Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse

November 28, 2015

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Why is this necessary?

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse is not only essential for addiction recovery but also a must do if this scourge of addiction is to be eliminated from our societies.

The adverse effect of drug addiction in human health is increasingly becoming a global disaster yet very little is being done to bring this to a stop. Many of the illicit drugs have been licensed for consumption and both the various governments and the business enterprises are reaping the profit of death every year at the pronouncement of the annual returns. Our streets are equally saturated with all manner of illicit drugs to the satisfaction of our hopeless and jobless youths and teens. Families are broken because of the consistent abuse of drugs by their bread winners and the grief is overwhelmingly destroying the moral fabric of our societies. This article alone is not enough for me to address all the issues and complications associated with drug use and therefore, we are going to zero in on one segment of this wide topic. I therefore want to welcome you to the discussion bout healing the addicted brain from cocaine abuse. If this is your first time being on this link, I want to encourage you to stay on the link and receive healthy tips of healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse straight from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. This is one of the best addiction recovery facilities with highly trained and qualified professionals of our time and they are up to the task if only you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and also the founder of the establishment.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Cocaine users

Cocaine is one of the most dangerous opioids commonly used by many addicts to attain certain high feelings and for cocaine users, every high is often not enough even if the effect will cause them to pass out. This is so because these are stimulants which have greater effects on the brain thereby making each unit consumed a little less great to the intended user. Because of that they will continue to go back for another dose high intensity not withstanding in order to try and match their last high. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, doctor Akoury is registering that the horribly tragic thing about that quest of using more and more of cocaine is that they will never reach those highs again meaning that every next high results in lower highs and higher lows. And that now brings us to the focus of our discussion about healing the addicted brain from cocaine abuse. When there is a problem, the only logical thing to do is to seek and find solution to the problem and that is what we want to address progressively.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Seeking for solutions

Over the past decades there has been a great deal of discussion about healing the addicted brain and whether or not true healing of an addicted brain is possible. This discussion is still on today because each day people are being lured into drugs and someone is also dying of the same. Experts are working around the clock and actually some progress is being realized. Studies have revealed that brain scans findings have established that in the short term, the revival of dopamine transporter (DAT) binding is not good. In one of the studies it was established that one month of discontinuance still shows an unambiguous drop in DAT binding. Nonetheless, in their further illustrations and in just fourteen months of abstinence there was clear evidence of an almost full return of dopamine transporter binding. It therefore means that when cocaine is first used, the dopamine levels in the brain will abnormally increase or skyrocket by two or three times. However, it is important to note that the moment this short high normally lasting approximately 12 hours, wears off, then dopamine levels will be depressed to lower than normal levels. Doctor Akoury explains that it is because of these occurrences that make the cocaine users to continually seek for more and more of the substance to satisfy the next high and to get their dopamine levels back above normal; just never quite as high as previous.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Serotonin the neurotransmitter

Professionally and according to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury, serotonin is another neurotransmitter that is very significant in playing the motivational role in the addicted brains inclination towards continued cocaine use. For better understanding of this fact, doctor Akoury is registering that it is important to appreciate the fact that serotonin is involved in a variety of physiological states impacting sexual behavior and even being culpable for things like depression. It therefore means that each time drug users indulges in the habit of alcohol drug abuse, serotonin will automatically be elevated and that implies that when they (drug users) makes an attempt of stopping their habit of drug use, their serotonin levels get depressed.

Finally and in relation to this discussion, doctor Akoury is reporting that there has been a lot of pharmacological use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to raise a depressed individual’s serotonin levels without the use of the drugs that first elevated their high, like cocaine. She adds that professionally that has been helpful for many people, but besides that it is still very important that users’ needs to have their addicted brains treated for a complete healing. This is very essential if any meaningful and permanent solution is to be arrived at. Studies have actually established that it’s really the behavioral effects of the addicted brain that never fully return to normal, in some cases. However while the brains serotonin can be regulated through the use of SSRIs, and DAT binding returns to quasi-normal levels after prolonged discontinuance, there is always the X factor of whether or not these users will return to their prior behaviors. And that explains why it will always be necessary that recovering addicts continually consult with the experts on any new development that may crop up in their recovery process. This service must be done by qualified, trained and experienced professionals in all matters of alcohol and drug addiction. If you are wondering where to run to, then you now have a solution because doctor Dalal Akoury and her team of experts are always ready and willing to help on demand. All you need to do is to schedule for an appointment with her today and you will have a life time experience.

