Acute stress reaction (also called acute stress disorder, psychological shock, mental shock, or simply shock) is a psychological condition arising in response to a terrifying or traumatic event. It should not be confused with the unrelated circulatory condition of shock, or the concept of shock value."Acute stress response" was first described by Walter Cannon in the 1920s as a theory that animals react to threats with a general discharge of the sympathetic nervous system. The response was later recognized as the first stage of a general adaptation syndrome that regulates stress responses among vertebrates and other organisms.
Panic disorder
A panic disorder is characterized by a chronic state of tension that can erupt in sudden episodes of intense panic or dread that last several minutes (or hours) and may include a variety of symptoms such as chest pains, trembling, and dizziness. With panic disorder, a person suffers from brief attacks of intense terror and apprehension, often marked by trembling, shaking, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and/or difficulty breathing. These panic attacks, defined by the APA as fear or discomfort that abruptly arises and peaks in less than ten minutes, can last for several hours. Attacks can be triggered by stress, fear, or even exercise; the specific cause is not always apparent.
In addition to recurrent unexpected panic attacks, a diagnosis of panic disorder requires that said attacks have chronic consequences: either worry over the attacks' potential implications, persistent fear of future attacks, or significant changes in behavior related to the attacks. Accordingly, those suffering from panic disorder experience symptoms even outside specific panic episodes. Often, normal changes in heartbeat are noticed by a panic sufferer, leading them to think something is wrong with their heart or they are about to have another panic attack. In some cases, a heightened awareness (hyper vigilance) of body functioning occurs during panic attacks, wherein any perceived physiological change is interpreted as a possible life-threatening illness (i.e., extreme hypochondriasis).
Obsessive Compulsive disorder or OCD
An obsessive-compulsive disorder is an extreme preoccupation with certain thoughts and compulsive performance of particular behaviors. An obsession is the unsolicited reoccurrence of disturbing thoughts; a compulsion is a repetitive behavior (such as checking door locks) or mental activity (counting, praying, etc.) that one feels compelled to do, even against one's will. An example of the disorder is the compulsion to wash one's hands repeatedly, often to the extent of making them sore.
Posttraumatic Stress disorder or PSTD
A post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by the re-experiencing of a traumatic event, symptoms of increased arousal, avoidance of reminders of the original trauma, and diminished interest in daily activities. Many war veterans retain vivid memories of (flashbacks) and nightmares about traumatic events experienced during battle.
While the causes of anxiety disorders are not completely understood, it is generally believed that some of the disorders (such as specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic disorders) may have a genetic basis. One cause may be the inadequate action of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Certain drugs, such as Valium and Librium, which increase the sensitivity of the GABA receptors, help reduce anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:
• Excessive and uncontrollable worry
• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Fear of losing control
• Dizziness or light headedness
• Fear of being in public
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