Suicide in America

In 1995, the national death statistics showed suicide as the ninth-leading cause of death in the America; 1.3 percent of all deaths in America were reported as suicide.  The death statistics for heart disease was 32%, and 23% from cancer of all deaths for that year.

Suicide rates are typically the number of deaths per 100,000 persons, the number of people in the population and its age distribution.  American suicide rates vary from state to state. The Western states have the highest rates. The lowest rate is for the District of Columbia.

In America suicide rates vary dramatically by age, gender, and racial group. White males commit suicide at a rate higher than black males and white and black females.   The rates for black males have been rising, especially those ages 15 to 25.  In the age group with the highest rate of suicide is with older white males. This is also true in other countries.

In America, the most common method of suicide is the use of guns, which is reported for 60% of all suicide methods. Of all deaths with guns, about 80% are committed by white men.

Findings from psychological autopsy studies, where the person’s state of mind prior to the suicide is determined through interviews and medical history, indicate that about 90% of persons who completed suicides in all age groups had a diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder.  Having a mental or substance abuse disorder does not mean that someone is at high risk for suicide; the majority of people with these disorders do not die from suicide.  Substance abuse and behavior problems such as conduct disorder are more common among adolescent suicides, while depression without substance abuse is the most common pattern among older adults.

To study risk for suicide among persons with mental or substance abuse disorders a follow-up on people who have been hospitalized for such a disorder. The high-risk group is identified and risk factors are recorded prior to the person’s death.  However, not all persons with mental or substance abuse disorders are hospitalized, not all hospitals keep the same records, and different studies use different methods.

The results when it comes to estimating the particular rates of suicide for people with certain mental or substance abuse disorders or determining what risk factors, in addition to the disorder, played a role in the suicide were not exact.   Most researchers agree that persons with schizophrenia have a much higher risk of suicide than the general population; the estimates have ranged from 2% to 15%.   In some studies, younger males with schizophrenia appear seem to be most at risk, while other studies find that women with schizophrenia commit suicide as frequently as men.

Persons with depression, some studies have found psychotic symptoms to increase risk for suicide, while others have not found any evidence for this risk.  In addition to the mental or substance abuse disorders, there are other factors that have been researched to find if they increase the risk for suicide. These include having a second mental or substance abuse disorder;  history of sexual abuse; hostile temperament; history of previous suicide attempt; hopelessness; inability to carry out activities of daily living; stressful life events such as the loss of a close relationship and change in doctors.

Suicide is believed to be preventable, compared to other causes of death suicide it is a rare occurrence and in contrast to the occurrence of mental and substance abuse disorders.   Trying to predict suicide using as all known risk factors, researchers are still unable to predict who will and who will not commit suicide. There are circumstances where talking about suicide is very appropriate and helpful. If an individual who has survived a family member’s suicide needs to talk about suicide and receive support then it is beneficial; however sometimes the thought or act can be brought about by planting the seed in a person’s mind.  Doctors need to assess persons in distress for their suicide potential in order to take steps to minimize the suicide risk.  But there is always the chance for the person to become a higher risk by talking about disturbing emotions at an inappropriate time.

The best prevention of suicide would appear to be improving treatments for mental and substance abuse disorders and being more vigilant in screening for suicide risk among persons with these disorders.

Much more research is needed to test prevention programs to improve attempts to avert a suicide act.  Diagnosing a person that is at risk as quickly as possible; while avoiding implanting the idea by triggering emotions or situations that can be disturbing for the person.   Proven programs and practices that prevent suicide should be implemented by the healthcare professional.

Unfortunately suicide occurs too many times.  High risk persons should be evaluated frequently for the chance of them committing suicide.  During the past few decades much has been done to prevent suicide but the  danger still exists for some persons. 

Co-ocurring Disorders and their Effect on the Mental Health System

The consequences are harsh. Persons with a co-occurring disorder have a greater tendency for violence, medication noncompliance, and failure to respond to treatment than a person with just substance abuse or a mental illness. These problems also affect families, friends and co-workers.
Having a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder together frequently leads to overall poorer functioning and a greater chance of relapse. The person is in and out of hospitals and treatment programs without lasting success. People with dual diagnoses also tend to have tardive dyskinesia and physical illnesses more often than those with a single disorder, and they experience more episodes of psychosis.
People with mental illnesses often are more susceptible to co-occurring disorders as a consequence of their mental illness they may find themselves living in neighborhoods where drug use exists.  Some people find themselves more easily accepted by groups whose activity is based on drug use. Some may believe that a drug addiction is more acceptable than one based on mental illness.  People with co-occurring disorders are also much more likely to be homeless or in jail.
The on and off treatment alone currently given to non-violent persons with dual diagnosis is costly.  Violent or criminal persons, no matter how are dangerous and also costly. Society has to pay for jailed or hospitalized persons.   Those with co-occurring disorders are at high risk to contract AIDS, a disease that can affect society at large. Costs rise even higher when these persons, as those with co-occurring disorders have been shown to do; constantly renter healthcare and criminal justice systems again and again. Without the establishment of more integrated treatment programs, the cycle will continue. 
The constant noncompliance with treatment is a factor in the disability rates of the government system.  Homeless shelters are full of persons who refuse treatment and the homeless rate is increasing daily.  With substance abusers develop mental disorders because of the continuous substance abuse the impact on the heath system becomes a revolving door of treatment, relapse and then again seeking treatment.  Without adhering to a treatment plan and maintaining a consistent medicine regime for their problem the health care team sees a same patients repeatedly with no improvement of symptoms or worsening of symptoms.  The drugs have to be increased in order to be beneficial and the cost increases greatly.  A lot of patients go off of medication because of the high cost of medication and the absence of insurance to cover it and the cycle goes on with the burden of cost to society.
Changes in the system need to be made to help the number of people with mental illnesses and are trying to maintain their mental health with treatment and are finding it difficult to manage to comply with treatment because of the monetary cost.  Until the person can accept their problems and conform to the mental health treatment plan there will be more abuse of the system and less help available for patients seeking help.

