Wednesday 27 June 2012

How to Avoid Anxiety Attacks, Or Not!

I am sure you have heard many times that anxiety attacks can come anytime, anywhere. Suddenly, your hit by a barrage of strange symptoms. Your heart starts pounding, you can't breathe properly, you start to feel faint and weak, and more importantly, you REALLY feel like your going to die right there.

This is what an anxiety attack feels like.

But during that short time, the terror can be so severe that it can cause a change in a person's psyche and this is where the main problem starts. After an anxiety attack is over, you may start worrying about having another one, particularly in public places where help isn't available and hence the term "unsafe place".

You start AVOIDING places and situation which trigger your last attack. You AVOID driving, AVOID taking buses or trains, AVOID going out alone, etc. Eventually, you AVOID going out altogether as the frequencies and intensity of th attack increases.

Still want to AVOID anxiety attacks?

Often, avoidance can lead to more harm than good, and especially more so for anxiety attacks. When you avoid situation which trigger your anxiety attacks, your giving in to your fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety is what fuels an anxiety attack, making it occur again and again...and again!

The first thing you must do now is to chuck the word "avoid" out of the window. You don't have to avoid anxiety attacks. Why? Because its perfectly treatable. You CAN make it stop. You don't have to be stuck with it forever.

Rather than learning how to avoid anxiety attacks, seek to confront it. Accept the fact that you have anxiety attack and make the decision to stop it. This action must come at some point in time. Anxiety attacks isn't going to stop by itself. You cannot hope to avoid it and pray than it never finds you.

Know that anxiety attack cannot harm you. Its been medically proven. Despite the uncomfortable sensations you feel during an anxiety attack, KNOW that nothing will happen to you.

You heart is pounding madly, you think that your having a heart attack, BUT YOUR NOT! It feels unnatural because this type of heart activity is usually reserved for vigorous activity (when your exercising), and you don't notice it as much.

You can't breathe, you think that your suffocating or hyperventilating, BUT YOUR NOT! In fact, the risk of suffocating during an anxiety attack is much lower than usual because your taking in more air. The effects of having too much oxygen in your bloodstream causes you to feel numb, faint and weak...and there you have it, your not suffocating - your breathing too much!

Arm yourself with the above knowledge and know that anxiety attack cannot harm you. Don't avoid anxiety attacks, confront it!


by Nomorepanicattack

Thursday 21 June 2012

Aspergers Autism - What is Asperger's Autism?

Asperger's Autism is a type of Autism that affects the neuro development of the individual. It is named after a children's doctor by the name of Hans Asperger. He completed many studies in 1944 relating to abnormalities found in some children. His published material helped build the foundation for the concepts of Autism. Many of the concepts he implemented in 1944 are still being used to uncover the mysteries of Austim today.

The technical term for this disorder is Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PPD). It is similar to Classic Autism when you compare it to all other types under the spectrum of Autism. There are five different PPD's that are classified differently than other types of Autism. The sooner a child with Austim starts interventions and therapies, they less likely they will suffer from Autism as they get older.

In 1932 Apserger was assigned to the position of director of the Vienna University Children's Clinic. He observed four children with very similar traits. They were all unable to interact on a social level with their peers even though they had the same levels of intelligence as any average child. They weren't able to show empathy or other emotions to others. They lacked non verbal communication skills and they were very accident prone.

The group of children did speak, but it was in a different context than other children. He also observed that whatever they were talking about at any given moment became the most important topic to them. He coined their behaviors as Autistic Pyschopathy due to the characteristics of social isolation and poor communication skills. He would eventually observe more than 400 children with similar traits to base his writings upon.

Some people continue to debate the classification of Asperger's Autism. There are clinicians who called it High Functioning Autism (HFA). These individuals feel it is only a mild form of Classic Autism. Many individuals who show signs of Asperger's Autism have learning problems but they also seem to excel in their mental abilities as they get older. Helping children with Asperger's Autism will help them be able to use their skills to the fullest.

Asperger wrote many articles about the concept of teaching individuals with Asperger's Autism in a specific type of learning environment so that their development would be benefited. He believed that since they are often obsessed with a particular topic, this gives them the chance to achieve in those areas that capture their attention. The two most common areas that they excel in are art and science. Many individuals are surprised to find that Albert Einstein was diagnosed with Asperger's Autism.


By Caleb Liu

Friday 15 June 2012

Bipolar Chat - Talk Online with Others About Bipolar Disorder

Suffering from bipolar disorder can definitely turn your life completely upside down. It can be scary and frustrating as well. Sometimes you may feel as if you are the only one feeling like that. Take a visit to a bipolar chat room and you will quickly learn there are millions of people just like you. This is also a great way to get answers to questions you have from those who have experienced it.

Many people find it comforting to discover their situation isn't an isolated incident. You can also serve a method of support for others. You likely have the answers to some of their questions. Bipolar chat rooms can be a tremendous wealth of information and support for those who suffer from bipolar as well as their family and friends who want to find out more about the disorder.

People from all over the world visit bipolar chat rooms so you will get to meet a diverse population. Since it is all online they are available 24/7 so you can log on when you feel like it. Many people find it much easier to speak freely about their bipolar disorder online than with a face to face support group. While you are free to speak your mind remember that bipolar chat rooms like most others are moderated to prevent things from escalating online.

You want to protect your personal identity as well. It is recommended that you use a screen name instead of your real one for privacy. Always be cautious about sharing too much personal information about yourself with other people online. While most people you will meet are very decent you hear stories all the time about people becoming victims online. Don't let this happen to you!

For your safety most online bipolar chat rooms require you to verify you are at least 18 years of age or older. There are a few set up for younger children and teens but they aren't the majority.

Almost all of the bipolar chat rooms will have rules you need to read and agree to before you are able to login. For example all caps generally are not allowed because it indicates an angry tone and shouting. It is also very hard for the eyes to read accurately. Bipolar chat rooms aren't a place to pick a fight.

Generally the bipolar chat rooms have different categories and you will post your replies in the appropriate one. There may be a general area where you can freely explore different aspects. It is a good idea to avoid issues that generally result in debate including politics.

One bit of information you definitely don't want to take from a bipolar chat room though is anything pertaining to medications. That is a discussion you need to have with your doctor instead.


by Caleb Liu

Saturday 9 June 2012

Bipolar Disorder Behavior - Symptoms that Signal Bipolar Disorder Behavior

While there are common symptoms that may indicate a person has bipolar disorder, each person is different. Therefore the particular symptoms they will exhibit and to the degree they have them depends on the person. This means there is no cookie cutter approach that is going to work for taking care of the disorder.

Bipolar disorder behavior can come on suddenly in both men and women. It is also known to affect young children and teenagers. The average age for bipolar disorder is approximately 25. There is plenty of research to indicate bipolar disorder behavior may be hereditary in nature.

Anyone who is affiliated with bipolar disorder often feels like they are living on a roller coaster that just keeps going up and down without any chance to get off the ride. The emotions that vary from one extreme to another are very hard for a person with bipolar to deal with on a daily basis.

These behaviors are certainly anything but normal and they can affect a person's personal relationships and career. It is very important to understand the behaviors a person with bipolar disorder exhibits aren't restricted to affecting only them. Their family suffers an emotional strain and in many cases financial stressors as well.

The two extremes of bipolar disorder behavior are mania and depression. Their behavior may fall anywhere between the two spectrums. When an individual is in a manic phase they are very unpredictable and act irresponsibly. This can cause them to be in a dangerous situation as well as put others around them at risk. Common behaviors during maniac episode include drinking excessively, taking drugs, and risky sexual behaviors.

As the person shifts into a depression mode they often start to experience psychotic episodes. They may become very paranoid because they hear voices, experience hallucinations, and they may believe they have a special power. They may feel very sad one moment and ecstatic the next.

Anyone who is trying to live a normal life and go to work each day has a hard time doing so with such extreme mood swings. Many people who suffer from bipolar disorder behavior don't realize it and they have never been diagnosed. Yet they can't seem to maintain personal relationships or hold a job.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder but with the right combination of medication and therapy it can be controlled. Many people with bipolar disorder are able to function at a normal level under the supervision of a doctor.


By : Caleb Liu

Sunday 3 June 2012

Autism Genome Project - Recent Developments

In 2004 the Autism Genome Project (AGP) was piloted as the largest study to cover the genetic aspects of Autism. The goal was to determine the genes that play a role in children inheriting the ones that lead to Autism. The technology of DNA and 120 genetic researchers combined their knowledge and skills to complete the study. The researchers came from 50 different research institutes and 19 different countries. Each one of them brought different DNA samples to the project so that the theory of genetics playing a role in Autism could be confirmed or denied.

It was believed that once this could be determined, doctors could help identify the risk factor a couple had of their child being born with Autism. This could definitely help lead researchers to preventing Autism as well as eventually finding a cure for it.

The initial phase of the project involved scanning the collected samples of DNA. These belong to 1,200 families who have a child with Autism. The next phase was to analyze the results from the scanned DNA. This would allow the genes dominate in individuals with Autism to be identified. To arrive at this information the genome of 23 pairs of chromosomes were carefully reviewed.

The results of the AGP show conclusive evidence that support the theory of genetics playing a significant role in the risk of Autism. This has lead the research to begin focusing on discovering if a specific genetic make up is present for Autism to occur or if the genetic factors mixed with environmental factors result in Autism.

The AGP definitely laid a solid foundation for other research to build upon. There is plenty more investigating that has to be done regarding the environmental factors and genetics. But there is hope this research will one day lead to a biological diagnosis and better treatment options for those diagnosed with Autism. The AGP is definitely a step in the right direction for offering hope that one day a cure for Autism will be found.


By : Caleb Liu