Psychological disorders from A to Z

PTSD-like symptoms (intrusive memories, avoidance, alertness, sense of unreality) between three days and one month after the trauma.

Emotional distress or disproportionate changes in behaviour due to a stressful event (separation, dismissal, move, illness), beginning within the next three months.

Fear of situations from which it would be difficult to escape or get help if anxiety occurs: public transportation, open or closed spaces, crowds or going out alone.

Pattern of alcohol use that causes problems: drinking more than intended, failed attempts to control it, intense craving, tolerance or abstinence.

Intake restriction leading to significantly low weight, with intense fear of gaining weight and an altered perception of one's own body. It's a serious disorder with effective treatment.

Pattern of disregard and violation of the rights of others, impulsiveness and lack of remorse, since adolescence.

Persistent worry about having or developing a serious illness, with mild or no symptoms, and checking or avoiding the doctor.

Persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that begins in childhood and affects studies, work or relationships. In adults it is usually seen as disorganization, forgetfulness, procrastination and inner restlessness.

Persistent differences in communication and social interaction, along with intense interests, repetitive behaviors or sensory sensitivity. It's a spectrum: each person needs different supports, and many adults are diagnosed late.

Social inhibition, feelings of inferiority and hypersensitivity to criticism, which lead to avoiding relationships even if desired.

Restriction of food due to disinterest, aversion to textures or odors or fear of choking or vomiting, without concern for weight. It can cause weight loss or deficiencies.

Episodes of eating too much in a short time with a sense of loss of control, followed by guilt or discomfort, without compensatory behaviors.

It is characterized by at least one episode of mania: days of euphoria or intense irritability, high energy, little need for sleep, and risky behaviors. It usually alternates with depressive episodes.

Major depressive episodes alternating with hypomania: phases of more energy and activity, less intense than mania. Depressions are usually the heaviest.

Intense preoccupation with one or more physical defects that others hardly notice, with repetitive behaviors such as looking in the mirror, comparing oneself, or camouflaging oneself.

Instability in emotions, relationships and self-image, with fear of abandonment, impulsivity and a sense of emptiness. Effective treatments exist.

Sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting between one day and one month, with complete return to previous functioning. Sometimes it's triggered by intense stress or postpartum.

Episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to compensate (vomiting, laxatives, fasting or excessive exercise), and a self-esteem highly tied to weight.

Excess caffeine can lead to intoxication (nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia) and abrupt withdrawal, withdrawal (headache, fatigue, irritability).

Cannabis use that causes loss of control, problems in daily life or withdrawal symptoms (irritability, insomnia). It increases the risk of psychosis.

Severe movement and response impairment: the person may remain motionless, speechless, adopt fixed postures, or show aimless agitation. It can appear in psychiatric or medical disorders and requires urgent attention.

Persistent pattern in children or adolescents of behaviour that violates the rights of others or important norms: aggression, destruction, theft or escape.

Motor clumsiness and difficulty learning skills that require coordination (tying laces, writing, sports), which interferes with daily and school life.

For at least two years, frequent oscillations between hypomanic and mild depressive symptoms, without reaching full episodes.

Marked delay or absence of ejaculation in most sexual encounters, with discomfort.

Sudden and fluctuating alteration of attention and awareness, with disorientation, caused by a medical condition, infection, drugs or substances. It's a medical emergency.

Presence of one or more delusional thoughts (of persecution, jealousy, illness, etc.) for at least a month, without other major symptoms of psychosis. Outside of that subject, the person usually functions normally.

Excessive need for others to take care of you, with submissive behavior and fear of separation or making decisions alone.

Persistent feeling of being out of one's own body or that the environment is unreal, as in a dream, maintaining awareness that it is not.

Low mood or loss of interest almost every day for at least two weeks, with changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration and self-image.

Children with a history of neglect who relate to unfamiliar adults with excessive familiarity, without the caution expected.

Real neurological symptoms (weakness, tremor, seizures, loss of sensation or vision) that are not explained by a neurological disease but by a malfunction of the nervous system.

Mismatch between the biological clock and the necessary schedules (phase delay, shift work, jet lag), causing insomnia or drowsiness.

Diagnosis of childhood (6 to 18 years) with intense and frequent, disproportionate tantrums, and an irritable mood almost every day.

