ANXIETY

What are the major types of anxiety disorders?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health , anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in the United States. The five major types of anxiety disorders are: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); Panic Disorder; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder); and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

What are the principal symptoms of anxiety?

The primary symptoms of anxiety disorders are fear and worry. However, anxiety disorders are also characterized by additional emotional and physical symptoms.

Emotional / Psychological Symptoms

Apprehension, uneasiness, and dread Impaired concentration or selective attention Feeling restless or on edge Avoidance Hypervigilance Irritability

Behavioral problems Nervousness and jumpiness Self-consciousness and insecurity Confusion Strong desire to escape Fear that you are dying or going crazy

Physical Symptoms

Insomnia Stomach upset or queasiness Heart palpitations or racing heartbeat Shortness of breath Sweating Hot flashes or chills

Fatigue Headaches Dizziness Muscle tension or aches Chest pain Fear that you are dying or going crazy

What can cause anxiety?

Anxiety can have a number of different causes. It is a multidimensional response to stimuli in the person's environment, or a response to an internal physical or psychological stimulus, resulting in a combination of general biological and individual psychological processes. This is often referred to as stress.

Anxiety can also be caused by malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is controlled by the hypothalamus, which can trigger the release of stress hormones in response to a perceived threat ("fight-or-flight"). If too many stress hormones are released, or they are released at the improper time, an abnormally high level of anxiety can result.

There are also several medical conditions and/or medications that can cause anxiety. Consult with your physician to determine if any of these conditions might exist.

How are anxiety disorders diagnosed?

If you've experienced intense anxiety or worry for six months or more, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. First, you should consult with a doctor to rule out possible medical conditions. Some medications or diseases create anxiety-like symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, and nervousness. A change in medication or the correct diagnosis of a medical illness may take care of your anxiety problem. Your doctor will give you a physical examination and may also run some laboratory tests. If your physician rules out medical complications, he/she will then work with you to determine the cause and type of your anxiety disorder.

Can anxiety lead to other problems?

Yes. Many people suffering from anxiety can, depending upon individual genetic profiles and/or environmental factors, develop symptoms of other maladies as a direct consequence of their anxiety disorder. Also, peripheral consequences of suffering from anxiety, such as avoiding social interaction or consuming alcohol to cope, can further deteriorate a healthy lifestyle.

What can I do about anxiety?

The first step is to consult with your physician to determine the cause and type of your anxiety disorder. Your doctor can also assist in developing healthy lifestyle changes to improve your situation. The second step is to contact the Nexalin Support Center to discover how Nexalin Advanced Therapy can help!

DEPRESSION

What are the major types of depression?
According to the International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression, depression is classified according to the symptoms displayed and patterns of occurrence. Types of depression include: Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Depressive Disorder, Psychotic Depressive Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Additional types of depression are included under the label of Atypical Depressive Disorder. Many symptoms overlap among the types of depression, and not all people with depression experience all the symptoms associated with their particular type of the disorder.

What are the principal symptoms of depression?

The symptoms of depression are varied, but generally include a feeling of hopelessness and/or apathy. The list below describes in more detail symptoms associated with depression:

Depression Symptoms

Depressed mood Sleep changes Fatigue or loss of energy Appetite or weight changes Loss of interest or pleasure

Self-loathing Concentration problems Irritability Aches and pains Psychomotor agitation or retardation

What causes depression?

There's no single answer to that question. Scientists are still studying the various underlying causes of depression, and our current understanding of the disease indicates that biological, psychological, and environmental factors are all involved. Genetic research indicates that our genes play a significant role in depression, but there is no one "depression gene." Instead, scientists believe that multiple genes interact with environmental factors to cause depression. Advanced studies using the latest brain imaging techniques indicate that the circuits in the brain that regulate mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior do not function properly in someone with depression, and that the regulation of critical substances called neurotransmitters - chemical messengers that transport signals from one brain cell to another - is impaired.

