Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Autism

There is controversy within the medical, autism, and neurodiverse communities about the validity of PDA. Neurotypical people have a “normal” brain and behave in ways society expects. Anyone who is diagnosed with autism is neurodivergent. Maskot / Getty Images Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Trait of Autism? Ultimately, though, there is a real lack of research on PDA. ADHD There are anecdotal reports that PDA is associated withADHD. They use social strategiessuch as negotiation, distraction, manipulation, role play, and refusalto avoid demands....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 249 words · Ashley Maxwell

Pathophysiology of Lung Cancer

In the case of lung cancer, the changes occur in the lungs. As the disease progresses, other areas of the body may be involved as well. What does pathophysiology mean? Prapass Pulsub / Getty Images Causes There are several possible causes of lung cancer. The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking tobacco. Other exposures that can lead to lung cancer are secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, and asbestos. Some workplace exposures like diesel exhaust and other chemicals can also raise the risk of lung cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 448 words · John Guzman

Patrick McNamara, PhD

Highlights Experience Patrick McNamara is a former writer for Verywell Health. Since then he has published more than 40 scientific papers on the disorder in major medical journals. He also has taught neuropsychology at various colleges and universities in the northeast. Education In 1986, Dr. McNamara received his B.A. in psychology from Boston University. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience in 1991, also from Boston University....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 98 words · Anthony Pacheco

Paxil vs. Lexapro: How Do They Compare?

Choosing between Paxil vs.Lexaproinvolves evaluating various factors. Communicating your concerns and treatment goals with your healthcare provider is beneficial. Call911or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a life-threatening crisis. Getty Images /Joe Raedle/ Staff A study comparing the two medications found both similarly effective for MDD. Lexapro showed a greater improvement in anxiety symptoms using theHamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Both Paxil and Lexapro can take up to a few weeks to reach their full effect....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Melissa Kemp

Paxlovid Mouth: A Distasteful Side Effect of a COVID Drug

My sister, Susan DeBenedette of Tucson, Arizona, found this out the hard way. Their healthcare providers wrote them aprescription for Paxlovid. Soon enough, they both experienced Paxlovid mouth. Malte Mueller/Getty The lingering taste due to Paxlovid has been described as metallic,bitter, or like grapefruit gone bad. One writer called it a disgusting, invisible monster that occupies your entire mouth for five straight days. The metallic taste varied in intensity during the day, Sue told Verywell....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 350 words · Deanna Lee

PCOS and Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: What's the Connection?

What Is Inflammatory PCOS? PCOS is a hormonal condition that can cause ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and other health problems. PCOS is a common cause of infertility and affects an estimated 8% to 13% of reproductive-aged females. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images Symptoms of PCOS may include: What’s the Connection Between PCOS and Inflammation? All of these factors are involved in the immune response and are also found during inflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 377 words · Wesley Rodgers

PCOS Diet: What to Eat to Manage Symptoms

Whole grains, fresh produce, and plant-based proteins are key There is no standard PCOS diet. Research shows different combinations of eating plans can benefit people withpolycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS). This article discusses PCOS diet recommendations. d3sign / Moment / Getty Images How to Lose Weight With PCOS Weight loss is the first line of treatment for PCOS. There is no standard PCOS diet. Research shows losing weight improves PCOS symptoms regardless of dietary composition....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 537 words · Kenneth Wood

PCR vs. Rapid Test for COVID-19: Which Should You Take?

The PCR typically relies on lab testing and is still considered the “gold standard” for accuracy. The rapid tests are commonlyat-home tests, with new options that have made testing easier. In March 2024, this program was suspended. Carol Yepes/Getty Images This article discusses the types of COVID tests and how they are used. This process is called amplification. Amplifying the genetic material makes detecting even the smallest amount of a virus easy....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 388 words · Dakota Watkins

Peanut Allergies, Soybeans, and Legumes

However, your allergist may advise you differently depending on your individual test results and family medical history. bymuratdeniz / Getty Images Are Peanuts Nuts? Walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, and almonds all grow on trees and are classified astree nuts. bymuratdeniz / Getty Images However, that’s not correct. Peanuts are in fact a member of a plant family calledlegumes.In general, legume pods can contain edible seeds. Other members of the legume family include peas, beans, and soybeans....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 177 words · David Brown

Pectus Excavatum Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Pectus excavation surgery is done to correct a chest deformity present at birth in some individuals. Withpectus excavation, the sternum (breastbone) caves inward and gives the chest a sunken in appearance. The magnets create a magnetic force field that slowly pulls the chest to reconfigure it. DouglasOlivares / Getty Images The optimal timing for pectus excavatum surgery is 8 years of age through adolescence. Bones and cartilage are less pliable after that time period....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 535 words · Mary Thompson

Pediatric Headache Red Flags and When to Seek Treatment

Is your child having frequent headaches? Here are the red flags to look for. In some cases, your child’s provider may not want you to wait to make an appointment. ajijchan / Getty Images Is It Normal for Kids to Get Headaches? Many children get headaches from time to time and some may have headache disorders. Headaches in kids and adults can be grouped into two types: primary or secondary....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 369 words · Jennifer Richards

Peeing After Sex: Benefits and UTI Prevention

So, what actually is true? As with all words of wisdom, there are truths intermingled with misconceptions that can be hard to separate. This article explores whether peeing after sex can help prevent UTIs, pregnancy, or STIs. Is Peeing After Sex Healthy? This may be more important for females than for males. Should Everyone Pee After Sex? Females Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are unquestionably linked to sexual intercourse in females....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 458 words · Todd Davis

Peeling Feet

Our feet carry us everywhere, are stuffed into shoes, and trek over many types of surfaces. Keep reading to learn why your feet peel and what might cause this problem to worsen. Some other conditions and medications can also cause your feet to peel faster than usual. Alina555/ Getty Images Dryness Drynessmay be one of the most common explanations for peeling feet. Athlete’s Foot Athlete’s footis a fungal infection of the feet....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 453 words · Mary Villarreal