From the World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/en/, information about schizophrenia, http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/schizophrenia/en/:
SCHIZOPHRENIA
What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a severe form of mental illness affecting about 7 per thousand of the adult population, mostly in the age group 15-35 years. Though the incidence is low (3-10,000), the prevalence is high due to chronicity.
Facts
Schizophrenia affects about 24 million people wordwide.
Schizophrenia is a treatable disorder, treatment being more effective in its initial stages.
More than 50% of persons with schizophrenia are not receiving appropriate care.
90% of people with untreated schizophrenia are in developing countries.
Care of persons with schizophrenia can be provided at community level, with active family and community involvement.
There are effective interventions (pharmacological and psychosocial) available and the cost of treatment of a person suffering from chronic schizophrenia is about US$2 per month; the earlier the treatment is initiated, the more effective it will be. However, the majority of the persons with chronic schizophrenia do not receive treatment, which contributes to the chronicity.
Pilot programmes in a few developing countries (e.g. India, Iran, Pakistan, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau) have demonstrated the feasibility of providing care to people with severe mental illness through the primary health care systems by:
* appropriate training of the primary health care personnel;
* provision of essential drugs;
* strengthening of the families for home care;
* referral support from mental health professionals, and
* public education to decrease stigma and discrimination.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Keeping Your Brain Healthy
From the Alzheimer's section of the Toronto Star, Thursday, January 10, 2008, page U3, an article about exercising your brain to keep it healthy:
MENTAL EXERCISE HELPS KEEP BRAIN HEALTHY
Latest evidence shows disease may be slowed with mind stimulation
Paul Irish
Staff Reporter
Use it or lose it.
That's the simple rule Brenda Hounam, 60, uses to keep her brain as healthy as it can be.
Livng with the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, the Paris, Ont., woman travels far and wide to promote the fact that we should all stay as mentally active as possible.
She was in Greece and Ireland last year spreading the message and will be heading to Romania this May.
"I tell peple to be the best you can be, but you have to work on it," she says. "You just can't sit around ... make sure you do some mental exercises every day."
A few of the things Hounam does to stay mentally fit include playing the keyboard, doing puzzles and - one of her favourites - playing Nintendo's Mario Brothers.
Scientific evidence suggests that mental stimulation enhances brain activity and may help maintain brain health throughout life.
With that as an overall goal, the Alzheimer Society of Canada has kicked off a nationwide awareness campaign, Heads up for Healthier Brains, in a bid to make brain health a personal commitment.
Mary Schulz, senior manager of education for the society, says new evidence indicates that if people "exercise" their brains, they can reduce the risk of the disease, and that those with the disease can slow its progression.
"Do something that you usually don't do," she says. "If you shy away from puzzles, check some out."
It can be as simple as chatting with friends and family or dialing the phone with your less-dominant hand. Or, if you're really feeling enthusiastic, learn a new language.
Dr. Jack Diamond, the society's scientific, director, says it's time to take action. "In just the last year, we've learned so much more about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the need to keep your brain active."
To help, the Alzheimer society has created a BrainBooster area on its website (alzheimer.ca) It's a collection of puzzles and games that will change daily to promote brain health, along with some recipes and diet tips.
In Hounam's case, she says the first time she realized something was seriously amiss was when she used dish soap instead of cooking oil to brown some meat in a skillet.
"I used to be an accountant and I was able to add, subtract anything I wanted in my head," she says. "But then I started having trouble. I had to go to a calculator."
After she was diagnosed in 2000, she says she felt relieved to know what was wrong. She decided to help make others more aare of the disease, and the importance of exercising your brain.
She has taken the stage in community centres and meeting halls across Ontario. And she was a huge hit when she spoke to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Dublin last October.
The fact that someone with the disease could be a main speaker was not lost on the Irish media, and she was widely sought after for interviews.
Joining her on the trip were Linda Westbook and her daughter, Sara Westbrook, 25, both of St. Thomas. The three women met in 2004, after Linda attended one of Hounam's talks and arranged to meet with her.
During that meeting, they came up with the idea of creating a song (written by Sara and two friends) that would let Hounam express her love for her own two children, no matter how badly she may treat them as the disease progresses.
