Five Forms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety cannot be compartmentalized into a single diagnosis; there are a number of conditions for which anxiety may be one of the symptoms. For this reason, when a person is experiencing symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, or dizziness, their doctor will need to investigate further to determine which form of anxiety is the cause.

For example, the doctor may ask in what setting the anxiety symptoms tend to occur or if the patient uses any type of prescription medication or illicit drugs. The doctor will also probably gather information about any traumatic events the patient has experienced in the past. With these questions, and perhaps additional testing, the patient’s healthcare provider can develop a diagnosis as to what type of anxiety is present.

Anxiety can take many forms. Here are five of the most commonly diagnosed forms of anxiety.

·         Social Phobia symptoms include an intense fear of being judged by others or of becoming the center of attention. It can cause the patient to avoid social contact and to worry incessantly about being humiliated weeks before a social occasion.

·         Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety that results from traumatic events in the past. The symptoms of PTSD may not be displayed immediately after the trauma, but the patient may later begin reliving the event mentally, suffering from extended insomnia, withdrawing from everyday life, or being easily startled. PTSD symptoms take different forms, but the central factor of having lived through some form of trauma is a constant.

·         Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is actually a form of anxiety that causes a person to obsessively perform certain rituals that can hamper their ability to work, be in relationships, and otherwise function normally.

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is diagnosed when the patient reports feeling largely anxious or fearful without an obvious cause. This overall feeling of anxiety can keep the patient on edge, irritable, or overly emotional.

·         Panic Disorder is present when the person reports severe attacks of anxiety that appear without warning. The patient may have difficulty breathing, feel dizzy or nauseous, have an accelerated pulse rate, or experience chest pains. These episodes are usually not connected in any way to the person’s circumstances at the time.

Treatment for anxiety depends upon which form the disorder takes and also on the severity of the symptoms. The more details a patient can furnish their doctor or therapist, the more accurate the diagnosis and the more successful their treatment will be.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ANXIETY

Catching Symptoms of ADD in Children Early

The Importance of Identifying Symptoms of ADD in Children

Most of us are familiar with the symptoms of ADD in children: inattentiveness, occasional hyperactivity, and a proclivity for losing personal items or struggling with organization. ADD is a prevalent learning disorder, affecting 3% to 5% of the population, and it can dramatically decrease a sufferer's chance at academic and professional success, as well as interfere with the formation and maintenance of personal and romantic relationships. However, there is another, even more pressing reason to quickly identify the symptoms of ADD in children. It is a concept called comorbidity, and it means that with some disorders, there is a high likelihood that other related disorders will also develop.

Symptoms of ADD in children are often comorbid with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. This isn't surprising when you realize that all three ailments affect the executive function of the brain. ADD, on its own, is a relatively easy disorder to treat and manage throughout one's life. Depression and anxiety, on the other hand, are very frightening illnesses.

Those who suffer from depression and anxiety are more likely to use tobacco products, abuse alcohol and other illegal substances, and struggle throughout their lives with various sleep disorders, which make them more likely to get sick and more prone to accidents, both on the road and on the job. Depression also greatly increases the risk of suicide, and a new study has even found that it increases the risk of heart failure by 40%. Depression and anxiety also greatly impact a person's quality of life. Since they often occur when symptoms of ADD in children go untreated, it's of the utmost importance to start therapy with a counselor, or to begin using natural approaches like diet changes and biofeedback, as soon as possible for children who are diagnosed with the disorder.

Another reason to identify symptoms of ADD in children early is that when a child is treated as soon as possible, they don't struggle with other behavioral and psychological effects that come along with the disorder. There is a large, pervasive social stigma around many of the behaviors of ADD, and an untreated child may develop major issues with their self-esteem and social skills because they believe that they are unable to function like everyone else and that there is something "wrong" with them. One ADD sufferer described her disorder as "being forced to crawl when everyone else is able to walk." A child that doesn't know they have a disorder grows into an adult who thinks they're just not as good as everyone else, and this will severely limit their potential for success, happiness, and positive social adjustment.

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Dispelling the Myths about High Functioning Asperger Syndrome

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This is an area of study that is changing and advancing rapidly, but the public has not yet caught up to the general consensus within the psychiatric community. Today, we're going to clear up some of the broad, widely-held misconceptions about the disorder formerly known as high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome.

