Understanding a child with TS Children with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders may display a wide array of symptoms that are difficult to control. Vocal tics (for example, humming, clearing the throat, or yelling out a word or phrase), and multiple motor tics (for example, blinking or shrugging the shoulders) can...
What Is Postpartum Depression? Depression During Pregnancy and after Childbirth For most women, having a baby is a very exciting, joyous, and often anxious time. But for women with peripartum (formerly postpartum) depression it can become very distressing and difficult. Peripartum depression refers to depression occurring during pregnancy or after childbirth. The use of...
What Is Somatic Symptom Disorder? Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical...
What are Personality Disorders? Personality is the way of thinking, feeling and behaving that makes a person different from other people. An individual’s personality is influenced by experiences, environment (surroundings, life situations) and inherited characteristics. A person’s personality typically stays the same over time. A personality disorder is a way of...
What Are Sleep Disorders? Sleep disorders (or sleep-wake disorders) involve problems with the quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment in functioning. Sleep-wake disorders often occur along with medical conditions or other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or cognitive disorders. There are several different...
What Is Specific Learning Disorder? Specific learning disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders that are typically diagnosed in early school-aged children, although may not be recognized until adulthood. They are characterized by a persistent impairment in at least one of three major areas: reading, written expression, and/or math. An estimated five to 15% of...
What Are Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders? These are a group of disorders that are linked by varying difficulties in controlling aggressive behaviors, self-control, and impulses. Typically, the resulting behaviors or actions are considered a threat primarily to others’ safety and/or to societal norms. Some examples of these issues include fighting,...
What is Intellectual Disability? Intellectual disability1 involves problems with general mental abilities that affect functioning in two areas: intellectual functioning (such as learning, problem solving, judgement) adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living) Additionally, the intellectual and adaptive deficit begin early in the developmental period. Intellectual disability affects about...
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism. Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders Early signs...
What Is ADHD? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment...