An eating disorder is a mental health condition that affects your relationship with food and how you see yourself (body image). Eating disorders affect your physical and emotional health and can be life-threatening. The symptoms of eating disorders look and feel different for each person and vary based on the type. You may count calories or limit how much and what types …

Anorexia (anorexia nervosa) is an eating disorder in which you restrict the number of calories you consume, resulting in a nutrient deficit and often — but not always — a very low body weight. People with anorexia also have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. They often don’t recognize the seriousness of the condition. If you think frequently about food …

Anorgasmia is delayed, infrequent or absent orgasms — or significantly less-intense orgasms — after sexual arousal and adequate sexual stimulation. Women who have problems with orgasms and who feel significant distress about those problems may be diagnosed with anorgasmia. Among all women, the frequency and intensity of orgasms vary. Also, for any individual, orgasms can be different from one time …

Anterior vaginal prolapse, also known as a cystocele (SIS-toe-seel) or a prolapsed bladder, is when the bladder drops from its usual position in the pelvis and pushes on the wall of the vagina. The organs of the pelvis — including the bladder, uterus and intestines — are typically held in place by the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic …

Anthrax (pronounced “AN-thraks”) is an infectious disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis bacteria. The bacteria are dormant, or inactive, in soil. Disease from anthrax mostly affects animals that graze on land that has the bacteria and is extremely rare in the United States. People can become infected through inhaled bacteria spores, contaminated food or water, or skin wounds. Antibiotics are the first line …

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day after taking medications used to treat bacterial infections (antibiotics). About 1 in 5 people who take antibiotics develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Most often, antibiotic-associated diarrhea is mild and requires no treatment. The diarrhea typically clears up within a few days after you stop taking the antibiotic. More-serious …

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition that makes your body much more likely than usual to form blood clots. Healthcare providers sometimes call it antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. The blood clots from APS can cause severe, life-threatening complications like strokes. They can also make pregnant people much more likely to experience miscarriages and other pregnancy complications. APS is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune …

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is a mental health condition that can affect the way you think and interact with others and lead you to: Manipulate or deceive people. Exploit or take advantage of someone else for your own benefit. Disregard the law or the rights of other people. Feel no remorse for your actions. It’s common for people diagnosed with ASPD to …

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It’s characterized by excessive, frequent and unrealistic worry about everyday things, such as job responsibilities, health or chores. It can affect children and adults. GAD is one of several anxiety disorders. Most people with GAD have one or more other psychiatric …

Social anxiety disorder (formerly known as social phobia) is a mental health condition where you experience intense and ongoing fear of being judged negatively and/or watched by others. Social anxiety disorder is a common anxiety disorder. If you have social anxiety disorder, you have anxiety or fear in specific or all social situations, including: Meeting new people. Performing in front of …