“Sleep tight and sweet dreams” used to be the phrase used when bidding a family member good night. Unfortunately, a significant number of individuals have difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep for the 7 to 8 hours recommended by the National Institutes of Health. (However, this is a general recommendation and varies by both
There is a lack of consensus on how to best define the concept of stress. Concerns related to the scientific status of the construct have led some authors to suggest that it be abandoned altogether or restricted to nontechnical usage. Even at the level of physiology, the mechanisms involved in a stress response cannot be
Seizure disorders, characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, are a critical subject within the realm of psychology. This article explores the multifaceted domain of seizure disorders, encompassing their definition, prevalence, and neurological underpinnings. Expanding further, the discussion explores the intricate web of causes and risk factors, emphasizing epilepsy as a primary instigator, and
The term psychosis was first used in the medical literature by Ernest von Feuchtersleben in his textbook Principles of Medical Psychology (1847). Originally, the concept was defined broadly to include any impairment of the higher mental functions. Starting in the late 1800s, psychopathologists such as Emil Kraepelin, Eugen Bleuler, and Kurt Schneider began to differentiate
Mood disorders are among the most common mental disorders in the Western world. Formerly called affective disorders, these disorders involve a predominant disturbance in mood. In each case, the mood disturbance leads to other problems, which frequently include physical symptoms (such as fatigue), behavioral symptoms (such as social withdrawal), and cognitive symptoms (such as self-critical
Eating disorders, a complex category of mental health conditions, have gained significant attention within the field of psychology due to their profound impact on individuals’ physical and psychological well-being. This article provides an exploration of eating disorders, divided into three key sections. Part I offers insight into the nature of eating disorders, including their definition
Communication disorders, encompassing various speech, language, and social communication impairments, present a critical concern in the field of school psychology. This article offers a comprehensive examination of these disorders, their classification, etiological factors, assessment methods, and intervention strategies. It explores the impact of communication disorders on the educational and emotional well-being of affected individuals and
Personality disorders, formerly known as character disorders, make up a class of heterogeneous mental disorders characterized by chronic, maladaptive, and rigid patterns of cognition, affect, and behavior. They are coded on Axis II of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and reflect patterns of thought, affect, and
Somatoform disorders constitute a complex and multifaceted category within clinical psychology, characterized by the manifestation of physical symptoms with no discernible medical cause. This article provides an in-depth exploration of somatoform disorders, delving into their classification and diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5. It also examines the intricate web of etiological factors contributing to
Eating disorders are characterized by extreme attitudes and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues. Included in this class of disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Although each of these disorders is manifested in distinct ways, they both have the potential to result in extreme harm to physical and psychological health and can have life-threatening