Development in the field of medicine and science signifies that our world has evolved economically and humans are now living longer lives. Even though, according to some recent studies, it is evident that there is an increased graph of neuropsychiatric disorders associated with physical and environmental changes. 

Diseases and injuries that damage the brain leave a major impact on one’s interaction with the surrounding. These neuro diseases or injuries bring marked disability in behavioral and psychological symptoms which is known as neuropsychiatric symptoms. 

Diseases such as Alzheimer’s cause psychosis leading to dementia in an individual. Patients with Parkinson’s disease also suffer from depression apart from the muscle tremors.  All these symptoms are caused due to the neurological damage to the brain. This leads to mood and emotional changes which is a major example of neuropsychiatric disorder. 

Let me give you more brief information about this disorder that you might need to know.

WHAT ARE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS?

We rarely hear anyone talking about neuropsychiatric disorders because it is greatly stigmatized by society. The neuropsychiatric disorder is a medical term that involves both neurology and psychiatry. It consists of a broad range of medical conditions. Such conditions need immediate treatment as the severity increases with time.  

The most common neuropsychiatric disorders are listed below:

  1. Uncontrolled anger
  2. Seizures
  3. Attention deficit disorder
  4. Migraine headaches
  5. Eating disorders
  6. Depression
  7. Anxiety
  8. Palsies
  9. Addictions
  10. Cognitive deficit disorder

Neuropsychiatric disorders are highly common and severe in children.

WHAT CAUSES NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS IN CHILDREN?

Neuropsychiatric disorders in children are developmental disorders. Neuropsychiatric conditions alter the areas responsible for social interaction in the brain, communication problems, emotional and behavioral control, and control over voluntary actions. The symptoms of this disorder vary among children and might show various symptoms in different stages of their life.   

The disorders are supported by problems like sleep, learning, verbal communication, motor skills and mood swings, anxiety, or sometimes convulsions.  

The causes of neuropsychiatric disorders in children involve:

  • Excessive stress exposure 

Additional stress in the childhood or adolescent period leads to psychological and neurological disorders in future. Not only this but stress in pregnancy during the critical period of development of the fetus can further lead to such disorders. 

Uncontrolled and inadequate fear are interlinked with certain behavioral disorders and proper brain functioning. 

  • DHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the primary cause of neuropsychological problems. This disorder is described as a lack of attention. It may persist in adults among 20% of the individuals. 

  • Conduct disorder

The conduct disorder is found in children below the age of 18 due to the major anti-social behavior and age-appropriate norms of society. 

  • Autism 

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by damage to common social interactions and communication skills and the presence of stereotypical behavior. 

  • Traumatic head injury(TBI)

It is a brain injury caused due to direct or indirect forces on the head or brain. 

  • Infections 

Some infections such as encephalitis, and meningitis can cause damage to the brain by indirect mechanisms. 

  • Gene predisposition
  • Side effects of medications

What causes neuropsychiatric disorders in Adults? 

A neurological disorder that takes control of behavior, thought, mood, and personality falls under this category, termed as neuropsychiatric disorder. There are many causes of neuropsychiatric disorders, but it is vital to understand that every disorder has a specific reason. Below are just some examples that include broad and generic causes that might lead to various neuropsychiatric disorders : 

  • Childhood trauma or adverse past experiences can cause personality disorder.
  • Defective dopamine transporter can be the cause of anxiety and hyperactivity disorder.
  • In some cases, damaged myelin sheath can be the cause of many disorders.
  • Genetic mutation can be the cause of progeria.
  • The amyloid plaque formation in the brain can cause Alzheimer’s disease. 

Examples of neuropsychiatric disorders

  • Depression 

The condition occurs when people start taking too much stress because of overthinking which can lead to many other issues like hatches, migraines, dizziness, and weakness. Some symptoms are apathy, anxiety, headache, hopelessness, and general discontent.

  • Bipolar disorder 

It is a main depression caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and is characterized by mood fluctuations like emotional highs and lows. Some symptoms include unpredictable highs and lows, manic and depressive symptoms, unidentified mood alterations, etc. 

