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Biological theories of anxiety
Biological theories of anxiety
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The Anxiety of Anti-Anxiety Medications
19 million Americans (approximately one in eight) aged 18-54 suffer from anxiety disorders. (1) When I heard this statistic, I realized how important the discussion of such disorders was to the sciences. 1/8th of the most productive portion of the US population suffers from an anxiety disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), a division of the Institutes of Health for the Federal Government, is committed to research causes and treatment of such disorders. (2) Progress has been made, comparing studies of animals to studies of humans, in pinpointing the specific areas of the brain. Anxiety is associated with fear- fear of a specific object or situation, generalized fear and worry, recurring fearful memories, etc. The NIMH has found that a specific portion of the brain, the amygdala, controls the body's automatic response to fear. When the brain is confronted with fear, the brain takes two course of action. One, the brain transmits information to the cerebral cortex (the thinking part of the brain) to inform it of what specifically is endangering the individual. Second, the brain transmits to the amygdala the same information, so that the body might prepare for action.
Beyond this information, not much is known regarding the causes or mechanics of anxiety. Granted, understanding which portions of the brain are affected by or control anxiety is an important step. However, not much conclusive evidence or useful conclusions have been reached regarding anxiety.
With this information in mind, I began thinking of my personal experiences with anxiety. On one occasion I went to the emergency room, expressing the inability to breathe and dizziness. It was concluded that I ...
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... the brain, assuming the medications directly treat anxiety. It is a process of elimination of sorts- it is one step in the scientific process of discovery. Thus, perhaps the prescribing of such medications will facilitate researchers. However, I think the scientific community ought to bear in mind the potential dangers of this method before applicating its results directly to patients.
References
1) National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxresfact.cfm
2) National Institute of Mental Health
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxresfact.cfm
3) Neuropsychology and medical psychology medical resources
http://www.driesen.com/index.html
4) Neuropsychology and medical psychology medical resources
http://www.driesen.com/ssris.htm
5) PDR Health
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ata1035.shtml
First, those involved with the battle were General Ulysses S. Grant of the Union States (US) and Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton of the Confederate States (CS). Forces engaged in the battle encompassed the Army of the Tennessee (US) and the Army of Vicksburg (CS). Grant’s army had assembled 15 miles worth of trenches and also enclosed the force of Pemberton’s of 29,000 men within the perimeter. There had been 70,000 troops of Grant. Thought were attempts in order to save and rescue Pemberton and his force, these attempts had failed both from the east and west. For both military personnel and civilians, their condition had been deteriorating rapidly.
As motor neurons degenerate, this obviously means they can no longer send impulses to the muscle fibers that otherwise normally result in muscle movement. Early symptoms of ALS often include increasing muscle weakness, especially involving the arms and legs, speech, swallowing or breathing. When muscles no longer receive the messages from the motor neurons that they require to function, the muscles begin to atrophy (become smaller). Limbs begin to look thinner as muscle tissue atrophies (Choi, 1988).
Clarke, Philip. “Cuba’s Newest Revolution Bloodless but Plenty Bewildering as New President Breaks Army Grip, Aims at Democracy.” The Washington Post. 22 July. 1945: B3. ProQuest. James Madison University library. 16 September 2003
ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease attacks the muscles of the body. Typically, symptoms don’t usually begin until the age of 50 or older. However, it’s possible to show symptoms at a younger age. It is a disease that progresses extremely fast. Unfortunately as the disease progresses, loss of muscle strength get worse. The reduction of the muscle strength slowly gets worse until paralysis or death. The following are symptoms of ALS: muscle cramps, muscle weakness, difficulty with breathing and difficulty with swallowing. Other symptoms include slurring of words, hoarseness, and weight loss. ALS does not affect the five senses of the body. Eventually, Lou Gehrig’s Disease will prevent the body from doing everyday activities such as driving, climbing stairs, and eating.
The earliest symptoms of ALS are weakness of the muscles, which is to be expected. These types of symptoms can involve having trouble swallowing, cramping, or stiffness of certain muscles. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to control all voluntary movements. Generally, sensory nerves and the autonomic nervous system are unaffected, meaning that individuals with ALS can hear, see, touch, smell, and taste properly. The types of muscles you are able to control by the early symptoms, all depends on which motor neurons are damaged first. The most common motor neurons that get damaged early on are the ones called “limb onset,” which have to do with the arms and legs. As expected, people with “limb onset” experience trouble when walking and running, such as stumbling, tripping, or dragging of the foot. Other types of “onsets” that ALS patients might experience, is “bulbar onset” and “respiratory onset.” Bulbar onset ALS patients have a difficulty time speak...
During the period May through July 1862, several attempts to seize Vicksburg were made by Adam. David G. Farragut’s fleet and troops under General Thomas Williams. These Ventures failed because the guns used on the ships could not be directed effectively against the confederate batteries high on the bluffs, and because the confederate troops far outnumbered the Union contingents sent against them. (Street 79)
Cuba has come an exceptional way economically, politically, and culturally since its discovery in 4200 BC. According to a recent MDG Report Card by the Overseas Development Institute, Cuba is among the top twenty performing countries in the world. As a former colony of Spain, Cuba was under their domination for 388 years before gaining independence. One cannot predict the future of the country, but by looking at the history of Cuba from its pre-colonial era to the present, it is clear that it will be written by charismatic Cuban leaders.
... the majority of which sought refuge in the United States. With the fall of the Soviet Union, Cuba now stands at a crossroads. The battle cry has changed from “ Socialism or death to Resist, struggle and win” (Castro’s Cuba II). Hopefully, Castro and/or Cuba will not be forced into a market-based economy and all the materialistic commodities that go along with capitalism. In my opinion, Castro should hold out for as long as possible griping to the former battle cry “Socialism or death”. Only time will tell what the fate of Castro’s Cuba will be. Trade might once again flourish the economy, tourism might open up new economic opportunities and foreign investments from Italy, France and Spain could possibly dig Cuba out the current economic hole it’s in. Until then however, the battle against capitalism must not lose any of its vigor.
...tals.Cuba’s exporting dropped substantially due to the global economic downturn. Having low exporting rates called for huge losses in infrastructure and economy. Cuba’s previous investments in human development through past decisions have made for a great workforce. The problem is the economy’s insufficiency hasn’t been able to make good use of the this great work force. Because of Cuba’s commitment to education, health and a stable government, they have the potential for future growth as a country.
Bearing in mind that an anxiety response is a result of various factors, there are different types of anxiety disorders. The most common type of anxiety disorders as described as specific phobias, social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) (2016), specific phobias affect about 19 million adults in the U.S, while SAD affects 15 million, PD affects 6 million, GAD affects about 6.8 million, OCD affects about 2.2 million and PTSD affects 7.7 million adults respectively. Considering that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment (ADAA, 2016).
The current government and economic model of Cuba, its world relations, and America’s stance on the country, have all greatly changed since the Cuban Revolution. Changes are still underway and will likely be coming. Although there has been a mix of opinions with the Cuban people on Cuba’s government, and Fidel’s leading, many seem to be happy with Raúl Castro taking charge, even and especially from other countries; America being one.
Beck, A. T., & Steer, R. (1993). Beck Anxiety Inventory 1993 Edition. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Do you know what it feels like to have your palms sweat, throat close up, and your fingers tremble? This is the everyday life of someone who lives with anxiety. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I hear my brain freaking out about the day ahead of me. What do I eat for breakfast? What do I do first when I get home from school? What happens if I get in a car crash on my way to school? A million thoughts at one time racing through my head. I never have the time to process all of them. Most mornings, I lay in my bed and have to take a few deep breaths to begin my hectic but not so hectic day. That’s just the beginning. It’s safe to say that I feel that I 'm an anxious person and that I have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is our body’s reaction to stressful dangerous or unfamiliar situations (“What is Anxiety,” n.d.). Everyone has anxiety at times and this is necessary in human beings but some people have it much worse than others. Anxiety disorder makes life more difficult to cope with, it keeps people from sleeping, socializing with their peers and it makes it hard to concentrate (“What is Anxiety,”n.d.). So, what is the cause of anxiety? How can we tell if a person is suffering from an anxiety disorder? What are the different types of anxiety disorders around us?
National Institute of Mental Health. (2009). Studying anxiety disorders. NIH Medline plus, 5, 13-15. Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/complete-index.shtml