Healing addicted brain from cocaine abuse: Why is this necessary?

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques

November 23, 2015

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stress management

Taking early precaution in managing post acute withdrawal symptoms is the best thing you can do for comfort during treatment

Did you know that failing to effectively take part in managing post-acute withdrawal symptoms is actually promoting the wide spread of alcohol and drug addiction? This is practically true because the less you do to strengthen yourself against an episode of post-acute withdrawal, the weaker your resistance becomes. In other words you will become very vulnerable and may not succeed in your targeted objectives. Doctor Dalal Akoury a veteran addiction expert compares this with a tetanus shot. That is to says that the longer it has been since you have had one, the more risk it is for you becoming seriously ill if you get an accident and cut yourself on a piece of rusty metal. Conditions that put you in high risk of experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms are usually lack of care of yourself and lack of attention to your recovery program. If you are going to recover without relapse you need to be aware of stressful situations in your life that can increase your risk of experiencing PAWS and that is where experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury comes in to help. Doctor Akoury is registering that post acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques are very paramount nonetheless it can also be affected by harboring stressful situations in your life. It therefore means that stress management must be done hand in hand with PAWS. Nevertheless we do appreciate the challenges that can be involve and so doctor Akoury suggest that because you may not be able to remove yourself from all stressful situations, it is only fair that you prepare yourself on how to handle them when they occur. This is very important because it is not always the situation that makes you go to down, but your reaction to the situation.

Experts are of the opinion that since stress triggers and deepens the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal adopting some useful stress management skills to control PAWS can be very important. With the help of professionals from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, you can learn to identify sources of stress and develop skills in decision making and problem solving to help reduce stress. In that regard proper diet, exercise, regular habits, and positive attitudes all play important parts in controlling PAWS. Besides that relaxation can also be used as a tool to retrain the brain to function properly and to reduce stress.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stabilization

If you are experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms, it is important to bring them under control as soon as possible. Here are some suggestions that may help you be aware of what is going on and help you to interrupt the symptoms before they get out of control.

Sharing with the right people –Sharing is very important, remember that a problem shared is half solved but even as you do this, it is important that you be very selective on who to share with. They must be people of high integrity and those who are not going to accuse, criticize, minimize or cause you to be ridicule. Sharing what you are experiencing will help you look at your situation more realistically. It will help you bring internal symptoms to your conscious awareness. And it will give you support when you need others to rely upon.

Ventilation – Express as much as you can about what you are thinking and feeling even if it seems irrational and unfounded.

Reality testing – Be accountable by ask someone if you are making sense. Not just what you are saying but your actions and behaviors. This is very necessary because your perception of what is happening may be very different from reality.

Problem solving and goal setting – What are you going to do right now about what is going on? You can choose to take action that can change things.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Education and retraining

Learning is the endless debt we have and therefore seeking for information about addictive disease, recovery, and post-acute withdrawal symptoms is essential as it will helps in relieving the anxiety, guilt, and confusion that tend to create the stress a factor that intensify PAWS symptoms. As a recovering patient, you need information in order to realize what symptoms are normal during recovery. Besides that you also need to learn management skills so that you can be informed of what to do to put into properly control the stress and the symptoms when they occur. Through retraining you can improve your ability to remember, to concentrate, and to think clearly. Retraining involves practicing certain skills in a safe environment as you build confidence. It includes learning to take things step by step and to handle one thing at a time so that you do not feel overwhelmed in the process. It includes writing down what you want to remember and asking questions when you think that need to have something clarified. Remember that learning about the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, knowing what to expect, and not overreacting to the symptoms increase the ability to function appropriately and effectively.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Self-protective behavior