  • Parkinson 

It is a condition that causes stiffness, tremors, and difficulties in balancing, walking, and coordinating. It is due to the loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra. Symptoms include slow movement, impaired balance and coordination, stiffness in limbs, and other body parts. 

  • Migraine headaches 

It is more than a painful headache and produces extreme pain in half of the head and is influenced by sound, light, physical activity, etc. Symptoms include vomiting and nausea, throbbing, sensitivity to light and sound.

  • Uncontrolled anger 

Anger is triggered by factors like family troubles or financial concerns or can also be triggered by any underlying disease like depression or alcoholism. Some symptoms include feelings of irritation and feeling of regret when you are upset. 

  • Anxiety 

It is a symptom of underlying sickness and can cause a person to sweat, feel agitated and tight, and increase heartbeat. It can be a natural stress reaction. Symptoms include sweating, feeling nervous, panic, or trembling. 

  • Eating disorders 

This condition leads to the development of poor eating behaviors and, if left untreated, can have substantial health repercussions. Symptoms include being underweight, changes in body patterns, unusual eating patterns, distorted body image, etc. 

  • Cognitive deficit disorder 

It is a disorder that affects an individual’s cognitive processes, like Alzheimer’s disease. It includes memory loss, language problems, concentration problems, etc. Some symptoms include confusion, impaired judgment, inadequate motor coordination, etc. 

Tools used to diagnose neuropsychiatric disorders

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS?

The main symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorder are altered brain function, emotions, and mood swings. 

The following problems can be caused due to this:

  • Lack of concentration
  • Unable to learn properly in case of ADHD
  • Sadness
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss problems
  • Mood swings
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation(nervous excitement )
  • Apathy (lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern)
  • Delusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Sleep impairment
  • Dementia(impairment of two brain functions simultaneously)
  • Psychosis(mental disorder)
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Obsessions and compulsions

WHAT ARE THE NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDER CARE OPTIONS?

There are some common treatments and therapy sessions based on the diagnosis which will be recommended by the neuropsychiatric doctor. Diagnosis can be clinical or with the help of laboratory machines like 3D imaging which helps the doctor to detect the complete condition of the brain.  

  • Medications 

Antipsychotic agents and antidepressants are prescribed to patients in guidance and proper therapy by the neuropsychiatric doctor. 

  • Psychological or psychiatric therapy 

Therapy sessions for the individual as well as for the family are prescribed and done. Certain groups and programs are suggested to join like:

  • Pain management group
  • Social skills group
  • Focus program
  • Teen sleep group and many more

Specific treatment will vary based on diagnosis, severity, and need.

TAKEAWAY

Neuropsychiatric disorders should not be ignored and are meant to be treated on time to prevent severity. For such cases, you need to consult the best neuropsychiatric doctor in Delhi. Dr. Anil Yadav is counted among the best neuropsychiatric doctors in Delhi and provides the most suitable neuropsychiatric treatment to his patients.

FAQ

Signs and symptoms vary, and it depends upon the type of functional neurological disorder and includes specific patterns. These disorders affect a person's movement or their senses, like the ability to see, swallow, hear, or walk. Symptoms vary from person to person and depend upon severity and may come and go or be persistent. Some neuropsychiatric symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, agitation/aggressiveness, depression, anxiety, joy or euphoria, apathy/indifference, disinhibition, irritability/lability, and aberrant motor behavior. 

Substance addiction, or drug addiction, is a neuropsychiatric disorder diagnosed when a person has a constant desire to continue taking the drug despite its harmful consequences.

Major Neuropsychiatric disorders include the following: Addictions, mood disorders, eating disorders, Degenerative diseases, Neurotic disorders, Psychosis, as well as sleep disorders. However, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also termed ADHD, is the most common disorder, 

make-a-call-with-Dr-Anil-Yadav Contact-top-psychiatrist-in-delhi