Mental Illness in CATS and DOGS Quiz

Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition that brings about symptoms of mild or very severe depression during the winter in people who live in northern climates where the days grow shorter. It may be related to the disconnect between our normal circadian rhythms and the daily schedule of the artificially lit industrial environment. Symptoms range from weight loss or gain to feelings of despair. Exercise and increased exposure to daylight can help relieve mild cases of the depression associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For more severe cases, medication or exposure to very bright artificial light may be prescribed. Vitamin D is also believed to be beneficial.

Answer: Social Anxiety Disorder

It's normal to feel a little bit nervous when you have to speak up at an important meeting or make a public presentation, but for people with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD or SAnD), ordinary performance situations like this (and even casual social interactions like attending parties or going out for dinner) can cause physical symptoms like dizziness and very negative and worrisome thoughts... which may lead the sufferer to try to get out of these kinds of encounters altogether.

Answer: Attention Deficit Disorder

In school-age children, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) can interfere with learning because it inhibits their ability to concentrate on the lesson. The emotional responses to ADD can include aggressive behaviour and low self esteem, and may manifest themselves as physical symptoms like headaches and body pain.

Some children with ADD will "act out" in order to distract from the problem; others will withdraw from activities that may put them in the spotlight.

Answer: Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the name given to a range of related disorders, including autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett's Disorder and others. The condition may cause problems with communication and social interaction, and an unusual attachment to routines or repetitive behaviours.

These may be so mild as to pass unnoticed most of the time, or so profound as to be debilitating. In children, some of the signs are a failure to respond to their own name, problems interacting or communicating with others, a lack of interest in toys and delayed language development. Autism manifests itself differently in every patient, so there is no standard list of signs or symptoms.

There is still no clear cause for ASD; however, it is it not contagious, and it is not caused by parents' behaviour.

Answer: Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) usually makes its first appearance before the age of 8. It is characterized by extreme argumentativeness lasting at least six months. It is linked to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and may be related to childhood abuse or trauma, or to an imbalance of serotonin in the brain.

It is normally treated with psychotherapy, rarely with drugs.

Answer: Purely physical

The set of conditions referred to by the term Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) is also called Repetitive Stress Injury. These are injuries caused by actions repeated frequently over a long period of time. Some examples of injuries that fall within the spectrum of CTD are carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis.

Answer: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by constant pressing worry even when the patient's life situation doesn't seem to warrant it. Physical symptoms, like digestive difficulties, may develop alongside the psychological ones. Even children can develop GAD. The condition is usually treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

Answer: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The patient with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) gains relief from obsessions (unwanted recurring thoughts or impulses) by performing compulsions (rituals or superstitions, like counting, checking many times that they have locked a door or turned off an appliance, or carrying out an everyday process in a very particular way.) The compulsion to perform these rituals can be overwhelming, and can interfere with everyday life.

Some people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have a strong fear of contamination.

This fear may cause them to avoid any situation where they could come into contact with germs, from shaking hands to picking up something off the floor. They may address these fears with washing or cleaning compulsions. Some examples of this type of compulsion include excessive hand washing, laundry rituals, special rules for cleaning the bathroom, or a special set of steps for brushing teeth or showering.

At one time, OCD was thought to originate in childhood experiences, but it is now thought to be neurological and genetic in origin.

Answer: Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) may begin to damage the brain as much as a decade before symptoms begin to assert themselves. Initial signs include slight losses of memory and judgment. Advanced cases cause significant brain shrinkage that leaves patients unable to communicate or care for themselves.

Much is still unknown about the causes of Alzheimer's, but it is believed that a generally healthy lifestyle that includes brain challenges is helpful in avoiding AD.

Answer: Disinhibited Attachment Disorder

Disinhibited Attachment Disorder (DAD) appears in young children. Children with DAD don't develop the usual exclusive attachment to their parents and regular caregivers. This situation can present dangers; for instance, a child with DAD may wander away from his or her guardians and chat with - or even walk away with - any other adult.