progressive disease that leads to death or brain damage. But recovery is possible by stopping drinking.

Many older adults enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or a beer while watching the game on TV. In fact, half of Americans ages 65 and older drink alcohol. Having a drink now and then is fine—as long as you don’t overdo it.

Term encompassing alcohol use, alcohol consumption, alcohol problems, problem drinking, and alcohol dependence. The concept of alcoholism, in its most general sense, refers to a disease, or disorder, typically characterized by: (a) a prolonged period of frequent, heavy alcohol use; (b) a variety of social and/or legal problems associated with alcohol use (e.

The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Alcoholism is a chronic physical, psychological, and behavioral disorder characterized by excessive use of alcoholic beverages; emotional and physical dependence on them; increased tolerance over time of the effects of alcohol; and withdrawal symptoms if the person stops drinking. Alcoholism is a complex behavioral as well as medical disorder.

Physiological and metabolic differences between women and men mean that some women are more likely to develop a drinking problem, particularly as they get older.

Alcohol may have some health benefits, including lowering the risk for heart disease, but it may also lead to abusive drinking and other diseases.

The essential feature of alcohol abuse is the maladaptive use of alcohol with recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to its repeated use. Alcoholism is the popular term for two disorders, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction (Alcoholism)Do you want to have more fun, to fit in, to cope better with your problems? It’s as easy as taking a drink—if you believe what you see on television.

Alcohol is considered a drug because it depresses the central nervous system and can disrupt mental and motor skills, as well as damage internal organs when used excessively.

Alcoholism, or alcohol dependence, is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as " A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. " That maladaptive pattern is manifested, according to the DSM-IV , by the following behaviors occurring any time within one 12-month period: tolerance for alcohol withdrawal from alcohol alcohol taken in larger amounts and over a longer period of time than was intended persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use much time spent in activities necessary to obtaining alcohol various important activities, for example, in socializing or at work, are given up or reduced because of alcohol use alcohol use continued regardless of the pattern of physical or psychological problems that it causes or worsens Alcohol abuse has the same definition but is manifested by one (or more) of the following behaviors occurring within the same 12-month period: repeated alcohol use leading to failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home repeated alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous repeated alcohol-related legal problems persistent alcohol use despite its causing social and interpersonal problems or exacerbating them This definition and the criteria established by DSMIV apply to both adults and children.

You don't have to wait for someone to hit rock bottom to act. Here are steps to help an alcoholic get treatment.

Alcoholism is the popular term for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. The hallmarks of both of these disorders involve repeated life problems that can be directly tied to a person's abuse of alcohol.

Understanding AddictionAddictive Substances Include:Illegal drugs such as cocaineLegal drugs such as cigarettes, alcohol, and prescription medicationsActivities of daily life such as working, eating, and having sexLeisure activities such as gambli...

A study found that a medication called topiramate helped heavy drinkers reduce their dependence on alcohol.

Effective treatment for alcohol dependency is available, but treatment rates among alcohol abusers are low because of lack of awareness and embarrassment.

A study of several methods of treatment for alcoholism has found that a combination of medical management and an inexpensive medication offers a better chance for continued sobriety.

Informal evidence shows that alcoholics who choose to attend AA meetings do better than those who do not, and the longer they are involved in attending meetings, the better their chances of remaining abstinent.

A review of ongoing research into drugs to treat alcoholism, including a description of existing drugs and treatments on the horizon.

A study suggests that people with a family history of alcoholism are capable of producing higher levels of a dopamine receptor in the brain that may offer them protection against the disease.

Alzheimer ' s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia , a neurologic disease characterized by loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and not present from birth. AD usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one form of dementia , is a progressive, degenerative brain disease. It affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Memory impairment is a necessary feature for the diagnosis of this or any type of dementia. Change in one of the following areas must also be present: language, decision-making ability, judgment, attention, and other areas of mental function and personality. The rate of progression is different for each person. If AD develops rapidly, it is likely to continue to progress rapidly. If it has been slow to progress, it will likely continue on a slow course.

Detailed information on Alzheimer's disease, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation

Alzheimer disease is a neurological disorder characterized by slow, progressive memory loss due to a gradual loss of brain cells. Alzheimer disease significantly affects cognitive (thought) capabilities and, eventually, affected individuals become incapacitated.

