Sunday, November 30, 2008

Narcissism-NPD - Are You Stuck In A Corrosive Relationship and Don't Know Why?

Narcissism is a personality disorder that has struggled to gain acceptance in Western society. It is now known that at least 1% of American Society is affected by narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

Have you ever thought in your relationship any of the following?

• You no longer knew what was true and a lie.

• You feel emotionally battered.

• Your confidence is in shreds.

• You feel the person you had been has been sucked out of you by bullying and manipulation of a partner.

If so then maybe you are with some one who maybe has NPD. NPD is particularly prevalent in those that are driven and ambitious. Those suffering from NPD may on the outside appear to be secure with normal values and objectives. A person will with NPD will be whatever you want them to be – as long as it suits them, then you will find yourself suddenly in exile, and left perplexed, blaming yourself for what you’ve apparently done wrong. a person with NPD can at one moment make you the centre of attention however will more likely try to undermine you. At the same time, whatever traits your partner finds attractive – and therefore threatening to their own sense of superiority – they will set out to destroy.

Narcissism's when it is extreme are hugely destructive to anyone around it and is a form of emotional abuse. Narcissists play subtle, long-term psychological game that is truly deadly to the other person’s psyche.

What Exactly Is NPD?

Narcissism affects men more than women. A person with NPD is spectacularly lacking in curiosity or concern for others, but can easily stimulate both if it ensures the continuation of what psychiatrists call “narcissistic supply” of uncritical admiration and adoration.

How can you differentiate between a badly behaved rogue who may really love you – and a man, or women who has become highly skilled in camouflaging their lack of authentic emotion?

Here is a little test

If a person displays five or more of the following traits, they are likely to have narcissistic tendencies.

• A grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized a superior without commensurate achievements)

• Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love.

• Believes that he or she is ‘”special” and unique, and can only be understood by, or should be associate with, other special or high status people (or institutions).

• Requires excessive admiration.

• Has a sense of entitlement, i.e. unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.

• Is interpersonally exploitive, i.e. takes advantage of others to achieve his or her ends.

• Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feeling and needs of others.

• Are often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.

• Shows arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes.

Don’t be alarmed if you have some narcissistic tendencies they can be healthy and life-preserving however if you have too many of the above characteristics then it may make you to be corrosive to be around.

Can it Be Treated?

In treatment people with NPD are divided into two groups. In one are “pure” or thick-skinned narcissists. They trigger for NPD can start in childhood where these people were probably spoilt and weren't given boundaries. In the second group are thick-skinned narcissists who have grown up feeling unloved and unlovable (and as a result shut off their emotions). Most therapists say the former are impossible to help; the latter may respond to therapy however if there isn’t any change in a year then the chances of success are very low. The person with NPD will constantly try to prove they are superior to the therapist; that the professional knows nothing.

Unfortunately most psychiatrists when asked what should a person do if his or her partner has NPD say “leave”. The children of narcissists may find themselves attracted to narcissist, because they have had early training.

In conclusion

Narcissism is not widely recognized but really can be debilitating to any person who partner suffers from this disorder. If you have invested in your choice of partner, denial about that behaviour is easy. You may also believe it is your fault that you can’t reach them. However learning about NPD may allow you to put together pieces of a relationship that had not fitted before. If you live with someone who has this disorder, whatever you do will not be enough. It may be hard to except but being the partner of a narcissist is like being infiltrated like acid. If you fail to erect defenses they will take over. Acceptance of a problem is the first step and then therapy is the only course of action but be warned the chances of recovery are low.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

What Are The Medicines For Headaches?

To read an updated version of headache medicines and more tips about headache types visit Relieve My Headaches.

Headache medicine is commonly prescribed to treat the pain frequently attributed to tension and stress headaches. These headaches can become a daily nuisance for patients, striking daily and detracting from quality of life. In some cases, headaches become a very real impediment to daily functioning. It is important to treat these headaches promptly, so as to restore both quality of life and easy daily functioning.

Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, aleve, and acetaminaphen can do a great deal to alleviate headache pain. In some situations, more powerful headache medicine could be required to cure the issue. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can typically help in a significant fashion to reduce headache pain, but sometimes more serious measures must be taken. Triptans are a more powerful family of headache medicine, and are usually prescribed to sufferers of migraine headaches. Hormonal headaches can potentially be a cause of severe headache pain. This kind of headache can be attributed to fluctuating hormone levels. Ibuprofen and Aleve are oftentimes effective in these cases.

Sinus problems are another potential source of severe headache pain. Under these circumstances, sinus pressure that builds up behind the nasal cavity causes an uncomfortable sensation. In severe cases, the nasal cavity becomes the site of an infection. When this happens, the pain can be quite severe. A persistent pain behind the eyes is a good sign of such an infection, as is any swelling or blood discharge from the nose. Decongestants, nasal sprays, and antibiotics can all act as effective treatments of are all good treatments for sinus infections, and may be necessary headache medicine.

In addition to headache medicine, prevention is an important part of treating frequent headaches. Primary headaches are by far the most typical kind of headache, and occur due to added tension or stress, either physical or emotional. Stress management can be an effective way to treat headaches, thereby helping to prevent them. Stress and tension headaches commonly begin as a feeling of tightness behind the eyes. This can act as a definite signal to take preventative measures. Regular anti-inflammatories are typically a decent treatment when headaches begin to develop. Further treatment can include biofeedback, or massage therapy.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Tension Headache - What Are The Symptoms For Tension Headaches?

{For an updated version of tension headache symptoms and more advice about headache types go to Relieve My Headaches~For more info about headache types and an updated version about tension headache symptoms visit Relieve My Headaches}.

A tension headache can occur in anyone, and happens often to many people, and is almost always a non-life threatening situation. Even so, these tension headaches can be very painful under some circumstances}. A tension headache [is placed in the primary headache category by the medical community, putting it in the most common categorization. Tension headache symptoms include a sensation of tightness about the temples. This tightness can usually be described as a "band" around the head. This feeling of tightness typically forms gradually as a painful sensation over the span of a few hours.

This pain can range widely in intensity, although it is usually described as fairly mild. Tension headache symptoms can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, and the exact causes remain a mystery. It is widely held that stressful physical and emotional situations can lead to a tension headache. Tension headache symptoms emerge frequently when the patient is faced with trying situations, and can develop quickly. The headache usually starts out as a feeling of general tightness in the skull, developing into a painful experience.

Treatment for tension headache symptoms is fairly simple, and can normally be accomplished with affordable over the counter medications. Any number of pain relievers typically work well enough to relieve tension headache symptoms. Pain relievers such as Aleve and Ibuprofin are well suited to overcoming tension headache symptoms. Primary headaches usually happen on a random basis. Regular headaches are sometimes a sign of another issue at play, and should be checked out with a doctor. Tension headache symptoms normally emerge when the patient undergoes physical or emotional stress. Headaches occuring frequently and without provocation are cause for a visit to a specialist. This is especially true when symptoms present on a chronic basis.

