The actual definition of dual diagnosis is the co-existence of a mental health disorder and drug addiction or alcoholism. The most effective dual diagnosis treatment generally will take place within a drug rehab or addiction treatment program with a strong psychiatric component.
The mental health disorder and drug addiction / alcoholism should be treated simultaneously, while realizing the process of recovery is gradual.
Different Definition for Dual Diagnosis
The type of dual diagnosis I want to bring to light is that of the coexistence of an eating disorder and drug addiction or alcoholism. Patients like this are admitted to drug rehab and addiction treatment each and everyday. Unfortunately, drug rehab programs and alcohol rehab programs are not always equipped to treat the eating disorder and in many cases, do not even diagnose it correctly.
Relapse and Dual Diagnosis
In most cases, distorted thoughts regarding food and weight took place before the onset of the drug addiction or alcoholism. To not treat the eating disorder, along with the drug addiction and alcoholism, can only lead to relapse for the patient. It is no different than dealing with a mental health disorder and drug addiction, when one component ends in relapse the other is not far behind. The same holds true with an eating disorder and drug addiction. If one of the disorders are in relapse, it will not be long before both will be. Relapse of any kind creates shame, humiliation and a feeling of failure. If one continues in relapse from their eating disorder, it will not be long before they turn to their drug addiction or alcohol addiction to try and cope with their feelings of despair.
If you are looking for a dual diagnosis treatment program that is able to effectively deal with drug addictionPsychology Articles, eating disorders and alcoholism call the dual diagnosis helpline at 1-800-511-9225 or go to www.lakeviewhealth.com.
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Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Dual Diagnosis and Depression
What is Depression in a Dual Diagnosis?Dual diagnosis is a condition that is comprised of two components; a psychiatric disorder and drug addiction or alcohol addiction. While many people understand drug addiction or alcoholism, a great deal are confused when it comes to depression.
Depression is best described as a mood disorder with a wide range of symptoms such as a loss of pleasure, feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts, The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, lists nine symptoms for major depression, five or more which must be present over the same two-week period, including one of the first two:
1) Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, or 2) Markedly diminished pleasure. The other seven symptoms include: 3) Significant weight gain or loss, 4) Insomnia or hypersomnia, 5) psychomotor agitation or retardation, 6) Fatigue or loss of energy, 7) Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, 8) Diminished ability to think or concentrate, 9) Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thinking, suicide attempts.Is Depression a person’s fault?Depression is a medical illness which affects brain, which in turn affects the rest of the body. One can no more snap out of depression that one can snap out of diabetes or heart disease. It would help to have a positive outlook, but the very nature of depression is a lack of positive outlook. Unfortunately, having depression still carries a stigma, though not nearly as bad as in the past. If there is any consolation, you are in good company: Winston Churchill and Mike Wallace, just to name a few, all had crushing depressions.The same holds true as it relates to drug addiction and alcoholism. Both of these are diseases, which are diseases of the brain, which can not just be wished away. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction must be treated in conjunction with the psychiatric disorder.
That is why treating a dual disorder or a person with a dual diagnosis is so challenging. Is there more than one type of Depression?Yes, there are several types of depression. Dysthymia, melancholic depression, atypical depression, bipolar depression, psychotic depression, catatonic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression all fall under the category of depression. Along with the emotional aspects of depression, there is also a physical component. Mind and body are very much connected. The risk of heart disease is doubled in people with depression, and a previous depression is often the greatest risk factor for heart disease and other ills, over smoking, drinking, high blood sugar, and previous heart attacks. Depression has also been connected to diabetes, bone loss, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, and possibly cancer. In addition, people with depression have much higher rates of alcoholism and drug abuse than the general population.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder. According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020. In addition, depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth.
Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer. Where should I get treatment? If you are suffering from depression and it is part of a dual diagnosis, meaning there is a drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem associated with it, you can look into an addiction treatment program, drug rehab or alcohol rehab. All the above, should have the ability to treat your depression and substance abuse issues. If you do not have a drug addiction or alcohol addiction in conjunction with the depression, than you should in accordance with your attending psychiatristPsychology Articles, locate a psychiatric hospital nearest you.
