Melanin has many biological functions, including colouring the skin and hairs or feathers, strengthening plant cell walls and insect cuticle, absorbing light (and so providing photoreceptor shieldlng, thermoregulation, photoprotectlon), and it is an important free radical sink.
Medical Definition of autistic disorder. : autism Autistic disorder is classic autism, one of the more severe disorders on the spectrum. Persons with autistic disorder have substantial impairment in social skills, verbal communication, and cognitive and behavioral flexibility.âIsabelle Rapin , The New England Journal of Medicine, 1 Aug. 2002.
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe.ipolar disorder can be present even when mood swings are less extreme. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania. During a hypomanic episode, you may feel very good, be highly productive, and function well.