Reality television has become a staple of American society. It dominates primetime television on just about every network, at least one evening a week. When selecting a television program to watch, most Americans opt for a reality program, because of the lack of choices and sheer pleasure that society, as a whole tends to get from living vicariously through other people’s lives. As we continue to be regular viewers of reality television, the ratings continue to grow and the popularity of reality television continues to rise. To the American public, reality television has become the new choice drug and television networks and producers are just fueling the addiction.MTV’s Real World is a program that has been said to start the reality television craze. With the first season of the Real World airing in 1992, the groundwork was laid for all future seasons to come. The framework of the show was built so that seven strangers, who are picked by the producers to live in a house together and have every moment of the five months spent there taped. The members of the household work at the same location and virtually spend the whole five months getting to know each other and getting underneath each other’s skin.The various seasons of Real World have taken place in London, New York, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami. Each season has a dramatic combination of roommates, drama, and situations that are considered to be “real life”. Throughout the various seasons, the roommates have faced various obstacles, from battling with personal problems with race and homosexuality to surviving in an unusual environment. Each season of the show offers a familiar cast living in a hip, funky environment. The cast lives rent-free throughout their stay while on the show and is placed in a job. This takes away some of the real life qualities that the show has to offer, since the members are not being filmed while partaking in real life activities and situations that they would be likely faced with while living on their own in a new city. Real World: Las Vegas was the show’s twelfth season to air. The season consisted of one drama packed episode after another. The cast was made up of four women (Trishelle, Brynn, Arissa, and Irulan) and three men (Steven, Frank, and Alton) who all typically fit the mold that the Real World producers seem to fill when casting the show. “The cast is a narrow group that always includes the gay man or lesbian woman, the proud African American, the ignorant/uneducated white boy (or girl) from the South, the virgin, and the troubled person whose anger frequently explodes” (Prosnitz).Many television critics say that “reality TV reinforces gender stereotypes, glorifies cutthroat behavior, and deceives viewers into thinking these highly edited shows are raw, unfiltered reality” (Waddle). As with most reality television producers, the producers of the Real World use the show as a way to reinforce gender stereotypes of society. The producers cast for category- only putting those whose actions can be molded into something dramatic or stereotypical on the show. This ensures a more interesting and dramatic season on the show and it guarantees that more viewers will tune in each week to catch the new episode. These same producers portray the women of the show as whiny, emotional, and backstabbing whereas the men are portrayed as tough and interested in women, sex, and drinking. This is portrayed throughout the twelfth season of the Real World throughout the interactions of the member of the house and the editing techniques used by the producers.Reality television often teaches society as a whole that women are to be viewed as sex objects, and this is reinforced when they depict the men of reality television sleeping with women for their enjoyment and treating them as though they were objects rather than human beings. When they portray women acting in the same manner as men, treating men as sex objects, the women are portrayed in a derogatory manner. Women and girls are often represented as hypersensitive and superficial. They are also portrayed as someone to pity or someone who is unable to solve problems on their own. This is supported throughout the various seasons of Real World. In Real World: Las Vegas, Trishelle is portrayed as an emotional woman who falls in love with Steven after their relationship grows into one with a sexual agenda. As she continues to be portrayed as a sex object, the producers only show Trishelle’s various reactions to situations that she is faced with during confrontations with Steven. Instead of showing an entire scene between Trishelle and Steven, the producers use a “cut and paste” technique, portraying Trishelle as an emotional sex object once again and Steven as the innocent bad boy who made his intentions clear from the start. The show depicts Trishelle’s emotional reactions to Steven’s seemingly empty actions.By using the same “cut and paste” technique, the producers of the show also reinforce the stereotype that women are hypersensitive. In episode 11, we see Trishelle reacting to Steven’s passes at a group of sorority girls and although she denies that she has any real feelings for Steven, as an audience, we are aware that she is falling for him. Later in the season, Steven drunkenly tells Trishelle that he “loves” her, the producers make it seem like it was not something to be taken serious in the first place and portray Trishelle’s reaction to realizing that Steven does not love her as “overreacting” or hypersensitive. The producers play segments where we, as an audience, hear Steven tell Trishelle that he does like the sex, but just wants to be friends- but then are left with nothing other than Trishelle’s emotional outbursts and misguided feelings. The audience wonders if there is something else that happened that we are not aware of, but the producers choose not to show anything else.Not only are women portrayed as hypersensitive regarding emotional matters, they are shown to overreact in a heated or passionate manner regarding situations that are downplayed by the producers of the show. When Arissa believes that Irulan has been talking about her personal business with the other members of the household, the two women confront Frank, another member of the house. He then apologizes for the drama that he has caused by opening his mouth; however, he reveals to Steven later that he wasn’t sorry at all, but just didn’t want to get into a confrontation with the two “dramatic” women. The producers portrayed the women as overreacting to the situation; however, viewers are not privy to seeing the conversation that spurred the original drama and are unable to come to their own conclusion about the situation.The producers of the show also depict an emotional and jealous Brynn. When Steven and Trishelle first begin their sexual relationship, Brynn was a bit jealous simply because she was attracted to Steven since they first entered the house. However, after Trishelle and Steven’s relationship grows and the roommates are continuously subjected to their relationship, Brynn loses her temper and becomes emotional and violent. After throwing a fork at Steven and pushing him, the fight is portrayed as an overreaction by the producers and the hurtful words that Steven has said to her are downplayed and disregarded when referring to the fight throughout the show. Although Brynn did have a violent reaction to the situation, situations similar to this happen in real life on a daily basis. The producers chose to focus on the reaction by Brynn rather than the overall situation and the possibility that the situation may have incited this scene.Just as society maintains that women are emotional, hypersensitive sex objects, society also says that men are tough, aggressive, and unemotional. When men exhibit emotional sides of their personalities, they are called said to be acting like a woman. “Men on television are rational, ambitious, smart, competitive, powerful, stable, violent, and tolerant, while women are sensitive, romantic, attractive, happy, warm, sociable, peaceful, fair, submissive, and timid” (National Institute of Mental Health 73). The producers of the Real World reinforce the male role in society throughout the show. Throughout the exchanges between Trishelle and Steven, Trishelle is depicted as someone to pity, whereas the producers portray Steven’s actions as understandable and rational.As the men on the show engaged in sexual encounters with various women, they are portrayed as “studly” and their actions are not deemed in a derogatory manner. However, when the women on the show engage in similar behavior, it is seen to be “unladylike” or disgusting. This is a common theme throughout reality television and unfortunately, society seems to back up the double-edged sword that says that what may be okay for a man is not for a woman.Reality television has become a large faction of everyday life. As society continues to tune in to the dramatic scenes unfolding on a weekly basis, producers are inspired to continue the manipulation of gender by reinforcing gender stereotypes. For as long as the gender stereotypes are continuously manipulated, it will be impossible to move away from the stereotypes as society continues to grow. Real World: Las Vegas is just one example of how people behind the scenes, such as producers, manipulate what really happens into situations that are more entertaining to the audience, rather than showing the audience what really happens. Until producers represent the cast members in an impartial way and stop manipulating their footage to create a more interesting episode, society will continue to reverse its progress as a nation that treats all people equal.