Substance Abuse Common Signs

Using alcohol or drugs does not mean that a person has a substance use disorder.  But, if a person’s use leads to problems at work or at home, or causes damage to their health, has probably become a problem and they should consider professional help.

Alcohol

Men who drink five or more standard drinks in a day and women who drink 4 or more in a day are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems.  About 3 out of every 10 American adults drink at levels that increase their risk, which may include hypertension, bleeding ulcers, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and some cancers.

There are two main alcohol disorders: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.  Alcohol abuse is less severe, but can lead to physically risky behavior, interpersonal problems, inability to function appropriately at home or work, and legal troubles.  Alcohol dependence is more severe and is characterized by preoccupation with drinking, inability to cut back, and symptoms of physical need and withdrawal, including increased tolerance.

Symptoms of alcohol dependence can include: drinking alone or in secret; being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink; not remembering conversations or commitments, blacking out; making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned; lack of interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure; feeling a need or compulsion to drink; irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available; keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car; legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances; having a tolerance so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel the effect; physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking.

People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms, however alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms.

There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own symptoms or side effects. Some signs of drug abuse are:  sudden change in behavior; sudden mood swings; withdrawal from family members and/or longtime friends; carelessness about personal grooming; loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities; changes in sleeping patter; red or glassy eyes; runny nose

Marijuana some signs are: a heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception; poor memory; increased blood pressure and heart rate; red eyes; decreased coordination; difficulty concentrating; increased appetite; slowed reaction time; paranoid thinking.

Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines may show as:  drowsiness; slurred speech; lack of coordination; memory impairment; confusion; slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure; dizziness; depression

Amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine are all stimulants. Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:  euphoria; decreased appetite; rapid speech; irritability; restlessness; depression as the drug wears off; nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose in users who snort drugs; insomnia; weight loss; increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; paranoia

 Synthetic compounds, such as Ecstasy, which has both amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic effects, are included in this category.  Signs and symptoms of designer drug use vary depending on the drug. The symptoms and signs vary according to the drug abused.

Use of hallucinogens produces different signs and symptoms depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are LSD.
Signs and symptoms of LSD use include:  hallucinations; greatly impaired perception of reality, such as hearing colors; permanent mental changes in perception ; rapid heart rate; high blood pressure; tremors; flashbacks, a re-experience of the hallucinations — even years later

Signs and symptoms of PCP use include: hallucinations; euphoria; delusions; panic; loss of appetite; depression; aggressive, possibly violent behavior

Inhalants

The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending on what substance is inhaled. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products.  When inhaled, these products can cause brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. Long-term use may cause seizures and damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. Inhalant use can also cause death.

Narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically, including heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone.  Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:  reduced sense of pain; sedation; depression; confusion; constipation; slowed breathing; needle marks (if injecting drugs)

While these are not all of the signs and symptoms they are enough to see if there is a chance of substance abuse and or addiction.  If you or someone you know show any of these signs it is imperative to seek professional help.  Substance3 addiction can lead to serious health complications and or death.  If you see any of the see any of these signs in a family member or friend consult an authority figure and seek help for the individual.  Treatment for substance3 abuse is available and the results are favorable if caught in time recovery can be complete and the individual can live a rewarding life free from addiction.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder is an emotional illness that that is classified as an anxiety disorder and usually develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience.  Sufferers experience the traumatic event or events in some way, tend to avoid places, people, or other things that remind them of the event, and are exquisitely sensitive to normal life experiences.  Although this condition has likely existed since human beings have endured trauma, Post traumatic stress disorder has only been recognized as a formal diagnosis since 1980.  In World War I, symptoms that were generally consistent with this syndrome were referred to as combat fatigue. Soldiers who developed such symptoms in World War II and many troops in Vietnam who had symptoms of what is now called post traumatic stress were diagnosed as having post Vietnam syndrome. Post traumatic stress has also been called battle fatigue and shell shocked

Post traumatic stress disorder usually results from prolonged exposure to a traumatic event or series thereof and is characterized by long-lasting problems with many aspects of emotional and social functioning.

Untreated post traumatic stress can have devastating, consequences for victim’s functioning and relationships, their families, and for society. Symptoms in women with post traumatic stress disorder who are pregnant include having other emotional problems, poor health behaviors, and memory problems. Women who were sexually abused at early ages are more likely develop post traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Babies who are born to mothers who suffer from this illness during pregnancy are more likely to experience a change in at least one chemical in their body that predisposes the child to develop post traumatic stress disorder later in life. Individuals who suffer from this illness are at risk of having more medical problems, as well as fertility problems. Emotionally, a person may have to struggle more to achieve as good an outcome from treatment than people with other emotional problems. In children and teens, post traumatic stress disorder can have significantly negative effects on their social and emotional development, as well as on their ability to learn.
Treatments usually include psychological and medicine.  Education on the illness, helping the individual manage the trauma by talking about it directly, teaching the person ways to manage symptoms, and exploration and modification of inaccurate ways of thinking about the trauma are the usual techniques used in psychotherapy for this illness.
Teaching people with post traumatic stress disorder practical approaches to coping with what can be very intense and disturbing symptoms has been found to be effective.   Helping the person learn how to manage their anger and anxiety, improve their communication skills, and use breathing and other relaxation techniques can help individuals gain a sense of mastery over their emotional and physical symptoms.  Therapy by having the person recall their traumatic experiences using images or verbal recall while using the coping mechanisms they learned is sometimes beneficial.
Medications that have shown to be effective for managing this disorder include mood stabilizers; as well as mood stabilizers that are also antipsychotics. Antipsychotic medicines seem to be most useful in the treatment in those who suffer from agitation, dissociation, paranoia, or brief psychotic reactions. The antipsychotic medications are also being increasingly found to be helpful treatment options for managing the disorder when used in combination with an antidepressant.
Families of individuals, as well as the person, may benefit from family counseling, couple's counseling, and Parenting classes.   Family members may also be able to provide a history about the person; for example, about emotions and behaviors, drug abuse, sleeping habits, and socialization that people with the illness are unable or unwilling to share.
The sleep problems have been found to be alleviated by; rehearsing adaptive ways of coping with nightmares, training in relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, and screening for other sleep problems.

Some ways that are often suggested for patients to cope with this illness include learning more about the disorder as well as talking to friends, family, professionals, and other survivors for support.  Reducing stress by using relaxation techniques : breathing exercises, positive imager, actively participating in treatment as recommended by professionals, increasing positive lifestyle practices, exercise, healthy eating, distracting oneself through maintaining  a healthy work schedule if employed, volunteering, and decrease  negative lifestyle practices like, social isolation, working to excess, and self-destructive or suicidal behavior.

Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis occurs when someone has both a mental disorder and an alcohol or drug problem. These conditions occur together frequently.

Sometimes the mental illness occurs first. This can lead people to use alcohol or drugs that make them feel better temporarily. Sometimes the substance abuse occurs first; that can lead to emotional and mental problems.   Often the psychiatric disorder develops first.  In an attempt to feel better, in an attempt to control mood changes, silence the auditory hallucinations; deal with emotional turmoil; this can lead people to use alcohol or drugs that make them feel better temporarily.  When a person with emotional symptoms drinks or uses drugs; doctors call this self-medication.  Frequent self-medication may eventually lead to physical or psychological dependency on alcohol or drugs.  If it does, the person then suffers from not just one problem, but two.  In adolescents, however, drug or alcohol abuse may merge and continue into adulthood, which may contribute to the development of emotional difficulties or psychiatric disorders.  In these cases, alcohol or drug dependency is the primary condition.  A person whose substance abuse use has become severe may develop symptoms of a psychiatric disorder:  perhaps episodes of depression, manic rage, hallucinations, or suicide attempts.

To get better, someone with a dual diagnosis must treat both conditions. First, the person must go for a period of time without using alcohol or drugs. This is called detoxification; rehabilitation for the substance abuse and treatment for the mental disorder.  Both illnesses should be treated concurrently.  For any substance abuser, however, detoxification should take place under medical supervision.  It can take a few days to a week or more, depending on what substances the person abused and for how long.  Doctors are able to give hospitalized substance abusers medications which can significantly ease withdrawal symptoms.  When detoxification is done under medical supervision, it’s safer and less traumatic.

Once detoxification is completed, dual treatment; rehabilitation for the alcohol or drug problem and treatment for the psychiatric problem is started and a maintenance treatment plan is established.

Rehabilitation for a substance abuser usually involves individual and group psychotherapy, instruction on alcohol and drugs, exercise, proper nutrition, and participation in a recovery program. 

Treatment for a psychiatric disorder depends upon the diagnosis.  For most disorders, individual and group therapy as well as medications are utilized.  A support group of other people who are recovering from the same condition has shown to be effective. 

The more that is known about dual diagnosis, it is easier to understand how substance abuse can coexist with another psychiatric condition.  A person with dual diagnosis can improve once proper care is given.  By seeking out information, you can learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of dual diagnosis and possibly help someone live a healthier and rewarding life.

Bulimia Nervosa An Eating Disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, followed by frenzied, painful attempts to avoid gaining weight.

When you are suffering with bulimia, life is a constant conflict between the desires to lose weight or stay thin and the overwhelming urge to binge eat.  You do not want to binge eat you know the guilty and shame but time and again you gorge on food.

After the gluttony is over, you panic set and to undo the binge, you resort to drastic measures such as taking ex-lax, inducing vomiting, or trying to over exercise in an effort to burn the calories off.

Bulimia does not necessarily involve purging physically eliminating the food from your body by throwing up or using laxatives, enemas, or diuretics. You can undo your binges by fasting, exercising to excess, or going on crash diets.  You are   possibly suffering from bulimia or another eating disorder if the following applies to you: Are you obsessed with your body and your weight; does food and dieting dominate your life; are you afraid that when you start eating, you wilt be able to stop; do you ever eat until you feel sick; do you feel guilty, ashamed, or depressed after you eat; do you vomit or take laxatives to control your weight?

Bulimia is destructive cycle of binging and purging.  Dieting is a trigger.  But the more strict and rigid your diet, the more likely it is that you will become even more obsessed, with food. When you starve yourself, your body responds with unrelentless cravings its way.

As the tension, hunger, and deprivation increase, the compulsion to eat becomes uncontrollable a forbidden food is eaten; a dietary rule is broken.  After having a small dish of ice cream, you feel failure and the binge begins again.  The relief from binging is brief. Soon after, guilt and self-loathing set in. And so you purge to make up for binging and regain control.

Purging is not effective for getting rid of calories, which is why most people suffering with bulimia end up gaining weight over time. Vomiting immediately after eating will remove all of the calories consumed. This is because calorie absorption begins the moment you put food in the mouth. Laxatives and diuretics are even less effective.  You may weigh less after taking them, it is due to water loss, not true weight loss.

Signs of binge eating are:  Inability to stop eating; eating until the point of physical discomfort and pain; wanting to eat in privacy; eating unusually large amounts of food with no obvious change in weight; alternating between overeating and fasting.

Being bulimic is putting your body and life at risk. The most dangerous side effect of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body.  Low potassium levels trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from lethargy and cloudy thinking to irregular heartbeat and death. Chronically low levels of potassium can also result in kidney failure.

There is no single cause of bulimia. While low self-esteem and concerns about weight and body image play major roles, there are many other factors that can be a cause. People suffering with bulimia and other eating disorders in have trouble managing emotions in a healthy way. Eating can be an emotional release people binge and purge when feeling angry, depressed, stressed, or anxious.

One thing is certain. Bulimia is a complex emotional issue. Our cultural emphasis on thinness and beauty can lead to body dissatisfaction, particularly in young women bombarded with media display of an unrealistic physical ideal.  People who think of themselves as useless, worthless, and unattractive are at risk for bulimia. Things that can contribute to low self-esteem include depression, perfectionism, childhood abuse, and a critical home environment.  Women with bulimia appear to have a higher incidence of sexual abuse. People with bulimia are also more likely than average to have parents with a substance abuse problem or psychological disorder.  Bulimia is often triggered by stressful changes or transitions, such as t puberty, going away to college, or the breakup of a relationship.  

If you are living with bulimia, you know how frightful it feels to be so out of control. Realizing that you are harming your body just adds to the concern. But recovery is possible. You can learn to break the binge and purge cycle and develop a healthier attitude toward food and your body.

Taking steps toward recovery is tough.  If you are the thought is there for getting help for bulimia, you are on your way to  healing.  The first step in bulimia recovery is admitting that your relationship to food is distorted and out of control.  The advice and support of trained eating disorder professionals can help you regain your health, learn to eat normally again, and develop healthier attitudes about food and your body.

Treatment for bulimia is much will succeed when you stop dieting.  By eating normally, you can break the binge-and-purge cycle and still reach a healthy, attractive weight.  To stop the cycle of bingeing and purging, it iss important to seek professional help early, follow through with treatment, and resolve the underlying emotional issues that caused the bulimia in the first place.

Because poor body image and low self-esteem are the crux of bulimia, therapy is an important part of recovery.   Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most common therapy for treatment of bulimia.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy targets the unhealthy eating behaviors of bulimia and the unrealistic, negative thoughts that fuel them. Here is what to expect in bulimia therapy:   Breaking the binge-and-purge cycle; changing unhealthy thoughts and patterns; solving emotional issues.  Targeting emotional issues that caused the eating disorder in the first place such as; relationship issues, underlying anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation.  With treatment, support from others, and smart self-help strategies, you can overcome bulimia and gain true self-confidence.

Anorexia Nervosa An Eating Disorder

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with three key features: refusal to maintain a healthy body weight; an intense fear of gaining weight; a distorted body image

Because of the terror of becoming fat or revulsion with how your body looks, eating becomes very stressful. What you can and cannot eat is basically all you can think about.

Thoughts about food and your body may take nearly all of your day.  There is little time for friends, family, and other activities that are pleasurable.  Life becomes a quest for thinness and persistent desire to lose weight.

And no matter how you lose no matter how thin you become, it can never be enough.

People with anorexia often deny having a problem; in reality anorexia are a serious and a life threatening eating disorder.  However treatment and recovery is possible. With proper management you can break the self-destructive pattern and regain health and self-confidence without anorexia.

There are two types of anorexia.   The restricting type of anorexia,  where weight loss is achieved by restricting calories and extreme exercise; and the purging type of anorexia, weight loss is achieved by vomiting or using laxatives and diuretics.

Some signs of anorexia are:  you feel fat even though people tell you that you are not;  you are terrified of gaining weight; you lie about how much you eat or hide your eating habits from others; friends or family concerned about your weight loss, eating habits, or appearance.   You diet, compulsively exercise, or purge when you are feeling overwhelmed or bad about yourself; you feel in control when you go without food, over-exercise, or purge.

 Food and weight is not what the crux of anorexia. Eating disorders are extremely complicated. The food and weight-related issues are symptoms: things like depression, loneliness, insecurity, pressure to be perfect, or feeling out of control; contribute to the disorder. Things at the heart of an eating disorder have no bearing on how much you eat or do not eat.  There is a need that the eating disorder meets in you life.

The important point to understand is that anorexia meets a need in your life.  You may feel powerless some parts of your life, and what you can control is what you eat.    Saying no to food may make you feel dominant at least for a short time.  Anorexia may also be a way of distracting yourself from unmanageable emotions. When you spend most of your time thinking about food, dieting, and weight loss, you do not have to face other problems in your life or try to control problematical emotions.  Dieting and weight loss cannot change the negative self-image that is the foundation of anorexia. To identify the emotional need that self-starvation fulfills and finds other ways to meet it is the only way to recovery.

The first priority in anorexia treatment is treating any serious health issues. Hospitalization may be necessary if you are dangerously malnourished or so troubled that you no longer want to live. You may also need to be hospitalized until you reach a more ideal weight. Outpatient treatment is an option when you are not in immediate medical danger.

A second part of anorexia treatment is nutritional counseling. A nutritionist or dietician will teach you about healthy eating and proper nutrition. The nutritionist will also help you with meal plans that include enough calories to reach or maintain a normal, healthy weight.

Counseling is critical to anorexia treatment. Its goal is to discover the negative thoughts and feelings that at the heart of your eating disorder and replace them with healthier, less distorted ideas and build confidence.  Counseling will teach you how to deal with difficult emotions, relationship problems, and stress in a productive, non self-destructive, way.

 The thought of gaining weight is can be extremely frightening; especially if you are being forced and you may be tempted to resist. But research shows that a more normal body weight is when starting treatment; the greater your chance of recovery, getting to a healthy weight is the priority in the treatment goal.  Your fear of gaining weight is a symptom of your anorexia.

Anorexia is often a symptom of extreme emotional distress and develops out of an attempt to manage emotional pain, stress, and/or self-hate.  In order to overcome the distress that is the core of anorexia the primary goal should be treating the medical, psychological symptoms and build and maintain a foundation of positive and  affirmative convictions to sustain the normal weight and end the old eating habits; purging and self denial of anorexia.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

A person with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) suffers from severe, recurrent, thoughts (obsessions) or rituals (compulsions), which they feel they cannot control. Rituals such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed to keep from having or stop obsessive thoughts.   By performing these rituals, they only get temporary relief, and not performing them increases anxiety. Left untreated, obsessions and the need to perform rituals can take over a person's life. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a chronic, relapsing illness. However, effective treatments have been developed to help people with OCD.

Research shows that OCD is an abnormal functioning of brain circuitry, in a part of the brain called the striatum. OCD is not caused by problems or attitudes learned in childhood such as an emphasis on cleanliness; or a belief that certain thoughts are dangerous or unacceptable. People with OCD have patterns of brain activity that differ from people with other mental illnesses or people with no mental illness at all.  Patients with OCD treated with both behavioral therapy and medication produce changes in the stria

Treatments for OCD have been developed through research.  These treatments which are a combination od medications and behavioral therapy are often effective. Several medications have been proven effective in helping people with OCD.   It is often a trial and error if one drug is not effective, others should be tried.  A type of behavioral therapy known as exposure and response prevention for treating OCD has been shown to be effective.  With this type of therapy a person is deliberately and voluntarily exposed to whatever triggers the obsessive thoughts, and then is taught techniques to avoid performing the compulsive rituals and to deal with the anxiety.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is often accompanied by depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, or other anxiety disorders.  When a person also has other disorders, OCD is more difficult to diagnose and treat.  Symptoms of OCD can also coexist and may even be part of a number of other mental disorders.

Sleep Disorders Signs and symptoms

There are two types of sleep: one is called REM sleep and the other is Non-REM sleep. Non-REM sleep has four stages of sleep. Stage 1 sleep is the lightest, while stage 4 is the deepest.  While sleeping you cycle through these types and stages of sleep. But if your sleep is repeatedly interrupted and you cannot cycle normally, you may feel tired, fatigued,  have trouble concentrating and attention problems when awake.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders are characterized by trouble getting to sleep, sleeping through the night, waking up too early or having a hard time waking up.  

 Most people sleep at night; not only because of the average person’s work time but also because of our natural sleep and alertness rhythms, which are driven by an internal clock.

This is a small part of the brain in the hypothalamus.  It is above the nerves leaving the back of our eyes. Light and exercise can change the clock and can move it forward or backward. Abnormalities related to this clock are called Circadian Rhythm Disorders.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders include adjustments to shift work, delayed sleep phase syndrome ( falling asleep and waking up too late) and advanced sleep phase syndrome ( falling asleep and waking up too early).

Many adults snore.  Snoring can be a problem simply because of the noise it causes.  It may also be a more serious sleep problem called apnea.  Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked, interrupting regular breathing for short periods of time this wakes you up. It can cause severe daytime sleepiness.  If left untreated, severe sleep apnea may be associated with high blood pressure and the risk of stroke, or a heart attack.

Women often experience sleepless nights and daytime tiredness during their pregnancy. During the first trimester frequent urination and morning sickness may disrupt sleep. Later in pregnancy, vivid dreams and physical discomfort may prevent deep sleep. After delivery, the baby's care or the mother's postpartum depression may interrupt sleep.

People who have insomnia don't feel as if they get enough sleep.  They may have trouble falling asleep or may wake up frequently during the night or early in the morning.   If insomnia affects your daytime activities it is a problem.  Insomnia has many possible causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, circadian rhythm disorders, and taking medication.

When the lack of sleep is distressing and disrupts daily activities it is time to seek professional help.  The causes of sleep disorders are many but most are treatable.  The underlying cause of a sleep disorder needs to be discovered before any treatment, medications, therapy for a psychological condition, can be started.  A complete physical exam is necessary to find the cause of the sleep disorder.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissism is a term used to describe a personality disorder in which the focus is on the self and self-admiration taken to an extreme. The word narcissism comes from Greek mythology; a handsome young man named Narcissus saw his reflection in a pool of water and fell in love with it. 

Narcissistic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called Dramatic Personality disorders.  A person with a Narcissistic personality disorder has an aberrant love of self, an abnormal sense of superiority and importance, and an obsession with power.  This attitude does not reflect true self-confidence. Instead, their attitude conceals a deep insecurity and a fragile self-esteem. A person with this personality disorder is liable to set unrealistic goals.

Most people with narcissistic personality disorder: are self-centered and boastful; seek constant attention and admiration; often consider themselves better than others; exaggerate their talents and achievements.  Narcissistic people tend to believe that they are entitled to special treatment; they are easily hurt but might not show it and take advantage of others to achieve their goals.

Some common traits of narcissistic personality disorder include: Preoccupation with fantasies that focus on unlimited success, power, intelligence, beauty, or love ; have beliefs that he or she is special and unique, and can only be understood by other special people; expect that others will automatically go along with what he or she wants.

They lack the ability to recognize or identify with the feelings, needs, and viewpoints of others; are envious of others or have the belief that others are envious of him or her and are hypersensitive to insults, criticism, or defeat, possibly reacting with rage, shame, and humiliation.  People with narcissistic personalities have arrogant behavior and/or attitude,

The cause of narcissistic personality disorder is not known.   Mental health professionals believe it results from extremes in their upbringing.  It may develop as the result of excessive spoiling, or when a child’s parents have an abnormal desire for their children to be special in order to maintain their own self-esteem.  It may develop from neglect or abuse and trauma inflicted by parents or some other authority figure in childhood life.

There is no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but psychotherapy is used to help the person learn to relate to others in a more positive and rewarding way. Psychotherapy provides the person with insight into his or her problems and attitudes in an attempt to change behavior. Therapy helps the person develop a better self-esteem and more realistic expectations of others.