More serious tension headache symptoms can include severe pain, focusing behind one or more eye. If the pain should become intolerable and results in a runny eye or nose, this may be a sign of a cluster headache. Cluster headaches present as an extremely painful sensation behind the eye. This sensation is sometimes powerful enough to trigger an emotional crisis. Immediate medical care should be sought in these situations, as the pain can become excruciating.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Cluster Headache Treatment - About Cluster Headache Treatment

For more advice about headache types and an updated version about cluster headaches treatment visit Relieve My Headaches.

For a small portion of sufferers, cluster headaches can cause severe pain with little warning. Cluster headaches can strike seemingly random intervals, for which the name "cluster" is given. Patients can go years without a single cluster headache, and suddenly suffer them for days or weeks at a time. The cause behind cluster headaches remains a mystery, although it is thought that stress, alcohol, and drugs can all play a role in promoting an attack. Even without these factors, however, a series of cluster headaches can befall a patient at any time in their life. A cluster headache can be easily identified by the pain level.

A sufferer of a cluster headache will often have a runny nose or eyes. The pain tends to focus behind one eye, and can be explained as like having an icepick driven into the eye. This extremely uncomfortable sensation can become very intense, often times resulting in a pain crisis. The pain is often intense enough to trigger great emotional stress. Immediate treatment is very important. Sedatives and pain killers can do a great deal to mitigate the devastating pain frequently associated with a cluster headache.

Cluster headache treatment is a difficult process because of the seemingly random nature of their attacks. Instead of a lifelong regimen of medication, cluster headache treatment is typically limited to lifestyle choices. Avoiding drugs and alcohol is an important first step in avoiding a triggering of cluster headaches. Although prevention is difficult, cluster headache treatment can reduce the pain of the first attack significantly.

Frequent cluster headaches are a definite sign that a visit to the doctor is in order. Although cluster headaches may happen totally at random, they may sometimes be a sign of a deeper neurological issue. If this is the case, patients should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some forms of stress management can also help to reduce cluster headache occurence. Although the role of stress in cluster headache treatment is not certain, it is known to play a role in other headaches, and could potentially have an effect on the cluster variety of headaches. Significant emotional stress is known to cause a variety of physiological symptoms, and could play an important role in cluster headaches as well.

Headaches - Causes Migraine Headaches

For an updated version about what causes migraine headaches and more information about headache types go to Relieve My Headaches.

Migraine headaches can be debilitating issue that interferes severely with daily functioning and quality of life. Preventing and treating migraine headaches, however, can be done effectively with a wide range of both over the counter and prescription drugs. The exact causes of migraine headaches are still something of a mystery in the medical community, but it is widely held that serotonin levels in the brain play a significant role in the formation of migraine headaches. Low serotonin levels can frequently lead to a migraine headache episode.

A migraine headache can oftentimes be accompanied by an "aura." An aura occurs with what are called classic migraine headaches. In a classic migraine attack, the sufferer may experience changes in vision, such as strange colors or spots that develop. Tenderness in the scalp is usually a sign of a developing migraine episode. Mood swings are also common, such as depression or irritability. These subtle symptoms can begin developing as much as a full day before the onset of a migraine attack. The following migraine headaches are typically fairly intense, but do not last very long.

Common migraine headaches are a more prolonged variation of the problem, and can last for long periods of time. This can be seriously debilitating, and can be a real impediment to daily life. Fortunately, many medications exist to alleviate migraine pain. Sleep and plenty of fluids are crucial factors in migraine episode prevention. During an attack, go to a quiet and dimly lit area. Use a cold compress to reduce the tension, and massage the scalp with a fair amount of pressure. Stress is believed to be one of the top causes of migraine headaches, and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.

Some foods are also believed to be behind causes of migraine headaches. Physicians recommend, for example, that sufferers consider avoiding red wine altogether. Canned and processed meat are also known as frequent causes of migraine headaches. Causes of migraine headaches can also include excess amounts of caffeine, aged cheese, or cultured dairy products. If you suffer regular migraine headaches, see a physician for a full list of foods and beverages that should be avoided.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Why Do You Experience Clinical Depression

When you hear the term Clinical Depression, what comes to mind?  Clinical Depression is a serious condition. The way you feel, act, and even think can all be impacted by this illness. Like other conditions it is a disease and doesn't make you a loser. A lot of patients find it difficult to cope with this depression. It is a condition that must be addressed. It's not easy to live the same way as always. It may be that once interesting activities now seem bland and a waste of time. Remorse and long term feelings of hopelessness result from Clinical Depression. This sickness will not simply disappear. You won't feel sad for a few days and then just get over it. Clinical Depression is long term.

Every part of your normal life can be impacted by Clinical Depression. A change in thought patterns and confusion are common. Your will is no longer your own as this condition affects your very behaviors and moods. You can also experience eating and sleeping disorders that will turn your life upside down. Where you once may have been able to do your work or study for school without any hesitation you may quickly lose the ability to do so. Clinical Depression will target the way you deal with people. You will find that you often do not feel like yourself. Thus, it is important to look for remedies in coping depression.

Clinical Depression is not a personal problem like always being late or being lazy. It is not an illness that you can wish gone out of your life. There are no quick fixes like the power of positive thinking. It requires a medical treatment that can go on for weeks, months or years. People have been known to attempt suicide if this condition isn't treated. In many cases you may feel you know why you are depressed. However, this illness is complex and can be caused by many different factors. A group of issues typically work together to result in Clinical Depression. Your psyche, genetic factors, or even the environment might contribute. 

Chemical imbalances that work on the brain and other biological factors can result in Clinical Depression. This disease can also be caused by stress. Your psychological condition can be affected greatly by stress at school or at work. Financial worries like how you will pay your bills can certainly have a disastrous effect on your system. Clinical Depression can even result from abuse of alcohol or drugs. You just wish that you can cure depression quickly. Don't hesitate to consult a medical professional if you or anyone you know shows signs of this disease.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Asperger's Syndrome

autism book

Causes and Diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome

Despite research, a cause has not been found yet for Asperger's Syndrome (AS). There does seem to be a genetic link for the syndrome as many family members have behavioral symptoms similar to AS for example individuals in the family tree who have been know to be eccentric or odd. Research points to the probability that all autism spectrum disorders have shared genetic mechanisms, with those suffering from AS having stronger genetic components than those who have been diagnosed with autism. There have been a few studied cases where there has been an exposure to teratogens (agents that cause birth defects) during the first few weeks following conception. There is also some theory regarding environmental factors but these have not been confirmed by scientific studies.

Individuals with AS appear to have some affected areas of functional brain systems. Certain Neuroanatomical studies and the evidence of certain cases of teratogen exposure during fetal development suggest that there may be a connection with some kind of alteration of brain function in the neural circuits that control and individual's thought pattern and behavior.

There has been one study showing that there is an activation delayed in the core circuit for imitation in those who suffer from AS. This study, "Abnormal imitation-related cortical activation sequences in Asperger's Syndrome was conducted and reported on by Nishitani N, Avikainen S, Hari R in 2004.

Others theories are ascertaining whether or not there is possible serotonin dysfunction or cerebellar dysfuntion.

Developmental screening is important during routine check-ups by pediatricians to identify early signs of developmental differences, which can be seen as early as 30 months. Screening instruments that have been utilized to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome are the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS), the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ), the Childhood Asperger Syndrome Test (CAST), the Gilliam Asperger's Disorder Scale (GADS), the Krug Asperger's Disorder Index (KADI), and also the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Although these are screening tests none of them has been shown to reliably tell the difference between Asperger's Syndrome and other similar ASDs.

