One common behaviour in BPD patients is a symptom called splitting, also known as ‘black and white thinking’. This symptom means that their attitude towards others will shift from idealization (love and admiration) to devaluation (intense resentment and displeasure). They may adore and be close to one of their loved ones , and suddenly turn against them or feel resentful especially if triggered by any events or minor conflicts. This symptom usually results in unstable social and family relationships.

BPD also causes high mental and emotional sensitivity. Thus, BPD patients react strongly with anger and anguish towards rejection, separations, sudden change in plans and minor conflicts. They fear abandonment and despise as well. They may also develop ‘clinging’, a condition when the patients cannot bear a certain individual being away from themselves. Increased self-awareness and identity crisis may also lead to fear of crowd or frantic efforts to avoid being alone. This sensitivity and phobia makes suicide threats and attempts common among BPD patients.

The serious complications of BPD should not be neglected. Among BPD patients, completed suicide happens with 8 – 10% of the individuals. It is also normal for BPD patients to display impulsive and abusive behaviour such as spending excessively, alcoholism, binge eating, self-mutilation, excessive sex drive as well as unsafe sex. This disorder also causes serious implications to a patient’s life, as it may lead to negative issues such as loss of jobs, interrupted education, unwanted pregnancies as well as broken marriages.

For the treatment of this personality disorder, psychological treatment is prioritised, which is similar to any other anxiety disorder. A common treatment method is group or individual psychotherapy. However, in recent years a new promising psychosocial treatment method known as the dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) was developed specifically for the treatment of BPD. DBT is a combination of cognitive therapy with behavioural therapy with the blending of Western psychology with Eastern Zen practice. In DBT, the therapists show acceptance, recognition, warmth and appropriate response to the patients’ abusive behaviour.

Pharmacological treatments are also used to assist in the treatment of BPD. Medication can be prescribed to target specific symptoms of the patient. To soothe depression or labile mood, antidepressant drugs and mood stabilizers may be prescribed. When symptoms like mind distortions appear, anti-psychotic drugs may be also be given.

Patients with BPD often require extensive mental health care and treatment, contributing to 20% of psychiatric-related hospitalization. Only with strong support and professional help will the patients improve and regain normal and productive lives. However, the outlook depends on the gravity of the patient’s condition and his or her willingness to undergo treatment. The chances for a better recovery depend highly on the patient’s cooperation. Treatment may take a long time, thus patience and determination is also crucial.

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Generally, the criteria include: undue anxiety and worry about certain activities or events for most days of the week, which go on for more than six months; having problems or difficulty controlling your feelings of anxiety; feelings of anxiety that causes distress or disrupt your daily life; anxiety attacks unrelated to other mental conditions, and at least three of the following indications in adults or one in children – restlessness or sleep problems, fatigue, muscle tension,  difficulty concentrating, and irritability.

Nowadays, many professional institutions of mental health have brought about the accessibility of anxiety disorder tests to the lay user. With the Internet, you will be able to take a self-assessment quiz to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder in the privacy and comfort of your own abode. However, with the numerous sites available on this topic, you will need to ensure that the test originates from a reputable and reliable source.

Typical questionnaires are made up of true or false questions or multiple choice questions. After taking the test, the results will be rated against a scale determined previously. The test questions are adapted from the professional questionnaires used to diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by professional medical practitioners. You will be able to gain insight to your condition and seek professional help and support accordingly.

One example of a self-test is as follows, developed to assist adults in understanding your conditions. You will need to answer yes or no to the following questions. But keep in mind that this is only a preliminary questionnaire, and should not be used for any diagnosis.

Do you worry excessively about various aspects of life recently?

Do you experience restlessness or edginess?

Are you more easily agitated or irritated than normal by certain events recently?

Do you feel anxious despite knowing the fact that it is unnecessary?

Do you have difficulty focusing or concentrating?

Do you get into arguments with the people around you easily?

Do you take drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, marijuana or amphetamines on a regular basis?

Do you get tired easily as compared to before?

Is it difficult for you to feel relaxed?

Do you experience any emptiness or sadness alongside worry and tension?

Any sleep complications such as difficulty falling asleep, tossing and turning, or light sleep lately?

Do you experience any physical symptoms due to tension such as agitation, chronic stomach upset, diarrhoea, or inability to stay still while sitting or standing?

Is it that the excessive anxiety you experience revolves around topics such as suspicion of disease, gaining weight, separation, rejection or any social engagements?

