PsycHe Finer PoinTs

Disorders Associated with a Nervous Breakdown
• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Generalized anxiety
• Acute stress disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Trauma disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic disorders
• Mood disorders
• Biopolar disorder

Learning to manage stress and identify the early symptoms of a nervous breakdown such as anxiety, depression and panic disorders can help to prevent its onset. Many people have experienced being on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and it is this feeling of overwhelming helplessness that has forced them to revamp their lifestyles and has offered them the opportunity for growth and enlightenment.
Diagnosing a Nervous Breakdown
Your doctor will perform a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions, and also ask you what symptoms you are experiencing. A course of medication may be prescribed as well as a referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist.
Warning Signs Indicating a Nervous Breakdown
There are physical, emotional and behavioral warning signs and symptoms of a nervous breakdown. They include:

Physical symptoms
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite or an increase in appetite with ‘comfort eating’
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Breathing problems
• Migraine headaches
• Low libido
• Disrupted menstrual cycle

Emotional symptoms
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Agitation and restlessness
• Indecision
• Loss of confidence and self–esteem
• Inability to stop crying
• Feelings of guilt, poor judgment

Behavioral symptoms
• Mood swings
• Strange behavior such as odd body movements or undressing in public

In more extreme cases, psychosis can occur where the person will experience complete loss of contact with reality. The symptoms may include hallucinations or visions, feelings of victimization or persecution, strange speech patterns and behaviors as well as extreme guilt or grandiosity.
What Causes a Nervous Breakdown?
There is always a trigger or catalyst that sparks a nervous breakdown. Breakdowns usually stem from a change in a major life event such as a broken relationship, death of a loved one, a demanding job or financial difficulties. Factors that contribute to a breakdown include:

• Stress
• Depression
• Drug and alcohol use
• Genetics (family history)
• Coexisting medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid disorders

Help for Nervous Breakdowns

There are many treatment methods and approaches for dealing with nervous breakdowns. Choosing the right one depends on the diagnosis of the individual case, as there is no standard cure.

source:www.medhi-healing.com/http://toolsforlife-dvd.com.au/help/nervous_breakdowns.html