http://www.articlesfactory.com
Depression is best described as a mood disorder with a wide range of symptoms such as a loss of pleasure, feelings of worthlessness or suicidal thoughts, The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, lists nine symptoms for major depression, five or more which must be present over the same two-week period, including one of the first two:
1) Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, or 2) Markedly diminished pleasure. The other seven symptoms include: 3) Significant weight gain or loss, 4) Insomnia or hypersomnia, 5) psychomotor agitation or retardation, 6) Fatigue or loss of energy, 7) Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, 8) Diminished ability to think or concentrate, 9) Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thinking, suicide attempts.Is Depression a person’s fault?Depression is a medical illness which affects brain, which in turn affects the rest of the body. One can no more snap out of depression that one can snap out of diabetes or heart disease. It would help to have a positive outlook, but the very nature of depression is a lack of positive outlook. Unfortunately, having depression still carries a stigma, though not nearly as bad as in the past. If there is any consolation, you are in good company: Winston Churchill and Mike Wallace, just to name a few, all had crushing depressions.The same holds true as it relates to drug addiction and alcoholism. Both of these are diseases, which are diseases of the brain, which can not just be wished away. Drug addiction and alcohol addiction must be treated in conjunction with the psychiatric disorder.
That is why treating a dual disorder or a person with a dual diagnosis is so challenging. Is there more than one type of Depression?Yes, there are several types of depression. Dysthymia, melancholic depression, atypical depression, bipolar depression, psychotic depression, catatonic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression all fall under the category of depression. Along with the emotional aspects of depression, there is also a physical component. Mind and body are very much connected. The risk of heart disease is doubled in people with depression, and a previous depression is often the greatest risk factor for heart disease and other ills, over smoking, drinking, high blood sugar, and previous heart attacks. Depression has also been connected to diabetes, bone loss, stroke, irritable bowel syndrome, and possibly cancer. In addition, people with depression have much higher rates of alcoholism and drug abuse than the general population.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18.8 million American adults, or about 9.5 percent of the US population age 18 and older in a given year, have a depressive disorder. According to the World Health Organization, depression is presently on track to becoming the world's second-most disabling disease (after heart disease) by the year 2020. In addition, depression is responsible for some $87 billion a year in lost productivity in the US (a conservative estimate), and according to Bank One, is responsible for most lost work days in its employees after pregnancy and childbirth.
Additionally, one million people worldwide die by their own hand, most as a result of a mood disorder. Finally, the linkage between depression and a host of physical illnesses makes it arguably the world's greatest killer. Where should I get treatment? If you are suffering from depression and it is part of a dual diagnosis, meaning there is a drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem associated with it, you can look into an addiction treatment program, drug rehab or alcohol rehab. All the above, should have the ability to treat your depression and substance abuse issues. If you do not have a drug addiction or alcohol addiction in conjunction with the depression, than you should in accordance with your attending psychiatristPsychology Articles, locate a psychiatric hospital nearest you.
http://www.articlesfactory.com
What Is Diagnosis
"Diagnosis" is a fancy name given to the process of identifying diseases. It is a Greek name. Break it down; "dia" means "by" and "gnosis" means "knowledge". How do I diagnose my illness? You don't! Diagnosis is for doctors and physicians only. They determine your disease by the signs and symptoms that it gives you.
If it is unclear by symptoms as to what you are sick with, you will consult a physician. A physician will take their best guesses as to your problems name, and medically test you for it. After your diagnosis is complete through blood test, medical imaging, saliva samples, biopsy, electrocardiogram, stool samples, or urine tests, the physician will decide which is the best way to treat you.
A Diagnosis is sometimes made by process of elimination. This is called a "differential diagnosis". Through investigation of symptoms and consultations with other doctors or physicians, they are able to tell what you DO NOT have, thus leaving them with your most likely disease.
In the 1900's, a man named William Osler began to "practice" medicine. He used the principles of diagnosis and treatment to reduce suffering and increase life expectancy. Osler decided that to practice medicine you must learn to identify diseases, understand where they come from and how they work, and then decide which is the best way to cure them. This is known today as "The Oslerian Ideal". And we have this man to thank for medicine practice today. I suppose, howeverFree Reprint Articles, we could also thank him for waiting rooms
http://www.articlesfactory.com
If it is unclear by symptoms as to what you are sick with, you will consult a physician. A physician will take their best guesses as to your problems name, and medically test you for it. After your diagnosis is complete through blood test, medical imaging, saliva samples, biopsy, electrocardiogram, stool samples, or urine tests, the physician will decide which is the best way to treat you.
A Diagnosis is sometimes made by process of elimination. This is called a "differential diagnosis". Through investigation of symptoms and consultations with other doctors or physicians, they are able to tell what you DO NOT have, thus leaving them with your most likely disease.
