Monthly Archives: March 2014

The term dyslexia is used to describe difficulty in the acquisition of reading, writing and spelling skills but not all poor readers are dyslexic. The child’s learning difficulties may be caused by: •Visual problems through not being able to recognise … Continue reading →

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that mainly affects behaviour. It is usually diagnosed in children but can affect adults. Symptoms include persistent restlessness, impulsiveness and/or inattention. The diagnosis is made after a detailed assessment. Treatment includes … Continue reading →

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance, or excessive concern over a slight physical anomaly. It is characterised by time-consuming behaviours such as mirror gazing, comparing one’s appearance with others, excessive camouflaging to hide … Continue reading →

Cognitive and behavioural therapies are both forms of psychotherapy (a psychological approach to treatment) and are based on scientific principles that help people change the way they think, feel and behave. They are problem-focused and practical. (Please also refer to … Continue reading →

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be characterised by the presence of obsessions or compulsions but commonly both. •Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges that repeatedly enter the person’s mind. •Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the person … Continue reading →

Antipsychotics are medicines that are mainly used to treat schizophrenia or mania caused by bipolar disorder. There are two main types of antipsychotics: atypical antipsychotics and older antipsychotics. Both types are thought to work as well as each other. Side-effects … Continue reading →

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, which might help you fall asleep for a few nights — but routine use of antihistamines for insomnia isn’t recommended. Antihistamines induce drowsiness by working against histamine, a chemical produced by the central nervous system. In … Continue reading →

Children fight it. Adults can’t seem to get enough. What is it? Sleep. If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it may be time to tune up your bedtime — and daytime — routines. Try these self-help tips. … Continue reading →

It may be. Recent studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and weight gain. Sleeping less than five hours — or more than nine hours — a night appears to increase the likelihood of weight gain. In one study, … Continue reading →