Alzheimer ' s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia , a neurologic disease characterized by a progressive loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and not present from birth. AD usually occurs in old age and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.

Alzheimer ' s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia , a neurologic disease characterized by loss of mental ability severe enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living, lasting at least six months, and not present from birth. AD usually occurs in old age, and is marked by a decline in cognitive functions such as remembering, reasoning, and planning.

Alzheimer's disease, or AD, is a progressive, incurable disease of the brain caused by the degeneration and eventual death of neurons (nerve cells) in several areas of the brain. Patients with AD first lose such mental functions as short-term memory and the ability to learn new things.

The emotional aspects of Alzheimer's disease are as important as the cognitive difficulties experienced by sufferers.

Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia caused by the destruction of brain cells. Dementia is the loss, usually progressive, of cognitive and intellectual functions.

Alzheimer disease is a form of dementia caused by the destruction of brain cells. Dementia is the loss, usually progressive, of cognitive and intellectual functions.

A guide to existing and emerging methods for earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease.

We expect people to act in certain ways. When their behavior is difficult, we expect them to change in response to care or attention. But people with Alzheimer's can't change.

Alzheimer ' s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of memory along with other cognitive changes, including aphasia (language impairment), apraxia (difficulty carrying out motor activities despite intact motor function), and agnosia (difficulty recognizing or identifying objects despite intact sensory function). There is a significant impairment in social and occupational functioning, as well as a behavioral disturbance commonly occurring in the disorder that may include apathy, loss of interest in daily activities, delusions, hallucinations, preservation, disinhibition, and depression.

Many people believe that Alzheimer’s disease can't be treated. The truth is that medications are available that may help slow the progression of symptoms.

For those already feeling the effects of Alzheimer's disease, the primary need is for treatments to control their symptoms, including cognitive loss and problem behaviors such as verbal and physical aggression, agitation, wandering, depression, sleep disturbances and delusions.

Medications under study may be able to treat Alzheimer's disease, by targeting the abnormalities that develop in the brain long before the disease manifests.

The health of your heart can affect your mind: Research shows risk factors for heart disease and stroke may also contribute to memory loss or Alzheimer's disease.

Is it possible for paranoid schizophrenia to appear late in life? A 70-year-old male diagnosed with Alzheimer?s disease at age 64 is now experiencing severe psychotic symptoms, which are now being considered more psychiatric than physical. Is it common for Alzheimer?s disease to cause a person to exhibit such severe psychosis or is it more likely that his problem is of a psychiatric nature and the Alzheimer?s disease is a misdiagnosis?

My father was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I have heard of a "gene test" that people can take to see if they will contract this disease. Is this available? What do you suggest that I do? This disease also "runs" on my mother's side of the family.

An experimental blood test found that a pattern of proteins was present in people with Alzheimer's disease and in those with mild cognitive impairment, considered a precursor condition to Alzheimer's.

How Much Do You Know About Alzheimer's?If someone you love has Alzheimer's disease, learning all you can about the disease can help you find the best treatments and care.

Bipolar, or manic-depressive, disorder is a mood disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania (an elevated or euphoric mood or irritable state) and depression.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression . The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.

Detailed information on manic depression, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bipolar, or manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Bipolar, or manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania and depression .

Detailed information on manic depression, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Treating Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorder results in extreme mood swings that can greatly disrupt your life. These symptoms may cause you distress.

Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a serious and potentially disabling mental illness. People with the condition can experience dramatic mood swings that take them from euphoria to depression, from recklessness to listlessness, often in short periods of time.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by severe and unusual changes in energy level, mood, and interactions with others. The mood swings associated with bipolar disorder are unpredictable, and range from mania (elevated or irritable mood) to depression (a mood characterized by loss of interest and sadness).

Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings, which are unpredictable and range from mania (elevated and irritable mood) to depression (a mood characterized by loss of interest and sadness). The disorder causes significant difficulties or impairment in social, occupational, and general functioning capabilities.

Detailed information on manic depression, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bipolar, or manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Bipolar, or manic-depressive disorder, is a mood disorder that causes radical emotional changes and mood swings, from manic highs to depressive lows. The majority of bipolar individuals experience alternating episodes of mania and depression.