Do you happen to experience inability to work or get things done due to any or a few of the following: irritability, restlessness, fatigue, sleep complications, and difficulty staying focused?

Have you experienced extreme anxiety that have stayed constant for the past six months or even longer?

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  ]]> http://www.anxietyattack.org/generalized-anxiety-disorder-test/feed/ 0 http://www.anxietyattack.org/how-to-explain-anxiety-attack-symptoms-to-other-people/ http://www.anxietyattack.org/how-to-explain-anxiety-attack-symptoms-to-other-people/#comments Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:21:07 +0000 admin http://www.anxietyattack.org/?p=645

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When you are struck by anxiety attacks, you can’t work on anything else. Other people will wonder what is wrong with you, or misjudge that you are making excuses to escape from work or responsibilities. Though it is difficult for those who have not experienced it before to understand what you are coping with, sometimes it is necessary to explain your anxiety attack to the people around you. In some cases, you will also be required to explain them to your consultant physician or psychiatrist in seek of proper treatment.

Firstly, you should understand the fact that even though it involves the brain, anxiety is not a mental illness, but a medical condition, and then you should make this clear to the people around you.

Typically, anxiety is caused by hormonal imbalance, as the hormones progesterone and serotonin will affect your mood and energy levels. Thus, you may explain that your hormones are affecting the chemical secretion in your brain, causing an intensified state of anxiety and subtlety to stressful situations.

Then, proceed to explain what your anxiety attack symptoms may be. Different people have different levels of anxiety and their bodies react differently to hormonal change, thus the symptoms may also differ. Some common symptoms include palpitations, hyperventilation, vertigo, muscle fatigue, frequent urination or diarrhoea, shortness of breath, muscle tension, stomach upset, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, muscle tremors and twitches.

In medical contexts, anxiety attacks are episodes of intense panic or fear. Sometimes, these episodes happen when triggered by a certain stressful situation, but most of the time, they happen out of the blue. These episodes or attacks peak within 10 minutes, and rarely last for more than 30 minutes. However, the symptoms cause a good deal of terror, making you feel as if you are dying or losing yourself. The physical symptoms even mimic that of a heart attack. After experiencing an anxiety attack, you will worry and dread about when another one will strike you again, which can be completely nerve-wracking.

Symptoms for anxiety attacks can be divided into two categories, namely emotional symptoms and physical symptoms. You may only experience one category, or even both. These symptoms, though terrifying, are not harmful and generally pass when your body regains calmness. Do remember to explain that you are not in any immediate danger though they should help to ensure that you do not injure yourself in case you get into a panic fit.

An anxiety patient may only experience a few minor symptoms only, while some unfortunate ones may experience majority of the symptoms. The intensities and the frequencies may differ too. Depending on the gravity of the patient’s condition, there may be few possible combinations of symptoms.

To explain your attacks may not be easy to non-medical practitioners but do try your best to describe how you feel when an attack occurs. You may say that you feel like you are losing control, that your heart pounds very fast and that you can’t catch your breath as an overwhelming feeling crash onto you, or maybe even that you feel disconnected from the world and reality. These explanations may give them a clearer picture of what you are going through when you experience an attack.

Explain that it affects you tremendously, and that it is hard to live with. It can get out of control at times, and that you are constantly filled with worry and fear. You have to make it known to the people around you, as they are the people who will give you the support you need for you to make a recovery. Help them to understand your plight so that they may have a chance to help you.

Lastly, to make them understand about your condition more thoroughly, you can get them to visit medical sites for more information regarding symptoms of anxiety attacks and how to give patients the appropriate support that they need.

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Anxiety disorders may affect you physically, cognitively, and emotionally. If severe enough, it may also lead to panic attacks, which are very alarming experiences. There are a wide variety of drugs used as treatments for anxiety. The more common and frequently prescribed drug is the fluoxetine hydrochloride, known commonly as Prozac. Prozac, an oral medicine, is classified under serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used as antidepressant medications. SSRIs have been proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety disorders. Prozac has a stronger effect on energy levels compared to other SSRIs, making it greatly effective in treating cases where symptoms of depression and lack of energy are dominant. Despite its stimulating properties, it also works well on panic disorders.

Prozac works by halting the destruction of neurochemical serotonin, which controls moods, appetite, arousal, sleeping patterns and pain level of the patient and thus, causing an increase in serotonin levels, and relieves any anxiety symptoms that the patient experiences. An initial dosage of 10-60 milligrams of Prozac is usually prescribed, once a day over a period of 12 weeks. At the end of the prescription period, the dosage will then be reduced so that the levels of serotonin in the brain can be evened out.

There are many rumours about the risks of Prozac as a dangerous drug, but rest assured, if you have been prescribed Prozac by your doctor or psychiatrist, it should be extremely safe and effective for you. Though it may cause certain side effects or complications, these only apply to patients with other health complications, and your doctor or psychiatrist will make sure that it is safe for you before prescribing it. However, it is vital that you understand that you should never self-medicate with Prozac. Not all medications are the same for all patients. Remember to consult your doctor if you’re unsure about your medication regime.

Safe as it is, everyone reacts differently to different drugs. First, the effects of Prozac on foetal development are not yet to be known. Thus, psychiatrists and doctors will not attempt to prescribe Prozac to pregnant mothers. The Prozac treatment is also risky for patients with multiple health complications such as heart attacks, diabetic, seizures, liver disease, low blood sodium, bipolar disorder and bleeding disorders such as prolonged bleeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about your medical history as accurate as you can as to ensure that the right regime is prescribed to you.

You should also understand about the side effects that are associated with Prozac. Some common side effects include nausea, strange dreams, fever, skin rashes, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea and sexual dysfunction such as decrease in sex drive and delayed male ejaculation. However, these symptoms are not much to worry about as these are probably transient side effects, meaning that they are only temporary and will go away as soon as your body accustoms to the serotonin changes. The rest are the reaction to your anxiety levels due to Prozac, and are not as harmful as they seem. If high doses are taken, Prozac may cause an opposite effect, causing restlessness, nervousness or anxiety. Be sure to let your doctor know about these side effects so that he or she can advise you better on this.

Another boon concerning Prozac is that is does not have many withdrawal symptoms, as it has a longer half-life. Hence, the good news is that it will be easier for you to discontinue with the dosage or usage of Prozac the moment your anxiety disorder is cured.

Again, do remember that everybody responds differently to different kinds of drug so it is important to heed your doctor’s advice and never attempt to self-prescribe Prozac. If you take this treatment accordingly, be well assured that Prozac is safe and may be an effective treatment for you.

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The fear of an anxiety attack by itself can trigger an attack. This is true as reported by many anxiety disorder patients and after resolving the “meta” fear, most reported an immediate cessation of anxiety attacks.

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	This Natural Technique to Deal With Anxiety Attacks is Taking America by Storm!

Generally, agoraphobic sufferers have experienced a panic attack in a particular situation, and they will avoid it at all costs because they fear another attack. There are a few theories that explain the cause of this anxiety disorder. One of them states that when a person is repeatedly exposed to situations that trigger anxiety, he or she can develop this kind of phobia. Other theories blame it on mental struggles that leave a person feeling unfulfilled in life, mostly related to the Oedipal complex. Yet, there are many other factors that point the finger at genes and say that this type of phobia runs in families. Apart from that, substance abuse is known to provoke agoraphobia. Misuse of sleeping pills, mainly benzodiazepines, and tranquilizers can cause this type of anxiety attack.

There a several symptoms of agoraphobia that can be identified. The most common one is when people begin fearing that they are going to face a panic attack and firmly believe that an escape is almost impossible or extremely threatening. What is worse, they tend to have a terrible fear of dying and feel totally out of control of their emotions. This feeling is generally accompanied by dizziness, diarrhea and overpowering fear. Besides that, agoraphobia sufferers also tend to have rapid heartbeat and terrible feelings of confusion in terms of direction and position. Agoraphobic people are prone to face sudden panic attacks when they are in situations or locations that they fear. This panic attack usually lasts for about 15 minutes, and could go on for more than half an hour in severe cases, but this happens very rarely. During this time, sufferers can experience shortness of breath, sweating, trembling hands and body as well as nausea.

People who suffer from these panic disorders as a result of agoraphobia can take heart that not all hope is lost. There are a number of ways of treatment that patients can seek. The most common, and probably the most effective, is the cognitive behavior treatment. In this kind of treatment, patients can seek either systematic desensitization treatment or exposure treatment where they are exposed to the panic causing situations until anxiety abates. Another way is through cognitive restructuring where rational and positive beliefs are fed into the person’s mind to replace irrational perceptions. Besides that, they can also undergo psycho pharmaceutical medical remedy which involves the use of antidepressants. Other simpler ways to overcome panic attacks and agoraphobia is to learn simple relaxation techniques and join support groups to share experiences and encourage one another. Of course, needless to say, exercise and a healthy diet is a must.