Inability to recall important personal information, usually related to a traumatic or stressful event, not explained by normal forgetting.

Presence of two or more distinct identity states, with memory gaps in daily life. It is usually associated with severe and repeated childhood trauma.

Use of cocaine, amphetamines or other stimulants with loss of control, intense craving and consequences on physical and mental health.

Repeated stool discharge in inappropriate places from the age of four years. It's often associated with constipation.

Repeated urination in bed or on clothing from the age of five, involuntarily or intentionally.

Persistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual activity, for at least six months and with discomfort.

Scratching or pinching the skin repeatedly to the point of injury, with failed attempts to stop.

Inventing, causing or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms in oneself or another person, without obvious external benefit.

Persistent difficulty reaching orgasm, or lower intensity, in most sexual intercourse, with discomfort.

Persistent and problematic gambling behaviour (gambling, online casino, slot machines) with need to play more, attempts to make up for lost money and financial and family problems.

Significant discomfort due to the difference between the gender the person feels and the one assigned at birth. It's not an identity disorder: what's being treated is discomfort.

Excessive and difficult to control worrying about many issues (health, work, family, money) for months, with stress, fatigue, irritability and sleep problems.

Intense pain, fear or muscle tension before penetration, which makes it difficult or prevents it (including former vaginismus).

Diagnosis for children under five years of age who do not reach the expected milestones in several areas (motor, language, social, cognitive) and who cannot yet be reliably assessed. It requires follow-up and reassessment later.

Problematic use of substances such as LSD, psilocybin or MDMA, which causes problems or discomfort. Some people suffer persistent perceptual disturbances after consumption.

Excessive emotionality and constant attention seeking, with relationships that feel more intimate than they are.

Persistent difficulty getting rid of objects, even if they are of no value, because of the need to keep them. The accumulation even prevents the use of the spaces of the house.

Excessive drowsiness despite sleeping at least seven hours: involuntary napping, very long sleep or difficulty waking up completely.

Inhaling glue, solvents or gases to produce psychoactive effects. It is especially dangerous in adolescents because of brain damage and the risk of sudden death.

Difficulty starting or maintaining sleep, or waking up too early, at least three nights a week for three months, with tiredness or discomfort during the day.

Limitations in intellectual functioning (thinking, planning, learning) and adaptation to daily life, which appear during development. Its degree (mild, moderate, severe or profound) is mainly defined by the supports the person needs.

Repeated outbursts of disproportionate anger (verbal or physical) that the person cannot control and usually regrets.

Recurrent and irresistible urge to steal unneeded items, with prior stress and subsequent relief, often followed by guilt.

Persistent difficulties in acquiring and using language (vocabulary, grammar, constructing sentences or understanding) well below what is expected for age, not explained by hearing loss or other condition.

Major impairment of memory or other functions (language, orientation, planning) that interferes with autonomy. It may be due to Alzheimer's, vascular problems, Lewy bodies, and other causes.

Mild loss of memory or other abilities, greater than expected by age, which does not prevent autonomy. It should be evaluated and followed up.

A pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration and lack of empathy, which often hides a fragile self-esteem.

Irresistible sleep attacks during the day, often with cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone with intense emotions). It's a neurological disorder.

Frequent and distressing nightmares, which wake the person up and leave him uncomfortable or afraid to sleep.

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts or images that generate distress) and compulsions (rituals to calm it: checking, washing, sorting, going over mentally) that consume time and discomfort.

A preoccupation with order, perfectionism and control, which undermines flexibility and efficiency. It's different from OCD.

Pauses in breathing during sleep due to airway obstruction, with snoring and daytime sleepiness. He has effective medical treatment.

Problematic use of heroin or opioid painkillers (such as codeine, tramadol or oxycodone), with tolerance, withdrawal and risk of overdose.

Pattern of anger, irritability, arguments and defiance towards authority figures for at least six months, beyond the normal age.

Unexpected and repeated panic attacks (palpitations, choking, dizziness, fear of dying or losing control) and constant worry about having them again.

Widespread distrust and suspicion: tendency to interpret others' intentions as malicious.

Intense and persistent sexual interest that causes discomfort to the person or involves harm or risk to others, or lack of consent. They have specialized psychological treatment.

Depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It's common, it doesn't depend on being a good or bad mother, and it has treatment.

Mood down most of the day for at least two years, chronically. A person may think that "it's always been like this".

Motor or vocal tics, but not both types, present for more than one year and with onset before the age of 18.

Persistent eating of non-food substances (earth, paper, ice, chalk) for at least one month, in an age-inappropriate manner.

After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, constant alertness, and negative mood swings occur for more than a month.

Ejaculation that occurs very soon, usually within one minute after penetration, and before desired, with discomfort.

Intense emotional symptoms (irritability, sadness, anxiety, mood swings) in the week before menstruation, which improve a few days after onset and affect daily life.

After the death of a loved one, at least a year later (six months in children), intense longing, pain and difficulty in returning to life persist, beyond what is expected in their culture.

Motor or vocal tics lasting less than one year. They are common in childhood and often go away on their own.

When psychological factors (stress, anxiety, avoidance, failure to follow treatment) worsen a physical illness, such as diabetes, hypertension or irritable bowel syndrome.

Deliberately and repeatedly starting fires, with tension before and relief or pleasure after, for no other reason than money or revenge.

It appears in children who have suffered neglect or lack of stable care: they hardly seek comfort from adults and show little emotional response.

Sudden movements during sleep in which the person "acts out" their dreams (hitting, kicking, shouting), with a risk of injury. Requires neurological assessment.

Urgent need to move the legs, with uncomfortable sensations that appear at rest and at night and that are relieved by moving.

Repeatedly regurgitating food after eating, to chew, swallow, or spit it out again, without a medical cause.

It combines symptoms of schizophrenia with episodes of mood (depression or mania). It requires coordinated psychiatric and psychological treatment.

Withdrawal from social relationships and limited emotional expression; preference for solitary activities.

Disorder affecting perception and thinking: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and symptoms such as apathy or isolation may occur for at least six months. With treatment and support, many people lead full lives.

Schizophrenia-like symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganization) lasting between one and six months.

Disturbance in close relationships, peculiar ideas or beliefs, unusual perceptions and eccentric behavior.

Problematic use of benzodiazepines or other drugs for sleep or anxiety, with tolerance and difficulty quitting.

Persistent inability to speak in certain social situations (e.g. school) although speaking normally in others. It's a form of anxiety, not disobedience.

Excessive fear or anxiety of separation from attachment people, with concern that something will happen to them. It can occur in children as well as adults.

Persistent lack of interest in or arousal during sexual activity, causing discomfort. In men, it's called hypoactive sexual desire.

Partial awakenings from deep sleep with behaviors such as sleepwalking or episodes of screaming and intense fear, of which the person hardly remembers anything.

An intense fear of being observed, evaluated, or ridiculed in social situations, leading to avoidance or great discomfort.

Difficulties with social language use: adapting speech to context, respecting turns, understanding the implicit or jokes, without the restricted interests of autism.

Physical symptoms that cause excessive worry, too much time spent on them, and great discomfort. The symptoms are real; it's about how you live them.

Persistent difficulties in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysorthography) or mathematics (dyscalculia), far below what is expected despite adequate education and normal intelligence.

Intense and irrational fear of something concrete (animals, heights, blood, needles, flying, elevators) that leads to avoidance and limits daily life.

Persistent difficulty in producing speech sounds, which causes the child to be poorly understood or which affects their communication, beyond what is expected for their age.

Repetitive and seemingly purposeless movements (swinging, flapping, hitting) that interfere with daily life or may cause injury.

Changes in speech fluency, such as repetition of syllables, prolongation of sounds, or blockages, which cause anxiety when speaking or limit communication.

Delusions or hallucinations caused by the use or withdrawal of a substance (cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, alcohol) or by a medication.

Use of mobile phones, social networks or video games with loss of control and consequences on sleep, studies or relationships. The DSM-5-TR only lists Internet gambling disorder as an area of study.

Nicotine addiction: daily use difficult to quit, intense craving and withdrawal symptoms upon withdrawal.

Multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tick for more than one year, beginning before age 18. They vary in intensity and usually improve in adulthood.

Repeatedly pulling out hair (scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes) with failed attempts to stop, often to relieve tension or automatically.