There is a standardized criterion that must be met when diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome and U.S. criteria also requires that there be a significant impairment in the day-to-day ability to function.

The International Standard Criteria for diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome include:

Impairment in social interactions

Repetitive and Stereotyped patterns of behavior, activities and in interests that are noted without any significant delay in either language or cognitive development.

Typically the diagnosis is made when a child is between the ages of 4 and 11. General assessments and neurological assessments are made using cognitive, psychomotor function, verbal and non-verbal assessments.

Misdiagnosis is common and can have a traumatic effect on the individual and on the family members. When misdiagnosed the incorrect medication can worsen behavior. If there has not been any diagnosis made or a misdiagnosis, which is not caught until adulthood then diagnosing correctly, the existence of Asperger's Syndrome is made more difficult because the expression of Asperger's Syndrome changes with age. Misdiagnoses include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADSD). Another common delay in diagnosing Asperger's Syndrome is the cost of assessments.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

How To Best Chronic Depression

Dysthymia is another name for chronic depression.  This illness can be serious although not as severe as bouts with Major Depression.  Someone you know may have chronic depression and you would not know it. Usually someone with this disease can live a regular life. They go to work or school and go about their daily lives without as much as causing a ripple in the water.  Of course it's invisible to the outside world because the damage from this illness are on the inside. There are both physical and mental results from this disease. 

Shaking, dizziness, or a fever won't result from Chronic Depression. A rash won't break out on your body. But you may well feel helplessness, worthlessness and hopelessness. The afflicted may experience problems with sleep patterns like insomnia. The sufferer might be consumed by constant feelings of sadness and emptiness. Typically the afflicted can also have episodes of considering death or suicide. Chronic depression isn't always apparent. With mental illness it requires a close look and a lot of experience to recognize the symptoms because victims work hard to conceal the problem. Fighting depression this way is to avoid questioning from friends and family.

When you are dealing with depression there are a few major options for treatment.  Psychotherapy, attacking a mental illness with a mental solution, is one of the more popular approaches. The patient can find a positive outlook, with Psychotherapy, with the help of a doctor who attempts to determine the cause of the depression.  The other option is to prescribe Anti-Depressants that will assist in slowing of the affliction.  Both Psychotherapy and drugs are generally combined to treat chronic depression.  Major Depression is often a result of Chronic Depression. Therefore, as in with any illness, early detection of the illness cannot be underestimated. 

Normally, Chronic Depression becomes a problem when it gets to the point that the illness begins to cause problems in everyday life. When your employment or social life begins to feel the impact of the change in your personality then action must be taken.  Chronic Depression doesn't mean people afflicted are ready for the funny farm. Care and support are needed to address the underlying issues. Everyone is vulnerable to the possibility of confronting this illness. Having knowledge about it may one day assist you or someone you know in facing it.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety Attack Symptoms

Anxiety or panic attacks are sudden periods of intense anxiety, fear and discomfort. While these attacks might seem to happen for no reason, they’re actually the body’s response to what it perceives to determine the need for fight or flight.

The attacks usually last about ten minutes, but can be as short as one minute. However, there are some severe cases where they occur in cycles. Anxiety attacks cycles can last for various extended amounts of time. They can also make a person feel a strong sense of nervous anticipation between each occurrence.

Physical symptoms of anxiety attacks generally include shortness of breath, heart palpitations and sweating. The bodies extremities are often effected and a person can experience headaches, nausea dizziness and the feeling of being lightheaded. This is the bodies way of fighting back and protecting itself from what it perceives to be a threat to it.

Sudden feelings of fear can often be one of the key triggers for anxiety attacks. In response, the body releases adrenaline followed by increases in the heart and breathing rate and production of sweat (to regulate body temperature). These actions prepare the body for the physical activities of fighting or escaping. People often do not need to fight or escape a situation once a panic attack occurs and therefore the body’s reaction causes the discomforts of physical pain.

The heart palpitations are brought on by the increased heart rate. When that happens, a person can hyperventilate due to rapid breathing, causing a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide levels in the bodies blood and lungs. This leads to the tingling, numbness, dizziness and lightheadedness. The rapid heart rate, raises the adrenaline and that effects the blood vessels by causing them to narrow, which in turn effects the amount of blood that is able to get up to the brain. After understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety attacks, you should learn to breathe properly if an attack occurs, which will help you to take steps in controlling them; you owe it to yourself to learn ways to do this and get to the root of the problem!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Anxiety Panic And Stress

Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety is a physiological state that is caused by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). SNS is active on the sympathetic tone base level and stressful situations can increase it’s activity. A person will experience a reaction to either ’fight or flight’, the situation. However, people can have anxiety that is not triggered by outer situations. Anxiety is often based on irrational or illogical fears.

Panic is related to the "fight or flight" mechanism. Panic is generated from the sympathetic nervous system much like anxiety however, it is initiated by external situations. It is generally a unexpected rise of fear, that dictates to the brain on how to react. This is a stronger defense response the body has in place to help protect itself from a perceivably life threatening or harmful situation. Panic can result from an anxiety state, that a person starts to think about.

Stress symptoms are a psychosocial reaction. It’s influenced by the way a person filters nonthreatening external events. It can develop based on a person’s expectations, assumptions and ideas. These assumptions, ideas and expectations can be referred to as social constructionist, or social constructivism is a sociological and psychological theory of knowledge that considers how social phenomena develop in particular social contexts.

Panic and stress both play important roles in the natural survival instinct. The preparations for ’fight or flight’ are the body’s defense mechanisms. Preparing for which ever course of action is decided upon to preserve life, health or whatever is in danger.

Anxiety doesn’t always stem from fear or defensive action. Escaping situations that make us feel anxious may bring relief, but these feelings are intensified when we face similar situations causing anxiety. It is not healthy to work through a situation where anxiety is the byproduct of being there and you should be careful not to remain a that type of environment situation.

Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety Attack Symptoms

If you have ever experienced an panic or anxiety attacks, then you know how quick and intense the sensation of fear can be. It may appear as though they can occur for no real reason, the truth is that they are the body’s inherent response to something that it perceives to be harmful or dangerous.

The attacks usually last about ten minutes, but can be as short as one minute. In severe cases, these attacks can happen in cycles. These cycles may last for extended periods. They can also make a person feel a strong sense of nervous anticipation between each occurrence.

Physical symptoms of anxiety attacks generally include shortness of breath, heart palpitations and sweating. Tingling and numbness in the extremities, dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches and nausea are also commonly experienced. This is the bodies way of fighting back and protecting itself from what it perceives to be a threat to it.

Sudden feelings of fear can often be one of the key triggers for anxiety attacks. In response, the body releases adrenaline followed by increases in the heart and breathing rate and production of sweat (to regulate body temperature). These actions prepare the body for the physical activities of fighting or escaping. Because the anticipated strenuous activity rarely follows the panic attack, these reactions result in physical discomfort.

