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buspirone (Buspar)

buspirone (Buspar)

What is buspirone (Buspar)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Buspirone is a medication that is used for the treatment of anxiety. Its mechanism of action is not clearly understood but may involve effects on neurotransmitters, chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. Serotonin and dopamine are two of these neurotransmitters. Buspirone […]

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What are mania and hypomania?

What are mania and hypomania?

Mania and hypomania are periods where a person feels elated, very active, and full of energy. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. Mania and hypomania both involve periods when the individual feels excited or experiences an energized mood. They differ in how severe these mood changes are: Mania is a severe episode that may […]

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What counts as bipolar disorder?

What counts as bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder causes a person to experience episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. People who suspect that they have bipolar disorder should see a doctor, who will perform several tests and may refer them to a psychiatrist or psychologist for further assessment. Diagnosing bipolar disorder is difficult, as no single test can tell whether […]

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What to know about bipolar disorder and sex

What to know about bipolar disorder and sex

Bipolar disorder causes a person to experience intense shifts in moods, sometimes from a manic state to a depressed state, for example. These shifts can occur with changes in sexual desire, confidence, or sexual function. Though the symptoms vary from person to person, bipolar disorder can disrupt several aspects of a person’s life, including their […]

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haloperidol (Haldol)

haloperidol (Haldol)

What is Haldol (haloperidol)? Haldol (haloperidol) is an antipsychotic medication. It also is used to control tics and vocal utterances that are part of Tourette’s syndrome. Is Haldol (haloperidol) available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for Haldol (haloperidol)? Yes Why is Haldol (haloperidol) prescribed to patients? Haldol is used for […]

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temazepam (Restoril)

temazepam (Restoril)

What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Temazepam is a drug that is used for treating anxiety. It is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects […]

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How to tell if it’s bipolar disorder or ADHD

How to tell if it’s bipolar disorder or ADHD

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are very different conditions, but they share some similar symptoms, such as hyperactive and impulsive behavior. A careful diagnosis is especially important because the treatments for each condition are different. There may be a connection between the two conditions. A study that featured in the Journal of Psychiatric […]

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Letter from the Editor: Making plans

Letter from the Editor: Making plans

Being based in England, you’d think that the Medical News Today editorial team would be used to less-than-ideal weather conditions. But, we’d be lying if we said that the glacial temperatures of New York City weren’t a shock to the system. The MNT editorial team paid a visit to NYC earlier this month for the […]

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What are the main symptoms of mania?

What are the main symptoms of mania?

The mania phase of bipolar disorder involves an unusually high level of energy and activity. It is common for people in this phase to experience racing thoughts, a lower need for sleep, and difficulty concentrating. Bipolar disorder is a condition that causes extreme changes in mood. There are different forms of the disorder, some of […]