Gender studies +5 more

by Pranjal Batra

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4527 Views 4 years ago

You probably think that you're a savvy viewer who watches a lot of reality television programs and knows what's real and what's "reality," right? Well, according to a new book from one of the people behind the camera, even the simplest tricks are enough to fool the audience.I'm not about to try to convince you that every word and action in a reality show is scripted. It's just not. Ever. Even the most heavily "produced" shows have some naturally occurring elements.The recipe for every reality show is different. Sometimes writing and content manipulation are applied as sparingly as one would sprinkle a strong spice, and other times they're the main ingredients.Why do we hesitate, then, to acknowledge the work of storytellers in the reality genre? If real life doesn't happen in thirty and sixty minute increments complete with ad breaks, how can there not be some kind of creative work going on behind the scenes?That, friends, is a mystery so easily solved there's no need to call in Scooby Doo and the Mystery Crew to investigate. Reality shows have writers and producers (with unusual job titles) that all endeavor to shape story and bring you the most realistic end product they can… a passable imitation of life. it's that interview content and host copy that tells you how you should feel about what you're looking at.For example… you've got a shot of a guy looking at a section of rotted flooring. Think about how much differently you'd react to hearing the host deliver each of these lines in conjunction with the image:• "Ted sees this as a challenge. He'll have to replace the entire floor, and he can't wait to dig in with his new tools."• "Termite damage means the cost of the project could triple. It's the beginning of the end for Ted's dream project."• "The good news is, the termite damage is confined to a small area. Ted's lucked out this time."Wait a minute… you mean you could be looking at something that happened naturally, but was narratively tailored to suit the broader storyline?Eeyup.Like I said… story is story, and story is written. Sort of.

Virtual Reality +4 more

by Pranjal Batra

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4217 Views 4 years ago

Book Review - Lord of the Flies by William GoldingDate : 09-08-2017PRANJAL BATRAQUEENS VALLEY SCHOOLIs humanity inherently prone to savagery or civilisation? I guess the jury's still out on that one.Golding, however, is convinced that we are all bloodthirsty savages at heart - and he has written this novel to prove it.When men tried to govern themselves, and started this whole process with goodwill inside, but blinded with egotism and lust for power, tragedy and destruction are inevitable.Human nature is corrupt, it only takes a trivial thing to make its nature controlled by nothing but malice. This book represents the perfect allegory for men's mental construct. Culture fails repeatedly, and no matter how hard we can repress it, nothing will ever stop the drive to become savages.Lord of the Flies isn't just a book about boys becoming independent. It holds a deeper, more subtle meaning to it, making the reader question what it really means to be immoral and the true meaning of evil. All the time, the reader is questioning Ralph, Piggy, jack and the other schoolboys' decisions and actions, until it comes to a point when the reader is unable to take in all that has happened. Innocence is lost and life for the boys will never be the same again.Allow me to briefly explain the tantalizing plot. Set in an unspecified war period,a plane crashes, leaving a group of schoolboys stranded on a deserted island. Shocking, but not that unbearable. After all, the young boys' dream have come true: who wouldn't want a whole island to play on all day without any nagging from the adults? The unlikely protagonists are the fair haired Ralph, and his sidekick, appropriately named Piggy. Ralph befriends a choirboy named Jack, who turns out to be the antagonist of the story. Both boys grow to loathe each other as the days pass, with Jack getting hungrier for power. Soon what was initially thought as a blissful escape from the adult world quickly devolops into something sinister and usettling.If you like your books to have gripping and believable characters with a plot second to none, Lord of the Flies is for you. I can promise you that you'll finish the book, left with a new and fresh outlook on the world around you and perhaps a thought as to what exactly Lord of the Flies is about. Indeed its inner meaning is very dark, making the reader wonder how thin the line between good and evil really is.

BOOKREVIEW +4 more

by Pranjal Batra

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3555 Views 4 years ago

1- maths is all around us. it's almost impossible to think of something that's made without the help of mathematics.2- buildings transport technology medicine even clothes and food or rely on numbers measurements and sums .1- from simple shelters to entire futuristic cities, buildings and structures are everywhere, they are essential to our existence2-mathematics makes mind-blowing structures possible. without maths life would be different. bridges would collapse, skyscrapers wouldn't exist and buildings would be wonky and unsafe. in fact we might still be living in caves.1- architecture and mathematics have always been closely linked. ancient history shows how early civilizations constructed buildings with mathematical properties.2- as civilization and mathematics advanced, architects used more complicated types of maths to master design and structure. for example in medieval times when architects wanted to construct taller buildings they relied on maths to precisely calculate shapes which support the weight of high walls.1- we can see these forms in arches that distribute forces evenly through key points in buildings, just like a spider's web. they are pushing the weight in all directions around the opening. this principle is especially used in bridges where cables or arches distribute forces to their heavier parts of the structure on the ground.2- gravity is one of the main problems in architecture that math solves. take a skyscraper for example, such a tall building needs a strong foundation, also the lower stories of a building are constructed of heavier materials than the upper floors so the building won't collapse into itself.1-maths also helps architects design structures that will withstand lots of strong forces like wind or earthquakes without falling down. this is why buildings are constructed with strong but flexible materials, so the building stands still on the ground but can move a little in the upper storeys.2- nowadays architects even use glass construction for the tallest skyscrapers. all thanks to maths!! also, it's possible to prevent heat loss and wasted energy with mathematical calculations.1-they can even help design weirdly shaped concert venues and opera houses to improve the acoustic sound. technology may be advancing rapidly each year but the mathematical principles underpinning architecture have remained the same for centuries2- proving again that maths really is all around us. 

Maths +2 more

by Pranjal Batra

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4241 Views 4 years ago

"Which is better – to have rules and agree, or to hunt and kill?"Lord of the Flies isn't your average book, I have to say. Being a reader who loves to dig into books of adventure and mystery genres, upon picking up this book I thought it would be a normal adventure book; the blurb certainly seemed to suggest this. A predictable setting for a story: a deserted island suddenly inhabited by a group of reckless school boys. It's the perfect recipe for an adventure book like any other. Except...it's not like any other.Allow me to briefly explain the tantalising plot. Set in an unspecified war period, a plane crashes, leaving a group of schoolboys stranded on a desert. Shocking, but not that unbearable. After all, the young boys' dreams have come true: who wouldn't want a whole island to play on all day without any nagging from the Adults? The unlikely protagonists are the fair haired Ralph and his side-kick, appropriately named Piggy. Without any adults, the boys realise that a leader must be elected in order to make sure that everyone has fun and doesn't act unkindly (except to Piggy of course, teasing Piggy is perfectly okay). Ralph ends up being elected due to his leadership skills and popularity with the rest of the boys. Ralph befriends a choirboy called Jack, who turns out to be the antagonist in this story. Both boys grow to loathe each other as the days pass, with Jack getting hungrier for power. Soon, what was initially thought of as a blissful escape from the Adult World quickly develops into something more sinister and unsettling.Now when I talk about protagonists and antagonists, it's really hard to truly define who they are, for you see, Lord of the Flies isn't just a book about boys becoming independent. It holds a deeper, more subtle meaning to it, making the reader question what it really means to be immoral and the true meaning of evil. All the time, the reader is questioning Ralph, Piggy, Jack and the other schoolboys' decisions and actions, until it comes to a point when the reader is unable to take in what has happened. Innocence is lost and life for the boys will never be the same again.Although the book spans a few months, fortunately it does not feel rushed. Every chapter leaves you hungry for more. I think the thing that makes Lord of the Flies so successful is the way William Golding manages to drop subtle hints in the story, straight from the beginning, and they become more apparent as the book progresses, and actions turn from worse, to what could only be described as barbaric and bloody. I also appreciate how the development of Ralph is made evident to the reader. Ralph is portrayed as having blonde hair and blue eyes, the perfect recipe for innocence. He is arrogant and care free and the prospect of having a whole island to himself is certainly appealing. However, as time passes by, and things go out of hand, Ralph matures and realises life is not all about how many friends you have and how popular you are, nor is it - sigh - about having fun. On the outside Lord of the Flies may appear to be simply a story about boys trying to live on a deserted island, but reading between the lines will allow the reader to understand and appreciate the dark hints that make this story truly exciting and magnificent in every respect.I would recommend this book to teenagers, both boys and girls, who want to try something...different, to say the least. Teenagers who like adventure and mystery should certainly try this classic. In other words, if you're the one for romance and happy endings, look elsewhere. But if you like your books to have gripping and believable characters with a plot second to none, then Lord of the Flies is for you. I can promise you that you'll finish the book, left with a new and fresh outlook on the world around you and perhaps a thought as to what exactly Lord of the Flies is about. Indeed its inner meaning is very dark, making the reader wonder how thin the line between good and evil really is.

