Free-floating anxiety Health Dictionary

A psychoanalytic technique in which the therapist encourages the patient to follow up a speci?c line of thought and ideas as they enter his or her consciousness.... free association

A psychiatric illness characterized by chronic and persistent apprehension and tension that has no particular focus. There may also be physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, lightheadedness, and irritability. The condition can be treated with psychotherapy or with drugs such as beta blockers, sedatives or tranquillizers that relieve symptoms but do not treat the underlying condition.

(See anxiety; anxiety disorders.)... generalized anxiety disorder

The feelings of distress a young child experiences when parted from his or her parents or home. This is a normal aspect of infant behaviour and usually diminishes by age 3 or 4.

In separation anxiety disorder, the reaction to separation is greater than that expected for the child’s level of development.

The anxiety may manifest as physical symptoms.

Separation anxiety disorder may be a feature of depression.... separation anxiety

Both vegetable and animal tissues produce free radicals as a normal metabolic byproduct. They are found in many areas of human activity.

A radical is a group of atoms which can combine in the same way as single atoms to make a molecule. Free means uncombined. A free radical is a state in which a radical can exist before it combines – an incomplete molecule containing oxygen which has an uneven electrical charge. High energy oxygen atoms are known to form atheroma.

As well as being substances that take part in a process of metabolism, free radicals can be found in industrial fumes and cigarette smoke. They are oxidants and have an anti-bacterial effect. But their activity is not confined to bacteria alone. When produced in large amounts as in inflammation and infection, they may have a damaging effect upon the lining of blood vessels and other tissues. An excess is produced in ischaemic heart disease. They have been shown to be involved in jet lag, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, thrombosis, heart failure, cancer, irradiation sickness and a weak immune system. Damaging to the DNA, they are probably the greatest single cause of ill health. They hasten the ageing process. Vitamins A, C, E, being antioxidants and the mineral Selenium stimulate certain enzyme systems to limit damage done by these destructive elements.

Losing weight is believed to generate free radicals – a metabolic side-effect of dieting. See: ANTIOXIDANTS. ... free radicals

An unpleasant emotional state ranging from mild unease to intense fear. Various physical symptoms are associated with anxiety; the most common include palpitations, chest pains, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and a tendency to overbreathe (see hyperventilation). Muscle tension leads to headaches and back pains. Gastrointestinal symptoms include dry mouth, bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, and difficulty in swallowing. Other symptoms include sweating, blushing, pallor, lightheadedness, and a frequent need to urinate or defaecate. Anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations and prepares the mind and body to respond effectively. However, anxiety that occurs without reason may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder or another psychological disorder such as depression.

People suffering from anxiety may be helped by counselling or psychotherapy.

If there is an underlying disorder such as depression, treatment with antianxiety drugs can help.

Antianxiety drugs are used for short-term control of symptoms but are avoided for long-term treatment because they are addictive.... anxiety

See NEUROSIS.... anxiety state

Anxiety can manifest due to some external causes. Sometimes represented by panic attacks, this affection shows you that there is something making you uncomfortable. What you need to understand about anxiety is that it is both a mental and a physical problem. A Tea for Anxiety will make you gain confidence and release the stress accumulation. Actually, a recent study showed that many people around the world suffer from this affection without knowing it. If you feel that there are things that make you feel nauseated, sweaty or simply want to run away, you might have anxiety problems. Remember, this is an illness and it can be treated, so do not despair! How Tea for Anxiety Works A Tea for Anxiety’s main goal is to make all the stress go away, by nourishing the nervous system and by inducing a state of calmness to you and your body. In other words, Teas for Anxiety have the same effect on you that teas for stress would have. All you have to do is acknowledge the fact that you have a problem and ask for medical assistance. Efficient Tea for Anxiety When choosing a Tea for Anxiety, you may want to look after the ones with the highest enzymes and nutrients level. If you don’t know which those teas are, here’s a list to help you out: - Valerian Tea – used as a powerful sleep aid by the ancient Romans, Valerian Tea is a great remedy in cases of sleeplessness, stress and anxiety. Also, if you suffer from sore throat, it might be a good answer. However, make sure you don’t drink more than 2 cups per day in order to avoid complication. Don’t take Valerian Tea if you’re preparing for a surgery: it might interfere with your anesthetic. - Passion Flower Tea – grown mostly in the United States of America, this plant provides the necessary herbs for a strong and very effective decoction. A cup of Passion Flower Tea before bed will calm your nerves and help you sleep better. - Saint John’s Wort Tea – a very useful decoction, used to treat menstrual and menopausal pains, as well as stress or sore throats, this Tea for Anxiety releases the natural endorphins produced by your body and enhances your immune system. In order to have the best results possible, a cup of Saint John’s Wort Tea per day should be enough. - Chamomile Tea – a very efficient Tea for Anxiety which calms both your physical pains and mental concerns. You can drink as much as you want, since it’s one hundred percent safe. Also, if you suffer from stress, menstrual or menopausal pains, sore throats, colds or flu, Chamomile tea is your answer. Tea for Allergies Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are safe. However, high dosage may lead to nausea or diarrhea. If you’ve been taking one of these teas for a while and you’re experiencing some unusual reactions, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Also, ask a specialist for advice before making any move and be well informed. If you have his approval, choose a Tea for Anxiety from this list and enjoy its natural benefits!... tea for anxiety

Acute or chronic, mild or severe.