The increased heart rate is felt as heart palpitations. Rapid breathing (hyperventilation) results in a drop in carbon dioxide levels in the lungs and blood. This leads to the tingling, numbness, dizziness and lightheadedness. The adrenaline causes a narrowing of the blood vessels which results in less blood flow to the head. After understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety attacks, you should learn to breathe properly if an attack occurs, which will help you to take steps in controlling them; you owe it to yourself to learn ways to do this and get to the root of the problem!

How To Cope With Bipolar Disorder

anxiety disorders

Have you ever felt that your everyday behavior is beyond your control? Can your behavior go from extremely happy to really sad all within the same day? If you have ever experienced these drastic mood swings, then there is a good chance you may be suffering from a bipolar disorder. Being bipolar is a common diagnosis today and if you feel as though you may have the illness, then this article should help, as it will explain the symptoms of the disorder and what you should do about it.

Usually, the symptoms of being bipolar show up in the early to late twenties, although when a person is diagnosed they can often look back and see behaviors in their childhood that could be explained by the illness. Basically, having this disorder means you experience an abnormally elevated mood, called mania, followed by a state of depression, although these states are usually separated by periods of normal mood. People who are in their twenties may struggle with different eating disorders or other self mutilating behaviors as well. Since this disorder takes a huge toll on a person's behavioral patterns, they can be very unpredictable. In a worse case scenario, a person may suffer from an episode of depression for so long that they contemplate suicide.

Just like with any other illness or disease, a bipolar disorder has it's own set of symptoms to watch out for. If you feel as though you may afflicted, then it will be very important for you to watch out for them. For most, the symptoms come when they are experiencing either a high or low episode, which means they are either in the mania state or the depressive state. The mania state will make you may feel as if you can do no wrong, yet in the same day you can start to feel depressed. Depression can cause someone to feel useless and sad. Only your doctor can diagnose which type you have, if at all.

Experts will say that when a person is diagnosed as bipolar they are also sometimes called a manic depressive. When you visit your doctor you should speak to him or her about treatments and medication. It is an illness that is highly treatable, yet not curable. Unfortunately, patients need to take medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers. It can be only be controlled if you follow your doctor's advice and take the meds regularly, without fail. The disorder does not have to be the end of your life! A full and active lifestyle can be achieved if you seek the appropriate treatment.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Joe Barry, Panic Away Review

Do you have sudden panic attacks? Ever experienced breathlessness, heart racing, blood pressure rising, paranoia, uncontrollable fear, dizziness, nausea, perfuse sweating, chills, trembling, pins and needles one way or another? Do those situations ring a bell ? Then the SOLUTION to your problem my friend, is maybe you are experiencing actual panic attacks.

Facts will exactly inform us that this is an ongoing problem for a lot of people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, panic disorder has an effect on approximately 6 million American adults over the age of 18 in any given year. The adult population in the United States translates this to about 2.7 percent. Panic Disorder characteristically develops in early adulthood, but it may also begin in childhood or soon after adulthood. Women are more likely as men to acquire the disorder.

Individuals with a first-line biological relative (e.g., mother, father or sibling) with panic disorder are 8 times more probable to develop the condition. The chance is even greater if the family history take account of first-line relatives who build up the disorder before age 20. Studies of identical twins also demonstrate a genetic correlation as both twins are more prone to develop the disorder.

The key to this life-disturbing disorder is just right before your eye… Joe Barry’s Panic Away , an eBook that is offered for instant download which is very accessible and affordable for everyone. Written by a former panic attack sufferer, Joe Barry, over 10 years ago.

Joe Barry formulated an absolutely natural system that he states can eliminate 100% of anxiety and panic attacks within minutes of usage.

Panic Away is an entirely natural approach to eradicate your anxiety and panic attacks within minutes. This might appear very difficult to believe for anyone who may have had this condition , but with Panic Away the information is now obtainable with less anxiety. In Joe Barry Panic Away Review , the author reveals the whole method to you in an easy-to-follow program.

All in all, this Joe Barry’s Panic Away is an absolute testimonial of how effective this helpful system can aid you in your chronic battle for panic anxiety. As a former panic attack sufferer, and having experience the effects first-hand, I was quite impressed of the methods done to without a doubt promise a safe and efficient way to cure this dilemma. Upon acquisition of this great product, you’re on the road to a “stress and anxiety free life”.

 

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Treatments For Alzheimer's Discussed

alzheimer's

Like most diseases, those who have Alzheimer's or those who are family members or close friends of those who have Alzheimer's disease may be looking towards alternative treatments in hopes of bring relief or to prolong quality of life to those who suffer from the disease. Alternative treatments may involve herbal remedies, and dietary supplements and others.

A patient or the patient's family should always discuss alternative treatments with the doctor caring for the individual with Alzheimer's when the treatment plan is being devised or modified. Alzheimer's is a complicated disease with no two individuals going through the course of the disease with the exact same symptoms or in the exact same intensity or progression. Many factors should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing a treatment plan. Most treatment plans for those with Alzheimer's involve a combination of medicated and non-medicated methods. Patients or other concerned individuals should, for the safety of the individual with Alzheimer's seek competent medical resources when investigating alternative methods of treating Alzheimer's and consult with the main doctor treating the specific patient before making any changes in the treatment of that individual to prevent side effects or adverse reactions from other elements of the treatment plan with any new alternative treatment.

It is important to investigate any source of herbal or supplemental remedy for quality and respectability of the manufacturer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not do the same rigorous scientific research on these herbal or supplemental remedies as it does on prescription medications therefore it is up to the consumer to make sure that they do adequate amounts of research to validate the claims made by companies selling herbal or supplemental remedies.

 

Some alternative treatments may have some benefit but they may also cause legitimate concerns regarding effectiveness and safety. When combining alternative remedies with traditional treatments both medicated and non-medicated; it is important to keep in mind the need for not only the effectiveness and safety of such herbal and supplemental remedies but purity, and adverse reactions.

Coenzyme Q10 is one supplement that has been linked with Alzheimer's disease. It is an antioxidant that normally occurs in the body and the body uses it for normal cell reactions. There are no current adequate studies regarding Coenzyme Q10 and its effectiveness for its use in treating those with Alzheimer's disease.

Coral calcium is a supplement that has been given much publicity regarding being a "cure for Alzheimer's disease" and other diseases. In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed complaints against those who distribute and promote Coral Calcium as a "cure for Alzheimer's" because they believed there were no documented support or evidence of the health claims being made by these companies. It is important that anyone taking any herbal or supplements make sure that the companies they are dealing with are reputable.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract that possibly contains an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory property that may protect cell membranes and also may regulate neurotransmitter function that may have a positive effect on memory. There was one study done and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1997 that shows modest improvement in the cognitive function of study participants regarding daily living tasks and social behavior but found no overall difference in overall impairment. Further research was determined to be needed. Other studies of Ginkgo biloba are currently being conducted.

More information on Alzheimer's Disease

Friday, November 7, 2008

Social Phobia - How Is It Defined?

Social Phobia - Part 1

Social phobia, like Agoraphobia, was thought to be identical to a fear of spiders or heights, but the trigger is related to social situations. However, this theory has proved to be untrue, and social phobias are now its own family of phobias and are recognized to have distinct symptoms, treatments, and risk factors.

