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April 23 2021

Persistent Depressive Disorder

Persistent Depressive Disorder:

Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as Dysthymia, is a chronic psychological disorder. It’s a long-term form of depression with symptoms similar to but lasting longer than depression. People with PDD experience depressive states for most of the time, lasting at least two years. Dealing with these symptoms can be difficult due to the chronic nature of PDD, but a proper treatment plan can help.

At First Light Psychological Services, we have experts available to help you manage the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with proven and advanced treatments. In Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY, we have successfully treated many patients, helping them return to their normal lives.

A Doctor is Consulting with Patient of Acute Stress Disorder - ASD

Symptoms of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Persistent feelings of sadness
Feeling of pressure and guilt
Feelings of helplessness
Hopelessness
Excessive or decreased appetite

Fatigue / Lack of energy
Losing interest and feeling of pleasure in life
Low self-esteem
Poor mood
Irritable mood

Sleeping difficulties
Trouble concentrating
Loss of productivity
Social anxiety
Irritable mood

At First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY our experienced professionals are providing excellent symptom assessment and differential diagnosis to help you identify your symptoms, hence improving the quality of life.

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Causes of PDD

As with major depression, it may involve more than one cause, such as:

Brain chemistry: Neurotransmitters of brain do play a role in incidence of depression. Research recommends that changes in effect and function of neurotransmitters is responsible for maintaining mood stability they play an important role in incidence of depression and its treatment.

Traumatic Life events: Like the major depression, major traumatic events in life such as the losing a loved one, financial crisis, and major accident can give rise to persistent depressive disorder.

Environmental factors: Stressful situations such as loss, grief, major life changes, and excessive stressors can trigger Persistent depressive disorder. Biological differences: People who are pacing PDD may have physical changes in their brains although the causes of these changes are not known, but such changes can bring the symptoms of PDD. Inherited traits: Having close family members with a history of depression increases the risk of developing depression for an individual.

Complications of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

Common complications of PDD include:

Anxiety or anti-social behavior
Relationship difficulties and work problems
Poor image and reduced quality of life
Personality disorders or other mental health disorders
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Social isolation
Substance abuse
Poor physical and mental health

As the complications are pretty destressing therefore seeking treatment in the first place is necessary to stop the situation from getting worse, Feel free to book for the treatment of PDD in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY while meet the experts on the floor, ready to help you to get rid of the disorder.

Diagnosis of PDD

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of persistent depressive disorder, like emotional changes, loss of interest, hopelessness, palpitations, and suicidal thoughts for over 2 years, you may have this diagnosis. At First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY, we offer treatment programs for PDD. Our team provides precise psychological services tailored to each patient’s symptoms.

Treatment of Persistent Depressive Disorder:

The treatment for PDD is similar to other treatments of depression. Usually a combination of psychotherapy and medications is seen to be the most effective.

Medicinal / Pharmacological treatment:

Commonly used to treat persistent depressive disorder are anti-depressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs.

Anti-anxiety medications can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and persistent depression. Our practitioners at First Light Psychological Services in Farmingdale, NY & Kew Gardens, NY will prescribe the best medicines for PDD to ensure instant results.

Psychotherapy:

It may involve a range of different techniques, but two that are often used are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY we are providing psychotherapy services to the patients of persistent depressive disorder.

Interpersonal therapy:

This therapy is similar to CBT but rather it focuses on identifying problems in relationships and communication and then finding ways to help you cope with them, in Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY we are providing Interpersonal therapy to treat the symptoms of persistent depressive disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

It guides you about you different perspectives of thinking and behaving. It can help you to change the way you react to the things which make you to feel depressed. Our team of experts are providing the services of cognitive behavioral therapy In Kew Gardens, NY & Farmingdale, NY to help those having PDD.

April 6 2021

What is Depression?

admin Anxiety Disorders, Uncategorized

What is Depression? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Depression is a common mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of low mood characterized by sadness and lack of motivation that interfere with your everyday activities. It also includes loss of interest in activities you once used to cherish. It leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems and also decreases your ability to function at work and home.

Overview of Depressive Disorder

Depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder, affects how you feel, think, and behave. It can cause physical and psychological problems, making it hard to do everyday activities. Sometimes, you may feel like life isn’t worth living.

It is a serious medical condition that can worsen without treatment. However, seeking treatment can lead to improvements in symptoms within a few weeks. It is treatable, but it requires long-term treatment.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Symptoms

Types

Diagnosis

Prevention

Treatment

Image showing signs and symptoms of Depression.

What are Depressive Symptoms?

Its Symptoms vary from individual to individual. They commonly are associated with:

Feeling of sadness or having a hopeless mood.
Loss of interest in activities which you used to enjoy.
Changes in appetite and developing eating disorders like Anorexia Nervosa or Bulimia Nervosa.
Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration even over small matters.
Insomnia (trouble falling asleep) or Hypersomnia (sleeping too much).
Loss of motivation decreased energy or increased fatigue.
Increase in pointless physical activities.
Difficulty in concentrating, thinking, and making decisions.
Thoughts of hopelessness and suicide.

What are the Common Types?