When all is said and done, you are responsible for protecting yourself from anything that threatens your sobriety or anything that triggers post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Reducing the stress resulting from and contributing to the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal must be of prime consideration for you. You must learn behavior that will protect you from the stress that might put your sobriety in jeopardy. This self-protective behavior is what will enable you to be firm in accepting your own needs and not allowing other people or situations to push you into reactions that are not in the best interest of your sobriety. In order to protect yourself from unnecessary stress, doctor Akoury is reiterating that you must first identify your own stress triggers, particularly those situations that might bring about an overreaction from you. Then learn to change those situations by either avoid them, change your reactions, or learning how to contain them before they get out of control.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Nutrition

Finally nutrition is also very instrumental in managing post-acute withdrawal symptoms in very many ways. First of all the way you eat has a lot to do with the level of stress you experience and your ability to manage the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal. Poor health normally contributes to stress, and malnutrition contributes to poor health. You may be malnourished because of poor eating habits or because your body is damaged by alcohol or drugs thereby hindering your body from using the nutrients that you consumed effectively. Abstinence from alcohol and drugs is essential as it will bring about some improvement however this alone is not sufficient to rebuild damaged body tissue and maintain good health. New eating habits must be established and practiced regularly and permanently. Your daily diet should contain a well balance diet rich in vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and dairy products. This is an area where you will need a lot of expert’s input and together with the discussed points above, doctor Akoury can be of great help to you if only you can schedule for an appointment with her today.

Post Acute withdrawal symptoms management techniques: Stress management

Types of depression which are associated with addiction

July 30, 2015

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: What you need to know about depression

Types of depression which are associated with addiction are not just harmful to individuals health but are also fatal if not addressed in good time

Research has proved that there are significant evidence linking depression and drug addiction. Today we have different types of depression which are associated with addiction some of which may include the following: A typical depression, chronic and psychotic depression. For us to understand these properly, we are going to be consulting with the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) and also the founder of the facility. Doctor Akoury is a veteran expert in addiction and has been in practice for well over two decades now. That can tell you that we are talking about nothing but professionalism at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center. You can become part of this team by scheduling for an appointment today and all your concerns will be addressed professionally and promptly. And now to the types of depression:

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: A typical depression

According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, there is a form of clinical depression which does not present itself straightforwardly. This is what is commonly known as “atypical depression,” where the symptoms are surprising and indeed, atypical to the condition. The “atypical” in the name does not mean that this is a rare condition it is found in 36 percent of all cases of depression only that it is different from classical depression. This type of depression is often associated with the following symptoms.

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: Symptoms of atypical depression

Doctor Akoury says that, those who have this type of depression (atypical depression) are likely to experience the following:

Sleep a lot (hypersomnia) instead of being unable to sleep
Overeat (hyperphagia) instead of losing your appetite
Gain weight instead of losing it

In cases of hypersomnia and hyperphagia, the variation or excess sleep is defined as 10 hours per day (or two or more hours a day than usual); the weight gain is defined as at least 5 pounds. There are other, more nuanced symptoms of atypical depression. You may actually experience happiness at good news, but the feelings do not last and are quickly replaced by more common depressive sensations. In fact, this symptom known as mood reactivity – is one of the criteria for diagnosing atypical depression. If a positive experience makes you feel more than 50 percent happier than you did before the experience, your doctor knows that you do not have major depression and can prescribe the appropriate course of treatment for you.

In another symptom, you may feel incredibly lethargic and completely drained of energy. While this is standard to victims of both classical and atypical depression, atypical depression is different because victims feel as though they are physically unable to move that is to say that they are feeling as if they are being physically restrained from getting out of bed, for example.

Atypical depression also can make you excessively sensitive to criticism and negative feedback. If this sensitivity negatively impacts your job or academic performance, and it causes stress in your personal and everyday life, your medical practitioner can use this to diagnosis atypical depression.

Similar to other depressive and mood disorders, women are more likely to develop atypical depression than men. Besides women, typical depression is also very common with teenagers than adults even though it can continue into adulthood if not detected and treated in good time. Other conditions, such as substance abuse, anxiety, and somatization disorder where the patient has chronic physical symptoms with no evident physical cause are more common in atypical depression than classical depression.

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: Chronic depression

Chronic depression also known as dysthymia, its effects are not as severe as those of major depression, but it lasts longer – upwards of two years. While the impact is not as crushing, the persistent, lingering effects of dysthymia are still serious cause for concern. Doctor Akoury reports that diagnosing dysthymia is not easy, because it does not present itself clearly as major depression. Given that it is diffused over a significant period of time, dysthymia is often simply brushed off as a negative disposition or a long-term bad mood. It often escapes the attention of the people who may be able to notice a problem because of how habitual the symptoms of dysthymia can appear.

Because of this, even people who have dysthymia may not know that they have a depressive condition. Unable to understand why they do not enjoy life as much as they used to, they are at risk for developing other comorbid conditions, such as eating disorder (never leaving the house and relying on comfort food), substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is possible for the patient to experience an attack of major depression, even while suffering from dysthymia. This phenomenon is known as “double depression.”

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: Chronic depression symptoms

Other recognizable symptoms of chronic depression may be:

Insomnia
Fatigue
Excessive amount of sleep
Cognitive impairment
Hopelessness and despair

These symptoms may be familiar; they are also found in people who have major depression. The difference here is that for people with dysthymia, these symptoms are not as pronounced, but they can last for years. However, like other major depression, the effects of dysthymia are enough to disrupt daily life.

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: What is psychotic depression?

In the context of mental health, psychosis refers to a patient losing contact with reality. The following symptoms are associated with psychosis:

Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things when there is no such stimuli
Paranoid delusions, or the fear that the patient is being persecuted
Cognitive impairment
Catatonia

Psychotic depression is characterized by the usual symptoms of major depression including insomnia, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, etc. with some manifestation of psychosis. The causes of psychotic depression are still not understood, but it is believed that an imbalance of a hormone known as cortisol (which is secreted in the adrenal glands, for release during times of stress) may be associated. It is also important to note that psychotic depression is different from other disorders where psychosis is present, like schizophrenia, because patients with psychotic depression are aware of their psychoses; that is, if you have psychotic depression, you will know that the voices you hear are not real.

Finally it is important to note that the shame or embarrassment inherent can make psychotic depression difficult to diagnose. Therefore taking early precaution is very necessary so that what can be avoided be avoided before it gets out of hand. You can talk to doctor Dalal Akoury of you feel that this describes you and she will be able to help you in the most professional way.

Types of depression which are associated with addiction: What you need to know about depression

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse

July 29, 2015

Depression and the connection to substance abuse: Understanding the two conditions

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse are realistically dangerous in any human life

We are at it again and this is because of the ever increasing concerns raised across the globe about the significance of depression and the connection to substance abuse. Professionals at the home of experts (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) are very concern at the effects of clinical depression and how it can take a toll on the body, mind and spirit causing physical health problems as well as a profound sense of hopelessness and despair. This is one health element that can ruin a whole society if not addressed in good time. And because of the increasing demand for health information about this two unique problems, we are going to be discussing this topic yet again to further give insight of the precautions that you can take to be safe of this devastating health condition.

According to doctor Dalal Akoury (MD) a veteran expert in addiction and also the founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the effects of depression can be felt primarily on a physical level in the form of sleeplessness, weight changes, inactivity and substance abuse. Doctor Akoury is confirming that from the available statistics it is true that the problem of alcohol consumption and drug abuse are more common with depressed individuals than in the general population. Besides that we can further make some confirmations from different bodies who are researching on the possible links between depression and addiction, like for instance according to QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, men diagnosed with major depression are nearly three times more likely to develop a dependence on alcohol, while women with depression are over four times more likely to become alcohol-dependent.

Depressive disorders affect the health and productivity of the general population as well as the life of the individual. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that major depressive disorder affects almost 7 percent of American adults and that is almost 15 million people, while dysthymic disorder affects 1.5 percent, and yet again the World Health Organization has also noted that depression is one of the leading causes of disability around the globe further giving us more reason to act swiftly. The expert’s at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury are reporting that if not addressed promptly, substance abuse can worsen the course of depressive disorder by increasing the risk of outcomes such as:

Drug or alcohol addiction
Psychiatric hospitalization
Suicide attempts
Accidental or intentional overdose

Individuals who are diagnosed with depression and a substance use disorder are more likely to drop out of conventional substance abuse treatment programs before they finish rehab. They are also more likely to relapse once they start a treatment program. Therefore it is important that the treatment for these co-occurring disorders should be done effectively and must target both conditions in order for the patient to achieve long-lasting recovery.

