Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.There are many different types of anxiety, the main three common forms of anxiety is social anxiety, phobia, and academic anxiety. Social anxiety is being overwhelmed by being around people to some degree and being overwhelmed in a social situation in a lot of the cases. Phobia is the fear of a certain something. Phobias can cause anxiety, which can cause people to be worried and fear when around that phobia. Academic Anxiety is feeling anxious or stressed about school, grades, and classes. Many people have but academic anxiety which is normal until it is more of a transfixation in a bad way rather than motivation. RESEARCH QUESTIONS FOR PATIENT 1. What are some common symptoms that patients experience when affected by the specific mental health disorder that you have been assigned? Common symptoms of Social Anxiety are Being introduced to other people, Being teased or criticized, Being the center of attention, Being watched while doing something, Meeting people in authority ("important people"), Most social encounters, especially with strangers, Going around the room (or table) in a circle and having to say something, Interpersonal relationships, whether friendships or romantic Common symptoms of Phobias are pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, rapid speech or inability to speak, dry mouth, upset stomach or nausea, elevated blood pressure, trembling or shaking, chest pain or tightness, choking sensation, dizziness or lightheadedness, profuse sweating, sense of impending doom Common symptoms of Academic Anxiety: Physical symptoms- Headache, nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and feeling faint can all occur. Test anxiety can lead to a panic attack, which is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort in which individuals may feel like they are unable to breathe or having a heart attack. Emotional symptoms- Feelings of anger, fear, helplessness and disappointment are common emotional responses to test anxiety. Behavioral/Cognitive symptoms- Difficulty concentrating, thinking negatively and comparing yourself to others are common symptoms of test anxiety. 2. What are some known or possible causes of this disorder? Anxiety can be caused by environmental and external factors, medical factors, substance abuse and use, genetics and brain chemistry. 3. How many people in the US are diagnosed with the disorder? What are some other relevant statistics that might be helpful for patients? Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment. It's not uncommon for someone with an anxiety disorder to also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. For social anxiety 15 million, 6.8% people are affected. Equally common among men and women, typically beginning around age 13. According to a 2007 ADAA survey, 36% of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing symptoms for 10 or more years before seeking help. 19 million, 8.7% are affected by specific phobias. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Typically begins in childhood; the median age of onset is 7. 4. What are some reasons someone might not seek help for this mental disorder? Some reasons may be fear and shame, lack of insight, limited awareness, feelings of inadequacy, distrust, hopelessness, unavailability, and practical barriers. 5. What other information do you think will help people better understand this mental health condition and seek appropriate help?An anxiety disorder is a medical condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry. Anxiety disorders can take a number of forms. Common to all of these is an anxiety so distressing, it can interfere with a person's ability to carry out or take pleasure in day-to-day life.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS FOR MEDICAL EXPERT 1. What are some risk factors in mental illness? And how is the specific mental disorder you researched diagnosed? Having a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with a mental illness, Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one's death or a divorce, An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes, Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head, Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or being assaulted, Use of alcohol or recreational drugs, Being abused or neglected as a child, Having few friends or few healthy relationships, A previous mental illness. Self-care- Avoid alcohol, Reduce caffeine intake, Physical exercise, Stress management, Smoking cessation, Relaxation techniques, and Healthy diet- Therapies- Cognitive behavioral therapy, Meditation, and Psychotherapy Medications- Selective Serotonin Repute Inhibitor (SSRI), Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, Sedative, and Nerve pain medication, Specialists- Clinical psychologist, Psychiatrist, and Primary care provider (PCP)
Consult a doctor for medical advice 2. What are general methods used to treat this mental disorder? Treatment includes counseling or medications, including antidepressants. 3. Why is it important to identify and treat clinical depression in mental health? Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities. So a mental disorder should not take over your whole life. 4. What are some medical science careers available in helping and researching mental health issues? Aboriginal Mental Health Practitioners, Cultural Counsellors, Elders, Healer, Case Manager, Crisis Counsellor, Dietitian, Housing Support Worker, Mental Health Promotion Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Peer Support Worker, Personal Support Worker, Psychologist, Psychological Associate, Psychiatrist, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Worker, Social Worker 5. What other information do you think will help people better understand this mental health condition and seek appropriate help? Ask the following questions:
Has someone recently told me that I’ve been acting differently?
Has someone recently told me that I have been treating people differently?
Are other people worried about how I’ve been acting?
Are other people finding it difficult to interact with me?
Has someone expressed concern about my weight or my eating habits?
Has someone objected to or shown concern about how much I have been drinking or using drugs?
If answered yes then people might want to get medical help so they can heal.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS FOR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES 1. What are the signs of the mental health disorder that you can identify? In Adults, Young Adults and Adolescents:
Confused thinking
Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
Feelings of extreme highs and lows
Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
Social withdrawal
Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
Strong feelings of anger
Strange thoughts (delusions)
Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations)
Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
Suicidal thoughts
Numerous unexplained physical ailments
Substance use
2. What are some common symptoms that patients experience when affected by the specific mental health disorder that you have been assigned? People may experience:
Whole body: fatigue, restlessness, or sweating
Behavioral: hyper vigilance or irritability
Cognitive: racing thoughts or unwanted thoughts.
Also common:anxiety, excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, poor concentration, sensation of an abnormal heartbeat, or trembling.
List at least three local mental health resources/services available for helping and supporting people affected with this mental disorder as well as their family members. Some services nearby: Summit Counseling Center , Johns Creek & Alpharetta Counseling for Children and Adults, Trinity Psychological Services. 3. List at least three online resources with reliable information about this mental health condition and explain why you consider them credible.https://www.adaa.org/ - adaa.org short for Anxiety and Depression Association of America is a website devoted to helping people understand the fact of both anxiety and depression since those go hand in hand, find help, live and thrive, and take action of how anxiety and depression is affecting many people not just by spreading the word. https://www.anxietybc.com/ - Anxiety BC is a website that gives people of all ages resources, results and relief when dealing with their mental health condition, Anxiety. http://www.worrywisekids.org/ - worrywisekids.org is a website committed to helping parents with kids that have anxiety so that the kids can recover and heal to live a nice childhood. 4. What other information do you think will help people better understand this mental health condition and seek appropriate help? The family should stay supportive of their child and care for them through this difficult time. They should show their love and be there for them. Do NOT pressure the loved one too much but just enough to ensure a full recovery. Sources: