The Facts – serie

Lupus is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks itself, culminating in disease which can affect multiple organs, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, and central nervous system. Lupus currently affects about 30,000 patients in the UK, 500,000 in the United States and tens of thousands throughout Europe. Whilst there have been great advances in research into the genetic background of lupus and new interventions such as stem-cell transplants, there is still a surprising lack of information available for patients, carers and their families. Written by the former President of the British Society for Rheumatology and the current co-director of the Lupus Centre of Excellence in Pittsburgh, USA, this new edition of Lupus: The Facts reflects major developments in our understanding of the causes of lupus.

In this new book Simon Baron-Cohen summarizes the current understanding of autism and Asperger Syndrome. He explains the process of diagnosis, as well as the options for education and intervention for those with these conditions. Taking a lifespan approach, Professor Baron-Cohen considersa how the conditions affect very young children through to adulthood. He also outlines his new Empathizing-Systemizing (ES) theory, which aims to explain all of the psychological features of autistic-spectrum conditions.This book is designed firstly for people with these conditions and their families. It will be useful to clinicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the care and support of people on the autistic spectrum. The book will also provide an invaluable introduction to the topic for students in the social and biological sciences.

All long-term illnesses, whatever their diagnosis, have much in common. The difficulties and challenges that come with illness, and the strategies to overcome them, are shared by most patients. Managing an illness effectively and tackling the difficulties it causes can greatly improve how you feel and your quality of life.This book identifies the challenges posed by illness and suggests a wide variety of ways in which you might meet them. Key to this is the idea of becoming expert in managing your own illness and learning how best to deal with it. The authors accept that you know more than them about how you experience it, so that rather than telling you what to do, they offer a tool box from which you may pick the strategies that best suit you. The two authors, one a person with a long-term illness and one a doctor, combine their expertise and experience to offer a practical and comprehensive guide along your own unique journey.If you have a long-term illness, or if you care for someone who does, then this is a book for you.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a psychiatric condition that affects nearly 2% of the general population, predominantly women. Symptoms of BPD include impulsivity, mood swings, unstable intense relationships and feelings of chronic emptiness. Research on BPD has lagged behind that on other mental health conditions, such as depression and psychosis, primarily due to the lack of evidence of effective treatment but also due to the stigma historically associated with the condition. Fortunately this situation is changing, with improved treatments now available and improved clinician/organizational willingness to engage with those with a diagnosis of BPD.This candid book collaboratively co-authored by a person recovered from BPD and a BPD specialist therapist is written specifically for people with BPD (with support teams, including family, friends and clinicians also likely to benefit from reading the book). This authoritative and easily readable guide provides a compassionate understanding of the condition, plenty of in-depth practical recovery strategies and credible and realistic hope for recovery. The authors draw from the latest research and share years of personal and professional experience that brings the book alive. Review comments from Vice-President, National Education Alliance for BPD and Director, Middle Path (BPD advocacy organizations) include "most down-to-earth, accessible book for people with BPD" and "tremendous and potentially life-changing gift".

In the past decade, there has been increasing recognition of thyroid diseases as a common health problem. While there have been few major new advances in treatment, there is much greater understanding of why thyroid disorders occur and the long-term health effects of thyroid disease. As people with thyroid disease begin to know more about their disorder, they are able to co-operate better with treatment and their anxieties about the problem can be significantly reduced.This fourth edition of Thyroid Disease: The Facts provides a reader-friendly source of information and reassurance for those people with thyroid disorders and their families. The book covers the wide range of conditions associated with thyroid dysfunction, from simple goitre to more complex disorders such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This edition also includes several completely new chapters, including one specifically devoted to thyroid disorders in infants, children and adolescents. Each chapter concludes with a useful Question and Answer section.

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a common but devastating disability that has a profound impact on people's lives. This book provides an easily-accessible guide to the disease for patients with motor neuron disease and their carers. The authors have organised it around a series of the commonest questions asked in their clinic, emphasising the variation in the course of MND and the individual nature of the patient journey through the disease. After an initial description of the symptoms for MND and how neurologists make the diagnosis the authors describe what is known about the causes and how scientists are trying to understand the disease. The book also looks at how a team of specialists can provide support and symptom control for the patient.

