Mental Health

People blame a lot of things on the full moon, including an increase in the rate of seizures among those with epilepsy. But is it really true, or just a sort of superstitious lunacy?

By Alia Hoyt

It's normal to feel sad sometimes, but what if that feeling becomes debilitating? Major depression can interfere with daily life and cause secondary health problems.

By Maria Trimarchi

One month you're so revved about life you give up sleep to enjoy it. The next, you're so depressed you can't get out of bed. Can bipolar disorder be treated?

By Jane McGrath

Difficulties with communication and behavior fraught with repetitive or restrictive patterns are some of the symptoms shared by autism spectrum disorders. Learn about the different types of disorders here.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Autism is caused by abnormalities that exist in the brain structures or functions. Take a look at autism brain studies and research to learn more about the causes of autism.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Autism medications cannot reverse the underlying causes of the disorder, but have proven effective for treating the symptoms. Check out medications, symptoms, and tips for living with autism.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Children with autism either don't speak, or have delayed language development and speak in unusual ways. Learn more about autism and language difficulties.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Learn about autism symptoms, treatment, and other facts about autism in this article.

Out of nowhere you feel absolute terror. Your heart races and you're frantic for your breath. Everything seems unreal. Are you losing your mind? No, you're having a panic attack.

By Jane McGrath

Most shoplifters steal for personal use or resale, but kleptomaniacs are addicted to stealing. But is kleptomania a real mental disorder?

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

So much about pyromania is a mystery. Why do pyromaniacs have uncontrollable urges to set fires? Is it the same thing as arson? And is it even a real disease?

By Craig Freudenrich, Ph.D.

Why does the combination of orange juice and toothpaste have to taste so awful? Why can't your sense of taste resolve the problem?

By Josh Clark

Smell is a basic sense, but scientists are still exploring how it works. Why are researchers, developers and even government agencies so curious about smell? What makes a seemingly simple sense so tantalizing?

By Sarah Dowdey

Taste might seem like the simplest sense. But we know much less about taste than we do about sight and hearing. Why is taste so mysterious? And what on earth is umami?

By Sarah Dowdey

Being sick is something most people try to avoid. But some relish the thought of going to the doctor, undergoing tests -- even having painful surgery. Though they know they aren't really sick, people with Munchausen syndrome pretend to be ill because they're seeking attention and sympathy.

By Stephanie Watson

You may think you know what Tourette syndrome is, but throw out what you think you know. Tourette's patients are not constantly twitching and belting out obscenities.

By Melissa Jeffries

Did you know that ailurophobia is a fear of cats? If you're afraid of it, someone's probably made up a goofy name for your phobia. Read our list of 28 phobias and their definitions.

By the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.

How to fall asleep is a complex question that can affect every part of your daily routine. Learn how to hit the sweet spot in your sleep-wake cycle.

By Virgil D. Wooten

The causes of insomnia are as numerous as the forms it takes. Learn how to combat insomnia arising from medical conditions, jet lag and other causes.

By Virgil D. Wooten

Autism is a condition that interferes with a child's ability to communicate and interact socially. And in recent years, the number of children diagnosed with this condition has been rising.

By Stephanie Watson

Headlines are announcing "TV Causes Autism" but that's not an accurate representation of what a recent Cornell study found.

By Julia Layton

In bed, you toss and turn, unable to get a good nights sleep. You feel anxious and worried. Friends tell you to pull yourself together, but you feel helpless and hopeless. Learn about depression.

By Betty Burrows

Natascha Kampusch on spending eight years in a cell beneath her captor's basement: "My youth was very different. But I was also spared a lot of things -- I did not start smoking or drinking ... hang out in bad company."

By Julia Layton

Get the facts about addiction with the help of our addiction center.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Oh that queasy feeling, when the world just won't stop swaying or bobbing. No matter what the mode of transport, the result can be motion sickness. Learn tips to help avoid this uncomfortable state.