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About issues that affect our mental wellbeing

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or
both. It can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive
functioning.

Types
There are two main types of insomnia: primary and secondary insomnia. Primary
insomnia is not associated with any underlying medical or psychiatric condition and is
often caused by stress, anxiety, or other behavioural factors. Secondary insomnia is
caused by an underlying medical or psychiatric condition, such as depression, chronic
pain, or sleep apnoea.

Causes
Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression
  • Behavioral factors, such as poor sleep hygiene, irregular sleep schedules, and excessive use of electronics before bedtime
  • Medical conditions, such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory problems
  • Medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and corticosteroids
  • Substance use, such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol

Management
Managing insomnia involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes. This
may involve making lifestyle changes, such as establishing a regular sleep schedule,
practicing good sleep hygiene, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.

Cognitivebehavioral therapy (CBT) can also be effective in treating insomnia, as it helps
individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute
to sleep difficulties.

In addition to lifestyle changes and CBT, there are several medications that can be used to treat insomnia such Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as diphenhydramine and Melatonin supplements, which can help regulate the sleepwake cycle.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any sleep medication, as these medications can have side effects and can be habit-forming.

Impulsive control disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders characterized by an
inability to resist an impulse, urge or temptation to perform an act that is harmful to
oneself or others.

Aetiology
ICDs are associated with dysfunction in the neural circuits that regulate impulse control
and decision-making, including the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and amygdala. Research
suggests that genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors may contribute to the
development of ICDs.

Types
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists
the following ICDs:

  • Intermittent explosive disorder
  • Kleptomania
  • Pyromania
  • Pathological gambling
  • Trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder)
  • Excoriation (skin-picking) disorder
  • Substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol use disorder, cocaine use disorder)

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
IED is characterized by sudden episodes of aggression or violence that are out of proportion to the situation. The individual may feel intense anger, rage, or irritation, and may act out by shouting, throwing things, or physically attacking others.

Kleptomania
Kleptomania is a disorder characterized by the urge to steal items that are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. Individuals with kleptomania experience a sense of relief or pleasure after stealing, but often feel guilty or ashamed later.

Pyromania
Pyromania is a disorder characterized by the urge to set fires for pleasure or gratification.
Individuals with pyromania may feel a sense of excitement or release after setting fires, but may also feel guilty or ashamed later.

Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by the urge to pull out one's own hair, resulting in hair loss or bald patches. Individuals with trichotillomania may experience a sense of relief or pleasure after pulling out hair, but often feel guilty or ashamed later.

Management
Treatment for ICDs typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Medications that have been shown to be effective for ICDs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists. Psychotherapy approaches that have been shown to be effective for ICDs include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing.

Intellectual Development Disorder (IDD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is
characterized by impairments in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. The
onset of IDD typically occurs during the developmental period and is characterized by
significant limitations in cognitive, communicative, social, and adaptive skills.
According to the DSM-5, IDD is characterized by an IQ score of 70 or below, deficits in adaptive functioning, and onset during the developmental period.

Causes
IDD can have a variety of causes, including genetic, environmental, or a combination  of both factors. Some common genetic causes of IDD include Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. Environmental causes may include prenatal exposure to alcohol or other substances, exposure to toxins, or brain injury.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of IDD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's intellectual functioning, adaptive behaviour, and medical history. Standardized intelligence tests are typically used to assess intellectual functioning, while measures of adaptive behavior are used to assess an individual's ability to function independently in their environment.

Management
Management of IDD typically involves providing support and accommodations to help individuals with IDD achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Support may include therapies such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, special education, vocational training, and social skills training.

There is no cure for IDD, but treatment can help individuals with IDD achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. Treatment may include medications to address associated conditions such as ADHD or anxiety, behavioral interventions, and support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.

Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a behavioral disorder that is characterized by recurrent episodes of impulsive and uncontrollable aggression, often resulting in physical harm to others or destruction of property. These episodes are typically out of proportion to the situation and may be
accompanied by feelings of tension, irritability, or arousal.

Causes
The causes of IED are not entirely clear, but they may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Research suggests that individuals with IED may have abnormalities in brain regions involved in impulse control and emotion regulation, as well as a history of childhood trauma or exposure to violence.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of IED is typically made based on a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's symptoms, medical history, and behavior patterns. Standardized diagnostic criteria include recurrent, impulsive, and aggressive episodes that are out of proportion to the situation, as well as significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.

Management
Management of IED typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and behavioral interventions. Psychotherapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy or anger management therapy, while medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be used to reduce impulsivity and aggression. Behavioral interventions may include strategies to identify triggers and develop coping skills to manage intense emotions.

Treatment of IED is aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of aggressive and
impulsive behaviour and involves support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare
professionals.

Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted construct that refers to the ability to learn, reason, problem-solve, and adapt to new situations. It is a combination of cognitive abilities that includes reasoning, perception, memory, creativity, and problem-solving.

Intelligence is a broad concept that can be difficult to define precisely, but it is generally understood to be an important factor in academic and professional success, as well as in everyday life.

Types
There are many different theories of intelligence, but most agree that there are different types of intelligence that can be grouped into several categories. One of the most widely recognized categorizations is the triarchic theory of intelligence, which divides intelligence into three types:

Analytical intelligence
T
he ability to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems using logical reasoning and critical thinking skills.

Creative intelligence
The ability to generate and adapt to new ideas, think outside the box, and approach problems in unconventional ways.

Practical intelligence
T
he ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations, adapt to new environments, and interact effectively with others.
Other theories of intelligence propose additional types, such as emotional intelligence (the ability to perceive and understand emotions in oneself and others) and social intelligence (the ability to navigate social situations and understand social cues).

Factors
Intelligence is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While there is no single "intelligence gene," research has shown that certain genetic variations may contribute to differences in cognitive abilities. Environmental factors, such as education, nutrition, and exposure to new experiences and challenges, can also have a significant impact on intelligence. Additionally, individual differences in motivation, personality, and self-regulation may also play a role in shaping cognitive abilities.

Assessment
Intelligence is typically assessed using standardized tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) for adults and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) for children. These tests measure a range of cognitive abilities, including verbal and nonverbal reasoning, memory, processing speed, and problem-solving. While these tests are widely used and have been shown to be reliable and valid measures of cognitive abilities, they are not without limitations. Critics have argued that intelligence tests can be culturally biased and may not capture the full range of abilities and talents that individuals possess.

Relevance
Intelligence is an important factor in academic and professional success, as well as in everyday life. Individuals with higher levels of intelligence may be better able to learn new information, solve complex problems, and adapt to new situations. However, it is important to recognize that intelligence is not the only factor that contributes to success and that other factors such as motivation, personality traits, and social skills also play a role.

Compiled by: Dr. Emelda Edem Asem - Ahiablee, Dr. Ramata Seidu, Dr. E. A. Azusong,
Dr. Akosua Dickson, Dr. Matilda Asiedu, Dr. Wendy Muonibeh Bebobru, Dr. Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Ohakpougwu