Mind Matters

Autism itself is called "autistic disorder" or "infantile autism". The main features of autism are difficulties with social interaction and communication, as well as restricted or repetitive behaviors like lining up objects or hand flapping.  The different types of autism were originally developed for the purpose of diagnosis and research. In the past, there were many different diagnostic labels for people with autism-like symptoms, and it could be difficult to compare research studies. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) eventually grouped all the autism-like conditions into one category called "pervasive developmental disorder," which was later changed to "autism spectrum disorder." The original diagnostic labels were developed in the 20th century, starting with "infantile autism" in the 1940s. In the 1980s, the DSM-III grouped autism and a number of other conditions under the category of "pervasive de...

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by the differences in the brain which affects how people communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often have difficulty understanding social cues and may have difficulty making friends. They may also have trouble with eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Also, people with ASD may be more sensitive to sensory experiences, like sounds, lights, or textures.  ASD can start to develop in early childhood, usually by the age of two or three. Some children with ASD may develop normally for the first few months or years of life and then start showing symptoms later on. Other children may show signs of ASD from birth or infancy.  Some of the early signs of ASD include delayed speech, not responding to their name, and not looking at faces.  These are often not obvious at first, but become more noticeable over time.  ASD can also affect adults i...

  Depression Depression or depressive disorder is a serious mental health condition which involves a low mood and loss of interest in activities which can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. People with depression may feel extremely sad, hopeless, and irritable. They may also experience a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, changes in their appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, low energy, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  There are different types of depression which can develop due to specific circumstances but the most common types are:  M ajor depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder is a type of depression where you experiences low mood or sadness that lasts for at least two weeks. Other symptoms can include fatigue, trouble sleeping or eating, lack of motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. It's more than just "feeling blue." It's a serious condition that can make it hard to function in daily life.   Per...

Anxiety Disorders I n general, Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or unease. Some people use the word anxiety to describe mild feelings of nervousness, like when you have to give a presentation or go on a first date. But clinically, anxiety refers to a range of disorders that cause feelings of intense worry and fear.  Anxiety disorders can have a lasting impact on people's lives. The anxiety does not go away on its own, and it can even get worse over time if it is not treated. This can have a major impact on a person's quality of life and ability to function in daily life.  The most common anxiety disorders include:  Social Anxiety Disorder:  Social anxiety disorder also know as social phobia  is a common type of anxiety disorder. It is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. This type of anxiety disorder causes...

Mental Health. Mental Health is an important but overlooked aspect of our well-being. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It's a condition that affects how we think, feel and act. These conditions determine how we relate to others, cope with stress and make choices. Mental Health Conditions . These are health conditions involving change in emotion, thinking or behavior  and they can range from mild to severe. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness. The many different types of mental conditions include:  Anxiety disorders: Anxiety is the body's response to stress. It's a feeling of nervousness, fear or worry which might be mild or severe. Anxiety disorders on the other hand is a type of mental health condition which involves persistent and excessive worry or fear, which can cause victim to feel restless, tense or nervous. For example, if you're called to make a speech in front...