The most common social phobia is a fear of speaking in public, although it is not the only social phobia. All social phobias are based upon a feeling that you will be judged or ridiculed for your actions among other people. This can lead to people who suffer from social phobias to become very shy and isolated which has its own set of risk factors, namely drug and alcohol abuse. Many who suffer from social phobias will frequently drink or use drugs before facing certain social situations so that they will 'loosen up,' but like other phobias, this behavior begins a vicious cycle that only strengthens the social phobia.

Because they appear drunk or high in public, the situation oftentimes will become a self fulfilling prophesy and they do in fact embarrass themselves and put themselves in a position to be judged. What happens is it leads to additional drug as well as alchohol abuse and avoiding situations which are feared; as this progresses they become increasingly entrenched in their isolationism as well as their substance abuse.

Although most people do not understand social phobias, they are all too real for many people. The most common treatment for social phobias is the use of anti-anxiety medication to calm the social phobia sufferer and help them forget about their worries of embarrassing themselves or being judged. However, prescribing anti-anxiety medication can be dangerous if the social phobia sufferer has a drug or alcohol addiction. Anti-anxiety medicine typically intensifies the effects of drugs or alcohol, and they should not be mixed. This factor can complicate the treatment of social phobias if the symptoms have gone untreated for too long.

Because social phobias present much more risk of developing a substance abuse problem than other phobias, like a fear of snakes or heights, etc., it must be taken very seriously. Care must be taken to ensure that a social phobia does not spawn a cycle of substance abuse and isolationism that could ruin someone's life forever. Although it may sound like a stretch, the irrationality of phobias and the addictive natural of drugs and alcohol make sufferers of social phobias extremely likely to get pulled into a lifestyle that they did not want.

If you think that someone you know may have a social phobia, you may need to recommend that they speak to a specialist about their problem. Although most people insist that they do not need any help, treating a social phobia can drastically improve someone's life and relieve them of a lot of anxiety. If you notice unbalanced drug or alcohol use, it is all the more important that you get involved before they create another set of problems for themselves.

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Comprehending The Fundamentals Of Phobias

The Psychology of Fear & Anxiety

If someone who is close to you has a phobia, it can be difficult to understand and deal with. Phobias often seem silly if you have never had a similar experience, and many people who exhibit the symptoms of having a phobia are sometimes suspected of 'faking it.' It is easy to see how a person could suspect someone of faking a phobia for attention. Phobias are irrational fear disorders, which cause phobia sufferers to have strong reactions to things that are not normally seen as serious or threatening. In many cases, people with phobias realize how silly their fear is, but a phobia is an irrational fear, so they know that their fear is unreasonable and has no effect. If someone you know has a phobia, it is helpful to understand what they are experiencing so you can help them or know how to react if you are present for a phobic episode.

Although everyone is a little different, there are a set of physical reactions that go along with a phobic episode. Physical reactions include sweating, increased heart rate, nervousness, and some people can have a full-blown panic attack. Having a phobic reaction can be very confusing because the person reacts to something harmless as if it puts them in a life or death situation. A phobia sufferer may realize that their feelings are not justified, but they are still overtaken by feelings of fear and dread.

The fight or flight response is a term for the biological process your body undergoes when under a lot of immediate stress. The fight or flight response essentially is the result of your brain perceiving a serious threat and adding adrenaline to your bloodstream, making you temporarily stronger, faster, and more able to act instinctively to overcome a potentially life threatening situation. The fight or flight response occurs in different levels; sometimes a little adrenaline is added to the bloodstream, while other times your body is flooded with adrenaline.

Our ancient ancestors relied heavily on this response for survival when the world was not so civilized and they were constantly struggling to survive. Although the fight or flight response is not as crucial today, it is a natural response that can be very helpful, or harmful if it is triggered unnecessarily. The fight or flight response is responsible for news reports of people lifting extremely heavy objects off of people and other extraordinary physical feats.

The fight or flight response is even more developed in wild animals. It is not uncommon for a deer that has been shot through both lungs or the heart to run the length of a football, or for several miles if these vital organs are not hit. When someone has a true phobia, these are the intense feelings that they have to deal with, but instead of escaping an imminent threat, they are responding to a spider, snake, clown, or some other stimulus that triggers their phobia. What is even worse is that many phobias happen in common every day places such as school, work, or social functions where the fight or flight response is totally inappropriate.

Although a person can have a phobia of almost anything, a phobia usually develops as a result of a traumatic experience or an internalized fear. Even if the person knows their phobia is ridiculous, they cannot simply turn it off like a light switch because it causes a complex biological response. There are ways to treat people for phobias, but if you are around someone who is having a phobic reaction, it is helpful to understand what they are experiencing.

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Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The First Steps On Learning About Fears

Fear What Are You Afraid of

Everyone has fears and things they're afraid of, but with some individuals, the fear takes over and becomes a problem. Many people just try to cope and deal with being afraid, but there are things to be done that can help do away with the fear for good. Informing yourself about what scares you and how to rid yourself of the problem is important, so here are a few questions and some answers to get you started:

What is a phobia?

Phobias are irrational disorders and cause a person to be overly frightened of a thing or situation. Many times the person with the phobia realizes how ridiculous their phobia is, but because it is an irrational disorder, they are powerless to resist the effect of their phobia. You can have a phobia of almost anything, but most people have a phobia of a specific thing or event, and do not have any other phobias. Specific phobias develop as the result of an unjustified association in a person's mind. The example that behaviorist used to explain specific phobias was that a person develops a fear of poisonous snakes, but carries that fear over to all snakes, not just the poisonous ones. However, it has been shown that other types of phobias are commonly accompanied by panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorders, in which case anti-anxiety medication is typically used to help bring the phobia under control.

I've heard of all kinds of phobias - are they all the same?

No there are many types of phobias. Ths most typical variety of phobia is known as a specifric phobia. Specific phobias are the fear of a place, thing, or situation, and there are hundreds of designated specific phobias. There are also social phobias and Agoraphobia, which are both very different from specific phobias. Social phobia are the fear of specific social situations that sometimes arise, for instance saying a speech, or being in close proximty to a large crowd of people. Agoraphobia is essentially a fear of panic attacks that lead people to avoid any situation that may trigger a panic attack, or that would embarrass them if they had a panic attack. In addition to there being different types of phobias, phobias can be somewhat mild, or very severe, but they all tend to cause the phobia sufferer to show some physical symptoms of their phobic reaction.

Is there more than one kind of specific phobia?

The different categories of specific phobias are animal phobias, natural environment phobias, situational phobias, blood injection phobia, and other phobias. Animal phobias are the fear of a specific type of animal, like rats, birds, cats, etc. Natural environment phobias are caused by events or situations in the natural world, such as large bodies of water, or bridges, while situational phobias are triggered by a specific event. Common situational phobias include a fear of going to the dentist, fear of swimming, etc. However, it is easy to get confused about what is a situational phobia, social phobia, and Agoraphobia. Blood injection phobias include the fear of bleeding, being hurt, and being operated on. The fifth category of specific phobias is called other phobias. Other phobias are phobias that do not make sense to be in any of the other groups.

Is there any genetic basis for phobias?