Called "One More Memory," the song has since sold 7,000 copies online, with proceeds going to help those with Alzheimer's. (Visit myspace.com/onemorememory or alzheimer.sk.ca/english/Just4Kids/music=memory.shtml.)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Substance Abuse
From the Mental Health America website, http://www.nmha.org/, information about substance abuse, http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/substance-abuse which affects millions of people, some warning signs and what help is available:
SUBSTSANCE ABUSE
Substance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans. In terms of people who are affected indirectly such as families of abusers and those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers, an additional 40 million people are affected. The monetary cost to society and the economy because of reduced productivity, property damage, accidents, and health care are astounding. Alcoholism is a progressive disease and afflicts 10 million adults and 3 million children. An estimated 12.5 million Americans are addicted to other drugs such as sedative-hypnotics or barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychostimulants.
There are many symptoms and warning signs of substance abuse including: using the substance on a regular basis (daily, weekends or in binges), tolerance for the substance, failed attempts to stop using the substance, physical and/or psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms (delirium tremens, trembling, hallucinations, sweating and high blood pressure), and in some cases dementia.
The specific causes of substance abuse are unclear, though they seem to be a combination of hereditary, environmental and social factors.
Treatment of substance abuse is geared towards abstinence and includes a variety of therapies. Psychotherapy aids patients in understanding behavior and motivations and in developing self-esteem and coping with stress. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are very effective in helping the patient establish a support network. In some cases medications such as disulfiram (Antabuse) or methadone may be used with some success.
Other Resources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
5600 Fishers Ln 7C-02
Rockville MD 20857
Phone 800-729-6686
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics AnonymousCheck phone book for local chapter in your area.
Mental Health America needs your financial support to continue to improve awareness and understanding of mental illnesses.
This publication is generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company
Information compiled from:" Facts About: Substance Abuse", American Psychiatric Association, 1400 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005.
For More Information:
For more information, contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or the national Mental Health America office.
SUBSTSANCE ABUSE
Substance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans. In terms of people who are affected indirectly such as families of abusers and those injured or killed by intoxicated drivers, an additional 40 million people are affected. The monetary cost to society and the economy because of reduced productivity, property damage, accidents, and health care are astounding. Alcoholism is a progressive disease and afflicts 10 million adults and 3 million children. An estimated 12.5 million Americans are addicted to other drugs such as sedative-hypnotics or barbiturates, opiates, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychostimulants.
There are many symptoms and warning signs of substance abuse including: using the substance on a regular basis (daily, weekends or in binges), tolerance for the substance, failed attempts to stop using the substance, physical and/or psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms (delirium tremens, trembling, hallucinations, sweating and high blood pressure), and in some cases dementia.
The specific causes of substance abuse are unclear, though they seem to be a combination of hereditary, environmental and social factors.
Treatment of substance abuse is geared towards abstinence and includes a variety of therapies. Psychotherapy aids patients in understanding behavior and motivations and in developing self-esteem and coping with stress. Self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are very effective in helping the patient establish a support network. In some cases medications such as disulfiram (Antabuse) or methadone may be used with some success.
Other Resources:
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
5600 Fishers Ln 7C-02
Rockville MD 20857
Phone 800-729-6686
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics AnonymousCheck phone book for local chapter in your area.
Mental Health America needs your financial support to continue to improve awareness and understanding of mental illnesses.
This publication is generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company
Information compiled from:" Facts About: Substance Abuse", American Psychiatric Association, 1400 K Street NW, Washington DC 20005.
For More Information:
For more information, contact your local Mental Health America affiliate or the national Mental Health America office.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Mental Health: Children's Fears
From the Canadian Mental Health Association website, , an article about children's mental health issues, http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=2-29-69&lang=1:
CHILDREN AND THEIR FEARS
Almost all children can be frightened by the sound of thunder or scared in a dark room. With a little patience and understanding, you can usually help your children overcome these and other common childhood fears. However, as a parent, you are keenly aware that there are real dangers that threaten your children. While you are working to help your children get rid of some kinds of fear, you are also teaching certain other kinds of fear for their own protection.
What frightens your children?
