How Sociopaths Are Different From Psychopaths

A sociopath is not the same thing as apsychopath. Although the terms are often used interchangeably in conversation and popular culture, neither is an official diagnosis. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health What Is Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)? Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health A person doesn’t suddenly “get” ASPD. Instead, they will have had a long history of these behaviors arising since at least adolescence. This serves as the basis to differentiate sociopaths from psychopaths....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 362 words · Christopher Frank

How Soluble Fiber Lowers Blood Cholesterol

There are two types of fiber:soluble fiberand insoluble fiber. We have already known some of the other health benefits that fiber has to offer. It helps with normal bowel function and it adds bulk to foods to make you feel fuller. Julia Khusainova / Getty Images Soluble fiber can be dissolved in water and forms a gel-like consistency in the digestive tract. How Soluble Fiber Lowers Cholesterol Soluble fiber lowers cholesterol by binding to it in the small intestine....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 140 words · Brian Barr

How Soon After a COVID-19 Infection Can You Get the New Vaccine?

But is it possible to get the latest vaccine while youre currently infected with COVID-19? If you choose to wait, how soon after recovering from infection should you consider getting vaccinated? Heres what experts have to say. Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images If you have an active COVID-19 infection, you should not get the updated vaccine. How Soon After an Active COVID Infection Can You Get the New Vaccine?...

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 209 words · Bob Lopez

How Soon Can You Drink Coffee After Taking Omeprazole?

It is commonly taken to treat conditions like frequent heartburn andgastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Omeprazole works by blocking a receptor in the stomach that’s responsible for producing stomach acid. Typically, omeprazole takes effect between 30 minutes to two hours after taking the medication. Dougal Waters / Getty Images Dougal Waters / Getty Images What Is Omeprazole? Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that can help reduce stomach acid. It is available with and without a prescription in both brand-name (Prilosec) and generic versions....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 623 words · Craig White

How Soon Can You Take a Pregnancy Test?

Some early-detection pregnancy tests may read positive as early as eight days post-conception with about 75% accuracy. However, all pregnancy tests are most accurate if you wait until after your period is late. Pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormonehuman chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)in urine. Verywell / Ellen Lindner This article discusses early pregnancy tests and how soon a pregnancy test can show a positive. (In fact, it’s known as the “pregnancy hormone....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 577 words · Cody Stark

How SSRIs Affect Periods

In this article, learn more about howSSRIsaffect periods and how to manage these changes. Delayed or Absent Periods Some people taking SSRIs may experience delayed or absent periods (amenorrhea). Heavy Bleeding you could also experience heavier-than-normal periods due to SSRIs. Filmstax / Getty Images In the previous study, the incidence of antidepressant-induced menstrual disorders was 14.5%. Coming off SSRIs may help resolve heavy bleeding or amenorrhea, as shown in various case studies....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 209 words · William Thomas

How STIs Can Become Eye Diseases

Mucous membranes are all similar, but not identical, in structure. What they share is a porous structure that allows microorganisms like bacteria and viruses easier access into the body. Even today, eye diseases triggered by STIs are a majorcause of blindnessin some countries. Jonathan Storey / Getty Images In the United States, it is relatively uncommon for STIs to cause eye disease in adults. However, they are far more often seen in infants....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 372 words · Jacob Garrett

How STIs Can Play a Role in Abusive Relationships

However, that is not necessarily a reason to avoid a relationship with someone. The way a partner handles that diagnosis can give you a good idea of his or her character. It can also help you figure out whether your relationship is a good one. PeopleImages / Getty Images There are abusive individuals who will use STIs to try and control or injure their partners. It may also be done by using a partners existing STI to erode their sense of self-worth....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · Kenneth Ramsey

How Stomach Flu Is Diagnosed

Self-Check/At-Home Diagnosing viral gastroenteritis is usually done after a review of the symptoms. Theres not any specific test that can be used to make a diagnosis of the stomach flu. There is a test forrotavirus, a viral disease that also causes vomiting and diarrhea. Verywell / Hilary Allison If anything is found during this test it could mean that theres more than the stomach flu causing symptoms. Stool Test Usually,stool testswont be used for diagnosing viral gastroenteritis....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 331 words · Margaret Sanchez

How Stool Softeners Work and Differ From Other Laxatives

Stool softeners are taken by mouth and come in capsule, liquid, and tablet form. When this happens, stools become softer so you don’t have to strain to pass them. Docusate sodium is the active ingredient used in OTC stool softeners. Michelle Lee Photography / Getty Images Stool softeners don’t work immediately. It may take up to 72 hours before they induce a bowel movement. For some people, this can cause serious harm....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 304 words · Christopher Perez

How Strep Throat Is Diagnosed

A definitive diagnosis is important becausetreatmentcan help prevent possible long-term complications, such as heart and kidney disease. Self-Checks The early signs and symptoms of strep throat overlap with those of most upper respiratory infections. The throat culture is performed by collecting bacteria from the back of the throat using a long swab. © Verywell, 2018 Streptococcus pyogeneshas a unique feature that allows it to break open red blood cells. Positive or negative, you should get the results in about 10 to 20 minutes....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · James Ferguson

How Successful Is Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation?

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) ablation is a procedure used to prevent recurrent cardiac arrhythmias in people who haveSVT. SVT ablation can be used for people who do not respond well to drugs for the heart. This article describes SVT ablation goals, risks, methods, and outlook. It also describes what to expect during and after your treatment. While medication can decrease the frequency of tachycardia events, these drugs don’t work for everyone....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 616 words · Elizabeth Hill

How Taking Lithium May Affect Your Thyroid

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidismis estimated to occur in about 20 percent to 30 percent of all patients taking lithium. As with goiter, hypothyroidism generally develops within the first two years of lithium treatment. Treatment of subclinical or overt lithium-induced hypothyroidism entails taking thyroid hormone replacement medication. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin It’s not completely clear how hyperthyroidism develops with lithium therapy. It’s possible that transient hyperthyroidism may be from the direct toxic effect of lithium on the thyroid gland....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · Matthew Haley