Hypochondria (Imaginary illness): unnecessary worry, fear and anxiety about their own health.

Hypochondriasis is a disorder in which a person experiences unnecessary worry, fear and anxiety about their own health.  People with hypochondriasis are very worried about getting a disease, even after medical tests show they do not. Furthermore, these people often misinterpret minor health problems or normal body functions as symptoms of a serious disease. An example is a person who is sure that his or her back pain is caused by a spinal tumour OR excessive daily work.

Fact is nobody knows exactly for sure what causes hypochondriasis. Researchers believe the problem could originate in the affected person’s belief that they deserve illness because of some wrongdoing in the past. Perhaps they have guilty conscience for some reason, and believe that “karma” has come around to them. Another theory is that the hypochondriac has learned benefits of being sick, such as getting extra attention.

Warning signs:

1.      Continuously doing health research.

2.      Worry of illness for at least six months.

3.      Confusing normal bodily sensations as a serious problem.

4.      Tension and stress in daily life.

5.      Continuously talking about symptoms of suspected diseases with others.

6.      Thinking of a disease after reading or hearing about it (TV/RADIO/INTERNET).

7.      Seeing doctors repeated times.

8.      Continual fear even with doctor’s reassurance.

9.      Frequently switching doctors, if one doctor says that you aren’t sick, he / she may not believe it and seek out other opinions.

Hypochondria are also sometimes a result of other psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In other cases, it may occur after a stressful or traumatic event, or sometimes in people with a family history of hypochondriasis.

Cyberchondria:

 Is a colloquial term used to describe the hypochondria that results from people self-diagnosing via reading articles on the Internet. The media can contribute with television shows depicting strange illnesses, or after major outbreaks of diseases or illnesses are constantly reported in the news.

How is hypochondriasis treated?

Because hypochondria is a psychological condition, it is important to seek out professional help from a therapist. People who have had many doctor visits with no findings of any malignant symptoms may want to consider that they are, in fact, a hypochondriac. This term is used loosely among friends and family members, but hypochondria is a real disorder that interferes with daily life that should be properly treated by a professional. Treatment for hypochondria includes:

1.      Psychotherapy.

2.      Behavioural therapy.

3.      Stress management support.

4.      Medication (Medication can help also if the hypochondria is a result of another issue like depression)

Few things to feel better:

First, a trained professional can help get to the bottom of what’s causing the fear and anxiety about the health. With proper support, patient can begin to feel unburdened by worry, and go on to live a fully functional, productive life. Because a hypochondriac is constantly worried about their physical health, it’s best to stay as physically healthy as possible. Consuming a healthy, nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and getting the right vitamins and minerals needed for the age, gender and activity level is also very important.

Complications of hypochondriasis:

A person with hypochondriasis is at risk for repeated episodes of symptoms. He or she also might suffer from reactions or health problems related to multiple tests, procedures, and treatments. In addition to the pain and frustration this disorder often causes to the person and his or her family, repeated episodes also can lead to unnecessary and risky procedures, as well as high medical bills.

Outlook for people with hypochondriasis:

Hypochondriasis tends to be a long-term (chronic) condition that can last for years. In many cases, symptoms can recur. In the past, we believed only a small percentage of patients could recover completely. The focus of treatment was on learning to manage and control symptoms, and on minimizing functional problems associated with the disorder.

In order to successfully recover, it’s also necessary for the patient to maintain a healthy, beneficial relationship with their regular health care provider. This relationship should be supportive, not judgmental, and dependable. Make sure to keep a doctor that patient trust, and that is willing to also work with your psychological therapist. Remember, once patient gets help, he/she won’t have to live in fear any more.

Dr. Imtiaz Syed, M.B, B.S, MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC

LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841

Redditch, Gloucestershire. UK.

By: Unknown On 11:26 AM

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What Is Schizophrenia?

A long-term mental disorder of a type involving a breakdown in the relation between thought, emotion, and behaviour, leading to faulty perception, inappropriate actions and feelings, withdrawal from reality and personal relationships into fantasy and delusion, and a sense of mental fragmentation.

Patient with schizophrenia disorder may hear voices other people don't hear. They may believe other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. This can terrify people with this illness and make them extremely agitated. Schizophrenic patient may not make sense when they talk. They may sit for hours without moving or talking. Sometimes they seem perfectly fine until they talk about what they are really thinking.

Causes

1.      Genes & Environment Factors:

Scientists have long known that schizophrenia runs in families. The illness occurs in 1 percent of the general population, but it occurs in 10 percent of people who have a first-degree relative with the disorder, such as a parent, brother, or sister. The risk is highest for an identical twin of a person with schizophrenia. He or she has a 40 to 65 percent chance of developing the disorder. We inherit our genes from both parents. Scientists believe several genes are associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but that no gene causes the disease by itself.  In addition, it probably takes more than genes to cause the disorder. Scientists think interactions between genes and the environment are necessary for schizophrenia to develop.

Many environmental factors may be involved, such as

·        Exposure to viruses or

·        Malnutrition before birth,

·        Problems during birth,

2.      Brain Chemistry & Structure:

Scientists think that an imbalance in the complex, interrelated chemical reactions of the brain involving the neurotransmitters dopamine and glutamate, and possibly others, plays a role in schizophrenia. Neurotransmitters are substances that allow brain cells to communicate with each other. Scientists are learning more about brain chemistry and its link to schizophrenia. Studies of brain tissue after death also have revealed differences in the brains of people with schizophrenia. Scientists found small changes in the distribution or characteristics of brain cells that likely occurred before birth. Some experts think problems during brain development before birth may lead to faulty connections. The problem may not show up in a person until puberty. The brain undergoes major changes during puberty, and these changes could trigger psychotic symptoms. Scientists have learned a lot about schizophrenia, but more research is needed to help explain how it develops.

Who Is At Risk?

Schizophrenia affects men and women equally. It occurs at similar rates in all ethnic groups around the world. Symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions usually start between ages 16 and 30. Men tend to experience symptoms a little earlier than women. Most of the time, people do not get schizophrenia after age 45. Schizophrenia rarely occurs in children.

Signs & Symptoms:

The symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three broad categories:

1)     Positive symptoms,

2)     Negative symptoms,

3)     Cognitive symptoms.

Positive symptoms: are psychotic behaviours not seen in healthy people. Patients with positive symptoms often "lose touch" with reality. They include the following:

1)     Hallucinations

A patient sees, hears, smells, or feels that no one else can see, hear, smell, or feel. "Voices" are the most common type of hallucination in schizophrenia. Many people with the disorder hear voices. The voices may talk to the person about his or her behaviour, order the people to do things, or warn the person of danger. Sometimes the voices talk to each other. Other types of hallucinations include seeing people or objects that are not there, smelling odours that no one else detects, and feeling things like invisible fingers touching their bodies when no one is near.

2)     Delusions

False beliefs that are not part of the person's culture and do not change. The person believes delusions even after other people prove that the beliefs are not true or logical. People with schizophrenia can have delusions that seem bizarre, such as believing that neighbours can control their behaviour with magnetic waves. They may also believe that people on television are directing special messages to them, or that radio stations are broadcasting their thoughts aloud to others. They may have paranoid delusions and believe that others are trying to harm them, such as by cheating, harassing, poisoning, spying on, or plotting against them or the people they care about. These beliefs are called "delusions of persecution."

3)     Thought disorders

 Are unusual or dysfunctional ways of thinking. One form of thought disorder is called "disorganized thinking." This is when a patient has trouble organizing his or her thoughts or connecting them logically. They may talk in a garbled way that is hard to understand. Another form is called "thought blocking." This is when a person stops speaking abruptly in the middle of a thought. When asked why he or she stopped talking, the patient may say that it felt as if the thought had been taken out of his or her head.

4)     Movement disorders

It may appear as agitated body movements. A patient with a movement disorder may repeat certain motions over and over. In the other extreme, a person may become catatonic. Catatonia is a state in which a patient does not move and does not respond to others.

Negative symptoms: are associated with disruptions to normal emotions and behaviours. These symptoms are harder to recognize as part of the disorder and can be mistaken for depression or other conditions. These symptoms include the following:

1)     Flat affect (a person's face does not move or he or she talks in a dull or monotonous voice)

2)     Lack of pleasure in everyday life

3)     Lack of ability to begin and sustain planned activities

4)     Speaking little.

People with negative symptoms need help with everyday tasks. They often neglect basic personal hygiene. This may make them seem lazy or unwilling to help themselves, but the problems are symptoms caused by the schizophrenia.