Often children's fears grow out of experiences which they cannot understand and which seems to threaten them. Of course, one child might not be frightened by something that frightens a brother or sister, but some of the things likely to cause fear are:
* other people's reactions to things or events - Another child's intense fear of snakes or an adult's horror at seeing a large spider can cause your child to fear the same things.
* seeing a traumatic, frightening event - Your child may witness a bad traffic accident or see a cat run over by a car. Scenes like these can leave lasting, fearful memories.
* low self-esteem and lack of confidence - Fears can develop from low self-esteem and lack of confidence. It is important to encourage and praise your child's efforts and to develop his/her self-confidence.
* ongoing family tensions and hostility - All families have fights once in a while, but if the fighting goes on all the time, children will absorb the tension, and fear and uncertainty will become part of their lives.
Overcoming your children's fears
No matter what your child fears, he/she needs the comfort of loving reassurance more than anything. You should never make fun of your child's fears, and you should let him/her know that grown-ups, too, are sometimes afraid. Other things you can do are:
* Give loving support and reliable limits. Your child needs to know he/she is loved and also that you set definite limits on what he/she is allowed to do. Your love and those limits provide the sense of security your child needs to try new experiences without fear.
* Try to find practical solutions. If your child is afraid of the dark, plug in a night-light in the bedroom and hall. Keep the furniture arranged in a way your child is used to, and make sure he/she goes to sleep with a cuddly toy to hug.
* Spend time practising skills with your child. If your child is afraid of catching a ball or playing a game such as soccer, spend time playing games at home in a safe environment.
* Help build a sense of being in control. Some children become afraid of flushing the toilet or emptying the bathtub. Encourage your child to pull the plug or turn the toilet handle with you, and reassure him/ her that "there is no way you can go down the drain."
* Reassure, reassure, and then reassure again. This is especially important if your child begins to worry about dying. He/she needs to hear many times that it is very unusual for children to die. Try a hug and a reminder, "Don't worry; we'll be together for a long, long time."
* Praise accomplishments, avoid criticizing. Praising even small successes will encourage your child to try again. Too much criticizing is likely to make your child insecure and afraid to try new things.
Real dangers your children face
Your children must be taught about the very real dangers that do exist. These dangers can be divided into two kinds:
* Basic safety problems - You must teach your children safety rules about hazards in the home, such as hot stove tops, electrical outlets and various household poisons. Outside the home, children must learn how to ride a bicycle and cross the street safely, and many other safety habits.
* Dangerous people - Unfortunately, your children face the danger of abduction and sexual abuse by dangerous people. Some may be strangers, but more commonly, they can be relatives or acquaintances.
The challenge for you as the parent is to teach your children to be self-confident and ready to cope with new situations, but also to be cautious of potentially dangerous situations. Most children are able to understand and learn caution at about the age of three.
How can you protect them from the real dangers?
There are a number of things you can do to help your children protect themselves and still enjoy their childhood. The best defence against abduction and abuse is information. Be truthful and honest with them. The more information children have, the better they will be able to handle any situation. As a parent, you should:
* Always know where your children are and who is supervising them. Make sure that the person(s) looking after your children always know how to reach you.
* Never leave young children alone at home, in a car or in a public place.
* Always go with them to any unfamiliar place when they are young. As they get older, set up a telephone check-in system to confirm their departures and arrivals, and have them carry enough money to call home.
* Have a family code word and teach your children how to use it: don't go with anyone unless they know and say the family code word. It is important that your children never tell the code word to anyone, but if they do, change it immediately.
* Set up family emergency procedures. Know the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your children's friends. Teach them what to do if you get separated while shopping.
* Teach your children how to get help in an emergency - dial 911 or "0" on the phone; find a policeman, bus driver, school, church, mall security or information desk, store cashier, or a house with a Block Parent sign.
* Teach your children their full name, home address (including city) and phone number (including the area code).
* Let your children know it's OK to say "No" if they think something they are being asked to do isn't right, even by someone they know. If someone tells them to keep a secret from you, they should tell you about it right away.
* Help your children to be comfortable talking about the private parts of their bodies so that, if necessary, they can tell you about "bad touches" (ones that make them feel weird or uncomfortable).
* Play "what if" games with your children. Ask them what they would do in a potentially dangerous situation and listen to their answers. Ask them why and why not, what is right and wrong. Practise how they should answer the telephone. Teach them just who a stranger is. It is better to imagine the worse than to experience it!
Your children should know and follow these streetproofing rules:
* Don't go anywhere alone; travel in groups. Don't take short-cuts or hitch-hike, and avoid potentially dangerous places including public washrooms.
* Don't accept gifts from strangers or get into a stranger's car. Don't offer to help a stranger; adults don't have to ask children for help.
* If alone, never admit it to anyone on the telephone and don't answer the door or let anyone in.
* Don't be a target. Don't put their name on clothes or equipment; if bags or lunch-boxes must be labelled, do it on the inside. Above all else, your children should learn to trust their instincts. If they feel suspicious, scared or threatened, they should do something about it. They should get away as soon and as fast as possible, and tell someone as soon as they can. They shouldn't be afraid to yell out, "You're a stranger. Stop it. Leave me alone," -yelling can attract attention and may bring the help they need. In an emergency, they don't have to be polite!
Do you need more information?
For more information on child safety and protection, contact your local police department or streetproofing organization. If you need help dealing with your child's fears, see your family doctor or school guidance counsellor, or contact a community organization, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, which can help you find additional support.
CHILDREN AND THEIR FEARS
Almost all children can be frightened by the sound of thunder or scared in a dark room. With a little patience and understanding, you can usually help your children overcome these and other common childhood fears. However, as a parent, you are keenly aware that there are real dangers that threaten your children. While you are working to help your children get rid of some kinds of fear, you are also teaching certain other kinds of fear for their own protection.
What frightens your children?
Often children's fears grow out of experiences which they cannot understand and which seems to threaten them. Of course, one child might not be frightened by something that frightens a brother or sister, but some of the things likely to cause fear are:
* other people's reactions to things or events - Another child's intense fear of snakes or an adult's horror at seeing a large spider can cause your child to fear the same things.
* seeing a traumatic, frightening event - Your child may witness a bad traffic accident or see a cat run over by a car. Scenes like these can leave lasting, fearful memories.
* low self-esteem and lack of confidence - Fears can develop from low self-esteem and lack of confidence. It is important to encourage and praise your child's efforts and to develop his/her self-confidence.
* ongoing family tensions and hostility - All families have fights once in a while, but if the fighting goes on all the time, children will absorb the tension, and fear and uncertainty will become part of their lives.
Overcoming your children's fears
No matter what your child fears, he/she needs the comfort of loving reassurance more than anything. You should never make fun of your child's fears, and you should let him/her know that grown-ups, too, are sometimes afraid. Other things you can do are:
* Give loving support and reliable limits. Your child needs to know he/she is loved and also that you set definite limits on what he/she is allowed to do. Your love and those limits provide the sense of security your child needs to try new experiences without fear.
* Try to find practical solutions. If your child is afraid of the dark, plug in a night-light in the bedroom and hall. Keep the furniture arranged in a way your child is used to, and make sure he/she goes to sleep with a cuddly toy to hug.
* Spend time practising skills with your child. If your child is afraid of catching a ball or playing a game such as soccer, spend time playing games at home in a safe environment.
* Help build a sense of being in control. Some children become afraid of flushing the toilet or emptying the bathtub. Encourage your child to pull the plug or turn the toilet handle with you, and reassure him/ her that "there is no way you can go down the drain."
* Reassure, reassure, and then reassure again. This is especially important if your child begins to worry about dying. He/she needs to hear many times that it is very unusual for children to die. Try a hug and a reminder, "Don't worry; we'll be together for a long, long time."
* Praise accomplishments, avoid criticizing. Praising even small successes will encourage your child to try again. Too much criticizing is likely to make your child insecure and afraid to try new things.
Real dangers your children face
Your children must be taught about the very real dangers that do exist. These dangers can be divided into two kinds:
* Basic safety problems - You must teach your children safety rules about hazards in the home, such as hot stove tops, electrical outlets and various household poisons. Outside the home, children must learn how to ride a bicycle and cross the street safely, and many other safety habits.
