From the monthly archives:

December 2008

Post Traumatic Stress In Children

Most people have heard of shell shock, combat stress and battlefield flashbacks. These synonyms for post traumatic stress do not, however, tell the full story. This serious mental condition is not reserved for adults and it does not solely impact veterans. Children, too, are subject to the repetitive terrors post traumatic stress can ditch out.

As it is with adults, so is it for children as far as the causes of post traumatic stress. A combination of factors comes together and flips the switch for the onset of this condition. The physical, psychological causes can include genetics and brain chemistry. The triggers, however, are almost always violent and are very traumatic. Children with post traumatic stress are likely to contract the condition following:

  • Sexual abuse. Children who endure sexual abuse are sometimes subject to the onset of post traumatic stress.
  • Violence. Children who witness serious violent acts, especially if they involve the death of loved ones, are more likely to develop most traumatic stress.
  • Serious accident, natural trauma. Children who witness or are involved in serious crashes, especially involving death, can contract this condition. It is also possible for young survivors of natural disasters to face some of the problems associated with post traumatic stress.

Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms

Youngsters are subject to all of the same symptoms that adults face with post traumatic stress. They, however, may also display a few others that their caregivers are likely to notice. The common symptoms of this condition in children include:

  • Flashbacks. This is the prime trait of this condition no matter the sufferer’s age. During flashbacks, victims of this condition vividly relive the experience that caused them trauma.
  • Fear of flashback triggers. Children and adults are both likely to avoid anything they believe will trigger a flashback. This can include anything from particular images on television to sounds, smells and locations.
  • Clinging behavior. While adults sometimes withdraw to avoid triggers, children are very likely to cling to a parent or other loved one. They might find it very difficult to be separated from the person they find safety and comfort in.

Treating Post Traumatic Stress

Both children and adults can benefit greatly from therapy. The Mayo Clinic points to a very good track record of recovery for patients who undergo a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Post traumatic stress is a serious condition that can greatly impact the life of an adult and even a child. Treating this condition if it is present can help give a child the footing he or she needs to overcome flashbacks and move on with life following a traumatic event.

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The Best Types Of Anxiety Medications

Just as there are dozens of different types of pain relievers on the market, there are many different kinds of anxiety drugs. This is because no one single medication has the ability to work effectively in every patient. When the best types anxiety medications are required, patients will often find it can become a matter of trial and error. Doctors cannot be 100 percent assured the first type of medication tried or the given dose will have the desired effect. Considering this, it really is hard to say for certain what the best types anxiety medications actually are.

Doctors do commonly prescribe two main classes of medications for the treatment of anxiety. The best types anxiety medications for overall treatment tend to involve a combination of anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. The former works well for immediate symptoms relief. The latter is designed more for long-term control of symptoms.

As doctors and patients seek out the best types anxiety medications for a particular person’s case, it can help the process along if the patient does a few things. Some useful measures that can make patients active in their treatment include:

Taking the time to understand the medications. Even the best types anxiety medications will not work right if they are not taken correctly. It is very important for patients to understand what they are taking, how it works and how long it should take to work. Some medications have an almost instant impact. Others, however, can take weeks to show real signs of improvement in patients taking them. Knowing the difference can help patients better gauge prescription effectiveness.

Understanding dosing. In the case of anti-depressants, it is vital to take medications as directed. This includes dosing amount and even adhering to the correct times of day to take the medicine.

Reporting problems. Many of the best types anxiety medications do come with a host of precautions and potential side effects. It is important for patients taking these medications to report any concerns and side effects. If medications do not seem to be working as they should, this should also be reported.

Understanding contradictions. Some of the best types anxiety medications do not mix well with other medications, herbal remedies and even some foods. It is vital for patients to understand what the potential contradictions are and what they should avoid doing and taking while undergoing drug therapy.

The best types anxiety medications can help patients cope with the symptoms that are most troublesome with these disorders. Finding the best medication does depend on personal circumstance and exact symptoms. It can involve a process of trial and error, so patience is always recommended in the process.