In the 1900's, a man named William Osler began to "practice" medicine. He used the principles of diagnosis and treatment to reduce suffering and increase life expectancy. Osler decided that to practice medicine you must learn to identify diseases, understand where they come from and how they work, and then decide which is the best way to cure them. This is known today as "The Oslerian Ideal". And we have this man to thank for medicine practice today. I suppose, howeverFree Reprint Articles, we could also thank him for waiting rooms
http://www.articlesfactory.com
Friday, February 9, 2007
Diagnosis and surgical treatment of appendicitis
Appendicitis is a digestive disorder manifested by a blockage of the connection between the appendix and the rest of the intestines. The inflammation can be caused by infections in the body or by foreign bodies in the appendicle lumen. If not removed in time by surgery, it can perforate and lead to major infections spread in the entire abdomen. Its function is negligible for the human body but frequent cases of its inflammation are due to its role in the cellular mediated immunity against external or internal aggression.
The most common symptoms of appendicitis are: 1. Pain in the hypogastrum moving down to the right ileac fossa. 2. Nausea, vomiting and anorexia 3. Fever Other signs like pain during urination, pain in the back and rectum, diarrhea or constipation can also be present; major abdominal cramps can sometimes force the patient to reach medical help. The most proper advice for these symptoms is to stop eating and drinking and not take painkillers by any chance. Annoying this could cause the increase of inflammation and could lead to perforation.
The patient suspected of appendicitis must wait for the doctors consult and diagnosing before acting against the symptoms.
Although diagnosing of appendicitis may seem the easiest thing to do, it can be most tricky in some situations, as symptoms highly resemble to complains caused by other digestive disorders. Immediately consulting a doctor and the emergency removal of the appendix can spear everyone a great deal of problems.
Assembling manifestations can be caused by: infections of the intestinal or urinary tract, gastritis or tubo-ovarian problems in women. In order to establish a precise diagnosis the surgeon must take blood and urine tests, and fulfill a complete rectal and abdominal examination.
The treatment of appendicitis is strictly surgical and resumes in the removal of the appendix and draining of a possible formed abscess. The operation is called appendectomy. Antibiotics must be administered before and after surgery to prevent a potential peritonitis. Two methods of removing the appendix are available to surgeons today: classical surgery or laparoscopic surgery; the last mentioned one is more advantageous because of the smaller incision needed and also because the patient recovers faster. In two or three weeks the patient will return to his normal life style independent on the method of appendectomy.
Some particular symptoms of post-operator complications should make the patient see a doctor right away: fever, vomiting, positive blood tests in vomit or urine, abdominal pain and discomfort, faintness and weaken forces. A proper treatment is very important for a quick recover.
Although appendicitis is known as a risk-free disease, it still causes death because of late presentation to hospital. Cases of death during appendectomy are due to the late discovery of the appendicitis. If you show symptoms assembling the ones described, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=363056
The most common symptoms of appendicitis are: 1. Pain in the hypogastrum moving down to the right ileac fossa. 2. Nausea, vomiting and anorexia 3. Fever Other signs like pain during urination, pain in the back and rectum, diarrhea or constipation can also be present; major abdominal cramps can sometimes force the patient to reach medical help. The most proper advice for these symptoms is to stop eating and drinking and not take painkillers by any chance. Annoying this could cause the increase of inflammation and could lead to perforation.
The patient suspected of appendicitis must wait for the doctors consult and diagnosing before acting against the symptoms.
Although diagnosing of appendicitis may seem the easiest thing to do, it can be most tricky in some situations, as symptoms highly resemble to complains caused by other digestive disorders. Immediately consulting a doctor and the emergency removal of the appendix can spear everyone a great deal of problems.
Assembling manifestations can be caused by: infections of the intestinal or urinary tract, gastritis or tubo-ovarian problems in women. In order to establish a precise diagnosis the surgeon must take blood and urine tests, and fulfill a complete rectal and abdominal examination.
The treatment of appendicitis is strictly surgical and resumes in the removal of the appendix and draining of a possible formed abscess. The operation is called appendectomy. Antibiotics must be administered before and after surgery to prevent a potential peritonitis. Two methods of removing the appendix are available to surgeons today: classical surgery or laparoscopic surgery; the last mentioned one is more advantageous because of the smaller incision needed and also because the patient recovers faster. In two or three weeks the patient will return to his normal life style independent on the method of appendectomy.
Some particular symptoms of post-operator complications should make the patient see a doctor right away: fever, vomiting, positive blood tests in vomit or urine, abdominal pain and discomfort, faintness and weaken forces. A proper treatment is very important for a quick recover.