1.       Though certain patients with particular symptoms are often referred to as having high functioning Asperger, the condition was actually formally known as Asperger's Syndrome, named after an Austrian pediatrician named Hans Asperger who first identified the syndrome back in the 1940s. Now, let's fast forward to 2013, when the psychiatric community elected to remove Asperger's Syndrome from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) because it is technically an affliction on the autism spectrum, and shouldn't necessarily be treated differently. However, Asperger's generally describes a less severe case that still allows individuals to autonomously work, maintain a social life, and support themselves within our society's framework without unreasonable accommodation. So from here forward, when this article refers to someone who displays the traits or symptoms of high functioning Asperger, we will do so by the current medical terminology: Autism.

2.       Here is a quick list of the most common symptoms found in patients suffering from a relatively mild autism spectrum disorder:

·         Difficulty noticing, interpreting, and responding to subtle social cues

·         Difficulty reading body language, starting or maintaining a conversation, or refraining from interrupting others who are speaking

·         Difficulty feeling or expressing empathy, especially in appropriate social situations

·         Difficulty understanding or expressing differences in people's tone, pitch, or accent (for instance, having trouble recognizing sarcasm)

·         Constant verbalization of internal thought process

·         Abnormal eye contact – either very little, or too much

·         Deep, intense interest in one or a few different subjects, about which they sometimes speak at great length (often carrying on a one-sided conversation) and which they have a multifaceted, extensive knowledge about.

3.       Many people who are searching for information about high functioning Asperger’s are actually searching for information on high functioning autism. Though they sound like they should be the same thing, the psychiatric community is still working to fold the previous diagnosis of Asperger's into the autism spectrum (on a scale of severity). High functioning autism used to mean patients who suffered from an autism spectrum disorder, and had an IQ of more than 70. High functioning autism, like high functioning Asperger, does not appear at all in the DSM-V. This is likely due to the psychiatric community's increasing reluctance to utilize IQ as an appropriate measure of intelligence, since both the concept and the method of testing have proven to be faulty in many areas.

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A Mystery: Is ADHD Curable?

Is ADHD Curable? No, But It Is Treatable

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) affects more than 1 in 10 children and often carries on into adulthood. Its symptoms include hyperactivity, trouble focusing, being easily distracted, and struggling with time management. The disorder can have a major detrimental effect on both a person's relationships and career prospects; therefore it should be treated as soon as it’s detected.

There are a lot of people that want to know: is ADHD curable? Unfortunately, scientists are not even sure what causes ADHD, much less how to cure it. However, the good news is that although there is no cure, there are several treatment options that can alleviate its symptoms. Here are the most effective treatments for people suffering from ADHD:

1.       Stimulants. Many patients with ADHD are given drugs from the amphetamine family. What’s interesting is that these stimulants actually increase a person’s hyperactivity, but help them to channel it into productive tasks by increasing their focus. Stimulants include Adderall, Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, and Focalin.

2.       Non-stimulant medication. Some medications, like Desipramine and Amitriptyline, are non-stimulant antidepressants that some people have found success with (depression, like ADHD, affects the executive function of the brain.) Another medicine doctors are using is Clonidine, which is usually used to treat high blood pressure and aggression.

3.       Biofeedback. A safe, non-medication therapy wherein a therapist uses a machine to display a patient's brain waves back to them, then uses that information to teach the patient how to control their own behavior in response to mental and physical stimuli. Usually presented in the form of a game, in some patients biofeedback has been shown to be every bit as effective as a daily regimen of 30mg of Ritalin.

4.       Diet. The current wisdom in the modern medical industry is that there is no established causal link between diet and ADHD, but many doctors are beginning to sit up and take notice of multiple studies showing that some food additives have the potential to exacerbate the condition. People who eat refined foods and foods with dyes and preservatives report more trouble with their ADHD than those without. Parents who have begun supplementing their children's diets with fish oil and B-vitamins also report that their ADHD children experience better mood stability and focus.

Someday when we ask the question, "Is ADHD curable?" we will be able to answer, "Yes!" Until then, it remains a troubling disorder that affects millions of people. Luckily, it is treatable – both with and without medication.

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Who Should Take a Social Anxiety Disorder Test?

Is There a Social Anxiety Disorder Test?

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To those that don't live with social anxiety disorder, it's impossible to explain how this disorder affects those that suffer from it. It's not well understood by the world at large – to say nothing of the medical world – but it can significantly reduce a person's quality of life by causing anxiety and fear in social situations, and causing individuals to sometimes avoid social contact altogether.

If you have been described as "painfully shy" or you have been known to actively avoid social engagements because of fear or anxiety, you may have this malady. Luckily, there is a quick and simple social anxiety disorder test you can take to find out whether you present with the most common symptoms.