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Good Stress Relievers

As people age and worries about heart conditions and other serious medical problems arise, the need to reduce stress often creates a little bit of stress all on its own. Since this very natural reaction to pressure can cause some rather unsavory medical conditions if it is left unchecked, just about everyone can benefit from looking into stress relievers that work for them.

While some people might believe the only good stress relievers come in a prescription bottle or psychologist’s office, this is simply not the case. There are some very simple stress relievers anyone can put into play in daily life. Although they might not tackle the source of stress itself, these stress relievers can lessen tension and help people recharge and focus on what is really important. In fact, some of the best stress relievers don’t even cost money.

Stress relievers don’t have to come in the form of expensive prescriptions or budget-busting vacations. There are many things people can do to ease the impacts of tension without spending more than a few dollars at the most. Some of the best include:

Laughing. Even the Mayo Clinic points to this as one of the best tension busters in the world. The effects of laughing relieve tension, improve the immune system and can even improve mood. Good, old fashion belly laughter is excellent for the mind, body and soul.

Exercise. Something as simple as a scenic walk around a neighborhood at the end of a long day can help a person unwind, let go and relax. Exercise in any form is great as far as stress relievers go and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Mental vacations. It might be impossible to afford a vacation to the south of France, but no one says a person cannot go their in their mind. Visualizing relaxing situations can be almost as good as actually experiencing them.

Quality time. Carving out even a few minutes a day to spend with the people that really matter can work wonders. Playing with children, watching TV with a spouse or even playing a game are all excellent ideas for letting go of stress and focusing the mind on what truly matters.

Bubble bath. There is something to be said for taking a hot bubble bath and maybe even lighting some scented candles. This is an excellent way to remove tension from the body and help ease thoughts that race through the mind.

Stress relievers are anything that can help a person unwind, relax and let go. They do not have to come in prescription form to be effective. In fact, some of the best cost nothing at all.

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Anti-Anxiety Medications

Anti-anxiety medications can be incredibly useful for helping people with anxiety combat the most distressing symptoms. While they can help in the short-term and make a very big difference in bringing symptoms under control almost immediately, they do come with some rather strong precautions.

These medications like Valium and Xanax are meant to immediately treat symptoms of stress and anxiety. They are depressants, however, so they are not meant to be taken over the long haul.

Anti-anxiety medications are quite useful for lessening panic attack symptoms, helping a person fight off fear and even assisting with insomnia, they are not cure alls, however. Some of the main limitations of anti-anxiety meds include:

  • Partial treatment. Anti anxiety medications alone are generally not able to take all of the symptoms away. Anxiety, unfortunately, is not a condition that goes away with a pill. It often requires psychotherapy and other forms of treatment to really get at the full spectrum of symptoms.
  • Dosing diligence is required. Anti anxiety medications are designed for very specific dosing. If patients want to receive the maximum benefits, they must carefully follow doctor’s orders for taking them. Doing otherwise can lessen their impacts or even cause harm.

Anti anxiety medications can cause some rather troublesome side effects. While most people have no real problems while taking them, others do. Some of the main side effects to watch out for include:

  • Allergic reactions. If these present, it is possible immediate medical attention will be required. Allergic reactions can include such things as trouble breathing, skin rashes, swelling and so on. If anaphylaxis appears to be present, get help immediately.
  • Stomach complaints. This is a common reaction of many different medications.
  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness. This is a common reaction to anti anxiety medications. Since these are depressants, they can make a person a little dizzy and even sleepy.
  • Sexual side effects. A lack of interest in sex is not an uncommon side effect.

Anti anxiety medications are serious drugs that can have an addicting quality to them. Considering this, most doctors only prescribe them for short-term use during chronic episodes. People who have addiction problems should make this very clear to their doctors. It is possible other forms of treatment would be better suited.

