Question

Write short notes on

(a) Epilepsy, (b) Hallucinogens, (c) Alcoholism, (d) Addiction, (e) Mental illness, (f) Narcotics, (g) Tranquilisers, (h) Sedatives, (I) Psychosis

Answer 1

1. Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person.
   
2. Hallucinations are perception of having seen, heard, touched, tasted or smelled something that wasn't actually there. It can have causes that aren't due to underlying disease. Examples include drug intoxication.
   
3. Alcoholism is chronic disease characterised by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
   
4. Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.
   
5. Mental illness is wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking and behaviour.
   
6. The term narcotic originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with sleep-inducing properties. In the United States, it has since become associated with opiates and opioids, commonly morphine and heroin, as well as derivatives of many of the compounds found within raw opium latex.
   
7. A tranquilizer refers to a drug which is designed for the treatment of anxiety, fear, tension, agitation, and disturbances of the mind, specifically to reduce states of anxiety and tension.
   
8. A sedative is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement. They are central nervous depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration.
   
9. Psychosis is mental disorder characterised by a disconnection from reality.