The cell is the smallest functional unit within a living organism, which can function independently. It is made up of several types of organelles that allow the cell to function and reproduce. There are two general classes of cells that exist: the self-sustaining simple cells known as prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea) and the more complex dependent cells known as eukaryotic. The eukaryotic cells […]

Problem gambling or ludomania is repetitive gambling behavior despite harm and negative consequences. It may be diagnosed as a mental disorder according to DSM-5 if certain diagnostic criteria are met. Pathological gambling is a common disorder that is associated with both social and family costs. The DSM-5 has re-classified the condition as an addictive disorder, […]

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling. People with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. Early treatment may help get symptoms under control before serious complications develop and may […]

Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Most eating disorders involve focusing too much on your weight, body shape and food, leading […]

Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Anxiety disorders such as Panic disorder fill people’s lives with overwhelming anxiety and fear. Unlike the relatively mild, brief anxiety caused by a stressful event such as a business presentation or a first date, anxiety disorders are chronic, relentless, and can grow […]

Substance dependence occurs when a person is physically dependent on a substance such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, or medication, to the extent that their body adapts to it and develops a tolerance to it, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Substance dependence and substance abuse used to be classified as separate health […]

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cancers of this type. When exposed to HPV, the body’s […]

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States.  Although this type of cancer can occur in both men and women, it is far more common in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research […]

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and […]