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Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness causing difficulty in the way one thinks, feels, and behaves. Sometimes previously referred to as paranoid schizophrenia, diagnosing the condition can be challenging. There isn’t a schizophrenia test that can be used for a definitive diagnosis. Also, several other mental illnesses can present with symptoms similar to schizophrenia, and other factors (such as methamphetamine or LSD drug use) may cause schizophrenic-like symptoms. Another obstacle to overcome in the diagnostic process is that many people with schizophrenia can’t recognize that their symptoms are due to a mental illness....

President Biden announced a plan on April 5 to address the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as long COVID. The effort will be led by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, who will work with other government agencies on research and support for patients. Key Takeaways A new White House initiative will rely on multiple departments to research how to define, predict, diagnose, and treat long COVID.Long COVID involves persistent symptoms that continue or emerge in the months after an acute COVID-19 infection....

According to a new study, eating two kiwifruits per day can help improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. The study looked specifically at SunGold kiwis. Key Takeaways A new study found that eating two SunGold Kiwis per day could have a positive effect on one’s sense of well-being.A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is linked to improved vitality.Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, including SunGold kiwis, could offer more benefits than taking a single nutrient in supplement-form....

Bacteria are an important part of our environment and our bodies. While most of them are harmless or even helpful, bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) can cause infection. There are several types of infections that can be caused. If you have sepsis symptoms like fever, rash, rapid heartbeat, or confusion you should seek medical care immediately, because a blood infection can be deadly. Continue reading to learn more about bacterial infections in the blood, including how to recognize septicemia and sepsis symptoms, and how to get the help you need....

The symptoms of hematologic malignancies (blood cancer) are usually generalized and vague, often including effects such as bruising, fevers, chills, and weight loss. If blood cancer is untreated, it can progress, usually with worsening effects, including organ failure. Many types of blood cancer can be treated with approaches that include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or bone marrow transplant. While the treatments aren’t often curative, they can help prevent disease progression and prolong survival....

A blood clot, also called a thrombus, is blood that has coagulated or clotted. While clotting is crucial in some circumstances—healing a skin wound by forming a scab, for example—blood clots that occur within arteries or veins can be dangerous and even life-threatening if they block the flow of blood to essential organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain. Blood Clot Symptoms The signs and symptoms of a blood clot depend on whether the clot is in an artery or a vein and wherein the body it is located....

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originate in the spinal cord in the neck, travel down the neck (via the cervicoaxillary canal) and into the armpit. It contain the nerves that, with only a few exceptions, are responsible for sensation (sensory function) and movement (motor function) of the arms, hands, and fingers. As the nerves travel from the neck to the axilla they are subject to injury, especially injuries that forcefully move the head away from the shoulder....

Buttock pain can have several causes, including injuries, overuse conditions, and nerve compression. Because buttock pain can significantly impact your ability to sit, stand, or walk, it is important to determine the underlying cause, receive appropriate treatment, and prevent your condition from getting worse. This article will discuss common causes of buttock pain, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider. Causes Different causes of buttock pain can produce varied symptoms, including shooting, burning, numbness, tingling, or aching sensations....

Allergies to cats are fairly common, affecting up to 25% of people who also have other types of allergies. A cat allergy can cause symptoms such as red eyes and sneezing. These allergies can be triggered by direct exposure to cats or by indirect exposure through fabric or air. You may notice a cat allergy based on the timing of your symptoms. Sometimes, getting medical anti-allergy treatment can help. But avoiding the cat may be necessary....

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can be seen in children as well as adults. In children, it is called childhood-onset lupus, pediatric SLE, or juvenile lupus. SLE causes systemic (entire body) inflammation that eventually results in damage to joints, skin, and organs. The condition can range from mild to severe, even life-threatening and fatal. The disease is known for causing flare-ups (periods of high disease activity) and periods of remission (little or no disease activity)....

By the end of February 2022, nearly 60% of the U.S. population had SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) antibodies indicating they had been infected with COVID-19. Even for those who recover, SARS-CoV-2 poses serious long-term physical and mental challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. (7.5%) become COVID “long-haulers,” or people whose COVID-19 symptoms last three or more months after they’ve been infected....

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are types of arthritis. Both conditions cause similar symptoms, like pain and stiffness, particularly in the spine and back. However, there are distinctions between the two conditions. This article discusses the similarities and differences of DISH and AS. DISH vs. AS DISH causes hardening of ligaments (the soft tissues that connect bones). It can also cause bone spurs to grow in these ligaments....

What Is Effexor XR? Effexor XR ((venlafaxine) is a prescription medication used for treating certain mood disorders. It comes as an extended-release capsule or tablet that is taken by mouth. It is approved only for adult use, not for children or adolescents. This medication is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Serotonin and norepinephrine have a strong impact on mood, as well as on many other functions of the body....

Glycogen storage disease type V (GSD V) is a rare illness that results in fatigue and muscle pain during exercise. Also known as McArdle disease, it mainly affects skeletal muscles. This condition is caused by a lack of the enzyme myophosphorylase. This enzyme promotes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose during intense exercise, such as jogging. Without enough of the enzyme, the muscles can’t change glycogen into glucose. While symptoms occur at the start of movement, the pain is often eased by rest....

Colitis, which is inflammation in the large intestine, is a symptom of a disease or condition. It can be caused either by conditions that are chronic or those that come on suddenly (which is called acute). Some of the causes of colitis include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), microscopic colitis, ischemic colitis, pseudomembranous colitis (sometimes called Clostridioides difficile or antibiotic-associated colitis), and allergic colitis....

There is a wide range of available options for the treatment of hyperhidrosis, a condition involving excessive sweating. Many people with hyperhidrosis may avoid pursuing medical treatment because of embarrassment or a false belief that nothing can be done about the condition. But there are several viable treatment options that vary in their mode, efficacy, duration, possible side effects, and cost. Today’s treatment options for hyperhidrosis include a wide range of modalities, including:...

A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue. It is the most effective screening tool available for identifying breast cancer. Guidelines on when to get a mammogram vary. Women at high risk for breast cancer may have a different schedule than those with average risk. This article reviews the different guidelines for a mammogram to screen for breast cancer. You should discuss these with a healthcare provider to determine what schedule is right for you....

Shingles requires a multi-pronged treatment approach. The goals: Healing the rash, minimizing the pain, and reducing the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a stabbing or burning pain that can last for months or even years after the rash resolves. Home remedies such as cool compresses can help ease your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also recommend antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers. Shingles often afflicts the torso and chest area. But if you have herpes zoster ophthalmicus—shingles that affects the eye area—it’s crucial that you seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of permanent vision damage....

Understanding how to sleep with piriformis syndrome can help you ease pain and get a good night’s rest. The key to sleeping better if you have piriformis syndrome is supporting your spine and hips, which you can do by sleeping on a medium-firm mattress, positioning yourself on your back or side, and adding support pillows under or between your knees. Stretching exercises during the day can also be beneficial. This article will discuss how to sleep with piriformis syndrome, including how some treatment and management strategies for the condition can help....

Insomnia is an inability to get enough sleep. Symptoms can include difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking earlier than desired. People with insomnia often report chronically poor quality sleep that may be light and unrefreshing. As a result, people with insomnia also have daytime symptoms like poor attention, irritability, and reduced energy. There are three types of insomnia: transient, short-term, and chronic. Transient insomnia lasts less than a month....