Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders

To discuss the next sleep disorder, we first need to understand a new concept: circadian rhythm. Have you ever heard of it? What does it mean? Let me explain it in simple terms.

Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders

During sleep, basic bodily functions continue as usual. However, sometimes things don’t go as they should, and breathing becomes irregular during sleep. This, in turn, affects sleep quality. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes a group of disorders called sleep-related breathing disorders. Let’s explore them in simple terms.

Narcolepsy

Have you ever heard of a disorder called Narcolepsy? Some of you might have, especially because it has been parodied in certain movies or TV shows. I understand that watching someone suddenly fall asleep might seem amusing, but is that really what happens? Let’s clarify things in my own words.

Insomnia - Hypersomnolence

The first sleep-wake disorder we’ll discuss is the most common one, which you’ve likely heard of: insomnia. A situation that is more or less the opposite of insomnia (but equally potentially debilitating) is hypersomnolence. Let’s explore these disorders more closely in my own words.

Sleep-Wake Disorders

The clinical exploration of psychological disorders continues with another basic need: sleep. What is sleep? What does the REM phase mean? Why do we sleep? I'll try to answer these questions in my own words.

Elimination Disorders

Elimination Disorders involve difficulties in the regular release of urine (enuresis) and feces (encopresis). These difficulties are not physiological but are linked to psychological causes. The individual delays elimination due to concerns such as the use of a bathroom other than their own, social anxiety, or performance anxiety.

Bulimia Nervosa – Binge-Eating

If Anorexia Nervosa is primarily characterized by food avoidance, the last two feeding and eating disorders I’ll discuss are defined by episodes of binge eating. I’m referring to Bulimia Nervosa and Binge-Eating Disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa

Among feeding and eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa is the most well-known. Perhaps its fame comes from cinematic portrayals (such as in the film To the Bone), but most of us have some idea—whether accurate or not—of what anorexia is and how dangerous it can be. Here, I’ll try to explain it in my own words.

Pica - Rumination - Food Avoidance

In the previous post, we saw how eating behavior involves more than just the act of eating; it’s a more complex process that also includes food choices and how food is consumed.

Eating and Feeding Disorders

Eating is a basic need—nothing new or complicated there. Modern society often discusses food: how to explore new cuisines, eat healthily, or prepare meals. However, in some cases, maintaining a regular and somewhat healthy diet can become so difficult that it qualifies as a mental disorder. But why does this happen?