Lord of the flies +2 more

by Pranjal Batra

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3524 Views 4 years ago

That phone you carry with you like it was your Iron Man’s Arc Reactor; the one that reassuringly beeps under your pillow as you go to sleep and buzzes you up in the morning with a hundred notifications; How much do you really know about that phone? From being an ‘improvement in telegraphy’ to the sophisticated business tool it is today, the evolution of the telephone is fascinating, and sometimes even funny.Here are some interesting facts about it we’re betting you didn’t know before.1) “Ahoy” was the original telephone greeting.Alexander Graham Bell suggested ‘ahoy’ (as used in ships), but was later superseded by Thomas Edison, who suggested ‘hello’ instead.2) The very first phone call was: “Watson come here, I want you!”It was made on March 10, 1876 in Boston, Massachusetts, between Alexander Graham Bell and his assistant Thomas A. Watson3) The origin of the phrase ‘to put someone on hold’ was Alexander Graham Bell handing over his telephone instrument to his partner Mr Watson and saying, “here, hold this”.4) The memorable Nokia tone for receiving SMS text messages is Morse code for ‘SMS’ Likewise, the ‘Ascending’ tone is Morse code for ‘Connecting People,’ (Nokia’s slogan) and ‘Standard’ is Morse code for ‘M’ (Message).5) Bell’s patent for the telephone was modestly titled‘Improvement in Telegraphy’.6) According to a recent survey, 47 per cent of all water-damaged mobile phones in the UK have beendropped in the toilet bowl.7) A ton of mobile phones contains more gold than a ton of ore from a gold mine.8) According to the 1945 edition of Who’s Who,Hitler’s home phone number was Berlin 11 6191.9) The mobile phone number 666 6666 fetched £1.5 million in a charity auction in Qatar in 2007.10) In the early days, telephone wires were ranked according to how tasty they were to mice and rats.11) Mark Twain was one of the first to have a phone in his home.12) The 555 prefix is reserved for fictional US telephone numbers.13) As a tribute to Alexander Graham Bell when he died in 1922, all the telephones stopped ringing for one full minute (14 million telephones in US and canada were affected).14) Frigensophobia is the fear that using your mobile is damaging your brain.15) Nokia was founded back in 1865 andmanufacturing paper was its primary business. Many years later, it switched to making rubber products, telegraph wires, and other electrical cables

smartphone +3 more

by Pranjal Batra

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7654 Views 4 years ago

What was Mahatma Gandhi’s reaction on Rowlatt act Reinterpretation of History created a feeling of nationalism.” Justify the statement in reference to India’s freedom movement.“The merchants and industrialists made a significant contribution to the Civil Disobedience Movement.” In the light of the above statement, explain their role in the movement.Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide Satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act, 1919 ? Explain.Explain any two differences between Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobendience Movements.Examine the background of the Poona Pact of 1932 in the light of differences between Gandhiji and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.Mahatma Gandhi put a lot of efforts for the upliftment of Dalits. Explain the statement.Various classes and groups of Indians participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement for different reasons. Choose any four classes and explain their reason to participate in the movementHow did Gandhiji convert the national movement into a mass movement ?Bring out the attitude of the Congress towards the Dalits.Explain the ideas of Gandhiji as he expressed in the famous book ‘Hind Swaraj’ regarding Non-cooperation.Describe the different factors that shaped the political situation in the late 1920s.Explain the major factors which promoted the sense of nationalism in the Indians.Describe the militant guerrilla movement of Andhra Pradesh.Why did Mahatma Gandhi choose ‘Salt Tax’ to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement ? Explain three reasons.What did the image of Bharat Mata painted by Abanindranath Tagore portray ?Why did the new Tory Government in Britain constitute a Statutory Commission under John Simon ? How was this Commission greeted in India and why ?What steps were taken by Colonial Government to suppress the growing nationalism in India ? Explain.Why did Mahatma Gandhi send eleven demands in his letter to Lord Irwin ?Evaluate the contribution made by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay towards Swadeshi Movement.Explain the role of the Dalit leaders to solve the problems of their community.State any two important differences between the Congress and the Muslim league.How was Rowlatt Act opposed by the people in India ? Explain with examples.What were the causes of the withdrawl of the Non-Cooperation Movement ? Explain.What was the issue of clash between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ? How was it resolved ? Explain it.Critically examine the main aspects of Indian National Movement during the period between 1920 and 1935.What did British do to repress the Rowlatt Satyagrahis ?In what way did Mahatma Gandhi give recognition to ‘Dalits’ ? Explain.Describe the cultural process through which nationalism captured people’s imagination.Describe the incident of Jallianwala Bagh which took place during the British Rule.Who designed Swaraj Flag in 1921 ? Mention any two features of this swaraj flag.How did the movement to revive Indian folklore played an important role to develop the ideas of nationalism ? Explain with examples.Highlight the importance of the Lahore Session of Congress, 1929.What were the main demands of the peasants of Oudh ?Which social groups participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement and why ?Describe the role of the plantation workers of Assam in the Non-Cooperation Movement.Explain the attitude of the Indian merchants and industrialists towards Civil Disobedience Movement.Why did Gandhiji start the ‘Civil Disobedience Movement’ ? Explain any four features of Civil Disobedience Movement.Which folk tales were published by Natesa Sastri ? Highlight the main point of his thinking.Describe the different events of National Satyagraha started by Gandhiji against the Rowlatt Act. “Assess the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the nationalist movement with special reference to the methods adopted by him.How could Non-Cooperation become a movement ? Explain with examples.Describe the contribution made by Alluri Sitaram Raju to the Non-Cooperation Movement in Andhra Pradesh.Explain the reasons for Gandhiji to start an indefinite fast against the policy of separate electorate for the dalits.What did Gandhiji mean when he said Satyagraha is active resistance ?Why and how did Mahatma Gandhi use Satyagraha to fight against injustice and denial of rights ? Explain with the help of examples.Explain the impact of Jallianwala Bagh incident on the people.Describe any three major problems faced by the peasants of Awadh in the days of Non-Cooperation Movement.What was Satyagraha ? Explain the three main Satyagrahas launched by Gandhiji in India.Why did the rich peasant communities become active in the Civil Disobedience Movement ?Describe the first tricolour flag designed during the Swadeshi Movement.Explain briefly the Khilafat Movement in India.Why did the Non-Cooperation Movement slow down in cities ? Explain.Describe the ‘Dandi’ March in brief.State the reason for the Satyagraha started by Gandhiji at Champaran in Bihar.Describe Gandhiji’s contribution to the Indian Freedom Struggle.How did the First World War help in the growth of the National Movement in India ? Explain.Explain any five reasons for the rich peasant communities being active in the Civil Disobedience Movement.Why did General Dyer order to fire on innocent people gathered peacefully in Jallianwalla Bagh ?Woman played a very important role in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Explain.Where did Mahatma Gandhi first try the weapon of Satyagraha ?What were three proposals regarding Non-Cooperation Movement, as suggested by Mahatma GandhiSome icons and symbols were used for unifying the people and sparking in them the feeling of nationalism.’ Give two evidences to support above statement.Explain any four factors which gave rise to the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930.Describe the rise of peasant agitation under the leadership of Baba Ramchandra and Jawaharlal Nehru in Awadh.When was the Gandhi-Irwin pact signed ? Name the provisions of the pact.Who organised the Depressed Classes Association and with what aims ?Who was Simon ? Why was Simon Commission sent to India ? Why did it fail ?How did the Non-Cooperation Movement spread to the countryside ?According to Gandhiji, what should be the various stages of the Non-Cooperation Movement ?. Critically examine any three efforts made by Mahatma Gandhi to get Harijans their right.When and where was Khilafat Committee formed ? What was its objective ?How did a variety of cultural processes play an important role in developing a sense of nationalism in India ? Explain with examples.“Dalit participation was limited in the Civil Disobedience Movement.” Examine the statement.Describe the various activities that took place during the first phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement. How was the Civil Disobedience Movement different from the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 ?Why did the industrial working classes not participate in Civil Disobedience Movement in large numbers ?What were the methods used by peasants of Awadh to achieve their goal ? Explain.Explain the effects of Non-Cooperation Movement on the economic front.

