A lot of older people in America who live alone usually take medications to deal with loneliness. People who are overworked or overstressed, and people who have gone through depression also use these medications which supposedly eliminate the suffering caused by psychological conditions. These medications are called psychoactive medications.

Medications that effect mood or behavior are known as psychoactive. This includes those medications that are given for non-behavioral reasons. For instance, some of the medications used for high blood pressure, and some medications sold over-the-counter for colds and flu, can be psychoactive for a few of us. Psychoactive medications are drugs that, when prescribed and used prudently, can reduce or eliminate the suffering caused by psychological conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, psychosis, and bipolar affective disorder.

Many people use psychoactive medications, with or without prescriptions, to cope with the problems of their daily lives. However, psychoactive medications should generally prescribed by physicians. One of the most common conditions for which psychoactive medications are prescribed are sleep disorders.

When a person has trouble sleeping, he or she may be experiencing insomnia. Both anxiety and depression can cause insomnia, among many others. When this specific cause is known and treated, the person’s sleep patterns generally return to normal. When insomnia gets persistent, sleeping pills may be appropriate. Although a person can sleep while under these medications, the sleep induced by the drug will not be the same as that of natural sleep since the drug suppresses brain activity.

Prescribing psychoactive medications for children and adolescents requires the judgment of a physician, such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, with training and qualifications in the use of these medications in this age group. Certainly, any consideration of such medication in a child or infant below the age of five should be very carefully evaluated by a clinician with special training and experience with this very young age group. Any child or adolescent for whom medication is a consideration requires an evaluation of the psychiatric disorder, including the symptoms, and any other medical conditions, family and psychosocial assessment and school records.

Moreover, rest homes have become a major component of the health care system for frail elderly persons and psychiatric patients. Although psychoactive medications are frequently used in rest homes, there is little detailed information about the extent of such use, its supervision, or its effects. In a survey of a random sample of 55 rest homes in Massachusetts, it was found that 55 percent of the residents were taking at least one psychoactive medication. Antipsychotic medications were being administered to 39 percent; of these, 18 percent were receiving two or more such drugs.

The effects of psychoactive medications vary with their chemical composition, the doses in which they are taken, and the sensitivity of the person taking them. Taking other psychoactive substances in combination with psychoactive medications can be dangerous, especially because some of the interactions among these substances are not well understood.

It is best to remember that psychoactive medications should not be taken from old prescriptions without seeing the doctor first. These drugs should not be given to anyone else as prescription is individualized and personal.

Erectile dysfunction ED, also called impotence, is characterized by a man’s failure to have an erection or keep an erection long enough to finish the sexual intercourse. Severity of ED varies among men, with some having total inability to achieve an erection while others have irregular ability to attain an erection. Other men with mild ED can still sustain brief erections. Impotence is one of the reasons why men fail to perform well in bed. This condition is considered as a horrible experience among men, it can be very stressful and may damage the male self-esteem. Low self-esteem is one the reasons why men are not able to show their full potential and complicate relationships. Sexual failure among men is not something that is openly discussed, they often feel embarrassed and keep it to themselves. However, it is important to know the cause and treatments of impotence to nourish and maintain a healthy self-esteem and self-worth.

Conditions of ED can occur at any age, but it is more common in elderly men. In fact, majority of the male population experience occasional difficulty having or maintaining an erection. In many situations, it is a temporary condition that may disappear with minimal or no treatment at all. Aside from the aging process, ED can also be caused by psychological or physical factors. Psychological factors is commonly caused by anxiety, stress, depression, and dissatisfaction with a partner. Physical factors, on the other hand, can include any ailment that prevents the nervous system from responding to arousal. Injuries to the spinal cord, damage to the nerves in the genital area because of diabetes or surgery may cause ED. In addition to these factors lifestyles that involve excessive alcohol ingestion, smoking, or unhealthy diets may lead to impotence.

However, there are many herbal remedies that are out in the market that are proven to treat ED. These alternative medications are available in different dosage and may include Tongkat Ali and horny goat weed. These two herbs are considered as the world’s most effective aphrodisiacs. Tongkat Ali Eurycoma Longfolia is a flowering plant that can be found in Malaysia and Indonesia. Historically, this plant in its natural habitat was used a herbal folk treatment for various sexual health problems like sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction. It has also been used throughout time as a natural sex enhancer. Many scientific studies have proven that Tongkat Ali helps boost libido and testosterone levels, which in return may improve sexual performance. On the other hand, horny goat weed Epimedium works by improving the blood flow to the penis, which then enhances sexual pleasure and performance. It also helps men increase their stamina, last longer during sex, and reduce premature ejaculation.

Despite the existence of these products, men are still encouraged to talk to doctors and other medical specialists so that they can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these herbal remedies. Erectile dysfunction can be treated but it should be done under close supervision of medical professionals. Improving sexual health by changing lifestyles, improving diets, or including exercise programs in routines should be prioritized rather than seeking medical or alternative help.

The estimated risk for rape survivors developing post traumatic stress disorder PTSD is 49. The risk for those beaten or experiencing physical assault is 31.9, whilst the risk for others who experienced sexual assault is 23.7. Given these figures, it is no wonder women are more likely to develop PTSD than men, as they are statistically significantly more likely to experience sexual assault.

Post traumatic stress disorder is characterized by intense fear, a sense of helplessness, or horror. It can affect all areas of a person’s life, their emotions, mental wellbeing, and physical health. And symptoms are generally worse in situations, like rape and abuse, where the trauma was deliberately initiated against those involved.

A person with post traumatic stress disorder may re-live the traumatic events, having flashbacks or other reminders and images that intrude on their waking hours, or in dreams and nightmares. These reminders may also trigger physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or chills. Or emotional problems, like anxiety, depression, and dread.

People with post traumatic stress disorder may avoid any reminders of the trauma, whether that is people associated with the experience, or places, or even thoughts of the trauma. They can distance themselves from family and friends, and withdraw from everyday activities and things they used to enjoy.

Relationship problems are common for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Some survivors avoid intimacy, others avoid sex, and some avoid both, and create patterns in their lives where those coping mechanisms are maintained. But sufferers of PTSD who did not experience any sexual abuse can also have problems in their relationships, or in social situations.

Another characteristic of post traumatic stress disorder is being on guard all the time, and suddenly feeling anger or irritability. There can be problems with sleeping and concentrating, and sufferers may be startled easily. Self destructive behaviours, such as gambling, risky sex, drug use, alcohol abuse, or other problems like dangerous driving, may be present. Depression, disassociation, or other mental health problems can develop.

Not all of these characteristics may be present in PTSD, and the degree to which one experiences them may vary also. And PTSD may not develop until months or years after the trauma. Particularly in relation to abuse in childhood, symptoms of PTSD can pass, then reappear later in life. This can make it difficult to recognize when PTSD is occurring, as survivors may not associate their current feeling and behaviours with pas events.

Each time symptoms appear, however, they provide an opportunity for healing. Post traumatic stress disorder can be treated, using a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Whilst medications were not thought to help in the treatment of PTSD in the past, they have been found to be beneficial now, probably due to newer ones being available. The SSRI’s selective serotonin uptake inhibitors zoloft and paxil are both approved by the FDA for treating PTSD. And newer antidepressants like effexor and serzone are also beneficial, and tend to be used when the patient does not tolerate paxil and zoloft, or those medications aren’t effective.

There are 3 types of psychotherapy that can be used to treat PTSD. These are exposure management, cognitive therapy, and anxiety management. A combination of all 3 may be used, or one individually. Each person is different in what they will respond to.

In exposure therapy, patients confront, in a safe therapeutic environment, the situations, people, and memories associated with the trauma. People with PTSD usually avoid this very thing, but by working through the trauma in this way, exposure therapy is actually very effective at healing PTSD.

Cognitive therapy helps in the process of understanding how our thoughts affect our feelings, and provides ways of shifting negative thinking. Negative thinking can perpetuate a mental prison where joy and interconnectedness is no longer felt. Changing those dynamics can provide a new framework with which to process the trauma, and allow healing to occur.

In anxiety management, skills are learnt that help one cope better with the symptoms and triggers of post traumatic stress disorder. They can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms, though they need to be practised to be effective. Anxiety management techniques can be very helpful in controlling anxiety whilst doing exposure therapy. Some techniques used include relaxation, breathing techniques, assertiveness training, and positive thinking and self talk.

References
1. ptsdalliance.orgaboutwhat.html
2. ptsd.factsforhealth.orgwhatmeds.html
3. nimh.nih.govpublicatanxiety.cfm

The mid-life phenomenon known as menopause and the stresses of anxiety go hand in hand. Panic attacks, rushes of energy, burning in the chest, unusual vibrations throughout the body, and warm sensations are some of the physical effects you may feel under this condition.

When menopause hits, there is a greater chance women will go through anxiety and depression. Christian Northrop talks about this phenomenon in her book, Wisdom of Menopause, where if a woman has repressed something in her life, she wont be able to get past menopause employing the same tactics. For example, unexpressed anger will find its way out and sometimes in unusual or uncomfortable ways.

