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SECTION 1 - HD
Talking With Children
Families & Coping With HD
What Young People Think~HD
HD & Me: A Guide For Young People
Do You Have A Sibling With HD?
SECTION 2 - Knowledge!
What Is Abuse?
What Are Signs of Abuse?
What Is Attention Deficit? (AD-HD)
Emotional~Helping Your Child
Alcoholic Parent? What You Should Know
How Do I Handle Anger?
What Is Anxiety?
How Do I Handle Bad Moods?
What Is A Bipolar Disorder?
How Does My Brain Work?
What Are My Brain Parts?
Brain Foods & Actions
What Is A Chronic Illness?
Handout: 25 Tips To Help Someone
What Is Depression?
Are You Depressed?
What Happens On A Physical Exam?
What Will Happen At A Hospital?
What Is A Drug/Drinking Problem?
How Can Drugs Harm Me?
What Are Epilepsy~Seizures?
Do My Feelings Matter?
All About Genes
Explain Hyperactivity To Me
What's It Like Living With JHD?
~JHD HDSA Project
What Is A Learning Disability?
How DO Medicines Work?
How Does Our Memory Work?
What Is Obsessive Compulsive?
What Is An Occupational Therapist?
What Senses Pain?
Phoebia's
What Is Physical Therapy?
What Is Speech Therapy?
What Is A Psychologist? Psychiatrist?
Thinking About Running Away?
Why Do I Feel Sad?
Why Is Sleep Important?
Special Needs Kids-What's It Like?
Feeling Stressed Out?
Suicide~Helping A Friend
Does Talking To Parents Help?
What About Teens & Suicide?
What Is Seeing A Therapist Like?
Tell Me About Wheelchair Use
Tell Me About Dying
~ Grief
SECTION 3 - Links
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HD Information
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Kelly E. Miller
Fun Quotes
What Is Anxiety?

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                            If you're worried all the time, please tell someone.
 
It's 1:15 AM and Morgan can't sleep because she's worried about
the math test she has in the morning. Actually, it seems like she
worries about almost everything these days. What if she oversleeps
and misses the bus? Did she remember to put pads in her bag in
case she gets her period tomorrow? Why hadn't Maya called her
back tonight? How will she work at the store all day Saturday and
still have time to write the paper that's due on Monday? It's another
45 minutes before Morgan is finally able to drift off.

It's completely normal to worry about your hectic, complicated life,
but if the worries become overwhelming, you may feel that they're
running your life. If you spend an excessive amount of time feeling
anxious or you have difficulty sleeping because of your anxiety, pay
attention to your thoughts and feelings. They may be symptoms of
an anxiety problem or disorder.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural part of life, and most of us experience it from time
to time. The word "anxiety" usually refers to worry, concern, stress, or
nervousness. For most teens, anxiety is limited to particular situations
such as tests, important dates (like the prom), or driving lessons.

Feeling anxious can sometimes be a good thing. Anxiety can actually help
you by motivating you to prepare for a big test or by keeping you on
your toes in potentially dangerous situations. Occasional anxiety isn't
something to be concerned about.

But for some teens, anxiety is a constant factor in their lives. When a
person has an anxiety disorder, it interferes with their ability to function
normally on a daily basis. Anxiety disorders can cause teens to suffer
from intense, long-lasting fear or worry, in addition to other symptoms.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are conditions that involve unrealistic fear and worry.
Anxiety disorders are very common - it is estimated that that they affect
about 13% of the U.S. population. Anxiety disorders affect people of all
ages, including kids and teens.

A teen who has an anxiety disorder isn't "crazy," and certainly isn't alone.
Many teens have anxiety disorders, and have feelings of fear, worry,
panic, or intense stress that can sometimes make it hard to get through
the day. Anxiety can also interfere with things as basic as sleep,
concentration, and appetite, not to mention the ability to enjoy life and
relax. The good news is that anxiety disorders are very treatable.

There are several types of anxiety disorders that can affect teens.
They include:
  • Generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, for example,
    refers to constant, intense worry and stress about a
    variety of everyday things or situations. Teens with
    GAD may worry about school, health or safety of family
    members, the future, and whether they'll become ill
    or injured. They may always think of the worst that
    could happen. Along with the worry and dread, they
    may have physical symptoms, too, such as chest pain,
    headache, tiredness, tight muscles, stomach aches,
    or even vomiting. GAD can result in missed school
    days and avoidance of social activities.
  • Panic disorder is characterized by panic attacks, or
    episodes of intense fear that occur for no apparent
    reason. With a panic attack a person may have a
    sense that things are unreal, and may have physical
    symptoms like a pounding heart, shortness of breath,
    dizziness, numbness, or tingling feelings. Sometimes a
    person having a panic attack mistakenly feels he may
    be dying or having a heart attack. The panic symptoms
    are caused by overactivity of the body's normal fear
    response.
  • Agoraphobia is an intense fear of having a panic
    attack. People with agoraphobia have had a panic
    attack before, and worry so much about having
    another that they avoid going anywhere they think
    it could possibly occur. They are often left with very
    few places they feel comfortable going outside
    their own home.
  • Social anxiety disorder is an intense fear of social
    situations. Teens with social anxiety may feel too nervous
    to raise their hand or talk in class. They may fear making
    a mistake, saying the wrong answer, or looking foolish.
    They may feel extremely shy and anxious in situations
    where they have to interact with others, such as parties,
    the lunch table, or when they meet new people. They
    may be overly self-conscious about their clothes or hair,
    worrying that they might be criticized or teased, or that
    they might stand out or be noticed. With an extreme form
    of social anxiety called selective mutism, some kids and
    teens may be too anxious to talk at all in certain situations.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by
    obsessions - thoughts or impulses that occur again and
    again and that a person feels he can't control - and
    compulsions - behaviors or rituals that a person feels he
    must perform to control disturbing thoughts and relieve
    the anxiety the thoughts trigger. With OCD a teen may,
    for example, have constant worry and fear about illness or
    germs, and may become stuck in a pattern of washing and
    cleaning that becomes time-consuming, distressing, and
    feels impossible to control. The worries (obsessions) with
    OCD are unrealistic, but are frightening to the person who
    has them. For example, a teen with illness obsessions may
    worry that just by reading about an illness or driving past
    a hospital he could become ill.
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to anxiety
    relating to a traumatic or terrifying past experience.
    With PTSD, a frightening, life-threatening event such
    as an accident, serious violence (such as rape, abuse,
    shooting, or gang violence), or a natural disaster (such
    as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane) causes such a
    severe fear response that the person may experience
    flashbacks, nightmares, or constant fear, worry, and stress
    after the fact. PTSD may occur within days or weeks
    after the life-threatening event, or it may be delayed
    and occur much later.
  • Specific phobias are intense unrealistic fears relating to
    specific situations or things (that are not actually dangerous),
    such as heights, dogs, or flying in an airplane. Phobias
    usually cause people to avoid what they are afraid of. Some
    people can work around a phobia if it involves something
    they do not have to encounter in their everyday life. Other
    phobias may involve more common situations or things, and
    may be harder to steer clear of even if people do their best
    to avoid them. Avoiding these things or situations tends to
    make the fear stronger each time the person encounters them.

If you have an anxiety disorder, you may feel that it's ruling your
life. In addition to worrying much of the time, you may be easily
distracted and have trouble concentrating. You may feel stressed
and tense or unable to relax. You may experience physical symptoms
such as headaches, sweaty hands, upset stomach, pounding heart,
and muscle tension. Like Morgan, you may find it nearly impossible
to fall asleep. Some people have extremely intense symptoms -
for example, people who are experiencing panic attacks may fear
that they are having a heart attack or might even die.

But whether you think you might have an anxiety disorder or you
know someone who does, understanding the disorder and its
treatment can help.

Why Do People Get Anxiety Disorders?

There is no one cause for anxiety disorders. Several factors can play
a role, including genetics, brain biochemistry, an overactive "fight or
flight" response, life circumstances, and learned behavior.

Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting that there is a
hereditary, or genetic, component to many of these conditions. A person
who has a family member with an anxiety disorder has a greater chance
of developing an anxiety disorder, though not necessarily the same type.

Genetics influence a person's brain biochemistry, and may make certain
people more prone to problems with anxiety. The brain's biochemistry
involves the brain's millions of nerve cells (called neurons) that constantly
communicate  with each other through chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters are the brain's chemical messengers, and specific
neurotransmitters help to regulate mood. Neurotransmitters are released
from one neuron and attach to a receptor on another neuron. Sometimes
there is interference with this process, such as if the receptor is blocked
and unable to receive the neurotransmitter.

This interference can create an imbalance in the levels of the neurotransmitter
in the brain, and can cause symptoms of anxiety. There are many kinds of
neurotransmitters; two that are involved in anxiety are called serotonin and
dopamine. When there's an imbalance of these chemicals, anxiety and other
problems can occur.

Certain things that happen in a person's life can also set the stage for
anxiety disorders. Frightening traumatic events that can lead to PTSD are
a good example.

Early learning also plays a role. Growing up in a family where others are fearful
or anxious can "teach" a child to view the world as a scary place. Likewise,
if a child grows up in an environment that is actually scary or dangerous (if
there is violence in the child's family or community, for example), the child may
learn to be fearful or expect the worst.

The brain's automatic reaction to an anxiety-provoking situation also can fuel
an anxiety disorder. Here's how this can happen: when a person senses danger
(even if it doesn't turn out to be true danger), the brain quickly reacts by
sending a signal to a small structure in the brain called the amygdala
(pronounced: uh-mig-duh-luh). The amygdala immediately activates the body's
automatic "fight or flight" response, and the body prepares itself for danger.
This response is what triggers symptoms like sweating and a pounding heart.

Sometimes it turns out that as soon as the person processes the information in
the thinking part of the brain (the cerebral cortex), which happens just moments
later, the person realizes there's really no danger. The person then relaxes, and
this fight or flight response stops.

But the amygdala is programmed to "remember" the trigger that set this process
in motion in case it happens again. This is the brain's attempt to protect the
person from future danger by keeping track of all cues that might signal danger.
So, for example, if the person encounters the same thing that scared him once
before (even if the person later realized it wasn't dangerous), the amygdala may
activate the same anxiety reaction.   It's possible for the amygdala to begin to
overreact, and for the person to mistakenly interpret certain things as
dangerous.

How Are Anxiety Disorders Diagnosed and Treated?

Some people go to their medical doctor because they're worried about the
physical symptoms associated with anxiety. This is a good idea because
symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, stomachaches, vomiting, shortness
of breath, shakiness, numbness or tingling, or sleeping problems can be
caused by certain medical illnesses.

A doctor can examine a person to determine whether he has any medical
conditions that need treatment. But if the doctor doesn't find a medical
cause for the symptoms, and sees that there's a certain pattern of physical
symptoms, the doctor may diagnose anxiety and refer the person to a
mental health specialist.

If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, you need to see a mental
health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for an evaluation.
Don't wait to ask for help - anxiety can be overwhelming, and it can prevent
you from enjoying yourself, your friends, school, and social activities. There
are treatments that can help teens with anxiety disorders feel much better,
often fairly quickly.

Some people with anxiety try to medicate or relax themselves by using
alcohol and drugs (even things like sleeping pills), which may seem to
make the anxiety or stress go away temporarily. This is not a good solution
for several reasons. Drugs and alcohol create only a false sense of relaxation
can be dangerous, and can lead to lots of other problems, which can make
it that much harder to function.

You can expect the mental health specialist to ask about your medical history,
your family situation, the symptoms you've been experiencing, and your general
well-being. Don't be surprised if some of the questions are very personal - your
responses will help the doctor to understand you more fully and create a
treatment plan that's right for you.

Treatment for anxiety may include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy or
other types of talk therapy, and relaxation or biofeedback to control tense
muscles. A combination of treatments may be prescribed.

When medications are part of the treatment for anxiety, often a certain class
of medications called SSRIs is used. This is sometimes confusing to people with
anxiety because the SSRI medications are commonly referred to as
"antidepressants."

Here's the scoop to clear up the confusion: the SSRI medications were first
developed as antidepressants, but it was recognized that they also have
anti-anxiety effects. So, how could they work for both? Because depression
and anxiety both involve, among other things, an imbalance of the
neurotransmitter serotonin. SSRI medications help to restore the normal
balance of serotonin, and therefore help with both depression and anxiety.

Though not every teen who has an anxiety disorder needs medication
(in fact, most don't), the right medication can help to reduce symptoms of
anxiety, and can be a great relief to someone whose anxiety symptoms
are causing tremendous distress. Often when doctors prescribe medication,
they begin with a very small dosage, and gradually increase to the dosage
that works best. It may take some time to get the dosage that works best
for you. And it may take several weeks before the full benefits of a certain
medication are felt. As with any medication, it's very important to take it
exactly as prescribed and to tell your doctor about any side effects.

In psychotherapy, or talk therapy, a teen talks with a mental health professional
about the stresses and anxiety he's feeling. Getting support and sorting through
problems by talking them through can be helpful to teens with anxiety.

In a particular type of talk therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),
teens take an active role in "unlearning" some of their fear.   CBT helps teens
learn new ways to think and act when confronted with anxiety, and to manage
and deal with stress so it doesn't get out of hand. In CBT, teens learn how to
detect and measure their anxiety, recognize what triggers it, and practice ways
to reduce it. They learn what makes their fear worse and what can ease it.
Techniques vary, but may include relaxation and breathing exercises or exposure
therapy, where a person is gradually exposed what triggers his fear. If it's done
with proper support and new coping skills, exposure helps even intense fear
fade away.

Don't hesitate to tell your doctor or therapist about what's working and what
isn't - you're a member of your treatment team, and your ideas and feelings
are important.

Dealing With an Anxiety Disorder

If you have an anxiety disorder, it may be difficult for your friends or family to
understand just how you feel. Sometimes people give unrealistic advice - like
telling you to just stop worrying. Though they may have the best intentions,
they may not understand that it's not that simple.  You may have to explain
this to them.

Because others may not always understand, sometimes people are reluctant to
let loved ones know what they are going through. Some people may be concerned
that their fear or behavior may be seen as childish, silly, or weird.   But
communication is the key. Close friends and family can be part of the solution,
and their care and support can be valuable. Let them know what they can do
to help.

If you know someone who has an anxiety disorder, be a supportive friend. If she
goes to a support group, you might offer to go to one of the meetings with her.
Tell your friend you're there to listen if she'd like to talk. Learn as much as you
can about the disorder so you can talk with her about it.
 
Source:
KidsHealth www.KidsHealth.com is a project of The Nemours Foundation which is
dedicated to improving the health and spirit of children. Today, as part of its
continuing mission, the Foundation supports the operation of a number of renowned
children's health facilities throughout the nation, including the Alfred I. duPont
Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware, and the Nemours Children's Clinics
throughout Florida. Visit The Nemours Foundation to find out more about them and
its health facilities for children http://www.nemours.org/no/ 
can about the disorder so you can talk with her about it.