Binge drinking refers to drinking heavily over a short period of time, with the intention of becoming severely intoxicated.

This is not something new. It happens all the time, all over. Throwing caution to the winds,

groups of people (big and small), carefully plan and execute such operations, even planning for

the aftermath of the debauch, including its health risks and repercussions. It is intentional. Most

people involved actually look forward to such occasions.

But the harmful effects of binge drinking are numerous. One of the most common is the risk of

alcohol poisoning. The effects of this are such …

Alcoholism is a life threatening disease. Heavy drinkers, when suddenly stop drinking may suffer from life threatening alcohol withdrawal symptom, which are best known as delirium tremens.

The symptoms of DTs can be seen most often within 48-96 hours or up to 7-10 days. It is a medical emergency with a risk of high mortality rate because of the altered mental state and sympathetic overdrive that can result in cardiovascular collapse.

Overdose of alcohol influences the neurotransmitter system in the brain to a great extent and the sudden withdrawals can disturb the mental state.

Delirium tremens may be caused by …

Bi-polar affective disorder previously named Manic depressive psychosis is where a person suffers from shifts of mood from periods of elation to periods of depression.

In this Illness a person in depressed state may feel hopeless, helpless and worthless. He will have a lack of energy, prefer to keep to themselves, crying when alone, and have a lack of interest in any activities that may be considered pleasurable.

While on the contrary a person in a manic state will feel

• Excited and happy mostly without a reason or logic behind his happiness.
• He/ She may be irritable and get agitated

An alcoholic often brings a grim image to our mind of an individual, who is shelter less, moneyless, or wanderer without family or friends.

This is a picture prevalent in the society and also reinforced by movies and media. But there are good numbers of alcoholics, who do not fulfil these criteria; they are called the ‘functional alcoholics.’

Who are functional alcoholics?

They are high achievers in terms of professional front, relationships and social performance. They appear like normal people because they haven’t been affected by the consequences of their substance abuse or dependence.

These people, though they drink …

Signs, Risk Factors & Treatments

Anorexia is a serious and a potentially life threatening mental illness. Patients with the disorder are considered very unwell and need a good treatment.

There is no particular reason for the disorder.The causes of anorexia differs from person to person, including

• genetic predisposition
• a negative self-image
• an anxiety disorder as a child or
• a mixed reaction to social and cultural factors

Teens are more prone to suffer from anorexia. Females suffer from the disorder more than males.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

It is a mental illness, defined as a complex eating disorder. Patients with the …