There are many different types of depression. It can occur due to life events or be a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Major depression

This involved feeling depressive most of the time for two weeks or more.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

This is also known as Dysthymia. To meet this criteria you have to experience depressive symptoms for more than two years.

Bipolar Disorder

It can occur with a mood disorder known as Bipolar Disorder. It is characterized by mood changes that can go from a depressed state to hypomanic or manic states, which is an episode of high energy levels.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Its occurs most often during the winter months. This is because the daylight is shorter and nights are longer. Conducting daily routines become more difficult. This type of depression usually subsides at the end of the winter.

Psychotic

This is usually occurs with major depression. It includes psychotic symptoms such as having illusions, delusional thinking, or hallucinations.

Postpartum

This type of depression occurs after a woman gives birth to a baby. It can last for weeks or months after childbirth. Hormones are suspected to play a major role in this type of depression along with the psychological and physical stress of being a new mother.

Situational Depression

Its occurs when you are experiencing a stressful life event and are having problems coping with the stress levels. Examples are losing a loved one or divorce. This type of depression will typically be resolved once the stress has decreased.

Atypical Depression

This type is very different from experiencing continuing sadness and other symptoms. It is considered to be more of a pattern-like specifier of depression. Any positive event usually improves your mood if even temporarily.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD):

Also known as a pre-menstrual syndrome. It causes more serious Pre-menstrual symptoms like severe irritability, depression, and anxiety due to a sudden upsurge in hormones.

What Causes Depression?

There are numerous possible causes. They can range from biological, genetic, chemical, psychological, and circumstances.

Early childhood trauma:

Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations and cause you to become prone to depression.

Family history

You have a greater chance of developing it if you have a family history of depression or family history of another mood disorder.

Structure of brain:

There’s a greater risk of depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active.

Medical conditions:

Certain medical and psychological conditions may put you at higher risk of developing depression i.e. chronic illness, chronic pain, sleeplessness or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, etc.

Alcohol or drug use:

A history of drinking or doing illicit drugs can greatly increase your risk level for developing depression.

Biological causes of depression:

It is likely that in clinical depression the neurotransmitter functions that carry signals from one part of the brain to the next is disrupted. It is also seen that increase or decrease in serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine (i.e. hormones that are regulators of mood) can also cause depressive mood.

Image showing activities for preventing from Depression

What are the Risk Factors for Depression?

Depression is usually observed when someone is in their twenties or thirties, but it can occur at any age. Women are more likely to experience it as compared to men. Some other risky factors include:

Specific personality traits such as low self-esteem, being too dependent, self-critical, or pessimistic.
Traumatic events, such as suffering from physical or sexual abuse, death of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or financial issues.
Close relatives with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism or suicide.
History of other physiological or psychological disorders such as anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs.
Serious illness such as cancer, heart disease, etc.
Certain medications such as some high blood pressure medications, sleeping pills, etc.

Complications of Depression:

If it is not treated it can result in serious physical and psychological issues that affect every area of your life. Examples are:

Sudden weight loss or weight gain, which can lead to other problems.
Body aches or physical illness
Alcohol or drug addiction
Panic disorder, anxiety, or antisocial behavior
Relationship difficulties and work problems
Social isolation
Suicide attempts
Self-harming behaviors

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Diagnosis of Depression:

It involves a consultation and physical exam. Sometimes, a blood test is needed to rule out medical conditions like thyroid issues or heart disease. The assessment looks at symptoms, medical and family history, and environmental factors. If depression is found, the diagnosis includes the type and severity.

How to Prevent Depression?

Here are some strategies that may help to prevent it:

Management of stress, to increase your strength, resilience and to boost your self-esteem.
In times of crisis reaching out to family and friends to help you go through difficult times.
Considering attending therapy which helps to work through the depression and prevent re-occurrence of symptoms.
Seeking treatment at the earliest stage of the problem helps to prevent it from getting worse.
Keeping a track of your triggers and learning to avoid or manage them.
Making some leisure time for yourself.
Regular exercise
Getting plenty of sleep
Spending some time in nature
Practicing gratitude
Keeping your focus on the brighter side

When to Seek Help?

You should seek medical help if you are facing following symptoms lasting for two weeks or more:

Sleep problems
Loss of appetite
Unexplainable mood changes
Sudden loss of interest in almost everything
Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
Suicidal thoughts
If you are not feeling like yourself and want help to understand why to make an appointment to visit your health care provider. It is very important, to be honest, so they can completely understand what is wrong and get a clear understanding of what you are feeling. They will help decide what is the best course of treatment for you.

Common Treatment:

This is among the most treatable mental health problems. Between 80% to 90% of people eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. Different approaches like psychotherapy, medication, and natural remedies are used to treat depression.

Medications:

Anti-depressants, which include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used to treat depression.
Anti-anxiety medications: These include drugs which can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
Mood stabilizers: When antidepressants do not work by themselves, a mood stabilizer might help to decrease emotional instability.
Vitamins: Deficiency of vitamin B-6, vitamin B 12, and vitamin D are seen to increase depression symptom therefore the supplementation of these vitamins is helpful.

