An addiction is a brain disease entailing a pattern of compulsive behavior, typically the repeated use of alcohol or drugs despite mounting negative consequences. (Learn More – What Is an Addiction?) Currently, the preferred diagnostic term for addictive behavior involving substance use is substance use disorder. (Learn More – What Is a Substance Use Disorder?) …
Schizophrenia is a severe psychotic disorder. (Learn More – What Is Schizophrenia?) The major symptoms of schizophrenia include positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized behavior, and impaired cognition.(Learn More – What Are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?) In addition to the formal symptoms of the disorder, many people with schizophrenia share other features that are not used …
A neurologist typically makes the formal diagnosis of a migraine headache. (Learn More – Diagnosis of Migraine Headache) There are four categories of symptoms to migraine headaches, although everyone may not experience all four. (Learn More – Symptoms) Treatment of migraines typically involves addressing the headache itself or preventative measures. (Learn More – Treatment of …
Inflammation occurs when there is tissue damage as a result of an injury, disease, or disorder, or if your immune system is not functioning properly. (Learn More – Inflammation in the Body) There are generally two classes of drugs that are directly designed to reduce inflammation: corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (Learn More – Drugs …
Engaging in regular exercise brings with it a host of positive results, including a lowered risk of disease, improved management of weight and chronic illness, and more restorative sleeping and eating patterns. (Learn more: How Does Exercise Contribute to Positive Health?) For those who are living with a chronic illness or have a family history …
Blood is essential to life, carrying oxygen to vital organs and tissues, fighting infections, and clotting to heal wounds. A blood disorder is any condition that impacts this system. The broad category of blood disorders includes many illnesses. Three fairly common ones include anemia, von Willebrand disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (Learn More — Blood Disorders) …
Narcolepsy is an often misunderstood disease that causes people to fall asleep at inopportune times. (Learn More: What Is Narcolepsy?) Symptoms can vary, but narcolepsy is known to affect emotional well-being, making it difficult to live a normal life at times. (Learn More: What Are Common Symptoms of Narcolepsy?) Thankfully, tools are available that can …
The prostate is a gland in men involved in the production of semen. It surrounds the urethra and grows with age. Men typically begin to experience prostate problems around age 50. (Learn More — Prostate Health) Three main problems tend to be associated with the prostate: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Of …
Medications and Tips for Improving Prostate Health Read More »
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause a variety of uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms. While multiple things can trigger flare-ups, diet is a major component. Alcoholic beverages can worsen IBS symptoms. (Learn More — Irritable Bowel Syndrome) The way in which alcohol might affect a person with IBS …
Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat seizures, anxiety, muscle tension, sleep problems, and other conditions. They are sometimes used to treat panic attacks. Overdosing on benzodiazepines is rarely fatal, but these drugs can cause fairly severe physical dependence and addiction after even short-term use. They should only be used as prescribed. …
How Addictive Are Xanax, Valium, and Other Benzodiazepines? Read More »
