Author: Umut KARAGÖZ

Taking a psychiatric history involves a unique approach compared to other medical histories. It is essential to organize the history systematically while being sensitive to the patient’s comfort and concerns. Here is a guide to effectively gather a psychiatric history using the five S’s: Symptoms, Social, Substances, Psychosis, and Self-harm/Suicide. Symptoms The first step involves […]

Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly referred to as depression, is a mental state characterized by low mood and a range of symptoms that affect daily functioning. It is expected to be the leading cause of disease burden worldwide by 2030. History and Diagnostic Criteria The term “major depressive disorder” was first used in the 1970s […]

Anorexia nervosa, commonly referred to as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. It is significantly more common in females than in males, being four to nine times more prevalent in females. Most cases present in adolescence, with 40% of diagnoses […]

Bulimia Nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. While it shares similarities with anorexia nervosa, bulimia typically involves individuals maintaining a normal or elevated weight, whereas anorexia involves an intense fear of gaining weight and behaviors that lead […]

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive, and recurrent thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that cause anxiety and distress. This leads to repetitive tasks (compulsions) performed in response to obsessions in an attempt to reduce the distress, even though these actions are often not realistically connected to the feared event. As a […]

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social interaction and communication difficulties, alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors and interests. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of presentations, from severe disability to cognitive strengths. Historically, terms like Asperger syndrome were used to describe individuals with higher functioning or higher IQ, but these […]

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after exposure to trauma. This trauma can range from violence, injury, and death (such as in war) to sexual assault, the threat of injury, natural disasters, and childhood abuse. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of people will experience a traumatic event […]

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by impairments in perceiving reality, accompanied by significant changes in behavior. The term “schizo” means split, and “phrenia” means mind in Greek, but it is important to clarify that schizophrenia is not the same as split personality, which is a separate condition. Schizophrenia affects how people think, feel, and […]

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depressive symptoms and elevated mood, termed either hypomania or mania. While most people experience normal ups and downs, the range of moods in bipolar disorder is much greater, featuring extreme highs and lows. Depressive and Manic Symptoms Depressive Symptoms According to the DSM-5, depressive […]