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 Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:30 pm
 Here I will provide definitions and symptoms of certain disorders. While one can not deny the mind's ability to recognize when one is ill, it is up to the individual to get a professional diagnosis is they truly feel they are suffering from one of the conditions listed below. It is the only way to assure you receive proper medical care, as well as the best chances for recovery.
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:38 pm
What is OCD?
OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions). Often the person carries out the behaviors to get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only provides temporary relief. Not performing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety.
(Quoted from U.S. National Library of Medicine)
OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive washing or cleaning; repeated checking; extreme hoarding; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; aversion to particular numbers; and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational, and may become further distressed by this realization. OCD is the fourth most common mental disorder, and is diagnosed nearly as often as asthma and diabetes mellitus.[1] In the United States, one in 50 adults suffers from OCD.[2] Obsessive–compulsive disorder affects children and adolescents as well as adults. Roughly one third to one half of adults with OCD report a childhood onset of the disorder, suggesting the continuum of anxiety disorders across the life span.[3] The phrase "obsessive–compulsive" has become part of the English lexicon, and is often used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is excessively meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed, or otherwise fixated.[4] Although these signs are present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), an autism spectrum disorder, or no clinical condition. Multiple psychological and biological factors may be involved in causing obsessive–compulsive syndromes. Standardized rating scales such as Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale can be used to assess the severity of OCD symptoms. (Quoted from Wikipedia)
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:42 pm
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) is an emotional illness that is classified as an anxiety disorder and usually develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience. PTSD sufferers re-experience the traumatic event or events in some way, tend to avoid places, people, or other things that remind them of the event (avoidance), and are exquisitely sensitive to normal life experiences (hyperarousal). Although this condition has likely existed since human beings have endured trauma, PTSD has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980. However, it was called by different names as early as the American Civil War, when combat veterans were referred to as suffering from "soldier's heart." In World War I, symptoms that were generally consistent with this syndrome were referred to as "combat fatigue." Soldiers who developed such symptoms in World War II were said to be suffering from "gross stress reaction," and many troops in Vietnam who had symptoms of what is now called PTSD were assessed as having "post-Vietnam syndrome." PTSD has also been called "battle fatigue" and "shell shock." (Quoted from MedicineNet.com)
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:47 pm
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is different from the normal fear and anxiety reactions to stressful events in our lives. Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning. Symptoms of panic disorder include sudden attacks of fear and nervousness, as well as physical symptoms such as sweating and a racing heart. During a panic attack, the fear response is out of proportion for the situation, which often is not threatening. Over time, a person with panic disorder develops a constant fear of having another panic attack, which can affect daily functioning and general quality of life.
(Quoted from WebMD)
Common symptoms of a panic attack :
Racing heartbeat, heart palpitations.
Difficulty breathing,feeling as though you can't get enough air.
Terror that is almost paralyzing.
Feeling of dread.
Dizziness, ligntheadedness, nausea.
Trembling, sweating, shaking.
Choking, chest pains, distress.
Anxiousness.
Hot flashes, or sudden chills.
Tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles').
Fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:50 pm
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. Anxiety (intense nervousness) and self-consciousness arise from a fear of being closely watched, judged, and criticized by others.
A person with social anxiety disorder is afraid that he or she will make mistakes and be embarrassed or humiliated in front of others. The fear may be made worse by a lack of social skills or experience in social situations. The anxiety can build into a panic attack. As a result of the fear, the person endures certain social situations in extreme distress or may avoid them altogether. In addition, people with social anxiety disorder often suffer "anticipatory" anxiety -- the fear of a situation before it even happens -- for days or weeks before the event. In many cases, the person is aware that the fear is unreasonable, yet is unable to overcome it.
People with social anxiety disorder suffer from distorted thinking, including false beliefs about social situations and the negative opinions of others. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can negatively interfere with the person's normal daily routine, including school, work, social activities, and relationships.
People with social anxiety disorder may be afraid of a specific situation, such as speaking in public. However, most people with social anxiety disorder fear more than one social situation. Other situations that commonly provoke anxiety include:
Eating or drinking in front of others.
Writing or working in front of others.
Being the center of attention.
Interacting with people, including dating or going to parties.
Asking questions or giving reports in groups.
Using public toilets.
Talking on the telephone.
(Quoted from WebMD)
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:53 pm
What is GAD?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a pattern of frequent, constant worry and anxiety over many different activities and events.
Symptoms :
The main symptom is the almost constant presence of worry or tension, even when there is little or no cause. Worries seem to float from one problem to another, such as family or relationship problems, work issues, money, health, and other problems.Even when aware that their worries or fears are stronger than needed, a person with GAD still has difficulty controlling them.
Other symptoms include:
-Difficulty concentrating
-Fatigue
-Irritability
-Problems falling or staying asleep, and sleep that is often restless and unsatisfying
-Restlessness, and often becoming startled very easily
Along with the worries and anxieties, a number of physical symptoms may also be present, including muscle tension (shakiness, headaches) and stomach problems, such as nausea or diarrhea.
(Quoted from U.S. National Library of Medicine)
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Posted: Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:56 pm
What is depression?
Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods.
True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or longer. Depression may be described as feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. The exact cause of depression is not known. Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. This may be due to a problem with your genes, or triggered by certain stressful events. More likely, it's a combination of both.Some types of depression run in families. But depression can also occur if you have no family history of the illness. Anyone can develop depression, even kids.
The following may play a role in depression:
-Alcohol or drug abuse
-Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain
-Certain medications such as steroids
-Sleeping problems
Stressful life events, such as:
-Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
-Failing a class
-Death or illness of someone close to you
-Divorce
-Childhood abuse or neglect
-Job loss
-Social isolation (common in the elderly)
Depression can change or distort the way you see yourself, your life, and those around you. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
Symptoms of depression can include:
-Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
-Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
-Very difficult to concentrate
-Fatigue and lack of energy
-Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
-Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
-Becoming withdrawn or isolated
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed
-Thoughts of death or suicide
-Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
Depression can appear as anger and discouragement, rather than feelings of sadness.
If depression is very severe, there may also be psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
(Quoted from U.S. National Library of Medicine)
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Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:41 am
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which people go back and forth between periods of a very good or irritable mood and depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very quick.
There are several different forms of bipolar disorder.
Types of bipolar disorder:
-People with bipolar disorder type I have had at least one manic episode and periods of major depression. In the past, bipolar disorder type I was called manic depression.
-People with bipolar disorder type II have never had full mania. Instead they experience periods of high energy levels and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as mania (called hypomania). These periods alternate with episodes of depression.
-A mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia involves less severe mood swings. People with this form alternate between hypomania and mild depression. People with bipolar disorder type II or cyclothymia may be wrongly diagnosed as having depression. Sometimes the two phases overlap. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur together or quickly one after the other in what is called a mixed state.
The manic phase may last from days to months. These symptoms of mania occur with bipolar disorder I. In people with bipolar disorder II, the symptoms of mania are similar but less intense.
Symptoms of a manic episode :
-Easily distracted
-Little need for sleep
-Poor judgment
-Poor temper control
-Reckless behavior and lack of self control
-Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use
-Poor judgment-Sex with many partners (promiscuity)
-Spending sprees
-Very elevated mood
-Excess activity (hyperactivity)
-Increased energy
-Racing thoughts
-Talking a lot
-Very high self-esteem (false beliefs about self or abilities)
-Very involved in activities
-Very upset (agitated or irritated)
The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder includes the following symptoms:
-Daily low mood or sadness
-Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
-Eating problems
-Loss of appetite and weight loss
-Overeating and weight gain
-Fatigue or lack of energy
-Feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
-Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed
-Loss of self-esteem
-Thoughts of death and suicide
-Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much
-Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed
(Quoted from U.S. National Library of Medicine)
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