Anti anxiety medications can lessen the symptoms of anxiety disorders so other forms of therapy have a chance to work. They are not the only answer available, however, and shouldn’t be used for long-term use.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Stress

Stress is a mind-body reaction that occurs in response to physical threats, high-tension situations, worry, danger and even perceived problems. It is considered a very normal, and even sometimes a healthy, reaction to stimulus. Over time, however, stress can really take its toll on a body. Since stress can generally be managed and controlled, it is often considered very important to recognize the symptoms of stress. Doing this can help a person learn when they need to take a step back, refocus and approach a problem differently to lessen the effects of stress.

The symptoms of acute and chronic stress are generally the same. If they are present frequently, it might be time to find a way to identify stressors and learn how to manage them. The most common symptoms of stress show up physically, emotionally and even in regard to behaviors.

The symptoms of stress can manifest physically, the most common include:

  • Headaches
  • Heart-related problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure
  • Muscle pains and back aches
  • Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
  • Stomach complaints
  • Sleep disruptions
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight loss or gain issues

Living with stress can take its toll on a person’s attitude, as well. Some of the more common signs here include:

  • Depression and sadness
  • Angst
  • Worry
  • Mood swings and insecurity
  • Forgetfulness, burnout and even confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Negative thinking

Considering the impacts stress can have both physically and emotionally, it makes sense that some behavior changes might result when people are in its throes. Some of the most common signs include:

  • Eating problems, either over or under eating
  • Angry reactions to minor situations
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Lack of productivity
  • Withdrawal from friends and social activities

If stress and its symptoms are not controlled, over time they can lead to serious medical conditions. Heart disease, strokes and even cancer have been linked to stress. Keeping the symptoms under control by tackling stress is often the best way to avoid complications.

Methods for controlling stress vary from hypnosis and meditation to actually making life changes where they are called for. What exactly needs to be done will depend a lot on personal circumstances. Overall, one of the best ways for people to handle some of the signs of stress involves nothing more than learning to relax and refocus thoughts and feelings. Understanding how to separate out minor issues from actual major ones that are truly important can also help.

The symptoms of stress can show up in all aspects of life. When they are identified, people can help themselves by coming up with better, more effective ways of coping and dealing with the issues that cause stress in the first place.

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The Importance Of Stress Relief

Stress is directly and indirectly related to a score of very serious medical conditions. From heart disease and cancer to headaches and stomach disorders, this very real mind-body reaction to outside pressures and internal worry can take its toll on a person’s life. When it becomes too much, stress relief is often called for.

The best measure to take for stress relief does depend a lot on the type of stress in question. Chronic, everyday stress, for example, can often only be tackled by facing the issues that can be changed head on and learning to accept issues that cannot be changed. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Acute stress tends to go away on its own, but if it is acute and repetitive, life changes might be in order to help with stress relief.

While it is not always feasible to dramatically change a career, get out of a bad relationship or make financial problems go away, stress relief can still be realized. There are a variety of things people can do on their own to experience stress relief without having to make drastic changes or use medications.

When stress relief is an absolute must, many people find that learning how to refocus thoughts can very much help. The key is to determine the stressors that can be changed and those that cannot. Learning to tackle what can be changed and accepting those things that cannot can remove a great deal of stress from life. While a person might not be happy with the stressors that cannot be removed from life, he or she might learn to look at them differently and make the decision not to allow them to impact thoughts and moods so much.

Techniques that can help with this include:

  • Hypnosis. Many people find that self-hypnosis helps them channel thoughts and focus in more on the positive rather than the negative.
  • Deep breathing, visualization. This can also help with refocusing and helping a person gain the drive to tackle issues that can be changed.

Some people find they need a little more intensive help than they can give themselves to enjoy stress relief. Therapists, psychologists and other professionals can help with formal stress management training. They can also assist people in identifying stress in their lives and by helping brainstorm ways to handle and manage it effectively.

Dealing with stress might be a perfectly normal part of life. When it becomes too much or it is chronic, however, finding the right kind of stress relief can be very important. There are ways to manage its effects and keep them at a minimum.

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