Bipolar disorder is a long-term mental health condition characterized by significant changes in mood, energy levels, activity, and ability to function. These mood changes range from emotional highs, known as manic or hypomanic episodes, to emotional lows, known as depressive episodes. The shifts in mood are more intense than normal mood variations and can affect daily life, relationships, and work. …
Auditory processing disorder, also known as APD, is a condition in which the brain has difficulty processing sounds, even though the ears may be working normally. Unlike other forms of hearing loss that result from damage to the ear, APD involves problems in the part of the brain responsible for interpreting sound. Auditory processing disorder is sometimes called central auditory …
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive, communicate, and interact with others. It is characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of symptoms and their varying severity. Autism spectrum disorder includes conditions previously considered separate, such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, …
Autoimmune hepatitis is a liver disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver, causing inflammation, irritation, and damage. The exact cause is unclear, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors appears to trigger the disease over time. If left untreated, autoimmune hepatitis can lead to liver scarring, known as cirrhosis, and may eventually result in liver failure. …
Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is inflammation of the pancreas caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the organ. Two subtypes of AIP are recognized: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 AIP, also called IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), can affect multiple organs, including the pancreas, bile ducts, salivary glands, kidneys, and lymph nodes. Type 2 AIP typically affects only the pancreas, although …
Autonomic neuropathy occurs when the nerves that control automatic body functions are damaged. This can affect blood pressure, temperature regulation, digestion, bladder function, and sexual function. Nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and organs within the autonomic nervous system, including the heart, blood vessels, and sweat glands. Diabetes is the most common cause, but other health conditions, infections, or …
Avascular necrosis is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Also called osteonecrosis, it can cause tiny breaks in the bone and eventually lead to bone collapse. The process can take months or even years. Blood flow to a bone can be interrupted by a broken bone or dislocated joint. Long-term use of high-dose steroid …
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds but can sometimes spread to humans. It is caused by influenza A viruses, with certain strains such as H5N1 and H7N9 being more likely to infect people. Human infections are rare but can be serious when they occur. Most human cases are linked to close …
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a long-term neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of children worldwide and often continues into adulthood. The disorder is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior that interferes with daily functioning and development. Children with ADHD may struggle with focus, self-control and staying organized. These challenges can affect academic performance, …
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as adult ADHD, is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, impulsivity and restlessness. Although often associated with childhood, ADHD begins early in life and may continue into adulthood. In many individuals, symptoms are not recognized or formally diagnosed until adult years. Adult ADHD can affect many areas of daily life, …