Anxiety Disorder

                                                                Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. We all experience anxiety. For example, speaking in front of a group can make us anxious, but that anxiety also motivates us to prepare and practice. Driving in heavy traffic is another common source of anxiety, but it helps keep us alert and cautious to avoid accidents. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, each having unique symptoms. However, all anxiety disorders have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms:

        1. Emotional symptoms:

•           Feeling tense or jumpy

•           Restlessness or irritability

•           Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger

2.         Physical symptoms:

•           Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath

•           Sweating, tremors, and twitches

•           Headaches, fatigue, and insomnia

•           Upset stomach, frequent urination, or diarrhea

There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms. The most common types of anxiety disorders include:

GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. This worrying can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks. A person with GAD may become exhausted by worry and experience headaches, tension, or nausea.

•           Another is Social Anxiety Disorder More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation (e.g. saying something stupid or not knowing what to say). Someone with social anxiety disorder may not take part in conversations, contribute to class discussions, or offer their ideas, and may become isolated. Panic attacks are a common reaction to anticipated or forced social interaction. Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. Often mistaken for a heart attack, a panic attack causes powerful physical symptoms including chest pain, heart palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and stomach upset. Many people will go to desperate measures to avoid an attack, including social isolation. Phobias is another, we all tend to avoid certain things or situations that make us uncomfortable or even fearful. But for someone with a phobia, certain places, events, or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear. Most people with specific phobias have several things that can trigger those reactions; to avoid panic, they will work hard to avoid their triggers. The causes are genetics and environment. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) a mental health professional can identify the specific type of anxiety disorder causing symptoms as well as any other possible disorders that may be involved. Tackling all disorders through comprehensive treatment is the best recovery strategy. Different anxiety disorders have their own distinct sets of symptoms. This means that each type of anxiety disorder also has its own treatment plan. But there are common types of treatment that are used in Psychotherapy: including cognitive behavioral therapy

Medication: including antianxiety medications and antidepressants Complementary health approaches: including stress and relaxation techniques. Anxiety disorders can occur along with other mental health conditions, and they can often make related conditions worse.

Reference:

ANXIETY AND DIPRESSION ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA,                     https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/symptoms, Accessed by, November 29, 2020

Anxiety Disorders and Anxiety Attacks, https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-disorders-and-anxiety-attacks.htm, Accessed by, November 29, 2020

American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders, Accessed by, November 29, 2020

 

 

 

Depression

 

                                                                 Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think, and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. It is not known exactly what causes depression. As with many mental disorders, a variety of factors may be involved in depression they are as following:

1.         Biological differences: People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes.

2.         Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. changes in the function and effect of these neurotransmitters and how they interact with neurocircuits.

3.         Hormones: Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause, or several other conditions.

4.         Inherited traits: Depression is more common in people whose blood relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.

Factors that seem to increase the risk of developing or triggering depression are Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem and being too dependent, self-critical or pessimistic, Traumatic or stressful events, such as physical or sexual abuse, the death or loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or financial problems, Blood relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide, History of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorder, eating disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder, Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or having variations in the development of genital organs that aren't clearly male or female (intersex) in an unsupportive situation, Abuse of alcohol or recreational drugs, Serious or chronic illness, including cancer, stroke, chronic pain or heart disease. Depression often gets worse if it is not treated, resulting in emotional, behavioral and health problems that affect every area of life. Examples of complications associated with depression include, Excess weight or obesity, which can lead to heart disease and diabetes, Pain or physical illness, Alcohol or drug misuse, Family conflicts, relationship difficulties, and work or school problems, Anxiety, panic disorder or social phobia, Social isolation, Suicidal feelings, suicide attempts or suicide, Self-mutilation, such as cutting, Premature death from medical conditions. Common signs and symptoms of depression in children and teenagers are like those of adults they include:

 In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, aches, and pains, refusing to go to school, or being underweight.

In teens, symptoms may include sadness, irritability, feeling negative and worthless, anger, poor performance or poor attendance at school, feeling misunderstood and extremely sensitive, using recreational drugs or alcohol.

Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore.

 

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression, Accessed by, November 8, 2020

Everything you want to know about depression,                 https://www.healthline.com/health/depression, Accessed by, November 8, 2020

National institute of mental health,    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index, Accessed by, November 8, 2020

 

 

 

 

Schizophrenia

 

                                                                   Schizophrenia 

 Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally. Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning and can be disabling. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which causes significant distress for the individual, their family members, and friends. If left untreated, the symptoms of schizophrenia can be persistent and disabling.  The symptoms usually emerge when a person is between their late teens and early 30s. They tend to develop earlier in males than in females. Schizophrenia affects different people in different ways, but there are some common symptoms. These include confused speech that is hard for others to understand lack of facial expression, lack of emotional expression, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations. Causes of schizophrenia are genetic factor If there is no history of schizophrenia in a family, the chances of developing it are less than 1%. A chemical imbalance in the brain Schizophrenia appears to develop when there is an imbalance of a neurotransmitter called dopamine, and possibly also serotonin, in the brain. Environmental factors that may increase the risk of schizophrenia include trauma during birth, malnutrition before birth, viral infections, psychosocial factors, such as trauma. There is no diagnostic test to assess for schizophrenia. A doctor will diagnose it by observing how the person behaves. They will also ask about their history of physical and mental health. There is some important treatment for schizophrenia they are as follows:

1. Antipsychotic drug: These can be for daily use or for less frequent use if the person opts for injectable medications, which can last up to 3 months between injections. Antipsychotic medications can help reduce the intensity and frequency of psychotic symptoms. They are usually taken daily in pill or liquid forms. Some antipsychotic medications are given as injections once or twice a month, which some individuals find to be more convenient than daily oral doses. Many people taking antipsychotic medications have side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, restlessness, and drowsiness when they start taking these medications. Some of these side effects subside over time, but others may persist, which may cause some people to consider stopping their antipsychotic medication. Suddenly stopping medication can be dangerous and it can make schizophrenia symptoms worse. People should not stop taking antipsychotic medication without talking to a health care provider first.

2. Counseling and family education: This can help a person develop coping skills and pursue their life goals. Family-based services may be provided on an individual basis or through multi-family workshops and support groups.

3. Coordinated special care: This integrates medication, family involvement, and education services in a holistic approach. Coordinated specialty care is a general term used to describe recovery-oriented treatment programs for people with first episode psychosis, an early stage of schizophrenia.

4. Psychosocial treatments: It can be helpful for teaching and improving coping skills to address the everyday challenges of schizophrenia. They can help people pursue their life goals, such as attending school, working, or forming relationships. Individuals who participate in regular psychosocial treatment are less likely to relapse or be hospitalized.

 

Reference:

American Psychiatric Association, Schizophrenia

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/schizophrenia/what-is-schizophrenia, Accessed by, October 18, 2020

Schizophrenia, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443, Accessed by, October 18, 2020

Rethink mental illness,

https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/schiz, Accessed by October 18, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                          Autism spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. Autism spectrum disorder is usually first diagnosed in childhood with many of the most-obvious signs presenting around 2-3 years old, but some children with autism develop normally until toddlerhood when they stop acquiring or lose previously gained skills. According to the CDC, one in 59 children is estimated to have autism. If family has a child with Autism spectrum disorder, there is a 3 % chance that the second child will also have autism spectrum disorder. It differs from person to person in severity and combinations of symptoms. There is a great range of abilities and characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder no two children appear or behave the same way. Causes of autism are Several different genes appear to be involved in autism spectrum disorder. For some children, autism spectrum disorder can be associated with a genetic disorder, such as Rett syndrome or fragile X syndrome. In Environmental factor Researchers are currently exploring whether factors such as viral infections, medications or complications during pregnancy, or air pollutants play a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder. The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder is rising. Approximately 40 percent do not communicate with words. Babies born before 26 weeks of gestation may have a greater risk of autism spectrum disorder. SD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls. There is no medical test for autism. It is diagnosed based on observing how the child talks and acts in comparison to other children of the same age. There is currently no cure for ASD. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Today most effective treatments available are applied speech therapy, occupation therapy, physical therapy, pharmacological therapy, behavioral analysis. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Some individuals with ASD are nonverbal and unable to develop verbal communication skills, and the use of gestures, sign language, and picture communication programs are often useful tools to improve their abilities to communicate. Occupational therapy for young children with ASD often focuses on improving sensory integration and sensorimotor issues. In older children, OT often focuses on improving social behavior and increasing independence. Physical therapy is used to improve gross motor skills and handle sensory integration issues, particularly those involving the individual’s ability to feel and be aware of his body in space. Pharmaceutical treatments can help ameliorate some of the behavioral symptoms of ASD, including irritability, aggression, and self-injurious behavior. medication for the treatment of symptoms associated with of ASD in children and adolescents, including aggressive behavior, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums. Medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified physician. Treatment works to minimize the impact of the core features and associated deficits of autism spectrum disorder and to maximize functional independence and quality of life. 

Reference:

Autism spectrum Disorder,

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928, Accessed September 27, 2020

What is autism spectrum disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder, Accessed September 27, 2020

Autism spectrum disorder, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html, Accessed September 27, 2020

Bipolar Disorder

                                                                   Bipolar Disorder

    Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through, the symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They can result in damaged relationships, poor job, or school performance, and even suicide. More than 2 million American adults, or about one percent of the population age 18 and older in any given year, have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. On average, a person will receive a diagnosis around the age of 25 years, but symptoms can appear during the teenage years or later in life. It affects males and females equally. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life. The first episode may be either manic or depressive. Manic episodes, typically lasting from a few weeks to several months, are generally shorter in duration and end more abruptly than major depressive episodes. There are four types of bipolar disorders they are Bipolar I disorder: is the classic form of the illness, as well as the most severe type of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed episode. Bipolar II: Mania is not involved in bipolar II disorder. Instead, the illness involves recurring episodes of major depression and hypomania, a milder form of mania. Cyclothymia: is a milder form of bipolar disorder. Like bipolar disorder, cyclothymia consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the highs and lows are not severe enough to qualify as either mania or major depression. To be diagnosed with cyclothymia, people must experience numerous periods of hypomania and mild depression over at least a two-year time span. Other specified or unspecified : Those who do not meet the diagnosis criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder but still experience significant mood swings and mood elevation will be diagnosed with Bipolar disorder “other specified” or “unspecified”.

Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy,” can be an effective part of the treatment plan for people with bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy is a term for a variety of treatment techniques that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. There are different types of medications can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder. Not everyone responds to medications in the same way. Mood stabilizers are the mainstay of long -term prevention and treatment for both mania and depression. They improve symptoms during acute manic, hypo manic, and mixed episodes and may also reduce symptoms of depression. Lithium was the first mood stabilizer approved by the FDA. Antidepressants may be prescribed to treat symptoms of depression in bipolar disorder. Because antidepressants can increase the risk of mania or hypo mania or of developing rapid cycling symptoms, they typically are prescribed only in combination with mood stabilizers. Other treatment is Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, interpersonal therapy. Next, is Electroconvulsive therapy is use in cases when medication and psychotherapy do not work.

References:

Bipolar disorder ,https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-disorder-treatment.html , accessed September,09,2020

Bipolar disorder fact sheet,https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/evidence-and-research/learn-more-about/463-bipolar-disorder-fact-sheet, accessed September,09,2020

Bipolar disorder,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961 , accessed September,09,2020