* Dangerous people - Unfortunately, your children face the danger of abduction and sexual abuse by dangerous people. Some may be strangers, but more commonly, they can be relatives or acquaintances.
The challenge for you as the parent is to teach your children to be self-confident and ready to cope with new situations, but also to be cautious of potentially dangerous situations. Most children are able to understand and learn caution at about the age of three.
How can you protect them from the real dangers?
There are a number of things you can do to help your children protect themselves and still enjoy their childhood. The best defence against abduction and abuse is information. Be truthful and honest with them. The more information children have, the better they will be able to handle any situation. As a parent, you should:
* Always know where your children are and who is supervising them. Make sure that the person(s) looking after your children always know how to reach you.
* Never leave young children alone at home, in a car or in a public place.
* Always go with them to any unfamiliar place when they are young. As they get older, set up a telephone check-in system to confirm their departures and arrivals, and have them carry enough money to call home.
* Have a family code word and teach your children how to use it: don't go with anyone unless they know and say the family code word. It is important that your children never tell the code word to anyone, but if they do, change it immediately.
* Set up family emergency procedures. Know the names, addresses and telephone numbers of your children's friends. Teach them what to do if you get separated while shopping.
* Teach your children how to get help in an emergency - dial 911 or "0" on the phone; find a policeman, bus driver, school, church, mall security or information desk, store cashier, or a house with a Block Parent sign.
* Teach your children their full name, home address (including city) and phone number (including the area code).
* Let your children know it's OK to say "No" if they think something they are being asked to do isn't right, even by someone they know. If someone tells them to keep a secret from you, they should tell you about it right away.
* Help your children to be comfortable talking about the private parts of their bodies so that, if necessary, they can tell you about "bad touches" (ones that make them feel weird or uncomfortable).
* Play "what if" games with your children. Ask them what they would do in a potentially dangerous situation and listen to their answers. Ask them why and why not, what is right and wrong. Practise how they should answer the telephone. Teach them just who a stranger is. It is better to imagine the worse than to experience it!
Your children should know and follow these streetproofing rules:
* Don't go anywhere alone; travel in groups. Don't take short-cuts or hitch-hike, and avoid potentially dangerous places including public washrooms.
* Don't accept gifts from strangers or get into a stranger's car. Don't offer to help a stranger; adults don't have to ask children for help.
* If alone, never admit it to anyone on the telephone and don't answer the door or let anyone in.
* Don't be a target. Don't put their name on clothes or equipment; if bags or lunch-boxes must be labelled, do it on the inside. Above all else, your children should learn to trust their instincts. If they feel suspicious, scared or threatened, they should do something about it. They should get away as soon and as fast as possible, and tell someone as soon as they can. They shouldn't be afraid to yell out, "You're a stranger. Stop it. Leave me alone," -yelling can attract attention and may bring the help they need. In an emergency, they don't have to be polite!
Do you need more information?
For more information on child safety and protection, contact your local police department or streetproofing organization. If you need help dealing with your child's fears, see your family doctor or school guidance counsellor, or contact a community organization, such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, which can help you find additional support.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Anxiety Disorders
From the Canadian Mental Health Association website, http://www.cmha.ca/bins/index.asp?lang=1, is this article about various types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, phobias, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-94&lang=1:
ANXIETY DISORDERS
One of Canada's most common illnesses is also the least understood
Everyone feels anxious at times. Challenges such as workplace pressures, public speaking, highly demanding schedules or writing an exam can lead to a sense of worry, even fear. These sensations, however uncomfortable, are different from the ones associated with a anxiety disorder. People suffering from an anxiety disorder are subject to intense, prolonged feelings of fright and distress for no obvious reason. The condition turns their life into a continuous journey of unease and fear and can interfere with their relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems. It is estimated that they affect approximately 1 in 10 people. They are more prevalent among women than among men, and they affect children as well as adults. Anxiety disorders are illnesses. They can be diagnosed; they can be treated.
But all too often, they are mistaken for mental weakness or instability, and the resulting social stigma can discourage people with anxiety disorders from seeking help. Understanding the facts about anxiety disorders is an important step. Realising that they are medical disorders which can be treated will help to remove the stigma, and encourage people with anxiety disorders to explore the treatments available.