Although some phobias do develop without much cause, it has been shown that social phobia and Agoraphobia can be passed on through genetics. However, several of the causes and risk factors for these two phobias can also be passed on through families. For example, it is not uncommon for social phobia and Agoraphobia to be accompanied by obsessive compulsive disorder or panic attacks, which have both been shown to run in families. One risk factor for social phobias is alcoholism, which has also been shown to have some kind of genetic link. Fortunately, these conditions can be controlled with medication, although early diagnosis can be crucial. If any of these conditions exist in your family, you may want to become familiar with the symptoms of these disorders so that you do not fall victim to any of them unnecessarily.

How can I tell if I have a phobia?

Although a trained physician is the best person to decide if you are truly phobic or not, whether or not you have a phobia is determined by the level of fear or anxiety that accompanies the presence of a stimulus. Although most people are uncomfortable around snakes, heights, and large dogs, only a small percentage of those people actually have a phobia. A phobia is characterized by feelings of dread and possible fear of death that is not warranted by the situation. If you get scared by snarling and barking dogs, you do not necessarily have a phobia, since that is a situation that can easily get out of control. However, if you are frightened by the presence of any dog, or even the thought of a dog, you very well may have a phobia. However, a professional is the best person to determine whether you are phobic or not, and decide the proper treatment method.

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Many People Ask The Question - Can Phobias be Cured?

25 Year Phobia Of Snails And Crabs Cured

Because phobias are not a disease in the traditional sense, phobias cannot be cured with a shot or pill like an ordinary disease. In recent years, phobia treatments have been created that allow physicians to free people from the grip of phobias. The nature of phobias has led scientists to understand that the reaction to phobic triggers can be treated, but ultimately you must deal with the cause of the phobia.

Phobias are irrational disorders and cause a person to be overly frightened of a thing or situation. Many times the person with the phobia realizes how ridiculous their phobia is, but because it is an irrational disorder, they are powerless to resist the effect of their phobia. As a treatment for phobias, therapists attempt to break the link between the source of the phobia and the anxiety it causes. Therapy can be made easier if the cause of the phobia is known, like a bad childhood experience or something that the patient has come to believe and fear. Ultimately, most phobias can be cured or controlled by dealing with the cause of the phobia in a controlled setting.

Many therapists use 'flooding' to help patients face their phobia. Flooding is a form of exposure therapy where a patient confronts their fear until it melts away. Flooding is effective because the mind forms strong instinctive links between cause and effect. After experiencing the cause of the phobia in a controlled setting with no negative effects, the link between the cause of the phobia and the emotional response is weakened. However, flooding may need to be done in several sessions to truly take effect, and some people's phobias are too strong to actually face and must be imagined instead.

Counter conditioning is another way therapists help patients control their phobic reactions. Counter conditioning is based on replacing fearful reactions with relaxation techniques. This requires self awareness and control to be successful, but therapists have found counter conditioning effective if taught under controlled conditions. Relaxation can be achieved through breathing exercises and maintaining mental focus and perspective. Therapists who use counter conditioning also use desensitization to help patience rid themselves of their phobias. The therapist and patient determine a hierarchy of things or situations that cause the phobic reaction, and confront the least frightening stimuli first and work towards confronting the most frightening thing or situation.

In some people, particularly those who experience social phobia, anti-anxiety medication can help reduce phobic symptoms and keep their phobia under control. This is most useful in patients who suffer from panic attacks because of their phobia.

Phobias can be overwhelming and require a psychologist to conquer the phobia, although some can overcome a phobia without much outside help. Some phobias can be ended by confronting whatever triggers the phobic reaction, but this is far too uncomfortable for some people.

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Agoraphobia - A Different Kind of Fear

Social Anxiety & Agoraphobia

Of all phobias, Agoraphobia may have one of the best stories. You see, for many years it was thought that Agoraphobia was very different from what its actual nature is. Agoraphobia means 'fear of the market place,' and was thought to be a specific situational phobia of going in public. However, we now know that the condition known as Agoraphobia is not a specific phobia or a social phobia, but something altogether different.

Although there is a specific fear of going into public, Agoraphobia is a little different than any other phobia. Instead of simply having an irrational uncontrollable fear of an object or situation, Agoraphobics fear panic attacks. Agoraphobics become very concerned about the idea of having a panic attack and how they would deal with a panic attack in different scenarios. This can lead to many Agoraphobics staying in their home for years.

Essentially the fear of having a panic attack is so great that people who begin having frequent panic attacks become hyper sensitive to the precursors for a panic attack, like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweaty palms. Because of the irrationality of these disorders, a slight increase in heart rate, even if it is normal (from climbing stairs, drinking caffeine, etc.), will make them begin to worry that they may be having a panic attack. The thought of the panic attack is the trigger for Agoraphobia, which causes them to have an actual panic attack.

As the panic attacks become more and more frequent, a person with Agoraphobia begins to worry also about the awkwardness of having a panic attack someplace that they cannot escape or will have to endure their panic attack in front of other people. This leads to increased panic attacks in places they are concerned about, which eventually leads to Agoraphobic people being hemmed in to certain areas and cause them to completely avoid many activities and places because of their fear of having a panic attack. Many Agoraphobic people are afraid of leaving their home, while even more severe cases limit people to only a few rooms in their house.

Before Agoraphobia was recognized as its own distinct disorder, treatment was hit and miss, but now Agoraphobia can be treated with success. Treatment for Agoraphobia is typically twofold. Anti anxiety medication is usually prescribed to suppress and control the panic attacks. When the panic attacks are somewhat under control, the Agoraphobia sufferer can be shown how to deal with panic attacks when they come up, and they can slowly take on activities they normally would not dream of. One step people with Agoraphobia may do to conquer their fear is to induce panic attack symptoms, such as increased heart rate, and focus on convincing themselves that it is normal and they are not having a panic attack.

Luckily diagnosis and treatment of phobias have improved and doctors can treat phobia sufferers for their afflictions. Because of the use of anti anxiety medication, Agoraphobics can lead a happy and normal life.

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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Phobia - How Can You Tell If You Are Suffering From One?

Phobias. How do you cope?

There is no shortage of people who despise snakes, planes, tight spaces, and many other things, but does that mean they have a phobia. For most people, they just have an extreme dislike. A person with a phobia will be gripped by fear and show physical signs of discomfort when exposed to their phobic trigger. A phobia is much different than a simply disliking something.

Physicians don't really understand all the dynmaics of everything when it comes to phobias at this juncture in time, however doctors have a general consensus that phobias are a fear of an irrational nature of a specific situation or object. A fear is determined to be irrational when the reaction to the threat is much greater than the situation requires. In addition, phobias are usually accompanied by other disorders, most commonly panic attacks or obsessive compulsive disorder. The seriousness of a phobic reaction would be treating a non-threatening thing like a life and death situation. In people who are afraid of snakes, they fear every snake as if it were a cobra, or other snake that would or could kill them. Many times people with phobias are paralyzed by their fear, or they have a panic attack.

Panic attacks are a physical response by the body that is characterized by some or all of the following symptoms: increased heart rate, shaking, shortness of breath, being lightheaded, fear of dying, nausea, or feeling of choking. Like phobias, panic attacks are an irrational disorder, and is an over reaction to a series of thoughts or an outside stimulus. Panic attacks can even happen because a person begins to worry about having a panic attack.

A panic attack is usually caused by worrying about a certain thing, especially worrying about having a panic attack. People who have panic attacks because of a phobia will typically have another disorder. Someone with an anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder can send themselves into a panic attack simply by becoming concerned that they might have a panic attack.

A panic attack essentially causes the body to enter into a fight or flight response without just cause. The fight or flight response is a means of how numerous psychologists depict the reaction of persons body to excressive stressful situations, and ascribe prehistoric mans way to survive to this innate response. The classic example is what your body would do if you were walking down the street and were suddenly uncomfortably close to a hungry bear. The moment that you physical brain processed the dynamics of the situation a huge amount of adrenaline would be dumped into your bodies blood stream. Adrenaline speeds your heart rate, causes your pupils to dilate, and enables your body to fight or run like never before. Adrenaline temporarily makes a person more athletic, allowing them to escape dangerous situations. Panic attacks can be very frightening for people because they have a panic attack for no apparent reason or in response to something that poses little or no threat. For someone with a phobia, the sight of a flower or small spider can be as scary as a bear, and their body prepares to deal with the presence of their phobia like it is absolutely life-threatening.

A phobic reaction is a major overreaction to something most people would consider ordinary. Spiders and snakes are not usually welcome, but most people do not consider the presence of a small creature to be a crisis situation. A panic attack is also not a normal response. A phobia is very serious and should be dealt with if it is having a real effect on your life.

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Monday, November 3, 2008

How Do Phobias Develop

Each type of phobia is very unique, and the cause of each is unique as well. We know now that there are three different kinds of phobia and that each type has its own symptoms and, usually, a very specific cause.

The majority of phobias are specific phobias, meaning that they are a fear of a specific object, creature, or scenario. Specific phobias are the most common phobia and are what most people consider to be a phobia. Sometimes specific phobias just appear without cause, but they usually come from some sort of unpleasant experience, especially experiences from childhood. Most people with specific phobias are embarrassed by their problem, but are filled with fear when they see, or even think about, the thing that causes their phobic reaction. However, specific phobias can be overcome through therapy or simply overcoming the fear.

Social phobia is the fear of embarrassing oneself in public, especially in situations where one may be judged. A fear of public speaking is one common social phobia. At one time it was considered that social phobia was a type of particular phobia, however in more recent years it has acquired its own identification due to differing causes as well as treatments. People who suffer from social phobia are prone to alcohol or drug abuse to 'take off the edge,' which usually leads them into increased isolationism. Alcoholism and drug addiction can also spawn a social phobia, in some cases, because of the lowered self esteem and depression that accompanies substance abuse. The use of anti-anxiety medication has proved effective in treating social phobias.

The other major phobia category is Agoraphobia, which was thought to a specific phobia of entering public places. However, we have learned that Agoraphobia is actually caused by the fear of intense panic attacks, especially the fear of having them in an uncontrolled environment. Many Agoraphobes cannot enjoy going to a restaurant, ride a bus, attend certain social events, or do any other number of things that would make them feel embarrassed or trapped if they had a panic attack. In essence, it is not being in public they fear, but having a panic attack.

One symptom of Agoraphobia is an increased awareness of the onset or feeling of a panic attack, such as nausea or increased heart rate. Agoraphobes are so hyper-aware of these panic attack symptoms that if they notice any signs of a panic attack, whether they are having a panic attack or not, they will become alarmed and fearful of having a panic attack, which in turn can cause a panic attack. Because of this cycle of fear, it is estimated that 40% of the people who have severe panic attacks will develop Agoraphobia at some point.

Agoraphobia may only limit certain people from flying or participating in other activities that would make them feel trapped or out of control. For other Agoraphobia sufferers, their comfort zone is much smaller, preventing some from leaving their home, or even their bed. Agoraphobia is commonly treated with anti-anxiety medication and therapy to reduce or avoid panic attacks and panic attack symptoms.

Having a phobia of any kind is not fun, but luckily phobias can usually be cured or brought under control. Although some phobias can be overcome without professional help, Agoraphobia and social phobias must be combated with medication. Unfortunately the exact reason someone has or develops their phobia cannot always be discovered, but at least it can be treated.

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Sunday, November 2, 2008

Main Types of Phobias

Kinds of Phobias

Even though there seems to a name for 'a fear of' just about anything, there are really only three kinds of phobia. All phobias are an intense fear of something, but these three kinds of phobia are very different in their cause and treatment. All phobias are either a specific phobia, social phobia, or Agoraphobia.

Specific phobias are phobias of a specific object, situation, or thing that triggers extreme and unjustified fear. Most of the weird or sensational phobias you hear or read about are specific phobias. The main kinds of specific phobias are animal phobias, natural environment phobias, situational phobias, blood injection phobia, and other phobias. Animal phobias are simply the fear of a specific type of animal, like dogs, snakes, spiders, etc. Natural environment phobias are caused by events or situations in the natural world, such as storms, darkness, and heights, while situational phobias concern a specific event. Common situational phobias include claustrophobia, fear of flying, and fear of going to the doctor. However, there is some overlap between situational phobias and social phobias and Agoraphobia. Blood injection phobias include the fear of blood, being injured, and medical procedures. The fifth category of specific phobias, other phobias, includes all specific phobias that do not fit cleanly into the other four groups, like the fear of death or illness. Specific phobias are highly common nowadays, particularly in kids or teenagers, and have the capability to clear themselves up in these younger age groups.

Another category of phobia is social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder. Social phobia is the intense fear of being embarrassed in public, especially in situations where you may be scrutinized. Social phobias most commonly take the form of a fear of public speaking.

The third category of phobia is Agoraphobia, which was originally thought to be a fear of public (it actually means 'fear of the marketplace'). It has recently been discovered that Agoraphobia is actually caused by a fear of having a panic attack in a public place, or somewhere that it could not be controlled or would be made worse. Many Agoraphobes avoid traveling by bus or plane, restaurants, and other public and social settings where it would be awkward to have a panic attack. In severe cases, some people who suffer from Agoraphobia become home bound and may not leave their home, or even their bed, for a number of years. Agoraphobia can be made worse by being overly conscious of the symptoms of a panic attack, which can easily trigger a panic attack. For instance, an Agoraphobia sufferer might become lightheaded, which is a panic attack symptom, because they sat up too quickly, but instead they dread panic attacks so much, become alarmed, and have an actual panic attack. Because of the cycle that Agoraphobia causes, it can be difficult to deal with, and medication is often used to control the panic attacks.

Even though phobias all have the same symptoms, the cause and the cure are different. In order to effectively treat a phobia, you must first know what type of phobia it is. Specific phobias can be dealt with on your own, but if you have social phobia or Agoraphobia, you will probably need some kind of medication to get your phobia under control.

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A Run Down On Specific Phobias

Specific Phobia/Agoraphobia

Of all the different kinds of phobias, specific phobias are the most prevalent. Specific phobias are what is typically shown on talk shows and movies where a person is terrified of something physical like a kitten or cars with dark interiors. There are countless ways that specific phobias can manifest themselves, but they can usually be eliminated or controlled fairly easily.

