Mental Health And Behavioural Sciences

Akathisia is derived from the Greek word "akathemi", which means "a condition of never sitting down". Akathisia is a condition where the person feels an intense urge to move, resulting in intense restlessness. The patient feels an undeniable urge to move regularly. It usually appears as a side-effect of taking first-generation antipsychotics. These drugs have been used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, cases have been recorded where people have also developed this condition after taking newer drugs. It is estimated that around 20-70% of the people who have consumed these medicines have shown akathisia as a side effect, usually in the first few weeks of their treatment.

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Anxiety is characterised by feelings of excessive worry, fear, and uneasiness about normal day-to-day situations, which are perceived as dangerous. It is frequently accompanied by physical symptoms like muscular tension, restlessness, fatigue, inability to catch one's breath, abdominal discomfort, etc. We all feel some degree of anxiety at times, which is usually a normal response to a stressful situation, for e.g. before exams or an interview or any challenging task, or when faced with a negative situation. It becomes a disorder when it starts overwhelming you, or it persists regardless of the situation, negatively affecting your productivity, relationships, work, studies or quality of life.

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Depression can be described as feeling sad, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. It is widely related to mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. Common symptoms include irritation, restlessness, feelings of hoplessness, sleeping disorders etc.

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A febrile seizure is a type of seizure that occurs due to a high fever (102°F and above) in a young child. It is also known as febrile convulsions, and it majorly happens in children between the ages of 6 months and three years. A febrile seizure usually occurs during the first few hours of a fever. After that, the child might show some symptoms of seizure-like rolling of eyes, stiffening the body, unresponsive for a short time, and more. However, these seizures are usually harmless and often last a few minutes. They don't indicate any serious medical condition. Types There are two types of febrile seizures that depend on the duration of the episode: Simple febrile seizures: These are the most common type of febrile seizures in children due to high fever. The seizure usually lasts for a few minutes, and the child has full-body convulsions. Complex febrile seizures: These are less common types of febrile seizures. They can last longer than 10 minutes and can happen more than once in 24 hours. The seizures can start focally with one body part moving independently of others. Symptoms There are different symptoms of a febrile seizure. However, not every child will suffer from all the signs. Some of the symptoms include: High fever or rapid rise in body temperature Muscle contraction for 15 to 20 seconds Rolling of the eyes Difficulty in breathing Temporary skin discolouration Loss of consciousness Clenching of teeth A seizure that may last for one or two minutes Causes Febrile seizures occur when there is a high fever. The cause of the fever is usually due to bacterial infection. The flu and roseola appear to be commonly associated with febrile seizures. In some cases, the febrile seizure may be caused due to some childhood vaccinations. These may include tetanus, pertussis vaccine, measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, and more. However, the root cause of this condition is still not known at the moment. Diagnosis The diagnosis of febrile seizures is not generally required if they last less than two minutes and do not reoccur. This is primarily because these seizures occur with the child's normal development. However, the doctor will carefully monitor the condition and medical history of the child to rule out other conditions like epilepsy. For simple febrile seizures, the doctor may perform specific tests just to rule out other conditions. These may include: Blood test Urine test Spinal tap to check the central nervous system infection like meningitis in rare cases The doctor may recommend an electroencephalogram (EEG) to check brain activity in complex febrile seizures. This may be done if the child's episode lasts for an unusual amount of time, symptoms of increased pressure in the skull, irregular neurological evaluation, and more. Treatment There is no need to treat febrile seizures in most cases, as they stop on their own within a couple of minutes. However, it can be frightening and distressing to the child having a seizure for any parent. But it is important to note that these seizures are generally harmless, and almost all children recover entirely afterwards. That said, one can take some actions while the child is having a febrile seizure, including: Roll them onto their side Don't put anything in the mouth Don't restrict the movement of the seizure Move the baby away from objects that may harm them during convulsions Loosen uptight or restrictive cloths Call emergency medical attention if the febrile seizure lasts more than five minutes or the child has repeated seizures within 24 hours. That said, a hospital stay isn't necessary for a simple febrile seizure. That said, once the seizure subsides, the doctor may recommend some medications to treat the condition. Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to bring the temperature of the child during fever. For recurring febrile seizures, the doctor may recommend using diazepam. Moreover, the doctor may also prescribe rescue medicine to stop seizures fast. However, these are meant to be used in extreme conditions and not daily. Risk factor Children who are at higher risk of febrile seizure may have the following conditions: Age: Children who are younger than 18 months are at increased risk of getting febrile seizure. Family history: Children who have a family history of febrile seizures are at increased risk of getting febrile seizures. Prevention Febrile seizures cannot be prevented, as they mostly go away within a few minutes. However, one can do a few things to reduce the chance of developing a fever. Giving fever medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as prescribed by the doctor helps to reduce the fever. However, it cannot prevent febrile seizures. Complication Most febrile seizures don't have any lasting effects on the child. Simple febrile seizures usually don't cause any damage to the brain or mean that the child has any underlying condition or disorder. Febrile seizures should not also be mistaken with epilepsy, which is a severe condition that causes unprovoked seizures due to abnormal electrical signals in the brain. Outlook The outlook for simple febrile seizures is usually positive, as it goes away on its own within two minutes. However, in the case of complex febrile seizures, there may be a need for medical attention to rule out other risk factors or any underlying condition. Review Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Saxena, Senior Director & HOD, Neurosciences, Neurology.