Although appendicitis is known as a risk-free disease, it still causes death because of late presentation to hospital. Cases of death during appendectomy are due to the late discovery of the appendicitis. If you show symptoms assembling the ones described, you must see a doctor as soon as possible.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=363056
Diagnosing and treating sinus infections
If you consult a physician, he will mostly diagnose sinus diseases by a complete history of your signs and by examining your sinus area and the upper respiratory system. A simple but efficient way to diagnose sinus inflammation and infection is to exercise pressure on the forehead and cheek bones sinuses; it the area is sensitive, a positive diagnose may be established.
Another method of diagnosis is introducing a light into the sinuses to look for inflammation; if the light doesn't shine through, the sinuses are congested.
Additional medical exams like CT-scan, MRI (magnetic resonance image) or an X-ray can be useful in case of an acute episode or in case of chronic symptoms. If the tests are not concluding, the doctor can ask a specialized check from the otorhinolaringologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist. He might perform a nasal endoscopy (rhynoscopy) using an optic fiber to see the sinuses and verify their anatomy and function. A sinus puncture can also help establish what kind of virus or bacteria is causing the sinus infection.
Best methods of preventing sinus infections are avoiding all kind of flu or cold. If they have already occurred, rapid and adequate treatment must be applied. You can try the following methods to prevent apparition of colds: 1. Annual immunization for Influenza 2. Wash your hands after any contact with foreign objects 3. Protect and stimulate your immune system by eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, antioxidants and intensive chemicals 4. Reduce causes of stress in your life
Treating sinus disorders must mainly goal the eradication of signs and symptoms of inflammation and infection. Inflammation can be annihilated by using different humidifiers and also by surgical means in rebel cases of sinusitis. The sinus infection requires anti biotherapy for the certain organism affecting the sinuses.
Some diets can prevent, treat or shorten the cold or flu. Homeopathic methods can contribute together with the antibiotics to the resolution of the inflammation and infection. Herbal compounds can also stimulate your immune system. Still, every single herbal remedy has different actions according to the specific physiology of the body. A doctor must be asked before taking a home treatment of different compounds.
A major improvement of sinus infection symptoms can occur after homeopathic cure or after a few therapeutic sessions of acupuncture. Acupuncture is especially recommended for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.
The nasal and sinus congestion might be reduced by using a humidifier or a nasal spray with saline content. Inhalations of steam 2-4 times per day can also easy your air circulation through the sinuses.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=364194
Another method of diagnosis is introducing a light into the sinuses to look for inflammation; if the light doesn't shine through, the sinuses are congested.
Additional medical exams like CT-scan, MRI (magnetic resonance image) or an X-ray can be useful in case of an acute episode or in case of chronic symptoms. If the tests are not concluding, the doctor can ask a specialized check from the otorhinolaringologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist. He might perform a nasal endoscopy (rhynoscopy) using an optic fiber to see the sinuses and verify their anatomy and function. A sinus puncture can also help establish what kind of virus or bacteria is causing the sinus infection.
Best methods of preventing sinus infections are avoiding all kind of flu or cold. If they have already occurred, rapid and adequate treatment must be applied. You can try the following methods to prevent apparition of colds: 1. Annual immunization for Influenza 2. Wash your hands after any contact with foreign objects 3. Protect and stimulate your immune system by eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, antioxidants and intensive chemicals 4. Reduce causes of stress in your life
Treating sinus disorders must mainly goal the eradication of signs and symptoms of inflammation and infection. Inflammation can be annihilated by using different humidifiers and also by surgical means in rebel cases of sinusitis. The sinus infection requires anti biotherapy for the certain organism affecting the sinuses.
Some diets can prevent, treat or shorten the cold or flu. Homeopathic methods can contribute together with the antibiotics to the resolution of the inflammation and infection. Herbal compounds can also stimulate your immune system. Still, every single herbal remedy has different actions according to the specific physiology of the body. A doctor must be asked before taking a home treatment of different compounds.
A major improvement of sinus infection symptoms can occur after homeopathic cure or after a few therapeutic sessions of acupuncture. Acupuncture is especially recommended for patients suffering from chronic sinusitis.
