Dementia: Dementia is a syndrome or rather generic term to describe symptoms that

follow or accompany various diseases of the brain. Restrictions of the following neuropsychological or cognitive functions are typical features of dementia: 1. memory 2. orientation 3. comprehension and speech faculty 4. the ability to write and calculate In addition personally disorder may occur: 1. inadequate emotional control 2. being driven on impulse 3. inadequate social behaviour Find a counsellor or psychotherapist dealing with Dementia Dementia is a progressive brain dysfunction that gradually leads to an increased restraint of daily activities. It is not a specific disease and there are many disorders that can cause dementia. The most familiar types are Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. These disorders are caused by an incurable condition and individuals will eventually become unable to care for themselves. Individuals may lose their ability to maintain emotional control and may experience personality changes and behavioural problems. Dementia not only affects the sufferer, but everyone around them. However, other types of dementia can be halted or reversed if the correct treatment is given. There are approximately 70 to 80 different types of dementia and the degree of reversibility depends on the particular type and on how quickly the basic cause is treated. Dementia mostly occurs after the age of 65, however it can also affect younger people. An estimated five percent of people over the age of 65 are affected to some extent by dementia. Those with moderate or advanced dementia usually require round-the-clock supervision and care to ensure they don't hurt themselves or others. Daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating may also require assistance. Dementia is caused by problems in the way the brain works; when neurones are not working as they should be or dying. The biggest risk factor in all types of dementia is increasing age and by the age of 90, approximately one in three people are affected. Symptoms: Dementia causes many problems for the sufferer and their family. Some early signs of dementia include: Forgetfulness Memory loss Confusion Difficulties with familiar activities Language problems Impaired capacity of judgement Problems with abstract thinking Leaving things behind Mood swings Loss of initiative

Cause:

The term dementia covers a range of symptoms accompanying certain disorders or diseases and there are many different causes of dementia, all varying in progression. Diseases more commonly connected with dementia are genetic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease. Some research has suggested that Alzheimer's disease accounts for about 60% of all cases of dementia. Treatment:

Dementia of aging and traumatic injuries to the brain is not usually treatable. However drugs are now available specifically for Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementias and though they do not halt or reverse the existing brain damage, they can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Many other forms of dementia can be reversed and improved by treating the condition. Dementia Statistics: More Statistics 20 per cent of people in the UK over the age of 80 and 6 per cent over the age of 65 are affected by dementia. There are some 650,000 people with dementia known to health authorities in the UK. Over two thirds of them are diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. The Alzheimers Society reports that dementia currently affects over 750,000 individuals in the UK. By 2010, the number is expected to rise to around 870,000. (Statistics from Mind) Further Help:

NHS Direct Alzheimers Society The causes of somatic illnesses vary depending on the particular condition, but some of the most common causes are stress, personality disorders, and societal influence. Somatic illnesses can vary in extent and can last anywhere from a few days to several years without treatment; some somatic illnesses get more severe over time. As the symptoms of these conditions become more severe, their effects can also become more pronounced, and patients may find it difficult to behave normally in social situations. Somatoforms may also spend a tremendous amount of money trying to diagnose medical conditions when the possibility of those conditions has been ruled out. People with pain disorders are particularly prone to this effect. Because of the serious effects of somatic illness and the wide range of conditions that fall under this very broad heading, its best to seek a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or psychologist after recognizing the symptoms of somatoforms. For many patients, the recommendation to seek a therapist comes from a medical doctor after tests fail to show a cause for perceived biological symptoms, but you can also encourage a loved one to seek treatment or even seek treatment yourself if youre aware of a somatic condition. Psychotherapy is one of the more effective ways to treat somatic conditions. A therapist looks for the reasons of the somatic disorder and helps the patient find ways to understand and deal with these causes. The therapist might work to develop a plan of recovery for the patient and in some cases medication might be prescribed, particularly if the somatic condition is thought to be caused by stress or anxiety. However, most of the treatment will involve a psychiatric session that removes the cause of the condition and treating any other related conditions that could cause the somatic disorder to reappear. As mentioned above, somatic conditions can become worse over time. Its best to treat them as early as possible. Many people with somatic conditions worry about the cost and time spent in treatment, but the cost of medical testing and a preoccupation with a somatic illness will easily exceed the costs and time commitment of therapy. Nevertheless, its best to discuss costs with a psychologist before starting treatment sessions, and patients with limited incomes can often find special therapy programs from psychologists or sociologists that can further limit the cost of psychotherapy. A good psychiatrist or psychologist can make a major difference in the life of a person with a somatic condition and can offer a source of relief within a few months, weeks, or even a few days of treatment. Seek help for a somatic condition as soon as it becomes apparent, and the chances of successfully preventing the condition from recurring become very favorable for you or your family members. Read the Full Page: Somatoform Disorders Somatic Illnesses Treating Somatic Conditions AllAboutCounseling.com It happens every so often that patients complaining about bodily symptoms consult numerous doctors and specialists without getting a sufficient explanation for their problems nor remedies.