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Obsessive compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations, or behaviour that make them feel driven to do something. Common activities include hand washing, counting of things, and checking to see if a door is locked. Some may have difficulty throwing things out. These activities occur to such a degree that the person's daily life is negatively affected.Often they take up more than an hour a day.Most adults realize that the behaviors do not make sense. The condition is associated with tics, anxiety disorder, and an increased risk of suicide.

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Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe psychiatric condition that influences an individual's thought processes, emotions, and actions. People diagnosed with schizophrenia may appear disconnected from reality, causing distress for both themselves and their family members. Although schizophrenia is not as common as other mental disorders, the symptoms can be very disabling. Understanding schizophrenia is crucial as it can lead to better treatment options and a more empathetic approach to those affected by it. Types of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder with several subtypes, each presenting distinct symptoms that affect individuals differently. Paranoid schizophrenia: Characterised by prominent delusions and auditory hallucinations. Individuals often believe they are being persecuted or have extraordinary abilities. Disorganised schizophrenia: Marked by disorganised speech and behaviour, as well as inappropriate or flat affect, individuals show little or no emotions in their facial expressions, voice tone, or mannerisms. This type severely affects daily functioning. Catatonic schizophrenia: Involves extremes of behaviour, from getting hyperactive to complete immobility. Individuals may also exhibit echolalia (meaninglessly repeating what another person says) or echopraxia (involuntary repetition or imitation of another person's actions). Undifferentiated schizophrenia: A type that doesn't fit neatly into the other categories but still involves symptoms of schizophrenia. Residual schizophrenia: Characterised by a history of schizophrenia but currently no prominent psychotic symptoms, though some symptoms exist but are weaker than in other subtypes. Causes of Schizophrenia The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. Genetics: Schizophrenia tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component. However, it is not solely determined by genetics, as many people with a family history of schizophrenia do not develop the disorder. Brain structure and chemistry: Abnormalities in brain structure and neurotransmitter systems, particularly involving dopamine and glutamate, are linked to schizophrenia. Environmental factors: Prenatal malnutrition, exposure to viruses, as well as psychosocial elements such as childhood trauma or stress may elevate the likelihood of developing schizophrenia. Substance use: Some studies suggest that taking mind-altering drugs during teenage years and young adulthood can increase the risk of schizophrenia. Symptoms of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia symptoms generally fall into three categories: positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms: These are psychotic behaviours not seen in healthy people, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, and movement disorders. Negative symptoms: These include decreased ability to function normally, such as reduced speaking, lack of pleasure in everyday life, and neglect of personal hygiene. Cognitive symptoms: Subtle or severe, these symptoms affect memory, attention, and executive functions. They may struggle to follow instructions, pay attention, or complete tasks. Diagnosis of Schizophrenia Diagnosing schizophrenia involves a combination of physical exams, psychological evaluations, and diagnostic tests. The process includes: Physical exam: To rule out other conditions that could cause symptoms. Lab tests: These might include tests to screen for alcohol and drugs and imaging studies like MRI or CT scans. Psychiatric evaluation: A psychiatrist assesses mental status by asking about thoughts, moods, delusions, hallucinations, substance use, and potential for suicidal or violent behaviour. Diagnostic criteria: To diagnose schizophrenia, the doctor may use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Treatment of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment options include: Medications: Antipsychotic medications play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia. These help control symptoms by affecting neurotransmitter systems. Therapy: Psychosocial treatments can help patients cope with daily challenges. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, and social skills training are beneficial. Hospitalisation: Severe symptoms may require hospitalisation to ensure safety, proper nutrition, sleep, and hygiene. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT may be an option for patients who do not respond to medication. Complications of Schizophrenia Schizophrenia can lead to numerous complications, affecting various aspects of life: Self-harm and suicide: Schizophrenia significantly increases the risk of self-harm and suicide. Substance abuse: Many individuals with schizophrenia may use alcohol or drugs to cope with their symptoms, leading to substance abuse problems. Social isolation: The symptoms and stigma associated with schizophrenia can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Health issues: Individuals with schizophrenia often have a higher incidence of physical health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, partly due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor self-care. Legal and financial problems: Schizophrenia can lead to legal issues and financial instability due to impaired judgement and inability to work. Prevention of Schizophrenia While there is no sure way to prevent schizophrenia, early treatment can help manage symptoms before serious complications develop. Some preventive strategies include: Early intervention: Recognising and treating symptoms early can improve the long-term outlook. Stress management: Reducing stress and learning coping mechanisms can help prevent the worsening of symptoms. Healthy lifestyle: Following a healthy way of life, such as having a good diet, staying physically active, and refraining from using drugs, may enhance mental health. Support systems: A strong support system can help individuals effectively manage their symptoms and lower the chances of complications. Schizophrenia necessitates thorough treatment and support due to its complex and challenging nature. Understanding its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options can foster a more empathetic approach towards those affected. Early intervention and continuous support are crucial in managing schizophrenia effectively and improving the quality of life for those living with this condition. FAQs What is the role of psychotherapy in treating schizophrenia? Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), helps individuals with schizophrenia manage symptoms, improve social skills, and address emotional challenges, complementing medication for comprehensive treatment. Can stress worsen schizophrenia symptoms? Yes, stress can exacerbate schizophrenia symptoms, triggering or intensifying episodes of psychosis, delusions, and hallucinations due to its impact on the brain's chemical balance.  Does shock treatment help schizophrenia? Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be effective for treating schizophrenia, particularly for severe symptoms, catatonia, or when rapid response is needed, despite potential side effects. What is schizoaffective disorder, and how is it different from schizophrenia? Schizoaffective disorder features symptoms of both schizophrenia (psychosis) and mood disorders (depression or bipolar). Unlike schizophrenia, it includes significant mood episode components. What is a relapse in schizophrenia, and how can it be prevented? A relapse in schizophrenia is the return of symptoms after improvement. Prevention involves adherence to treatment plans, medication compliance, stress management, and regular medical follow-ups. Review  Reviewed By Dr Sandeep Govil, Senior Consultant - Psychiatry, Mental Health And Behavioural Sciences on 15 July 2024.

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Tourette syndrome is typically a condition that causes people to make repeated, quick movements or sounds that they cannot control. These movements or sounds are called tics. ourette's is no longer considered a rare condition, but it is not always correctly identified because most cases are mild and the severity of tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence. Between 0.4% and 3.8% of children and adolescents ages 5 to 18 may have Tourette's. The prevalence of other tic disorders in school-age children is higher, with the more common tics of eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements.

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