Psychotherapy:

Speaking with a therapist can help you learn about the triggers and thought process that promotes depressive symptoms. The therapist will assist in teaching skills to cope with negative and depressive feelings. You may also benefit from family or group therapy sessions.

Natural remedies:

Exercise
Stress management
Meditation
Use of essential oils like lavender oil and bergamot oil which have anti depressive properties
Aromatherapy

April 6 2021

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

admin Personality Disorders

A Comprehensive Guide to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that features a pattern of unwanted obsessions, irrational thoughts, and excessive unreasonable urges that lead you to follow repetitive behaviors over and over again. Obsessions include intrusive thoughts that activate intensely distressing urges to do certain things no matter how useful or useless. Compulsions are the patterns in which the individual gets involved in behaviors to get rid of the obsessions and to fulfill and satisfy his/her urge or to decrease the distress.

Overview of OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic disorder where a person has reoccurring thoughts. Most of us experience obsessions or compulsive behaviors at some point in our lives, but that does not mean that we have OCD. This disorder was previously categorized as an anxiety disorder because people who have OCD usually experience moderate to severe anxiety or panic attacks as a result of their obsessive thoughts if the compulsive behaviors are not carried out.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder symptoms may come and go, ease to some extent over time, or might get worse. Individuals with OCD may try to comfort themselves by escaping from the situations that activate their obsessions, or they may use drugs or medications to calm themselves. Even though most adults with OCD understand that the behaviors they are doing do not make sense, they still may not understand that their behavior is impractical and a waste of time. Parents or teachers can usually observe OCD symptoms in children over time.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Symptoms

Causes

Complications

Prevention

Treatment

Bubbles in image showing the signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms – OCD Symptoms

OCD symptoms usually appear slowly and can be long-lasting if not treated. Symptoms of OCD tend to come and go over time and range from mild to severe. You may have a feeling that something bad will happen if you do not do a specific task, for instance, checking, again and again, to see if the door is closed or not. However, all OCD symptoms can interfere with all aspects of life, such as school, work, and personal relationships. Anxiety is the most common symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. In OCD, symptoms are divided into two separate categories:

Symptoms of obsession:

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts or ideas that will not go away and they get in the way of your normal thoughts and cause anxiety or fear. They include:

Aggressive thoughts towards oneself or others.
Fear of contamination or germs.
An urge to have everything arranged in a certain order.
Urge to bring perfection in every matter.

Symptoms of compulsion:

Compulsions are behaviors/tasks that have to be done over and over again in response to obsessive thoughts to relieve anxiety and to satisfy your inner self. These compulsion symptoms include:

Washing hands or stuff repeatedly in order to get rid of germs.
Organizing things in a precise way.
Counting stuff, again and again, to make sure about accuracy.
Compulsive counting.
Repeating things.

Characters in Image showing causes of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What Are the Causes of OCD?

The exact Obsessive Compulsive Disorder causes are not known, but there are some factors that are thought to play a role in developing OCD causes. They are:

Chemical Factors in Brain

A theory suggests that OCD comes from a disruption of transmitters in the brain that filter thoughts and impulses. Consequently, you may experience obsessions and compulsions.

Family history

You can be at greater risk of developing OCD if there is a family history of this disorder. Research has shown that if you, your parent, or a sibling has OCD, there is a 25% higher risk that another immediate family member will also have the disorder.

Genetics

Even though a single gene of OCD has not been identified, OCD may be related to specific groups of genes.

Pressure and stress

Tension from relationship difficulties, financial issues, problems at school, work, illness, childbirth, or traumas can trigger OCD symptoms.

What Are the Types of OCD?

There are many types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that can influence thoughts and behaviors. Common OCD types include:

Checking

It involves the constant need to check things in order to avoid damage and major hazards. For example, checking whether a door has been locked or the stove has been turned off.

Mental contamination

Mental contamination can be triggered when you feel yourself being badly treated either physically or mentally by criticism or abusive behavior.

Hoarding

This is the inability to dispose of useless or worn-out items.

Ruminations

These are persistent thoughts about something that is purposeless and fruitless.

Intrusive Thoughts

Obsessional, disturbing, and repetitive thoughts that are horrific in nature. For example, thoughts of causing violence or harm to loved ones do not involve specific direct compulsions.

Symmetry and Orderliness

The obsessive fear of symmetry and orderliness includes the assurance that everything feels just right to prevent discomfort. Compulsion includes the need to have everything organized in an organized/symmetrical manner.

Contamination

It includes the fear of being dirty and urges to clean the hands or items over and over again.

What are the risk factors of OCD?

Risk factors of OCD include:

Age

OCD usually tends to develop in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Genetic factors:

Genes play a role in the development of OCD. A person having OCD has a 25% chance of having a blood relative who has OCD.

Presence of other psychological conditions:

OCD often occurs in people who suffer from an anxiety disorder, have experienced psychological trauma, are depressed, etc.

Stress

OCD often occurs during stress from major life changes, such as the death of a loved one, relationship difficulties, divorce, abuse, etc.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder symptoms may worsen during pregnancy and immediately following childbirth. Fluctuating hormones can trigger symptoms of OCD.