Cognitive symptoms: are subtle. Like negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms may be difficult to recognize as part of the disorder. Often, they are detected only when other tests are performed. Cognitive symptoms include the following:

1)     Poor "executive functioning" (the ability to understand information and use it to make decisions)

2)     Trouble focusing or paying attention.

3)     Problems with "working memory" (the ability to use information immediately after learning it).

Cognitive symptoms often make it hard to lead a normal life and earn a living. They can cause great emotional distress.

Treatments

Because the causes of schizophrenia are still unknown, treatments focus on eliminating the symptoms of the disease

1)     Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications have been available since the mid-1950. The older types are called conventional or "typical" antipsychotics. In the 1990's, new antipsychotic medications were developed. These new medications are called second generation, or "atypical" antipsychotics.

2)     Psychosocial treatments

Psychosocial treatments can help patients with schizophrenia that is already stabilized on antipsychotic medication. Psychosocial treatments help these patients deal with the everyday challenges of the illness, such as difficulty with communication, self-care, work, and forming and keeping relationships. Learning and using coping mechanisms to address these problems allow people with schizophrenia to socialize and attend school and work.

3)     Illness Management Skills.

Patient with schizophrenia can take an active role in managing their own illness. Once patients learn basic facts about schizophrenia and its treatment, they can make informed decisions about their care. If they know how to watch for the early warning signs of relapse and make a plan to respond, patients can learn to prevent relapses.

4)     Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance abuse.

Substance abuse is the most common co-occurring disorder in people with schizophrenia. But ordinary substance abuse treatment programs usually do not address this population's special needs. When schizophrenia treatment programs and drug treatment programs are used together, patients get better results.

5)     Rehabilitation.

 Rehabilitation emphasizes social and vocational training to help people with schizophrenia function better in their communities. Because schizophrenia usually develops in people during the critical career-forming years of life (ages 18 to 35), and because the disease makes normal thinking and functioning difficult, most patients do not receive training in the skills needed for a job.

6)     Family education.

Patients with schizophrenia are often discharged from the hospital into the care of their families. So it is important that family members know as much as possible about the disease. With the help of a therapist, family members can learn coping strategies and problem-solving skills. In this way the family can help make sure their loved one sticks with treatment and stays on his or her medication.

7)     Cognitive behavioural therapy.

 (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on thinking and behaviour. CBT helps patients with symptoms that do not go away even when they take medication. The therapist teaches people with schizophrenia how to test the reality of their thoughts and perceptions, how to "not listen" to their voices, and how to manage their symptoms overall.

8)     Self-help groups.

Self-help groups for people with schizophrenia and their families are becoming more common. Professional therapists usually are not involved, but group members support and comfort each other. People in self-help groups know that others are facing the same problems, which can help everyone feel less isolated. The networking that takes place in self-help groups can also prompt families to work together to advocate for research and more hospital and community treatment programs.

How can you help a person with schizophrenia?

People with schizophrenia often resist treatment. They may not think they need help because they believe their delusions or hallucinations are real. In these cases, family and friends may need to take action to keep their loved one safe. Laws vary from state to state, and it can be difficult to force a person with a mental disorder into treatment or hospitalization. But when a person becomes dangerous to himself or herself, or to others, family members or friends may have to call the police to take their loved one to the hospital.

It can be difficult to know how to respond to someone with schizophrenia who makes strange or clearly false statements. Remember that these beliefs or hallucinations seem very real to the person. It is not helpful to say they are wrong or imaginary. But going along with the delusions is not helpful, either. Instead, calmly say that you see things differently. Tell them that you acknowledge that everyone has the right to see things his or her own way. In addition, it is important to understand that schizophrenia is a biological illness. Being respectful, supportive, and kind without tolerating dangerous or inappropriate behaviour is the best way to approach people with this disorder.

Are schizophrenic patient violent?

People with schizophrenia are not usually violent. Most violent crimes are not committed by people with schizophrenia. However, some symptoms are associated with violence, such as delusions of persecution. Substance abuse may also increase the chance a person will become violent. If a person with schizophrenia becomes violent, the violence is usually directed at family members and tends to take place at home. The risk of violence among people with schizophrenia is small. But people with the illness attempt suicide much more often than others. It is hard to predict which patient with schizophrenia is prone to suicide. If you know someone who talks about or attempts suicide, help him or her find professional help right away.

Schizophrenia and smoking

Addiction to nicotine is the most common in people with schizophrenia. They are addicted to nicotine at three times the rate of the general population .The relationship between smoking and schizophrenia is complex. People with schizophrenia seem to be driven to smoke, and researchers are exploring whether there is a biological basis for this need. In addition to its known health hazards, several studies have found that smoking may make antipsychotic drugs less effective. Quitting smoking may be very difficult for people with schizophrenia because nicotine withdrawal may cause their psychotic symptoms to get worse for a while.

Dr. Imtiaz Syed, M.B,B.S, MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC

LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841

Redditch, Gloucestershire. UK.

Ref: National institute of mental health , http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml

By: Unknown On 9:18 AM

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Preventing falls in Elderly.

Everyone can be at risk of having a fall, but

older people are more vulnerable than others. This is mainly due to long term health conditions that can increase the chances of a fall. Most falls do not result in serious injury. However, older adults will require medical attention for a fall and will experience a serious injury, such as broken bones. Falls can also have an adverse impact on elderly people. For example, after having a fall a person can lose confidence, become withdrawn and may feel as if they have lost their independence.

What If you have a fall?

1.     Firstly, if you have a fall, it is important to keep calm.

2.     Do not get up quickly. Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed.

3.     Crawl over to the piece of furniture and, if possible, put something soft under your knees.

4.     Hold on to the furniture with both hands to support yourself.

5.     Place one foot flat on the floor, with your knee bent in front of your body.

6.     When you feel ready, slowly get up.

7.     Sit down and rest for a while before carrying on with your daily activities.

8.     If you are hurt or unable to get up, follow the steps listed below.

9.     Try to get someone’s attention by calling out for help, banging on the wall or floor (if there is someone on the floor below you) or using your aid call button (if you have one). If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 999 to request an ambulance.

10.  While you are waiting for help to arrive, try to get as comfortable and as warm as you can by moving to a carpeted area. Try to reach something warm to put over you (particularly your legs and feet), such as a blanket or a dressing gown.

11.  Try to move regularly to avoid getting pressure sores and to help you keep comfortable. Change your position regularly.

Major Causes

The natural ageing process often places older adults at an increased risk of having a fall. There are three main reasons why older people are more likely to have a fall. These are:

1.     Chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, dementia and low blood pressure (hypotension), which can cause dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness.                               

2.     Impairments, such as poor vision or muscle weakness.

3.     Disabilities that can affect balance, such as labyrinthitis (inflammation of the delicate structure deep inside the ear known as the labyrinth)

4.     wet or recently polished floors, such as in a bathroom

5.     dim light

6.     rugs or carpets that are not properly secured

7.     reaching for storage areas, such as cupboards

8.     stairs

9.     Another common cause of falls, particularly among older men, is falling from a ladder while carrying out home maintenance work.

10.  In older women, falls can be particularly troublesome because osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones) is a widespread problem. Osteoporosis is caused by hormonal changes that occur during the menopause.

Chronic health conditions, such as those listed above, can sometimes cause a loss of balance, a brief loss of consciousness (known as a drop attack) or a sudden feeling of dizziness, all of which could all contribute to a fall. Visual impairment or muscle weakness may also make it more difficult for an older person to prevent a fall.

How to prevent a fall?

There are several measures that you can take to help prevent a fall. Simple, everyday measures around the home include:

1.     Using non-slip mats in the bathroom

1.     Mopping up spills to avoid wet floors

2.     Getting help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift

3.     Removing clutter and ensuring that all areas of the home are properly lit can also be useful measures in helping to prevent falls. The charity Age UK also provides advice about how to make tasks easier around the home.

4.     You may want to have a medication review if medication that you are taking is causing side effects, such as dizziness, which is increasing your risk of having a fall.

5.     A sight test may also be beneficial if you are having problems with your vision.

6.      A home hazard assessment may also be available. It involves a healthcare professional visiting your home to identify potential hazards and to offer advice.

Advice for older people

Some older people may be reluctant to seek help and advice about fall prevention from their DOCTOR, because they believe that their concerns will not be taken seriously.

1.     Strength and balance training

Research has shown that older people who take part in regular strength and balance training are less likely to have a fall. Many community centres and local gyms offer specialist training programmes for older people. Exercise programmes that can be carried out at home are also available.