Nationalisation in india +8 more

by Pranjal Batra

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5643 Views 4 years ago

No senior leader got to the top without some power play involved. Knowing who to talk to when, and deftly navigate personalities, has as much a part to play in your success as talent and hard work.And yet, “politics” is considered such a dirty word.It’s seen as sneaky, but it doesn’t have to be. And whether you like it or not, politics are important in any office culture.(out of context-- why giving credit to yourself is important------- If you want to be a leader, you have to act like one. Constantly downplaying your contributions shows you are reactive, not proactive. Always give credit where it’s due, and this includes crediting yourself too.

National Politics +7 more

by Pranjal Batra

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5551 Views 4 years ago

Suddenly your heart is racing, palms are sweaty, stomach’schurning. Your muscles are tense and your senses alert. Yourmind is flooded with worries and fears that something bad willhappen. This is anxiety; and we have all had it. When faced witha threatening event such as a physical attack or a natural disaster,most people feel anxiety or fear. Our bodies give us a surge ofadrenaline and our instincts take over. This gives us the strengthwe need to get out of the situation and survive. Anxiety is ourbody’s response to stress and danger, but in today’s world mostof the ‘dangers’ we face day to day are not ones we can fight withour fists or run away from easily. These modern ‘dangers’ aremany and can be anything from a heavy work load at your jobto family conflicts, aggressive drivers or money troubles. Someanxiety from time to time is normal and healthy; it can helpmotivate us and help get us out of tough situations. But whenanxiety lasts for weeks or months, develops into a constant senseof dread or begins to affect your everyday life, you may have ananxiety disorder.Anxiety becomestroubling whenit lasts weeks ormonths, developsinto a constantsense of dread andbegins to affect youreveryday life.WHAT IS ANXIETY DISORDER ? Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant feelings of anxiety and fear.[2] Anxiety is a worry about future events and fear is a reaction to current events.[2] These feelings may cause physical symptoms, such as a fast heart rate and shakiness.[2] There are a number of anxiety disorders: including generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and selective mutism.[2] The disorder differs by what results in the symptoms.[2] People often have more than one anxiety disorder.[2]The cause of anxiety disorders is a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[4] Risk factors include a history of child abuse, family history of mental disorders, and poverty.[3] Anxiety disorders often occur with other mental disorders, particularly major depressive disorder, personality disorder, and substance use disorder.[3] To be diagnosed symptoms typically need to be present for at least six months, be more than would be expected for the situation, and decrease functioning.[2][3] Other problems that may result in similar symptoms including hyperthyroidism; heart disease; caffeine, alcohol, or cannabis use; and withdrawal from certain drugs, among others.[3][5]Without treatment, anxiety disorders tend to remain.[2][4] Treatment may include lifestyle changes, counselling, and medications.[3] Counselling is typically with a type of cognitive behavioral therapy.[3] Medications, such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, or beta blockers, may improve symptoms.[4]About 12% of people are affected by an anxiety disorder in a given year and between 5-30% are affected at some point in their life.[3][6] They occur about twice as often in females as males, and generally begin before the age of 25.[2][3] The most common are specific phobia which affects nearly 12% and social anxiety disorder which affects 10% at some point in their life.[3] They affect those between the ages of 15 and 35 the most and become less common after the age of 55.[3] Rates appear to be higher in the United States and Europe.[3]Who does it affect?Anxiety is the most common type ofmental disorder affecting 12% of BC’spopulation, or one in eight people, inany given year. There are a number ofthings about who you are that can putyou at greater risk of developing ananxiety disorder:•  Gender: Women are twice aslikely as men to be diagnosed withan anxiety disorder. There are anumber of reasons for this includingwomen’s hormonal changes,caregiving stress, and greatercomfort seeking help than men.•  Age: Anxiety disorders most oftenappear in youth, with phobiasand OCD showing up in earlychildhood and panic disorders andsocial phobias in the teen years. Anestimated 6.5% of BC youth have ananxiety disorder.•  Personality factors: Children whoare shy and worrisome are morelikely than other children to sufferfrom an anxiety disorder later in life.People who tend to be perfectionistsare also more prone to anxietydisorders.•  Family history: Anxiety disordersrun in families. In addition topossible genetic influences, the role achild may play within their familiescan also be a factor in developing ananxiety disorder in the future.•  Social factors: People with a lackof social support are more likely todevelop anxiety disorders.•  Occupational risks: One kind ofanxiety disorder, post-traumaticstress, can be linked to people’sjobs. For example, emergencypersonnel and military personnelare at high risk.•  Chronic illness: People who havechronic mental or physical illnessesoften worry about their illness, theirtreatments and the effect the illnesshas on their lives and the lives ofthose around them. This constantworry can sometimes lead to thedevelopment of an anxiety disorder. typesGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry, that is, apprehensive expectation about events or activities.[2] This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals with GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friendship problems, interpersonal relationship problems, or work difficulties.[3][4] Individuals may exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including feeling tired, fidgeting, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, difficulty swallowing, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, difficulty concentrating, trembling, irritability, sweating, restlessness, sleeping difficulties, hot flashes, rashes, and inability to fully control the anxiety.[5] These symptoms must be consistent and ongoing, persisting at least six months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD.[2][3]Standardized rating scales such as GAD-7 can be used to assess severity of GAD symptoms.[6] GAD is the most common cause of disability in the workplace in the United States.[7]In a given year, approximately two percent of American adults and European adults experience GAD.[8][9] Globally about 4% are affected at some point in their life.[1] GAD is seen in women twice as much as men.[10] GAD is also common in individuals with a history of substance abuse and a family history of the disorder.[11] Once GAD develops, it may become chronic, but can be managed or eliminated with proper treatment.CausesGeneticsSubstance-inducedDiagnosisDSM-5 criteria⦁ Too much anxiety or worry over more than six months. This is present most of the time in regards to many activities.⦁ Inability to manage these symptoms⦁ At least three of the following occur:Note: Only one item is required in children.RestlessnessTires easilyProblems concentratingIrritabilityMuscle tension.Problems with sleep⦁ Symptoms result in problems with functioning.⦁ Symptoms are not due to medications, drugs, other physical health problems⦁ Symptoms do not fit better with another psychiatric problem such as panic disorderSPECIFIC PHOBIAA specific phobia is any kind of anxiety disorder that amounts to an unreasonable or irrational fear related to exposure to specific objects or situations. As a result, the affected person tends to avoid contact with the objects or situations and, in severe cases, any mention or depiction of them. The fear can, in fact, be disabling to their daily lives.[1]The fear or anxiety may be triggered both by the presence and the anticipation of the specific object or situation. A person who encounters that of which they are phobic will often show signs of fear or express discomfort. In some cases, it can result in a panic attack. In most adults, the person may logically know the fear is unreasonable but still find it difficult to control the anxiety. Thus, this condition may significantly impair the person's functioning and even physical health.Specific phobia affects up to 12% of people at some point in their life.Specific Phobia – DSM 5 Criteria[3]DiagnosisFear or anxiety about a specific object or situation (In children fear/anxiety can be expressed by crying, tantrums, freezing, or clinging)The phobic object or situation almost always provokes immediate fear or anxietyThe phobic object or situation is avoided or endured with intense fear or anxietyThe fear or anxiety is out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the specific object or situation and to the sociocultural contextThe fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or moreThe fear, anxiety, or avoidance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioningThe disturbance is not better explained by symptoms of another mental disorder, including fear, anxiety, and avoidance of situations associated with panic-like symptoms or other incapacitating symptoms; objects or situations related to obsessions; reminders of traumatic events; separation from home or attachment figures; or social situations.TreatmentCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a short term, skills-focused therapy that aims to help people diffuse unhelpful emotional responses by helping people consider them differently or change their behavior, is effective in treating specific phobias.