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Complications of OCD:

Problems and complications that are the result of OCD can include one or a combination of the following:

Loved ones may find it difficult to deal with an individual having OCD.
Anxiety and stress
Suicidal behavior or thoughts.
Dermatitis from continual hand washing and other health issues like a weakened immune system.
Unsatisfied life.
Excessive time spent engaging in impractical behaviors.
Difficulty in attending work or social activities.
If left untreated, OCD can lead to other severe mental health conditions, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

The inside areas of brain showing the parts on which OCD may effect

Issues occurring with OCD:

Some of the common mental health issues that are seen to occur with OCD include the following:

Social anxiety disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Eating disorders
Major depressive disorder
Tourette syndrome

How is OCD diagnosed?

A diagnosis of OCD needs the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions that are time-consuming and cause significant suffering and impairment in work or social functioning. Several brain imaging tests like an MRI are also performed to diagnose OCD.

How to prevent OCD?

OCD might be difficult to prevent but here are some ways to cope with it:

Practicing relaxation techniques to overcome anxiety helps.
To overcome unnecessary fears, expose yourself to things little by little that cause anxiety to overcome them.
Learn to accept changes.
Try to maintain daily schedules.
The proper amount of sleep.
Eating healthy food maintains the feeling of satisfaction and good levels of Hemoglobin which help to control anxiety.

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What is OCD treatment?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be treated. Although the treatment is not always long-lasting and permanent, sometimes it can benefit from psychotherapy and possible medication. The course of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder treatment will depend on the level of severity and how it impacts your day-to-day functioning. The following are treatment regimens:

Psychotherapy:

It helps you face your fears and obsessive thoughts without pairing them with compulsive behaviors. Two main types of psychological therapy for OCD are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Medications:

Antidepressants are often the first medication prescribed to treat anxiety related to OCD. Your doctor may prescribe clomipramine (Anafranil), fluvoxamine (Luvox) and fluoxetine (Prozac) etc.

April 1 2021

Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder

admin Anxiety Disorders

A Guide For Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder

Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder is also referred to as acute stress disorder (ASD). It is an emotional response that is the consequence of experiencing a single dangerous or emotionally threatening event.

Overview of ASD:

Acute Stress Disorder usually occurs in people within 20 to 30 days after they experience a distressing or traumatic event. The event of acute stress disorder causes anxiety and can lead to the development of panic attacks. The length of time the Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms last vary from 3 to 30 days. Studies suggest that 33% of people who go through a distressing event experience acute traumatic stress disorder.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

symptoms

causes

diagnosis

treatment

Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

If you have experienced a distressing or traumatic event and have developed three or more of the following acute PTSD symptoms also known as signs and symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder.

A girl is in Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder

Changes in arousal

Sleep disturbances such as hypersomnia (increased amount of sleep), or insomnia (decreased amount of sleep).
Irritable behavior and angry flare-ups (with little or no provocation), expressed as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
Problems with concentration.
Exaggerated startle response.
Numbness / emotional unresponsiveness.
Reduced consciousness of your surroundings.

Disturbance ASD Symptoms

Recurrent, unconscious, and intrusive upsetting memories of the traumatic event.
Recurrent upsetting nightmares in which the content or consequence of the dream is related to the traumatic event.
Dissociative reactions (i.e. nostalgias and flashbacks) in which you might act or feel as if the traumatic event is happening again.
Strong or continued emotional suffering or clear physiological responses in reaction to internal or external indications that signify or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event.
Inability to stop moving or sitting still
Irritability
Persistently being tense
Constant grieving.

Negative Mood

Persistent failure to experience optimistic emotions.
Tantrums
Mood swings

Escaping Symptoms

Efforts to avoid upsetting memories, feelings, or beliefs about or closely related to the traumatic event.

Efforts to avoid outside reminders that arouse upsetting memories, feelings, or thoughts about or closely related to the traumatic event.

Dissociative changes

A changed sense of the reality of your environment or yourself.
Failure to recall the essential aspects of the traumatic event.
Depersonalization, i.e. when your emotions seem unreal.
Derealization, i.e. when your surroundings seem strange or imaginary.
Constant feeling of detachment even from the things or people you love the most.

If you are going through a period of acute trauma you will persistently have flashbacks of the event especially when something jogs your memory about the event. You may also experience persistent images, hallucinations, illusions, nostalgias or nightmares of the traumatic event. Any of these can make you feel like you’re experiencing the traumatic event again.