Please note that onlya doctor can make a diagnosis. If you believe you may have social anxietydisorder, talk to your doctor or another health care professional.

Each of the questions on this social anxiety disorder test are "yes" or "no." At the end of the test, tally your scores for your results.

1.       You feel shy or awkward about talking on your cell phone in public. This sometimes presents as a creeping fear that other people are listening to what you say and judging you.

2.       You have difficulty getting up the motivation to go to normal social functions. Of course, many people are naturally introverted and avoid loud parties and big crowds because they simply don't like them. However, if the idea of attending social functions, such as small celebrations for family and friends, or celebratory events at work or church, fills you with dread, you may be experiencing social anxiety.

3.       You have difficulty accepting criticism, even if it's constructive. Are you highly sensitive to evaluations of your professional performance, suggestions for how you can improve at work or in other endeavors, or constructive criticism from friends and family? Do you avoid competitions or other activities where you feel you could be judged? Do you subject yourself to intense self-criticism or experience depression and guilt over perceived failures?

4.       You hate being the center of attention. This is one of the most common symptoms of social anxiety disorder – the thought of being at the center of it all. If you are uncomfortable with a large group of people focusing on you, even when giving a presentation at work or at your own birthday party, you may be experiencing social anxiety.

5.       You feel painfully self-conscious. If you are constantly aware of what you are doing, how you are acting and how others perceive you, you may have social anxiety. A little self-consciousness is normal, but if you feel it every day, or at least in social situations, mark this question as a "yes."

That's the end of this social anxiety disorder test! If you answered, "yes" to:

0-1 questions: You probably experience a normal level of anxiety that all people feel from time to time, or it is slightly higher than the general population.

2-3 questions: You are more self-conscious or anxious about social situations than the general population. If you feel that your social anxiety affects your life in an inordinately negative manner, talk to a doctor.

4-5 questions: Your social anxiety is probably negatively affecting the quality of your life in a big way. Speak with your doctor about a professional social anxiety disorder test.

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Approaches to ADHD Treatment for Children

They are words that every parent dreads hearing from a doctor's mouth: Your child has attention deficit hyperactive disorder, a malady that affects the executive function of the brain causing inattentiveness, impulse control problems, behavioral issues, and troubles with normal activities like school, and as they mature, trouble maintaining personal relationships and achieving professional success.

No one in the medical community fully understands ADHD yet, but doctors have found that psycho-stimulants, a powerful class of drugs including Adderall, Ritalin and Dexedrine, have helped many sufferers seeking ADHD treatment. In most meta-analyses of studies conducted on the effectiveness of these medications, seven out of ten people with ADHD experienced a reduction of their symptoms.

However, using stimulants can be dangerous with side effects including racing pulse, hypertension, anxiety, unwanted weight loss, and headaches to name a few. For this reason, many psycho-stimulants are considered an unsafe ADHD treatment for children.

There are other drugs, like Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay, that have been approved for use in children but they come with side effects of their own, including potential suicidal idealizations in teenagers and the risk of liver damage that causes jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Because of the risks of using drugs for ADHD treatment, many people want to find a safe, effective alternative that doesn't involve medication. Luckily, there is a safe, non-invasive, non-drug therapy available on the market: Biofeedback.

Essentially, a child suffering from the symptoms of ADHD can be "hooked up" with electrodes to a machine that plays back their brainwaves on a screen. They can then learn, usually through a video game, how to control their physiological reactions to certain spikes or dips in their neurological activity associated with their disorder, thus giving them the ability to control their responses and their symptoms.

In many cases, biofeedback has been proven just as effective in managing ADHD symptoms as 30 mg per day of Ritalin, but with one important distinction: with biofeedback there are no side effects, and it is completely safe. The technology used is over one hundred years old, and it has helped thousands of children in the decades it has been in use with this application.

Biofeedback offers children with ADHD the same chance at living, working, and loving as their peers that were lucky enough not to develop the disorder. That's all any parent wants for their children, and now it's possible without powerful, potentially dangerous drugs.

If your child presents symptoms of this disorder, or has already been diagnosed, consider seeking biofeedback as a way to manage his or her ADHD. Talk to your child's pediatrician today.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Myofascial Pain Syndrome vs. Fibromyalgia: Similarities and Differences

Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two similar disorders that can drastically reduce the quality of life for those who suffer from it. Oftentimes, those that suffer from one also suffer from the other, and other times, patients are diagnosed with one when they actually are afflicted with the other.