How do I know that I have depression?

We all feel sad and depressed from time to time. But what's the difference between the occasional blue mood and true, clinical depression that requires treatment? Clinical depression doesn't mean feeling sad for awhile after losing a loved one, or occasionally getting down for no apparent reason at all. These things happen to everyone on occasion.

Depressive illness, on the other hand, persists for a longer period of time and can interfere with your daily life, job, and family relationships. Some signs of clinical depression include: a persistently sad or irritable mood; changes in your sleep habits; appetite, or energy; difficulty with concentration and memory; lack of interest and enjoyment in the things that you usually like to do; and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness. If you have some of these symptoms and they last longer than two weeks and interfere with your daily life, then it's time to see a doctor and seek treatment.

If you think you might be suffering from depression, use the Depression Self-Assessment offered by the Mayo Clinic. This useful tool can provide you with guidance as to whether you suffer from the symptoms of depression, and it will offer self-care tips on what you can do to improve your situation.

How many people does depression affect?

About 5% of the adult population in the United States - that's over 20 million people - experiences significant clinical depression in any given year. In fact, clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and worldwide.

These statistics may seem striking, but they do help to emphasize a very important point - if you feel you many be suffering from depression, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

What can I do about depression?

Treatment options for depression vary for person to person, but generally involve some type of psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two. It is important to first consult with your physician to determine the cause of your depression.

Nexalin Advanced Therapy can be a useful, effective, and long-lasting part of your treatment regimen. Take control of your depression and contact the Nexalin Support Center to discover how Nexalin Advanced Therapy can help!

INSOMNIA

What are the different types of insomnia?
According to the American Insomnia Association, there are two types of insomnia: primary insomnia and secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems that are not directly associated with any other health condition or problem. Secondary insomnia means that a person is having sleep problems because of something else, such as a health condition; pain; medication they are taking; or a substance they are using.

Also, insomnia can be distinguished by how long it lasts and how often it occurs. Acute insomnia is short-term and can last from one night to a few weeks. Chronic insomnia is described when it lasts at least three nights a week for a month or longer.

What are the symptoms of insomnia?

Insomnia may mean you have a hard time going to sleep or that you have a hard time staying asleep. Sleepless nights can make it difficult to function during the day. Usually, you will know if you are experiencing insomnia because you will remember tossing and turning or being awake at night. Additionally, you may find that making it through a routine day is difficult because you are so tired.

Symptoms of Insomnia

NIGHTTIME SYMPTOMS Difficulty falling asleep despite being tired Using sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep Awakening frequently during the night and lying awake in the middle of the night Awakening too early in the morning and not feeling refreshed

DAYTIME SYMPTOMS Daytime drowsiness, fatigue, or irritability Difficulty concentrating Impaired ability to perform normal activities

What causes insomnia?

Pain and depression are the two most common underlying conditions for insomnia. However, there are often several contributors to the severity of insomnia including illness; significant life stress; emotional or physical discomfort; medications; interferences in normal sleep schedule; and environmental factors like noise/light/extreme temperatures/etc.

How is insomnia diagnosed?

If you think you have insomnia, talk to your physician. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests.

For a quick self-diagnostic test, use the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. This is a standard test used to measure sleepiness. The test asks you about sleepiness during various everyday situations to determine just how sleepy you are.

How many people suffer from insomnia?

Most adults need at least eight hours of sleep every night to be well rested. Not everyone gets the sleep they need. As many as 70 million Americans may be affected by chronic sleep loss or sleep disorders.

What can I do about insomnia?

Good sleep habits, also called sleep hygiene, can help you get a good night’s sleep. Some other tips include: getting regular exercise; avoiding caffiene and nicotine; following a regular routine prior to going to bed; and not eating a heavy meal late in the day.

If you are suffering from insomnia and want to effectively and safely treat your symptoms, call the Nexalin Support Center to learn more about the exciting new alternative of Nexalin Advanced Therapy.