Possible Causes of Acute Stress Disorder

Undergoing, watching, or being provoked by one or more traumatic events can lead to the development of Acute Stress Disorder. In this traumatic event. there are lots of causes of Acute Stress DIsorder that include:

A girl is depressed with Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder

Death of a loved one
Breakup
Threat of serious injury
Black mailing
Natural disasters, such as floods, fires or earthquakes
Receiving a life-threatening diagnosis
Mental, physical, or sexual trauma or torture
Threat to the physical integrity

articol_ce_este_depresia_4-e1554836940603

Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis

Your mental healthcare provider or doctor will diagnose Acute Stress Disorder by asking you questions about the stressful event and your acute PTSD symptoms. It is also important to find out other possible ASD causes like:

Health issues
Adverse effects of medicines
Drug abuse
Other psychological disorders

Physical Effects of ASD

Palpitations i.e. sudden increase of heartbeat
Difficulty in breathing i.e. shortness of breath
Chest pain
Sweating
Stomach pain
Headache / Migraine
Sickness / Nausea

Acute Stress Disorder Treatment

You are always advised to seek support or medical/mental health treatment if you have increased levels of the acute traumatic stress disorder symptoms given below:

Abnormal heart rhythms
Chest pain
The extreme level of dependence upon others
Higher levels of stress
Eating disorders
Several Panic attacks during the same day
Persistent depression
Phobias
Behavioral deficits/tantrums
Sleep disturbances (for example, night terrors, nightmares, insomnia, hypersomnia)
Hyperactivity
Significant decline in performance or poor grades
Self-injurious behaviors
Threats to self or others
Suicidal tendency

Available treatments for Acute traumatic Distress Disorder

Your health care provider may use one or more of the following methods to treat ASD:

A psychological assessment to find out your current mental situation and particular needs.
Psychological awareness about your disorder.
Exposure-based therapies to help you get exposed and interacting to your environment and circumstances in the same way, you used to do before having ASD
Medication to relieve Acute Stress Disorder symptoms, such as anti-anxiety medicines, anti depressants, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which may increase recovery speed and prevent ASD from turning into Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Hospitalization if you’re at having suicidal thoughts or have a potential risk of harming others.

March 31 2021

Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

admin Anxiety Disorders

All You Need to Know About Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of panic, nervousness, tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like sweating and an increase in blood pressure. It might cause you to feel tense and restless and have a faster heartbeat. It can be a common stress reaction. Anxiety is an emotional reaction to immediate danger and is more related to a fight or flight reaction. It refers to the anticipation of concern about the future and is more linked with avoidance behavior and muscle tension.

Overview of Anxiety

Episodic anxiety is a part of life. Anxiety disorders often involve repeated periods of unexpected feelings of intense fear, anxiety, or panic that reach the highest level within minutes. People with anxiety disorders habitually have intense, persistent, and excessive fears about routine situations. Anxiety can be helpful in some situations. It can alert you to hazards and help you to get ready for the situation and pay attention.

The feelings of panic and anxiety affect daily life and are challenging to control. You may ignore specific situations or places to escape from these feelings. Signs of anxiety might begin to appear during childhood or teenage and persist during adulthood.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Symptoms

Types

Causes

Complications

Treatment

A girl is in Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

Signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression

The different types of anxiety disorders can have different symptoms of anxiety disorder and depression, but they all will have a combination of the following:

Physical symptoms:
Restlessness
Higher breathing rate
Higher heart rate
Fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Trembling of limbs
Stomach problems
Sweating
Psychological Anxiety Symptoms:

Noise sensitivity
Depersonalization
Obsession
Irritability
Inability to control anxious thoughts
Nervousness
Avoidance behavior for the triggers of stress
Intuition of danger
Poor concentration

What are the types of anxiety?

There are several types of anxiety disorders based on the circumstances. Some of the major types of anxiety disorders include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a continuous and extreme level of worry that affects your daily activities. This constant worry and stress may be associated with physical symptoms, like fatigue, restlessness, concentration difficulty, muscle stiffness, or sleeping problems. Usually, the worries emphasize everyday things such as work, family matters, chores, etc.

Panic Disorder

This involves recurrent periods of impulsive feelings of extreme anxiety and fear that reach a peak within minutes. During an attack, several of the anxiety disorder symptoms that occur in combination include palpitations (i.e. irregular heart rhythms), trembling of limbs, faintness, sweating, and shortness of breath, etc. Panic Disorder involves a combination of both physical and mental distress.

Selective mutism

This is a failure to speak in specific situations, such as work or school, even when you can speak in other situations where you feel yourself to be at ease, such as at home and with close family members. This can interfere with social functioning and is usually observed to occur from early childhood.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by the state of being in an excessively fearful or anxious situation about separation from those with whom you are attached. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and separation anxiety often develop in childhood but can persist through adulthood. Anxiety Disorder symptoms include nightmares of being abandoned or being left behind by the crowd.

Phobias

A phobia is an excessive and undying fear of a specific situation, activity, or object that is usually not dangerous. You might be aware of the fact that your fear is irrational, but you are not able to control it. Examples include hydrophobia (fear of water), metathesiophobia (fear of change) and homophobia (fear of blood), etc.

Agoraphobia

This type of anxiety disorder is when you fear and often avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel stuck, abandoned, or ashamed. Examples include the fear of using public transportation, being in enclosed places, and fear of leaving your home.

Social Anxiety Disorder

It is commonly known as a social type of phobia and involves high levels of fear, anxiety, and escaping from social gatherings due to feelings of humiliation, self-consciousness, and concern about being judged or perceived negatively by others.

A man in crowd is finding himself in Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

What are the causes of anxiety?

The intrinsic causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood. Life experiences such as stressful events seem to cause anxiety disorders in people who are already predisposed to anxiety. Hereditary characters also can be a cause.

Factors such as environmental conditions, family environment, brain biology and chemistry, stress, and your environment are also observed to play a major role. Commonly seen examples are:

Stress at school
Stress at work
Natural disasters
Financial issues
Emotional trauma e.g. death of a loved one

Relationship issues
Stress from a medical issue
Side effect of medicines
Drug addiction
Family problems etc.

What are the complications of anxiety?

Chronic stress
Depression
Drug abuse
Social isolation
Negative behaviors
Overthinking
Decreased performance at work
Suicidal tendency

What are the conditions related to Anxiety?

Acute traumatic stress disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Adjustment disorder
Decision-making difficulties
Confusion

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A doctor is consoling a patient who is in Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders

What are the risk factors for anxiety?

Suffering From a Trauma:

Kids who suffered trauma or watched traumatic occasions are at higher risk of getting an anxiety disorder. Likewise, adults who go through a traumatic event can develop anxiety disorders too.

Stress Due to Health Issues:

Having a serious illness can lead to stress about the concerns related to the anxiety disorder treatment and your future.

Stressful Events:

A big stressful event or a buildup of smaller stressful situations of life may generate excessive anxiety.

Personality Type:

People with certain personality types e.g. introverts are more susceptible to get anxiety issues.

Mental Health Issues:

People with mental health issues, like depression, often also have an anxiety disorder.

Family History:

Anxiety disorders do run in families, if a parent or a close relative has anxiety disorder you are more prone to develop the condition.

Use of Illicit Drugs:

Misuse of drugs or alcohol or withdrawal can aggravate anxiety.

Anxiety Disorder Treatments

Psychotherapy:

Seeking assistance from a mental health care professional can help with reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Anxiety Disorder treatment is focused on exploring the triggers and thought processes that cause anxiety, learning when anxiety is increasing, and how to decrease anxiety disorder symptoms using various cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Medications:

If anxiety is moderate to severe and impacting your functioning, medications may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are different types of medicines to treat anxiety disorders which include anti-anxiety medicines and certain antidepressants i.e. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered first-line therapy for anxiety, Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are also used to treat anxiety, and other medicines such as beta-blockers are used to treat hypertension related to anxiety may be used accordingly.

March 31 2021

Addiction

admin Addictions

Facts to Be Known for Addiction: Types, Signs, Risks etc.

In simple words, addiction is defined as persistent repetitive behavior characterized by the obsessive seeking of drugs or other things no matter how negative the consequences might be. Addiction to substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs may cause long-term changes in the brain. It have many types and it is a combination of psychological and physiological problems.

Overview of Addiction

Addiction is a biopsychosocial condition regarded as repetitive engagement in behavior such as lying, stealing, alcohol or drug use, gambling, shopping, etc. Regardless of the damage, it can cause to one’s self or others, the person does not stop the behavior. It is a primary disease, which has an impact on the brain and it is a collection of addiction symptoms and signs. Precisely, it influences the area of the brain that deals with reward, motivation, and memory. Its changes how the body responds to a stimulus or reward. Also, it includes an obsessive habit to strive for those rewards.

The origin of the addiction is due to social, biological, psychosocial, and genetic factors. Research has shown that there are neurochemical changes involved in the brain of people with addictive behaviors and a biogenetic tendency also is also present. This disease is curable with proper treatment.

Following Topics of This Blog Have Been Discussed Below:

Types

Factors

Effects

diagnosis

Treatment

Most Common Behavioral Addiction Factors

You know you are addicted when you find yourself involved in repetitive behavior. There are many causes of behavioral addiction. Someone can be affected by several of them at the same time. Possible causes are below:

Relief of stress
To relax
Family history
Early use of drugs
Anger
To relieve pain
Curiosity
Increased energy

Neglect, abuse, or other traumatic experiences in childhood
Pressure from peers
Rejection
Depression and anxiety
To escape the reality
For sake of recreation/pleasure
To boost self-esteem

The 5 C’s of Addiction:

Cravings
Chronic

Loss of control
Use despite its negative consequences

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Different Types of Addiction?

These types are often categorized as either drug or behavioral addictions.

Behavioral Addictions

These are obsessive in nature. This is at times come out suddenly and when it is least predictable.

Its Facts:

Gambling addiction facts
Food addiction facts
Shopping addiction facts
Exercise addiction facts
Gaming addiction facts
Pornography addiction facts
Social media addiction facts
The habit of doing something useless/insane repetitively e.g. nail-biting, making paper balls, smelling other people, playing with hair, and chewing gum all the time.

Substance addiction

Its usually includes using a substance for the sake of satisfaction:

Recreational drugs addiction

involves drug abuse (i.e. using opiates, hallucinogens, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, inhalants, etc.), and using these drugs reduces the level of stress for the time being by making you feel light and euphoric.

Prescription drug addiction

It is referred to as using a prescription medication in a manner other than that your doctor has prescribed (i.e. using over-the-counter drugs such as multivitamins and pain killers for no reason).

Alcohol addiction
Use of different substances for physical and sexual pleasure.

Common Effects

There are different effects that can be categorized as pleasing such as satisfaction, pleasure, and stress reduction etc. The negative effects involve causing you distress, your family distress, and others around you distress. Some of the problems addictions causes are financial, loss of productivity, waste of time, impairment in physical and mental health, and reduced quality of life.

Drug addiction can lead to criminal behavior, increased violence, nausea, reduced appetite, confusion, obsession, abuse and neglect of children, sleep issues, anxiety, dependence on non-familial support systems for survival, and expenses for treatment.

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Common Signs:

Behavior Changes

Lying
Relationship issues
Sleep disturbances
Abusive behavior
Criminal record

Psychological symptoms

Depression
Anxiety
Irritability
Tantrums

Intellectual Changes

Hallucinations
Obsessions

Bodily symptoms

Weight loss or gain
Migraines

High-Risk Facts:

Family history:
40-60% of addicts have a family history, genetics play a major role in addictive behaviors.
Family Life:
If a child grows up in a poor family environment, is neglected, or is traumatized it increases their chances to become an addict.
School life and friends:
Friendships can impact your addiction risk.
Early consumption of Drugs:
The earlier you use a drug, the more likely you are to develop an addiction.
Metabolism:
The manner in which you absorb and process chemicals can determine the impact a drug will have on your body and the sensation it causes.
Pressure:
High levels of stress may increase your risk of turning to addictive behavior as a way to reduce stress.
The mode of delivery:
The way in which you take a drug can impact the development of your addiction. For example, injecting substances and smoking means that the brain receives their influence in a matter of seconds.
The nature of addictive substance:
Some drugs such as nicotine or heroin affect receptors in your brain that can trigger addictive responses.

How to Identify Your Addictive Behaviors

Sudden changes in your behavior can be indicative of addiction, some of the common behavioral changes are

Poor work performance
Secretive behaviors
Impulsive behavior
Lying & aggression

Procrastination
Obsession
Unexplained anxiety
Lack of motivation

When to Seek Help:

We all have addictions but it is not always worrisome if your addiction is not dangerous in nature and is under control. If it is out of control and/or causing serious problems, you should get help. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances for a long-lasting recovery. Talk to your health care or mental health specialist if:

You can’t stop using a drug, drinking, gambling, etc.
You continue to practice addictive behavior despite the harm it causes.
Your addiction has led to unsafe behaviors (e.g., using needles or having unprotected sex).
You are having withdrawal symptoms after stopping.
You have overdosed.
You have trouble breathing
You are having seizures
You have concentration issues
You have physiological ailments, the behavior is causing financial stress, interfering with relationships, or causing day-to-day dysfunction.

Preventions:

Awareness of harmful effects of addictive behaviors
Strengthened support systems
Psychological counseling
Practicing self-care
Staying close to family and friends
Spending time in positive activities
Learning about healthy comping skills

Treatment of Addiction:

It is a complex but curable problem. Here are some treatments:

Behavioral / Psychological counseling.
Medical attention to treat the symptoms of alcohol or drug withdrawal.
Treatment and assessment for psychological issues arising at the same time such as anxiety and depression.
Long-term continuation of treatment to prevent re-occurrence.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy can support you to understand your negative thoughts and provide you means to fight against the addiction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sex Anonymous, etc.

February 21 2021

Managing The “New Normal” During COVID-19

admin Other

Normalizing the “new normal”

As many of us are learning to manage this “new normal” during the COVID-19 crisis, we have had to redefine many aspects of our lives. Some has gone from the traditional 9 am to 5 pm job to remote offices-coffee and computer on hand at the dining room or kitchen tables. Others are suddenly thrust into a new life of remote learning with their children. Here in New York, car parades have replaced milestone achievements such as birthdays, anniversaries, and visits from teachers who miss their students. First responders and healthcare workers are waking up every day knowingly putting themselves at risk to save others. What amazing resiliency to observe around my neighborhood, New York, the United States, and the world.

The question I ask is, what about the resiliency of our thoughts and emotions as well? How do people tap into those same skills that made them say “Hey Coronavirus! You won’t ruin my daughter’s graduation” and apply them in a way they can combat the thoughts that fuel anxiety, depression, loneliness, and worry? The truth is, we as humans are amazing at adapting. We just need to have confidence that we can.

Below I have outlined some strategies that can help tap into this idea of mental and emotional adaption. It is important to remember; this does not mean to ignore any worrisome thoughts but rather, identify them, experience them, and adapt them to be more effective in your daily life.

Give your day purpose

It may feel like you are stuck on repeat, new day, same boring routine, and no place to go because of Covid-19. For some, that can elicit thoughts of depression and isolation. Setting simple goals during the day can help combat these thoughts. It will make you feel productive in a situation that sometimes feels overwhelmingly unproductive.

Focus on what you CAN control

You may not be able to visit your family or loved one in person before Covid-19, friends, however, the sky is the limit on finding ways to tell them how much you cherish and love them. You CAN carve out time to call them just to say hi. You CAN send them a beautiful handwritten letter. You CAN apply this thinking in any area that is a cause of anxiety or depression.

Gratitude

While the days may feel long and overwhelming, adapt your thinking to find something you are grateful for. Focus on some positives. Maybe you are grateful for not having a 2-hour commute each morning. How wonderful, you now can stay in bed late and catch up on all those missing hours of regenerative sleep. Others might be grateful for the opportunity to be able to sit down and have breakfast with their family without the anxiety of being late for something for the first time in years because of Covid-19.

