How to recognize alcoholism, depression and other mental disorders
Health / / December 19, 2019
Some statistics
Psychic (or mental) disorder in the world today are not uncommon. According toMental Health 2016, a few years ago all over the world, there were more than 1.1 billion people with certain mental illnesses.
Total releaseThe DSM-5: The Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders about 300 kinds of disorders. In a studyMental Health presents statistics on the distribution of the most common of them:
- Anxiety Disorder - 275 million;
- Depression - 268 million;
- a disorder associated with alcohol (alcoholism) - 100 million;
- a disorder associated with the use of drugs (excluding alcohol), - 62 million;
- Bipolar Disorder - 40 million;
- Schizophrenia - 21 million;
- eating disorder (anorexia and bulimia) - 10.5 million.
For each country has its own characteristic prevalence of mental disorders. For example, in Russia ranks firstMental Health alcoholism and depression and anxiety - the second and third, respectively.
Like any other illness, mental problems can be diagnosed and treated. You can not hope for a chance. From these diseases do not get rid of the week with pills and hot tea, both from
SARSAnd certainly not be able to do it alone - support should be at all stages.Signs of mental disorder
Despite the widespread mental disorders, the causes of many of them to the end and do not know.
Eric Kandel, MD, professor of biochemistry at the Center for Neurobiology and behavior at Columbia University (New York, USA), winner of the Nobel PrizeAll mental processes - is the brain processes, so the mental disorders are biological diseases. Brain - the organ of the mind. Where can still be focusedThe roots of mental illness mental illness, if not in the brain?
Unfortunately, mental disorder can not be detected by a blood test, like most other diseases. In addition, the process of the disease is different, and very much depends on its nature, which creates additional difficulties in the diagnosis.
Common symptoms
Non-governmental organization Mental Health America wasMental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope list of alarms to which you should pay attention to:
- confused thinking;
- long depression, sadness, or irritability;
- increased agitation or a sharp decrease in the activity;
- excessive anxiety and obsessive fears;
- social withdrawal;
- abrupt change in eating habits and daily routine;
- strange ideas (delusions of illusion);
- hallucinations;
- progressive inability to cope with daily tasks that previously were easy;
- suicidal thoughts;
- wanton physical ailment;
- abuse of illegal drugs or alcohol.
The presence of at least two features from the list - is an occasion to see a specialist.
The website can be passed test for signs of specific mental disorders such as depression, eating disorders, or destructive addiction.
signs of alcoholism
- An overwhelming desire to drink to the point of need.
- Inability to control the amount of alcohol consumed alcohol. The person is not aware of the degree of intoxication.
- The appearance of the syndromeAlcohol Withdrawal Syndrome cancellation. It arises at refusal of alcohol or a substantial reduction in the dose and not the usual hangover. Among the characteristic symptoms: sweating, loss of appetite, insomnia, tachycardia, nausea, anxiety and fear, but in a particularly acute form - the appearance of hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
- The perception of alcohol as a means of eliminating withdrawal symptoms.
- The decrease in susceptibility to alcohol. It takes more and more of the dose that was intoxication.
- Ignoring other interests in favor of alcohol.
- Ignoring the obvious and proven harm of alcohol, as well as the fact of being nasty the next day.
To talk about a serious alcohol dependence, you mustAlcohol use disorders get at least a three features.
signs of depression
Depression - an insidious and dangerous disease in the most severe forms can provoke suicidal tendencies. It can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as bipolar disorderBipolar Disorder.
Get help right away if you notice in yourself or your loved one at the same time more of these symptoms:
- permanent sadness and anxiety, a feeling of emptiness;
- a sense of hopelessness;
- irritability;
- wanton guilt, worthlessness and helplessness;
- loss of interest in favorite activities, or complete lack of pleasure from your favorite things;
- constant feeling fatigue;
- speech and deceleration movements;
- excessive worry;
- difficulty of concentration c, latching and decision making;
- problems with dream (Wake up too early or sleeping too long);
- change in appetite and weight;
- thoughts of death or suicide;
- unexplainable headaches, cramps or digestive problems that are not even eliminate medications.
Do not underestimate the depression. It is a real disease that can lead to irreparable consequences.
Symptoms of general anxiety disorder
Anxiety is familiar to everyone, it's part of our lives. There is nothing wrong with anxiety before an important interview or public appearance, but everything is good in moderation. When anxiety growsAnxiety Disorders to a mental disorder, it does not disappear, and become your faithful companion.
It is worth to plan a hike to a specialist, if for a few months you will notice for yourself the following features:
- permanent anxiety and nervousness;
- fast fatiguability;
- difficulty concentrating;
- irritability;
- muscle tension;
- inability to control his anxiety;
- sleep problems (hard to sleep, hard to wake up and sleep - a restless and jerky).
The problem can be recognized not only by the general anxiety. There are also more concrete manifestations:
- Panic disorder - unexpected attacks of unreasonable fear (panic attacks), which are accompanied by chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or dizziness. Symptoms of panic attacks often mimic the symptoms of heart attack.
- social alarming disorder (social phobia) - the emergence of a strong fear and increased anxiety in connection with the different social situations (new people, public speaking, public meal place).
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder - the emergence of involuntary intrusive thoughts (obsessions), from which a person is trying to get through rituals - obsessional of action (Compulsions).
- Post-traumatic stress - increased anxiety long (several months), irresistible the feeling of fear and helplessness after trauma (robbery, rape, death of a loved person).
- Phobias - pronounced obsessive fears that it is impossible to overcome on their own.
Obstacles to the recognition of the problem
Before solving the problem, it is necessary to find and, more importantly, to recognize. The theme of mental disorders is not that taboo, but to say they are not directly solved everything. No one is ashamed to take sick with angina, but to take time off from work for a session psychotherapist It is not always easy.
Do not take everything seriously mental disorder and in need of assistance are afraid that as soon as they announce their problem, they immediately hang another label.
Misconception about the problem in society
Depression - is not about "drinking coffee on the window sill, dreaming about it." It's about something else. It happens that the term is used in the context, not related to the disease: complain of depression after the death of the beloved hero of the series, or because of a broken nail.
The concept of depression easier. There is an absolutely wrong opinion about the problem because of a lack of association with clinical disease, Kojima depression actually is.
Of particular relevance to people with mental disorders
Fear of the stigma of a madman for many it may seem a strong argument not to turn to a specialist for psychological help. Unfortunately, all we have to deal with insensitive people who inexplicably does not know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable. But they are in any case should not stand in the way between you and your health.
With the growth of the percentage of people suffering from mental disorders, the amount of assistance and support centers increases, and with it - it raises awareness of the population about the problem urgently. It is hoped that soon the perception will change radically.
Fear of being alone
You are not alone, you - one of more than a billion people with a similar problem. And admit it, it is very important to timely diagnosis and begin treatment. Exists remote support centersReady to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Total
It is important to remember that a diagnosis can only be a specialist. However, to make the first step and refer to it at least for advice - your task.
In addition, your goal - to help in difficult situations. If you notice a clear mental symptoms disorders a friend or relative, and he flatly refuses to accept them, it is you will be responsible for the support of a loved one.
Often it is the most difficult first steps, and making them, you will understand that already are on the road to recovery.
see alsoππΆπ
- Why is depression in women is 2 times more often than men
- 8 myths about mental health, that it is time to dismiss
- How do you know that it's time for an appointment with the therapist