e-Clinic

What are Eating Disorders? Eating disorders are serious, biologically influenced medical and psychiatric illnesses. They are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and deeply related thoughts and emotions. Important: Eating disorders are not lifestyle choices, diets gone wrong, or cries for attention. They are deadly mental health conditions with some of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness. The 3 Primary Clinical Diagnoses While there are several types of eating disorders, the vast majority fall into three clinical categories: 1. Anorexia Nervosa People with anorexia view themselves as overweight, even if they are dangerously underweight. They severely restrict their food intake out of an intense, phobic fear of gaining weight. Signs: Extreme restriction of eating, relentless pursuit of thinness, distorted body image, and intense fear of weight gain. Physical Risks: ...

What is OCD? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by a cycle of uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the person feels the urge to repeat over and over. Myth Buster: OCD is widely misunderstood. It is not an adjective for someone who likes their desk neat or enjoys organizing. It is a severely debilitating disorder driven by intense anxiety and fear, not preference. The OCD Cycle: Obsessions vs. Compulsions The disorder typically follows a relentless neurological loop: 1. Obsessions (The Fear) 2. Compulsions (The Response) Repeated, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts or urges that cause immense distress. Examples: Intense fear of germs/contamination, horrific aggressive thoughts of harming loved ones, or an agonizing need for...

What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, life-threatening, or terrifying event. While it is deeply associated with military combat veterans, PTSD can affect anyone . It is frequently caused by natural disasters, serious car accidents, physical or sexual assault, or the unexpected death of a loved one. Signs & Symptoms It is normal to experience anxiety and sleep issues after a trauma. However, if symptoms last longer than a month, cause great distress, or interfere with daily life, it may be PTSD. Symptoms fall into four specific categories: 1. Intrusive Memories: Unwanted, distressing memories of the event; terrifying nightmares; or severe flashbacks where the person feels they are reliving the trauma in real-time. 2. Avoidance: Going out of the way to avoid places, activities, or people that remin...

What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental health disorder that profoundly affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, experiencing the world through a distorted lens. Myth Buster: Schizophrenia does not mean "split personality" or multiple personality disorder (which is a separate condition called DID). It also does not inherently mean a person is violent; in fact, people with schizophrenia are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. Signs & Symptoms Symptoms generally fall into three clinical categories: Positive, Negative, and Cognitive. Positive Symptoms (Added behaviors) Negative Symptoms (Lost behaviors) • Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist. •...

Consciousness is controlled by the Reticular Activating System (RAS) in the brainstem. Damage here often leads to a coma. What is a Coma? A coma is a state of prolonged, deep unconsciousness. While the person is alive, they cannot be awakened and fail to respond normally to environmental stimuli, including painful stimuli, light, or sound. The "Sleep" Myth: Unlike deep sleep, a person in a coma cannot be roused. It is the brain's instinctive way of shutting down high-level cognitive functions to focus all remaining energy on vital life-support systems, like the heart and lungs, following a severe trauma. 🚑 MEDICAL EMERGENCY A coma is a critical, life-threatening emergency. Swift medical intervention is required to identify the cause and preserve as much brain function as possible. Call 911 immediately if you find someone unconscious who cannot be roused. Signs & Symptoms Duri...

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Brain scans often show functional differences in the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for focus, organization, and impulse control. What is Adult ADHD? Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of difficulty maintaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior that interferes with daily functioning. Key Insight: ADHD does not suddenly develop in adulthood. While symptoms always begin in childhood, many individuals are not diagnosed until later in life—often when the complex demands of adult life, such as a high-pressure career or long-term relationships, become overwhelming. Symptoms ADHD often presents differently in adults than it does in children. While a child might physically run around a classroom, adults frequently experience a sense of "internal restlessness....

Statistically, 85% of strokes are Ischemic (blocked artery), while 15% are Hemorrhagic (burst vessel). What is a Stroke? A stroke (clinically referred to as a cerebrovascular accident or "brain attack") occurs when the crucial blood supply to a part of your brain is suddenly interrupted or severely reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. "Time is Brain": Immediate emergency treatment is absolutely crucial. For every single minute a stroke is left untreated, the average patient permanently loses roughly 1.9 million neurons. Symptoms & When to Seek Emergency Care A stroke is an absolute medical emergency. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. If you notice any of the following signs, use the F.A.S.T. test to quickly evaluate the situation: 🚑 CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE: F - Face Drooping: Ask the p...

What are Absence Seizures? Formerly known as Petit Mal seizures, Absence Seizures involve brief, sudden lapses of consciousness. They are far more common in children than adults. The "Staring Spell": The person may simply look like they are staring into space for a few seconds. Unlike other types of seizures, they usually do not fall down or suffer physical injury. Many children outgrow these seizures in their teens. However, they can severely interfere with learning and daily safety if they happen frequently (sometimes dozens of times a day). Symptoms The hallmark sign is a vacant stare lasting 10 to 15 seconds. It is often mistaken for daydreaming, ADHD, or a lack of attention. The person recovers immediately with no memory of the event and no lingering confusion. Subtle physical signs during the stare include: Sudden stop in motion without falling. Lip smacking or chewing motions. ...