Depression and Anxiety - Coursework Example

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION al Affiliation: Depression and anxiety are recurring terms in the world over, as more and more people fall victim to the effects of stress and stressful environments. Most literature based on SM, holds information assessing the effectiveness of stress management techniques, but does not shed light on the different forms of stress management that exist and compare the effectiveness of these techniques. In America, 80% of all employees admit to feeling stressed at the work place, about 50% of them, admit to needing help to cope and manage that stress and stressful situations and 42% of employees agree that their co-workers desperately need help related to stress management (Global Organization for Stress, 2013). Stress is a common occurrence in the life of any individual. Stress has been shown to affect an individual’s performance hence in effect hampering their output, ability to relate and communicate effectively. This usually leads to a state of depression. This paper will highlight the causes of depression and anxiety, the types of treatments that are available for patients and the most recommended treatment. This paper will look at two articles that highlight the causes and treatments of depression and anxiety. It is paramount to understand the different approaches used in stress management before analyzing the stress management techniques. Stress management techniques could be grouped in two using two main classification methods (Lehrer, et al., 2007): 1. Problem focused, and emotionally focused approaches. a) Problem focused approach methods aim to identify the root cause of stress in the workplace. These approaches consider time management and come up with solutions best applicable for a particular cause, tailored for that specific workplace environment (Lehrer, et al., 2007). For example, problem focused approach methods for a construction site worker differs from those of a banking hall teller. b) Emotionally focused approach methods seek to provide a temporary guide for the parties involved getting by with the symptoms, but give little in solving the root cause of stress. Social support is the most common method; however drugs and alcohol fall under this category (Lehrer, et al., 2007). 2. Psychological and physiological approaches. a) Psychological approaches handle subjective feelings triggered by stressful situations, such as lack of control and anxiety. These approaches only help people cope with these feelings (Lehrer, et al., 2007). b) Physiological approaches to handle the physical symptoms of stress that can be felt in the body. Symptoms such as increased heart rate and arousal are reduced by exerting physiological methods (Lehrer, et al., 2007). Treating Depression and Anxiety Antipsychotic Medications These medications alleviate the positive symptoms a patient may have. Each patient responds differently to antipsychotic drugs and as such may require a combination of drugs to effectively manage the symptoms of schizophrenia. These drugs also have some side effects on the patients. These include restlessness, muscle spasms, rigidity and tremors. The length of treatment on antipsychotic medication varies from patient to another. It is important that the symptoms be effectively managed. Antidepressants Antidepressants are medications that are widely used in the treatment of depressive disorders and other conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic pain dysthymia, anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain, eating disorders, and even migraines, sleep disorders, substance abuse, dysmenorrhoea and ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Antidepressants can also be used in the management of depression as a symptom of schizophrenia. Types of Antidepressants SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) SSRIs have been found to be effective in relieving depression for most patients. They have also been found to be safe with some side effects. Just as all antidepressants do, SSRIs have sexual side effects on the patient. Patients using this drug have delayed ejaculation in men and a failure to realize orgasm by the women. Common SSRIs in the market are; Sertraline (Zoloft) Citalopram (Celexa) Fluvoxamine (Luvox CR, Luvox) Fluoxetine (Sarafem, Prozac Weekly, Prozac) Paroxetine (Pexeva, Paxil CR, Paxil) Escitalopram (Lexapro) SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) These include; Duloxetine (Cymbalta) This drug is effective in alleviating depression and relieving pain. It causes side effects such as constipation, a dry mouth and nausea. Individuals with kidney or liver problems or at risk of developing them should not take duloxetine. Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) This antidepressant may work where other antidepressants have failed. Its side effects are similar to those of SSRIs. Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) This antidepressant is similar to Desvenlafaxine. However, there is no study that has proven which of the two is more effective. Venlafaxine can be found in generic form making it cheaper than Desvenlafaxine. Venlafaxine can potentially raise a patient’s blood pressure, as such an overdose would be fatal to the patient. Electroconvulsive Shock Therapy This is a kind of therapy where the patient experiences electrically induced seizures so that the patient can be received of a given psychiatric illness. This therapy is however a last resort is handling severe cases of schizophrenia and depression. The electroconvulsive shock is administered to the patient two or three times per week until the show signs of relieve from the symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, ECT is a harmless procedure where the patient is under anesthesia with a dose of a muscle relaxant. There are three main ways in which ECT can be applied to suit the particular needs of the patient in question. They include, the frequency of treatments, electrode placement and the stimulus’ electrical waveform. All three methods of application have their own distinct side effects and level and rate of success with regards to remission. It is usually recommended that drug therapy continues after completion of the required number of ECT sessions. At times, the Physician may recommend a regular series of ECT maintenance sessions. This is essential in helping managing or mitigation remission. Exercise and Physical Activity When the body id put under stress or in a stressful environment, it collects energy that bundles up in specific pressure points along the nervous system. This pressure can lead to adverse physical impacts should it not be expelled in due time (Hiriyappa, 2012). By exercising and engaging in physical activity burn up the bundled energy that the body is mobilizing, and in effect strengthening the muscles, improving blood circulation and reducing the sugar levels. Apart from the physical advantages, therapeutic advantages such as boosting self-esteem and decline in depression are evident with sustained exercise and physical activity. Exercise during the breaks such as lunch hour breaks also complete the task and ensures one can concentrate on work and be more effective and productive in the long-run. Tea Tea contains natural relaxants that help generate a calming effect on the nerves (Fried, 2008). The very essence of tea sends a calming sensation. Flavors such as chamomile, eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon grass contain chemicals that reduce blood pressure and enhance blood circulation through the whole body. Psychological Approach Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Stress Inoculation Therapy) This approach employs the use of numerous explicit systematic and goal-oriented procedures, this strategy addresses maladaptive cognitive processes and behaviours, and dysfunctional emotions. (Schacter, et al., 2010). Donald Meichenbaum introduced stress inoculation therapy in 1976. Meichenbaum held the notion that people only find a situation to be stressful because in their minds, they believe them to be tragedies or perceive them in a tragic manner (Cotton, 1990). Stress inoculation therapy aims to train individuals to manage stressful situations in a more positive manner. It majorly comprises three steps. (Cotton, 1990) 1. Conceptualization (cognitive preparation). This stage entails the patient, with the guidance of the therapist, finding out the ways in which the patient thinks of stressful encounters. Normally, people have a negative response and attitude towards stressful situations; this is mostly evident in the negative statements they would make in the course of a stressful encounter (Cotton, 1990). 2. Skill Acquirement and Practice. In this stage, the therapist guides the patient in identifying the negative attitude towards a stressful situation and try replacing it with a more positive response through verbal repetition. This skill is practiced and has to be done repetitively in order for it to be effective. (Cotton, 1990) 3. Application and see through. This stage entails the therapist directing and aiding the patient through situations and encounters that are gradually more threatening; these situations have been rehearsed prior to the actual execution. The patient is only allowed to go up a higher level if and only if they have mastered the lower encounter. (Cotton, 1990) Meichenbaum believed that positive thinking promoted by stress inoculation therapy could potentially bring about effective behavioral change pertaining to pain and anxiety, both of which are elements of stressful situations in the workplace. Increasing Hardiness This was a personality panache that was identified and written by Suzanne C. Kobasa in 1979 (Hiriyappa, 2012). She identified particular traits that made some executives and managers more responsive and healthy despite constant exposure to stressful conditions in the workplace every day. Hardiness is described by Salvatore Maddi as three attitudes (challenge, control and commitment) that give motivation and courage to transform stressful situations into prospects for personal growth and success (Hiriyappa, 2012). Kobasa defined the three characteristics as; 1. Challenge; deducing stressful situations as moments that make life exciting 2. Commitment; a drive for direction in any undertaking 3. Control; stressful situations can be regulated The following were Kobasa’s suggestions for increasing one’s hardiness 1. Self-improvement; avoiding situations that are beyond one’s capabilities and understanding that any challenge can be managed. In every challenge within one’s capabilities one should endeavor to tackle a different aspect of the challenge in order to experience the positive facet of each challenge. 2. Focusing. One should learn and develop skills to identify the symptoms of stress such as muscle tension and increased heart rate. 3. Recalling stressful meetings; analyzing previous stressful encounters and critically creating better, more efficient ways to overcome the stressful situation. In conclusion, Depression and anxiety are recurring terms in the world over, as more and more people fall victim to the effects of stress and stressful environments. Depression and anxiety can be treated using (1) problem focused, and emotionally focused approaches, (2) medication may be used to alleviate the positive symptoms a patient may have. Each patient responds differently to antipsychotic drugs and as such may require a combination of drugs to effectively manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety. One can also use (3) physiological techniques or (4) psychological techniques. It is essential that patients undertake a treatment method that best suits them. References Cotton, D. H., 1990. Stress Management: An Intergrated Approach to Therapy. s.l.:Psychology Press. Fried, M. R., 2008. StressManagement for Success in the Workplace. 2nd ed. s.l.:East Coast Massage Services. Global Organization for Stress, 2013. Stress Facts. [Online] Available at: http://www.gostress.com/stress-facts/ [Accessed 12 June 2013]. Hiriyappa, B., 2012. Stress Management: Leading to Success. Bloomington: Booktango. Lehrer, M. P., Woolfolk, R. L. & Sime, V. E., 2007. Principles and Practice of Management. New York: The Guilfordd Press. Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D. T. & Wegner, D. M., 2010. Psychology. New York: Worth Pub. Read More