Dr. Gourav Gupta

Panic disorder or panic attacks are common among people. We have come across this term many times before in our lives. So this article will deal with panic attacks and more about them.

What is panic disorder?
A panic attack is a sudden intense wave of extreme fear or anxiety which comes unexpectedly without any prior warning. There may not be any definite reason for the attack. It can also arrive when you are sleeping. The panic episodes usually stop after one but some people experience continuous episodes as well. Panic attacks are very dangerous to experience and it gives you a feeling of losing control or having a heart attack. A person who experiences panic attacks more often is said to have panic disorders.

Symptoms of panic disorder:
There are many important and identifiable symptoms related to Panic attacks and disorders. Let us have a look-

• Feeling or a sense of great danger and panic will arrive all of a sudden. The person may feel that he or she is dying.
• Critical fear of loss in control or even a feeling of death or heart attack.
• Individuals facing a panic attack may tremble or become shaky and will sweat a lot. It will become hard for them to walk. Palpitations are very common symptoms of these.
• It becomes hard to breathe and you will feel a sense of choking in the neck.
• Chest pain, severe headache, feeling of nausea will follow the panic attacks or many people can even experience them beforehand.

Causes for panic disorder:

• Panic disorder can be inherited genetically from the parents. If anyone of the parents has the tendency to panic disorders, then the child may also get the disorder.
• Major stress in someone's life can result in a panic disorder. The mind needs to be fresh and active in a peaceful state as well. So when it gets too much stressed with something, panic attacks arrive.
• Sometimes, panic attacks can even occur when there is a medical disorder in your brain.
• Hypoglycemia or the condition of low blood sugar can also result in a panic attack in many individuals.
• Many people experience panic attacks because of the overuse of stimulants like drugs, caffeine etc.

Some quick tips 
Panic attacks are sudden and unexpected. But there are a few things which you can do to prevent yourself from facing such a disorder.

• Avoid smoking & drinking
• Educate yourself on how to deal with stress 
• Learn to control your breath will also feel you in such situations.
• Try to learn relaxation techniques that will help you to relax at the time of a panic attack.

If no improvement with these tips meet a psychiatrist. He can provide treatment in form of either psychotherapy (counseling) or medicines (which are safe and effective). In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental condition, which traps people in a cycle of repetitive thoughts that push them to do repetitive behaviors. As the name states, the obsession over certain things compels them to do it over and over again. These actions will only help you feel relieved for a short time and soon the cycle starts back again.

Symptoms of OCD

The symptoms of OCD are classified into two groups, one for the obsessive behavior and the other for compulsive behavior. Some of the common symptoms for these are mentioned below:

Obsessive behaviors

As the name states this means obsessing over certain things, which varies from person to person. Some of the things could be:

1. Being scared about making mistakes
2. The fear of being embarrassed in public situations
3. Constantly being scared about contamination by germs, microbes or dirt
4. Doubts about sure and simple situations and the need to be constantly reassured about them

Compulsive behaviors

The obsessions usually results in compulsive behaviors, which you may need to perform to reassure and relieve yourself of the anxiety temporarily. Some of these may include:

1. Trying to constantly arrange things in a certain way and still not being satisfied
2. Thoughts, words and images being stuck in your head throughout the day that may keep you disturbed and cause to lose sleep
3. You may even repeat specific words or actions multiple times as a measure of self reassurance.
4. Hoarding of items, which have no value

Causes of OCD

Biological factors: Certain chemical imbalances in the brain may lead to OCD, which may happen due to hormonal or biological changes. In fact certain infections are also known to trigger OCD in people.

Environmental factors: Certain types of mental trauma have been known to trigger OCD as well, such as

1. Office, school, college or other work related stresses over a long period of time
2. The passing away of a near and dear one
3. Relationship problems
4. Repressed abuses from earlier in life

Treatments

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This is a counseling based therapy where you may be slowly asked to face your fears and overcome them over a period of time.
• Medications: Diiferent types of medications are used to treat the problems and they vary based on the symptoms. The medications prescribed are sometimes used as stand alone or in combination along with psychotherapy for better results. 

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. A person’s mood and emotions can be altered drastically due to bipolar disorder, but they do not have more than one personality. Split personalities problem is more commonly seen in those with personality/dissociative disorders. 

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

1. Bipolar I Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible.
2. Bipolar II Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above.
3. Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia)— defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
4. Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders— defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above.

Causes:

1. Biological Causes: Experts say that patients with bipolar disorder often show physical changes in their brains. Nobody is sure why the changes lead to the disorder.
2. Genetic Traits: Researchers are involved in finding out whether or not the causes of bipolar disorder arise out of genes and other hereditary factors. If you have a first-degree relative or a sibling who is/was affected by this condition, you would probably have it too.
3. Neurotransmitters: Mood swing disorder is caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals known as ‘neurotransmitters’.

Treatment Methods:

1. Initial Treatment: The initial treatment method is to take medications to balance and control the mood swings. After the symptoms are in control, one has to start working with his/her trusted doctor for chalking out an effective and practical long-term treatment procedure.

2. Recovery from substance abuse: Problems related to excessive alcohol and drug abuse are solved by this therapy. Failing this step, this disorder can be unmanageable.

3. Day care treatment: Day care treatment programs can be recommended by your doctor. This treatment method includes counseling and support which keep the bipolar traits under control.

4. Hospitalization: Hospitalization or immediate medical support is recommended in case of suicidal thoughts or when a person starts exhibiting erratic behavior (being psychotic).

5. Medications: Medications include the administration of mood stabilizers, antipsychotic, and antidepressant. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Our days are filled with endless tasks that pave the way for stress to become part and parcel of our lives. And when left unmanaged, stress can not only interfere with your mood, but impair productivity and immune function as well. Stress is a natural response activated in the brain, excessive stress can cause damage to the mental health and increases the risks of various diseases, such as headaches, migraines, heart attacks, heartburn, constipation, etc.

Therefore, managing stress is of great importance and can be achieved easily if you carefully incorporate the following stress busters into your everyday life.

1. Be more active: Stress is known to increase the level of stress hormones such as cortisol in the body. And it is by indulging yourself in more and more physical activities that these hormone levels can be maintained at desired levels.
2. Eat healthy: A nutritious and balanced diet has an important role to play in stress management. Lack of adequate nutrition can make you feel physically and emotionally drained and difficult to deal with the stressors. Completely avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can actually help in reducing stress levels.
3. Ensure plenty of sleep: While stress is known to interrupt a sound sleep, similarly, the lack of proper sleep is also responsible for making you feel stressed. Having a proper sleep is not only necessary for keeping the biological clock of your body on track, but also for feeling fresh and relaxed. Therefore, to deal with stress, try to have an uninterrupted sleep.
4. Consider meditating: Mindful prayer and meditation help both the mind and the body to focus and relax. Practicing meditation on a regular basis can not only make you feel more focused and develop new perspectives, but also help the body in releasing the emotions that are responsible for causing stress.
5. Give yourself a break: No matter how difficult it may seem, you must learn to give yourself some time off from all the stressors to manage stress. Whether it's the work pressure in your office or some household responsibilities, you have to step away from it for a few minutes at least which can eventually make you feel less overwhelmed.
6. Maintain social support: Simply talking to someone can also help you manage your stress better. Sharing your feelings and concerns with a friend can either help in releasing the built-up tension from within or keep you distracted from the stressors. Therefore, next time you feel stressed, talk to someone whom you trust and who can validate and understand you.

Stress refers to the body's way of reacting to any threat, demand, and change. And to keep stress at bay from interrupting your mental as well as physical health, don’t hesitate to talk to a psychiatrist, if necessary.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Schizophrenia affects over 1% of the world’s population and affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. In most cases, it is diagnosed when a person is between the ages of 16 to 25. This condition can be hereditary and is said to affect men more often than women. Schizophrenia is characterized by an inability to distinguish between real and imaginary which can lead to delusions, social withdrawal, hallucinations and other forms of social and occupational dysfunction.

Schizophrenia affects different people in different ways. On the basis of the type of symptoms exhibited, this disease has been categorized into 5 sub types. These are:

1. PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIA: This type of schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations that may make the person exhibit paranoid behaviour. These people often feel like they are being watched or followed and may have delusions of grandeur. They may also get angry quickly on minor issues and show signs of anxiety and hostility.
2. DISORGANIZED SCHIZOPHRENIA: In such cases, the person may behave in ways that are difficult to understand or speak in broken sentences and have difficulty structuring a sentence. They may also display inappropriate behaviour and react in ways not suitable to the occasion. People suffering from disorganized schizophrenia may also neglect their personal hygiene.
3. CATATONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA: People suffering from catatonic schizophrenia may swing between immobility and periods of rapid movement. They may stay quiet for hours or talk rapidly repeating everything they hear. These people have a high risk of harming themselves as they are usually unable to look after themselves and complete daily activities.
4. UNDIFFERENTIATED SCHIZOPHRENIA: People suffering from this type of schizophrenia exhibit behaviour that fits into more than one type of schizophrenia. From time to time they may have hallucinations, suffer from delusions or display catatonic behaviour and disorganized behaviour or speech.
5. RESIDUAL SCHIZOPHRENIA: Even though a person may not be currently showcasing any signs of schizophrenia, they are said to have residual schizophrenia. Such people need to have had at least one schizophrenic episode. These people may exhibit symptoms later or be in complete remission.

With schizophrenia, an early diagnosis can make treatment easier and hence if you notice anyone exhibiting signs of schizophrenia, you must advise them to seek medical help immediately.

Most psychotropic medications produce the best results when paired with some type of psychotherapy. Medication can be of great service in helping a person treat and overcome debilitating symptoms, but pills by themselves cannot address behaviors, emotions, and root causes of mental health issues. If you are prescribed an antipsychotic medication, please consider finding a therapist you trust to help you learn more about what you are experiencing and to help you develop coping strategies to improve the quality of your life.

Schizophrenia cannot be cured but it can be managed with a combination of typical or atypical medication and cognitive therapy. The latter can be in the form of self-help groups, housing and employment programs, counselling and therapy.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Do you worry about your friend or relative’s drinking habits? You are not alone. There are people who struggle for years with the same question - How can I tell if the person I love is an alcoholic or not?

Well, the good news is that you don’t need to be a medical professional to figure out the right answer to this vital question. Read on to find simple ways to know whether your loved one suffers from alcohol addiction.

First up is a short quiz about drinking habits, developed by Dr. John Ewing to identify alcohol addiction. Treat this as a pointer and take your loved one to an expert, if it points towards alcohol addiction. You can ask these questions directly to your loved one, or you can answer these questions on their behalf.

According to the developers, one "yes" to the four quiz questions signals a problem, and more than one “yes” means that it's time for you or your loved one to get professional help.

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?”

There are many signs of a serious drinking problem. These include certain behaviours such as:

1. Drinking just for getting drunk
2. Drinking alone
3. Keeping alcohol consumption a secret
4. Drinking to escape problems
5. Hiding alcohol bottles
6. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like getting irritated or experiencing nervousness, nausea, getting shakes, breaking out into a cold sweat, and getting hallucinations when unable to source alcohol
7. Having problems at work, school, or home, as a result of alcohol consumption
8. Losing interest in activities you or your friend used to enjoy
9. Having blackouts due to heavy drinking
10. Anger and extreme irritation

Other extreme behaviors to watch out for are:

1. Being able to drink an awful lot of alcohol
2. Trouble stopping once your loved one starts drinking
3. A powerful urge to drink

There is another scientific way to determine, if your loved one is an alcoholic. In the US, medical professionals commonly use a criteria, listed in the fourth edition of the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’. According to it, the signs and symptoms of alcoholism are clearly laid down and it states that alcohol dependent people:

1. Will drink more to get their desired effect from alcohol
2. Experience withdrawal symptoms when the effect of alcohol wears off
3. Drink larger amounts of alcohol over a longer period of time
4. Will be unable to consistently control their drinking
5. Will leave important work for drinking
6. Will spend a lot of time during the day getting alcohol, drinking it, and recovering from hangovers.
7. Continue to use alcohol, despite knowing that their chronic physical or psychological problem is caused due to alcohol.
8. To be declared alcohol-dependent, your loved one must experience at least three of these criteria during a year.

However, there is still no one definitive test to diagnose alcohol-use disorders. Therefore, professionals diagnose them by making use of the patient’s comprehensive medical, family, and mental-health information.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!