OCD is a Brain Disorder which presents with intrusive, unwanted thoughts known as obsessions and some behaviour or counter thoughts to neutralize the obsessions. These countering thoughts or behaviours are known as compulsions. Let us see the kind of brain dysfunction and changes occur with OCD. There are several cortical and subcortical circuits in the…
ADHD in its full form is known as Attention Deficit Hyperkinetic Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder and has traditionally been thought to occur only in children. However, more and more evidence suggests that 50-65% of the symptoms persist to Adulthood. DSM 5 is a classificatory system which defines the criteria for diagnosis of various…
Executive functions dictate self regulation. In ADHD dysfunction in verbal learning, verbal memory, psychomotor speed and sustained attention is noted. Some tests are used clinically to assess executive functions in adults with ADHD. These tests are simple clinic based tests that is used to assess various aspects of executive functions. These difficulties can be problematic…
Mr Peter (fictional character), a 35-year-old single software professional has decided to bake a cake. The sight and smell of a lovely chocolate cake fills his mind and waters his mouth. Mr Peter also suffers from Adult ADHD. The big question which determines his ability to complete the task of baking a cake is his…
What is the main treatment for schizophrenia? The mainstay treatment of schizophrenia is long term antipsychotic medications. This is given by either tablets or injections. Your psychiatrist may prescribe other medications including anti-depressants or mood stabilizers if required to control other mood related symptoms if any. Lifestyle management with optimal diet, relaxation and exercise…
How is schizophrenia diagnosed? There is no lab test to confirm for sure the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Diagnosis is done by clinical evaluation of psychiatrists in detail. When one suffers from symptoms such as fixed false beliefs (delusions), hearing voices (hallucinations), disordered thinking, changes to emotions, behaviour and getting more isolated etc. If these symptoms…
What causes schizophrenia? The exact cause of schizophrenia is not known. Some studies have shown that schizophrenia has a high genetic cause. When a person is susceptible to developing schizophrenia, triggers such as stress or certain drugs can precipitate a full episode. 2. What genes play a role? The mode by which schizophrenia is passed…
What are positive symptoms? Positive symptoms are symptoms that ADD. E.g., hearing voices, having thought disorder, having beliefs that are fixed and false etc. 2.What are negative symptoms? Negative symptoms are symptoms that TAKE AWAY. That is., losing their motivation, their ability to mix with people, losing concentration, etc. So negative symptoms are predominantly…
What is schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which results in disturbance of thinking, behaviour and altered experiences. These changes can affect the health and functioning of the person tremendously. People with schizophrenia may see or hear things that do not exist and may have fixed beliefs about untrue events. It has been found that…
Is OCD curable? OCD is a life long condition and follows periods of remission and relapse. Sometimes stress can trigger an episode of OCD. Medications sometimes are required in the long term to achieve good control of symptoms. With modern treatment options OCD can be kept under control in the long term. How can…
