Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder associated with the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles (and the circadian rhythm). As a result, individuals diagnosed with narcolepsy often experience excessive daytime sleepiness and may fall asleep unexpectedly. Some have suggested that the excessive daytime sleepiness stemming from narcolepsy is akin to how a normal person feels if …
Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by cyclical mood swings, transitioning from depression to mania (or hypomania). For a period of time, an individual with bipolar disorder will experience debilitating bouts of depression – and often unexpectedly, their entire neurophysiology will shift to facilitate a state of mania (elevated mood). Diagnostically, there are multiple types …
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a condition characterized by inability to concentrate and often comorbid hyperactive behaviors. It is considered the most common psychiatric disorder among children and adolescents (affecting approximately 5%) and is fairly common among adults (affecting approximately 4%). Individuals with ADHD may face serious difficulties completing projects, studying at school, holding a steady …
For individuals in the United States between the age of 15 and 44, major depression is the leading cause of disability. Major depression is often a heritable condition, caused by maladaptive genes getting transferred across generations. That said, not everyone diagnosed with major depressive disorder inherited the condition from ancestors or should be blaming their …
It is estimated that over 2.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with schizophrenia; this equates to approximately 1.1% of the population. There are many different types of schizophrenia, in fact, genetic clusters suggest it is 8 distinct diseases. Therefore not everyone diagnosed with schizophrenia has the same set of symptoms. Certain …
Fluoride is considered a colorless inorganic anion of the chemical fluorine and is commonly used as an additive in drinking water to improve dental health. Adding fluoride to tap water is a proven method for decreasing rates of tooth decay and cavities. The United States Center for Disease Control markets fluoridation of tap water as being …
TMS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation) is considered a non-invasive neurostimulation procedure aimed at normalizing brain activity among those with abnormal neurological function. Individuals diagnosed with psychiatric conditions (e.g. depression) may turn to TMS for relief if standard first-line pharmacological options fail to ameliorate symptoms. A TMS device works by using pulsed magnetic fields to generate low-grade electrical currents. …