Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
ADHD is a developmental disorder primarily recognizable by a combination of hyperactivity and attention problems, with the two often occurring simultaneously. ADHD treatment usually involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, behavioral therapy, and counseling.
- ADHD is the most frequently studied and diagnosed childhood psychiatric disorder, with approximately three to five percent of children affected globally.
- Generalized anxiety disorder. A common disorder in which a person has long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any particular situation or object. Patients have non-specific fears and worries and obsess over everyday matters.
- Panic disorder (with agoraphobia). Panic disorder causes what are often known as “panic attacks”, where a person undergoes a brief attack of intense apprehension or terror, with the possibility of confusion, shaking, nausea, and breathing trouble. These may sometimes lead the person to avoid any situations that may trigger a panic attack, perhaps preventing them from rarely or ever leave their homes.
- Phobias. The most common form of anxiety disorder, phobias is characterized by an intense, irrational fear triggered by a specific situation, object, or stimulus, with the sufferer expecting terrifying consequences upon encountering the subject of their phobia.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Characterized by repetitive compulsions (strong urges to perform certain acts in a ritualistic manner, such as cleaning or hoarding) and obsessions (a preoccupation with intrusive thoughts or images), with the former often being used as a way to relieve the stress of the latter.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is an anxiety disorder that results from a traumatic experience, such as combat, hostage situations, child abuse, or serious accidents. This includes long-term stressors, such as soldiers who are unaffected by a single battle but cannot withstand the mental stress of continuous combat engagements.
Separation anxiety. An inappropriate and excessive level of anxiety caused by being separated from a certain person or place. It is most common in infants and young children.