So what are the similarities and differences between myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia? Here is a quick primer:

The Similarities:

Both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are characterized by extreme sensitivity and pain in the absence of trauma or injury. They both cause sleep disturbances, and the chronic level of pain can cause depression and anxiety. They also both occur alongside chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Differences:

Myofascial pain syndrome usually manifests as pain and sensitivity in specific muscles or parts of the body, while fibromyalgia tends to affect a sufferer generally – they feel sore and sensitive all over their body. People with myofascial pain syndrome have trigger points, which are hard knots in the muscle that cause pain in both the trigger point and elsewhere along the nerve. This is not the same as a tender point for fibromyalgia – a trigger point can be eliminated with the right therapy, whereas fibromyalgia's tender points are chronic and much more difficult to treat. Where fibromyalgia is a neuroendocrine disorder (meaning it affects the brain's neurotransmitter cells) myofascial pain syndrome is neuromuscular, meaning that it affects the nerves that control voluntary muscles.

The most important distinction between these disorders is the fact that of the two, myofascial pain syndrome is easier to treat, because there are specific treatment plans that work for most people. If you suffer from both conditions, seeking out a treatment that can alleviate the symptoms of myofascial pain syndrome can also calm the pain that results from fibromyalgia.

Treating Myofascial Pain Syndrome with Biofeedback

Electromyography biofeedback has become a popular – and effective – therapy for sufferers of myofascial pain syndrome because it is safe, non-invasive and doesn't involve medications. Biofeedback helps a doctor understand where a patient's trigger points are, and can help a patient learn to regain control of their improperly regulated muscle. Biofeedback for myofascial pain syndrome comes in two varieties: Static procedures, which are used to find tension in the muscles, and dynamic procedures, which can help to correct muscles' electrical characteristics and restore imbalances in the body's biomechanical processes.

If you are suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, talk to your doctor about biofeedback treatment today. It may be just the therapy you need to start living a pain-free life.

What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

What is Attention Deficit Disorder? Although this neurological disorder is practically a household name, many of us are not familiar with how the disease actually works or the intricacies of living with this condition. Attention Deficit Disorder, more commonly referred to as ADD, affects over five million children in the United States alone, or over 8% of the child population. The disorder, which can often be outgrown, is characterized by the inability to focus, disorganization, difficulty communicating, and a very short attention span. ADD is actually an offshoot of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, but where the child demonstrates less impulsivity and more inattentiveness or disorganization.

Recognizing Symptoms Early

What is ADD like symptomatically? This is a very good question, because the earlier parents, teachers, or loved ones can identify symptoms of ADD, the better chance a child will have of being successfully treated and therefore faring better in school and society. Here are some common symptoms of ADD that could warrant a visit to a doctor or specialist:

•          Becomes quickly and unreasonably bored, often failing to complete simple undertakings
•          Constantly demonstrating a lack of care or attention to detail in performing tasks
•          Habitual disorganization
•          Difficulty listening or following instructions
•          Often loses or misplaces things
•          Inability to focus
•         Easily distracted

Formulating a Management Plan

What are ADD management methods like? This is a tricky question, because it varies greatly from patient to patient. Historically, doctors have prescribed medication for children as young as three years of age. These medications are often stimulants, although there are some non-stimulant options. Although these medications do have an established success rate, they also have an established track record of side effects, some of which can be very harmful – especially in young children. Doctors will typically recommend concurrent psychotherapy or behavioral skills training for children with ADD, and this greatly enhances the child’s chances at improvement. Aside from these two options, there are also more holistic management methods out there (i.e. dietary and exercise changes), as well as some newer-age methods. One such method, called neurofeedback, allows doctors to actually locate the brainwave patterns potentially causing ADD and then retrain these brainwave patterns with the goal of long-term alleviation of the disorder. Neurofeedback is optimal for children because it is drug-free, painless, and noninvasive. It has also achieved noted results that have been published recently in some prominent long-term research studies, so it is certainly worth looking into.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER/ ADD

Changes in How to Treat ADHD

 Conventional Answers to ADHD

Knowing how to treat ADHD is paramount to creating a positive learning environment for children afflicted by this disorder. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is so prominent today that there are a lot of established treatment options available. Both traditionally and historically, doctors have used a two-pronged approach to treating ADHD: medication and therapy. It is important these are used in conjunction with one another, because while medication helps, it is not a long-term solution. Likewise, when it comes to therapy, results take a great deal of commitment and can be relatively far off on the horizon.