2.     Medication review

Your doctor will need to review your medicines every year, especially if you take four or more medicines a day, to make sure they are still right for you. If you have not had your medicines reviewed for more than one year, please go and see your doctor. If you are concerned that the side effects of medication that you or your relative is taking may increase the risk of having a fall, you can ask your doctor for a medication review.. In some cases, it may be possible for the medication to be stopped. Some types of medication that are used to treat sleep problems, anxiety or depression may also increase the chance of a falls.

3.     Sight tests

If you are concerned that poor vision is increasing your risk of falling, make an appointment to have a sight test. Find an optician near you. Not all causes of visual impairment can be treated, but some can. For example, cataracts (cloudy patches in the lens of the eye) can be surgically removed.

4.     Home hazard assessment

If you are concerned that you or a relative may be at risk of having a fall, or if you know someone who has recently had a fall, you can request a home hazard assessment. The assessment will involve a healthcare professional with experience in fall prevention visiting your home, or your relative’s, to identify potential hazards and to give advice about how to deal with them. For example, as the bathroom is a common place where falls occur, many older people can benefit from having bars fitted to the inside of their bath to make it easier for them to get in and out. The healthcare professional who carries out the assessment may also recommend getting a personal alarm system so that you or your relative can signal for help in the event of a fall.

5.     Vitamin D and calcium

Vitamin D is used to strengthen muscles and bones and has been shown to help to prevent falls in people who are 65 and over. Foods high in vitamin D include:

1.     liver

2.     oily fish

3.     wholegrain fortified breakfast

4.     cereals

5.     margarines and spreads

6.     well-cooked eggs

7.     evaporated milk

8.     Sunlight is also a natural source of vitamin D so spending half an hour each day outside between April and September can also help.

9.     There is some evidence to show that taking daily vitamin D and calcium supplements may help prevent falls in those who have a low level of vitamin D in their blood.

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of a fall. Older people are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. The effects of alcohol include: 1.     Loss of co-ordination and memory, which can lead to falls and general confusion 1.     Causing the effects of some drugs to be exaggerated, such as diazepam (Valium) 2.     Thinning of the bones, which can occur with heavy drinking

Dr. Imtiaz Syed, M.B, B.S, MBA, CRA, PCQI, CPC

LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/imtiaz-syed/13/89/841

Redditch, Gloucestershire. UK.

Ref: NHS DIRECT (UK)

By: Unknown On 9:17 AM

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What is in the Smile !

Fun tips about manners that will help you in your professional and personal life (People with good manners are more successful at work and in relationships.  It's true!)

“A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.” -Chinese Proverb

With more PHARMACIES available to consumers, it's important that our customers have a positive experience when coming to our business place.  We want our customerss to chooseus to be their pharmacy provider.  Sure, we can let them know about your highest quality care in the area, but what will really get our customerss coming back, is great customer service.  Customer service is what the customer perceives and remembers of the service they received.  According to the American Society for Quality and the Quality and Productivity Center, 68% of customers will leave due to the attitude or indifference of the service they received.  Being pleasant and polite is not only good manners, it’s good customer service; and by adding one simple gesture when you interact with customers, you can make their experience more pleasant.  What’s the simple gesture…….a SMILE.  That’s it!  It’s easy, free and very effective.

When used appropriately, a smile is the best customer service practice there is.  Smiling is welcoming and generally accepted as a signal that everything is all right and that the person smiling is interested in the customer.  Smiling can have health benefits too!  Being smiled at can have a marked effect on a person’s mood.  The more smiles an individual is exposed to in a day, the more positive his/her mood.

Smiling is also good for the person who is giving the smile.  The endorphin releasing effects of smiling suggest several long term health benefits.  Endorphins reduce stress, and stress is a strong correlative factor in many chronic health problems.  Frequent smiling may help reduce stress-related ailments like heart disease and also boost the immune system.  The endorphin rush associated with smiling can lower blood pressure, providing benefits to the heart.  Smiling is contagious; it causes a smile reaction in others, providing them with the same health benefits.   

So the next time you interact with a customer, smile.  Not only will it provide them with a good impression of your services, it may also keep you and them healthy.

Tanveer Hussain, MS, RPhI

Chairman PAPA, NY USA

By: Unknown On 10:04 AM

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