Detailed information on manic depression, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Bipolar disorders is the name given to a group of mental disorders characterized by extreme fluctuations in mood. People diagnosed with bipolar disorders experience moods ranging from deepest depression to mania, often with periods of less extreme moods, or even emotional stability, in between.

A mixed episode is a discrete period during which a person experiences nearly daily fluctuations in mood that qualify for diagnoses of manic episode and major depressive episode. Over the course of at least one week, the mood of a person experiencing a mixed episode will rapidly change between abnormal happiness or euphoria and sadness or irritability.

Bipolar disorder is often not recognized in children or is misdiagnosed as ADHD. Therapy along with a combination of medications can be effective, but there is often a lengthy dosage adjustment trial period, and there are numerous possible side effects.

A condition (also called manic depression) characterized by extreme mood swings that alternate between depression and mania (a state of exaggerated elation and euphoria). According to the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), bipolar disorder affects an estimated 2 million Americans (roughly 1% of the population).

Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose because its cycles of mania and depression may be mistaken for other psychological conditions. Medications can treat the symptoms, but finding the proper combination for each patient can be a lengthy process.

At one time, bipolar disorder was treatable only with lithium. Now several categries of drugs are used, frequently in combination, to treat symptoms and prevent them from reoccuring.

Lithium has been proven to be effective at reducing the risk of suicide in patients being treated for bipolar disorder, probably because of its mood-stabilizing properties.

Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children has risen dramatically in recent years. It is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often overlap with other disorders, particularly ADHD.

Study of the gene that helps regulate humans' circadian rhythms has found that an irregularity in this gene may be related to the development of bipolar disorder.

The main treatments for bipolar disorder are medication and talk therapy. Frequently, the two are combined.

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. Unlike other tumors, brain tumors spread by local extension and rarely metastasize (spread) outside the brain.

A tumor is any growth of abnormal cells, or the uncontrolled growth of cells. This article is about primary brain tumors. These start in the brain, rather than spreading to the brain from another part of the body. See also: Brain tumor - metastatic (cancer that has spread to the brain) Brain tumor - children

Detailed information on brain tumors, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, types, and treatment

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue, either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous), in the brain. Each year, more than 17,000 brain tumors are diagnosed in the United States.

Can I Get Checked for a Brain Tumor Before I Have Symptoms?Screening tests check for signs of cancer in people who don’t have any symptoms.

How Does My Doctor Know I Have a Brain Tumor?If you have symptoms of a brain tumor, your doctor will first ask questions about these symptoms.

What Is a Brain Tumor?The brain is a complex organ made up of many different cells and parts.

Understanding Your Grade of Brain TumorBefore your doctor can recommend a treatment plan, he or she needs to know the grade of the cancer. The grade tells these things about the tumor.How malignant it isHow likely it is that the cancer will spread...

Types of Brain TumorsThere are many types of brain tumors, including primary and secondary brain tumors.Primary brain tumorsare named by the type of brain tissue in which they are found. The most common primary brain tumors aregliomas, which begin...

Brain Tumors: Emotional IssuesAdjusting to your diagnosis and treatment can be hard for both you and your loved ones. It will take time.

Coping With the Cognitive Effects of Brain TumorsElaine learned she had a tumor deep within her brain. After recovering from brain surgery, Elaine started getting lost on short trips to the grocery store--the same store she’d been driving to for y...

I’ve Just Been Told I Have a Brain TumorA brain tumor is a type of cancer. And there are very few things scarier than being told you have cancer.

Brain Tumors: Team Members and Common TermsThe members of your health care team will work with you during the course of your treatment. They help guide you through your treatment choices, address your questions and concerns, and give you support.

Tell Your Healthcare Team How You Feel During Treatment for a Brain TumorTreating your cancer to get the best results is important. But your quality of life also matters.

Tips for Feeling Your Best During Treatment for a Brain TumorWhen you are being treated for a brain tumor, it is likely that you will have side effects. Depending on how advanced your cancer is, you may also have symptoms of the disease.

What to Know About Surgery for Brain TumorsSurgery is usually the first step in treating a brain tumor. For this treatment, you see a doctor who specializes in surgery on the brain or nerves, called aneurosurgeon. 

Medications for a Brain TumorBrain tumors often cause symptoms. Also, your treatment is likely to produce some side effects.

Brain TumorsThe brain controls the body. Each part of the brain has a role.