Dr. Consultancy

Psychosis

Overview

Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by an impaired relationship with reality. It is a symptom of serious mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.

People experiencing psychosis may have hallucinations or delusions:

  • Hallucinations are sensory experiences without external stimuli. For example, hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t present.

  • Delusions are false beliefs that are strongly held despite evidence to the contrary, such as believing one has special powers or is being persecuted.

Psychosis affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior, making everyday life challenging.

Symptoms

Symptoms of psychosis may include:

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Depressed mood or excessive sadness

  • Sleep disturbances (too much or too little sleep)

  • Anxiety or agitation

  • Suspiciousness or paranoia

  • Withdrawal from family and friends

  • Delusions (false beliefs)

  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

  • Disorganized speech (jumping between unrelated topics)

  • Mood changes such as depression or irritability

Effects

  • Impaired daily functioning, making work, school, and social life difficult

  • Social isolation due to withdrawal or paranoia

  • Risky behaviors stemming from impaired judgment

  • Emotional distress, including fear, confusion, or depression

  • Strained relationships with family and friends

  • Potential self-harm or suicidal thoughts in severe cases

Treatment

1. Medications:

  • Antipsychotics to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking

  • Mood stabilizers or antidepressants if psychosis is related to mood disorders

  • Anxiolytics for anxiety or agitation

2. Therapy and Support:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage thoughts and behaviors

  • Family therapy to support both the individual and their loved ones

  • Social skills training to improve functioning and daily living

3. Lifestyle and Monitoring:

  • Regular sleep and healthy routine to support mental health

  • Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs, which can worsen symptoms

  • Ongoing monitoring by mental health professionals to adjust treatment as needed

Medicine

Vertigo

Dizziness and Vertigo

Overview

Dizziness is a broad term describing sensations like feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady.

  • When dizziness gives a false sense of movement or spinning, it is called vertigo.

  • Vertigo occurs when the brain perceives the body as off-balance, even if there is no actual movement.

  • Causes of dizziness and vertigo can include inner ear problems, neurological conditions, low blood pressure, dehydration, medication side effects, or cardiovascular issues.

Symptoms

People with dizziness or vertigo may experience:

  • Feeling faint, woozy, or unsteady

  • Vertigo (spinning sensation)

  • Headaches

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Abnormal eye movements

  • Sweating

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Hearing loss

  • Double vision

  • Lack of coordination or balance

  • Weakness in arms or legs

Effects / Complications

If untreated, dizziness and vertigo may lead to:

  • Falls or injuries due to loss of balance

  • Difficulty performing daily tasks or driving

  • Persistent nausea and dehydration

  • Reduced quality of life and social activity

Treatment / Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  1. Medical Evaluation:

    • Identify underlying causes (ear problems, neurological disorders, low blood pressure, medications)

  2. Medications:

    • Anti-nausea or vestibular suppressants

    • Medications for underlying conditions (e.g., blood pressure or inner ear disorders)

  3. Physical Therapy / Vestibular Rehabilitation:

    • Exercises to improve balance and reduce vertigo episodes

  4. Lifestyle Measures:

    • Stay hydrated

    • Avoid sudden head movements

    • Use support when standing or walking

    • Limit alcohol and caffeine

Medicine

common cold

Overview

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Although generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive. Many different viruses, most often rhinoviruses, can cause a cold.

Children under the age of six are most prone, but healthy adults may also experience two to three colds per year. Most people recover within 7–10 days without complications.

Symptoms

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Cough

  • Congestion

  • Mild body aches or headache

  • Sneezing

  • Low-grade fever

  • General tiredness or malaise

Effects

  • Short-term discomfort and reduced productivity

  • Disrupted sleep due to coughing or congestion

  • Spreading infection easily to family, friends, or co-workers

  • In children or those with weak immunity, colds can lead to complications like ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia

  • Temporary loss of appetite and energy

Treatment

Since the common cold is viral, antibiotics are not effective. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery:

  • Rest and hydration – plenty of fluids and adequate sleep

  • Saltwater gargle – to soothe sore throat

  • Steam inhalation or humidifier – to ease nasal congestion

  • Warm fluids (soup, tea, honey water) – to comfort throat and loosen mucus

  • Over-the-counter remedies – decongestants, lozenges, or pain relievers (if needed)

  • Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can worsen symptoms

  • Good hygiene practices – frequent handwashing to prevent spreading the infection

 

Medicine

Diseases

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