Day: April 12, 2024

Introduction Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by restriction of energy intake resulting in low body weight and an intense fear of weight gain. Though anorexia nervosa may occur at any age, the risk is highest in young people between the ages of 13-18 years old. Management is typically with talking therapies and supervised weight gain. However those at-risk of significant complications may require urgent admission and inpatient management. It follows a variable course, but less than half of patients fully recover and mortality is 5 times that of the general population. Epidemiology It is estimated that the lifetime prevalence of anorexia nervosa is 2-4% in women.

Introduction Alcohol dependence develops after a period of regular alcohol consumption and is characterised by craving, tolerance, loss of control, withdrawal symptoms, and persistent use despite negative harm. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that has been widely used in different cultures for centuries. Excessive and harmful use of alcohol can have negative individual consequences (e.g. physical, psychological, economic, and social). There are also wider harmful consequences to society at large. Alcohol intoxication is typically referred to as being “drunk” or inebriated. Desirable effects of alcohol intoxication include relaxation, euphoria, and social disinhibition. Other effects range from mild (e.g. impairments in balance, coordination,

Introduction Agoraphobia is derived from the Greek “agora” meaning a place of assembly or market-place and “phobia” meaning fear. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterised by an excessive fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be readily available. This can include situations such as using public transportation, being in crowds, and being out of the home alone. There is a fear that a panic attack or other incapacitating/embarrassing physical symptoms may occur in these situations. Individuals with agoraphobia therefore strive to avoid these situations or endure them with intense feelings of anxiety or fear. This fear

Introduction An acute stress reaction refers to intense, or prolonged, mental or psychological distress that can develop after exposure, or in response, to a stressful event. Many people who experience a traumatic event will struggle with negative emotions, thoughts, and memories of the event. In the first month following the traumatic event, they may experience an acute stress reaction, symptoms of which include: Intrusion symptoms: reexperiencing the traumatic event (memories, flashbacks, nightmares). Negative mood: inability to experience positive emotions, such as happiness. Dissociative symptoms: an altered sense of one’s surroundings or oneself, difficulty remembering the trauma. Avoidance symptoms: avoidance of thoughts and memories of