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the airways which causes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. Asthma attacks can be triggered by exposure to allergens, physical exertion, stress, or can be aggravated as a result of common coughs and colds. Over 5 million people in the UK and over 6% of children in the US suffer from Asthma, and a recent increase in prevalence is thought to be attributed to our modern lifestyle, such the changes in housing, diet and a more hygienic environment that have developed over the past few decades.Asthma: The Facts is a practical guide to asthma, suitable for those who suffer from asthma, their families, and the health professionals that treat them. It details how a diagnosis of asthma is reached, and what treatments are available to successfully manage the condition and prevent attacks on a day-to-day basis. The book contains advice on proactive changes which can be made to lifestyles, such as avoiding allergens, as well as how to cope with an attack, and how to administer the relevant treatment effectively. The authors conclude that whilst there is currently no cure for asthma, by taking a proactive, self-directed approach to management, its impact on the patient and their lives can be significantly reduced.

Essential Tremor is the most common movement disorder in the world, and affects between 4 and 40 people per 1000 of the population amongst all ethnic groups. Characterised by shaking hands, this disorder can affect the head, voice and legs, and is often made worse by physical and emotional stress.Essential Tremor: The Facts provides a comprehensive guide to understanding this disorder and minimising its impact upon the lives of sufferers, their friends and families.It begins with a close look at what essential tremor is and how it should be diagnosed, as well as details on who gets the disorder, the causes, and how it affects sufferers day-to-day lives. Current treatment options are covered, along with patient advice on how to cope with the stigma of essential tremor, as well as the disability and social handicap it invokes. The book concludes with a chapter on the future and prospects of a potential cure.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition relating to a hormone imbalance of the ovaries. It can cause irregular or absent menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, excess facial/body hair growth and an increased risk of diabetes. An estimated 10% of the adult female population - approximately 2 million of the 19 million adult women in Britain - are affected by PCOS.Written by a consultant endocrinologist and a dietician who run a PCOS clinic at a major hospital in the UK, this book aims to help women better understand PCOS and manage their condition. The book comprises concise chapters offering practical advice on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. The book also includes a useful section dedicated to weight management as well as a resource section including GI and calorie tables, and a list of helpful websites.Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: The Facts is an invaluable resource that will empower women with PCOS with the knowledge to take control of their health and provide them with strategies to cope with their condition.

Osteoporosis affects an estimated 3 million people in the UK. The condition causes the bones to become more fragile and therefore more prone to fractures, along with pain, a loss of movement and an inability to perform daily tasks. One in two women and one in five men in the UK will suffer a fracture after the age of 50. Aimed at patients and carers, this book covers topics such as who is affected, what the risk factors are, and how patients can prevent or lessen the effects. The book looks forward to advances in diagnosis and treatment and how they have improved health outcomes of patients. Written by a leading osteoporosis specialist and Scientific Advisory Committee Member of the National Osteoporosis Society, this addition to the Facts series is a comprehensive guide to understanding and coping with this debilitating disease.

Infertility is a significant health issue and one that has received increasing media attention in the UK and elsewhere in recent years. For affected couples, it is the cause of substantial distress and feelings of isolation that can lead to associated anxiety and depression. This is compounded by a perceived lack of support from health services as well as a lack of available information regarding its management. This book provides current information and practical advice on the underlying causes, diagnosis and management of infertility in a clear and concise style that is accessible to patients. The book covers all aspects of infertility from investigation, treatment, successful pregnancy and coping with childlessness. The text is written in a plain-spoken style that is easy to read and absorb, with liberal use of bullet points, diagrams, graphs, photographs, tables and other illustrations. Case studies and patient perspectives are included throughout the text to bring key concepts to life.

Head injury affects approximately 1 in 300 families in England and Wales. It happens 'out of the blue' - without warning and therefore can be a bewildering and frightening experience, and frequently has a dramatic and sometimes devastating effect on the lives of the people involved. The sudden onset and the uncertainty surrounding recovery means that head injury often presents families with a wide array of emotions such as fear, guilt and sadness. With no previous experiences to guide them, people with head injury and their families can feel overwhelmed. This book begins with essential information about head injury including basic knowledge about the brain and how it is damaged. The book goes on to explore typical problems associated with a head injury and how to cope with specific issues. The third section provides support and guidance about how to deal with the long term consequences of a head injury, including information on where to find further support. Head Injury: The Facts is a family guide to understanding and coping with the practical and emotional problems that head injury brings.

Cosmetic surgery has become the subject of intense media and public interest in the last few years. It is unique amongst the surgical specialties in that prospective patients are directly targeted by advertising, and often, through the use of aggressive sales and marketing techniques. For the general public and potential patients, understanding the procedures and accessing high-quality care is problematic, and independent professional advice from an appropriately trained and experienced doctor is essential. This advice should include a realistic assessment of the benefits and complications of any treatment.This book provides a clear and informative guide to cosmetic surgery and an overview of the range of procedures now available. The book also features an explanation of what makes a well-trained cosmetic surgeon and how to choose one. Individual chapters are devoted to specific procedures including facelifting, breast surgery, eyelid and chin lifts, liposuction, lasers/peels, botox and fillers and abdominoplasty.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, affects 1 person in every 400 in the UK. Between 6,000 and 12,000 new cases of ulcerative colitis are diagnosed every year, and research shows that the number of people with Crohn's disease has been rising steadily. While there are numerous volumes covering the management of IBD aimed at clinicians and several volumes focusing on either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease for patients, there are few volumes covering the full spectrum of IBD for patients, families and carers. This patient-centred guide covers all aspects of IBD including common symptoms, tests used to make a diagnosis, treatment and overall management of the condition. Providing up-to-date factual information, it is easy to read and allows quick access to key facts and helpful advice. With consideration given to new developments in the understanding and treatment of inflammation of the bowel, including complementary and alternative therapies, this book will help to improve the overall quality of life for all those affected by this chronic disease.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. It is characterised by swelling and inflammation in and around the joints as well as inflammation of the skin. While there is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, several new treatments are emerging that offer new hope to patients. In this guide for patients, the authors draw on their experience from one of the largest clinics in the world that is dedicated to understanding and managing patients with psoriatic arthritis, and highlight what is know about the causes and clinical features, along with the emotional impact that this condition has on peoples lives and how to manage it.

The third edition of this successful Facts title was authored by the late Dr Donald W. Goodwin, who wrote with a unique and engaging style defining alcoholism in very human terms. Although much of Dr Goodwin's assessments of alcoholism still hold true today, a great deal of progress has been made in the quest to better understand the underlying causes of the disease. This fourth edition, written by a group of Dr Goodwin's former colleagues, whilst retaining much of Dr Goodwin's original material, offering his unique perspective on alcoholism. The new edition includes updated information about the effects of alcohol consumption on the body, a new section on the particular sensitivity of women to the effects of drinking, and information and advice relating to the consequences of alcohol abuse for the abusers, their families and society.

There are over 2 million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and worldwide 194 million. An epidemic of diabetes is reported and by 2025 it is predicted that there will be 330 million people with diabetes in the world. Diabetes is likely to present one of this century's greatest medical challenges. However, the impact of diabetes on the individual and their carers is equally important. This book provides an easy to understand guide to diabetes and is aimed at all those living with diabetes.This book gives an overall introduction to diabetes including a short history of diabetes, causes, symptoms, possible complications, management (both of diabetes and the associated risk factors), psychological factors and what care to expect. It emphasises self management and gives invaluable advice on how to achieve this.

Down syndrome is a genetic condition which causes varying degrees of learning disability as well as other health problems. Nearly one baby in every 1000 born in the UK has the condition. Parents are often frightened and confused by the birth of a baby with Down syndrome, and they need reassurance as well as up-to-date information regarding the condition.The new edition of this highly regarded book for parents of children with Down syndrome covers a number of important new developments in research and clinical practice that have occurred in the field in recent years. These include several newly recognised medical conditions that are known to occur more commonly in patients with Down syndrome, for example, glaucoma, gastrointestinal malformations, feeding difficulties, gastro-oesophageal reflux, coeliac disease, and diabetes. This expanded edition also includes new recommendations regarding routine health checks in line with those of the UK Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (UKDSMIG). Additionally the book covers new prenatal screening methods which have been developed to identify Down syndrome during pregnancy.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains one of the most controversial illnesses, both in terms of its causes, and the best ways to treat the illness. For years, sufferers have had to deal with scepticism from their families, employers, and even health care professionals. The vast amount of conflicting advice that has been published up to now has served only to confuse sufferers, and professionals, even more. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Facts presents a compassionate guide to this illness, providing sufferers and their families, with practical advice, based solely on scientific evidence. It is unique in being written by both a sufferer and a physician, both of whom have had extensive experience of talking to, and helping, patients. Included in the book is a detailed guide to self-help, written from a patient's perspective, but evidence-based. The book also deals with a number of special issues, advising on how to choose therapies and therapists, and how to deal with CFS in children. The book additionally includes an overview of the history of the illness, looking at the nature and causes of CFS, and the opportunities for the future. The book will be invaluable for sufferers from CFS, their friends and families, and the numerous health professionals who come into contact with sufferers from this illness.

