Mental Disorders

Definition Capgras syndrome is a psychological condition that is characterized by a belief that a particular person has been replaced by an imposter. This bizarre belief may lead one to acrimoniously accuse a friend or spouse of being “a fake” or an “imposter” of the actual person. As you can …

Definition If you have agoraphobia, it means you get anxious about having a panic attack. As well as crowds and queues, you may fear other places or situations where you’ve had a panic attack before. This fear makes you avoid these situations or do things to help manage your anxiety, …

Definition Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a chronic mental illness in which individuals obsess over some perceived flaw in their appearance. This obsession typically takes over the person’s life to the point where they are unwilling to be seen in public and may take drastic and dangerous actions in an attempt …

Definition Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by feelings of extreme social inhibition, inadequacy, and sensitivity to negative criticism and rejection. Yet the symptoms involve more than simply being shy or socially awkward. Avoidant personality disorder causes significant problems that affect the ability to interact with others and maintain relationships in …

Definition Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of emotional, physical, psychological, and mood disturbances that occur after a woman’s ovulation, typically ending with the onset of her menstrual flow. The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, …

Definition Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), formally referred to as recurrent depression with seasonal pattern, is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected people react adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and …