Category Archives: Uncategorized

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions characterized by a person’s continued use of drugs or alcohol despite experiencing negative consequences and a loss of control over their use.

These disorders include:

Substance Use Disorder: A pattern of using alcohol or drugs that leads to significant impairment or distress, such as inability to meet responsibilities at work, school or home, or experiencing legal problems.

Alcohol Use Disorder: A specific type of Substance Use Disorder, which is characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of alcohol, leading to negative consequences.

Nicotine Use Disorder: A type of Substance Use Disorder characterized by the continued use of nicotine, such as smoking, chewing tobacco, or using e-cigarettes, despite negative consequences.

Gambling Disorder: A behavioral addiction that involves repeated and compulsive gambling despite negative consequences, such as financial problems, relationship issues, or legal troubles.

Other Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders: This category includes disorders related to the use of other substances, such as opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis.

Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders can have severe consequences for a person’s physical, mental, and social well-being, and often require professional treatment and support for recovery.

Shervan K Shahhian

Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders are a group of mental health conditions that are characterized by problems with self-control, behaviors that violate the rights of others or social norms, and difficulty following rules. These disorders typically emerge in childhood or adolescence and can cause significant impairment in academic, social, and occupational functioning.

Disruptive Disorders include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), which is characterized by a pattern of angry, defiant, and vindictive behavior towards authority figures, and Conduct Disorder (CD), which involves persistent and repetitive patterns of behavior that violate the rights of others and social norms. Symptoms of CD include aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, theft, and deceitfulness.

Impulse-Control Disorders include conditions such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), which involves sudden and intense outbursts of anger or violence that are out of proportion to the situation, and Kleptomania, which is characterized by recurrent stealing of objects that are not needed for personal use or monetary gain.

Overall, these disorders are often difficult to treat and may require a combination of medication and psychotherapy to manage symptoms effectively. It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of these disorders.

Shervan K Shahhian

Gender dysphoria is a condition where an individual experiences distress or discomfort as a result of a mismatch between their gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. This mismatch can manifest as a feeling that one’s body or gender expression does not match their true gender identity, which may be male, female, or another gender entirely. Gender dysphoria is not a mental illness, but it can lead to significant psychological distress and can interfere with daily functioning. Treatment for gender dysphoria may include social, medical, and/or psychological interventions, such as hormone therapy, gender-affirming surgery, counseling, and support from family and friends.

Shervan K Shahhian

What are Sleep-Wake Disorders? Sexual dysfunctions refer to a range of difficulties or disorders that affect an individual’s ability to experience sexual pleasure or engage in sexual activity. These dysfunctions can occur in both men and women and can manifest in various ways. Some common types of sexual dysfunctions include:

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED): This refers to the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse.
2. Premature ejaculation (PE): This is when a man ejaculates too quickly during sexual activity, often before he or his partner is ready.
3. Delayed ejaculation: This refers to difficulty in reaching orgasm during sexual activity or taking a long time to reach orgasm.
4. Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD): This is a condition in which a woman has difficulty becoming sexually aroused or reaching orgasm.
5. Vaginismus: This is a condition in which the muscles of the vaginal wall spasm or tighten, making sexual intercourse painful or impossible.
6. Low libido: This refers to a decrease in sexual desire or interest.

Sexual dysfunctions can have various causes, including physical and psychological factors, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and relationships. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Shervan K Shahhian

What are Sleep-Wake Disorders?

What are Sleep-Wake Disorders? Sexual dysfunctions refer to a range of difficulties or disorders that affect an individual’s ability to experience sexual pleasure or engage in sexual activity. These dysfunctions can occur in both men and women and can manifest in various ways. Some common types of sexual dysfunctions include:

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED): This refers to the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for sexual intercourse.
2. Premature ejaculation (PE): This is when a man ejaculates too quickly during sexual activity, often before he or his partner is ready.
3. Delayed ejaculation: This refers to difficulty in reaching orgasm during sexual activity or taking a long time to reach orgasm.
4. Female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD): This is a condition in which a woman has difficulty becoming sexually aroused or reaching orgasm.
5. Vaginismus: This is a condition in which the muscles of the vaginal wall spasm or tighten, making sexual intercourse painful or impossible.
6. Low libido: This refers to a decrease in sexual desire or interest.

Sexual dysfunctions can have various causes, including physical and psychological factors, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and relationships. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Shervan K Shahhian

Sleep-wake disorders refer to a group of medical conditions that affect the timing, quality, and/or quantity of sleep. These disorders can be broadly classified into two categories: sleep disorders that involve difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up, and disorders that involve excessive sleepiness or sleep during inappropriate times.

Examples of sleep disorders that involve difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up include:

Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early, or feeling unrefreshed after sleep.

Sleep apnea: A breathing disorder that causes brief interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and other health problems.

Restless leg syndrome: A neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, particularly at night.

Narcolepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep, often accompanied by hallucinations and temporary muscle paralysis.

Examples of sleep disorders that involve excessive sleepiness or sleep during inappropriate times include:

Idiopathic hypersomnia: A neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness despite getting adequate sleep at night.

Circadian rhythm disorders: Disorders that disrupt the normal 24-hour sleep-wake cycle, leading to sleepiness or difficulty sleeping at the wrong times of day.

Shift work sleep disorder: A sleep disorder that affects people who work non-traditional hours, such as night shifts or rotating shifts.

Kleine-Levin Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and unusual behavior during episodes that can last for days or weeks.

Sleep-wake disorders can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health, leading to decreased productivity, accidents, and even serious health consequences if left untreated. Treatment options depend on the specific disorder and may include lifestyle changes, medication, and/or behavioral therapies.

Shervan K Shahhian

Elimination Disorders are a group of disorders that involve problems with urination or bowel movements that are not due to a medical condition. These disorders are typically diagnosed in children and adolescents, but can also occur in adults.

There are two main types of elimination disorders:

Enuresis: Enuresis is a condition in which a person repeatedly urinates in inappropriate places, such as the bed or clothing, despite being old enough to control their bladder. Enuresis is typically diagnosed in children over the age of 5, and can be primary (when a child has never been consistently dry at night) or secondary (when a child has been dry for at least 6 months but then begins wetting the bed again).

Encopresis: Encopresis is a condition in which a person repeatedly soils their clothing or other inappropriate places with feces, despite being old enough to control their bowel movements. Encopresis is typically diagnosed in children over the age of 4, and can be primary (when a child has never been consistently clean) or secondary (when a child has been clean for at least 6 months but then begins soiling again).

Both enuresis and encopresis can have significant social and emotional consequences for the person affected, and can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and other problems if left untreated. Treatment for elimination disorders may include behavioral therapy, medication, and other interventions depending on the individual’s needs and circumstances.

Shervan K Shahhian

Feeding and Eating Disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by a disturbance in eating or feeding behavior that results in significant physical or psychological harm. These disorders affect individuals of all ages and genders and can have severe consequences on physical and mental health.

There are several types of Feeding and Eating Disorders, including:

Anorexia Nervosa: a disorder characterized by severe restriction of food intake, resulting in a significantly low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, and distorted body image.

Bulimia Nervosa: a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Binge-Eating Disorder: a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: a disorder characterized by a persistent avoidance or restriction of food intake, resulting in significant weight loss or failure to gain weight, nutritional deficiencies, and impaired psychosocial functioning.

Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED): a disorder that does not meet the criteria for other eating disorders but still causes significant distress or impairment.

Feeding and Eating Disorders can have serious physical and psychological consequences, including malnutrition, gastrointestinal problems, electrolyte imbalances, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial for a successful recovery.

Shervan K Shahhian

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRDs) are a group of mental health conditions that involve physical symptoms that cause distress and impairment in daily functioning, even though there may be no underlying medical condition or explanation for the symptoms. These disorders are characterized by excessive or disproportionate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms. SSRDs used to be referred to as somatoform disorders but were renamed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

SSRDs include:

Somatic Symptom Disorder: A disorder in which a person has one or more somatic symptoms that are distressing and/or disruptive to daily life, and excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms. The symptoms may or may not be medically explainable.

Illness Anxiety Disorder: A disorder in which a person has persistent and excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness, despite little or no symptoms, and may frequently seek medical attention.

Conversion Disorder: A disorder in which a person experiences neurological symptoms such as paralysis, seizures, or difficulty speaking or seeing, which cannot be explained by medical or neurological conditions.

Factitious Disorder: A disorder in which a person deliberately and consciously fabricates or exaggerates physical or psychological symptoms to assume the sick role and receive attention or care.

Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition: A disorder in which psychological factors contribute to the exacerbation or maintenance of a medical condition.

It’s important to note that individuals with SSRDs are not “faking” their symptoms, and their distress is real. These disorders often require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, involving both psychological and medical interventions.

Shervan K Shahhian

Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve a disconnection or disturbance in an individual’s consciousness, memory, identity, perception, and/or sense of self. In these disorders, an individual may experience a sense of detachment or disconnection from reality or their own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

There are several types of dissociative disorders, including:

Dissociative amnesia: A condition in which an individual is unable to recall important personal information or events, often due to traumatic experiences.

Depersonalization disorder: A condition in which an individual feels detached from their own body or thoughts, as if they are watching themselves from outside their own body.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID): A condition in which an individual experiences multiple distinct identities or personalities, often due to trauma or abuse.

Other specified dissociative disorder and unspecified dissociative disorder: These are less common types of dissociative disorders that do not fit into the other categories.

Dissociative disorders are believed to be caused by traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or violence. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication to manage symptoms like anxiety and depression.

Shervan K Shahhian