There is a flip side of the coin with these customary options in how to treat ADHD. First, medications come with well-known side effects ranging from minor nuisances to severe risks. Patients must consciously accept these side effects, because the common ones really can become part of everyday life. Furthermore, with regard to therapy, all may be for naught without the proper time, commitment, and financial resources.

Subtle Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Fortunately, the best course of action in how to treat ADHD is not limited to medication and therapy. In fact, you can make changes to your everyday life that can tangibly alleviate symptoms of ADHD. Dietary corrections, exercise regulation, sleep stability, and even certain herbs and supplements have been shown to help fight ADHD without subjecting yourself to prescriptions or the rigors of a therapy regimen.

Thinking Outside the Box

In addition to the aforementioned natural remedies that help with managing ADHD, there are some intriguing alternatives now on the market. One new and innovative treatment that has already proven successful in managing the disorder is neurofeedback therapy. Neurofeedback is a completely painless and noninvasive therapy that trains your brain to self-regulate the dysfunctional brainwave patterns at the root of ADHD. Not only are drugs out of the picture with neurofeedback, you won’t encounter the same commitment issues that accompany psychotherapy because the goal of neurofeedback is to set patients up for a future without neurological disorders by teaching their brains to self-correct automatically for the long-term.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ADD

Exploring ADHD Treatment Options

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Before exploring the various ADHD treatment options, we first must discuss the disorder itself, and what symptoms are most problematic. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common childhood neurological disorders in this country, affecting over 8 million children aged 3 to 17. ADHD has three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, or combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. As you can probably discern from the names, ADHD is characterized by inability to focus or pay attention, hyperactivity, difficulty controlling urges, and trouble communicating and interacting with others.

ADHD Medication: A Double-Edged Sword

Historically, all ADHD treatment options have begun with medication. ADHD medications, such as Adderall, are primarily stimulants designed to improve focus and enhance your child’s attention span. There are also non-stimulant prescriptions for the disorder out there, and medications such as antidepressants have also been used to combat ADHD. The problem with ADHD medication is twofold. First, you expose your child to a litany of side effects, ranging from mild (i.e. dry mouth) to serious (i.e. seizures). Beyond this, ADHD medication will often make your child simply not feel good, and this is heartbreaking when we are talking about young people. The second major issue with ADHD medication is that there is no conclusive link between prescription medication and better performance in school or society. ADHD medication is a short-term fix that should be no more than a part of a treatment plan designed at long-term alleviation of symptoms. The problem is, many parents – and even doctors – don’t realize this, and we end up with a bunch of overmedicated children who struggle with ADHD far beyond adolescence.

Therapy and Skills Training

Whether medication is among your chosen ADHD treatment options, a rigorous regiment of psychotherapy or skills training has provided much better results. Children are taught how to cope with their disorder and doctors have a chance to get to the root of the problem. The only issue here is that it can be very time-involved and also quite pricey when there is no potential end in sight.

Alternative Routes

Fortunately, when it comes to ADHD treatment options, we live in a great time. Studies have shown that moderate changes to diet, sleep and exercise all can have a dynamic impact on treating ADHD and the severity of its symptoms. Additionally, there are also some really innovative new therapies out there. One such method known as neurofeedback is certainly worth checking out because of the relative ease of the therapy and its potential long-term impact. Neurofeedback is designed to re-route brainwaves that have gotten off-track and are actually causing neurological disorders such as ADHD. The therapy is all painless and noninvasive, and over time will teach your child’s body to self-correct such issues, defeating the need other ADHD treatment options.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD

Panic Attacks in Children

Panic attacks are a fairly common and treatable condition, but panic attacks in children can be especially alarming. They can also be more difficult to diagnose than panic attacks in adolescents and adults, since children aren’t always able to accurately describe the emotional components of a panic attack.

                                                                                         

What Are the Symptoms of Panic Attacks in Children?

Panic attacks in children involve the same symptoms as panic attacks in adults, which include:

·         Pounding or racing heartbeat

·         Intense feelings of fear

·         Fear of dying or losing control

·         Sense of unreality

·         Trembling and shaking

·         Sensations of shortness of breath

·         Dizziness or lightheadedness

·         Feelings of choking, being smothered, or tightness in throat

Because the symptoms are largely physical, a panic attack can easily be mistaken for a more severe medical emergency, such as a cardiac event. Fortunately, panic attacks are not dangerous or life-threatening, even though they are highly unpleasant.

What Causes Panic Attacks inChildren?

A panic attack is a heightened response to feelings of anxiety and fear. It is essentially a runaway fight-or-flight reaction that spirals out of control. When a person is nervous or afraid, it engages the sympathetic system, causing changes in heart rate and alertness that have to do with the release of adrenaline. When anxiety is intense and overwhelming, this can escalate into a panic attack. Some people may be more prone to panic attacks, a tendency which usually runs in families.

Panic attacks are usually symptomatic of an underlying anxiety disorder. Children, like adults, can develop symptoms of anxiety. Individuals with an anxiety disorder often feel nervous or fearful, and are likely to become excessively or irrationally worried about things in their life.

·         Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder.

·         Panic Disorder is characterized by frequent, recurrent panic attacks, and excessive anxiety about the possibility of having another panic attack.

·         Social Anxiety Disorder involves excessive anxiety in response to social situations and fear of social embarrassment or rejection.

·         Specific phobias are characterized by anxiety in response to a particular fear, such as spiders, heights, or snakes.

Treating Panic Attacks inChildren

Panic attacks in adults are often treated with medications such as SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac) or benzodiazepines (Xanax); however, these medications are not generally recommended for the treatment of children.

Methods of treating anxiety disorders and panic attacks in children include:

·         Counseling or psychotherapy can help reveal the source of a child’s anxiety, as well as reassuring the child that panic attacks and anxious feelings are not his or her fault because they may suffer from guilt and self-blame.

·         Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches children skills for dealing with panic attacks and the anxiety that causes them. This includes learning better strategies for dealing with situations that are likely to cause anxiety, which can help prevent panic attacks from occurring in the first place. It can also teach new ways of thinking about stressful or scary situations that can evoke anxiety.

·         Parent guidance can help parents learn about their child’s anxiety and cope effectively with future panic attacks. 

When a child is experiencing a panic attack, it is important for the parent or other accompanying adult to be calm and reassuring. A comforting presence can be extremely helpful during a panic attack. A parent can also help the child with relaxation and breathing techniques. With the help of dedicated professionals and supportive caretakers, children can overcome anxiety and reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks.

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Two Different Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder versus Panic Disorder

There are several different types of anxiety disorders that are recognized by healthcare professionals. They all have common factors, but are distinct from one another. All anxiety disorders are marked by fear, uneasiness, obsessive thoughts, and sometimes physical symptoms such as nausea or lightheadedness. Two types of anxiety disorders that are easily confused with one another are generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Although they have much in common, they are officially recognized as two distinct and separate diagnoses.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is among the most common mood disorders. The recognized symptoms of this disorder include: • Excessive, unrealistic worry or anxiety • An unrealistic view of problems that evokes excessive fear and apprehension • General restlessness or a feeling of being on edge • Irritability • Muscle tension • Headaches • Sweating • Difficulty concentrating due to increased worry • Difficulty sleeping People with GAD often exhibit physical symptoms that reflect their state of worry and fear. These include: • Muscle tension • Sweating • Trembling • Headaches • Stomach discomfort • Nausea Although physical symptoms such as these do tend to present themselves in people with GAD, this is distinct from a true panic attack, which characterizes panic disorder. GAD and panic disorder may occur together, but they are two separate disorders.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized primarily by recurrent panic attacks. A panic attack goes beyond the shakiness, sweatiness, and other discomforts that are physically associated with anxiety in generalized anxiety disorder, although people with GAD may also have panic attacks. While anxiety in GAD is generally associated with life circumstances, such as irrational worry about school, work, or relationships, the main source of anxiety in panic disorder is fear of having another panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden, acute attack of extreme anxiousness, i.e. panic. This presents with a wide range of physical symptoms. A panic attack can last up to ten minutes, and is marked by: • Difficulty breathing • Chest pain or pounding heartbeat • An intense feeling of dread • A sensation of being smothered or choked • Dizziness or feelings of faintness • Trembling and shaking • Sweating • Nausea • Tingling and numbness, especially in the fingers and toes • Chills or hot flashes • A fear of losing control, or of being about to die The panic attacks are often prolonged or exacerbated by the fear that the person having the attack is actually having a cardiac event. The racing heartbeat, feelings of dizziness and inability to breathe, and numbness in the extremities, are accompanied by an intense sense of dread. This dread is almost like an eerie, otherworldly feeling that death is approaching and can be difficult to accurately describe. Individuals with panic disorder are highly anxious about the possibility of having another panic attack. Panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder are similar and share some symptoms in common. They are also likely to occur together; however, they are two distinct and separate types of anxiety disorders, and are recognized clinically as two separate diagnoses.

