Acute and Transient Psychotic Episodes
Sometimes, intense stress or trauma can cause brief episodes of psychosis, where a person loses touch with reality. These episodes typically last less than a month and can involve hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking. However, they usually resolve on their own without lasting consequences.
Addictions
Addictions are characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Common types of addiction include substance addictions (e.g. alcohol, drugs) and behavioral addictions (e.g. gambling, internet gaming). Addiction can lead to physical dependence, psychological dependence and interference with daily functioning.
Addictions (e.g. Alcohol Dependence Disorder)
Addiction is a complex condition where a person compulsively seeks out and uses a substance, despite its harmful consequences. Alcohol dependence disorder specifically refers to a strong craving for alcohol, difficulty controlling its use and withdrawal symptoms when not using.
Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder is a psychological condition characterised by emotional or behavioural symptoms in response to a stressful life event or change. These symptoms can include feelings of sadness, anxiety or hopelessness, as well as difficulty coping with everyday tasks. Adjustment disorder is usually temporary and resolves once the individual adapts to the new situation or stressor.
Affective Psychotic Disorders (e.g. Psychotic Depression)
Psychotic depression combines severe depression with psychosis, where a person experiences hallucinations or delusions. It's a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent further distress and impairment.
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a chronic disorder characterised by a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. People with alcohol dependence may continue to drink despite negative consequences, such as health problems, relationship issues or legal troubles.
Alzheimer’s Dementia
Alzheimer's dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults. Early symptoms may include forgetfulness and difficulty with tasks, while later stages can involve severe memory loss and impaired ability to function independently.
Anoxic Brain Injury
Anoxic brain injury occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen, which leads to damage to the brain cells. This can happen due to events like drowning, suffocation or cardiac arrest. Lack of oxygen can cause cognitive impairments, motor difficulties and changes in behaviour, depending on the severity and duration of oxygen deprivation.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry or fear that is out of proportion to the situation and interferes with daily life. Common types of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias. Symptoms can include restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating and avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations.
Anxiety Disorders (e.g. Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Phobias, etc.)
Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily life. Generalised anxiety disorder causes persistent, excessive anxiety about various aspects of life, while phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations.