Anxiety, Depression, and Adhd

Introduction

        In this special presentation I will talk about different disorders of the human behavior.  I will explain briefly about the disorder and give some advises about causes and symptoms of the same.  Then I will give some explanations about the role of the counselor according the DSM-5. The disorders that I will be explaining are:

1. Anxiety disorder

1. Depression

2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

1. Anxiety disorder

Anxiety is the apprehension of experiencing fear in the future. The danger that is feared isn’t normally imminent may not even be known or realistic. In contrast, typically fear is an emotional and physical reaction to a present, known threat. Anxiety is often accompanied by obsessive worry and an inability to concentrate that may affect our sleep. It can trigger a full-blown fight-flight-or-freeze response of our sympathetic nervous system that prepares us to meet real danger. However, a big difference between fear and anxiety is that because anxiety is an emotional response to something that hasn’t occurred, there is nothing to fight or flee. Tension, therefore, builds up inside our body, but there is no action we can take to release it. Instead, our mind goes round and round, replaying possibilities and scenarios.

There are different symptoms you can suffer during the anxiety disorder.  Some of them could be: Increased heart rate, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, perspiration, shortness of breath, tunnel vision, nausea or diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, restlessness, and muscle tension.  When excessive, unrealistic worry persists about two or more things for at least six months and is accompanied by at least three of these symptoms: irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, or the last two listed above. In some cases, anxiety can manifest in specific phobias that are inappropriate to the specific situation, or in a panic disorder, where we feel sudden, unprovoked terror that can cause chest pain and a choking sensation and be mistaken for a heart attack.  

Anxiety could be cause by shame.  This might affect our self-esteem. We worry about what we say, how well we perform, and how we’re perceived by others. It can make us very sensitive to real or imagined criticism from ourselves or others. Anxiety Caused by Emotional Abandonment.  If we’ve suffered emotional abandonment in the past, particularly in childhood, we can have anxiety about experiencing it in the future. We worry others are judging us or upset with us. If we have an emotionally or physically abusive partner, we’re liable to be walking on eggshells, anxious about displeasing him or her.  

1. Depression

Depression is the common cold of mental disorders.  Most people will be affected by depression in their lives either directly or indirectly, through a friend or family member. Confusion is commonplace about depression, for example, about what depression exactly is and what makes it different from just feeling down.  Depression is characterized by a number of common symptoms. These include a persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood, and feelings of hopelessness or pessimism that lasts nearly every day, for weeks on end. A person who is depressed also often has feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness. They no longer take interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed; this may include things like going out with friends or even sex. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, and oversleeping are all common.  

It is generally believed that all mental disorders including clinical depression are caused by a complex interaction and combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This theory is called the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most generally accepted theory among mental health professionals and researchers of the cause of disorders such as depression.  Medical illnesses such as stroke, a heart attack, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and hormonal disorders can cause depressive illness, making the sick person apathetic and unwilling to care for his or her physical needs, thus prolonging the recovery period. Also, a serious loss, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any stressful (unwelcome or even desired) change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of a depressive disorder.
As it's name suggests, the emphasis here is on finding solutions to current problems and focusing on future wellness rather than past hurts. This is not to say that the past is ignored but the main emphasis is on teaching new skills and keeping therapy brief and focused.  For example the counselor could focus in different techniques to treat the disorder like: Behavioral therapy, Cognitive therapy, or Interpersonal therapy.  In every single type of technique your role should be motivate and encourage the client all the time.

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms that include: trouble organizing tasks, distracted easily, avoiding things that take effort, inability to sustain attention on a task, and problems with follow-through. Hyperactivity (fidgeting, excessive talking, restlessness) and impulsivity (difficulty waiting one’s turn or with patience, interrupting others) may also be symptoms of ADHD.  The primary symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or a child’s development.   ADHD symptoms usually occur in two or more areas of a person’s life: home, work, school, and social relationships. Several symptoms must be present before age 12 (which is why ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopment disorder, even if not diagnosed until adulthood).  

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