People with narcissistic personality disorder can abuse drugs and/or alcohol as a way of coping with their symptoms. The disorder can also interfere with the development of healthy relationships with others.

The prognosis for a person with narcissistic personality depends on the severity of the disorder and the person and their response to therapy.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic personality disorder is one of a personality disorders.  It is one of a group called Dramatic Personality Disorders.  People with these disorders have strong, unstable emotions and distorted self-images.  A person with histrionic personality disorder self-esteem depends on the approval of others and does not come from a true feeling of self-worth.  They have an overpowering desire to be noticed, and often behave dramatically and childishly inappropriately to get attention.  This disorder is more common in women than in men.

People with histrionic personality disorder often have good social skills; conversely, they use these skills to manipulate others to become the center of attention.  A person with this disorder might also: be uneasy not being the center of attention; dress provocatively and/or exhibit seductive or flirtatious behavior.  Their emotions alter rapidly.

 They act very dramatically as though performing before an audience with exaggerated emotions and expressions, yet to lack sincerity. They are frequently overly concerned with physical appearance.

A person with a histrionic personality seems to constantly seek reassurance or approval; they can be gullible and easily influenced by others.  They are often excessively sensitive to criticism or disapproval; they have a low tolerance for frustration and are easily bored by routine, often beginning projects without finishing them or skipping from one event to another.  Some other common factors are: not thinking before acting; making rash decisions; being self-centered and rarely showing concern for others.

They have difficulty maintaining relationships, often seeming fake or shallow in their dealings with others.   Persons with histrionic personalities may habitually threaten or attempt suicide to get attention

The cause of histrionic personality disorder is not known, but it is thought that both learned and inherited factors play a role in its development.  The tendency for histrionic personality disorder to run in families and suggests that a genetic susceptibility for the disorder might be inherited. Frequently however, the child of a parent with this disorder may be repeating a learned behavior.  Attention given to a child by his or her parents that confusion about what types of behavior earns parental approval may be a factor in the child developing a histrionic personality.

In general, people with histrionic personality disorder do not believe they need therapy. They also tend to exaggerate their feelings and to dislike routine, which makes following a treatment plan difficult.  If depression possibly associated with a loss or a failed relationship or another problem caused by their thinking and behavior causes them distress they will often seek out treatment.

Psychotherapy is generally the treatment of choice for histrionic personality disorder. The goal of treatment is to help the individual uncover the motivations and fears associated with his or her thoughts and behavior, and to help the person learn to relate to others in a more positive way.  Medication might be used to treat any upsetting symptoms, depression or anxiety that may coexist with the disorder.

Histrionic personality disorder can affect a person's social or romantic relationship.  The way a person reacts to losses or failures and disrupts their lives.  People with this disorder are also a high risk to suffer from depression.  Many people with this disorder are able to function well socially and at work.  With severe cases, however, they can experience significant problems in their daily lives.

 
Without a know cause of this disorder only treatment when symptoms arise can allow a person with this disorder to learn more productive ways of dealing with situations in life.

Catatonia and Bipolar Disorder

Catatonia is an extreme mental illness that often occurs with other diseases or conditions, including catatonic behavior. Catatonic disorders are disturbances in muscular movement resulting from a psychological state. Catatonia is a condition characterized by a psychomotor disturbance, an interruption of normal movement. Catatonia is an extreme mental illness that often occurs with other diseases or conditions.  Catatonic features occur most often in schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and similar conditions, but can occur with bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder. In some cases, catatonia may also be an extreme side effect of a medication. Stupor is a lack of response to external stimuli, no response to being spoken to or prodded. A person will frequently sit in one position, unable to move for days, weeks, months or even years.
Extremely depressed people diagnosed with catatonic schizophrenia can experience catatonic states. This can leave them unmoving for weeks. A less extreme symptom of catatonic disorder is slowed-down motor activity. Often, the body position or posture of a catatonic person is unusual or inappropriate; in addition, he or she may hold a position if placed in it by someone else. These depressed persons may remain virtually motionless, or move around in an extremely vigorous but apparently random fashion. Extreme negativism, elective mutism (choosing not to speak), peculiar movements, and imitating someone else's words or phrases (echolalia) or movements (echopraxia) may also be part of the symptoms. These behaviors may require caregivers to supervise the patient, to insure that he or she does not hurt him- or herself or others
Bipolar depression is not the only mental disorder that can trigger a catatonic state. Mania or mixed moods can cause a person to become immobile. Catatonic behaviors may also occur in persons with other mood disorders. Persons experiencing manic or mixed mood states (a simultaneous combination of manic and depressive symptoms) may at times exhibit either the immobility or agitated random activity seen in catatonia. A severely depressed person may experience intense emotional pain from simply moving a finger. Even getting up out of a chair can be a painful chore that may take hours for the severely depressed individual. As the depression begins to lift, the catatonic symptoms diminish.
Mood disorders are believed to be at least partially caused by irregularities in production of neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send and receive impulses from one nerve cell to another. Two of the most important neurotransmitters associated with depression are norepinephrine and serotonin. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that plays a role in the development of depressive disorders.
Treatment of catatonic symptoms due to mood disorder involves therapy directed at the underlying mood disorder. Manic episodes are treated with such mood stabilizers as lithium and Depakote. Depressive episodes are treated with antidepressant medications or, if necessary, electroconvulsive treatment
.
When the catatonia is a side effect of the medication; the symptoms will often disappear after the medication wi stopped.

Anxiety Attacks Signs and Symptoms

We all know what an attack of anxiety feels like. They are natural reactions to stress. However, if worries, fears, or anxiety attacks seem to be controlling the way you live your and are preventing you from living your life the way you normally did, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are many anxiety treatments and self-help strategies that can help to reduce your anxiety symptoms.