The nasal and sinus congestion might be reduced by using a humidifier or a nasal spray with saline content. Inhalations of steam 2-4 times per day can also easy your air circulation through the sinuses.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=364194
Wrong diagnosis and unnecessary removal of the appendix
Thousands of children have their appendix unnecessary removed because of the lack of experience of the surgeons. About 8% of the appendectomies are unjustified in spite of appendicitis being the most common pediatric disease. Children must undergo a surgical operation that finally proves a normal healthy appendix.
Although appendicitis may seem easy to diagnose, difficulties can appear due to the symptoms assembling to the manifestations of other disorders in the area. Complains like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever can be caused by intestinal infections or especially by genital pathology in young girls. No test for appendicitis can be 100% accurate.
Wrong diagnosis is much rarer in pediatric hospitals with experienced surgeons, which have performed more appendectomies, and mostly recommend X-ray exams, CT-scan or ultrasonography before establishing a certain diagnosis.
In spite of these mistakes, appendectomies cannot be performed only in big hospitals, together with more complex and risking operations such as heart transplant or coronary by-passes. Appendicitis shouldn't be a disease to require the hospitalization and medical care of a major medical centre. If so, these clinics would be overwhelmed by the number of patients and the smaller children hospitals would remain without medical cases.
Surgeons all over the world tend to accept the possibility of removing a healthy appendix, a small segment hanging from the Ilion with no particularly important function. And this because they prefer to remove a normal appendix than risk major complications like perforation, generalized peritonitis or even death.
Usually the doctors explain the patients or their caretakers there is a possibility to remove a healthy appendix because the appendicitis diagnosis isn't accurate. The certainty of appendicitis can only be established intra-operator, when the surgeon extracts a "red worm" meaning an inflamed, infected appendix or a "white worm", a normal one. Operating doctors usually expect to find 15% whit worms during appendectomies.
Patients are informed before surgical intervention that they will get a 1-2 inch incision by classical surgery method or three smaller ones while laparoscopic appendectomy is performed.
Recent studies and research have confirmed the worthless tolerance of errors within appendicitis diagnosis and appendectomies. Scientists claim, needless appendectomies in adults lead to a minimum of 6 days hospitalization required, a lost period of time that could affect one's business or familiar activity. One patient in 40 develop further complications after surgery and need prolonged medical care and about 1.5% of the operated persons die.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=364397
Although appendicitis may seem easy to diagnose, difficulties can appear due to the symptoms assembling to the manifestations of other disorders in the area. Complains like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever can be caused by intestinal infections or especially by genital pathology in young girls. No test for appendicitis can be 100% accurate.
Wrong diagnosis is much rarer in pediatric hospitals with experienced surgeons, which have performed more appendectomies, and mostly recommend X-ray exams, CT-scan or ultrasonography before establishing a certain diagnosis.
In spite of these mistakes, appendectomies cannot be performed only in big hospitals, together with more complex and risking operations such as heart transplant or coronary by-passes. Appendicitis shouldn't be a disease to require the hospitalization and medical care of a major medical centre. If so, these clinics would be overwhelmed by the number of patients and the smaller children hospitals would remain without medical cases.
Surgeons all over the world tend to accept the possibility of removing a healthy appendix, a small segment hanging from the Ilion with no particularly important function. And this because they prefer to remove a normal appendix than risk major complications like perforation, generalized peritonitis or even death.
Usually the doctors explain the patients or their caretakers there is a possibility to remove a healthy appendix because the appendicitis diagnosis isn't accurate. The certainty of appendicitis can only be established intra-operator, when the surgeon extracts a "red worm" meaning an inflamed, infected appendix or a "white worm", a normal one. Operating doctors usually expect to find 15% whit worms during appendectomies.
Patients are informed before surgical intervention that they will get a 1-2 inch incision by classical surgery method or three smaller ones while laparoscopic appendectomy is performed.
Recent studies and research have confirmed the worthless tolerance of errors within appendicitis diagnosis and appendectomies. Scientists claim, needless appendectomies in adults lead to a minimum of 6 days hospitalization required, a lost period of time that could affect one's business or familiar activity. One patient in 40 develop further complications after surgery and need prolonged medical care and about 1.5% of the operated persons die.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=364397
Cure Insomnia - Causes, Types and Diagnosis of Insomnia
If you find it difficult to fall asleep, or to sleep right through the night, then there's a very good chance that you're suffering from insomnia (or to be technical - insomnia sleep disorder).
Insomnia tends to fall into two broad categories. If your sleeping problems tend to come and go and normally only last for a few days at a time then you are said to be suffering from transient insomnia. However, if your insomnia persists and last for more than just a few days, running literally into weeks, then your insomnia is classed as being permanent.
