Hello! It's been a long tie since I posted. Sorry about that. I took a few days off because, well, I am not doing so well right now. Still, I figured, what the hell, I might as well post a quick overview.
Today's subject focuses on common disorders, ones that you might think about when the word "Disorder" pops up. I will go over more in the future, but for right now, these will do.
#1 - Anxiety
Anxiety in itself is not one disorder. Think of it as a tree, with all of its different possibilities branches. There's Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Each disorder is unique and brought on by different things, although there a similarities in each one.
For today's anxiety discussion, I would like to focus on the first three. OCD and PTSD will come in a separate post because I feel that both will take a bit more explanation that I want to spend time on here.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is basically what its name entails; generalized anxiety. People who experience this disorder just can't seem to get rid of their worries and concerns. They can't relax and are prone to being startled. They usually have sleeping troubles. Physical symptoms range from headaches to trembling to nausea and even having to use the restroom frequently. Most of the sufferers can tell that their anxiety is usually more than the situation warrants. GAD often beings at adolescence or young adulthood with slow, gradual development, with symptoms becoming better or worse at different times. When the anxiety is mild, people have no trouble going about their daily lives, but it's the opposite when it's high.
Panic Disorder is characterized by its main feature, which is panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden attack of fear that can last for a few minutes that involves a fear of catastrophe or losing control even when danger is not present. The person may also have strong physical symptoms during an attack, such as racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. It may feel like a heart attack. Panic attacks can occur at any time, although some people have triggers.
Social Phobia is a fear of being judged and/or being embarrasses in social situations. While many people experience this fear, people with the disorder may feel the anxiety weeks in advance of the situation that is anticipated. Usually, people with this disorder are afraid of performing ordinary, commonplace acts in front of other people. They may even stay away from events which they feel might embarrass them. They tend to be very self-concious, have a hard time making and keeping friends, and blush/sweat/tremble in front of others.
#2 - Depression
Everybody, at times, feels sad. What makes depression so different from everyday sadness is how long it lasts. Depression interferes with daily life. It is common and serious. Many people with it never seek treatment. There are several forms of this disorder; in this case, I will focus mainly on major depression.
People with major depression usually feel sad, anxious, and empty. They may have feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. Sleep and eating problems are generally present. People with MD may also experience a loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities. Suicidal thoughts and feelings are also common.
Some forms of depression are unique. Such is the case with Postpartum Depression - when a woman gets the "baby blues", except the feelings persist. Also included is psychotic depression, when a person with severe depression goes into a form of psychosis.
#3 - Bipolar Disorder
Used to be known as manic depression, which I personally think is a much better term for this disorder. There are many types, the main two being Type I and Type II. It is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, activity, and energy. Characterized by mania and depression.
Mania (Type I) is a long period of time in which a person feels happy and energetic. Symptoms include a long period of happiness, extreme irritability, fast talking, being easily distracted, increasing the amount of activities which the person takes on, restlessness, decreased need for sleep, an unrealistic belief in one's abilities, and impulsively engaging in high risk activities. Hypomania (Type II) is a less severe form of mania. The person may feel good, be productive, and function well. The person may not think anything is wrong but others notice.
Symptoms of a depressive episode are the ones mentioned in the above post (depression).
A mixed episode is mania and depression at the same time.
People sometimes experience psychotic symptoms in either state.
#4 - Schizophrenia
Chronic, severe, and disabling. The mother of all disorders.
People with schizophrenia may hear voices that others don't hear, have delusions, and disorganized thinking. They might think others control their mind or that others are plotting to harm them. People with this disorder may not make sense when they talk; they may sit for hours and not move. Only when they talk do others realize what is going on in their head. Hallucinations are common; visual, auditory, olfactory, you name it.
They may experience a "flat affect" which makes the person seem dull and monotone. They experience a lack of pleasure in everyday life. Trouble focusing.
There are different subtypes of schizophrenia: paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual.
That's all for now. Up next, look out for OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. Eating Disorders may or may not be included.
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