Epilepsy: The Facts is written specifically for sufferers of epilepsy and their friends and families. This easy-to-understand, evidence-based guide to epilepsy explains everything about the causes and effects of the disease, clearly and simply. The book addresses all aspects of epilepsy, at all ages. It begins with basic descriptions and definitions of seizures, through the classification of seizures and epilepsy syndromes. The different forms of investigation are described in detail including drug and non-drug treatment options. Further chapters discuss the effects of epilepsy on lifestyle, education and career choice and future developments. Positive, constructive advice is presented by the authors throughout the book to help sufferers manage their condition and cope with problems as and when they arise, especially in relation to many aspects of normal life such as schooling, pregnancy, driving, and work.This new edition represents a unique approach to the group of conditions known as 'epilepsy' and is the only publication of its kind in the UK.

Cystic Fibrosis: The Facts provides a much needed simple and understandable source book about this disease. It is aimed at those living with the Cystic Fibrosis (CF), either themselves or members of their families or their friends.The book explains clearly what is happening to the body in CF, what causes it and what treatment options are available for the different aspects of the disease. There are more detailed chapters for those wanting to find out about the genetics of the disease and specific aspects such as how it affects life choices and employment. It looks to the future in terms of potential new therapies for CF and provides useful information on organizations that can provide help and further information across those areas of the world where the disease is prevalent.

Sleep problems in children and adolescents are very common and often the cause of concern and distress for both the child and the family. They can affect behaviour, learning and sometimes physical health. There are many possible causes for sleep problems, some psychological, others physical, and this book will help you to identify and explain problems in your own child, leading you to the appropriate advice or treatment as necessary. The book starts by explaining the importance and nature of sleep and the changes that occur as your child grows up. It then describes why children may not sleep well at different ages from babyhood to adolescence, the causes of being excessively sleepy during the day, and the types of unusual behaviours or experiences that a child can have at night. The various types of treatment needed for these problems are explained.The later chapters discuss those children who are especially liable to have sleep problems, the ways in which sleep problems may be mistaken for other conditions, the ways in which unsatisfactory sleep can be spotted at home and at school, and how to get help for your child's disturbed sleep.Throughout the book, cases are described to illustrate how children with various sleep disorders have been correctly diagnosed and treated. The book is intended to raise awareness of the importance of children's sleep disorders, as well as their recognition and treatment. It is written mainly for parents but will also be of interest to anyone involved in the care and welfare of children.

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder affecting up to 1% of the population. It is characterised by motor and vocal tics, and upsetting anti-social behaviour such as involuntary swearing and obscene gestures. This second edition of Tourette Syndrome: The Facts explains the causes of the syndrome, how it is diagnosed, and how to cope if you or a relative has been recently diagnosed. It provides information on the treatment and therapies that are available, and advice and on how individuals can manage their symptoms. It clearly explains the different presentations that can affected individuals, covering a spectrum from very mild to more uncommon severe forms of TS, and also discusses disorders that can be mistaken for TS. This edition contains a new chapters focussing on 'Education, employment and empowerment', and famous and successful people who achieved their goals despite their diagnosis.Essential reading for Tourette's sufferers, their relatives and friends, Tourette's Syndrome: The Facts will also be of use to clinicians, GPs, schoolteachers, and anyone seeking an accessible introduction to the disorder.