Depression and the connection to substance abuse: Recognizing depressive disorders

When dealing with situations like the two before us, it is very important that we are well informed of each of them so that we are able to make a distinction. Therefore the question that follows would be “how can you distinguish between depression as a psychiatric disorder and the blue moods that we all experience at times?” This is very necessary because with clinical depression, the severity of these moods is more intense, and symptoms last for longer periods of time. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, the individual must experience at least five symptoms of depression for two or more weeks. The following are some of the typical depressive symptoms to watch over:

A predominantly low mood on most days of the week
Lack of interest in favorite activities
Physical exhaustion
Sleeping too much or too little
Unwanted weight loss or gain
Sluggish thinking or movements
Dwindling to focus on important tasks
Contemplations of death or suicide
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness

Dysthymic disorder, a milder form of depression, is characterized by less severe symptoms persisting for two years or more. People with dysthymic disorder may seem chronically unhappy, irritable or sullen. While the symptoms of this disorder may be less noticeable than major depression, however the effects can persist for years. One of the major challenges about this situation is that many individuals who are struggling with dysthymic are actually not aware that they have a psychiatric disorder. It is therefore important to note that when faces with such circumstances, then only a qualified professional either a clinician, a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist can make an official diagnosis of major depressive disorder. However, by learning to recognize the symptoms of this debilitating condition, you and your loved ones can prevent serious consequences like self-isolation, addiction and suicide. We understand that some of these problems may not go down well with many of us and that is why we are open always to offer our professional help to all members of the public of all walks of life. You can call doctor Akoury on Tel: 843 213 1480 to schedule for an appointment with her for a more consultative season and have all your concerns addressed professionally.

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse: How does depression begin?

It is common knowledge that ignorant is a very costly affair meaning that in our case study we must get all the information we need about depression and addiction for us to be able to understand and make the right decision. While addressing the question “how does depression begin?” Doctor Akoury registered that depressive disorders can arise from a number of different sources or from a combination of factors. And the following are some of the most common contributing causes for your consumption:

Stressful situations that aren’t easily resolved, such as divorce, the death of a loved one, or a serious injury or illness
Physical health problems, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or alcoholism
A genetic predisposition to depression, or depressive moods in close family members
An imbalance of chemicals that regulate mood and energy levels, such as serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Structural abnormalities in the areas of the brain that regulate mood and memory

Finally imaging studies have shown that depression is linked to specific regions of the brain, and that these areas appear to be different in people with depressive disorders. Harvard Medical School points out that the hippocampus amygdala and thalamus may be smaller or function less efficiently in people with depression. We will however continue with this theory of Harvard Medical School in our subsequent discussions but in the meantime, if you or any one you know is struggling with depression or substance abuse, then it is important for you to seek for immediate help from the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center today without delay.

Depression and the Connection to Substance Abuse: Understanding the two conditions

Coping with chronic pain and Depression

July 21, 2015

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Things you need to do when in pain

If coping with chronic pain and depression is giving you helpless night, then you need to seek for help immediately. Early treatment will go along way is dealing with the problem effectively.

Pain is one thing that we will always live with and we cannot just wish away. If you have not been in any kind of pain the probably you don’t know what pain is and so I will take time to briefly describe to you what pain is. According to the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, doctor Akoury says that medically pain could derived its meaning in relation to a sensation that hurts. It therefore means that there will be no pain without being hurt, feelings of discomfort, distress and in other times agony and this will also depends on the severity of the pain. When in pain you must be able to understand that generally pain can either be steady and constant and in such cases you may feel some aches. Besides that it might be a throbbing pain – a pulsating pain. The pain could have a pinching sensation, or a stabbing one. From the definition, we can comfortably say that it is not practically possible for one or those who suffer from chronic pain to feel stressed and depressed at times. This is no surprise, given the fact that “chronic pain” usually means pain that lasts more than three to six months. Nonetheless prolonged pain appears to set up a pathway in the nervous system that sends pain signals to the brain, even in the absence of an underlying anatomical problem. Therefore to understand the significance of pain well we are going to focus our discussion on the possibilities of coping with chronic pain and depression. Doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center will be sharing with us more about pain from a professional point of view.

