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christian, country, rock, some rap, and some heavy metal What is depression? Major depression is a serious medical condition. Everyone experiences "ups" and "downs" in their life. But for some people the "downs" can outweigh the "ups." This can cause problems with everyday activities such as eating, sleeping, working, and getting along with friends. If this happens for more than a few weeks, depression may be the reason.Major depression affects a person's physical health, as well as how he or she feels, thinks, and acts toward others. It brings about a mixture of feelings and thoughts that can cause someone to depart from his or her usual behavior.Major depression is very common — it affects an estimated 19 million American adults every year. Nearly twice as many women (6.5%) as men (3.3%) suffer from depression each year. The good news is that it is possible to manage the symptoms of depression.What causes depression? Although the exact causes of depression are unknown, it may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are 2 chemicals used by some nerve cells to communicate. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are thought to be linked to depression. Therefore, medications that affect these neurotransmitters may play a role in treating depression.A person may experience symptoms of depression suddenly, for no apparent reason, or after a life-changing event or medical illness. Some types of depression run in families, suggesting that a biological vulnerability can be inherited.Take action if you believe you suffer from depression As with any medical condition, depression should be treated by a health care professional. The first step toward relieving depression symptoms is to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. By seeing your doctor at the first sign of depression symptoms, you increase your chances of getting over these symptoms and keeping them from returning. Even if you've sought treatment for depression in the past, it is not uncommon for symptoms to return and interfere with your life again. Whenever you start to notice depression symptoms, don't wait to talk with your doctor.Important Safety InformationSuicidality and Antidepressant DrugsAntidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. EFFEXOR XR® (venlafaxine HCl) is not approved for use in children and teens.People taking MAOIs should not take EFFEXOR XR.All patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s doctor right away.Before starting EFFEXOR XR, tell your doctor if you’re taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including migraine headache medication, herbal preparations, and nutritional supplements, to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition.EFFEXOR XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.Mydriasis (prolonged dilation of the pupil of the eye) has been reported with EFFEXOR XR. You should notify your physician if you have a history of glaucoma or increased eye pressure.When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR.Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor.Until you see how EFFEXOR XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EFFEXOR XR.In clinical studies, the most common side effects with EFFEXOR XR (reported in at least 10% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. Ask your doctor if EFFEXOR XR is right for you. Quick pollAfter reviewing this website, do you plan to ask your doctor about EFFEXOR XR?Yes NoPrivacy Policy This information is being collected in the aggregate and answers are anonymous.

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nething that has to do with wrestling, & Coach Carter WHY ME?When I first discovered that I had “panic attack disorder” I was, surprisingly enough, relieved. Relieved to finally be able to put a name or a label onto what was happening to me. Being able to name it made me feel that there was at least some tangible thing that I could grab hold of and start dealing with. All I wanted was to feel better and I was willing to do almost anything to accomplish that desire. I just needed someone to tell me where to start. To show me the ropes. To lead the way home. I was willing to travel anywhere to find my long lost peace no matter how hard the journey.But I still had some questions that I wanted answered. I had a “need” to know how this anxiety thing came into my life in the first place. I was curious. So I began digging. Here’s what I found.PANIC PRONE PERSONALITIESIn my quest to find an answer the question “why me?” I began to uncover some interesting data. I discovered that there were a certain set of personality traits shared by people who suffer from anxiety disorders. Examine the following list. While many of these personality traits may not describe you, the more of them that do seem similar to your own personality traits, the more likely you are to being prone toward the possibility of panic or anxiety disorder. The list includes:PerfectionismOver-controlingPeople pleaserUnrealistically high self expectationsHighly performance consciousHighly sensitiveHighly creativeThe “doer”The “code” communicatorThe health worrierRadarWhile this list is not by any means “all inclusive”, people with anxiety disorders tend to have one or many of these traits. Now let’s look at each one of these traits in greater depth.Perfectionism.Perfectionism is the tendency toward all-or-nothing thinking. To view your actions and the actions of others in absolutes. Right-or-wrong, black-or-white - with no room for shades of gray. Things are either done correctly or incorrectly. The perfectionist leaves little to no margin for error for himself and for the performance of others. Consequently, there is a great possibility for frustration in the perfectionists life as most of life falls short of being perfect. This personality trait also often uses the words should, must and ought too frequently. “I should have done this” or “He should have done it that way.”Over-controling.This is the person that needs to be in control of life’s situations and the events surrounding him or her. This person also needs to appear to be in control of themselves at all times and especially in front of other people. They will go to great lengths to insure that all the little ducks of their lives are lined up in a neat and tidy row. Because this person has become so skilled at acting in control of themselves they are sometimes hard to identify at first glance. This person is especially prone to anxiety because the need to be in control actually is rooted in the fear of losing control.People pleaser.While there is nothing inherently wrong and indeed a good deal right with wanting to please others, the anxiety prone person will please others at the expense of self. That is to say that this person will deny, hide, or suppress there own emotional needs in order to please another person. They often view this course of action as the only means of being accepted by another. They have an excessive