As a general rule, women tend to suffer from insomnia more than men do, almost certainly as a result of the many hormonal changes which women experience. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, an underlying medical condition or the side effects of prescription medication can also increase the likelihood of insomnia and so the condition is also often seen as increasing with age.
Transient insomnia can result from a variety of different causes including too much stress, traveling across different time zones and environmental factors such as noise or temperature variations of more than a few degrees. Exposure to too much light or to loud or persistent noise, such as traffic or even a partner snoring, can create an environment in which sleep is difficult. Insomnia can even be the result of learned behavior.
In general transient insomnia does not require treatment (in the sense of medical treatment) and the condition will generally remedy itself once you recognize the cause of your insomnia and take a few, usually very simple, steps to remove it.
By contrast, permanent or chronic insomnia can be serious and does require some form of treatment plan. Just how severe a problem your insomnia presents will depend very much on the underlying cause and the first step in the process to cure insomnia is to find out just what is causing it.
One possibility is that your insomnia results from an underlying medical condition which could include hundreds of different possible causes including anxiety, depression, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems, sleep apnea and many more. Your fist port of call therefore should be your doctor because your insomnia cure clearly lies, at least in part, in treating your underlying medical condition.
If the problem is not medical then you need to widen your search and consider other possible causes such as your working pattern (especially true in the case of shift workers), your consumption of alcohol, tea coffee and other drinks and the long term use of medication for existing ailments.
Determining just what is causing your insomnia can be a long process and will often mean selecting one possible cause at a time and addressing that to see if makes a difference, before moving on to the next possibility. However, even though it may take some time, this is a necessary process and, without an obvious cause, it is one step that cannot be avoided.
Diagnosing insomnia is also difficult because the whole subject of sleep itself is subjective. The right amount of sleep for one individual will not necessarily be right for somebody else and determining the extent of a sleep problem in each individual is often a matter for debate. One good way to assess the extent of the problem is to keep a sleep journal and then, based upon the information which you gather, to assess yourself against a sleep questionnaire or even to seek the help of a sleep specialist who has the tools necessary to help to diagnose your insomnia.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=385884
Insomnia tends to fall into two broad categories. If your sleeping problems tend to come and go and normally only last for a few days at a time then you are said to be suffering from transient insomnia. However, if your insomnia persists and last for more than just a few days, running literally into weeks, then your insomnia is classed as being permanent.
As a general rule, women tend to suffer from insomnia more than men do, almost certainly as a result of the many hormonal changes which women experience. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, an underlying medical condition or the side effects of prescription medication can also increase the likelihood of insomnia and so the condition is also often seen as increasing with age.
Transient insomnia can result from a variety of different causes including too much stress, traveling across different time zones and environmental factors such as noise or temperature variations of more than a few degrees. Exposure to too much light or to loud or persistent noise, such as traffic or even a partner snoring, can create an environment in which sleep is difficult. Insomnia can even be the result of learned behavior.
In general transient insomnia does not require treatment (in the sense of medical treatment) and the condition will generally remedy itself once you recognize the cause of your insomnia and take a few, usually very simple, steps to remove it.
By contrast, permanent or chronic insomnia can be serious and does require some form of treatment plan. Just how severe a problem your insomnia presents will depend very much on the underlying cause and the first step in the process to cure insomnia is to find out just what is causing it.
One possibility is that your insomnia results from an underlying medical condition which could include hundreds of different possible causes including anxiety, depression, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems, sleep apnea and many more. Your fist port of call therefore should be your doctor because your insomnia cure clearly lies, at least in part, in treating your underlying medical condition.
If the problem is not medical then you need to widen your search and consider other possible causes such as your working pattern (especially true in the case of shift workers), your consumption of alcohol, tea coffee and other drinks and the long term use of medication for existing ailments.
Determining just what is causing your insomnia can be a long process and will often mean selecting one possible cause at a time and addressing that to see if makes a difference, before moving on to the next possibility. However, even though it may take some time, this is a necessary process and, without an obvious cause, it is one step that cannot be avoided.
Diagnosing insomnia is also difficult because the whole subject of sleep itself is subjective. The right amount of sleep for one individual will not necessarily be right for somebody else and determining the extent of a sleep problem in each individual is often a matter for debate. One good way to assess the extent of the problem is to keep a sleep journal and then, based upon the information which you gather, to assess yourself against a sleep questionnaire or even to seek the help of a sleep specialist who has the tools necessary to help to diagnose your insomnia.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=385884
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