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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Diseases

Mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about event. May also cause emotional numbness, avoidance, hypervigilance. Treated with trauma-focused psychotherapy and medications.

More Diseases Terms

Addison's Disease

Rare disorder where adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and often aldosterone. Symptoms develop slowly: fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin darkening. Life-threatening adrenal crisis can occur with stress. Requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.

Alzheimer Disease

Most common cause of dementia, progressive brain disorder destroying memory and thinking skills. Symptoms worsen over time: memory loss, confusion, difficulty with familiar tasks, personality changes. Usually begins after 60. Exact cause unknown but involves abnormal protein buildup in brain. No cure.

Alzheimer's Disease

Progressive brain disorder destroying memory and cognitive function due to brain cell death. Most common cause of dementia. Begins with mild memory loss, progresses to inability to carry on conversation or respond to environment. No cure. Current medications temporarily improve symptoms. Eventually requires full-time care.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. Causes muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing. No cure. Riluzole may slow progression. Eventually requires feeding tube and ventilator. Average survival 3-5 years from diagnosis. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease.

Anxiety

Mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. Types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath. Treatable with therapy and/or medication.

Asthma

Chronic condition causing airways to narrow and swell, producing extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, stress. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness. Controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and quick-relief inhalers. Can be life-threatening if severe.

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