[6] Exposure therapy is a particularly effective form of CBT for specific phobias.PANIC DISORDERPanic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by reoccurring unexpected panic attacks.[1] Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness, or a feeling that something really bad is going to happen.[1][2] The maximum degree of symptoms occurs within minutes.[2] There may be ongoing worries about having further attacks and avoidance of places where attacks have occurred in the past.[1]The cause of panic disorder is unknown.[3] Panic disorder often runs in families.[3] Risk factors include smoking, psychological stress, and a history of child abuse.[2] Diagnosis involves ruling out other potential causes of anxiety including other mental disorders, medical conditions such as heart disease or hyperthyroidism, and drug use.[2][3] Screening for the condition may be done using a questionnaire.[5]Panic disorder is usually treated with counselling and medications.[3] The type of counselling used is typically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is effective in more than half of people.[3][4] Medications used include antidepressants and occasionally benzodiazepines or beta blockers.[1][3] Following stopping treatment up to 30% of people have a recurrence.[4]Panic disorder affects about 2.5% of people at some point in their life.[4] It usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood but any age can be affected.[3] It is less common in children and older people.[2] Women are more often affected than men.Symptoms Sudden periods of intense fear, palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, numbness[1][2]Usual onset Sudden and recurrent[1]Causes Unknown[3]Risk factors Family history, smoking, psychological stress, history of child abuse[2]Diagnostic method Based on symptoms after ruling out other potential causes[2][3]Differential diagnosis Heart disease, hyperthyroidism, drug use[2][3]Treatment Counselling, medications[3]Medication Antidepressants, benzodiazepines beta blockers[1][3]Frequency 2.5% of people at some pointSymptom inductions generally occur for one minute and may include:Intentional hyperventilation – creates lightheadedness, derealization, blurred vision, dizzinessSpinning in a chair – creates dizziness, disorientationStraw breathing – creates dyspnea, airway constrictionBreath holding – creates sensation of being out of breathRunning in place – creates increased heart rate, respiration, perspirationBody tensing – creates feelings of being tense and vigilantdignosisDSM-5 simplifies it into two very clear categories: expected and unexpected panic attacks.Expected panic attacks are those associated with a specific fear like that of flying. Unexpected panic attacks have no apparent trigger or cue, and may appear to occur out of the blue.According to DSM-5, a panic attack is characterized by four or more of the following symptoms:Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rateSweatingTrembling or shakingSensations of shortness of breath or smotheringA feeling of chokingChest pain or discomfortNausea or abdominal distressFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faintFeelings of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)Fear of losing control or going crazyFear of dyingNumbness or tingling sensations (paresthesias)Chills or hot flushesThe presence of fewer than four of the above symptoms may be considered a limited-symptom panic attack.AGORAPHOBIAAgoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by symptoms of anxiety in situations where the person perceives the environment to be unsafe with no easy way to get away.[1] These situations can include open spaces, public transit, shopping malls, or simply being outside their home.[1] Being in these situations may result in a panic attack.[2] The symptoms occur nearly every time the situation is encountered and last for more than six months.[1] Those affected will go to great lengths to avoid these situations.[1] In severe cases people may become completely unable to leave their homes due to the phobia.[2]Agoraphobia is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[1] The condition often runs in families, and stressful or traumatic events such as the death of a parent or being attacked may be a trigger.[1] In the DSM-5 agoraphobia is classified as a phobia along with specific phobias and social phobia.[1][3] Other conditions that can produce similar symptoms include separation anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depressive disorder.[1] Those affected are at higher risk of depression and substance use disorder.[1]Without treatment it is uncommon for agoraphobia to resolve.[1] Treatment is typically with a type of counselling called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).[3][5] CBT results in resolution for about half of people.[4] Agoraphobia affects about 1.7% of adults.[1] Women are affected about twice as often as men.[1] The condition often begins in early adulthood and becomes less common in old age.[1] It is rare in children.[1] The term "agoraphobia" is from Greek ἀγορά, agorá, meaning a "public square" and -φοβία, -phobia, meaning "fear".[6]Symptoms Anxiety in situations perceived to be unsafe, panic attacks[1][2]Complications Depression, substance use disorder[1]Duration > 6 months[1]Causes Genetic and environmental factors[1]Risk factors Family history, stressful event[1]Differential diagnosis Separation anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder[1]Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy[3]Prognosis Resolution in half with treatment[4]Frequency 1.7% of adults[1]Social anxiety disorderSocial anxiety disorder (SAD; also known as social phobia) describes an intense fear and avoidance of negative public scrutiny, public embarrassment, humiliation, or social interaction. This fear can be specific to particular social situations (such as public speaking) or, more typically, is experienced in most (or all) social interactions. Social anxiety often manifests specific physical symptoms, including blushing, sweating, and difficulty speaking. As with all phobic disorders, those suffering from social anxiety often will attempt to avoid the source of their anxiety; in the case of social anxiety this is particularly problematic, and in severe cases can lead to complete social isolation.Social physique anxiety (SPA) is a subtype of social anxiety. It is concern over the evaluation of one's body by others.[20] SPA is common among adolescents, especially females.Post-traumatic stress disorderPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was once an anxiety disorder (now moved to trauma- and stressor-related disorders in DSM-V) that results from a traumatic experience. Post-traumatic stress can result from an extreme situation, such as combat, natural disaster, rape, hostage situations, child abuse, bullying, or even a serious accident. It can also result from long-term (chronic) exposure to a severe stressor--[21] for example, soldiers who endure individual battles but cannot cope with continuous combat. Common symptoms include hypervigilance, flashbacks, avoidant behaviors, anxiety, anger and depression.[22] In addition, individuals may experience sleep disturbances.[23] There are a number of treatments that form the basis of the care plan for those suffering with PTSD. Such treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy and support from family and friends.[9]Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research began with Vietnam veterans, as well as natural and non natural disaster victims. Studies have found the degree of exposure to a disaster has been found to be the best predictor of PTSD.[24]Separation anxiety disorderMain article: Separation anxiety disorderSeparation anxiety disorder (SepAD) is the feeling of excessive and inappropriate levels of anxiety over being separated from a person or place. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development in babies or children, and it is only when this feeling is excessive or inappropriate that it can be considered a disorder.[25] Separation anxiety disorder affects roughly 7% of adults and 4% of children, but the childhood cases tend to be more severe; in some instances, even a brief separation can produce panic.[26][27] Treating a child earlier may prevent problems. This may include training the parents and family on how to deal with it. Often, the parents will reinforce the anxiety because they do not know how to properly work through it with the child. In addition to parent training and family therapy, medication, such as SSRIs, can be used to treat separation anxiety.[28]Situational anxietySituational anxiety is caused by new situations or changing events. It can also be caused by various events that make that particular individual uncomfortable. Its occurrence is very common. Often, an individual will experience panic attacks or extreme anxiety in specific situations. A situation that causes one individual to experience anxiety may not affect another individual at all. For example, some people become uneasy in crowds or tight spaces, so standing in a tightly packed line, say at the bank or a store register, may cause them to experience extreme anxiety, possibly a panic attack.