ix Series Foreword Disease is as old as humanity itself, and it has been the leading cause of death and disability throughout history. From the Black Death in the Mid- dle Ages to smallpox outbreaks among Native Americans to the modern- day epidemics of diabetes and heart disease, humans have lived with—and died from—all manner of ailments, whether caused by infectious agents, environmental and lifestyle factors, or genetic abnormalities. The field of medicine has been driven forward by our desire to combat and prevent disease and to improve the lives of those living with debilitating disorders. And while we have made great strides forward, particularly in the last hun- dred years, it is doubtful that mankind will ever be completely free of the burden of disease. Greenwood’s Inside Diseases and Disorders series examines some of the key diseases and disorders, both physical and psychological, affecting the world today. Some (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and ADHD) have been selected because of their prominence within the modern United States. Others (such as Ebola, celiac disease, and autism) have been chosen because they are often discussed in the media and, in some cases, are con- troversial or the subject of scientific or cultural debate. Because this series covers so many different diseases and disorders, we have striven to create uniformity across all books. To maximize clarity and consistency, each book in the series follows the same format. Each begins with a collection of ten frequently asked questions about the disease or disorder, followed by clear, concise answers. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to the disease or disorder, including statistical information, such as prevalence rates and demographic trends. The history of the dis- ease or disorder, including how our understanding of it has evolved over time, is addressed in chapter 2. Chapter 3 examines causes and risk fac- tors, whether genetic, microbial, or environmental, while chapter 4 dis- cusses signs and symptoms. Chapter 5 covers the issues of diagnosis (and
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