Found 121 Articles for Symptoms

Hypochondriasis and somatization disorder are two medical conditions that involve the presence of physical symptoms, but with different underlying causes. While both can cause significant distress and impairment, they differ in their clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches. What is Hypochondriasis? Hypochondriasis, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is a condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry about having a serious illness or medical condition, despite the absence of any physical symptoms or evidence of disease. Hypochondriacs often misinterpret bodily sensations or minor physical symptoms as signs of a severe illness, and their anxiety about their health can become ... Read More

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Schizophrenia are two mental disorders that have been extensively researched and studied by psychiatrists and psychologists. Although both of these disorders can cause significant distress and impairment in an individual's life, they have some significant differences in terms of their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)? DID (previously known as multiple personality disorder) is a complicated psychological condition that is triggered by many reasons like severe trauma during early childhood (for e.g. extreme physical abuse or extreme emotional abuse). The disorder can last for years, become chronic and in some ... Read More

Bilirubin is a yellowish substance that is produced in the body as a result of the breakdown of hemoglobin. It is an important pigment that is responsible for the yellow color of urine and feces. Bilirubin is transported in the blood to the liver, where it is processed and excreted from the body. There are two forms of bilirubin: conjugated bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin. In this essay, we will explore the differences between these two forms of bilirubin. What is Conjugated Bilirubin? Conjugated bilirubin, also known as direct bilirubin, is a form of bilirubin that is water-soluble and can be ... Read More

Conduct Disorder (CD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) are two types of behavioral disorders that can occur in children and adolescents. Although these disorders share some similarities, they are different in terms of their symptoms, causes, and treatments. Understanding the difference between these two disorders is crucial in determining the appropriate intervention and support for affected individuals. What is Conduct Disorder? According to the DSM 5, CD is a “repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated”. The manual furthered that the following criteria should be ... Read More

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Anorexia are two disorders that are often confused with each other due to their similar features. However, there are some key differences between these disorders, which are important to understand in order to provide effective treatment. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. These flaws may be minor or imagined, but they can have a significant impact on the individual's self-esteem and quality of life. People with BDD may spend hours each day checking and comparing ... Read More

Asthma and upper respiratory infection (URI) are two different respiratory conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Understanding the differences between these two conditions can help in their proper diagnosis, treatment, and management. What is Asthma? Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed causing the bronchial tubes to constrict. Excess mucus is also often produced and the person struggles to breathe. Asthma should be taken seriously as it can kill a person if not controlled. Symptoms of Asthma − Symptoms of asthma include a feeling of tightness in the chest, cough, and difficulty breathing. Patients often have ... Read More

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. It is caused by mutations in the genes that control the production of hemoglobin. There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Although they share similar symptoms, they are caused by different genetic mutations and have different degrees of severity. What is Alpha Thalassemia? Alpha thalassemia is the condition where there is a reduced formation of alpha polypeptide chains because of an absence of alpha genes. There are two forms of alpha thalassemia depending ... Read More

Agoraphobia and claustrophobia are two of the most common phobias that people suffer from. While both of these phobias can lead to intense feelings of fear and panic, they are very different from one another. Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, whereas claustrophobia is the fear of being in enclosed spaces. What is Agoraphobia? Agoraphobia is based on the Greek word "agora" which means "place of assembly" or "marketplace". Affected individuals often think that they can turn to no one for help when panic attacks would likely occur or they feel ... Read More

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are two distinct cardiovascular conditions, each with unique symptoms, causes, and treatment options. While both conditions can impact the heart's ability to function correctly, it is essential to understand the differences between AFib and CHF to ensure that patients receive proper diagnosis and treatment. What is Afib? Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the heart's upper chambers (the atria) beat irregularly, leading to an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. AFib can occur in individuals of any age, but it is more prevalent in people over the age of ... Read More

The liver is one the most important and heaviest (weighing in at 2% of our body weight) organs. Its health has repercussions across a range of bodily functions which makes it crucial that you know as much as you can. Only by asking more questions about your liver, can you answer them, when asked by a doctor/caregiver. And only then can you keep your liver in prime health, and avoid or respond rapidly in case of problems/emergencies. In this article, we answer the 9 most important questions about your liver. What are the Main Functions of Your Liver? The ... Read More