Normal Stress Versus Anxiety Disorders - When Should You Call For Help?
Normal Stress Versus Anxiety Disorders - When Should You Call For Help? by Stephen A Daniels
Everyone has experienced symptoms of stress at one time or another. Speaking in public, taking a final exam, planning a wedding, and many other situations can bring on stress for just about everyone. The symptoms of stress can vary, but commonly include a pounding heart, perspiration, upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and insomnia. Under normal health conditions these symptoms subside once the situation ends.
Psychiatrists believe there are anxiety disorders which are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or excessive environmental stress. This syndrome can be characterized by continual apprehension and fretting that begins to interfere with your life and relationships. When this occurs, it may be out of your control and time to seek professional help.
If you cannot help yourself from experiencing excessive, constant worry about everyday issues like work, health, school and relationships, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Another common characteristic is frequent dread over unlikely “what if” scenarios. Seeking treatment for this condition is important, especially if it has been ongoing for several months.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the term used for social phobias. If you often experience strong feelings of apprehension or even panic in social situations, or the idea of meeting even one new person typically sends you into paroxysms of dread, it’s wise to discuss these symptoms with a physician.
Some people have frequent “panic attacks,” where the above symptoms come on suddenly and forcefully. Panic attacks are a characteristic of most of these illnesses, but if you have them one or more times a day, you may be affected by panic disorder (PD).
Uncontrollable, and often irrational, angst about a specific topic or topics are called “obsessions.” Those who have obsessive thoughts may engage in repetitive activities, “compulsions,” to reduce their worry. These two symptoms comprise obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For instance, a person may have constant thoughts that they are contaminated, and thus may bathe repeatedly but never feel clean. If you find yourself suffering from obsessive thoughts or repetitive behaviors that interfere with your ability to lead a normal life, a physician can offer help and hope.
Most people are aware of post traumatic stress (PTSD) as it relates to war veterans, but this condition can affect anyone who has experienced a highly traumatic event. If you are unable to keep yourself from replaying a troubling event from your past again and again in your mind, or experience frequent nightmares or even flashbacks, you do not have to continue to live with this pain alone. There are many support groups and treatment options available to help.
It is important to note that these conditions may manifest themselves differently than how they are described here. A person may exhibit symptoms for more than one of these ailments. Clinical depression symptoms can be present along with other symptoms, as these types of conditions are strongly related. Only qualified professionals should diagnose and treat these serious illnesses.
If you are diagnosed with any of the above illnesses, your counselor or psychiatrist may use a number of techniques, like positive self talk or breathing exercises, to help you learn to cope with your condition. Psychiatric medication may be prescribed to help treat the chemical imbalance in the brain. There are many different medications available, and it may be necessary for you to try several before your physician can identify the one that works best.
These conditions can be overwhelming and devastating for both the afflicted person and their family. However, with the right treatment and perhaps with medication as well, many of those who suffer from these conditions are able to lead happy, productive lives.
In the Las Vegas area, check out www.drzedek.com, an award winning psychiatrist, for help with anxiety and/or other mental health related issues. Dr. Zedek is a nationally recognized psychiatrist who is devoted to helping patients resolve issues and learn coping skills. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services
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