[29] Others, however, may experience anxiety when major changes in life occur, such as entering college, getting married, having children, etc.Obsessive–compulsive disorderObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is not classified as an anxiety disorder by the DSM-5 but is by the ICD-10. It was previously classified as an anxiety disorder in the DSM-IV. It is a condition where the person has obsessions (distressing, persistent, and intrusive thoughts or images) and/or compulsions (urges to repeatedly perform specific acts or rituals), that are not caused by drugs or physical order, and which cause distress or social dysfunction.[30][31] The compulsive rituals are personal rules followed to relieve the anxiety.[31] OCD affects roughly 1-2% of adults (somewhat more women than men), and under 3% of children and adolescents.[30][31]A person with OCD knows that the symptoms are unreasonable and struggles against both the thoughts and the behavior.[30][32] Their symptoms could be related to external events they fear (such as their home burning down because they forget to turn off the stove) or worry that they will behave inappropriately.[32]It is not certain why some people have OCD, but behavioral, cognitive, genetic, and neurobiological factors may be involved.[31] Risk factors include family history, being single (although that may result from the disorder), and higher socioeconomic class or not being in paid employment.[31] Of those with OCD about 20% of people will overcome it, and symptoms will at least reduce over time for most people (a further 50%).[30]Symptoms Feel the need to check things repeatedly, perform certain routines repeatedly, have certain thoughts repeatedly[1]Complications Tics, anxiety disorder, suicide[2][3]Usual onset Before 35 years[1][2]Causes Unknown[1]Risk factors Child abuse, stress[2]Diagnostic method Based on the symptoms[2]Differential diagnosis Anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, eating disorders, obsessive–compulsive personality disorder[2]Treatment Counseling, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants[4][5]Frequency 2.3%Selective mutismMain article: Selective mutismSelective mutism (SM) is a disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech does not speak in specific situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety.[33] People with selective mutism stay silent even when the consequences of their silence include shame, social ostracism or even punishment.[34] Selective mutism affects about 0.8% of people at some point in their life.symptomsSelective mutism is by definition characterized by the following:[5]Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (in which there is an expectation for speaking, e.g., at school) despite speaking in other situations.The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication.The duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school).The failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation.The disturbance is not better accounted for by a communication disorder (e.g., childhood-onset fluency disorder) and does not occur exclusively during the course of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or another psychotic disorder.Shyness, social anxiety, fear of social embarrassment, and/or social isolation and withdrawalDifficulty maintaining eye contactBlank expression and reluctance to smileDifficulty expressing feelings, even to family membersTendency to worry more than most people of the same ageSensitivity to noise and crowdsOn the positive side, many people with this condition have:Above-average intelligence, perception, or inquisitivenessCreativity and a love for art or musicEmpathy and sensitivity to others' thoughts and feelingsA strong sense of right and wrong.Causes OF ANXIETY DISORDERDrugsAnxiety and depression can be caused by alcohol abuse, which in most cases improves with prolonged abstinence. Even moderate, sustained alcohol use may increase anxiety levels in some individuals.[35] Caffeine, alcohol, and benzodiazepine dependence can worsen or cause anxiety and panic attacks.[36] Anxiety commonly occurs during the acute withdrawal phase of alcohol and can persist for up to 2 years as part of a post-acute withdrawal syndrome, in about a quarter of people recovering from alcoholism.[37] In one study in 1988–1990, illness in approximately half of patients attending mental health services at one British hospital psychiatric clinic, for conditions including anxiety disorders such as panic disorder or social phobia, was determined to be the result of alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence. In these patients, an initial increase in anxiety occurred during the withdrawal period followed by a cessation of their anxiety symptoms.[38]There is evidence that chronic exposure to organic solvents in the work environment can be associated with anxiety disorders. Painting, varnishing and carpet-laying are some of the jobs in which significant exposure to organic solvents may occur.[39]Taking caffeine may cause or worsen anxiety disorders,[40][41] including panic disorder.[42][43][44] Those with anxiety disorders can have high caffeine sensitivity.[45][46] Caffeine-induced anxiety disorder is a subclass of the DSM-5 diagnosis of substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder. Substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder falls under the category of anxiety disorders, and not the category of substance-related and addictive disorders, even though the symptoms are due to the effects of a substance.[47]Cannabis use is associated with anxiety disorders. However, the precise relationship between cannabis use and anxiety still needs to be established.[48][49]Medical conditionsOccasionally, an anxiety disorder may be a side-effect of an underlying endocrine disease that causes nervous system hyperactivity, such as pheochromocytoma[50][51] or hyperthyroidism.[52]StressAnxiety disorders can arise in response to life stresses such as financial worries or chronic physical illness. Anxiety among adolescents and young adults is common due to the stresses of social interaction, evaluation, and body image. Anxiety is also common among older people who have dementia. On the other hand, anxiety disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed among older adults when doctors misinterpret symptoms of a physical ailment (for instance, racing heartbeat due to cardiac arrhythmia) as signs of anxiety.[8]GeneticsGAD runs in families and is six times more common in the children of someone with the condition.[53]While anxiety arose as an adaptation, in modern times it is almost always thought of negatively in the context of anxiety disorders. People with these disorders have highly sensitive systems; hence, their systems tend to overreact to seemingly harmless stimuli. Sometimes anxiety disorders occur in those who have had traumatic youths, demonstrating an increased prevalence of anxiety when it appears a child will have a difficult future.[54] In these cases, the disorder arises as a way to predict that the individual’s environment will continue to pose threats.Persistence of anxietyAt a low level, anxiety is not a bad thing. In fact, the hormonal response to anxiety has evolved as a benefit, as it helps humans react to dangers. Researchers in evolutionary medicine believe this adaptation allows humans to realize there is a potential threat and to act accordingly in order to ensure greatest possibility of protection. It has actually been shown that those with low levels of anxiety have a greater risk of death than those with average levels. This is because the absence of fear can lead to injury or death.[54] Additionally, patients with both anxiety and depression were found to have lower morbidity than those with depression alone.[55] The functional significance of the symptoms associated with anxiety includes: greater alertness, quicker preparation for action, and reduced probability of missing threats.[55] In the wild, vulnerable individuals, for example those who are hurt or pregnant, have a lower threshold for anxiety response, making them more alert.[55] This demonstrates a lengthy evolutionary history of the anxiety response.Evolutionary mismatchIt has been theorized that high rates of anxiety are a reaction to how the social environment has changed from the Paleolithic era. For example, in the Stone Age there was greater skin-to-skin contact and more handling of babies by their mothers, both of which are strategies that reduce anxiety.[54] Additionally, there is greater interaction with strangers in present times as opposed to interactions solely between close-knit tribes. Researchers posit that the lack of constant social interaction, especially in the formative years, is a driving cause of high rates of anxiety.Many current cases are likely to have resulted from an evolutionary mismatch, which has been specifically termed a "psychopathogical mismatch". In evolutionary terms, a mismatch occurs when an individual possesses traits that were adapted for an environment that differs from the individual’s current environment. For example, even though an anxiety reaction may have been evolved to help with life-threatening situations, for highly sensitized individuals in Westernized cultures simply hearing bad news can elicit a strong reaction.