Health | Disabilities and Disorders

Eating Disorders

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An eating disorder is an extreme way of eating or dealing with food. Many times, eating disorders stem from weight and body issues. An eating disorder can start out just like any addiction–in small quantities at first, and then more and more as time goes on. If you are in Nashville drug treatment or any other treatment programs, you are getting the help you need. If, however, you don’t recognize that there is a problem, evaluate your eating habits and ask friends and family for their opinions. Anorexia nervosa is a disorder in which a person refuses to eat out of fear of gaining weight. A person suffering from anorexia will often not eat or will eat very small amounts of food. Gaining an ounce is cause for concern. Some people with anorexia lose weight by excessively dieting and exercising. Others lose weight by taking laxatives or other diuretics. People with bulimia nervosa will often eat large amounts of food and feel out of control about their eating. After binge eating, these people will often compensate for the extra food by throwing it up, or excessively exercising or fasting. Binge-eating disorder is a condition where a person indulges in binge eating. However, unlike bulimia, people with binge-eating disorder will not purge their food, which often leads to them being overweight or obese. People in this category will often feel guilty and shamed about their out-of-control eating habits. Anyone with an eating disorder should seek treatment immediately before the symptoms turn worse. Eating disorders have killed people before, and they do not discriminate based on race, age, or sex. If you know someone who may have an eating problem, try to confront the person about it. The individual may not realize what her or she is doing and may need to get professional help for the problem

Filed Under: Addiction, Body Fitness, Disabilities Tagged With: Anorexia nervosa, Binge eating, Bulimia nervosa, Eating, Eating disorder, Food, Health, Mental Health

An Overview of Dissociative Disorders

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Dissociative disorders are what happens when someone takes normal, relatively healthy escapism and it goes way too far. Usually, dissociative disorders are defense mechanisms that people have developed to cope with trauma and distance themselves from painful memories and emotions. Dissociative disorders are treated with a variety of tactics. While dissociative disorders are difficult to treat, there are many success stories, and many individuals who function fairly well despite still having the disorders. The major dissociative disorders are dissociative fugue, dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder, and depersonalization disorder.

Common symptoms of dissociative disorders include partial memory loss, depression, and anxiety. Dissociative disorders are usually developed out of childhood trauma, most often a home environment that is very frightening and/or unpredictable for one reason or another. Potential causes include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; natural disasters, invasive medical procedures, or torture. In much more rare instances, an adult may develop a disorder like this after severe trauma. As with many disorders that develop in the wake of traumatic events, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible after trauma to prevent a full blown disorder from developing.

Dissociative disorders are also associated with a number of other psychological problems and disorders, including self-mutilation, anxiety disorders, extremely bad headaches, sexual dysfunction(including avoidance or addiction), sleep disorders, eating disorders, and serious problems with having relationships or a career. Dissociative reactions can cause others to think the individual suffering from the disorder is unreliable. Usually the person with a dissociative disorder has a great deal of difficulty dealing with stress in relationships or professional situations.

The main treatment used for dissociative disorders is therapy. Cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, and art therapy are all common modes of treatment. Drugs or hypnosis may also be used, but if you choose to undergo hypnosis, it’s very important to find a competent therapist who will be careful about the possibility of implanting false memories.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Depersonalization disorder, Disorders, Dissociative, Dissociative disorder, Dissociative identity disorder, Health, Mental Health, Psychotherapy

Teens and Prescription Medication Safety

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There are many different ways for people of all ages to abuse prescription drugs. Recent studies show that as many as 1 out of 5 teens have abused prescription medication by loaning a prescribed drug to a friend or borrowing a drug from someone they know. A study published recently in the “Journal of Adolescent Health” based its conclusions on a survey of nearly 600 kids across the country between the ages of 12 and 17.

With more and more teens getting prescriptions to battle disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder, the pool of available drugs to share or swap with friends is fairly deep. There are many concerns associated with this type of prescription drug abuse, according to doctors, including the potential for side effects, addiction and withdrawal symptoms. For example, a stimulant like Adderall may be prescribed for a teen diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD. Some of the side effects with Adderall include increased heart rate and blood pressure. When prescribed by a doctor, the side effects are explained to the patient and family, who immediately report any issues to the doctor. However, when the drug is given away, there is usually no knowledge or concern about side effects.

Parents can take a number of measures to reduce the potential of teen prescription drug abuse, experts say. Perhaps most important is that parents should store and maintain control of any prescription drugs, giving out only daily doses. In addition, parents should take some time to explain the risks associated with prescription medication – the potential side effects their children should be aware of and the potential dangers faced by someone else taking a drug that isn’t prescribed to them by a doctor. This information should be shared with any relative who looks after the teen in addition to the parents.

Filed Under: Addiction, Body Fitness, Disabilities, Drugs Tagged With: Adderall, Adolescence, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Health, Oxycodone, Prescription drug, Substance abuse, United States

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

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Childhood disintegrative disorder is also known as Heller’s syndrome, and it is an autistic spectrum disorder. With this particular autistic spectrum disorder, a child will develop on schedule until they are two to four years old, and then suffer a severe regression in social skills, communication skills, and some other faculties. In contrast to autism, childhood disintegrative disorder tends to present itself later than autism and involve a more dramatic regression in development. It’s also less common than autism. Treatment can involve medication and a variety of behavioral therapies.

When children have childhood disintegrative disorder, they loose skills in at least two major arenas. Potential areas of skill loss include language skills, ability to play, motor skills, social skills, and bowel control. This traveling backwards through development can happen in as little as a few days, or can take months. Any loss of established development is cause to worry about a child’s health, and you should consult your doctor about it if you see any of these symptoms in your child. If you go to the doctor to ask about symptoms of childhood disintegrative disorder, try to make sure you have a clear record with you of all the symptoms and regressions you have witnessed. The records of developmental screenings from at well-child visits will be invaluable here.

The cause of childhood disintegrative disorder is unknown. There is likely a genetic factor, and some speculate that the disintegration is caused by an autoimmune response, in which the body attacks itself. The disorder may be caused by a gene that must be triggered by exposure to something in the environment, like a toxin. Childhood disintegrative disorder is often found alongside several other conditions, including lipid storage diseases and tuberous sclerosis, in which benign brain tumors grow. However, the causative relationship between these disorders is unknown.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Autism, Autism spectrum, Child, Childhood disintegrative disorder, Disorders, Health, Mental Health, Neurodevelopmental

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

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Generalized anxiety disorder can start in childhood or adulthood, but often it starts when the person who suffers from it is very young. Medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and various other coping skills can reduce the impact of generalized anxiety disorder. The severity of the disorder, and the particular symptoms manifest, can vary a lot from case to case. Some symptoms include constant worry, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, sweating and stomach problems, and tachycardia. People who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder may feel anxious even when they aren’t worried about anything in particular. Many people with generalized anxiety disorder simply never feel relaxed.

This disorder is difficult to treat, and relapses are especially common in times of stress. It may be possible to relieve the anxiety, but that relief may require the patient to remain in treatment to be maintained. Generalized anxiety disorder often coexists with other mental disorders, such as mood disorders or clinical depression. Children who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder may worry about anything from natural disasters or their performance in school. Often such children will be perfectionist and especially anxious for peer approval. It may be easier to treat anxiety disorders if treatment is started early in the course of the disorder. Causes of generalized anxiety disorder are not well understood, but probably include both environmental and genetic factors.

Women are more than twice as likely to have this disorder as men are, and certain personality types are at much greater risk than others. Childhood trauma and abuse are risk factors, and so are severe illness, substance abuse, and severe stress. Generalized anxiety disorder can exacerbate or cause depression and insomnia, as well as substance abuse problems, headaches, and digestive problems. Medications used to treat the disorder include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. Recommended lifestyle changes may involve being very careful about sleep, diet, and regular exercise.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Anxiety, Anxiety disorder, Disorders, Generalized anxiety disorder, Health, Mental disorder, Mental Health, Substance abuse

An Overview of Personality Disorders

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Personality disorders are mental illnesses wherein the sufferer has accurately understanding situations and relating to people–including his or her self. Generally, personality disorders entail rigid patterns of thought and behavior, rather than adaptability to various situations. Common symptoms include poor impulse control, social isolation, substance abuse, frequent mood changes, a strong mistrust of other people, and a focus on instant gratification. Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters, based on symptomatology. Many people who suffer from one personality disorder have at least some overlapping symptoms with another disorder.

Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by eccentric patterns of thought and behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, and schizotypal personality disorder. Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by the over-influence of drama and strong emotion. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder. Lastly, cluster C personality disorders are heavily characterized by anxiety. They include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive personality disorder. Obsessive compulsive personality disorder isn’t to be confused as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which is classed as an anxiety disorder, not a personality disorder.

Personality forms during childhood, and is based on a combination of genetic and experiential factors. As with many psychological disorders, it is thought likely that individuals with personality disorders were born with the genes that made their disorders possible, and then experienced environmental situations which caused the disorders to actually happen. Personality disorders are thought to generally start in childhood, but are seldom diagnosed in childhood for fear of misdiagnosing based on something that is merely a phase. Risk factors for these disorders include a family history of mental illness, a chaotic or unstable early home, loss of one or both parents at a young age, poverty, neglect, and physical, sexual, or emotional abuse during childhood. Personality disorders can cause or compound numerous other problems, including disordered eating, depression, and child abuse.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Avoidant personality disorder, Disorders, Health, Mental Health, Obsessive–compulsive disorder, Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder, Personality, Personality disorder

Finding an Alcohol Treatment Center That’s Right for You

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Anyone who’s struggling to win over an addiction to alcohol knows that alcoholism can be a serious disorder. It’s also often considered a disability in that it hinders your chances of getting and keeping a good job, having a happy family life, and doing all of the other things that the average person would be interested in. It can also be very expensive — both financially and emotionally — and can take a toll on your physical and mental health. If you need treatment to handle your disability from alcohol, don’t give up on getting the help you need. There are many alcohol treatment center options out there for you to explore.

Some of them may be a better fit than others — especially if you have another disorder or disability in addition to your alcohol problems. That can compound the issue, give you a perceived “reason” to drink, and stop you from feeling as though you have the same level of worth as other people who don’t share your struggles. Getting treatment for all of your issues and concerns can help you look at your life in a much healthier way, which can help you want to get clean and stop drinking.

Most problems with alcohol come about because of anxiety, depression, and poor self-image. It’s also believed that there might be a genetic component to alcoholism, and that’s still being argued in many circles. Regardless of the reasons behind it, learning how to look ahead toward a happy, healthy future can make a real difference in someone’s desire to stop drinking. It won’t fix the problem overnight, but someone who wants to conquer their disabilities, address their disorders, and stop using alcohol to mask them has a lot better chance of seeing success. So make the decision to get help for you addiction today . . . for a better tomorrow.

Filed Under: Addiction, Health Tips Tagged With: Alcoholism, Health, Mental Health

Unconventional Ways of Dealing With Depression

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Major depressive disorder wreaks havoc on individuals, families, and futures. On top of this, it is grotesquely unpleasant to experience. If you are unable to enjoy things you once loved, are obsessed with self hatred, have disturbed sleep patterns, and think often about suicide, there’s a great chance you have major depressive disorder. If this is the case, please, please seek help. If you have only some of these symptoms, you may still want to get yourself checked out. There are even many community clinics and free hotlines to make help available to those who think they can’t afford it. However, if you find yourself truly without other options, or (more likely) if your depression is of a milder breed, here are some scientifically researched methods for helping you climb out of your rut.

1) Reduce stress. Some depression is chemical, but much of it is acute depression–or in other words, a reasonable response to very trying circumstances. Mild depression can usually be improved by reducing pressure from long-term stressors in your life and then having a little patience. Take a close look at your time management and your money management. If you possibly can, make sure you have a little of each to spend on yourself.

2) Invest in friends. Research shows that even people who think of themselves as loners are happier in company. Make the time to make good friends, and to be a good friend; to meet friends, sit in on classes or join groups that deal in things that interest you. Or, volunteer.

3) Invest in pets. There’s a reason they’ve started using these to help cheer up cancer patients and calm down autistic kids.

4) Give service or do something hard. It will help you appreciate yourself, and build self respect. Particularly if you volunteer, it will help other people appreciate you too. This is an old standby of ecclesiastical counseling that therapists have started recommending too.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Articles and Research, Depression, Disorders, Health, Major depressive disorder, Mental Health, Mood, Support Groups

An Overview of Adjustment Disorders

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Adjustment disorders are a class of stress-based mental illnesses. Common symptoms are anxiety, difficulty concentrating, nervousness, sadness, insomnia, impulsive or apathetic behavior, and depression. Severe cases may be suicidal. When symptoms of an adjustment disorder go on for six months or less, the disorder is considered to be acute. When symptoms of one of these disorders goes on for longer than six months, it’s considered to be chronic. When someone is suffering from an adjustment disorder, the stress from a difficult transition has a major impact on parts of their life that, at first glance, have little to do with that transition.

Adjustment disorders manifest differently in adolescents. In adults, adjustment disorders can often be treated successfully in only months; for teenagers, the time span is often longer. Adolescent males tend to experience adjustment disorders at equal rates to adolescent females. By contrast, among adults males account for only fifty percent of the cases. Co-morbidity is different among adolescents as well; teenagers with adjustment disorders are at risk for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and antisocial personality disorder. In contrast, adults with adjustment disorders are at risk for depression, suicidal behavior, and substance abuse.

Like most mental illnesses, the causes of adjustment disorders are thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include difficult life experience, experience with war and extreme violence, and mental health problems besides attachment disorders. People with poor coping skills and/or a weak social support network are far more likely to develop an adjustment disorder. Events that might trigger the onset of an adjustment disorder include retirement, physical assault, divorce, the death of a loved one, a natural disaster, or anything else that constitutes a major life change. There are six forms of adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorders are typically treated with a combination of therapy and medication.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Adjustment disorder, Adolescence, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Disorders, Health, Mental disorder, Mental Health

Depersonalization Disorder

Depersonalization disorder is based on a certain sense of distance from one’s own person. Individuals who suffer from this disorder feel like things around them aren’t real. Sometimes they have the sensation that they’re observing themselves from outside the confines of their own bodies. The sensations of depersonalization are described as both dreamlike and disturbing; they include a sense of detachment from one’s own actions, and a strong emotional disconnect from people the patient is close to. There will often be a sense that one’s body parts are distorted, and There can be a sense of loosing one’s grip on reality, although individuals who suffer from depersonalization disorder do know that the sensations they are experiencing aren’t real.

Experiences of depersonalization are commonplace, but for most people they pass. For people who suffer from depersonalization disorder, these sensations are repeating, or they may not ever leave. They are also emotionally problematic, and they’re severe enough to interfere with relationships, careers, and daily life. Depersonalization experiences can actually be triggered by the fear of depersonalization experiences. They can also occur with no trigger at all, or they might be triggered by an event that’s perceived as life-threatening. Depersonalization disorder is strongly correlated with schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders.

People are at an increased risk of depersonalization disorder if they’ve seen or been in a life threatening experience. It’s also a disorder that seems to strike primarily young adults, starting as young as the late teens; cases with children or older adults are rare. Depersonalization disorder can make someone afraid to be alone, and very clingy with those they trust. It can also make those who suffer from it afraid to leave home, and create serious problems when they try to focus or concentrate. Like most psychological disorders, depersonalization disorder is usually treated with counseling and medication.

Filed Under: Disabilities Tagged With: Anxiety disorder, Depersonalization, Depersonalization disorder, Disorders, Health, Mental disorder, Mental Health, Somatoform