Feel your best All Day, Every Day

Author Archives: Karl Weber

Mood Quiz

It is a known fact that one’s mental health is just as important as one’s physical health. In fact, the two are closely connected and any kind if disruption to one is sure to cause problems in the other faculty as well. It is therefore important to ensure that you have a healthy mind and follow a path of relaxation if you’re looking for a healthy body. Most of us are aware of these connections. That said, not all of us realize what a profound effect ones passing moods can have on one’s psychology as well as physiology. Mood Swings We go through several moods and types of a stressor in a day that are brought about by events, people, eating and sleeping habits, physical activities and so on. While we subconsciously ride through these moods, we seldom think about what effect these moods can have on our body and mind. This is why it is extremely important to keep a tab on one’s mood in order to gain complete control of one’s mind. Believe it or not, one in every five people suffer from mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression etc. All these mood disorders are quit common and are brought about one’s lack of willingness to address these unregulated moods which bring about psychological disorders. In fact, most people do not know where to go with these problems so they’d rather suppress these problems until they explode as a major psychological disorder someday. Significance of a Mood ...

Read More »

Bipolar Disorder Definition

By the bipolar disorder definition, bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive psychological illness. This means that it is a disease that is psychological in nature and causes drastic mood swings between mania, the opposite of relaxation and depression. Going by the bipolar disorder definition, the disease may seem relatively easy to spot. However, taking a closer look at the symptoms of bipolar disorder and other bipolar disorder information reveals why this disease is so hard to tackle. Bipolar Disorder Information To begin with, just like depression and several other psychological disorders, bipolar disorder is hard to spot and pin down in its initial stages though we have a clear bipolar disorder definition. In order to understand this dilemma, we must take a closer look at bipolar disorder information that deals with various symptoms of mania and depression prevalent in bipolar disorders. A patient going through the depressive phase of bipolar disorders experiences the lowest levels of sadness accompanied by a lack of motivation and interest in most activities. The patient may also experience a drop in concentration levels, sex drive and appetite. On the other hand, manic episodes have symptoms that are quite the opposite. They include extreme euphoria that can often be compared to a drug high. In this state, the patient feels unrealistically optimistic and positive about one’s abilities and the world in general. This can be accompanied by rapid speech, random and quickly changing thoughts and extreme behavior. While most of these symptoms are quite characteristic with bipolar ...

Read More »

Causes of Bipolar Disorder

Just like depression and many other forms of psychological disorders, no one single cause can be associated to the occurrence of bipolar disorders. Several factors play a part in causing this problem. In fact, in most cases, a number of coexisting factors come together to as causes of bipolar disorder in patients. Environmental, neurochemical as well as genetic factors come into play at several levels to cause bipolar disorder effects and types of stress. According to current beliefs, bipolar disorders are caused primarily by neurotransmitter malfunction in the brain as it exists in the form of a biological disorder that may lie dormant in the patient for years together. A stressor may be responsible for activating it spontaneously at any point. The following are primary causes of bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorder Hereditary Bipolar disorder can be genetic in nature meaning that it may run in the family. So, an individual whose parent suffered from bipolar disorder has a 15-20% chance of suffering from the same. Similarly, occurrence of the disorder is also seen quite often in identical twins. As mentioned earlier, causes of bipolar disorder are also usually physiological in nature and try to reduce stress. The disorder is brought about by the dysfunction of a particular part of the brain that handles neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and their inactivity or hyperactivity may be responsible for several bipolar disorder effects. Environmental Factors and Bipolar Disorder Environmental factors may also be responsible for the onset of bipolar ...

Read More »

Phobia Treatment

An excessive, irrational and obsessive fear of a particular situation, event, object or place is known as phobia. Treating phobias the moment they are identified like with a stress quiz is very important to manage symptoms effectively. Most patients suffering from this condition experience a deep sense of harm, fear or endangerment. Common Symptoms That Require Phobia Treatment When the person is exposed to a trigger situation, phobic symptoms can occur or stress types. Even the thought of facing a stressful situation can sometimes trigger phobia. Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition include nausea, breathlessness and dizziness, sense of unreality and fear of dying. It is imperative to take the help of a doctor before the symptoms escalate into an anxiety attack. If administered with the right treatment immediately, sufferers can get at least temporary phobia relief. Different Types Of Phobias There are various types of phobias and identifying which one the patient is suffering from is the first step towards effective treatment. The three most common types of phobia include social phobia, specific phobias and agoraphobia. Social phobia is associated with fear of social events and situations. Agoraphobia on the other hand is about being stuck in a situation from which there is no escape. People suffering from specific phobias have a deeply ingrained fear of specific objects like snakes. Treating phobias, an especially specific phobia is about addressing the specific associated symptoms. Four major specific phobias are related to fear of animals like rodents, snakes, ...

Read More »

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

With all the medical advancements of the present generation, it is indeed alarming that there is no sure-shot bipolar disorder cure. There are various methods of treatment for bipolar disorder that have been used but none of them can be termed as a one-for-all solution. Bipolar disorder remedy is a rather subjective treatment so it does require each case to be treated individually. From all the approaches that have been used in the past, the two major options for bipolar disorder cure include: 1. Treatment by medication 2. Treatment by therapy Treatment For Bipolar Disorder With Medication When it comes to treatment for bipolar disorder with the help of medication, mood stabilizing medication are usually the first option taken up by most doctors and a stress quiz. In fact, there are patients who are kept under mood stabilizing medication for years together. Some of the most popular mood stabilizing medications includes lithium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, lamotrigine, Neurontin, topiramate and oxcarbazepine. Some common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, heartburns etc. are associated with these drugs so they must be taken under strict medical supervision. On the other hand, atypical antipsychotic medications are also used for bipolar disorder cure. However, these medications are often paired up with several other medications for maximum effect. For example, the drug olanzapine is administered along with antidepressants since it is highly effective in fighting symptoms of manic episodes. The same applies to drugs such as aripiprazole, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone. Some common ...

Read More »

Specific Phobia

It is natural for people to feel a little nervous before giving an important speech or before attending an interview. Social phobia is something much more than just feeling nervous. It is a compulsive, obsessive disorder that makes people avoid triggering situations like plague. This happens usually because sufferers are constantly in the fear of embarrassing themselves. About Social Anxiety Disorder Intense fear of unfamiliar or even familiar social situations that may or may not cause embarrassment and humiliation is the cause of this disorder. Also relationship stress with your significant other or family. Patients suffering from this disorder usually display a variety of social phobia symptoms and try their best to avoid any such situations. Patients have a deep-rooted fear of being embarrassed, judged, scrutinized or rejected in public. The fear is about not measuring up to the skills and talents of others. Sufferers cannot stop feeling anxious even though they realize that their fears are totally irrational. If the obsession for social avoidance becomes compulsive, it is time to reach out for social phobia treatment. Situations That May Trigger This Condition This condition is quite common today and there are many people trying to deal with their fear complex also found in a bipolar disorder diagnosis. They go to any lengths to avoid situations that may trigger the symptoms. Generalized social anxiety disorder can be defined as one where the sufferer experiences anxiety under any performance or social conditions. Some people experience social phobia only under specific situations ...

Read More »

Serotonin and Depression

Before one can delve into the connection between serotonin and depression, it is imperative to understand the causes of depression and diagnosis for bipolar disorder. Most of these psychological disorders are often a mixture of genetic, biological and environmental factors. While genetic factors are passed on from generation to generation, biological factors may lie dormant in the individual for a very long time without one knowing about it. Environmental factors play the role of a trigger to activate genetic or biological predispositions. These are often caused by traumatic life events or experiences. Biological Factors Biological factors and causes of depression are the best way to understand the connection between serotonin and depression along with its relation to eustress as well. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain perform various functions including temperature regulation, sleep, appetite, learning, memory, appetite, sexual activity, muscle activity, endocrine regulation and lots more. The importance of serotonin becomes increasingly clear when observing its importance in various bodily functions. However, one of the most important functions of serotonin is mood regulation. Since depression is a mood disorder, it comes as no surprise that low levels of serotonin are often commonly seen in patients suffering from depression. This connection between serotonin and depression is not a rarity as it is seen in most, if not all patients of depression. Serotonin Importance Serotonin goes well beyond controlling mere biological functions as it taps into various psychological factors as well. Mood regulation is one of the most important functions ...