It is normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. Anxiety is the body’s response to danger, an automatic signal when it feels threatened.
Anxiety can help you stay alert and focused, prod you to action, and motivate you to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with relationships and activities that is when it becomes an anxiety disorder.
If you have or have had some of the following signs and symptoms, that linger, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Are you constantly tense, worried? Does your anxiety interfere with your work, school, or family responsibilities? Are you overwhelmed by fears that you know are irrational, but cannot shake them? Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they cause you to feel anxious? Are you experiencing sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic? Do you feel like danger and disaster are likely to happen any moment?
Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions rather than a single disorder; they vary from person to person. A person may undergo intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, while another gets panicky at the thought of driving on the expressway. Someone may be disabled with the fear of a social event, or another person may have uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts and live in a constant state of tension, worrying about anything and everything.
Regardless of the different forms, all anxiety disorders one prominent symptom: persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened.
In addition to the primary symptoms of irrational and excessive fear and worry, other common emotional symptoms of anxiety include: feelings of apprehension or dread, feeling tense and jumpy, anticipating the worst, trouble concentrating.
Anxiety is more than just a feeling. Anxiety involves a wide range of physical symptoms. Because of the physical symptoms, people often mistake their anxiety disorder for a medical illness. Common physical symptoms are tremors, sweating, pounding heart, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, a choking feeling, stomach upset or diarrhea, insomnia.
Many people with anxiety disorders also suffer from depression. The depression makes anxiety worse it is important to treat both conditions.
Anxiety attacks ¬are episodes of intense panic or fear. Anxiety attacks usually occur suddenly and without warning. Sometimes there’s a trigger but in other cases, the attacks come out of the blue.
Anxiety attacks usually climax within ten minutes, and they rarely last more than thirty minutes. The physical symptoms of anxiety attacks are so terrifying that many people believe they’re having a heart attack.
It is important to get help if you’re starting to avoid certain situations or places because you’re afraid of having a panic attack. Anxiety attacks are highly treatable.
If constant worries and fears distract you from your day-to-day activities or you’re troubled by a persistent feeling that something bad is going to happen, you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. These people are chronic worrywarts who feel anxious nearly all of the time, though they may not even know why. This type of anxiety related to often shows up as physical symptoms like insomnia, stomach upset, restlessness, and fatigue
If your lifestyle is unhealthy and stressful, you’re more likely to feel anxious with or without an anxiety disorder.
If your stress levels are very high, think about how you can bring your life back into balance. There may be responsibilities you can give up, turn down, or hand over to others. If you’re feeling isolated, find someone you trust to talk to; just talking about your worries can make them seem less frightening. Worrying about all the things that could go wrong keeps you from enjoying the good things that are happening.
Practice relaxation techniques. When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing can reduce anxiety symptoms and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
Develop healthy eating habits. Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more anxious.
Reduce alcohol and nicotine. They lead to more anxiety, not less.
Exercise regularly. Exercise releases stress and are an anxiety reliever. To achieve the maximum benefit, get at least 30 minutes a day.
Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can aggravate anxious thoughts and feelings, so try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night
If your worries and fears have become so great that they’re causing extreme distress or disrupting your daily routine, it is important to get help from a doctor. Your doctor can check to make sure that your anxiety isn’t caused by a medical condition, such as a thyroid problem, hypoglycemia, or some other illness.
If a medical cause is ruled out, consult with a doctor experienced in treating anxiety attacks and anxiety disorders. The doctor diagnoses the cause and type of your anxiety disorder and work out a treatment plan.
Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment. The treatment depends on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity. Most anxiety disorders are treated with behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of the both.
Anxiety medications can be habit forming and may cause side effects. It’s important to weigh the benefits and risks so you can make the decision about whether anxiety medication is the right treatment for you.
A variety of medications, including benzodiazepines and antidepressants, are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Medication may sometimes be used short-term to relieve severe anxiety symptoms so that other forms of therapy can be engaged in.

Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is an emotional disorder that affects emotional stability; it leads to stress and various other problems.

When you have borderline personality disorder your image of yourself is distorted, you feel worthless and fundamentally imperfect.   Many people with borderline personality disorder get better with treatment and can live happy, fulfilling lives

Borderline personality disorder is a described as a prolonged disturbance of personality function in a person over the age of eighteen years, although adolescents can be diagnosed with it, characterized an inconsistency of moods.  The disorder typically involves unusual levels of instability in mood; black and white thinking; the disorder often manifests itself in chaotic and unstable self image, interpersonal relationships and behavior; including a disturbance in the individual's self worth.

 Borderline personality disorder splitting includes switching between idealizing and demonizing others.  Combined with mood disturbances, can damage relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Borderline personality disorder may include self utilization. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen, leading to suicide attempts.

Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder that belongs to the group of mental illnesses called personality disorders. It is characterized by a consistent pattern of thinking, feeling, and interacting with others and with the world that tends to cause significant problems for the person. Specifically, Borderline personality disorder is associated with a pattern of unstable ways of seeing oneself, feeling, behaving, and relating to others that drastically interferes with the individual's ability to function.

Borderline personality disorder has had symptoms that include both mood problems and distortions of reality psychosis, and was thought to be on the borderline between mood problems and schizophrenia. It can occur equally in men and women in general, while primarily in women in groups

While men with Borderline personality disorder can also have a substance-use disorder; it is more often associated with eating disorders symptoms in women. Adults who have antisocial personality disorder may be more likely to also have Borderline personality disorder.

  

Some researchers consider it to be a variation of bipolar disorder; research supports the theory that Borderline personality disorder has many distinctive and complex ways.  It can be a combination with bipolar or another mental disorder. Still others will have Borderline personality exclusively.

Borderline personality disorder is difficult to treat. The return of symptoms is a common problem. Many people have difficult relationships with their therapists or doctors. But it is possible to recover from the destructive behaviors of Borderline personality disorder.