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	This Natural Technique to Deal With Anxiety Attacks is Taking America by Storm!

Knowing the triggers alone is not enough. There are symptoms which will help to recognize this anxiety disorder when it happens. Psychological symptoms are easier to identify if the person that you are analyzing is yourself. When it is someone else, harder work is required to look for the cues. Among the signs is constant fear of embarrassment. Social phobic people also tend to be anxious for weeks and months before an event. Things get so bad that they limit their lives to avoid social situations to the extent that it disrupts a healthy and normal daily routine.

Apart from psychological symptoms, physical signs are more easily identifiable. Among the common ones are upset stomach and nausea. A social phobic person also experiences confusion, sweating and trembling hands. If you observe his or her mouth, you will find that it is very dry. Usually, you can also feel a pounding heart, exhibited by rapid breathing. His or her face is very likely to blush, accompanied by speech with a shaky voice.

When the triggers and symptoms are identified, it is easier to deal with social anxiety disorder. It is essential to treat it at an early stage because if left unattended to, it could lead to a panic attack. One of the easiest ways to overcome this condition is by making a few adjustments to daily life. First and foremost is to get enough sleep. People with social phobia will find themselves calmer and less anxious with adequate sleep. Another tip is to control caffeine intake by avoiding coffee, tea or chocolate as caffeine is well known to stimulate anxiety. It is also highly advisable to quit smoking and stop drinking because nicotine and alcohol could trigger anxiety attacks.

Social anxiety disorder can also be treated through cognitive behavior therapy. This helps a person think more rationally to face the situations that they used to fear. This is testified to be the best method to treat this disorder as it helps to change the way people think and feel, to alter their behavior. The therapy includes learning how to substitute negative and anxious thoughts with positive ones, facing anxiety causing situations in a systematic way and practicing breathing techniques.

People can also resort to medication if they feel it is necessary to treat this disorder. Several antidepressants are commonly used for treatment, such as Paxil and Zoloft. Beta-blockers relate to the heart and are helpful to control physical symptoms like trembling hands and rapid heartbeat. Tranquilizers such as Ativan and Valium are used for calming effects as a last resort, as they are addictive.

People who have social anxiety disorder can reclaim their life and need not feel that all hope is gone when they identify with the signs. This is a common disorder which can be treated with a positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle, besides the use of medications. Of course, learning how to improve social skills definitely helps a great deal.

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	This Natural Technique to Deal With Anxiety Attacks is Taking America by Storm!

Generally, people who are obese tend to have a poor self image due to their physical condition. Obesity is definitely linked to many health problems. Obese people may not be able to participate in many physical fitness activities which require speed and agility compared to thinner people. So, it is not surprising how physical problems have an effect on mental health. When a person is labeled as obese, automatically this poor self image will result in lower self esteem, thus causing negatives conditions such as depression.

While some studies say that people who are obese tend to develop panic attacks and other mental health related problems, there are others who say that it really is the other way round. There are studies that indicate people who have mental health problems tend to become obese. The rationale is simple; people who are undergoing depression or mental disorders will not be feeling good about themselves. They tend to be less physically active, and overeat. Therefore, they will be the least motivated to work out, or make a trip to the gym. They tend not to be focused on their physical health, thus making them prone to grow obese.

The debate of whether it was the egg or chicken that came first can go on and on, but there is growing evidence that reveal the link between treatments for anxiety and obesity. Medicine that is used to treat mental health problems have come to be labeled as contributors to a number of obesity cases. The British Journal of Psychiatry published a study in 2009 showing that anxiety causes obesity, not vice versa. This study went further to show that medicine was the cause of obesity, not overeating. According to this study, the culprit was psychotropic medication.

In 2010, findings published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research further confirmed the previous studies. This study revealed that there exists a significant relationship between mood disorders and obesity. According to this study, antidepressant and antipsychotic medications were strongly linked to treatments of anxiety disorder. The study went on to make known that antidepressants and antipsychotics were the significant predictors of obesity.

Research and findings definitely flood us with information about the link between anxiety disorder and obesity. However, depression-obesity experts warn us to be careful while interpreting data. This is because medication is prescribed to patients with mental health conditions for a reason, and sometimes there may not be another alternative medication for the particular condition. It could cause more harm to the patient to switch medication and discontinue use of a certain drug just because of the fear of obesity. It is true that certain medications for mood disorders have a high link to obesity, but it does not mean it should be completely done away with.

