Health and Wellness Access » Mental Health

Understanding Anxiety in Children

Faith — Mon, 14 May 2007 22:40:47 +0000

Children are not exempt from anxiety or even a major anxiety disorder.Â Â Yes, adults have all the responsibilities and teens have all the pressure; but children can also worry to an excessive degree about a number of issues.Â All of the major anxiety disorders that affect adults and teenagers can likewise affect children.Â These might include general anxiety disorder, panic disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Children who have generalized anxiety disorder can worry about small things, like past conversations or incidents as well as upcoming events or schoolwork.Â But they can also worry about many large issues that are only irrational because of their lack of control over matters.Â Many children have been known to worry about world events, their health or that of their family, and other very â€œgrown upâ€ things to fret about.Â This somewhat unusual, though it’s also indicative of a very intelligent and imaginative youngster.Â However, there’s nothing cute about the amount of anxiety that such obsessive thoughts can bring.Â You can’t ignore the fact that your child is in pain; such emotional turbulence could even lead to physical problems later in life.

Symptoms of a child’s anxiety disorder might be manifested in such behaviors as: restlessness, fatigue, difficulty in concentration, irritability and insomnia.Â Unlike communicating with a teenager, a young child will not likely understand the concept of an anxiety disorder, so it will be up to you to determine the best course of action.Â Don’t assume however that because a child may an anxiety disorder that he should be immediately prescribed a bottle of Xanax.Â The best treatment is to visit a pediatrician and find out if medicine is the absolute last resort.Â There may be other ways of dealing with the problem whether through psychotherapy or alternative methods such as relaxation and positive self talk.Â Just because they may not initially understand the meaning of an anxiety disorder doesn’t mean you should hide the truth from them.Â Knowing their problem after an official diagnosis and learning solutions can be just as effective as medicationâ€”without the threat of addiction.

Another type of child anxiety disorder is called selective mutism.Â This is when a child refuses or is unable to speak in a specific situation where speaking is expected of him or her.Â This often happens despite the child’s ability to speak elsewhere under slightly different circumstances.Â This is not always an indicator of â€œbrattyâ€ behavior; it very well could be anxiety issues, so never assume the worst and discipline a child for what may be uncontrollable.

This type of anxiety disorder is treated after a professional evaluation.Â It is important for a doctor to get not only a thorough medical history and social evaluation, but also to get a good sense of the child’s speech behavior for effective diagnosis.Â The doctor may also wish to see how the family reacts to the child’s speaking to see if there are any issues there.Â Some techniques in therapy include positive reinforcement, role playing, teacher involvement and relaxation training.

Child anxiety disorder is treatable without the use of prescription drugs.Â Rid a young mind of excessive anxiety not imagination.

Adult Mental Health–Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Faith — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:08:27 +0000