In what is often referred to as a midlife crisis, this time of life forces women to re-evaluate themselves and the roles they play as they are getting older. And, often times we are not comfortable with what we find. A little voice in the back of our head is saying, If you dont make changes now you never will! Our hormonal imbalances due to decreased estrogen levels can contribute to feelings of depression or make us feel plain indifference. Even if menopause isnt actually causing these conditions, it can heighten underlying anxiety and bring it to the surface.

Anxiety is an individuals prolonged feeling of dread and worry with no particular reason behind it. Its uncomfortable and causes stress particularly on the body. It can be triggered by problems in everyday life like paying the bills and work. Although worrying about these things for a normal person has its ceiling of severity, menopausal women suffering from anxiety tend to think about their problems excessively.

When anxiety finally hits its highest peak, it is often called a panic attack. Panic attacks are debilitating episodes of fright and fear that include chest pains, fear of death, and shaking. In what is called being psychosocially depressed, women have negative beliefs and attitudes in regards to getting older, assuming unwanted roles such as caretaker, and responding negatively to impatient husbands who might demand sex.

Being depressed during the duration of this condition has a lot to do with their overall psychological well-being prior to menopause. Women who have continuous anxiety and depression beforehand are more likely to suffer worse cases of anxiety during this latter phase of life. If life-long imbalances have not been healed, menopause may exacerbate the situation. We might feel unable to perform female duties, contributing to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Research has found that consistent regular physical activity i.e. exercise before menopause has been scientifically proven to lessen the possibility of anxiety symptoms during this transition. Its also helpful to avoid drinking caffeine-loaded liquids, sleep deprivation, and stimulant use. Also, numerous women report that black cohosh has helped them lessen or eliminate their anxiety.

Psychiatric consultations are highly recommended for anxiety sufferers under menopause. An experienced counselor andor therapist can help us recover and evaluate our lives including healing emotional imbalances. It is a great time to refocus our attention toward new activities and roles. As is common with anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, fright, and even suicidal tendencies can occur. In this case, antidepressants may be prescribed. Coping with all of the physical changes, assuming new roles, possibly facing many of our fears for the first time, and generally waking up to the fact that life just isnt what it used to be are all realizations that contribute to anxiety in older women. In these times, it is important to maintain focus and concentrate on the positive things in life. Although it can be hard, it can be done.

Having a plethora of life responsibilities and obligations during menopause can create stress, and having an excess of this stress can cause adrenal fatigue. Anxiety in menopause sufferers results from hormonal imbalances. In the menstrual cycle, ovulation causes progesterone which has soothing effects on the mind and body to be released. Irregular cycles are grounds for anxiety build-up, as a result of the lack of this happy hormone. All of these conditions can be treated with alternative therapies such as natural progesterone cream.

But why do some women go through menopause and barely notice a difference? One consensus among medical doctors theorizes that it has a lot to do with womens self-esteem and self-confidence. One thing is for sure, if you are having trouble with either of these, youll get a chance to deal with them now. One thing menopause is great at, and that is bringing out our unresolved issues. And we all know how anxious that can make us.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

It is often said that each person is unique and totally distinct from the eight billion other people on the planet. Different people have different interests, biases, wants, needs, and desires. Where these interests and desires take a person in life totally depends on each decision that is made every day.

For example, a typical teenager in college can choose between being a do-gooder whose life revolves around the home and the classroom; or going just a bit wild and experiment with all sorts of new things. Experiencing new things can be as simple as meeting girls, having intimate relationships, to drinking alcohol, or to something as risky as taking drugs.

Teens who experiment with drugs often do so because of peer pressure and the need to belong. Poor choice in friends can lead an otherwise normal teenager to go over board and become addicted to illegal drugs. Sometimes, the pressure and bad influence from peer groups can overcome a teenager’s sense of right and wrong, or the values and principles taught to them from the home and the church. Some who do not get hooked on drugs say that they tried doing drugs just to satisfy the curiosity about how it feels to get high.

The usual period for a person to experience and try new stuff would be during their teenage years, since their curiosity for the world is at its highest point around that age. Almost all of us have been exposed to drugs and alcohol at some point in our life. Alcohol is considered as a social drink for some, but this could lead to a more difficult alcohol addiction, or alcoholism. A more alarming fact would be to know that a certain number of teenage boys and girls get addicted to drugs, such as marijuana, crystal meth, or even LSD. This addiction could lead into a more dangerous position, causing them to go into drug rehabilitation.

Of course, a recovering addict would naturally be anxious or frightened by the prospect of being confined in a drug rehabilitation facility. Anxiety is present and felt at all times since they do not know what to see and think after they get out of rehab. Turning them into rehab may also cause depression, not just for the patient, but for the parents as well. Of course, the addict does not want to be into rehab because of the fact that they cannot use their drug inside the premises and that they will be separated from their drug- addicted friends. This isolation or separation would naturally cause depression. It would be a hard time for both the parents and the patient since this would be a time for detoxification, counseling, and basic addiction treatment.

Being inside a rehabilitation center would be like punishment for the addict. In this scenario, they are required to attend, listen, cooperate, and learn the benefits of having a healthy, drug-free life, instead of being addicted and enslaved by a chemical substance. In case they have to stay there for a set period of time, thoughts of depression and feelings of withdrawal from their drug may arise. These patients may be hard to talk to or communicate with due to their withdrawal symptoms. By having a relaxed and calm environment, this could help in releasing stress and anxiety from the patients, as well as giving them a fresh perspective on life.

Whether the addict is registered in the rehabilitation center as an out-patient, short term in-patient, or long term in-patient programs, they would have to deal with drug counseling activities, open forums, and educational facilities that might help in decreasing their need for drugs. Depression should decrease as time flies because through the rehabilitation sessions, the patient would learn how to be set free from the addiction and get back on the road to recovery.

There was a recent incident in a school in Nova Scotia, Canada that called the publics attention. This incident involved two high school seniors who arranged for them and dozens of their classmates to wear pink shirts to show support for another student who got bullied for wearing pink. Their actions have certainly brought light to the problems of a lot of students worldwide bullying.

Bullying
Bullying is a form of harassment perpetrated by an abuser of more physical andor social power and dominance than the victim. Bullying is done with clear intentions of causing harm to the target through verbal harassment, physical assault, emotional blackmail, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation.

Bullying exists in any setting where social interaction is present. This includes schools, workplaces, inside the home, and around the neighbourhood. This may even between different social groups, social classes and even between countries. Like any kind of abusive behavior, bullying is a repetitive act done to gain power or control over another person.

Generally, bullying is classified into 2 types
Direct bullying. This includes physical aggression in the form of shoving and poking, throwing things, slapping, choking, punching and kicking, and beating.
Indirect bullying. This is also called social aggression. This forces victims to go into social isolation. This is usually done by spreading gossip about the victim, refusing to socialize with the victim, name calling, mocking the victim, forcing other people to not socialize with the victim as well, and manipulation.

Why do bullies act the way they do? Some studies have shown that some bullies do it to be thought of as popular or tough, or to get attention. Bullies may also do it out of jealousy or may simply be acting out because they themselves were bullied. Some bullies are noted to have come from abusive families and neighbourhoods.

After-effects of bullying
Constantly being submitted to bullying may cause a person to develop inferiority complex. Inferiority complex, as the terminology implies, is a feeling of being inferior to others in one way or another. Always being mocked or negatively criticized by bullies may force a person to start believing the lies and second-guess themselves. Victims may also be more prone to developing stress related mental conditions such as anxiety and depression from frequently being bullied.

How does one cope with bullying?
Victims should always keep in mind that theyre not the problem, the bullies are. Victims should not start second-guessing themselves just because of the comments being thrown at them by bullies. Everybody has a right to safety and security. If youre different in any way, dont be ashamed of it and stand strong. Its not your fault youre unique. Always go out in a group with your friends, bullies wont be able to single you out if youre in a group. Theres always power in numbers. You can always just ignore the bully, tell them to stop pestering you, and walk away. If these tips dont work, tell someone you trust.

Thinking back on how the two senior students had acted upon seeing a co-student get bullied, its refreshing to know that even in the age where violence prevails, there are still people willing to help and stand up for whats right. Bullying has been a long-time concern for schools and parents now, and its nice to hear of people taking a stand for those who are being bullied.

People nowadays are becoming more conscious about their health, recognizing the importance of exercise and physical activities in their lives. Many have been integrating exercises like jogging, skipping ropes, brisk walking, and other similar exercises in their daily routines. However, there are instances that people who exercise, especially those who run or jog, can be vulnerable to muscle cramps. Muscle cramps are the involuntary and forcible contraction of the muscles. These cramps can be related to a part of a muscle, the entire muscle, or a group of muscles. It may occur many times before it is relieved. Sometimes there can be simultaneous cramps that move body parts in opposite directions. Statistics show that about 95 of individuals experience muscle cramps at some point of their lives.

Muscle cramps can be caused by different factors which may include poor flexibility, muscle fatigue, electrolyte and mineral depletion, excessive physical exertion, and dehydration. Electrolytes are minerals in the blood and other fluids that carry an energy charge. In addition to these causes, muscle cramps can be linked to some factors like improper breathing and unhealthy diets.