need for approval from others.Unrealistically high self-expectationsThis personality trait goes hand in hand with perfectionism. This person will set incredibly high goals for them self and expect that they reach them. While the perfectionist will view “falling short” as a complete failure this person is apt to view falling short of their goals as “just” a failure. They tend to find themselves shrouded in frustration seldom being able to reach their lofty expectations of themselves.Highly performance consciousThis person doesn’t necessarily have lofty goals or high self-expectations - they are, however, very self-conscious of their performance. Especially when their performance is viewed by others. They can be afraid of falling short either in their own eyes or in what they perceive to be the eyes of others.Highly sensitiveThere is a tendency in panic prone people to be highly sensitive to a wide variety of things. To physical sensations such as pain, hot and cold, taste, smells as well as emotional sensitivities such as personal criticism, guilt, worry, etc. They tend to be highly sensitive to the pains of others as well as in the extremely compassionate personality.Highly creativeSince most anxiety and panic are caused by our thoughts, the person who is highly capable of creating elaborate mental pictures - or fully scripted stories in their minds eye - is far more susceptible to these kinds of disorders based on their ability to create. They have a tendency to fall into a “what if” kind of thought process. “What if “such and such” happens?” Their “gifted” creative ability enables them to fill in the blanks with a never ending supply of worry pictures.The doerThis is the person you can always count on to “get the job done” and then some. They are highly capable and very competent to take charge of and lead an organization or project. They will tend to ignore their own physical needs such as sleep and diet in order to succeed in their endeavor.The “code” communicatorA person who never really says what he or she means. More often than not this person will say what they think someone else wants to hear. This is due to not wanting to be rejected. This person may also have a difficult time saying “no” to another person. They often find themselves volunteering and doing things that they do not wish to be doing.Health worriersPeople who tend to analyze every little detail about their own physical health. They will become almost obsessive in their analyzation of their own illnesses. Those with this personality trait are the ones who seem to worry themselves sick. Sometimes the appear to actually be chronically ill with minor ailments.RadarThis person can walk into the middle of any situation, know the roles of everyone, and know exactly how they must act to fit in. They have became experts at reading other peoples actions and at knowing how to respond to them.It may be a good time to stop for a moment and with pen and paper write down as many of your own personality traits as you can which may be similar to some of the above. Try to be as honest with yourself as possible.THE ROOTSYou may be wondering right about now “where did I get these personality traits that seem to make me susceptible to panic and anxiety?”While there is no easy answer to this question and sometimes even many years of psychotherapy cannot unravel the mystery - there are some trends. Some clues. And while it is not necessary (or even possible) to learn the exact causes of your anxiety it can be very helpful in the healing process to have some general idea of the causes or the roots of your wound.Notice that I have used the words “wound” and “healing”. This is because, barring any physical or genetic cause of panic disorder, you have most likely been wounded in your past (childhood) and never been given the opportunity to heal from those wounds. If you can begin to see where you have been wounded, you can begin to recover from those past wounds.It is the causes of these wounds that we will now begin to explore. They are what are commonly referred to a “environmental toxins”- that is to say - the psychological “poisons” of the environment in which we are raised. The following list is excluding any chemical toxins that may have been uncovered by your physician.CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINSPsychological abuseSexual abusePhysical abuseSpiritual abuseAlcoholismCritical parentOverprotective parentSuppression of feelings (or denial of)Rigidity in Rules and/or beliefsAppearance Emphasis/ Performance EmphasisSeparation anxiety (or loss of loved one)Panic parentRole reversal (Child cares for parent)Now let us examine each childhood experience in greater depth. (You may wish to jot down notes of your personal childhood experiences. When doing so try to be as honest with yourself as you can. The idea is to uncover the truth - not to invent any illusions.)Psychological abuse Psychological abuse is when one person causes another person to experience extreme mental suffering. Neglect, not fulfilling the emotional needs of a child, threats, constant criticism, abandonment, cruel punishments all fall into this category. Psychological abuse is also any attempt to impede the growth of a child's self-worth. It can include belittling, shaming and name-calling.Sexual abuseAny form of sexual contact in which someone is forced, coerced or threatened. Because of being threatened and forced this kind of abuse is also both physical and psychological.Physical abuseThe result of physical abuse is an injury which is non-accidental in nature. This form of abuse often this includes being hit, pushed, beaten, burned, etc... It can also include forms of cruel punishment which are physical in nature. There is also a great psychological abuse that goes hand in hand with physical abuse. Trust is obliterated and threats are commonplace.Spiritual abuseMany religious systems (or churches) are spiritually abusive because they promote shameful or guilt feelings. Often their weapon of choice is fear. They can severely halt or impede the psycho-spiritual growth of their members. In these shame based systems any stepping outside of their belief system is not tolerated. This is also a form of psychological and emotional abuse.AlcoholismA family member - mother, father, sister, brother, close relative - who is an alcoholic can contribute significantly to the development of a personality trait that is susceptible to anxiety disorder. One reason may be that the alcoholic can easily be guilty of one or more of the negative influences (listed in this section) of your childhood. A person who is an alcoholic can often be the critical or abusive parent. They can neglect a child's needs or abandon the child for periods of time. In many cases the child has to assume the care giver role to the parent. Even when an older sister or brother living within a child's environment is an alcoholic there will be some level of dysfunctionalism in the environment which can have an adverse affect on the child's emotional development.Critical parentWhen adult behavior and adult expectations are placed on a child by a parent (often a perfectionist) and expressed in an excessive or repeatedly critical way it can emotionally scar the child. When the child reaches adulthood he or she can suffer from deeply internalized low self-esteem or low self-worth. This is a form of dis-empowerment that can lead to high susceptibility to anxiety disorders. Even continual criticizing in a joking or teasing manor can be harmful to a child.Overprotective parentOften a parent who is overprotective was a wounded child themself. An overprotective parent is actually trying to protect the child from harm because of the “parents” inability to cope with a negative event. The result of saying “ Johnny, be careful on that bike - you can get badly hurt if you fall” once or twice will not be disastrous. But if a child hears that as a pattern of communication over the course of many years he may become truly afraid that if he takes a risk, something very bad will happen to him.Suppression of feelingsOften, in a perfectionist household or a family where there is great emphasis placed on appearance there are spoken or unspoken rules that say it is not OK to show your feelings. Messages like “Don’t be sad” , “Don’t cry”, “Don’t show someone too much affection”, “You’re being too emotional”, “Take it like a man”, “You’re acting like a baby” weather spoken or “coded” are damaging to an individual. Feelings are real and important. Discounting them or ignoring only leads to negative results.Rigidity in rules and/or beliefsThe problem with a rigid set of rules or beliefs is that a child living within this structure can develop a pattern “all-or-nothing thinking.” A ridged rule system where there is no flexibility - no area for “shades of gray” - where everything is thought of in terms of black-or-white and right-or-wrong leaves little margin for error. Being a child is a process of trial and error - of taking risks and pushing parameters. This is how a child develops and grows and finds his or her own uniqueness. Ridged rule systems and ridged belief systems can severely stunt this growth and contribute to an adult-child’s being afraid of healthy risk-taking.Appearance emphasis/performance emphasisAgain, many times it is the perfectionist parent who seeks there own perception of perfection from their child. They may want the child to look and act like a miniature adult. In school the may express great disappointment in their child if her performance falls anywhere short of perfection. These parents tend to label tolerable behaviors as either “good” or “bad”. (It is in the nature of a two year old to find out if she can get her own way by “throwing a tantrum”. This is not “bad” behavior. It is perfectly normal and healthy behavior. That is not to say that a parent should do nothing when these “tantrums’ arise. It does however mean that “tantrums” are not to be labeled as “bad” and that a two year old throwing a tantrum is not a “bad” child.)Separation anxiety (Loss of loved one)Divorce, death, a parent working all the time, or even a parent who is physically present but is separated from the emotional needs of the child can lead to separation anxiety. A child does not yet have the capability to fully understand why a parent is gone unless they are lovingly nurtured through the crisis.Panic ParentIf a parent or guardian is anxious or experiences anxiety disorders it will make the child more prone to panic personality traits. In fact a parent with any personality disorder can make a child more susceptible to their own personality disorders.Role reversalA dysfunctional parent as in the case of an alcoholic or in the case of an adult who is chronically ill, the child may be forced to play the role of caretaker or parent because the parent has assumed the role of a child. The child will become the responsible one in the family system (thinking that someone has to keep the home safe and secure) and will be denied the step by step process of healthy psycho-emotional development. The child may be so afraid that things will fall apart if she does not somehow maintain control of the family situation, that a deeply embedded fear of losing control may develop.Examine your childhood family system. Do any of these above characteristics sound familiar? If so which ones? Take some time and write down your own thoughts and feelings about each similarity that you may find.

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bible Given the stresses of modern life, it is normal to experience occasional anxiety. However, people with generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, suffer from persistent worry and tension that is much worse than the anxiety most people experience from time to time. The high level or chronic state of anxiety associated with GAD can make ordinary activities difficult or even impossible.The main symptom of GAD is an exaggerated or unfounded state of worry and anxiety, often about such matters as health, money, family, or work. Although people with GAD may realize that their anxiety is excessive or unwarranted, they are unable to simply “snap out of it.” For them, the mere thought of getting through the day can provoke anxiety.The persistent worrying characteristic of GAD is hard to control and interferes with daily life. Many GAD sufferers seem unable to relax and may startle easily. In addition, GAD is often accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal problems.GAD Develops Over Time GAD does not appear suddenly; it develops over time. To be diagnosed with GAD, a person must experience the following2:Excessive anxiety and worry about several events or activities for more than half the days in at least 6 months Trouble controlling these feelings The presence of 3 or more of the following symptoms, some of which are present for over half the days in the past 6 months*:— Feeling restless, edgy, keyed up — Tiring easily — Trouble concentrating — Irritability — Increased muscle tension — Trouble sleeping (initial insomnia or restless, unsatisfying sleep) The anxiety and worry aren't suggestive of another mood disorder The symptoms cause severe distress or impair a person's ability to function at work, socially, or in some other way It's important to know that there are many different illnesses that can lead to symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor or other healthcare professional must rule out other possible causes (including other medicines or illegal drugs) before diagnosing you with GAD.Anxiety is Not the Same for Everyone Symptoms of GAD vary from person to person, and you don't need to have all the above symptoms in order to have GAD. That's why GAD can be difficult to diagnose. Some patients with GAD first decide to go to see their doctor because of stress-related complaints such as headaches or problems sleeping.Be sure to seek the assistance of a healthcare professional so he or she can determine if you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder. If you think you may be experiencing anxiety symptoms, take the simple GAD Self-Test and then discuss the results with your healthcare professional.Did you know that the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression can overlap? Or that a person can experience both conditions at the same time? Learn more about the overlap of GAD and depression.* Children need fulfill only 1 of these 6 symptoms.
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My mom, Tracy Smothers, AJ Styles, Christian Cage, Sting, Hulk Hogan, and The Hart Foundation and The Undertaker My Searches My Profile Investigations Disease Info Medicine Info Complete Health Assessment Screening Health Assessment Assessment(Analysis) Differential Diagnosis Plan & Recommendation Participate Medicine Ratings Cancer (Several Types) Diabetes Heart Diseases Stroke Osteoporosis Prostate Problem Preventive Guidelines Health Calculators Search a Doctor Make Appointment Yoga Asana Supplements Diets & Life Styles Health Assessment Clinical Trials Ayurved Medical System Oriental Medical System Unani Medical System Hi Guest! Font Home > Diseases > Anxiety Home Site Map Login anxiety Assess Your Anxiety Symptoms Patient's Education For Anxiety What is anxiety? Cause Of Anxiety In Children What are the different kinds of anxiety a child might feel? The Symptoms Of Anxiety How can I help my child? How long will my child's anxiety last? Treatment Of anxiety When should I call the doctor? General Info about Anxiety Disorder causes of Anxiety Disorder What are the symptoms of Anxiety Disorder? How can we diagnose Anxiety Disorder ? How can Anxiety Disorder be treated? Frequently asked questions about Anxiety Disorder. Anxiety and Depression Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD) Brief Overview of Anxiety Disorders What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness caused by fear. It can make children feel tense, nervous, or afraid. All children feel some anxiety at different stages in their lives. Cause Of Anxiety In Children: It is normal for children to feel some anxiety. But if it interferes with their daily lives or with the family, then they may need help from a doctor. Children often feel anxiety when they have to be separated from a parent or other loved one. Children and adolescents may worry about making friends at school, doing well in sports, or getting good grades. Some children are afraid to meet new people. Children often worry about things that could happen. They worry, "What if..." Some children worry about one thing over and over again. For example, a child might constantly worry that someone will forget to pick him up from school. Children can feel anxiety if they have low self-esteem (feel bad about themselves). Children ages 2-6 are often afraid of make-believe things, such as monsters or being in the dark. Children ages 7-12 often are afraid of things that could happen to them, such as getting hurt in a car accident or losing a parent. What are the Different Kinds of Anxiety a Child Might Feel? Generalized Anxiety Disorder A child with generalized anxiety worries a lot about everyday events. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Children with OCD can't seem to stop themselves from doing something over and over again. Panic Disorder A child with panic disorder has an extreme fear that hits all of a sudden. It can cause chest pain, a fast pulse, shortness of breath, dizziness, or stomach pain. Stranger Anxiety Infants often feel stranger anxiety. When they are around someone they don't know, they cling to their parents. Separation Anxiety At around 10-18 months old, toddlers feel separation anxiety. It upsets and frightens them to be away from a parent or other loved one. Children may refuse to go to school or stay at a friend's house. They may be clingy. They may throw tantrums or panic when a parent or loved one tries to leave. They may have nightmares or trouble sleeping. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder A child might feel anxiety after a very bad life event, such as a housefire. The memory of the bad event is usually vivid. Phobias A phobia is when a child is very afraid of one kind of thing, such as flying, insects, storms, or meeting new people. The fear is extreme and hard for the child to control. Children usually grow out of their phobias. The Symptoms Of Anxiety: Children may be tense or get upset easily. They may seek reassurance, wanting to be told again and again that they are okay. They may not want to take part in activities. They may be quiet and withdrawn. They may be eager to please. Anxiety increases the heart rate and children may sweat. The child might have a stomach ache or stomach cramps. How Can I Help My Child? Pay close attention to your child. If his anxiety goes unnoticed, it can lead to bigger problems. If you think your child is feeling anxiety, talk to him about his fears. Teach your child how to rate how afraid he is. Is he very, very afraid, kind of afraid, or just a little afraid? Talking about the fear will help your child control it. Do not ignore your child's fears. Acknowledge that they exist. Tell your child that it's right to be afraid but also try to show why he doesn't have to be afraid. Show him ways he can control his fear. Do not give in to your child's fears. For example, if your child is afraid of dogs, don't avoid them. Act normal when you are around dogs. Use it as a chance to teach your child that he does not have to be afraid of them. Help your child take small steps to overcome his fears. For example, work toward leaving a night light on instead of a brighter closet light. Or, work toward getting closer and closer to a dog until your child is no longer afraid to pet it. How Long will My Child's Anxiety Last? Children usually grow out of their fears. Sometimes, they grow out of an old fear but start having a new fear. You should talk to your doctor if your child is unable to overcome his fear or if the fears interfere with his daily activities or with the family. Treatment Of anxiety: The doctor might advise you to take your child to a child or youngster analyst, a doctor who will help your child talk about his fears and teach him ways to control it. Treatment is different for every child. It may include talking to only the child about his fears, talking to the child and the family together, medication, teaching the child how he can change his behavior, or talking to teachers about how they can help. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call if your child's anxiety greatly disrupts his social, academic, or personal life. Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's health. Quick Answers Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness caused by fear. All children feel anxiety sometimes. This is normal. Anxiety can be caused by worries about school, friends, family, or by other fears, such as fear of meeting strangers or fear of being separated from loved ones. Children can feel many different kinds of anxiety. Children who are feeling anxiety may be tense or get upset easily. Do not ignore your child's fears. Acknowledge that they exist. Tell your child that it's okay to be afraid but show him reasons for not being afraid. Children usually grow out of their fears. The doctor might advise you to take your child to a psychiatrist. Treatment is different for every child. Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's health. Anxiety and DepressionWhat is depression and how do I tell if I really have it? Depression affects more than 17 million people a year and is sometimes referred to as the 'common cold' of mental health. You may frequently hear someone say, "I'm depressed," but clinical depression differs in many ways from a sad mood. It lasts longer (at least two weeks) and affects more than just one's mood. It is not something that you can just "snap out of."Clinical depression has several types:Major depression (significant symptoms lasting at least two weeks), Dysthymia (chronic depression), Bipolar or manic-depressive illness (presence of both depressive and manic episodes), Seasonal affective disorder (depression that comes on only in winters). For reasons that are not fully understood, depression affects women more commonly than men (about 2:1). Researchers have proposed several different theories about why this may occur. One theory is that women are more likely than men to seek help for their depressed state and therefore more likely to be diagnosed with depression. In one study, college students were presented with a "list of things people do when depressed" and asked to indicate how likely they were to engage in the behavior outlined in each item on the list. Men were more likely to state that, "I avoid thinking of reasons why I am depressed," "I do something physical," or "I play sports." Women were more likely to state that "I try to determine why I am depressed," "I talk to other people about my feelings," and "I cry to relieve the tension." To sum up...men tried to distract themselves from a depressed mood whereas women tended to focus attention on it.Depression is present in the majority of people who commit suicide. Among the age group 18-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. Symptoms of clinical depression usually begin by early adulthood. In addition to depressed mood, symptoms of depression can include:change in appetite with significant weight loss or gain disturbed sleep patterns (sleeping fitfully, sleeping too much) loss of interest and pleasure in life inability to concentrate or make decisions loss of energy feelings of inappropriate guilt recurring thoughts of death or suicide physical changes (headaches or constipation) The good news is that depression is a very treatable disorder. About 80% to 90% of people will improve significantly with treatment with almost all obtaining some relief of symptoms. Treatment for depression can include psychotherapy and medications, often used in combination. Psychotherapy is done by many mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists. All of the commonly used antidepressants are effective for clinical depression. They are not addictive substances, but they do take time to work (on average about 2 weeks). In general they are safe and well tolerated medications. Some of the side effects, when present, tend to be mild and transient. The side effects of medications have to be weighed against the risks of the illness. Ask your health care professional about possible side effects of all prescribed drugs.You hear a lot about prozac. Why should I use it ? Prozac (or flouxetine) is a type of a medication known as an anti-depressant. Although it is primarily used to treat clinical depression, it can be used to treat other disorders.Prozac is a type of an antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI). It works by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain. Other medications in this class include Paxil (Paroxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), and Luvox (Fluvoxamine). All of these medications work in the same way; they differ some in side effects. The most common reason to use an antidepressant is for treatment of a clinical depression. Other conditions for which antidepressants are used include anxiety disorders (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder) and chronic pain conditions.The decision to use a medication is ultimately the patient's. This is made in consultation with a physician. Most psychiatric disorders respond to treatment with medications. There are also other non-medication treatments of these disorders (such as psychotherapy). These therapies can be used with or without medications. In general the antidepressants are safe and well tolerated medications. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sedation, headaches, agitation, and sexual dysfunction. Most of the time, side effects, if present, are mild and transient. These risks of medications must be balanced against the risks of the illness. An illness such as clinical depression can have lethal complications (suicide).If you or someone you know thinks they might benefit from a medication, then an evaluation with a psychiatrist is warrantedThere are many causes of excessive anxiety, including medical or psychiatric disorders, medications, drugs of abuse (including caffeine). The most common cause of anxiety though is when a person's ability to cope is exceeded by their stressors. Stress is any physical or mental demand placed on a person. Similar to pain, anxiety can be a signal to a person. That signal is telling them that their systems are being overwhelmed.The best way to deal with this type of anxiety is to both reduce stressors and increase the ability to cope. Ways to reduce stresses might include dropping a course, cutting back hours on a job, or saying no to some social demands. Ways to increase coping ability might include exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, improved time management, and increased relaxation time. Relaxation strategies include such things as muscle relaxation, meditation, or listening to music. These strategies are best done on a regular basis, as they work better to prevent excessive anxiety. (It's hard to relax when anxiety is excessive!)Medical disorders (such as a thyroid problem) and psychiatric disorders (such as panic disorder or depression) can also cause excessive anxiety. In the college-age population, psychiatric disorders are a common cause of anxiety. Most anxiety disorders do respond to treatment. In addition to the above strategies, treatment might include medications and/or psychotherapy.What is Depression and How do I Tell if I Really Have it? Depression affects more than 17 million people a year and is sometimes referred to as the "common cold" of mental health. You may frequently hear someone say, "I'm depressed," but clinical depression differs in many ways from a sad mood. It lasts longer (at least two weeks) and affects more than just one's mood. It is not something that you can just "snap out of."Clinical depression has several types: Major depression (significant symptoms lasting at least two weeks), Dysthymia (chronic depression), Bipolar or manic-depressive illness (presence of both depressive and manic episodes), and seasonal affective disorder (depression that comes on only in winters).For reasons that are not fully understood, depression affects women more commonly than men (about 2:1). Researchers have proposed several different theories about why this may occur. One theory is that women are more likely than men to seek help for their depressed state and therefore more likely to be diagnosed with depression. In one study, college students were presented with a "list of things people do when depressed" and asked to indicate how likely they were to engage in the behavior outlined in each item on the list. Men were more likely to state that, "I avoid thinking of reasons why I am depressed," "I do something physical," or "I play sports." Women were more likely to state that "I try to determine why I am depressed," "I talk to other people about my feelings," and "I cry to relieve the tension." To sum up...men tried to distract themselves from a depressed mood whereas women tended to focus attention on it.Depression is present in the majority of people who commit suicide. Among the age group 18-24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. Symptoms of clinical depression usually begin by early adulthood. In addition to depressed mood, symptoms of depression can include:change in appetite with significant weight loss or gain disturbed sleep patterns (sleeping fitfully, sleeping too much) loss of interest and pleasure in life inability to concentrate or make decisions loss of energy feelings of inappropriate guilt recurring thoughts of death or suicide physical changes (headaches or constipation) The good news is that depression is a very treatable disorder. About 80% to 90% of people will improve significantly with treatment with almost all obtaining some relief of symptoms. Treatment for depression can include psychotherapy (individual or group) and medications, often used in combination. Psychotherapy is done by many mental health professionals, including social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists.All of the commonly used antidepressants are effective for clinical depression. They are not addictive substances, but they do take time to work (on average about 2 weeks). In general they are safe and well tolerated medications. Some of the side effects, when present, tend to be mild and transient. The side effects of medications have to be weighed against the risks of the illness. Ask your health care professional about possible side effects of all prescribed drugs.Prozac (or flouxetine) is a type of a medication known as an anti-depressant. Although it is primarily used to treat clinical depression, it can be used to treat other disorders.Prozac is a type of an antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI). It works by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain. Other medications in this class include Paxil (Paroxetine), Zoloft (Sertraline), and Luvox (Fluvoxamine). All of these medications work in the same way; they differ some in side effects. The most common reason to use an antidepressant is for treatment of a clinical depression. Other conditions for which antidepressants are used include anxiety disorders (such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder) and chronic pain conditions.The decision to use a medication is ultimately the patient's. This is made in consultation with a physician. Most psychiatric disorders respond to treatment with medications. There are also other non-medication treatments of these disorders (such as psychotherapy). These therapies can be used with or without medications. In general the antidepressants are safe and well tolerated medications. Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sedation, headaches, agitation, and sexual dysfunction. Most of the time, side effects, if present, are mild and transient. These risks of medications must be balanced against the risks of the illness. An illness such as clinical depression can have lethal complications (suicide).If you or someone you know thinks they might benefit from a medication, then an evaluation with a psychiatrist is warranted.General Information About Anxiety Disorder:General Info about Anxiety Disorder Anxiety is the abnormal fear or reaction, towards any stress which the person can normally handle. Generalized anxiety involves excessive worry about actual circumstances, events or conflicts. The patient is anxious or apprehensive and may show signs like sweating, palpitation, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, frequent urination, difficulty in swallowing.Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.Causes of Anxiety Disorder:Stress (e.g. Work or lack of it, noise, a hostile home). Life events which has affected the person. Repressed negative emotions. What are the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder ?The patient is always agitated and nervous. They become apprehensive and anticipate calamities in their normal lives. Sleep may be disturbed. They may complain of trembling, shaking, muscle tension, restlessness, and easy fatigability. Weight loss may be present. How Can we Diagnose Anxiety Disorder ? The presence of feelings of doom, fear, agitation along with symptoms like sweating, palpitation, rapid and increased breathing, wringing of the hands etc. are the clinical pointers.How Can Anxiety Disorder be Treated ?Simple listening is an efficient way of reducing anxiety. Enriching the patient's relationship with friends and relatives is likely to help. Graded exposure -which starts with exposure to the least threatening stress and slowly increasing the levels of stress that can be handled by the patient. Anxiolytics may be indicated along with counseling. Progressive relaxation training - tensing and relaxing individual muscle groups, deep breathing exercises may also be employed. Generalized Anxiety Disorder A generalized anxiety disorder manifests in a vague, uncontrollable form of worry, distress, uneasiness and apprehension. The patient may feel restless, on edge or all keyed up. He or she may harbor inexplicable feelings of approaching doom or menace.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder People who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder get caught up in uncontrollable rituals like washing the hands many times or cleaning the table often.Panic Disorders A fear or discomfort in which sudden rushes of fearfulness are accompanied by physical symptoms such as rapid and increased breathing, rapid heart beat (palpitations) and dizziness.Phobia A phobia is a persistent, excessive, unrealistic fear of an object, person, animal, activity or situation.Post Traumatic Stress Disorders Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a collection of psychological, emotional and behavioral symptoms that sometimes occur in a person who has been exposed to extreme trauma.Frequently asked questions about Anxiety Disorder... Which specialist should I see if I have anxiety disorder? You should consult a Psychiatrist.I am a person who gets anxious about deadlines and exams, should I take treatment? Anxiety is a heightened state of awareness that makes us efficient in what we do and is not unusual in most people. If it interferes in your normal functioning, it needs to be treated.Definition of anxiety: Anxiety is a state of apprehension, tension, and uneasiness in response to a perceived threat. Although anxiety is considered a normal response to temporary periods of stress or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, or inappropriate periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder. See also: Generalized Anxiety Disorder.Causes: Anxiety may result from many factors including:Appropriate response under stressful circumstances Drugs that affect the nervous system, such as: Caffeine Alcohol Cocaine Antidepressants Nicotine Amphetamines Biological factors: Brain chemistry imbalances Personality traits Faulty perceptions and irrational beliefs (e.g., phobias) Unresolved emotional conflicts Risk Factors A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for anxiety include:Sex: female Family member with anxiety disorders Stressful life events Ineffective coping strategies History of physical or psychological trauma Symptoms Anxiety has psychological and physical symptoms. Psychological symptoms may include:Worry or dread Obsessive or intrusive thoughts Sense of imminent danger or catastrophe Fear or panic Restlessness Irritability Impatience Ambivalence Trouble concentrating Physical symptoms may include:Rapid or irregular heartbeat Sweating, especially the palms Dry mouth Flushing or blushing Muscle tension Shortness of breath Lightheadedness or faintness Difficulty sleeping Shaking Choking sensation Frequent urination Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Feeling of "butterflies" in the stomach Sexual difficulties Tingling sensations Nail biting or other habitual behavior Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will be given a psychiatric evaluation. Your doctor may also perform a physical exam and diagnostic tests. Usually the results of these tests are normal. You may be referred to a psychotherapist for further evaluation.Treatment Effective treatment usually involves a combination of interventions, including:Lifestyle ChangesGet sufficient rest and sleep. Avoid tobacco. Drink alcohol in moderation. Avoid illicit drugs. Reduce exposure to stressful environments. Exercise regularly. Relaxation TechniquesDeep breathing Meditation Deep muscle relaxation Massage Engaging in pleasurable activities Social Support Strong support system of family and friends Counseling to improve coping skills Support groups Psychotherapy Addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that play a role in anxiety Helps you work through unresolved psychological trauma and conflict Please Note: On March 22, 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory that cautions physicians, patients, families and caregivers of patients with depression to closely monitor both adults and children receiving certain antidepressant medications. The FDA is concerned about the possibility of worsening depression and/or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, especially among children and adolescents at the beginning of treatment, or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose. The medications of concern - mostly SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) - are: Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Celexa (citalopram); Lexapro (escitalopram), Wellbutrin (bupropion), Effexor (venlafaxine), Serzone (nefazodone), and Remeron (mirtazapine). Of these, only Prozac (fluoxetine) is approved for use in children and adolescents for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Luvox (fluvoxamine) are approved for use in children and adolescents for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder. For more information, please visit http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants.Prevention: To help prevent anxiety, consider taking the following steps:Avoid situations, occupations, and people that cause you stress. If unavoidable, confront and overcome situations that provoke anxiety. Find a relaxation technique that works for you and use it regularly. Develop and maintain a strong social support system. Express your emotions when they happen. Challenge irrational beliefs and counterproductive thoughts. Correct misperceptions; ask others for their views. Work with a psychotherapist or marriage and family counselor. Avoid using nicotine or other drugs, and drink alcohol in moderation. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) The essential characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive uncontrollable worry about everyday things. This constant worry affects daily functioning and can cause physical symptoms. GAD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or substance abuse. GAD is often difficult to diagnose because it lacks some of the dramatic symptoms, such as unprovoked Panic Attacks, that are seen with other anxiety disorders; for a diagnosis to be made, worry must be present more days than not for at least 6 months. The focus of GAD worry can shift, usually focusing on issues like job, finances, health of both self and family; but it can also include more mundane issues such as, chores, car repairs and being late for appointments. The intensity, duration and frequency of the worry are disproportionate to the issue and interferes with the sufferer's performance of tasks and ability to concentrate. Physical symptoms include:Muscle tension Sweating Nausea Cold, clammy hands Difficulty swallowing Jumpiness Gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea GAD Negatively Impacts Relationships New ADAA survey shows the effects of GAD on maintaining healthy relationships • Key Survey Findings Sufferers tend to be irritable and complain about feeling on edge, are easily tired and have trouble sleeping. Brief Overview of Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illnesses affecting both children and adults.Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. An estimated 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment. Anxiety disorders are categorized as: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by excessive, unrealistic worry that lasts six months or more; in adults, the anxiety may focus on issues such as health, money, or career. In addition to chronic worry, GAD symptoms include trembling, muscular aches, insomnia, abdominal upsets, dizziness, and irritability. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In OCD, individuals are plagued by persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears; typical obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently. The obsessions may lead an individual to perform a ritual or routine (compulsions)-such as washing hands, repeating phrases or hoarding-to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsession. Panic Disorder. People with panic disorder suffer severe attacks of panic-which may make them feel like they are having a heart attack or are going crazy-for no apparent reason. Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, feeling of choking, fear of dying, fear of losing control, and feelings of unreality. Panic disorder often occurs with agoraphobia, in which people are afraid of having a panic attack in a place from which escape would be difficult, so they avoid these places. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can follow an exposure to a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, the unexpected death of a loved one, or natural disaster. There are three main symptoms associated with PTSD: "reliving" of the traumatic event (such as flashbacks and nightmares); avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places related to the trauma) and emotional numbing (detachment from others); and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability or poor concentration. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia). Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is characterized by extreme anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or ridicule. This intense anxiety may lead to avoidance behavior. Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include heart palpitations, faintness, blushing and profuse sweating. Specific phobias. People with specific phobias suffer from an intense fear reaction to a specific object or situation (such as spiders, dogs, or heights); the level of fear is usually inappropriate to the situation, and is recognized by the sufferer as being irrational. This inordinate fear can lead to the avoidance of common, everyday situations. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable with psychosocial therapies, medication, or both. Psycho-social treatments used in the treatment of anxiety disorders include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management and relaxation therapies, and psychotherapy. Drugs used to treat anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Combination therapies are often utilized. Misdiagnosis and undertreatment of anxiety disorders costs the nation billions of dollars annually. Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, according to "The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders," a study commissioned by the ADAA and based .. gathered by the association and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. More than $22.84 billion is associated with the repeated use of healthcare services, as those with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses. People with an anxiety disorder are three-to-five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than non-sufferers.Panic Attacks (Panic Disorder) Revising Medical Author: Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD Revising Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDWhat are the symptoms of a panic attack? What are panic attacks? Are panic attacks serious? What causes panic attacks? What is the treatment for panic attacks? What happens if panic attacks are not treated? Panic Attack At A Glance Related panic attack articles on WebMD: Panic attacks Panic attack treatment "All of a sudden, I felt a tremendous wave of fear for no reason at all. My heart was pounding, my chest hurt, and it was getting harder to breathe. I thought I was going to die.""I'm so afraid. Every time I start to go out, I get that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach and I'm terrified that another panic attack is coming or that some other, unknown terrible thing was going to happen." Panic Attack Symptoms Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRPanic attacks are sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. A person experiencing a panic attack may believe that he or she is having a heart attack or that death is imminent. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms:"Racing" heart Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers Sense of terror, of impending doom or death Feeling sweaty or having chills Chest pains Breathing difficulties Feeling a loss of control Panic attacks are generally brief, lasting less than ten minutes, although some of the symptoms may persist for a longer time. People who have had one panic attack are at greater risk for having subsequent panic attacks than those who have never experienced a panic attack. When the attacks occur repeatedly, a person is considered to have a condition known as Panic Disorder.Find out about treatments for and causes of panic attacks »Top Searched Panic Attack Terms: panic disorders, treatment, temazepam, anxiety, fear, stressWhat are the symptoms of a panic attack?As described above, the symptoms of a panic attack appear suddenly, without any apparent cause. They may include:Racing or pounding heartbeat Chest pains Stomach upset Dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea Difficulty breathing, a sense of feeling smothered Tingling or numbness in the hands Flushes or chills Dreamlike sensations or perceptual distortions Terror: a sense that something unimaginably horrible is about to occur and one is powerless to prevent it Fear of losing control and doing something embarrassing Fear of dying A panic attack typically lasts for several minutes and is one of the most distressing conditions that a person can experience. Most who have one attack will have others. When someone has repeated attacks, or feels severe anxiety about having another attack, he or she is said to have panic disorder.What are panic attacks?Panic attacks may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder. These attacks are a serious health problem in this country. At least 1.7% of adult Americans, or about 3 million people, will have panic attacks at some time in their lives. The symptom is strikingly different from other types of anxiety in that panic attacks are so very sudden and often unexpected, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling.Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep. An attack generally peaks within 10 minutes, but some symptoms may last much longer.Once someone has had a panic attack, for example, while driving, shopping in a crowded store, or riding in an elevator, he or she may develop irrational fears, called phobias, about these situations and begin to avoid them. Eventually, the pattern of avoidance and level of anxiety about another attack may reach the point where the individual with panic disorder may be unable to drive or even step out of the house. At this stage, the person is said to have panic disorder with agoraphobia. Thus, panic disorder can have as serious an impact on a person's daily life as other major illnesses, unless the individual receives effective treatment