Many people see falling as an inevitable part of growing older, and falls can result in serious injuries. As we age, deterioration in our ability to maintain balance, underlying illnesses, or disabilities can result in falls. Currently, one in eight patients in hospital are admitted due to a fall, and 50% of people over 80 years old fall every year.It is almost always possible to minimize the chances of falling, and to make our personal environment safer for when falls do occur. This book covers all aspects of falls, explaining why they happen, the common consequences, and what can be done to prevent them. It is intended for patients and their families, but will also be of value for health professionals at all levels.Falls: The Facts is an informative and practical guide, containing advice on what to do and how to cope when falls occur. It includes personal accounts of patients and their relatives to illustrate true experiences, and the positive outcomes that treatment can produce.

The muscular dystrophies are a group of genetic diseases that severely affect children and adults. For sufferers and their family, the illness presents enormous physical and psychological challenges. Written specifically for people with muscular dystrophy and their families, this book answers many of the questions asked about how and why muscular dystrophy occurs, and how it will affect the life of a recently diagnosed child. As well as presenting the reader with advice and an explanation of muscular dystrophy, the book also guides the reader towards further information on societies and support groups around the world, and reliable internet resources. It also contains a full glossary to aid the reader in their understanding of the disease. The different types of muscular dystrophy are described throughout with a minimum of technical jargon. Questions relating to exercise, physiotherapy, surgery, and the emotional effects of the diseases are answered, and advice is given on the problems of schooling and choice of career.Since publication of the first edition in 1994, the genes for almost all the different types of dystrophy have been identified, enabling prevention through genetic counselling, therefore relieving some of the worry for affected families. Drawn from his many years of experience treating patients, Professor Emery provides authoritative, yet compassionate advice for people living with this illness.

Women with epilepsy have different needs to men with epilepsy, especially at various stages in their life cycle. Epilepsy and its treatment can affect or compromise the menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility and pregnancy, child development in the womb, child care and the menopause. Conversely the menstrual cycle, contraception, pregnancy and the menopause can all affect epilepsy and its management. Epilepsy in Women: The Facts adopts the female perspective and describes in detail the special problems that epilepsy can cause. It offers information and practical advice on the symptoms, diagnosis and management of the different types of epilepsy, providing an invaluable resource that will empower women with the knowledge that they need to take control of their health and to cope with their condition. The book contains numerous case histories, which provide surprising insights into the experiences of women with epilepsy, and 'Myths' and 'Facts' boxes which help the reader sort the valuable information from the misleading.

Back Pain: The Facts is aimed at people who want to help themselves. Affecting nearly everyone at some time in their lives, 40% of people will have experienced some form of back pain within the last year, with around 5% of sufferers taking time off work within the last month. Long-term back pain causes a great deal of distress and unhappiness, affecting work life, income, home life, relationships, fitness and mood.Back Pain: The Facts uses clear, succinct chapters to give advice about every aspect of managing back pain, as well as answering frequently asked questions from sufferers. A key element is empowerment through understanding why back pain starts and why it persists. There are chapters promoting stretching, exercise, relaxation, communication, and advice on sexual relations, as well as considerable on emphasis on helping with thoughts and feelings.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common psychological problem. The symptoms - which can be seriously disabling in extreme cases - can include excessive hand-washing or other cleaning rituals, repeated checking, extreme slowness and unwanted, repugnant intrusive thoughts. This book covers the nature, symptoms, causes and theories of OCD. It discusses the treatments that are available and provides valuable practical advice to those who may need help. Numerous case histories are given throughout the book, highlighting various aspects of the disorder and its treatment. There are in-depth sections on scrupulosity, culture and OCD, mental pollution, OCD in children and on the similarities and differences between childhood OCD and autistic disorder. This fourth edition has been updated with succinct explanations of recent research, information on treatment advances and the recent expansion of treatment services for anxiety disorders, including OCD, in the NHS. In this updated fourth edition, Stanley Rachman gives a clear account of the nature of obsessive-compulsive problems which will prove useful for sufferers and their families, as well as general readers interested in finding out about the disorder.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an all too too common lung condition - usually caused by cigarette smoking - which varies markedly in severity between individuals, and includes conditions previously known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It causes progressive symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, reduced exercise tolerance and frequent chest infections.COPD: The Facts is written for patients with COPD and their families, but it will also be of interest to health professionals. The book describes in detail how a diagnosis is made and what treatments patients are likely to receive. It discusses modern approaches to the management of COPD (both with and without drugs) and includes examples of real-life patient experiences throughout the text, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and advice on how to give up smoking.