Muscle cramps may disappear on their own, but there are some things that can be done to lessen their severity and longevity. Below are some of the things that can be done to treat muscle cramps.

Stop the activity that triggered the muscle cramp
Gently stretch the affected muscle
Keep the affected muscle moving with light activity standing and walking around
Massage the affected area to aid blood flow

Making adjustments in one’s training routine may help prevent the occurrence of muscle cramp. Improving one’s cardiovascular fitness may also boost the flow of blood to the muscles. A strong heart may guarantee that there are sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients in the muscles for them to function properly. Stretching may also help the muscles become more loose and flexible that may stop the muscles from tightening and cramping. Stretching coupled with a good warm-up session may lead to increased range of movements and help prevent injuries and muscle cramps by prompting muscle recovery.

In terms of breathing and healthy diets, people who workout should make sure that plenty of water is taken before and while working out to replace lost electrolytes. Deep breaths should be done while working out to allow consumption of plenty of oxygen. Studies show that when oxygen intake is more efficient the following may take place slower heart rate, decreased blood pressure, eased anxiety, and relaxed muscles. Workouts should not be overdone to prevent the occurrence of muscle cramps. Any cramping usually subside after a few minutes of rest but if individuals are having trouble with their cramps they should seek the advise of doctors of other health specialists.

Rather than seek for the treatments or remedies for muscle cramps engaging in proper pre-workout and workout routines may eliminate or lessen the occurrence of these health ailment. The use of over-the-counter medication to treat muscle cramps is not prohibited. But individuals who wish to try them should consult doctors before taking them and not self-medicate. Proper workouts and healthy diets prioritized rather than taking muscle relaxants and other medications to treat muscle cramps.

Anxiety disorder covers different types of unconventional phobias, pathological anxieties, and fears. Anxiety, according to medical terminology, is the emotional state or condition that an individual regarded as unpleasant. The cause or reason of unpleasantness is not, however, readily identified or defined by medical experts. Often used interchangeably with fear, anxiety conditions require accurate diagnosis so that better prognosis and effective anxiety treatment are provided.
One of the most common types of anxiety condition is the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD. This type of anxiety disorder is defined through a persons extreme compulsions and obsessions. This condition is often linked to the phrase obsessive-compulsive that basically refers to a person who is either too absorbed or meticulous.
Defining obsessions and compulsions
A person is diagnosed to have obsessive-compulsive disorder if he or she either has compulsions or obsessions or both.
Obsessions are recurring or persistent impulses and thoughts that are regarded by an individual as inappropriate, disturbing, and intrusive, thus, resulting to distress and anxiety. As these impulses and thoughts are not just necessarily concerns about personal matters or affairs, an individual suffering from OCD tries to disregard or to hide such concerns by means of neutralizing them with other actions or thoughts.
On the other hand, compulsions are characterized as interminable behaviors or thoughts that an individual performs as a response to his or her obsessive actions.
A person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder is aware that his or her compulsions and obsessions are somewhat exaggerated and irrational. Apart from being time-consuming, an individuals obsessions and compulsions are known to cause distress or impairment to ones occupational and social functioning.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
The obsessive-compulsive disorder is distinguishable in a number of ways. Below are some of the notable symptoms of this type of anxiety disorder
1.Habitual canceling or blocking out negative thoughts and concerns with positive or good thought. Some of the best examples of bad or negative thoughts are
a.Chronic worries on particular actions and events like eating or leaving home without proper items.
b.Inappropriate sexual obsessions or thoughts.
2.Habitual aligning or fixing of things or objects at their proper or designated places.
3.Extreme fear of contamination. A person diagnosed with OCD is constantly worried about being contaminated with human or animal body secretions like sweat, vomit, saliva, mucus, as well as body excretions such as feces and urine.
4.Habitual clearing of throat.
5.Habitual hand washing.
Treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder
Recent community studies show that many OCD sufferers fail to seek clinical help due to stigma or shame of having the said type of anxiety disorder. Another noted reason for unaccounted OCD condition is that some people are not aware that they actually have an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Generally, OCD is treated with three kinds of anxiety treatment Cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, as well as medications.
As for the cognitive and behavioral therapies, one of the best treatments recommended to OCD sufferers is the exposure and response prevention. This treatment involves the process of tolerating anxieties that form when one does not perform a specific habitual actions or rituals.
Meanwhile, doctors and specialists often recommend selective reuptake inhibitor medications like fluvoxamine, sertraline, paroxetine, and fluoxetine to individuals suffering from OCD.