When you are diagnosed, you will begin treatment with professional psychotherapy. The first goal of therapy is to help you control destructive behaviors, especially if you are feeling suicidal or self-destructive. When the danger to harm yourself decreases and you are able to function better, treatment will focus on managing your emotions, such as controlling feelings of anger or unhappiness.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Signs zand Symptoms

The symptoms and signs of Chronic fatigue syndrome are:  chronic severe fatigue for at least six months not caused by any disease and other symptoms such as cognitive impairment, muscle pain, joint pains, new types of headaches, tender lymph nodes, sore throat, non-refreshed sleep and depression after exercise, that occur at the same time or after the occurrence of severe fatigue.

Treatment is treating the symptoms patients show.  The prognosis for CFS in adults is only fair to poor; children have a better prognosis with treatment. A healthy lifestyle is the usual advice given.

To be diagnosed the patient must have both of the following:  have severe chronic fatigue for six months or longer with other known medical condition.   They must have four or more of the following symptoms: substantial impairment in short-term memory or concentration; sore throat; tender lymph nodes; muscle pain.  These symptoms include chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, cough, diarrhea, nausea, night sweats, jaw stiffness and pain, muscle stiffness and pain, double vision, and panic attacks, anxiety, and depression.

There is no laboratory test that can give a diagnosis of Chronic fatigue syndrome, and there are no physical signs in particular to identify Chronic fatigue syndrome. Consequently, the disease is diagnosed by excluding all other diseases that may cause the symptoms listed above.   It is not unusual for patients to undergo an extensive battery of tests to rule out other diseases before a patient is determined to have Chronic fatigue syndrome.

In addition, four symptoms of the symptoms listed above the condition must have persisted or recurred for six or more consecutive months. The symptoms must have occurred at the same time or after severe chronic fatigue appeared, but not before.

Treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on symptom relief.  Some treatment includes Antidepressants Many people who have chronic fatigue syndrome are also depressed.  And low doses of some antidepressants also can help improve sleep and relieve pain.  Sleeping pills, if avoiding caffeine does not help you get better rest at night, your doctor might suggest trying prescription sleep aids.

The most effective treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome appears to be psychotherapy with a light exercise program.  Starting slowly with a 30 minute workout; your strength and endurance will improve as you gradually increase the intensity of your exercise over time.

Psychotherapy; Talking with a therapist can help you find options to work around some of the limitations of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Schizophrenia Signs and Symptoms

There is no test that can diagnose schizophrenia. A psychiatrist comes to the diagnosis based on clinical symptoms. What physical testing can do is rule out a lot of other conditions that sometimes have similar symptoms.

People diagnosed with schizophrenia usually experience a combination of symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, racing thoughts, apathy, are deficient in emotion, poor social functioning, and disorganized thoughts, difficulty concentrating and following instructions, difficulty completing tasks, memory problems.  Only a psychiatrist can make a diagnosis and start a treatment program. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please make an appointment with your doctor and/or a psychiatrist.

The first step in getting treatment for schizophrenia is getting a correct diagnosis. This is important The sooner you are diagnosed and receive medication the sooner the recovery; which is the true for all serious illnesses.  Because the symptoms of schizophrenia can be similar at times to other major brain disorders, such as bipolar disorder (manic depression) or even major depression; this may take time. A person with schizophrenia may be paranoid or believe that nothing is wrong with them, and therefore may not want to go to see a doctor so family intervention may be necessary. 

This is a vital part of the treatment and recovery process, as research and anecdotal evidence both confirm that a good patient-doctor relationship can be important for treatment compliance.

If you have a family history of schizophrenia, psychiatric illness, or other serious conditions in your family, it can be a great help to the doctor to have family support.

Schizophrenia is characterized by profound disruption in cognition and emotion, affecting the most fundamental functioning: language, thought, perception, affect, and sense of self. The various symptoms frequently includes psychotic manifestations, such as hearing internal voices or experiencing other sensations not connected to an obvious source, hallucinations and fixed false personal beliefs, delusions.

Types of Schizophrenia

Paranoid schizophrenia - These persons are very suspicious of others and often have grand schemes of persecution.    The hallucinations, and delusions, are a prominent and common part of the illness.

Disorganized schizophrenia - The person is verbally incoherent and may have moods and emotions that are not appropriate to the situation. Hallucinations are not usually present.

Catatonic schizophrenia - The person is extremely withdrawn, negative and isolated, and has marked psychomotor disturbances.

Residual schizophrenia - In this case the person is not currently suffering from delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech and behavior, but lacks motivation and interest in day-to-day living.

Schizoaffective disorder - These people have symptoms of schizophrenia as well as mood disorder such as major depression, bipolar mania, or mixed mania

Because schizophrenia often shares symptoms found in other disorders, misdiagnosis is a common problem.  Knowing the symptoms of these disorders, and how they can be similar and different from schizophrenia, can help prevent a possible misdiagnosis.  Getting a correct diagnosis is necessary for finding a treatment program that works for you.

My Blogs and What I Hope to Accomplish

Hello from wena

When I started my first blog in July of 2011 I never dreamed that I would write 75 which is where it stands now.  I hope that I have accomplished what I tried to do.  Helping people with mental disorders to have more rewarding lives with knowledge of Bipolar disorder.

My goal is to bring information that all people with mental illnesses can use for living a more fulfilling life and to educate the general public about mental health issues.

Any and all comments would be appreciated I am a novice and would love to hear the feedback about the blogs that I write.

If one person ishelped by what I am writing my goal in life is fulfilled.  I plan to branch out into the rest of the psychiatric world with more blogs on more subjects that may be of interest.

Thank you for reading my humble efforts at trying to reeducate the worlde one word at a time.