Stress,+Anxiety,+and+Mental+Health+Disorders

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Overview
Anxiety shows up generically and sometimes grows worse with stress ("Facts”). Stress can affect our lives in many ways. That can cause lots of  problems in every aspect of a person’s life. Anxiety Disorder can cause more than just stress, it can lead to depression and loss of sleep. People with the disorder expect the worst and have trouble sleeping and relaxing ("Facts”).

Problem
[|Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)] mostly begins in childhood and can sometimes shows up in adulthood ("Facts”). When a child has the disorder they wouldn’t show much signs of it. They might be startled easily or they might be more aware of their surroundings and not be able to focus on most things. GAD starts at a younger age and it takes slower to show up than others ("Facts”). Parents of the children with this problem don’t notice this in their child. People with children tend to have the panic disorder, social phobia, and general childhood and adult anxiety disorders ("The age”).Anxiety disorder is a problem for many teens and adults too. One of the main things that can lead a person with the disorder into an attack is their social life. The comic I made is showing the social part of a person with the disorder’s life. When someone has Anxiety disorder they can get help but they can never be completely fixed. Experts from Britain emphasize that therapy of music can improve the condition of people suffering from anxiety. Music is being used to communicate one's feelings through expressions instead of speaking ("Music”).

Solutions
Symptom relief and remission are the goals for any physician when treating patients with psychiatric conditions such as social anxiety disorder ("Study”). Social anxiety disorder patients treated with Paxil CR (paroxetine HCl) Controlled Release showed significant improvements in the symptoms of the condition and in the three domains of functional impairment: work, social, and family life, according to a study released at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting ("Study”).Everyone gets anxiety but not everyone with it actually has the disorder. Anxiety is a very common mental disturbance in the United States people. 28 million people suffer it every year (Frey). Many people who have the disorder don’t know that they have it. They think that there’s something wrong with them or that they’re crazy. Anxiety is often acquainted with an unpleasant emotional state ("Anxiety”).

Overview
Manic depression is also called Bipolar disorder affects a lot of people around the world. The medical field changed the name of this disorder to bipolar because it come mostly with two apparent moods; irritability and extreme rage. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness, is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings between mania (excessive euphoria) and depression, negatively impacting an individual's ability to function

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normally (Ford-Martin). Why does this agency say that people will develop the disease? When I have found sources that states it is genetic or has something to do with the chemical balances in the body. Scientists have not found any genetic link to the disease, but it is a strong possibility that there still might be a link between the inherited genes of a person and the fact that they have Bipolar disorder. Another reason scientists believe that it has a hereditary factor is that 60% of all people with the disease have past relatives with the disease (Basile par 5). There are different factors in the whole children of parents who have the disorder and the risk that they will develop the disorder. If both the parents have the disorder than the risk that their child will have bipolar disorder is 70% and if only one parent has it then the child has a chance of 15- 25% of developing the disorder (Basile par 5). Scientists have not found a link but they have narrowed down the possible whereabouts of where the gene would pop up. It might be in chromosomes 13,18, and/or 21 (Basile par 5). Since it is so difficult to diagnose, millions of people are living without even knowing that they have Bipolar disorder. The reasons it is so hard to identify is that since it is not yet linked to a genetic base doctors are not able to run tests like, MRIs, CAT scans, and blood tests to find out. This is true for all mental illness. Bipolar disorder can have a strong urge to commit a suicide attempt. Since one of the main moods of bipolar disorder is mania. It would seem very likely that people would attempt suicide because of their impulsive and aggressive because they are overwhelmed in their life problems. Another group that attempts suicide at a high rate is people who try to control others, as well as, have another mental disease or is chemically imbalanced. The final group of people with bipolar disorder that attempt suicide are those with psychotic illness, or suffer from paranoia (Basile par 6).

Problem
Since it is so hard to diagnosis, I bet that most people who have it don't even know that they have it. This is probably due to the mass amount of other medical conditions that have the same symptoms. “Possible side effects of the drug include weight gain, thirst, nausea, and hand tremors. Prolonged lithium use also may cause hyperthyroidism (a disease of the thyroid that is marked by heart palpitations, nervousness, the presence of goiter, sweating, and a wide array of other symptoms.) as well as, blurred vision and abnormal eye movement are two possible side effects of [|carbamazepine] therapy.”(Ford-Martin par. 4). This could very well become a problem with the medication and how the problem is dealt with. This is a big problem because what if the person hallucinating has a gun or gets into a car and drives they would not be very responsible because they wouldn't know what’s real. This needs to be controlled. They can't have people just running around acting crazy and yelling and screaming and not knowing what they do and not being able to comprehend the consequences of their actions("Bipolar Disorder." par. 2&3).

Solution
Since it is so hard to diagnosis, I bet that most people who have it don't even know that they have it. This is probably due to the mass amount of other medical conditions that have the same symptoms. [|Lithium] is a drug prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. It is called an antigenic agent which clears unneeded brain activity. This is the number one used and successful treatment for Bipolar disorder("Why Is This Medication Prescribed?" par. 13%16). Its good to have a medicine that helps manage the disorder. Carbamazepine is a paired medicine with Lithobid(Ford-Martin par. 9). This medicine seems to work pretty well and fast("Bipolar Disorder." par. 5). Lithium is a drug prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. It is called an antimonic agent which clears unneeded brain activity. This is the number one used and successful treatment for Bipolar disorder("Why Is This Medication Prescribed?"par. 1). It is important to understand how your doctor is telling you to take the prescribed medication, not only with Lithium, but with all medication. For Lithium the person with Bipolar disorder should do their best to take the prescribed amount every time and on time everyday. And if he or she doesn't see a difference than tell the doctor, don't take more without talking with your doctor first, you could overdose. There are a couple of different types of Lithium. There are capsules, tablets, a liquid solution, and extended-release tablets. All of these have certain ways or directions to take them. The tablets and capsules need to be swallowed and not crushed or chewed, and the liquid needs to be swallowed as well. People who are prescribed Lithium should tell their doctor immediately if they experience any symptoms or side effects. People who are taking Lithium should follow a proper diet and drink a lot of fluids. Some things that people on Lithium should avoid are drinks that contain caffeine such as cola, tea, and chocolate milk. Some side effects are gas, weight gain or weight loss, indigestion, stomach pain or bloating. Other more serious side effects are blackouts, seizures, possible irregular heartbeats, hallucinations, or a headaches. A person who is having trouble with these should contact their doctor. Some symptoms of overdose are Diarrhea, vomiting muscle weakness, and loss of coordination. The brand and common names of Lithium are Eskalith and Lithobid("Why Is This Medication Prescribed?").

__Alcoholism__
===Overview ===  Alcoholism has to deal with either a person who abuses or depends on the intake of alcohol. It can cause lots of issues for the health, life, and relationships of a person (“Alcoholism” par 1). Not just certain people may have a drinking problem. Any person that can get a hold of alcohol from a friend, buy it themselves, a parent, etc. can be an alcoholic or have a problem with drinking. Many people don't focus on older people and their intake of alcohol. Sometimes they think it is okay because of their age (“Alcohol” par 2). To this day, people are still studying and trying to find multiple ways to treat alcoholics (“Alcohol” par 12). “As of 2005, according to the [|NIAAA], 1 in every 17 adults (about 17.6 million Americans) abuse alcohol or are alcoholics” (“Alcohol use” par 1). In the past, Ancient Romans learned and noticed how there were two different types of people. People who liked to drink a lot and the people that couldn't and wouldn't control the intake of alcohol. The Puritans thought that anyone who consumed alcohol was immoral. Alcoholism causes problems in a person's life because of too much alcohol that has been consumed. That’s why in the past many people thought it was wrong because it caused them too many problems (“The Disease” par 2, 3, 7).

Problems
 Many people think that the environment, genes, and social are reasons for alcoholism (“Alcoholism”). Kids who have had a parent that was an alcoholic, can become alcoholics (Bower, “Alcoholism”). One type of alcoholism has to deal with people that were in an environment where others also abused alcohol or had family member that were alcoholics (Bower, “Alcoholism’s”). Another type of alcoholism is when alcoholics are just defiant people and the environment they are in doesn't affect them (Bower, “Alcoholism’s”). Anyone can get drunk. It is just their choice whether they would like to or not. Alcoholics that are trying to recover face that temptation every day (“Alcoholism is”). People that are studying alcoholism are starting to think that it is not a disease. They are thinking that is just a behavior that the person is addicted to (Bower, “Intoxicating”).  There are many effects from alcoholism. Most of them are health issues that the person may have to deal with for the rest of their lives (“Alcoholism”). When drinking once in awhile, it can be good for you. If you consume too much alcohol and the intake increases over time, it can affect your health in many ways (“Alcohol use”). When you are an alcoholic, there is a high risk of alcohol poisoning (“Alcohol Use and Health”). Wernicke-Korsakoff's syndrome is a health disorder that can create over time (“Alcohol use”). Women have to figure out how they are going to be able to drink lightly and decrease their risk of breast cancer (Doheny). When women get pregnant they should be aware of this if they want to have a healthy baby. For some people, this is common knowledge (“Alcohol use”).

Solutions
 Alcoholism doesn't really have a specific and/or real cure. The person can only be helped (“Alcohol use”). There are only two steps when treating someone is with a problem with alcohol. They have detoxification and then they have to go through rehabilitation (“Alcoholism”). When alcoholics are treated, the goal they set is to be completely free of alcohol (Bower, “Intoxicating”). One treatment is a type of medication that is supposed to help you not go back to drinking after you have quit (“Alcohol”). If younger kids are introduced to programs that keep them away from alcohol and tell them the effects, it could help them in the future to not be an alcoholic (“Alcoholism”). It helps prevent people from becoming alcoholics is informing them about alcoholism and the symptoms (“The Disease”). Anyone who is willing and would like the program to work, can be helped by [|Alcoholics Anonymous] (“Alcoholism is”).

Resources
"The age of anxiety." Psychology Today Sept.-Oct. 1994: 18. Student Resources in Context. Web. 5 Mar. 2012.

"Alcoholism." Sick! Gale, 2009. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2012.

"'Alcoholism is like an illness, it can be treated'." DNA [Daily News & Analysis] 19 Oct. 2010. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 10 Apr. 2012.

"Alcohol use and abuse." Pamphlet by: National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging, 2005. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2012.

"Alcohol Use and Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 30 Mar. 2012. <http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm>.

"Anxiety." Encyclopedia of Drugs, Alcohol & Addictive Behavior. Ed. Pamela Korsmeyer and Henry R. Kranzler. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA, 2009. 183-184. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 6 Mar. 2012.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bower, Bruce. "Alcoholism exposes its 'insensitive' side." Science News 19 Feb. 1994: 118. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 10 Apr. 2012.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Bower, Bruce. "Intoxicating habits: some alcoholism researchers say they are studying a learned behavior, not a disease." Science News 6 Aug. 1988: 88+. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 18 Apr. 2012.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"Alcohol use and abuse." World of Health. Gale, 2007. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 19 Mar. 2012.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"The Disease of Alcoholism." The Disease of Alcoholism. n.d.: n.p. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 27 Mar 2012.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cartoon. CC's Webblog. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://shashasha.wordpress.com/exercise-teenage-and-stress/>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Cartoon. Top Scoops. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1008/S00071/martha-rosenberg-the-passing-of-john-callahan.htm>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Cartoon. Cartoon Stock. Web. 16 May 2012. <http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/b/bi-polar_disorder.asp>.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Doheny, Kathleen. "Even a Little Drinking May Raise Breast Cancer Risk: Study." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 29 Mar. 2012. <http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2012/03/29/even-a-little-drinking-may-raise-breast-cancer-risk-study>.

"Facts about Generalized Anxiety Disorder." Pamphlet by: National Institute of Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health, 1999. 1. Student Resources in Context. Web. 6 Mar. 2012.

Frey, Rebecca J., and Teresa G. Odle. "Anxiety Disorders." The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2006. 362-365. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 6 Mar. 2012.

"Music Decreases Level of Depression and Anxiety: Study." News Tonight 1 Aug. 2011. Infotrac Newsstand. Web. 6 Mar. 2012.

"Study shows improvement in the treatment of social anxiety disorder." Mental Health Weekly Digest 16 June 2003: 10. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 6 Mar. 2012.