Read More »

Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression is one end of the spectrum of a psychological disorder known as bipolar disorder. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is perhaps one of the most critical of psychological disorders known to the human mind. The disorder calls for immediate medical as well as therapeutic treatment so the patient does not fall deeper into the clutches of the disease and gain a sense of eustress eventually. Bipolar disorder strikes in the form of manic and depressive episodes which usually last life long for most patients. Though there is no thorough cure for this disorder, several approaches help reduce the effects of this disorder. Bipolar Depression Information Bipolar depression is a part of bipolar episodes that usually occur in the form of mania and depression. A mood quiz is a good way to find some answers about your condition. If an individual suffers from at least one case of mania with or without depression, it is known as Bipolar I disorder. On the other hand, the presence of depressive as well as mild or severe mania can be categorized as Bipolar II disorder. Bipolar Depression Effects Though Bipolar disorders include both manic and depressive symptoms, the prevalence of bipolar depression is usually much higher in the later stages when compared to manic phases. For this very reason, patients suffering from bipolar depression signs are often considered to be at the risk of suicide and other severe effects. Again, it is quite common for patients suffering from bipolar depression ...

Read More »

Agoraphobia

A person suffering from compulsive fear of a particular activity, situation or thing is said to be suffering from phobia. Agoraphobia is a strong fear of being in an inescapable situation that may or may not be humiliating. It is a bit similar to the bipolar disorder definition in some ways. Though there is no conclusive evidence of any particular cause of this condition, it is thought to develop in response to events that provoke anxiety, especially if the patient is repeatedly exposed to it. Agoraphobia Symptoms Some of the common symptoms of this type of phobia include embarrassing and inescapable panic attack during a stressful situation. These type of symptoms are similar in the mood quiz field. Symptoms of panic attack include disorientation, intense fear, diarrhea, dizziness and rapid heart-beat. Once agoraphobic individuals experience the above mentioned symptoms, they normally tend to avoid situations that provoke these responses and require immediate agoraphobia treatment. Behavioral Changes In People Suffering From Phobia Symptoms Those who struggle with symptoms of phobia usually start avoiding situations that trigger their attacks. They stay away from events, situations and places that could cause a full-blown panic attack. Those who suffer from agoraphobia experience similar symptoms in different situations. For instance, if a person has phobia for travel, he or she may fear various forms of travel such as cars, trains, buses and flights. Some others may be petrified of busy shopping areas and large crowds. The practice of avoiding circumstances that trigger phobia can become ...

Read More »

Bipolar Disorder Test

Bipolar Disorder can prove to be one of the most problematic mental disorders which can also bring about the onset of other psychological disorders. Also known as manic depression and manic depressive disorder, the definition of bipolar disorder is a serious mental ailment that can lead to erratic behavior which may cause severe strain and problems in normal life, relationships, work etc. If not treated in time, this disorder may also lead to suicidal tendencies. Mood Changes One of the leading symptoms of bipolar disorder is extreme mood changes. Since moods are also known as poles, the disorder is known as bipolar disorder. A patient of bipolar disorder usually faces drastic mood swings from depression to mania and so on. The patient will also experience many phases of normalcy between these two mood extremes. This is perhaps the most misleading phase of the causes of bipolar disorders since the patient and people surrounding him/her feel that things are back to normal. However, this is exactly why bipolar disorder is so hard to disorder as it continues to come back to haunt a patient like a snake in the grass. Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis The easiest way to carry out bipolar disorder diagnosis is to keep a close eye on the patient’s mood swings. Patients of bipolar disorders face a peak in mood swings in the form of mania which increases energy levels, restlessness, reckless behavior, talkativeness etc. which are all a result of a euphoric state of mind. This may also ...

Read More »