What Are Elimination Disorders?

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images What Are Elimination Disorders? Elimination disorders are present in children that urinate or defecate in places other than the toilet. Children with these disorders are usually past the age where such acts are common behavior. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images This condition is diagnosed in children between the ages of 7 and 12. This means children may urinate or defecate on their beds or clothing without intending to....

April 26, 2025 · 4 min · 787 words · James Anderson

What Are Hallucinations?

The word “hallucination” comes from Latin and means “to wander mentally.” No matter what is causing hallucinations, they should be taken seriously. However, they are also a possible characteristic ofbipolar disorder. Tim Robberts Collection / Stone / Getty Images With bipolar I disorder, hallucinations are possible, both with mania and depression. In bipolar II, hallucinations may occur only during the depressive phase. Bipolar disorder that presents with hallucinations or delusions can also lead to a diagnosis ofbipolar disorder with psychotic features....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 235 words · Michael Lawrence

What Are Heuristics?

Heuristics are mental shortcuts that allow people to solve problems and make judgments quickly and efficiently. Think of these as mental “rule-of-thumb” strategies that shorten decision-making time. Such shortcuts allow us to function without constantly stopping to think about our next course of action. Verywell / Cindy Chung However, heuristics have both benefits and drawbacks. These strategies can be handy in many situations but can also lead tocognitive biases. Becoming aware of this might help you make better and more accurate decisions....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 589 words · Laura Wolfe

What Are Language Disorders?

LightFieldStudios / Getty Images Children come to the world almost pre-programmed to learn the language of their environment. In some cases, children may not meet certain developmentalmilestones. A language disorder triggers when a child is unable to compose theirthoughts, ideas, and messages using language. LightFieldStudios / Getty Images This is known as an expressive language disorder. Sometimes, a child may live with a mix of expressive and receptive language disorders....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 445 words · Kimberly Rodgers

What Are Learning Disabilities?

Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Simon2579 / Getty Images What are learning disabilities? This article explores the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of learning disabilities. Special education, treatment, support, kindness, and patience can help them achieve success. Simon2579 / Getty Images Vidyadharan V, Tharayil HM.Learning disorder or learning disability: Time to rethink.Indian J Psychol Med. 2019;41(3):276-278. doi:10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_371_18 National Institute for Learning Development.What is a learning disability? National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Alan Neal

What Are Mental Disorders?

What exactly is a mental disorder? How are these conditions diagnosed? Defining exactly what constitutes a psychological disorder can be tricky, and definitions have changed over time. The first problem is that a mental health professional must first decide exactly how to define “disorder.” How do you determine if there is something psychologically wrong or unhealthy about a person? How do you decide what’s normal and what’s abnormal? This article discusses how clinicians define and classify mental disorders....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 456 words · Michele Mason

What Are Microaggressions?

If so, you might have experienced what is called a microaggression. What Are Microaggressions? Below are some definitions of microaggressions as well as ideas on how to reduce them or minimize their impact. Verywell / Catherine Song Later in 2007, Columbia University psychologist Derald Sue further popularized and defined the term. Types of Microaggressions Derald Sue and colleagues went on to discuss different subtypes of microaggressions. Most often they are done intentionally and the person doing them knows that they are harmful and derogatory....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 357 words · Gregory Morse

What Are Mood Stabilizers?

These medications control the severity of the highs and lows experienced by restoring the chemical balance in the brain. Most commonly, mood stabilizers are used to treat those withbipolar disorder. It was first discovered in Australian and Chilean mines in 1817. Staticnak1983 / Getty Images The exact mechanism of how lithium works as a mood stabilizer is not yet fully known. Lithiums most recognized brand names include Eskalith, Lithobid, and Lithonate....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 410 words · Christina Wheeler

What Are My Dominant Personality Traits? Take the Quiz and Find Out

Take this personality test to find out your dominant traits. Who Is This Quiz For? The truth is, there are numerous ways to assess your personality and plenty of reasons to do so. Verywell / Bailey Mariner. For instance, this quiz may tell you you have moreintroverted tendencies. Does this mean you are a shy, timid little mouse incapable of being social or going to parties? But it could highlight a more dominant part of your personality that could be influencing your day-to-day life....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 165 words · David Reynolds

What Are My Precognitive Dreams Trying to Tell Me?

Having a dream that seems to predict the future can be exciting but also scary and distressing. People often wonder if their dreams can actually predict the future or whether its just some uncanny coincidence. Dreams that seem to predict future events are called precognitive dreams. Verywell Mind / Getty Images Precognitive dreaming occurs frequently in the general population, Dr. Marlo notes. Want to learn more about the strange phenomenon of precognitive dreams?...

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 521 words · Katrina Anderson

What Are Neurobehavioral Disorders?

Wera Rodsawang / Getty Images What Are Neurobehavioral Disorders? Significant behavioral changes in the people who develop them characterize these disorders. In some instances, these disorders overlap. Wera Rodsawang / Getty Images Neurobehavioral disorders affect ones behavior, emotions, and learning processes. This group of disorders is sometimes referred to as neurodevelopmental disorders, and both terms could be used interchangeably. Additionally, theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)outlines the criteria for each disorder....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 507 words · Jennifer Davis

What Are Night Terrors?

Claudio Burlotti / Getty Images What Are Night Terrors? They tend to be more common in young children, but they can also be experienced by adults. These episodes may last for several minutes, but people usually do not fully awaken. Claudio Burlotti / Getty Images Your doctor may also order other tests if health problems or a sleep disorder are suspected. Your doctor will also ask you a number of questions....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 300 words · Adam Taylor

What Are Nocturnal Panic Attacks?

Tetra Images / Getty Images Nocturnal panic attacks occur while a person is sleeping. Nocturnal panic attacks can potentially contribute to sleep disturbances and leave you feeling tired throughout your day. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments for nocturnal panic attacks. Tetra Images / Getty Images It also explores some of the steps you could take to prevent them from happening. Somatic sensations, such as sweating, heart palpitations, and chest pain are common....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 379 words · Timothy Morris