Autism spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder is usually first diagnosed in childhood with many of the most-obvious signs presenting around 2-3 years old, but some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood when they stop acquiring or lose previously gained skills. According to the CDC, one in 59 children is estimated to have autism. If family has a child with Autism spectrum disorder, there is a 3 % chance that the second child will also have autism spectrum disorder. It differs from person to person in severity and combinations of symptoms. There is a great range of abilities and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder no two children appear or behave the same way. Causes of autism are Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. In Environmental factor Researchers are currently exploring whether factors such as viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants play a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. Approximately 40 percent do not communicate with words. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation may have a greater risk of autism spectrum disorder. SD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls. There is no medical test for autism. It is diagnosed based on observing how the child talks and acts in comparison to other children of the same age. There is currently no cure for ASD. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Today most effective treatments available are applied speech therapy, occupation therapy, physical therapy, pharmacological therapy, behavioral analysis. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Some individuals with ASD are nonverbal and unable to develop verbal communication skills, and the use of gestures, sign language, and picture communication programs are often useful tools to improve their abilities to communicate. Occupational therapy for young children with ASD often focuses on improving sensory integration and sensorimotor issues. In older children, OT often focuses on improving social behavior and increasing independence. Physical therapy is used to improve gross motor skills and handle sensory integration issues, particularly those involving the individual’s ability to feel and be aware of his body in space. Pharmaceutical treatments can help ameliorate some of the behavioral symptoms of ASD, including irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. medication for the treatment of symptoms associated with of ASD in children and adolescents, including aggressive behavior, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums. Medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician. Treatment works to minimize the impact of the core features and associated deficits of autism spectrum disorder and to maximize functional independence and quality of life. 

Reference:

Autism spectrum Disorder,

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928, Accessed September 27, 2020

What is autism spectrum disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder, Accessed September 27, 2020

Autism spectrum disorder, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html, Accessed September 27, 2020

Bipolar Disorder

                                                                   Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job, or school performance, and even suicide. More than 2 million American adults, or about one percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. On average, a person will receive a diagnosis around the age of 25 years, but symptoms can appear during the teenage years or later in life. It affects males and females equally. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life. The first episode may be either manic or depressive. Manic episodes, typically lasting from a few weeks to several months, are generally shorter in duration and end more abruptly than major depressive episodes. There are four types of bipolar disorders they are Bipolar I disorder: is the classic form of the illness, as well as the most severe type of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Bipolar II: Mania is not involved in bipolar II disorder. Instead, the illness involves recurring episodes of major depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania. Cyclothymia: is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Like bipolar disorder, cyclothymia consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the highs and lows are not severe enough to qualify as either mania or major depression. To be diagnosed with cyclothymia, people must experience numerous periods of hypomania and mild depression over at least a two-year time span. Other specified or unspecified : Those who do not meet the diagnosis criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder but still experience significant mood swings and mood elevation will be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder “other specified” or “unspecified”.

Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy,” can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. There are different types of medications can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder. Not everyone responds to medications in the same way. Mood stabilizers are the mainstay of long -term prevention and treatment for both mania and depression. They improve symptoms during acute manic, hypo manic, and mixed episodes and may also reduce symptoms of depression. Lithium was the first mood stabilizer approved by the FDA. Antidepressants may be prescribed to treat symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. Because antidepressants can increase the risk of mania or hypo mania or of developing rapid cycling symptoms, they typically are prescribed only in combination with mood stabilizers. Other treatment is Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, interpersonal therapy. Next, is Electroconvulsive therapy is use in cases when medication and psychotherapy do not work.

References:

Bipolar disorder ,https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-treatment.html , accessed September,09,2020

Bipolar disorder fact sheet,https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/463-bipolar-disorder-fact-sheet, accessed September,09,2020

Bipolar disorder,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961 , accessed September,09,2020