One of the most exhausting conditions that affect adults with anxiety disorders is post-traumatic stress disorder. This condition usually follows someone who survives a physical or emotional event that was terrifying to him or her. Brought to the forefront by our veterans, it was often called “shell shock” or “battle fatigue.” It’s been found to occur in both men and women who have had serious car accidents, survived a natural disaster, bombings, a plane crash, or violent personal attacks. Abuse in childhood also can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. How severe the disorder will be is determined by the length and severity of the event that caused it.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be triggered by an event that happened in the person’s life, in the life of someone close to him or her, or something they witnessed. Many citizens of New York have been treated for PTSD after the events on 9/11. PTSD has already appeared in those who were affected by the devastating hurricanes that occurred in the South.
People who suffer from PTSD will have extreme emotional, mental, and physical distress if they are placed in a situation that reminds them of the event. Some may relive the situation repeatedly in the form of nightmares, or “flashbacks” during the day. Other symptoms may include sleep problems, easily startled, and have problems feeling loving and affectionate. Depression, a constant jittery feeling, or a feeling of being numb or detached from your surroundings is also signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Anyone suffering from this disorder also stay away from places or situations that bring back bad memories and are sometimes more aggressive, irritable, or even violent.
These symptoms can also be found in other anxiety disorders so it is important to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis. Post-traumatic stress disorder will only be diagnosed if the symptoms have lasted longer than a month. It usually starts about three months after the event happens, but has been known to occur years after a traumatic event. Some will not be able to remember the event unless they are in therapy. Many block out events until something later brings the memories to the surface.
This disorder can occur at any age, including childhood. Depression, substance abuse, and anxiety are signs of PTSD. Some will recover in six months, for others, it may be a much longer period.
What is the treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder? Treatments will vary from person to person according to their medical history, overall physical health, and age.
The extent of how the disease has progressed is something else to consider. Your doctor should also understand your tolerance for specific medications and your preferences. Someone with PTSD is also susceptible to other anxiety disorders such as substance abuse and depression. Treatment is critical and can include medication, therapy, relaxation techniques, and biofeedback. Antidepressants or medications for anxiety are used and psychological treatment both may be used to fight this disorder.
In this era, mental disorders do not carry the stigma they did in previous generations. It is common now for people to admit to taking antidepressants or having therapy. Support groups have sprung up that help them get through the recovery period. Some of the most successful programs are based on the 12-step program from Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you or someone you love is displaying any of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, try to get them to a medical professional. This disorder can lead to severe drug or alcohol abuse, depression, and even suicide. Emotional support from family and friends can help those who suffer from PTSD.
Treatment is available to all that need it. Veterans, if you are suffering from PTSD go to local veterans office. If you can’t afford to get the proper therapy or medication, contact your local mental health agency. State funded programs are available for those who qualify as low-income and don’t have a large income.
If someone you love suddenly is extra irritable, have violent outbursts, have trouble with socializing, and working, find them some help. If they are having flashbacks when they hear different sounds, smell some odors, or have feelings the event can happen again, they need help to work through the event and get better. Medication can help but finding the underlying cause of the trauma may be the most helpful in handling post-traumatic stress disorder.

Stressful Lifestyle And Depression

Faith — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 11:23:18 +0000

Baby boomers are known for their need to “have it all.” They have been largely successful but at what price? The leading cause of disability in the United States as well as worldwide is depression. Depression is most common in baby boomers. Unfortunately, depression is often not diagnosed and left untreated.
Why are boomers more likely to be diagnosed with major depression? In their struggle for success, material rewards, and raising healthy children, stress becomes a major issue in their life. Baby boomers have a higher rate of depression than any other previous generation. Research points to stress being a major reason.
Although boomers might think that constant chronic fatigue is an unpleasant fact and something they have to live with, if not treated, it can cause not only depression but also thyroid disease and sleep apnea. Excessive fatigue is not normal and should be treated before it leads to further problems.
It’s also noted that women stand a better chance of being depressed than men. They have hormonal and cyclical changes that often contribute to depression. PMS, perimenopause, menopause contribute to major depression. A woman may also suffer from a major depression as their body goes through hormonal changes after giving birth to a baby.
Major depression often is left undiagnosed and untreated. Studies show that adults who commit suicide have seen their doctor shortly before they take their lives. Twenty percent of them had seen their doctor on the same day, 40 percent with the same week, and 70 percent in the previous month.
Where do you go for help? The first visit should be to your primary care doctor. Depression and hypertension are the two major reasons for a doctor’s visit. However, if you are not honest with your doctor, they can’t be blamed for a lack of diagnosis. It’s important that your doctor realize the extent of your depression. You are not alone; others suffer from depression as well. The social stigma is largely gone when it comes to depression and other mental health illnesses. If your doctor asks if you have ever thought of harming yourself or someone else, don’t be afraid to admit it. That is the first step in treatment and could save your life.
Most doctors will recommend a medication to raise the serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These allow the nerve cells in the brain to communicate with one another. Many medications have been used to treat depression; one of the most common is Prozac, which has fewer side affects than the older drugs. You should also remember, some medications will work for some, but not others. It’s important you keep trying until you find the right medication for your depression.
Sometimes medication is not enough to bring a person out of a major depression. At that point, the doctor can recommend psychotherapy as a way to get to the initial cause of the depression. Most baby boomers cringe at trying to cram one more thing into an already busy week. They are tempted to rely on the medications to take care of their depression. For most people, stress and a busy lifestyle contributed to their depression from the beginning.
Don’t underestimate the positives from therapy. Your therapist can teach you relaxation methods, help you to prioritize your life, and breathing techniques to reduce the stress in your life. A therapist can help you focus on the personal reasons behind your depression. Many patients see improvement in six to eight weeks. For those who may have had trauma in their childhood, it could take longer to get to the root of the problem.
Depression is a lonely illness and often suffered in silence. You have choices for treating depression. The first step is to recognize you have the problem and then seek help. Depression can ruin your life, cause families to split, and contribute to many other problems. By learning all you can about the illness, and with the help of your doctor and therapist, you can begin living a normal lifestyle. Some of you may not realize you have been depressed for many years. A trained therapist can help you to pinpoint the time when depression started taking over your life.

Depression And Its Affect On The Elderly

Faith — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:57:14 +0000

Depression is not normal for any age. Growing older creates problems and stress that can lead to depression. The change in lifestyle from working full-time to retirement may cause problems with those adults that have worked hard all their life. Serious medical issues and mounting bill also can lead to depression. Many seniors face the loss of their spouse now of life, they are losing mobility, and some even lose their drivers license. All of these can lead to increased isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Many of us get the ‘blues” or down moods but if these feelings continue for more than several weeks you should consult a doctor or professional to see if you have a clinical depression. Depression affects all areas of our lives, our thinking, sleep, thinking, and even our physical health. Older adults often face joint and muscle pains that make many of your leisure activities difficult to do. You lose interest in them because of the pain and depression sets in.
You may experience a depressed mood after a loss, or a dramatic change in your life. If you have lost someone you love, grief is a normal process the body needs to go through. Depression often goes with grief but if it lasts longer than a few months, you may have a clinical depression.
Clinical depression is a whole body disorder. It affects the way you think, your response to situations, and even the way you feel physically. This depression will strike at least three people out of every one hundred people 65 or older. It’s serious and can lead to suicide.
The good news is that 80 percent of those diagnosed with clinical depression can be treated successfully with medications or therapy. Sometimes it takes both to bring relief from clinical depression.
There are several types of clinical depression. Major depression makes it nearly impossible to lead a normal life. Many times, someone with major depression cannot bring himself or herself to crawl out of bed. They don’t enjoy life, sleep well, and are unable to carry on their normal life. This can happen to a person once in their life, or be something that happens more than once over their lifetime. Therapy is considered important in finding the underlying cause of the problem. A traumatic event that happened years ago may be what is causing the problem. A trained therapist can help you face those fears or traumas and help you on the road to recovery.
Bipolar disease is another form of depression. It is characterized by extreme highs, and extreme lows. This disease is often referred to as manic-depressive illness. This disease normally starts in the early to mid 20′s, but occasionally, it can occur when they are teenagers. Many are not properly diagnosed until they reach middle age. Sometimes a misdiagnosis of depression, and consequent treatment can cause major problems in family relationships. This form of depression needs immediate treatment. If a person has been diagnosed with bipolar depression early, they may still experience recurring bouts for the rest of their lives. If you think you or a loved one is experiencing any of the signs of bipolar disease, they need to seek treatment. This is something that just doesn’t go away. It probably will need medication as well as therapy. Don’t wait until it destroys your family or causes a suicide.
Symptoms of a Mania are:
” Extreme and unreasonable irritability.
” High moods that is excessive in quantity.
” Decreased need for sleep.
” Grandiose notions.
” Easily distracted.
” Increased energy.
” Inability to make good decisions.
” Excess energy, constantly on the move or talking.
Because bipolar is so often misdiagnosed, treatment that is suitable for that disorder is not prescribed. The result can be many years of depression, problems, and a host of other problems.
Depression can also share symptoms with other physical problems. That is why it is so important to have a doctor thoroughly go over your symptoms to be sure of the correct diagnosis. A serious physical illness must be ruled out before a diagnosis of bipolar or clinical depression can be given.
Depression occurs in heart attack and cancer patients at a much higher percent, so close watch should be given to a loved one experiencing one of these problems.

