Separation Anxiety

Fear of being separated from The symptoms of Separation anxiety Fear of being separated from parents home Attachment figures Familiar situations

The symptoms of Separation anxiety The most common fears are “Something may happen to one of my parents or close ones while I am away”. or “something bad may happen to me” (kidnapping or getting lost) Many times the exact fear is not clear “they just sense a general feeling of danger when away from close ones”

The symptoms of separation anxiety Cont’ Some common facts: Very often this can break out suddenly, even with children who never had a problem before. These feelings make them feel very insecure and scared and very often it can bring even older boys to tears. Children with separation anxiety are often clingy Most children have separation anxiety when they begin going to school but outgrow it on their own. These children, very often have difficulty adapting to any kind of change.

The symptoms of separation anxiety Cont’ Some common behaviors: preoccupied with Unrealistic worry about harm to self or loved ones Refusal to go to school. Can only separate for short intervals. Asks for constant reassurance from parents or other adults. Calls home very frequently. Cannot sleep over at a friends house. Very Homesick when going to camp.

The symptoms of separation anxiety Cont’ Some common behaviors cont’: These children come to the office with stomachaches or headaches looking for reasons to call home to get reassurance. Beginning of a new week, coming back after any break can be extremely difficult. Crying, clinging to, tantrums, nausea, vomiting in anticipation of separation. Nightmares about harm or danger as a result of separation. Reluctant to be alone especially at night

Panic disorder

A person’s anxiety level What is a panic attack? A person’s anxiety level peaks abruptly to the point that it is intolerable to the sufferer; it brings with it an array of physical symptoms.

The symptoms of Panic disorder 1) Repeated unexpected “out of the blue” panic attacks 2) Dreaded anticipation of another panic attack 3) Avoidance of perceived triggers to a panic attack 4) Avoiding situations for fear of a panic attack coming and being unable to cope with it (for example public areas)

Physical Symptoms of a panic attack: Pounding heart, palpitations and accelerated heart rate Sweating Trembling or shaking Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering Feeling of choking Chest Pain or discomfort Nausea stomach pain Feeling dizzy unsteady light headed or faint Fear of Dying Fear of going Crazy, I will snap, I will lose control Fear of becoming detached Numbness or tingling sensation Chills or hot flushes

Usually the result of panic disorder Agoraphobia Agoraphobia comes from the Greek "agora", marketplace + "phobos", fear = fear of the marketplace Symptoms Anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having an unexpected or situational predisposed Panic Attack or panic-like symptoms. Usually the result of panic disorder

being outside the home alone being in a crowd standing on a line Agoraphobic fears typically involve characteristic clusters of situations that include: being outside the home alone being in a crowd standing on a line being on a bridge or tunnel traveling in a bus, train, or automobile. The situations are avoided (e.g., travel is restricted) or else they are endured with marked distress for fear of imminent panic-like symptoms, or require the presence of a companion.

Present itself with or without Agoraphobia. Panic disorder can Present itself with or without Agoraphobia. Usually it presents with two main features 1 – avoidance 2 – anticipatory anxiety

Hypochondria

preoccupying fear of having a serious illness Hypochondria preoccupying fear of having a serious illness A person with hypochondria continues thinking he is seriously ill despite appropriate medical evaluations and reassurances that his health is fine. A person with hypochondria will think such normal bodily functions as heart beats, sweating and bowel movements are symptoms of a serious illness or condition. Even minor abnormalities, such as a runny nose, slightly swollen lymph nodes and a minor sore are seen as symptoms of something really serious.

Signs and symptoms of hypochondria include: Excessive fear/anxiety about having a particular disease/condition Worry that minor symptoms mean you have a serious illness Seeking repeated medical exams or consultations "Doctor shopping," or frequently switching doctors Frustration with doctors or medical care Strained social relationships Obsessive health research Emotional distress Frequent checking of your body for problems, such as lumps, sores Frequent checking of vital signs, such as pulse or blood pressure Inability to be reassured by medical exams Thinking you have a disease after reading or hearing about it Avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious, such as being in a hospital or reading material that discusses deseases or news that mentions anything about sickneses

OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder The Prison Of the mind

Obsession = Intrusive thoughts that force themselves into your mind. Recurrent and persistent thoughts impulses or images whose experience feels intrusive and inappropriate And causes marked anxiety or distress

These behaviors are aimed at preventing or reducing the distress. Compulsions = the actions you feel compelled to carry out to relieve the obsessions. Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or having the need to live according to rules that must be applied rigidly. These behaviors are aimed at preventing or reducing the distress.

The relationship between obsessions and compulsions Understand the cycle The obsession hits Obsessions bring along an overload of worry and anxiety The obsessions drain your body’s energy You are dying for any kind of relief There is a force within you pushing you to do something that it perceives as immediate relief. This relief is only temporary and the cycle begins once again.

Distress Relief Compulsions distress subsides temporarily Obsessions repetitive, negative thoughts, images, or impulses Distress anxiety, fear, disgust, shame Compulsions repetitive thoughts, images, or actions Relief distress subsides temporarily