Global Statistics of Insomnia - Assignment Example

? Insomnia There is a positive correlation between anxiety disorders and insomnia. The latter refers to the general lack of sleep, which is persistent over a certain period. The victims may experience insomnia a few days in a week or longer. Insomnia is both a symptom of a certain anxiety disorder and a psychological disorder at the same time. Statistics indicate that insomnia is a common social phenomenon that affects thousands of people. In the United States for instance, the survey carried out by the National Sleep Foundation asserts that over 58% of the adults suffered from this psychological disorder (Albano et al, 2003). In the United Kingdom, studies indicate that more than a third of the populations are affected. Further, according survey carried out in the United States, women are the main victims at 40%. There is therefore a correlation between gender and insomnia (Conn, 1999). In addition to that, most studies indicate that the young people are the most affected compared to their old counterparts. In the old generation, the main cause of is attributed to the medication. On the other hand, young people experience emotional disorders and instability due to social pressures and expectations. General and major depression is the main cause of sleep disorders. After assessment of patients with insomnia, general symptoms such as fatigue, difficulties in concentrations especially during the day, loss of appetite and feelings of unworthiness are common (Albano et al, 2003). The following discussion will focus on insomnia with a view to provide the assessment, treatment and prevention mechanisms. Key words: Insomnia, Anxiety disorder, Assessment mechanisms Insomnia It is a psychological disorder characterized by the inability to get sleep or stay asleep (Asaad, 2011). People with this condition take long before they can fall asleep which is an abnormal situation. It is a common psychological issue-affecting majority of people across all races, with no discrimination on matters of socioeconomic status. Some of the main behavior observed on victims is that they may turn and toss in bed for long time before they fall asleep. This behavior has an effect on the third parties. For instance, a husband who is experiencing insomnia may affect his wife and vice versa. As indicated before, it is a psychological disorder whose roots are found in some anxiety disorders. It is mostly attributed to either stress or depression (Albano et al, 2003). various social and economic issues determine people’s emotional status. economic downturn for instance results in unemployment and high cost of living. with the reduced income and increased cost of goods and services, it becomes hard for most people to cope. They may begin to experience stressful moments and finally succumbing to depression. On the other hand, social pressures have culminated in increased emotional instability in the lives of people. In the united states for instance, the ideology of ‘pursuit of happiness’ affects millions of people. The main emphasis is the accumulation of materials things as the main definition of success. However, there are few resources and legitimate ways with which to achieve this kind of happiness. With many people finding it difficult, to live under the ideology of ‘pursuit of happiness’ psychological disorders becomes the order of the day. This explains why insomnia affects millions of people in the United States (Albano et al, 2003). Global statistics of insomnia A survey carried out by the National Sleep Foundation in the United States indicated a rise in the number of people with insomnia. The study carried out in 2002, shows that more than 58% of the whole population reported experiencing this psychological disorder at least once in their life (Bees do et al, 2010). The study also sought to understand the relationship between age and insomnia. The findings indicated that the main affected individuals were the young people compared to the old generation. On the other hand, the main cause of insomnia in old people was mostly attributed to medical condition as opposite to that of the young people (Conn, 2006). The main cause of the latter was social pressures and some economic factors. However, the assessment and treatment was similar. In both, difficulties finding sleep or staying asleep was common. Feelings of unworthiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite were also prevalent especially amongst the young generation (Conn, 2006). A longitudinal study carried out in the United Kingdom confirmed the above study (Conn, 2006). over a third of the whole population reported to have had insomnia. the study also demonstrates a relationship between insomnia and anxiety disorders. It is indicated that actually, insomnia is one of the main symptoms of a psychological disorder (Conn, 2006). People who are stressful due to pressures and frustrations of life and depression mostly experience it. In the United States, the relationship between insomnia and mortality rates was also established. This is according to the study that involved about 1.1 million residents in the country. The focus was on the time that subjects spent while asleep (Donath et al, 2000). Those who spent less than 7 hours were more likely to have high mortality rates (Donath et al, 2000). The case was similar to those who spent more than 8 hour sleeping. In the same study, it was found that actually women were almost twice than men likely to experience insomnia. Though the explanation for this was not given, other studies indicate that women succumb to emotional disorders more than their male counterparts do. Appropriate approaches to the assessment of insomnia To determine and ascertain that a patient is actually suffering from insomnia, assessment has to be done. A qualified and experienced psychologist or a clinical psychologist carries out the assessment. It is carried out in consideration of the stipulations of the DSM-IV (Donath et al, 2000). according to research, the first assessment has to do with the sleep history of the individual. This is done with a view to find out whether the victim has been experiencing difficulties in sleep for a persistent period (Donath et al, 2000). This could for instance be a whole month. Secondly, it is imperative to focus on the sleeping hygiene of the patient. The term refers to a number of behaviors that the patient may have been involved in while trying to sleep. This may include watching television or listening to music when one is supposed to be sleeping. This will assist the