Understanding Peptides: Different Types, and What They Do

When organized into complex structures (typically consisting of 50 or more amino acids), peptides become proteins. They are also the basis of various medications and supplements. Some peptide supplements may help reduce inflammation, boost wound healing and collagen formation, and build muscle. Verywell / Getty Images That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Verywell / Getty Images What Do Peptides Do? Peptides play many roles in the human body....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 403 words · Catherine Nichols DDS

Understanding Psychosocial Development

This article discusses Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development, as well as criticism of his theory. At each stage, a person is faced with a psychosocial crisiscritical issuesthat need to be resolved. The person’s personality is shaped by the way they respond to each of these crises. d3sign / Getty Images If they react positively, a new virtue (moral behavior) is gained. During this stage, the infant is completely dependent on their caregiver to meet their needs....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 540 words · Ann Black

Understanding Relationship Trauma

Relationship trauma results from abusive behavior occurring between intimate partners. This article discusses the signs of relationship trauma and how to find treatment and support. However, it is a proposed syndrome that would fit under the umbrella ofpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Kemal Yildirim / Getty Images There is still a lot to learn about the effects of PTRS specifically. This appears true even if there was physical or sexual violence in the relationship....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 294 words · Jeffrey Curry

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

RA causes the joints to be swollen, tender, and stiff. Additional symptoms include fatigue and fever. Symptoms of RA typically come on gradually and will worsen over weeks and months. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health They will improve over time with treatment. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health How Do Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Start? It can affect the fingers, hands, wrists, toes, feet, and ankles. Fatigue is the body’s response toinflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 519 words · Joshua Heath

Understanding Scalp Psoriasis and How to Treat It

Whenpsoriasisaffects the scalp, it causes thick, silvery-white or gray scales that may be inflamed and itchy. In psoriasis, the scalp is the most commonly affected area. While there is no cure for psoriasis, it is treatable and manageable. Sergey Dogadin/ Getty Images Sergey Dogadin/ Getty Images Symptoms Scalp psoriasis causes scaly, inflamed skin patches on the scalp. Some people with scalp psoriasis may experience only mild, fine scaling. Others may have more severe symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 470 words · Jessica Johnson

Understanding Scars and Your Skin

A wound healing without scarring (i.e., scarless healing) is rare. Krit of Studio OMG / Getty Images How Do Scars Form? Scarsform as part of the natural wound-healing process. Krit of Studio OMG / Getty Images There are many types of scars, including: Are There Signs a Scar May Form? Whether a scar forms depends on several factors, including: What Causes Scars? Age increases the odds of a skin injury causing a scar....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 423 words · Ryan Stephenson

Understanding Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

This article goes over the conditions that fall under the schizophrenia spectrum and their symptoms. It also discusses the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Illustration by Shideh Ghandeharizadeh for Verywell Health What Is Schizophrenia? Illustration by Shideh Ghandeharizadeh for Verywell Health Thesymptoms of schizophreniafall into three main categories. Schizophreniform disorder can develop into schizophrenia if the symptoms reach the six-month mark. Depressive or manic episode symptoms are present over half of the duration of the condition....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 336 words · Bryan Villanueva

Understanding Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin protein in red blood cells. It carries a risk of asickle cell crisis, pain, infections, and blood clots. The terms “sickle cell disease” and “sickle cell anemia” are used interchangeably. KATERYNA KON/ Science Photo Library / Getty Images The disease can be detected with a blood test even when you do not have symptoms. Treatment for sickle cell anemia includes prevention and management of sickle cell crises and other effects of the condition....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 518 words · Michael Price

Understanding Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin What Are Sleep Paralysis Hallucinations? With sleep paralysis, these hallucinations occur while you are in aparalytic statewhile transitioning from sleep to wakefulness. Illustration by Ellen Lindner for Verywell Health Emotional Effects Sleep paralysis hallucinations are generally characterized by fear. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin For many, the experience is described as a"waking nightmare." Or, you may hear what you believe to be an intruder who you are unable to fend off....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 429 words · William Rodriguez

Understanding Small Fiber Neuropathy Pain

It can result in pain, loss of sensation, and digestive and urinary symptoms. The most common causes of neuropathy include long-term diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol use, and nutritional deficiencies. However, there are numerous types and causes of neuropathy. sanjagrujic / Getty Images Small fiber neuropathy is diagnosed when it is clear that the small fibers of the nerves are involved. Extensive diagnostic testing is required to identify small fiber neuropathy. Most of the time, neuropathy (such asperipheral neuropathy) involves small fibers and large fibers....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 598 words · Arthur Cook III

Understanding Small Intestine Problems

The small intestine, also called the small bowel, is part of the digestive tract. This organ connects the stomach and the large intestine and is the longest part of thedigestive system. A number of conditions can interfere with digestion and affect the small intestine. Verywell / Jessica Olah Pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea may occur as symptoms of these disorders. As food being digested travels through it, the small intestine absorbs vitamins and minerals....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 538 words · Edward Sellers

Understanding Standard of Care for Patients

Failure to deliver the standard of care may be deemed medical negligence. Standard of care is a legal termnot a medical onedefined by law and regulated by state administrative agencies. The laws governing the standard of care can vary by state. Team Static/fStop/Getty Images It also describes the legal actions you could take if you have grounds for a lawsuit. The standard of care is also sometimes referred to as “best practice....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 204 words · Derek Morgan

Understanding Sundowner’s Syndrome and Dementia Symptoms

These symptoms can affect people living withAlzheimers disease and other types of dementia. Many people with sundowning resist or refuse nighttime sleep. The symptoms can last from a few minutes to all night long. Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health Sundowning can occur occasionally or almost every evening. Sundowning generally resolves during the day without medical treatment. Deliriumis a sudden change in mental status that can occur at any time of the day or night....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 214 words · Mary Torres