Degenerative Neurological Diseases as Memory Loss Causes: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s

There are numerous diseases, disorders, and injuries that are known to be memory loss causes. Memory loss can be related to aging, can be an effect of disease processes, or can result from injuries to certain areas of the brain.

Three diseases that involve the deterioration of the brain and can cause memory loss include:

·         Alzheimer’s disease

·         Parkinson’s disease

·         Huntington’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease and Memory Loss

Alzheimer’s disease is unfortunately common among older people. It is a progressive, degenerative disease best known for causing dementia. It also causes pronounced short-term and long-term memory loss. As the disease progresses, afflicted persons often lose more and more of their memory.

One of the most common early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is short-term memory loss. People with incipient Alzheimer’s may begin to show difficulty learning new facts and remembering recently learned information. There is also sometimes impairment of semantic memory, which is subtler; a person with early Alzheimer’s may lose memories involving meanings and relationships between concepts.

In the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s, short-term memory is most strongly affected. Episodic memory, the memory of events in the person’s life, is less strongly affected, as is procedural memory, their memory of how to perform learned tasks.

As Alzheimer’s progresses to the moderate level of the disease, deficits in long-term memory may begin to manifest. The person may even fail to recognize close family members. Individuals over a certain age who are beginning to experience problems with short-term memory may want to be evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease and Memory Loss

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system; it involves the death of cells that generate dopamine, an important neurotransmitter, in a region of the midbrain called the substantia nigra. The most obvious and well-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are its motor symptoms, including shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty walking; however, it is also among the diseases that cause memory loss.

Cognitive disturbances, such as difficulties with memory and executive function, can occur in the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease, and become more severe as the disease progresses. In terms of memory loss, Parkinson’s is most likely to impair the ability to recall learned information. There may also be difficulties with working memory; for example, people with Parkinson’s disease may find themselves having increased difficulty holding multiple items in their short-term memory simultaneously.

Huntington’s disease and Memory Loss

Huntington’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder with a genetic basis. It is more likely to occur in women, and often manifests itself in the 30s or 40s. During the progression of Huntington’s disease, deficits in memory and cognition begin to appear. Memory loss in Huntington’s disease can vary in nature and intensity and can include:

·         Short-term memory loss

·         Difficulties with long-term memory, including loss of episodic memory

·         Loss of procedural memory

·         Deficits in working memory

Causes of memory loss include a number of progressive, degenerative disease processes, which affect regions of the brain responsible for different types of memory. These diseases include Alzheimer’s disease, which is a tragically common cause of progressive memory deterioration in older adults, and Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease, which are two other neurodegenerative diseases that can cause memory loss.

The Autism Spectrum: Autism Definition and Differentiation

Autism describes a group of neurodevelopmental disorders collectively known as the autism spectrum. The autism spectrum encompasses:

·         Autism

·         Asperger’s Syndrome

·         Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

Although these disorders are related and may all be included in the definition of autism, they are actually quite distinct from one another. At one time they were recognized as separate disorders; however, the latest psychological Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth Edition, known as the DSM-V, combines them within the autism spectrum.

Autism

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social impairment; impaired verbal and non-verbal communication; and restrictive, repetitive, or stereotyped behavior. These characteristics are usually apparent before the age of three.

Autism carries with it a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. Some individuals with autism are severely developmentally disabled and may never acquire verbal communication, while others have high-functioning autism, defined as an IQ higher than 70.

A typical autism definition refers primarily to this form of autism; however, Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) have recently been included with autism on the autism spectrum.

Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder marked by difficulties with social functioning and nonverbal communication, although verbal and cognitive development is often otherwise intact.

Those with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be high functioning, although this syndrome is distinct from high-functioning autism. Despite having high intelligence, people with Asperger’s syndrome have difficulty with social interaction. They often have difficulty understanding subtle forms of nonverbal communication cues, such as eye contact and body posturing, and they may lack normal empathy.

Asperger’s syndrome is also distinguished by the tendency to pursue unusually narrow and specific topics of interest.  Individuals may also exhibit repetitive, stereotypical physical movements, such as flapping or rocking motions.

