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Psyche

“Psyche” is the ancient Greek word for soul. In modern language usage, it refers to the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. However, when people talk about mental (psych) disorders, it is not always immediately clear what is meant. Medical practitioners and psychotherapists use the international classification of diseases ICD-10 for diagnosis and treatment purposes.

Psyche

Sleep disorders

People with sleep disorders are often tired and exhausted because they have not had enough restful sleep. Up to one third of people experience problems falling asleep or getting a good night’s sleep.

Depression

People with depression feel despondent, have negative thoughts and withdraw from family and friends for weeks at a time. Daily life, work, and studying become difficult.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is one type of depression that can occur in women shortly after they give birth. Depressive symptoms and feeling very mixed emotions in relation to the baby are typical.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop as a result of a trauma that has been experienced. Typical symptoms are flashbacks, anxieties and sleeping problems.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

An obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can have a major impact on every aspect of daily life. There is no cure for OCD. There are treatment options to help people manage it.

Generalized anxiety disorder

It is normal to experience fear at times. Fear puts us in a state of readiness so that we can react quickly. However, persistent worry could be an indication of generalized anxiety disorder.

Burnout

What is referred to as burnout is usually a personal crisis. It is a reaction to constant stress and overload. But there is no exact scientific definition of “burnout”.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia involves phases of an altered perception of reality. This can take the form of delusions, hearing voices or a feeling of being watched, for example.

Autism

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders with specific characteristics: people with autism have problems communicating with others and with social competence.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by circulatory disorders. The brain receives too little oxygen and becomes damaged, resulting in a reduction in mental abilities.

Non-specific physical disorders (functional somatic syndromes)

Many people experience persistent somatic symptoms with no clear medical cause. Functional somatic syndromes can be caused by stress and conflict.

Premature ejaculation

If a man almost always reaches orgasm too soon, this is known as premature ejaculation, the medical term for which is ejaculatio praecox. Exercises, medication or sex therapy can help.

ADHD

Children with ADHD are particularly inattentive, impulsive, and active. The symptoms may persist into adulthood.

Alzheimer’s disease

People with Alzheimer’s disease suffer a considerable loss of memory and cognitive functioning. The disease cannot be cured. However, treatment can have a positive effect on its progression.

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme fluctuations in mood. The person either feels on an emotional high or feels low and empty.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome refers to set of symptoms that women may have before their monthly menstrual period. Typical symptoms include mood swings, headaches and abdominal pain.

Eating disorders: when food becomes a problem

There are various kinds of eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia (binge-purge syndrome) and binge-eating disorder.