How Somatic Illnesses Form

Treating Somatic Conditions Effectively

Somatoform disorder

Such patients are definitely ill, they will have pains, functional disorders or likewise and yet the highly developed modern medicine seems unable to help them. Trying to find release, such patients will consult doctors at frequent intervals which is called doctor hopping. Or, after years of looking for medical professional help without any result, they will turn to alternative medicine. This kind of behaviour expresses the enormous pressure these patients are under. The problem, however, lies in the logical deduction that in case of physical symptoms or pain the solution must be bodily. If one is suffering from diarrhoea or pain in the feet, of course the obvious choice would be a specialist for diarrhoea or pain in the feet. Why should one consult a doctor specialized in treating psychic or mental diseases when actually suffering from bodily symptoms? Although this sounds reasonable enough, it definitely means underrating the power of psyche. Of course, each bodily symptom must be clarified by a corresponding specialist. But when this is done and no good reason is found, the fact remains that many seemingly sheer physical complaints can be triggered off by the psyche. This is called a somatoform disorder. Many patients fear a diagnosis that indicates a mental origin of their complaints and insist that their problem must be merely physical. These patients should know that indeed somatoform disorders are nothing rare, but on the contrary, they are the most common forms of disorders general practitioners and general hospital doctors are confronted with every day. At least 20% of all patients consulting a general practitioner suffer from some kind of somatoform disorder. Indicators of a somatoform disorder are: 1. pains of any kind with changing locations 2. tachycardia or extra systoles (heart stumbling) 3. stomach and/or intestinal disorders, diarrhoea, flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome 4. irritable bladder 5. extensive perspiration, blushing 6. hypochondria (certain bodily symptoms are perceived as being abnormal and threatening thus causing fear of a severe illness) A specialist (neurologist or psychiatrist) should be consulted as early as possible after clarifying the bodily symptoms without any results to avoid further aggravation of the somatoform disorder especially since the possibilities of therapy are promising and may lead to complete recovery. German Center for Neurology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counseling, Dubai UAE

Somatization disorder Somatization disorder (also Briquet's disorder or, in antiquity, hysteria) is a psychiatric diagnosis applied to patients who persistently complain of varied physical symptoms that have no identifiable physical origin.[1] The disorder may begin before 30 years of age and could last for several years, resulting to either medical seeking behavior or significant treatment.[2] One common general etiological explanation is that internal psychological conflicts are unconsciously expressed as physical signs. Patients with somatization disorder will typically visit many doctors in pursuit of effective treatment. Somatization disorder is a somatoform disorder.[3] The DSM-IV establishes the following five criteria for the diagnosis of this disorder:[4] a history of somatic symptoms prior to the age of 30 pain in at least four different sites on the body two gastrointestinal problems other than pain such as vomiting or diarrhea one sexual symptom such as lack of interest or erectile dysfunction

one pseudoneurological symptom similar to those seen in Conversion disorder such as fainting or blindness.

Prevalence Somatization disorder is uncommon in the general population. It is thought to occur in 0.2% to 2% of females,[9][10][11] [12] and, according to the DSM-IV, 0.2% of males.[4] There is usually co-morbidity with other psychological disorders, particularly mood or anxiety disorders. This condition is chronic and has a poor prognosis. Although the disorder occurs most often in women, the male relatives of affected women have an increased risk of substancerelated disorders and antisocial personality disorders.[13] Certain symptoms of the disorder vary across different cultures as well. For example, the symptom of a sensation of worms in the head or ants crawling under the skin is more prone to those of African and South Asian countries than those in North American countries.[8] [edit] Treatment Antidepressants[14] and cognitive behavioral therapy[15][16] have been shown to help treat the disorder. Collaboration between a psychiatrist and primary care physician may help.[17] The CBT helps with the patient realizing that the ailments are not as catastrophic. Enabling them to slowly get back to doing activities that they once were able to do without fear of worsening their symptoms. Psychologists recommend addressing a common difficulty in patients with somatization disorder in the reading of their own emotions. This may be a central feature of treatment; as well as developing a close collaboration between the GP, the patient and the mental health practitioner (see link: http://www.lenus.ie/hse/bitstream/10147/121822/1/SomatizationDis.pdf). [edit] Prevention While there is no known way to prevent the acquisition of somatization disorder, those who are prone to it should benefit from greater awareness of the condition. This can be obtained by going to counseling or other psychological conventions. In addition, having a good relationship with a health care provider is very beneficial. With early knowledge of the disorder, patients will be well aware of how to deal with stressors, which could help keep the symptoms from becoming more severe.[18] [edit] References

1. ^ Beaver, A (2010). "Somatization Disorder Definition". EmpowHER.

http://www.empowher.com/condition/somatization-disorder.

2. ^ Goldberg R.J. MD. Practical guide to The care of the Psychiatric patient. 3rd ed. Mosby-Elsevier: USA