What exactly are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Research into their origins continues, but it is believed they are caused by a combination of biological factors and an individuals personal circumstances, much like other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. It is common for people to suffer from more than one anxiety disorder; and for an anxiety disorder to be accompanied by depression, eating disorders or substance abuse. Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical disorders, in which case the physical condition should also be treated.
Some of the signs to look for are:
Panic Disorder - As the name suggests, panic disorder is expressed in panic attacks which occur without warning, accompanied by sudden feelings of terror. Physically, an attack may cause chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, feelings of unreality and fear of dying. When a person avoids situations that he or she fears may cause a panic attack, his or her condition is described as panic disorder with agoraphobia.
Phobias - Phobias are divided into two categories: social phobia, which involves fear of social situations, and specific phobias, such as fear of flying, blood and heights.
Social Phobia - People with social phobia feel a paralysing, irrational self-consciousness about social situations. They have an intense fear of being observed or of doing something horribly wrong in front of other people. The feelings are so extreme that people with social phobia tend to avoid objects or situations that might stimulate that fear, which dramatically reduces their ability to lead a normal life.
Specific Phobias - Fear of flying, fear of heights and fear of open spaces are some typical specific phobias. People suffering from a specific phobia are overwhelmed by unreasonable fears, which they are unable to control. Exposure to feared situations can cause them extreme anxiety and panic, even if they recognize that their fears are illogical.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A terrifying experience in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors of rape, child abuse, war or a natural disaster may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Common symptoms include flashbacks, during which the person re-lives the terrifying experience, nightmares, depression and feelings of anger or irritability.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - This is a condition in which people suffer from persistent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and / or rituals (compulsions) which they find impossible to control. Typically, obsessions concern contamination, doubting (such as worrying that the iron hasn't been turned off) and disturbing sexual or religious thoughts. Compulsions include washing, checking, organizing and counting.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder -Characterized by repeated, exaggerated worry about routine life events and activities, this disorder lasts at least six months, during which time the person is affected by extreme worry more days than not. The individual anticipates the worst, even if others would say they have no reason to expect it. Physical symptoms can include nausea, trembling fatigue, muscle tension, or headache.
How can anxiety disorders be treated?
There are two main medical approaches to treating an anxiety disorder: (1) drug therapy and (2) cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Combining the two types of treatment can be effective.
Because most anxiety disorders have at least some biological component, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are generally prescribed. It is important to inquire about possible side effects of any medication.
Therapeutic strategies can be effective in reducing symptoms in each of the anxiety disorders. The techniques used include cognitive restructuring, to help people turn their anxious thoughts, interpretations and predictions into thoughts which are more rational and less anxious. People with anxiety disorders may also benefit from controlled exposure to feared objects or situations.
Specific CBT techniques have been developed to help assist with particular anxiety disorders. People with panic disorder, for instance, can benefit from breathing retraining, which shows them how to slow their breathing and use meditation when they're feeling anxious.
Support groups and educational resources can also be included in treatment. Anxiety disorders place a great burden on the individuals affected, their families and friends. Learning all you can about the particular condition touching your life can help you develop tools for living with an anxiety disorder, or living with someone who has an anxiety disorder.
A proper diagnosis is key to putting a person with an anxiety disorder on the right treatment path. Many people go undiagnosed for 10 years or more. Since research suggests that many general health care practitioners are unaware of all the appropriate treatments for anxiety disorders, you might consider the option of a specialized anxiety disorder clinic. If such a facility is not available in your area, ask your doctor to look into specialized treatments.
Where to go for more information
For further information about anxiety disorders, contact a community organization like the Canadian Mental Health Association to find out about support and resources available in your community.
ANXIETY DISORDERS
One of Canada's most common illnesses is also the least understood
Everyone feels anxious at times. Challenges such as workplace pressures, public speaking, highly demanding schedules or writing an exam can lead to a sense of worry, even fear. These sensations, however uncomfortable, are different from the ones associated with a anxiety disorder. People suffering from an anxiety disorder are subject to intense, prolonged feelings of fright and distress for no obvious reason. The condition turns their life into a continuous journey of unease and fear and can interfere with their relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems. It is estimated that they affect approximately 1 in 10 people. They are more prevalent among women than among men, and they affect children as well as adults. Anxiety disorders are illnesses. They can be diagnosed; they can be treated.