psychologist or other relevant experts to establish whether such sleep distractions have played a part. Another assessment includes the sleep chronology (Donath et al, 2000). This is where the patterns and durations of sleep assessed. In addition to that, the sleep is observed to find out whether it has been intermittent or persistent. This enables an expert to tell whether a patient is suffering from acute or chronic insomnia. Difficulties in initiating sleep or staying sleep are also focused upon. This is assessed together with the sleep disturbances such as nightmares (Schacter et al, 2011). The latter are a representation of unresolved emotional or psychological issues that patients may be going through. It is also a representation of psychological disorder such as phobias. Sleep chronology can therefore assist a psychologist to tell whether there is a link between an anxiety disorder and the difficulties experienced during sleep (Schacter et al, 2011). In assessment, it is also imperative to focus on whether a patient has had problem in morning awakening. Patients who are normally sleepy and tired in the morning may be victims of insomnia. Sleep environment, physical symptoms, and medical conditions are other major assessments done before one can be declared a victim of insomnia (Schacter et al, 2011). in the former category, an individual could have problem initiating sleep or staying asleep due to changing environment. This is especially if an individual has been sleeping in another environment different from the usual place. Issues such as noise and excessive light have an effect on the sleeping patterns (Schacter et al, 2011). Most individuals will find it difficult also to sleep in setting with high temperatures. On the other hand, physical symptoms may also affect the sleeping behavior of an individual. Excessing pain or a persistent cough prior the sleep has an effect (Schacter et al, 2011). Depending on how long such physical symptoms take, an individual may stay awake thought the night. Such individuals may doze during the day affecting the quality of their work and relationship with their colleagues. The final assessment carried out before determining whether one has insomnia or general problems is the spiritual concerns (Schacter et al, 2011). As indicated above, some patients may experience sleeping phobias prompting them to keep lights on. Different phobias such as the fear of death have an effect on various individuals. They fear that they might not wake up again if they sleep. This is a spiritual matter, which a psychologist will be willing to find out before any diagnosis. From the above assessment, it is possible for the clinical psychologist or any other expert to tell whether an individual has insomnia or not. Where the main causes of the sleep difficulties emanate from anxiety disorder, the patient may be diagnonised with insomnia (Morin et al 2005). As indicated before, research has indicated a direct relationship between the two. Apart from anxiety disorder, an expert can also focus on whether the sleep problem has been persistent or not. Other anxiety symptoms that an expert focuses on include loss of appetite, sleeping during the day, suicidal thoughts amongst others (Kirkwood, 2009). Appropriate approaches to the treatment and prevention of insomnia According to research findings, psychological and medical interventions are the most appropriate measures taken to treat and prevent insomnia. The main issue, which determines which of the two intervention methods to use, is whether the insomnia is chronic or acute (Kirkwood, 2009). Chronic insomnia may require that patients use the medical intervention. This is where sleeping pills and sedatives are administered. The main reason why medical intervention is considered is that patients may improve faster. Some of the sedatives used include benzodiazepines (e.g. temazepam, triazolam, and quazepan) and non-benzodiazepines (e.g. Zolpidem and zaleplon) (Hagan, 2009). The difference between the two is that the former is used for the acute and chronic kind of insomnia while the latter deals with the mild one (Hagan, 2009) Benzodiazepines for instance, assist patients in initiating and sustaining sleep (Kripke et al 2009). This is imperative in the sense that it enables patients sleep like any normal persons. However, drugs have been their main drawbacks. For instance, they cause tolerance and dependence. In the first category, continued use of these drugs may not have an effect unless a patient uses stronger doses than what is stipulated (Kripke et al, 2009). Patients may therefore swallow more drugs against the prescriptions and this may lead to other health problems. On the other hand, dependence makes patients slaves to these drugs. They cannot sleep unless they shallow such drugs. It becomes a psychological problem of dependency (Kirkwood, 2009). It is an expensive undertaking, which will only be possible to those who have enough funds. On the other hand, however, psychological intervention is the most recommended method of treatment and prevention (Hagan, 2009). Cognitive behavior therapy is the most sought amongst all other psychological methods such as psychoanalysis (Kripke et al, 2009). It is a psychological method, which involves the reconstruction of the thought patterns of an individual with a view to ensure that such individuals are rational (Kripke et al, 2009). Irrationality has been said to be the main cause of certain emotional problem (Kripke et al 2009). for instance, some individuals may tell themselves, ‘I will not survive now that I have lost my job.’ Initially, it was stated that some of the main causes of anxiety are the economic issues. Under this, individuals may become helpless if they are unable to meet their daily needs. This is especially due to the social construction of what success is all about. This is especially when dealing with the issue of ‘pursuit of happiness.’ such individuals define their success in terms of materials things. However, this will not always be there and individuals must be made to know. In the cognitive behavior therapy, individuals are trained how to laugh at difficult situations in their lives (Kripke et al, 2009). They interpret such situations are normal and temporary. Positive living is emphasized. Some of the main issues dealt with include how to eliminate certain sleep distractions. It is imperative for instance, that individuals learn to associate bedroom with sleep. This is done by avoiding any other distractions such as television and music. Once individuals get into the bedroom, they are supposed to sleep. Critical evaluation of the treatment and assessment approaches from a scientific ground The psychological approach to the treatment of insomnia and any other psychological disorders has both its main strengths and weaknesses. The main advantage is that it leads to significant treatment of the psychological disorders (Kirkwood, 2009). This owes to the fact that the patient is empowered in terms of recognizing and controlling their irrational thoughts (Kirkwood, 2009). As indicated above, the latter lead to various anxiety disorders including major depression disorder. However, this method has been faulted in the sense that apart from taking a lot of time, it is also an expensive undertaking. Majority of people cannot afford to use it as a method of assessment and treatment due to cost incurred (Asaad, 2011). On the other hand, the medical approach to the problem has been faulted for a number of dangers. Dependence and tolerance are two major problems associated with it. The medical treatment may never solve the psychological issues but sustain them (Asaad, 2011). Medical treatment is also an expensive method, which many people cannot afford. There is also a danger of developing other complications because of taking more drugs than prescribed. Medical treatment has been faulted especially because of the side effects it has on the old people. In conclusion, therefore, both the psychological and medical interventions are imperative but not a guarantee in the treatment of insomnia (Asaad, 2011). Resources available in Edmonton for the assessment and treatment In Edmonton, the main resources include counseling services, qualified and experienced psychologists and clinical psychologists, accredited health institutions and pharmacy shops (e.g. Market Drugs Medical, Maurice Pharmacy, and Clareview Drug Mart). Most of the resources available in Edmonton and entire province of Alberta are counseling services. These resources include the Credit Counseling Society (CCS), Insight psychological Inc., and Cornerstone Counseling Center (CCC). The former has gone as far as providing live chats to allow for online counseling. The treatment procedures are similar owing to what has been discussed above. This owes to the American Psychological Association (APA) and in accordance with the DSM-IV. Apart from counseling services, administration of drugs such as pills and other sedatives is also done in accredited health institutions and pharmacy shops. Insomnia: Case study (adapted from Kirkwood, 1999) This case study is demonstrates the effects of insomnia, assessment and treatment (Kirkwood, 1999). It tells a story of a 28-year-old woman by the name of Jessica. She is an achiever who sets very high standards for herself. She worked in a demanding institution of health, where she is required to give most of her time. As the time went by though, she began having trouble in concentration, staying long in bed before she fell asleep and having frequent headaches. Her quality of work at the working station began to deteriorate and she isolated herself from the rest of the colleagues. When her husband asked her about the problem, she indicated that she was fine. However, she was only living in denial since it is indicated that she could be observed crying over the phone. Her sleeping patterns affected her husband. This is especially when she turns from one side to another before she could get sleep. In addition to that, she showed little interest in sexual activities with her husband. Her self-esteem began to deteriorate and at times had suicidal thoughts. At the working station, her workmates indicated that she appeared irritable and at times hostile, which was unusual of her. She normally woke up in the morning feeling tired and lethargic. According to the assessment carried out, it was indicated that she was suffering from insomnia because of a major depressive disorder. The latter is characterized by lack of appetite, insomnia, feelings of unworthiness and powerlessness, fatigue, and social withdraw (Kirkwood, 1999). this is what was observed in the life of Jessica and therefore leading to the conclusion that she suffered from major depressive disorder. The treatment of her condition was similar to what is stated in this paper. The two main treatment used for her were the cognitive behavior therapy and medication. In the former category, Jessica was trained on how to reconstruct her thoughts. Positive thinking has an effect in mitigating suicidal thoughts and boosting one’s morale. On the other hand, though, she was required to take some sleeping pills and sedatives. The latter were meant to make her rest and have sleep. In conclusion, insomnia has become a common social phenomenon affecting millions of people globally. With the increased social pressures and economic depression, insomnia is likely to increase. The increased cost of living has been blamed for the increased stress and depression within the populations. Increased unemployment rates, retrenchment as companies try to reduce the cost of production and general increase in poverty result in many anxiety disorders. As indicated above, there is a close relationship between anxiety disorders such as depression and insomnia. Lack of sleep at night has other various social problems, which victims go through. For instance, most of the victims isolate themselves from the rest of the population. They live in denial and may become irritable and violent. Poor concentration during the day, poor quality of work and dozing off are some of the characteristics of insomnia. To mitigate these psychological disorders, both the psychological and medical interventions are sought. The former however is the most sought method of treatment in the sense that it yields positive results. Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most common psychological intervention method sought to manage this disorder. It ensures that individuals speak positive things in their lives. Negative thoughts and ideas are reconstructed to enable individuals to be positive. On the other hand, though, medical interventions are also imperative especially in acute and chronic insomnia. The victims may get pills or some sedatives, which assist them to relax and sleep. As indicated above though, the main danger associated with this type of intervention is the ability of victims to get dependent on the drugs. In conclusion, therefore, the psychological intervention methods are the most sought to find a lasting solution to in patients suffering from insomnia. 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