Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a type of impulse control disorder that causes someone to frequently experience impulsive angry outbursts that are disproportionate to the event or situation that triggered them. For example, when someone with this condition becomes frustrated—even about something relatively minor—they may...
Claustrophobia causes someone to intensely fear confined spaces (for example, airplanes, caves, elevators, MRI machines, and tunnels). In some cases, even thinking about being in an enclosed space can produce symptoms. The fear associated with claustrophobia can be so extreme that it interferes with a...
Tourette syndrome is a disorder that causes someone to uncontrollably and repeatedly produce certain sounds or perform certain movements. These are known as “tics.” What Causes Tourette Syndrome? Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes Tourette syndrome. With that said, studies suggest that...
Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can...