Alcohol addiction is also commonly known as alcoholism and it is a disease which can affect people from various walks of life. Alcoholism is actually a real disease because the dependency on alcohol results in changes to the neurochemistry and brain. This can result in a person suffering from alcohol addiction and not being able to control their actions. Experts and studies have tried to pinpoint or at least narrow down the factors that cause alcohol addiction, but it isn’t the result of a single cause. Instead, behavioral, genetic and psychological factors all contribute to this disease. The problem with alcohol is that unlike other forms of drug abuse, consumption of alcohol is socially accepted and it is very easily available as well. It’s actually often right at the center of social situations and used for celebrations. This makes it difficult to determine the difference between a person who likes to enjoy a few drinks sometimes, with someone who has a real problem because of it. What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction? Unlike other forms of drug addiction like heroin or cocaine, alcohol addiction isn’t easy to recognize. So, some symptoms of the same are: An increase in alcohol consumption or frequency of consumption An increased quantity or frequency of use High tolerance for alcohol Participating in risky endeavors which can cause harm to themselves and/or others.

Children can be often found daydreaming, fidgeting, and acting without thinking. If this happens once in a while, there’s nothing to worry about, but hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention could also be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD can affect a child’s mental growth and ability to get along with their peers. ADHD cannot be cured but with treatment, it can be managed quite effectively. In order to seek treatment, one must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of this condition. Inability to focus Difficulty in paying attention to tasks is one of the characteristic signs of ADHD. This is often noticed as a child’s inability to focus on a single activity or complete tasks without getting bored. They may make careless mistakes quite frequently. Children may also have trouble following instructions and may not be able to listen without being distracted. This is typically seen in the case of activities that have a repetitive nature. Fidgeting Children with ADHD are often hyperactive and impulsive. They may find it difficult to sit in one place and become perpetually  fidgety. The child may talk excessively or make noises continuously. Instead of playing with one toy at a time, the child may keep running from one toy to another.

Atrial fibrillation is a type of cardiac ailment where the patients experience a rapid heart rate. Such rapid heart rates can lead to heart failure, stroke, and other complications related to your heart. Typically, in atrial fibrillation, the atria beat irregularly and do not work in coordination with the lower heart chambers or ventricles. During atrial fibrillation, patients experience weakness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Causes of atrial fibrillation Atrial fibrillation results in irregular and fast heart rhythm. In the advanced stages of atrial fibrillation, the rate of the heartbeat may increase up to 100 to 175 per minute. A healthy heartbeat goes up to 60 to 100 times a minute. Any damage to the structure of the heart’s chambers or any abnormality is likely to be the prime causes of atrial fibrillation. In certain cases, atrial fibrillation may not be due to any damage or defects of the heart, which is known as lone atrial fibrillation. The possible cause of lone atrial fibrillation is not clear, and it does not usually lead to complications. Here’s a list of the possible causes that lead to a condition of atrial fibrillation: Any metabolic imbalance or an overactive thyroid gland A history of heart surgery Lung diseases Congenital heart disease Heart attacks Coronary artery disease Abnormality in heart valves Abnormality in blood pressure, primarily high blood pressure Sick sinus syndrome caused due to the improper functioning of the heart’s natural pacemaker Stress due to illness, surgery, and pneumonia Viral infections Sleep apnea Symptoms of atrial fibrillation The symptoms of atrial fibrillation highly depend on its causes.

An eating disorder is usually described as a condition that can be associated with irregular eating habits or an unhealthy concern about body weight or shape. Inadequate or excessive amount of food intake might cause damage to an individual’s well being. This disorder can lead to heart and kidney problems and even death, so getting help early is important. Factors that may lead to the development of an eating disorder include the following: Genetics Environment Peer pressure Emotional health Age Gender Dieting Types of eating disorders and their signs Eating disorders can be classified into six types: Anorexia Nervosa This disorder occurs when one tries to keep one’s weight as low as possible, by not eating enough food, exercising too much, or both. It generally occurs in teens and tends to affect more women than men. Thinning of bones, brittle hair and nails, infertility etc. can be experienced in this type of disorder. It might also result in heart, brain, or multi-organ failure and death. Common symptoms of this disorder are mentioned below: Being considerably underweight compared to people of similar age and height Restricted eating patterns A fear of gaining weight, despite being underweight An unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight Bulimia Nervosa This is one of the serious eating disorders too.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which the person experiences a pattern of fears and arbitrary thoughts that lead them to perform repetitive behaviors. The disorder can meddle with one’s everyday life and create major distress. Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder There are several treatment options available that can help in controlling the symptoms. Although you may not get completely cured, these treatments can considerably improve your quality of life. Some of the most commonly used treatment options are: Psychotherapy Generally, people suffering from the obsessive-compulsive disorder are suggested Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a type of psychotherapy. It involves exposing the patient to the obsession or feared object, such as dirt, and having them grasp some healthy ways of dealing with the anxiety. Although the technique involves a lot of patience and effort, it may help the patient in gradually overcoming their fears and leading a more satisfied life. Medications There are a plethora of medicines that can help in controlling the compulsions and obsessions of OCD. Under general circumstances, antidepressants are recommended first. Some of the most effective and commonly used antidepressants to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder include: Citalopram Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine Sertraline Paroxetine However, sometimes your doctor may prescribe other psychiatric medicines as well.