Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by deficiency of certain enzymes (branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase complex) required to breakdown (metabolize) specific amino acids in the body. Because these am...

Brief psychotic disorder is in the group of mental illnesses called the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Symptoms of brief psychotic disorder can include hallucinations or delusions, and they last no longer than...

Hartnup disease is a rare metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. It involves an inborn error of amino acid metabolism as well as niacin deficiency. Factors that may precipitate acute attacks of this disorder may include poor...

Macular degeneration facts The macula is in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for central vision (straight-ahead vision). Degeneration of the macula occur...

Munchausen syndrome is a mental disorder that is characterized by the sufferer causing or pretending to have physical or psychological symptoms in his or herself. Adults aged 20-40 years are the most likely groups to develop Munchau...

Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. The symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), loss of muscle tone (cataplexy), distorted perceptions (hypnagogic hallucinations), inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis)...

Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia and a number of lesser-known disorders. The number of people who develop a psychotic disorder tends to vary depending on the country, age, and gender of the sufferer, as well as on the speci...

Schizoaffective disorder is an illness characterized by psychotic symptoms (delusions and hallucinations) and mood problems. There are two types of schizoaffective disorder: bipolar and depressive. There is no specific kno...

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, debilitating mental illness that affects about 1% of the population, more than 2 million people in the United States alone. With the sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms, the individual is sa...