Pathological anxiety is caused by a mood of fear, the resolution of which is usually psychological or spiritual. Apart from wise counselling it is sometimes necessary to give relaxants to reduce tension. Causes may be fatigue, low blood pressure, emotional exhaustion, autonomic imbalance, endocrine disturbance (hyperthyroidism, pre-menstrual tension), stress, conflict, schizophrenia, depression. Symptoms: dry mouth, increased sweating, fainting attacks, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath. Prolonged consumption of strong tea, coffee and other caffeine drinks leads to a deficiency of Vitamin B1 which manifests as general anxiety, even agoraphobia.

Alternatives:– Passion Flower, German Chamomile, Lime Blossom, Skullcap, Oats, Cowslip, Damiana, Dogwood, Valerian, Wild Lettuce, Motherwort, Pulsatilla.

In cases of anxiety the heart is involved – whether physically or otherwise. A ‘heart sustainer’ may give the patient an unexpected ‘lift’ enabling him to cope.

Motherwort tea. Combine equal parts: Motherwort (heart), Balm (gentle nerve relaxant), Valerian (psycho-autonomic). 1-2 teaspoons in each cup boiling water; infuse 10-15 minutes; 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Powders. Formula. Motherwort 2; Passion Flower 1; Valerian half. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon) 2-3 times daily.

Tinctures. Combine, Oats 3; Hawthorn 1; Valerian 1. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey thrice daily. Anxiety before menstruation. Evening Primrose Oil capsules. OR: Liquid Extract Pulsatilla BHP (1983) 3-5 drops, thrice daily.

Anxiety with obvious heart symptoms. Hawthorn 6; Valerian 1; Cactus 1; Holly 1; Hyssop 1. (Dr A. Vogel)

Bach Flower remedies: Rescue remedy.

Biostrath. Kava kava of special value.

Diet. Low salt, low fat, high fibre. Avoid alcohol, coffee, sugar and refined foods. Alfalfa tea for remineralisation.

Supplements. Vitamin B-complex, Magnesium, Zinc. 2-3 bananas daily for potassium.

Supportive: Relaxation technique: yoga, etc. ... anxiety states

a *behaviour therapy designed to allow patients who suffer from anxiety disorders to reduce their symptoms by learning how to achieve states of relaxation and deal with excessive *rumination about anxiety-provoking thoughts.... anxiety management

Some people cannot absorb the protein gluten present in wheat, barley, rye and oats, and hundreds of foods made from them. Nutritional deficiencies may result in coeliac disease, schizophrenia, allergies and irritable bowel syndrome.

Foods containing gluten include: many breakfast cereals, shredded wheat, wheat germ flakes, white and wholemeal bread, cakes, puddings, biscuits, porridge, rye and wheat crispbreads, crumbled fish and meat, semolina, baked beans, macaroni, baby foods, soups in packets and tins, chocolate, cocoa, spaghetti, muesli, custard, sausages, batter, beer, instant coffee, bedtime drinks and all kinds of pasta.

Natural gluten-free foods include maize, peas, millet, Soya, lima beans, rice. Brown rice is the basic cereal food: cornflakes, puffed rice, rice cereals. Millet flakes, sago, tapioca. These may be prepared in skimmed milk. Gluten-free flours and bread. The potato comes into its own in the gluten-free kitchen, especially for thickening soups and casseroles.

One school of medical thought associates certain nerve dyscrasies with nutritional deficiencies, the gluten-free diet being advised for cases of multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, poliomyelitis, syringomyelia, motor neurone disease.

Book. Gluten-Free cooking Recipes for Coeliacs and Others, by Rita Greer. ... diet - gluten-free

A group of mental illnesses, including several specific syndromes, in which symptoms of anxiety are the main feature. These disorders are common and mainly affect young adults.

In generalized anxiety disorder, there is persistent tension and apprehension that has no specific focus or cause, together with physical or psychological symptoms that disrupt normal activity. Panic disorders are characterized by sudden attacks of extreme, unreasonable anxiety. Phobias are irrational fears, such as the fear of open spaces or spiders, that lead to avoidance of certain situations or objects.

Counselling, psychotherapy, and group or individual cognitive–behaviour therapy are used to treat anxiety disorders.

Antianxiety drugs (especially benzodiazepine drugs) may be used for shortterm treatment but are addictive.... anxiety disorders

see audiogram.... free field audiogram

the radiographic finding of gas where it would not normally be expected, particularly in the peritoneal cavity. It is typically associated with perforation of a hollow organ containing gas, usually the bowel.... free gas

see GAD-7.

/// ... generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire

see hypochondria.... illness anxiety disorder

an extreme fear of humiliating or embarrassing oneself in social situations (e.g. dating, parties, eating with other people, asking questions, etc.). Symptoms include shaking, blushing, gastrointestinal disturbances, sweating, and other signs of anxiety; people with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations. Treatment includes cognitive behavioural therapy, occupational therapy, and medication (e.g. antidepressants, anxiolytics, or beta blockers).... social anxiety disorder

(transvaginal tape, TVT) a surgical sling procedure for treating stress incontinence in women that uses a tape made of polypropylene mesh. The tape is inserted under the mid-urethra (rather than the bladder neck, as in a *pubovaginal sling), passing through the retropubic space on either side, and is fixed to the abdominal wall just internal to the pubic symphysis. The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is similar, but in this technique a tunnel is created out to the *obturator foramen on either side, lessening the risk of vascular and bladder injuries. Tape procedures have lower morbidity rates than *colposuspension and have gradually replaced the latter as the surgical procedure of choice for treating female stress incontinence, but there may be complications associated with nonabsorbable mesh.... tension-free vaginal tape