Tag: Mental Health

Phobias

Phobias: Definition and Description of Phobias: Phobias are defined as intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities that lead to significant distress and avoidance behavior. Medically, they are classified under anxiety disorders and can disrupt a person’s daily life. The irrational nature of phobias can provoke anxiety attacks, wherein individuals experience rapid heartbeats,…
Pica

Pica: Definition and Description of Pica: Pica is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent consumption of non-nutritive, non-food substances. This condition can encompass a variety of materials, including dirt, clay, chalk, paper, soap, and even metal objects. The diagnosis of pica typically requires that the behavior has persisted for at least one month and…
Oral-Facial Dyskinesia

Oral-Facial Dyskinesia: Definition and Description of Oral-Facial Dyskinesia: Oral-Facial Dyskinesia is a condition characterized by involuntary, abnormal movements of the muscles in the face and mouth. This neurological disorder often manifests as repetitive and purposeless movements, including grimacing, lip smacking, and tongue protrusions. The dyskinesia can result from various factors, including long-term use of certain…
Outpatient Services

Outpatient Services: Definition and Description of Outpatient Services: Outpatient services refer to medical treatments and procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital. These services are designed to cater to patients who can receive care, undergo diagnostic assessments, or partake in rehabilitation programs without the need for continuous hospital monitoring. Common outpatient…
Ovarian Syndrome

Ovarian Syndrome: Definition and Description of Ovarian Syndrome: Ovarian Syndrome, particularly referred to in clinical contexts as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal disorder affecting individuals with ovaries. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms that can lead to reproductive, metabolic, and psychological issues. Medical definitions often highlight the presence of ovarian cysts,…
Overweight Child

Overweight Child: Definition and Description of Overweight Child: Overweight in children is medically defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile for their age and sex. This condition is characterized by excess body fat that can adversely affect a child’s health. Applying the BMI metric, which calculates weight in…
Palliative Care

Palliative Care: Definition and Description of Palliative Care: Palliative Care is a specialized area of healthcare focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illnesses. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their families. It is applicable at any stage of a disease and can be…
Panic and Anxiety Disorders

Panic and Anxiety Disorders: Definition and Description of Panic and Anxiety Disorders: Panic and Anxiety Disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by excessive fear or anxiety. Panic disorder is defined by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—intense periods of fear that peak within minutes—while generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves chronic and exaggerated worry about everyday…
Obesity

Obesity: Definition and Description of Obesity: Obesity is a medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat that can have negative effects on health. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Body mass index is a calculation based on an individual’s height and…
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Definition and Description of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), individuals with OCD typically recognize that their obsessions are irrational, yet they feel compelled to…