Posts archive for April, 2012

Intellectual Developmental Disorder / Mental Retardation

The term “mental retardation” is an often-misunderstood term and since it is seen as derogatory in the general public we use the term “intellectual disability.”  In general people believe that retardation is only diagnosed on the basis of below-normal intelligence (IQ), and that those with intellectual disabilities are unable to […]

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Specific Phobia

What is a specific phobia? A specific phobia, formerly called a simple phobia, is a lasting and unreasonable fear caused by the presence or thought of a specific object or situation that usually poses little or no actual danger. Exposure to the object or situation brings about an immediate reaction, […]

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder? Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, once called shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome, is a serious potentially debilitating condition that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, serious accident, terrorist incident, sudden death of a loved one, war, violent personal […]

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Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder, previously called Social Phobia, is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. People with social anxiety disorder have an intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of doing things that will embarrass […]

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? Generalized Anxiety Disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder anticipate disaster and are overly concerned about health issues, money, family problems, or difficulties at work. […]

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Panic Disorder

What is Panic Disorder? Panic disorder is a real illness that can be successfully treated. It is characterized by sudden attacks of terror, usually accompanied by a pounding heart, sweatiness, weakness, faintness, or dizziness. During these attacks, people with panic disorder may flush or feel chilled; their hands may tingle […]

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of a group of behavioral disorders called disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) that occur in children and adolescents. These disorders are called this because children who have these disorders tend to disrupt those around them. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) […]

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Tic Disorders and Tourette’s Syndrome

What are Tics?   Tics are short-lasting repetitive muscle movements that may involve any voluntary muscle groups and occur suddenly during what is otherwise normal behavior.  Most tics are mild and hardly noticeable. However, in some cases they are frequent and severe, and can affect many areas of an individual’s […]

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Separation Anxiety Disorder

Does your child hover around you like a shadow? Does he or she refuse to let you go out without her? Does she get upset or refuse to go to school or a friend’s house without you? Your child may suffer from Separation Anxiety. Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is the […]

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