Besides that it is important to appreciate that some chronic pain may be due to a diagnosable anatomical problem, such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis that can cause continual pain until successfully treated. More often, the chronic pain has no clear anatomical cause, as in failed back surgery syndrome or chronic back pain without an identified pain generator. In such cases, the pain is itself the disease. Yet again for some people, the stress and depression resulting from chronic pain can become consuming, and can even worsen and prolong the pain. Increased pain can, in turn, lead to increased stress and depression, creating a cycle of depression and pain that can be difficult to break. To be fairly safe from all these pains, there are certain things that we can do to prevent, manage or minimize chronic pain and depression. The following are some of the things you can do:

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Minimizing the chances of developing chronic pain

Talking to a physician about symptoms of depression or stress, or a history of depression, while still in the acute pain phase can alert a physician to the need for consideration of both conditions in creating a treatment plan for the patient’s spine health. While one patient may demonstrate a full recovery from the initial injury, a patient who is more prone to depression and stress, shows signs of depression and/or stress, or who has a history of clinical depression may be more vulnerable to developing a chronic pain problem that persists beyond the initial acute pain complaint. An informed physician can suggest a treatment plan early on that treats the patient’s mental state as well as their physical pain, minimizing the chances of the patient developing a chronic pain problem.

It is advisable for patients to talk with their doctors if they experience any of the following common symptoms of depression that is changes in sleeping patterns, appetite and feelings of anxieties.

Remember that stress a lone can manifest itself in several ways. Therefore it is important for patients to seek their doctor’s opinion if they think or believe that they are displaying symptoms characteristic of stress-related back pain, which are similar to those of fibromyalgia: Back pain and/or neck pain, diffuse muscle aches, muscle tender points and sleep disturbance and fatigue. Besides that doctor Akoury says that chronic pain can also be exacerbated by things such as physical de-conditioning due to lack of exercise and an individual’s thoughts about the pain. Patients can help thwart their pain from developing into or minimizing chronic pain by engaging in an appropriate exercise program and practicing distraction, guided imagery and other cognitive techniques.

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Stress triggers that can increase chronic pain

Patients can monitor how their own stress and anxiety affects their back pain by keeping a diary of when their back pain changes and what kinds of stress could be triggering the pain. This exercise can redirect a patient’s focus from the pain to the elements in their life that affect their pain. Identifying stress triggers or emotional triggers that affect the pain will give the patient the opportunity for better pain relief through avoiding or eliminating these stress triggers. Recognizing how depression and stress affect their pain can lessen anxiety by giving patients more control over their chronic pain problem.

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Share your experience about depression

Doctor Akoury says that depression and an emotional reaction to chronic pain are normal. However many patients do not speak to their physicians about their depression because they believe that once the initial pain problem is resolved, the depression, anxiety, and stress they are feeling will go away. Nevertheless, secondary losses from a chronic pain problem, such as changes in the ability to do favorite activities, disrupted family relationships, financial stress, or the loss of a job, can continue to contribute to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Therefore talking to a physician about your feelings of depression will keep the physician better informed and better able to provide appropriate care. Remember that depression can affect the frequency and intensity of pain symptoms, and the healing process. In the meantime it is important to appreciate that getting simultaneous treatments for both the back pain and depression is healthy and will give the patient a better chance of realizing a full recovery.

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Seek multi-disciplinary care for pain and depression

Did you know that by sharing your story with your physician about the challenges of depression, you can be creating an opportunity for a multi-disciplinary course of treatment involving both a physician and a mental health professional? This is very possible and with a team approach formula, both the pain problem and the depression are monitored simultaneously, and both doctors can communicate about how each area affects the other. It’s important for physicians to understand that changes in the physical symptoms of pain can also be related to changes in a patient’s mental state. Finally remember that even as you seek for these medications, some common treatments for pain, including opioid pain medication, can actually worsen your depressed situation. This worsening depression can then affect the physical presentation of the pain. Therefore if both physical and mental well-being is being monitored closely by medical experts, treatment and medication recommendations, including antidepressants, can be made that take both the physical pain and the emotional health of the patient into account. There are a lot more that can be done to remedy the situation. Therefore you can schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for more professional guidance today.

Coping with chronic pain and Depression: Things you need to do when in pain

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