Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects around 100,000 people in the UK. The lifelong condition affects the brain and spinal cord, and results in nerves being destroyed. The symptoms, and the severity of the illness, vary widely from person to person, but often include fatigue, vision problems, muscle spasms and impaired mobility. At first, patients tend to […]
Are we becoming a nation of digital technology addicts? Surely the figures speak for themselves. The average iPhone user unlocks their device 80 times per day, according to figures released by Apple earlier this year. Researchers from Nottingham Trent University in 2015 showed that young adults spend around one third of their waking hours using […]
Many people in prison suffer from mental illness and the Prison Service in the UK has under its care one of the most vulnerable and mentally unhealthy populations anywhere. Epidemiological studies agree that the prevalence of serious personality disorders, drug and alcohol dependence, suicidal and self-harming behaviour, and all forms of mental illness (both psychotic […]
This is a form of psychosis, triggered by a traumatic event or stressor, that lasts a short time only. Brief psychotic disorder is classed as an illness lasting from 1 day to 1 month, with an eventual return to normal level of functioning. People suffering with the condition are more at risk of harming themselves or others. It tends to […]
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a defined illness. Rather it is a collection of symptoms and behaviours characterised by inappropriate degrees of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder are typically impulsive, forgetful, restless to the point of disruption, prone to fail, unable to follow through on tasks, unpredictable and moody. These characteristics are relatively chronic […]
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Stress that is veering into the danger zone comes with tell-tale physical and emotional signs. These are the key things to look out for. Physical: “When we are in a fight or flight situation, the body releases lots of stress hormones including cortisol to gear the body up to cope with an emergency. Someone who […]
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This is a rare type of personality disorder, and diagnosis is controversial. However, symptoms include the fact that sufferers seek constant attention and exaggerated show of emotion. It tends to occur more in women than men. Women with HPD are described as self-centered, self-indulgent, and intensely dependent on others. They may engage in manipulative suicide […]
Background Anger is a physiological and psychological response to external pressures stresses and frustration. Anger can make us snappy, irritable or argumentative. We all get angry now and then, but for some people anger can become a problem, spiralling out of control and getting in the way of normal life. When does anger become a […]
We all feel the complete range of emotions throughout our lives, depending on what is happening around us and to us. Our ability to feel emotions, yet not be overwhelmed or controlled by them, is what allows us to cope with emotions such as stress, loss, loneliness, and anger. The World Health Organisation defines health […]
People who have migrated to a country from their homeland are much more vulnerable to mental illness. Studies carried out in various countries have long indicated that migrants often have higher rates of mental illness that either the native-born people or the population of their country of origin. Immigrants have much higher rates of schizophrenia […]