Most common phobias, like claustrophobia and arachnophobia, are specific phobias. Like all phobias, they are an irrational fear, usually centering on a situation that is perceived as being uncontrollable or dangerous. Essentially, someone with a specific phobia sees a normally non threatening thing or situation as being extremely serious. Even though no one particularly likes spiders, for example, only those with a phobia are gripped by fear. The sad part is, numerous people with phobias understand that they should not be frightened of a spider or closed in area, or whatever might trigger their phobia, but there is not a lot they can do to change how they feel when the phobic reaction is upon them.

The five types of specific phobia are animal phobias, natural environment phobias, situational phobias, blood injection phobia, and other specific phobias. Animal phobias are simply the fear of certain animals, while natural environment phobias are fears concerning aspects of the natural environment, such as heights or thunderstorms. Situational phobias are fears of a scenario that are thought to be dreadful, like going to the doctor or being trapped in a small space. Blood injection phobias are the fear of needles, blood, or medical procedures, and although all phobias make people feel like they might pass out, blood injection phobias are the only phobias that will actually make someone pass out. There is an 'other' category for phobias that is designated for phobias that do not fit cleanly into the other four groups.

Although there is no surefire way to cure every case of phobia, treatment for specific phobias focuses on making a person confront their fear. This method works because the phobia is an irrational reaction and their brain sees something as a greater threat than it is. By exposing oneself to the phobic trigger and replacing the phobic response with a controlled response, they break the link in their brain between the trigger and danger. Sometimes medication can help reduce the anxiety associated with severe specific phobias, but medication is used much more commonly with other types of phobias.

Although it would seem like the few phobias that are not specific phobias would be very distinct, they are often misdiagnosed as specific phobia. They are misdiagnosed because the other types of phobias, social phobia and agoraphobia, are actually very similar to certain specific phobias. Agoraphobia means 'fear of the marketplace' and seems very similar to a situational phobia, especially since Agoraphobic people will often have a panic attack if they cannot easily leave someplace, but the fear is of the panic attack, not being trapped. If you think you have a phobia, speak with a psychologist before you begin trying to find a cure.

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Many People Ask The Questions - Are Phobias Normal?

Facing Your Phobias

Have you ever wondered how a person could develop a phobia, especially of kittens or balloons, or the other things you hear people having phobias of? Although many phobias do sound pretty outlandish, their development is not that odd. In facts, the development of a phobia is a natural survival instinct that is a little confused.

Although the creation of phobias is not an absolute science, all types of phobias form as the result of an extreme aversion to something. The difference between a phobia and simply being afraid of something is the level of fear that is characteristic of a phobia. In addition to feeling emotionally uneasy, phobia sufferers show physical symptoms of their fear, including increased heart rate and breathing, sweating, feeling faint, and feeling as though they are choking. Phobias strike people differently depending on the severity of their phobia and what triggers the phobic response. For example, for someone who has a phobic reaction to heights is usually not equally frightened by all situations involving heights, and how high they are, the presence of a handrail, and a number of other factors affect each individual phobic response. However, the classic example of phobia formation is that a fear of poisonous snakes gets transferred to all snakes, creating a snake phobia. Although the ideas about phobia development have progressed from this theory, the phobia forms because the brain identifies a great threat, in this case a snake, and sees the situation as out of control and dangerous.

A phobia is an instinct for self-preservation that has been falsely assigned to something that is not threatening, or at least not as threatening as the phobia sufferer makes it seem. When a person develops a phobia, their brain associates something with extreme danger and treats it with the utmost seriousness and perceives the phobia trigger as something that should be completely avoided. Essentially, your brain becomes confused and will give a person a feeling of dread when they are in the presence of their phobic trigger. In certain cases, a phobia can be so entrenched that the phobia sufferer cannot stand to think about their trigger or what they may do in its presence.

While phobias can be difficult to deal with, the system that causes phobias to develop is a means of protection and was very helpful to our early ancestors. In certain parts of the world at different times in history, it may have been the people who have snake phobias who were able to survive, especially in places like Africa and Australia where there are an abundance of highly venomous snake species. For early people, fearing and avoiding snakes may have kept them alive, but they were able to react in an extreme way to the presence of a snake. They were also allowed to kill the snake, which may help cure the phobia, if the presence of a snake was seen as a controllable situation.

Although you can have a phobia of anything, it has been shown that people are genetically predisposed to develop phobias or fears of some things much more easily than others. An experiment that focused on exposing subjects to images and electric shocks showed that it took very little to develop a fear of certain animals, while others took many electric shocks. Because of this, experts think that phobias develop as a survival instinct, but that survival instinct is, for the most part, unnecessary in the modern world. However, these instincts are intact in case we ever need them.

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Saturday, November 1, 2008

Stop a Panic Attack in 5 Steps

A panic attack is a frightening thing.  It comes out of nowhere and suddenly paralyzes you.Your heart starts pounding, you can't breathe, you get the feeling of a heart attack or seizure and start shaking and sweating.What the heck is happening?

If this is your first attack, it may be wise to see a physician to rule out any medical conditions and get a diagnosis.  He may suggest you see a psychiatrist and prescribe you some pills to take for relief in the meantime. Start some kind of treatment as soon as you can, Panic Disorders can become disabling very quickly.

While you're in the middle of a panic attack, there are some steps to help end the suffering.

One: Accepting it's just a Panic Attack.

The first thing you need to do is accept you are having an attack. Tell yourself you are not dying and nothing bad is going to happen.  This will subside. Once you realize that it’s only panic attacks you’re suffering with and not a heart attack, you’ll find dealing with them is much easier.

Two: Stand Up To Panic.

Try not to run from the situation, as this will only precipitate more anxiety and future attacks. You have to ride it out to convince yourself nothing bad is happening, and you are not going to die.Think of something outside of yourself to focus on.  Think about how you came to have the object, what it does it mean to you?  How does it feel in your hand, what kind of texture does it have?  It sounds silly, but any level of distraction is needed.

Three: Breathing is Important.

It's important to take deep, drawn out breaths from your diaphragm.   Fill your lungs and blow the air with pursed lips releasing your abdomen.  You can repeat “In” and “Out”, or count your breaths. Try not to be so focused on the panic attack that you forget to breathe. This gives you that “out of breath” feeling and only heightens your attack. Remember that slow, in and out breathing will naturally calm you down.

Four: Ride it out.

Once you’ve assured yourself it’s only a panic attack, you must now wait for it to end. It’s important to stop feeding it by “freaking out”. Step one is very important, keep this in mind. The panic attack will end, as they always do.

Five: Seek Help for Future Panic Attacks.

My last suggestion is to find some help, this is a medical disease.  Joe Barry has a great self help book on panic attacks that’s worked for many. The Internet also is full of resources, have a look at Sarah Campbell’s website on how to overcome panic attacks. She was a fellow sufferer who overcame her attacks.

So many people after their first panic attack do not reach out for help.  Then they have more panic attacks and pretty soon they won’t leave their house (agoraphobia).That is a horrible, disabling way to live life.Find some help; inform people close to you such as friends and family.You must learn to manage your panic attacks and not let them run your life.