But all too often, they are mistaken for mental weakness or instability, and the resulting social stigma can discourage people with anxiety disorders from seeking help. Understanding the facts about anxiety disorders is an important step. Realising that they are medical disorders which can be treated will help to remove the stigma, and encourage people with anxiety disorders to explore the treatments available.
What exactly are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Research into their origins continues, but it is believed they are caused by a combination of biological factors and an individuals personal circumstances, much like other health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. It is common for people to suffer from more than one anxiety disorder; and for an anxiety disorder to be accompanied by depression, eating disorders or substance abuse. Anxiety disorders can also coexist with physical disorders, in which case the physical condition should also be treated.
Some of the signs to look for are:
Panic Disorder - As the name suggests, panic disorder is expressed in panic attacks which occur without warning, accompanied by sudden feelings of terror. Physically, an attack may cause chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, feelings of unreality and fear of dying. When a person avoids situations that he or she fears may cause a panic attack, his or her condition is described as panic disorder with agoraphobia.
Phobias - Phobias are divided into two categories: social phobia, which involves fear of social situations, and specific phobias, such as fear of flying, blood and heights.
Social Phobia - People with social phobia feel a paralysing, irrational self-consciousness about social situations. They have an intense fear of being observed or of doing something horribly wrong in front of other people. The feelings are so extreme that people with social phobia tend to avoid objects or situations that might stimulate that fear, which dramatically reduces their ability to lead a normal life.
Specific Phobias - Fear of flying, fear of heights and fear of open spaces are some typical specific phobias. People suffering from a specific phobia are overwhelmed by unreasonable fears, which they are unable to control. Exposure to feared situations can cause them extreme anxiety and panic, even if they recognize that their fears are illogical.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - A terrifying experience in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. Survivors of rape, child abuse, war or a natural disaster may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Common symptoms include flashbacks, during which the person re-lives the terrifying experience, nightmares, depression and feelings of anger or irritability.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - This is a condition in which people suffer from persistent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and / or rituals (compulsions) which they find impossible to control. Typically, obsessions concern contamination, doubting (such as worrying that the iron hasn't been turned off) and disturbing sexual or religious thoughts. Compulsions include washing, checking, organizing and counting.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder -Characterized by repeated, exaggerated worry about routine life events and activities, this disorder lasts at least six months, during which time the person is affected by extreme worry more days than not. The individual anticipates the worst, even if others would say they have no reason to expect it. Physical symptoms can include nausea, trembling fatigue, muscle tension, or headache.
How can anxiety disorders be treated?
There are two main medical approaches to treating an anxiety disorder: (1) drug therapy and (2) cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Combining the two types of treatment can be effective.
Because most anxiety disorders have at least some biological component, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are generally prescribed. It is important to inquire about possible side effects of any medication.
Therapeutic strategies can be effective in reducing symptoms in each of the anxiety disorders. The techniques used include cognitive restructuring, to help people turn their anxious thoughts, interpretations and predictions into thoughts which are more rational and less anxious. People with anxiety disorders may also benefit from controlled exposure to feared objects or situations.
Specific CBT techniques have been developed to help assist with particular anxiety disorders. People with panic disorder, for instance, can benefit from breathing retraining, which shows them how to slow their breathing and use meditation when they're feeling anxious.
Support groups and educational resources can also be included in treatment. Anxiety disorders place a great burden on the individuals affected, their families and friends. Learning all you can about the particular condition touching your life can help you develop tools for living with an anxiety disorder, or living with someone who has an anxiety disorder.
A proper diagnosis is key to putting a person with an anxiety disorder on the right treatment path. Many people go undiagnosed for 10 years or more. Since research suggests that many general health care practitioners are unaware of all the appropriate treatments for anxiety disorders, you might consider the option of a specialized anxiety disorder clinic. If such a facility is not available in your area, ask your doctor to look into specialized treatments.
Where to go for more information
For further information about anxiety disorders, contact a community organization like the Canadian Mental Health Association to find out about support and resources available in your community.
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