Hypomanic

Relating to hypomania, a mild form of the manic phase characteristic of bipolar illness.

Hypomanic states are often associated with enhanced productivity and creativity.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015

Mental health

A general state of emotional and psychological well-being, as manifest by the ability to cope with and meet the demands of everyday life.

Many people suffering from mental health problems are reluctant to get the help they need.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

Mania

A state of mental and physical overactivity characterised by pressured speech, racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, extreme irritability or elation and, not infrequently, delusions and hallucinations (i.e., psychosis). It is most commonly associated with bipolar disorder, a serious mental condition in which sufferers alternate between mania and depression.

True mania is a terrifying thing to witness and rarely forgotten.

by Doc_B May 04, 2015

Tourette's Syndrome

A neurological characterised by involuntary motor and phonic tics. This severe form of tic disorder affects males at approximately thrice the rate of females and is usually chronic.

Person A: why does that guy keep swearing and shaking his head?
Person B: he has Tourette's Syndrome.

by Doc_B April 16, 2015

Misophonia

A rarely diagnosed mental condition in which negative emotional experiences (from annoyance to extreme rage) are triggered by specific sounds, which can be either loud or soft. Nose sniffling, eating and breathing noises and tapping are all examples of trigger sounds for people suffering from this illness.

Misophonia, a sound sensitivity disorder, causes untold suffering and social withdrawal.

by Doc_B April 15, 2015

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Also known as OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder is a neurotic mental illness in which intrusive, negative thoughts and/or impulses which regularly enter the person's mind (obsessions) are counteracted by repetitive acts or rituals performed to alleviate the anxiety and general distress created by these obsessions. It is possible to qualify for a diagnosis of OCD if only obsessions or compulsions are present, although the vast majority have both.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is much more than being quirky or a bit of a neat freak.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015

panic disorder

A mental health condition characterised by recurring panic attacks and subsequent dread and avoidant behaviour in relation to the episodes.

Panic disorder can lead to agorophobia - a disorder which in its severest form renders the individual housebound.

by Doc_B April 14, 2015