Mental Health Problems In Adults-Anxiety Disorders

Faith — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 08:52:19 +0000

Adults that live or work in stressful situations, are raising children and teenagers, or have problems that carried over from their past are candidates for mental health problems. The most common mental health problem in today’s society is anxiety disorders. Under that general heading are five separate disorders. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety disorder, and phobias are classified as anxiety disorders.
Panic disorder is chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks. This could be a fear of being in danger when no danger is near, and between, they often worry about when their next panic attack will happen. Panic attacks are a symptom of several forms of anxiety disorders and are disabling and distressing. Adults with panic attacks may use alcohol as a means to relieve stress and irritable bowel syndrome is higher among adults with panic disorder.
Panic disorder can first appear in the late teens or early adulthood. Some will even begin in children. Women are two times more likely to have panic attacks than men, and some people may have genes from their parents that cause panic attacks.
There are several symptoms of panic attacks. A person may have all of them, a few of them, or experience them in a different way from someone else. Here are some of the symptoms.
1. A pounding heart and physical symptoms that feel like a heart attack or chest pain.
2. Excessive sweating.
3. Shortness of breath.
4. Having a sensation of choking.
5. Abdominal pain and nausea.
6. Chills or hot flashes.
7. A fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
8. Numbness
9. Trembling and shaking.
10. A feeling of everything being unreal or disconnected from oneself.
These symptoms can also resemble other mental health conditions, so it is important to consult a trained professional for a diagnosis. It’s estimated that one to two percent of Americans suffer from panic disorders.
What is the treatment for panic disorders? Your doctor will decide that, but panic disorders are treated with medication and psychological treatment. A combination of the two is considered the most effective in treating panic disorders. What your doctor prescribes will be based on your personal preference, overall health, age and medical history, and the extent of the disease. Treatment may also include teaching the patient relaxation techniques and biofeedback. Biofeedback will help to control muscle tension.
People who are afflicted with panic disorder try to stay away from situations that will trigger an attack. For instance, if they know they have had panic attacks when in crowds, they may feel too afraid to be in a crowd of people. This may exclude them from attending parties, concerts, and even shopping during the Christmas season!
Panic attacks can also affect your work. Stressful work conditions can often bring on a panic attack. Stressful work conditions can also contribute to hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue. Panic disorder can turn your life around and cause you to lose pleasure in activities you used to take part in.
Panic disorders are scary when you experience one, particularly if it is the first one. Some people go to the emergency room fearing they are having a heart attack. One woman had an attack on vacation, while standing in a crowd admiring the painting of Mona Lisa. It isn’t hard to imagine her fear in going to another situation where there would be a crowd.
Panic attacks can be controlled and with training, you often can stop a panic attack before it happens or before it gets too far out of control. Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques associated with Yoga are also helpful. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to use for a time while you are in counseling. Several drugs available will help with panic disorder. In addition, by learning to control your breathing, putting your mind in a quiet restful place, and just finding quiet time will help control panic disorder attacks.
The stigma attached to people with anxiety disorder is much less than even a few years ago. Don’t be afraid to approach your doctor or health care provider if you are having any of the symptoms listed. There is help available and many states will provide therapy and counseling for those who have a limited income. Panic attacks are not fun and distressing to those who have it as well as family members and close friends. If someone close to you has panic attacks, it is helpful if know how to “talk” them through an attack. Someone who has had panic attacks can often help someone else having an attack.