Lastly, remember, with every negative there is a positive. They cannot exist without each other. Many of us have experienced great loss during this time. However, maybe that loss gave you the ability and courage to contact a fading friendship you had been wanting to reach out to. Maybe, it allowed you to cherish those who are around you even more. Perhaps it made you increasingly mindful of your experiences, making each moment count.

Stay well,

Christina

Committed to helping
people who want to help themselves

631-352-2089

February 21 2021

Regulating Your Emotions Through COVID-19

admin Other

COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Emotional Consequences

None of us will forget the year 2020 and all the different emotions we have experienced. So many people still suffer from feeling some form of depression, anxiety, fear, or paranoia. Then there is the other side where some people are rebelling against the COVID-19 restrictions put on us. Many of us have been overwhelmed and stressed by trying to keep our families financially and physically afloat. Believe it or not, a lot of the stress we feel is silent. Just imagine how much more stress is underneath if you are feeling stressed, to begin with.

Self Care:

Here is an exercise for you. Take 10 minutes to step back, clear your mind, and reflect on certain experiences you had in 2020. Then ask yourself, “If life was what we used to know as normal, would I have been less irritable, less edgy, more flexible, or reacted differently to something this year?” I bet you will find yourself saying, “Yes, I would have reacted differently and probably better than I did.”

Covid-19 Second Wave Uncertainty:

With the second wave of COVID-19 upon us, no one knows what to expect. Depending on what television station you watch or article you read on the Internet, you are going to get different or conflicting information. It is sad because we do not know what is factual anymore. Sometimes I think what is reported goes with the way the political wind is blowing for the week. The influence of media is entirely another subject to address at some other time.

Trapped, Stressed, and Missing the Office:

For those working from home, it was great for maybe a month but now it is another way that many of us feel trapped and socially isolated. We do not think about how much our work environment is a form of socializing. When you add a household that is typically busy and you have family members around all the time or children who are remote learning, stress levels go even higher, especially if your residence is not big enough for everyone to have their own private space to retreat to.

With winter approaching fast, the feeling of being trapped is going to get worse. People tend to become more depressed during the winter months because the cold weather leaves outside activities to be non-existent for some, and for others that typically go skiing or engage in another winter outside activities, with COVID-19 they are thinking twice about traveling to enjoy these activities.

Tips to Managing Your Mental Health During the Covid-19

COVID-19 has had divesting emotional effects. As a clinician, I am witnessing firsthand the emotional toll this has taken on many clients. Sadly, COVID-19 and the restrictions it brings are not over by any stretch of the imagination. It will be one day, but not soon. As those infected continue to rise right now and more restrictions are put into place, any emotional issues or negative reactions you have been experiencing in 2020 that you are aware, or unaware of, are about to get worse. There are things that you can do to help yourself through the upcoming months. Here are some ideas:

Limit your information intake from any form of media, including social media, to 30 minutes a day. When listening or reading, try to keep objective and realize that what you might be hearing or seeing be skewed.
Start and keep a regularly scheduled routine for self-care. The mindset that you are not showering or getting dressed daily because no one sees you are one of the worst thought patterns. You are falling into a trap that can easily lead to or enhance, depression.
If you are working from home, it is important to keep yourself to a routine. Work your typical workday and do not fall into a cycle of working all different hours. Treat working at home as if you went into your place of employment and when you are done for the day, you are done for the day. Now it is time for you and/or your family.
Whether living alone or with family, take 30 to 60 minutes a day to turn your mind off and relax. This could be exercising, going for a walk, going for a drive if it is cold out, or becoming involved in a hobby or activity that you enjoy. Try an online class for something you always wanted to learn or do. If living with other adults, encourage them to do the same. Healthy outlets reduce tension in the household.
Take the time each evening to keep a journal or just type into a document what you are feeling and experiencing. The thoughts don’t have to be organized because this is just for you. Even getting emotions out in this way helps. It is also something you can look back on one day and say, “wow, I didn’t realize how bad I was feeling at the time.”
If you feel very stressed and catch yourself being irritable or angry, walk away from a situation or at the minimum count to 20 before you react. This takes practice but you can do it! It will save the heartache from potential arguments with others and is a way to keep you grounded.
Here’s a trick many clients find helpful for staying calm. Imagine standing in a field of windmills, each representing a worry or stress you have. As you see a windmill stop, think of that specific worry coming to your attention. Focus on it briefly until it feels manageable, like the windmill starting again. Then, let it go and wait for the next windmill to stop. Treat each worry this way, giving it attention only when needed.
Seek therapy sessions. Talking to a non-judgmental clinician can be very helpful. All of the answers are inside of you, but sometimes we need someone to guide us to find them

Workshop:

One of our staff is developing a webinar on regulating emotional reactions when overwhelmed or stressed. It will be airing in February. In the meantime, check out our webinar page to see if any current topics can help with a particular issue you are having.

Theresa DeSantis, Ph.D.

Committed to helping
people who want to help themselves

631-352-2089