The best way to combat the problem of obesity with anxiety disorder, whichever way it is linked, is for the person to join a weight management program. Whatever medication is prescribed to treat a particular condition, physical exercise will only do well for the body overall, in promoting both physical and mental health. So, ultimately, moderation is the key – to take a holistic approach to life without neglecting one part or the other.

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  When the fashion for pencil-thin models gained attention on tabloids and anorexic models became cover girls for top magazines, the cyclic motion of eating disorder began and gained momentum as a worldwide pandemic. Teenagers suffer from a psychological hatred and disgust towards food and many ended up with Bulimia nervosa. Add to that is the constant anxiety attack that may happen due to the lack of strong muscles supporting the heart, and of course, a mental distortion that exaggerates almost every little problem into a potential suicide trigger.There are four main nutrients which the body needs for neurological well being to work against anxiety, and these three are some of the most neglected nutrients among dieters:

1. B-Vitamins

There are thus many who are unknowingly falling into the trap of not consuming enough Vitamin B, which is related to neurological workings especially in our brain region. Vitamin B12 especially has been linked to ageing and brain volume loss. The study of relationship between Vitamin B12 and Folate (B9) with neurological disorders were highlighted and brought to attention since 1988 during “The Role of Folate and Vitamin B-12 in Neurotransmitter Metabolism and Degenerative Neurological Changes Associated With Aging“, bearing the conclusion that more studies need to be conducted to determine further the extent of Vitamin B especially in the elderly. In a year 2008 study by the American Academy of Neurology entitled “Vitamin B12 status and rate of brain volume loss in community-dwelling elderly“, brain volume decrease runs parallel with those with lower Vitamin B12.

Popular food source: Banana, potato, chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, spinach, bell peppers, eggs, dairy products and basically all whole, unprocessed foods.

2. Magnesium

Besides Vitamin B, a deficiency in magnesium may also cause anxiety, depression and restlessness. This mineral helps muscle relaxation, neuromuscular transmission, widening of blood vessel and maintenance of heart muscle. Magnesium can be found in green leafy vegetables, dairies and grains such as rice. Fad dieters especially those practicing the so-called low-carb diet may not be consuming enough of these because they abstain from grain foods as much as possible. In fact, this lack of carbohydrate may also become a source of distress for a dieter because studies have shown that one needs a balance of carbohydrate and protein with other food groups to maximize fat burning and regulate metabolism.

Popular food source: green and leafy vegetables, halibut, some legumes, nuts (such as almond), whole grains, dairy products.

3. Calcium

Another source of happiness is calcium. Calcium maintains nerve transmission, hormone secretion, electrolyte balance, muscle contractions and many other functions that are commonly known such as bone and teeth formation. A deficiency may easily cause depression, agitation and heart palpitations, and irritability is also often seen among those who do not maintain the recommended daily intake of calcium.

Popular food source: Dairy products, sardine, pink salmon, kale, spinach

4. Amino Acids: tryptophan, penylalanine, leucine

The “happy hormone” serotonin level is affected by the ratio of tryptophan to phenylalanine and leucine, all three amino acids among a family of 20. Some fruits such as banana and papaya have a high ratio which helps increase the production of serotonin, while eating certain foods in excess may inhibit the production of this hormone. These foods include whole wheat and rye bread. Serotonin behaves very much as a neurotransmitter in the nerve system. It controls the release of hormones related to the reproduction cycle, affects appetite, sleep and general metabolism. However, it must be noted that too much of serotonin production is also not a good thing.

Popular food source: banana, papaya, peanuts, eggs, dairy products * Popular food source are not ultimate food source of these nutrients, and they are also listed in random order. Do you like this article? Remember, the first step to conquering panic anxiety attacks is to conquer the fear of having one!

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  ]]> http://www.anxietyattack.org/anxiety-nutrient/feed/ 0 http://www.anxietyattack.org/anxiety-symptoms-video/ http://www.anxietyattack.org/anxiety-symptoms-video/#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:22:34 +0000 admin http://www.anxietyattack.org/?p=151

Anxiety Symptoms To Watch Out For!

Transcriptions From Video:

Anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, and because of this reason, most sufferers will have different symptoms. Almost all anxiety disorder sufferers share the same common major symptoms which are severe fears and worries. These are oftentimes unwarranted.

Other than the primary symptoms of irrational and excessive fear and worry, common emotional symptoms of anxiety disorders include: