Affective disorders are a group of mental illnesses characterized by significant disturbances in the emotional sphere. These disorders can seriously affect a person’s quality of life, work capacity, and social relationships. Early diagnosis of affective disorders plays a crucial role in effective treatment and prevention of complications.
Twin Method as a Tool for Studying Mental Disorders
The twin method is one of the most powerful tools in the arsenal of geneticists and psychiatrists for studying the role of heredity and the environment in the development of mental disorders. This method is based on comparing the similarity between monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins, allowing researchers to assess the contribution of genetic […]
Somatoform Disorders: Psychological Causes of Physical Symptoms
Somatoform disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by the presence of physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by any known medical conditions, the direct effects of psychoactive substances, or other mental disorders. These symptoms cause significant distress and hinder communication, work, and other vital activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Becomes Pathological
We all experience anxiety at certain moments in life—before an important event, in stressful situations, or when facing uncertainty. Anxiety is a normal human emotion that helps us mobilize resources to overcome challenges. However, for some people, anxiety becomes excessive and interferes with their ability to live their lives.
Anxiety Disorder: Understanding and Overcoming
Anxiety Disorder (AD) is a chronic mental condition characterized by excessive anxiety, worry, and fears that significantly hinder a person’s daily life. People with AD tend to experience a constant feeling of tension, apprehension, and worry, even in situations that do not pose a real threat.
Hypomania: Energy That Changes Life for the Worse
Hypomania is a state of moderately elevated mood, energy, and activity that is part of the bipolar disorder spectrum. While hypomania may be perceived as a positive and productive state, it represents a form of manic episode and can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Secrets of Harmony and Dissonance
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. ASD is referred to as a “spectrum” because the symptoms and their severity can vary greatly among individuals.
Schizoid Personality Disorder: The Hidden Symphony of Loneliness
Schizoid Personality Disorder (SzPD) is a relatively understudied but not uncommon mental condition, characterized by difficulties in interpersonal relationships and a tendency towards loneliness. A person with SzPD is often perceived as emotionally detached, introverted, and indifferent to social interactions. However, beneath this outward appearance lies a complex personality with unique thought patterns and perceptions […]
Survivor’s Guilt: The Psychological Drama of Modern Heroes
In critical moments, when we face traumatic events or life-threatening situations, the survival instinct takes over. However, for some people who have survived a tragedy, the struggle doesn’t end after the danger has passed. They may experience deep feelings of guilt, depression, and emotional difficulties, known as “survivor’s guilt.”
Antisocial personality disorder: signs, symptoms, treatment
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a persistent disregard and lack of respect for the rights and feelings of others. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit aggressive or manipulative behavior and may act irresponsibly, ignoring social norms, rules, and obligations.
Bipolar Disorder: Living in a Rhythm of Mood Extremes
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness characterized by significant mood swings that can greatly exceed the usual emotional range between joy and sadness, shifting from manic or hypomanic states (elevated mood and maximum energy) to episodes of deep depression, accompanied by decreased motivation and a lack of interest in life.
Anhedonia: Tips for Restoring Full Perception of the World
Anhedonia is a condition where a person loses the ability to experience pleasure from activities or interests that previously brought them joy. This can affect various aspects of life, including interest in social interactions, hobbies, food, sex, and other activities. Anhedonia is often a symptom of various mental disorders, such as clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar […]
Clinical Depression: New Horizons in Understanding the Disease
Clinical depression is a serious mental illness characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in life, and a lack of pleasure in usual activities, which significantly affects a person’s daily life. It goes beyond normal mood fluctuations and short-term emotional reactions to current life challenges.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder: When Self-Love Goes Beyond the Boundary
Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by prolonged and excessive self-admiration, a need for admiration and attention from others, and a lack of empathy. People with narcissistic personality disorder often display dismissive, arrogant behavior or attitudes, a preoccupation with fantasies of boundless success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
Borderline Personality Disorder: Life on an Emotional Rollercoaster
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental illness characterized by significant emotional instability, problems with self-esteem, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and frequent impulsive behavior. The main signs of this disorder include intense fears of rejection, difficulties managing anger, mood swings, feelings of emptiness, and instability in self-identity.