Asperger’s syndrome is distinguished from high-functioning autism in that language delays in Asperger’s syndrome tend to be minimal; however, it is often still included within a comprehensive autism definition.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specific (PDD-NOS)

Pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is sometimes called atypical autism. PDD-NOS is a DSM-IV diagnosis for individuals who may not fit all of the criteria for autism or another pervasive developmental disorder on the spectrum. Individuals with PDD-NOS often have a lower level of impairment in social skills and a higher level of functioning than individuals who meet the full criteria for autism. They may also exhibit a lesser degree of stereotypical or repetitive behavior.

Many individuals with PDD-NOS have the following characteristics:

·         Difficulties using and understanding language

·         Difficulty with social behavior

·         A need for routine and an intolerance of changes in the environment

·         Uneven skill development with higher proficiency in some areas than others, for example, delayed verbal skills but normal or elevated spatial reasoning skills

·         Unusual play with toys and other objects

·         Unusual likes and dislikes

The DSM-V, the most recent diagnostic and statistical manual for psychology and psychiatry, takes a dimensional approach to constructing a relevant autism definition. The DSM-V uses the term autism spectrum to encompass the three related disorders: autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder- not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Although these conditions are distinct from one another, they are closely related, and considered to lie along a spectrum of types of verbal and social dysfunction.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

Herbal Teas as Natural Insomnia Remedies

There are a number of herbs that have a history of medicinal use as sleep aids. These can be used as natural insomnia remedies. They are less harsh than over-the-counter sleeping pills, which contain antihistamines, or prescription sleeping pills.

Herbal teas made with certain herbs are great natural insomnia remedies. Some herbs that are commonly used for insomnia include:

·         Chamomile,  a plant in the daisy family that is often used to make tea

·         Hops, a plant that is also used in brewing beer. It contains a chemical called dimethylvinyl carbinol, which may promote relaxation and sleep

·         Valerian, a plant whose roots are often used as a sleep aid

·         Passion flower, a common herbal tea ingredient that may have a relaxing effect

All of these plants can be used as natural insomnia remedies in the form of herbal teas.

4 Herbal Teas for Use as Natural Insomnia Remedies

Tea #1: “Sweet Sleep Blend”

(Source: http://www.livingherbaltea.com/herbal-tea-for-insomnia/)

Ingredients:

·         2 parts Chamomile

·         1 part Catnip

·         1 part Peppermint, Rose Petals, or Lemon Balm

·         1 pinch of Valerian Root

Recipe:

“Combine herbs to create one heaping teaspoon. Steep in a typical mug of just-boiling water for 6 minutes.”

Tea #2: “Bedtime Herbal Tea”

(Source: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93290148/bedtime-herbal-tea)

Ingredients:

·         Chamomile flowers

·         Lemon blam

·         Catnip

·         Oatstraw

·         Passion flower

·         Valerian root

·         Hops flowers

Recipe:

Use 1 tsp of herbs per cup of water.

Tea #3: “Herbal Bedtime Tea”

(Source: http://frugallysustainable.com/2013/04/a-recipe-for-herbal-bedtime-tea-an-all-natural-sleep-aid/)

Ingredients:

·         3 parts chamomile flowers

·         2 parts lemon balm

·         1 part catnip

·         1 part oatstraw

·         1 part passionflower

·         ¼ part hops flowers

·         ¼ part valerian root

Recipe:

1. Measure parts of each herb listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.

2. Use a tea infuser, tea strainer, or teapot to brew a pot or cup.

3. Keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months.

4. This tea is mild enough to be used nightly. Take a cup 30 minutes before bed.

Tea #4: “Chamomile and Lemon Balm Tea”

(Source: http://www.sipandom.com/sip-tea/insomnia-tea-chamomile-lemon-balm/)

Ingredients:

·         1 cup (240 mL) water

·         2 tsp (10 mL) lemon balm

·         1 tsp (5 mL) dried chamomile

·         1 tsp (5 mL) honey

Recipe:

“Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan. Make sure the water isn’t boiling too much, or else you might scorch the herbs.

Add the dried herbs to the saucepan. Cover with a lid so the precious oils don’t escape in the steam.

Steep the herbs for about 10 to 15 minutes to receive the full benefit of their healing attributes.

Pour into your favorite tea cup and enjoy sipping this tea just before you drift off to sleep.”

Herbal teas make excellent natural insomnia remedies. Several herbs are known for having effects that can help you sleep; two of the most potent and well-known of these are valerian root and chamomile. For insomnia that isn’t frequent enough or severe enough to warrant antihistamines or prescription sleep medications, herbal teas can be a delicious and very effective way to help yourself get a good night’s sleep.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR INSOMNIA