[56]An evolutionary perspective may provide insight into alternatives to current clinical treatment methods for anxiety disorders. Simply knowing some anxiety is beneficial may alleviate some of the panic associated with mild conditions. Some researchers believe that, in theory, anxiety can be mediated by reducing a patient’s feeling of vulnerability and then changing their appraisal of the situation.MechanismsBiologicalLow levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces activity in the central nervous system, contribute to anxiety. A number of anxiolytics achieve their effect by modulating the GABA receptors.[57][58][59]Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the drugs most commonly used to treat depression, are frequently considered as a first line treatment for anxiety disorders.[60]AmygdalaThe amygdala is central to the processing of fear and anxiety, and its function may be disrupted in anxiety disorders.[61] Sensory information enters the amygdala through the nuclei of the basolateral complex (consisting of lateral, basal, and accessory basal nuclei). The basolateral complex processes sensory-related fear memories and communicates their threat importance to memory and sensory processing elsewhere in the brain, such as the medial prefrontal cortex and sensory cortices.Another important area is the adjacent central nucleus of the amygdala, which controls species-specific fear responses, via connections to the brainstem, hypothalamus, and cerebellum areas. In those with general anxiety disorder, these connections functionally seem to be less distinct, with greater gray matter in the central nucleus. Another difference is that the amygdala areas have decreased connectivity with the insula and cingulate areas that control general stimulus salience, while having greater connectivity with the parietal cortex and prefrontal cortex circuits that underlie executive functions.[61]The latter suggests a compensation strategy for dysfunctional amygdala processing of anxiety. Researchers have noted "Amygdalofrontoparietal coupling in generalized anxiety disorder patients may ... reflect the habitual engagement of a cognitive control system to regulate excessive anxiety."[61] This is consistent with cognitive theories that suggest the use in this disorder of attempts to reduce the involvement of emotions with compensatory cognitive strategies.Clinical and animal studies suggest a correlation between anxiety disorders and difficulty in maintaining balance.[62][63][64][65] A possible mechanism is malfunction in the parabrachial area, a brain structure that, among other functions, coordinates signals from the amygdala with input concerning balance.[66]Anxiety processing in the basolateral amygdala has been implicated with dendritic arborization of the amygdaloid neurons. SK2 potassium channels mediate inhibitory influence on action potentials and reduce arborization. By overexpressing SK2 in the basolateral amygdala, anxiety in experimental animals can be reduced together with general levels of stress-induced corticosterone secretion.[67]DiagnosisAnxiety disorders are often severe chronic conditions, which can be present from an early age or begin suddenly after a triggering event. They are prone to flare up at times of high stress and are frequently accompanied by physiological symptoms such as headache, sweating, muscle spasms, tachycardia, palpitations, and hypertension, which in some cases lead to fatigue.In casual discourse the words "anxiety" and "fear" are often used interchangeably; in clinical usage, they have distinct meanings: "anxiety" is defined as an unpleasant emotional state for which the cause is either not readily identified or perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable, whereas "fear" is an emotional and physiological response to a recognized external threat.[68] The term "anxiety disorder" includes fears (phobias) as well as anxieties.[medical citation needed]The diagnosis of anxiety disorders is difficult because there are no objective biomarkers, it is based on symptoms,[69] which typically need to be present at least six months, be more than would be expected for the situation, and decrease functioning.[2][3] Several generic anxiety questionnaires can be used to detect anxiety symptoms, such as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale.[70] Other questionnaires combine anxiety and depression measurement, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).[70] Examples of specific anxiety questionnaires include the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), the Social Phobia Scale (SPS), and the Social Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ-A30).[71]Anxiety disorders often occur along with other mental disorders, in particular depression, which may occur in as many as 60% of people with anxiety disorders. The fact that there is considerable overlap between symptoms of anxiety and depression, and that the same environmental triggers can provoke symptoms in either condition, may help to explain this high rate of comorbidity.[72]Studies have also indicated that anxiety disorders are more likely among those with family history of anxiety disorders, especially certain types.[73]Sexual dysfunction often accompanies anxiety disorders, although it is difficult to determine whether anxiety causes the sexual dysfunction or whether they arise from a common cause. The most common manifestations in individuals with anxiety disorder are avoidance of intercourse, premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction among men and pain during intercourse among women. Sexual dysfunction is particularly common among people affected by panic disorder (who may fear that a panic attack will occur during sexual arousal) and posttraumatic stress disorder.[74]TREATMENTIn general, anxiety disorders are treated with medication, specific types of psychotherapy, or both.Treatment choices depend on the problem and the person’s preference.People with anxiety disorders who have already received treatment should tell their current doctorabout that treatment in detail. If they received medication, they should tell their doctor whatmedication was used, what the dosage was at the beginning of treatment, whether the dosagewas increased or decreased while they were under treatment, what side effects occurred, andwhether the treatment helped them become less anxious. If they received psychotherapy, theyshould describe the type of therapy, how often they attended sessions, and whether the therapywas useful.Often people believe that they have “failed” at treatment or that the treatment didn’t work for themwhen, in fact, it was not given for an adequate length of time or was administered incorrectly.Sometimes people must try several different treatments or combinations of treatment before theyfind the one that works for them.MedicationMedication will not cure anxiety disorders, but it can keep them under control while the personreceives psychotherapy. Medication must be prescribed by physicians, usually psychiatrists, whocan either offer psychotherapy themselves or work as a team with psychologists, social workers,or counselors who provide psychotherapy. The principal medications used for anxiety disordersare antidepressants, anti­anxiety drugs, and beta­blockers to control some of the physicalsymptoms. With proper treatment, many people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfillinglives.AntidepressantsAntidepressants were developed to treat depression but are also effective for anxiety disorders.Although these medications begin to alter brain chemistry after the very first dose, their full effectrequires a series of changes to occur; it is usually about 4 to 6 weeks before symptoms start tofade. It is important to continue taking these medications long enough to let them work.SSRIsSome of the newest antidepressants are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.SSRIs alter the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which, like otherneurotransmitters, helps brain cells communicate with one another.12/2/2014 NIMH · Anxiety Disordershttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety­disorders/index.shtml 4/17Fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), escitalopram (Lexapro®), paroxetine (Paxil®), andcitalopram (Celexa®) are some of the SSRIs commonly prescribed for panic disorder, OCD,PTSD, and social phobia. SSRIs are also used to treat panic disorder when it occurs incombination with OCD, social phobia, or depression. Venlafaxine (Effexor®), a drug closelyrelated to the SSRIs, is used to treat GAD. These medications are started at low doses andgradually increased until they have a beneficial effect.SSRIs have fewer side effects than older antidepressants, but they sometimes produce slightnausea or jitters when people first start to take them. These symptoms fade with time. Somepeople also experience sexual dysfunction with SSRIs, which may be helped by adjusting thedosage or switching to another SSRI.TricyclicsTricyclics are older than SSRIs and work as well as SSRIs for anxiety disorders other than OCD.They are also started at low doses that are gradually increased. They sometimes cause dizziness,drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain, which can usually be corrected by changing the dosageor switching to another tricyclic medication.Tricyclics include imipramine (Tofranil®), which is prescribed for panic disorder and GAD, andclomipramine (Anafranil®), which is the only tricyclic antidep12/2/2014 NIMH · Anxiety Disordershttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety­disorders/index.shtml 5/17inadequate doses.Buspirone (Buspar®), an azapirone, is a newer anti­anxiety medication used to treat GAD.Possible side effects include dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Unlike benzodiazepines,buspirone must be taken consistently for at least 2 weeks to achieve an anti­anxiety effect.Beta­BlockersBeta­blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal®), which is used to treat heart conditions, can preventthe physical symptoms that accompany certain anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia. Whena feared situation can be predicted (such as giving a speech), a doctor may prescribe a betablockerto keep physical symptoms of anxiety under control.Taking MedicationsBefore taking medication for an anxiety disorder:Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the drug.Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over­the­counter medications you areusing.Ask your doctor when and how the medication should be stopped. Some drugs can’t bestopped abruptly but must be tapered off slowly under a doctor’s supervision.Work with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you and what dosage isbest.Be aware that some medications are effective only if they are taken regularly and thatsymptoms may recur if the medication is stopped.PsychotherapyPsychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist,psychologist, social worker, or counselor, to discover what caused an anxiety disorder and how todeal with its symptoms.Cognitive­Behavioral TherapyCognitive­behavioral therapy (CBT) is very useful in treating anxiety disorders. The cognitive parthelps people change the thinking patterns that support their fears, and the behavioral part helpspeople change the way they react to anxiety­provoking situations.For example, CBT can help people with panic disorder learn that their panic attacks are not reallyheart attacks and help people with social phobia learn how to overcome the belief that others arealways watching and judging them. When people are ready to confront their fears, they are shownhow to use exposure techniques to desensitize themselves to situations that trigger their anxieties.People with OCD who fear dirt and germs are encouraged to get their hands dirty and waitincreasing amounts of time before washing them. The therapist helps the person cope with theanxiety that waiting produces; after the exercise has been repeated a number of times, the anxietydiminishes. People with social phobia may be encouraged to spend time in feared social situationswithout giving in to the temptation to flee and to make small social blunders and observe howpeople respond to them. Since the response is usually far less harsh than the person fears, theseanxieties are lessened. People with PTSD may be supported through recalling their traumaticevent in a safe situation, which helps reduce the fear it produces. CBT therapists also teach deep12/2/2014 NIMH · Anxiety Disordershttp://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety­disorders/index.shtml 6/17breathing and other types of exercises to relieve anxiety and encourage relaxation.Exposure­based behavioral therapy has been used for many years to treat specific phobias. Theperson gradually encounters the object or situation that is feared, perhaps at first only throughpictures or tapes, then later face­to­face. Often the therapist will accompany the person to afeared situation to provide support and guidance.CBT is undertaken when people decide they are ready for it and with their permission andcooperation. To be effective, the therapy must be directed at the person’s specific anxieties andmust be tailored to his or her needs. There are no side effects other than the discomfort oftemporarily increased anxiety.CBT or behavioral therapy often lasts about 12 weeks. It may be conducted individually or with agroup of people who have similar problems. Group therapy is particularly effective for socialphobia. Often “homework” is assigned for participants to complete between sessions. There issome evidence that the benefits of CBT last longer than those of medication for people with panicdisorder, and the same may be true for OCD, PTSD, and social phobia. If a disorder recurs at alater date, the same therapy can be used to treat it successfully a second time.Medication can be combined with psychotherapy for specific anxiety disorders, and this is the besttreatment approach for many people.Ways to Make Treatment More EffectiveMany people with anxiety disorders benefit from joining a self­help or support group and sharingtheir problems and achievements with others. Internet chat rooms can also be useful in thisregard, but any advice received over the Internet should be used with caution, as Internetacquaintances have usually never seen each other and false identities are common. Talking witha trusted friend or member of the clergy can also provide support, but it is not a substitute for carefrom a mental health professional.Stress management techniques and meditation can help people with anxiety disorders calmthemselves and may enhance the effects of therapy. There is preliminary evidence that aerobicexercise may have a calming effect. Since caffeine, certain illicit drugs, and even some over­thecountercold medications can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorders, they should beavoided. Check with your physician or pharmacist before taking any additional medications.The family is very important in the recovery of a person with an anxiety disorder. Ideally, the familyshould be supportive but not help perpetuate their loved one’s symptoms. Family members shouldnot trivialize the disorder or demand improvement without treatment.DIET Foods That Help AnxietyThere are many foods that can aid in controlling anxiety levels. By adding or increasing these “foods that calm” to your diet, you can help manage your generalized anxiety disorder symptoms:Complex carbs (brown rice, *whole grain breads and pastas)*Seaweed and kelp is a good alternative for those who are gluten sensitiveProvide balanced serotonin levels: keeps you happy and calmSupply magnesium: a magnesium deficiency can contribute to anxietyPeaches, blueberries, acai berriesRich in vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants: provide calming nutrientsVegetables and legumesStrengthen your immune systemHealthy fats such as those found in nuts and seedsContain zinc and iron to ward off brain fatigue and increase energyWaterCirculates anxiety-reducing hormones through your bodyDehydration can result in mood changesChocolate: pure, dark chocolate without milks and sugarsReduces the stress hormone, cortisol, and improves your moodB vitamins, zinc, magnesium, antioxidantsCertain herbs such as passionflower and kavaFoods to Avoid or MinimizeCertain foods might provide you with a boost of energy or give you a temporary sense of calm, but the effects wear off quickly and often leave you feeling worse:Simple carbs, high-glycemic carbs (white bread, white flour, cookies, cakes, anything with a high sugar content)Give you an energy boost, followed by a “crash” that can produce anxietyFast food, fried food, processed food, foods with a high salt contentMakes your body more acidic, leading to more anxietyAlcoholInitial sense of relaxation, but disrupts sleep patterns, leading to anxietyCaffeine, especially if you are prone to panic attacksSmall amounts can be soothing, but caffeine increases your heart rate, leading to nervousness and raising your anxiety levels.PASTE THE QUESTIONNAIRETHE GAD-7 score is calculated by assigning scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, to the response categories of 'not at all', 'several days', 'more than half the days', and 'nearly every day', respectively, and adding together the scores for the seven questions.Scores of 5, 10, and 15 are taken as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. When used as a screening tool, further evaluation is recommended when the score is 10 or greater.Using the threshold score of 10, the GAD-7 has a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 82% for GAD. It is moderately good at screening three other common anxiety disorders - panic disorder (sensitivity 74%, specificity 81%), social anxiety disorder (sensitivity 72%, specificity 80%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (sensitivity 66%, specificity 81%)

Educational Psychology +10 more

by Pranjal Batra

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Les enseignants , pendant 365 jours dans une année , vous êtes accent est mis sur vos élèves , mais aujourd'hui , nous permettent de prendre la liberté de braquer les projecteurs sur vous. La sagesse avec laquelle vous nourrir toute une génération , la patience avec laquelle vous gérez les jeunes et le charme avec lequel vous prenez la fierté dans les réalisations des étudiants qui ont été formés sous vous - il est génial comment vous parvenez à faire toutes ces choses et être si désintéressé , si intemporelle et si pertinente . Merci! Tu gères! Ce poème est un toast soulevé en votre honneur .Ils sont l'un, qui prennent soin de nousIls sont l'un, qui se tiennent pour nousIls sont celui qui nous admirons vraimentIls sont celui qui inspire constammentIls ne se contentent pas enseigner , mais encourager et croientEt il n'y a rien dans le monde , nous ne pouvons pas atteindreCeux qui rendent notre vieLa caractéristique la plus importanteOui, ils ne sont autres que nos professeurs hearted aimables ! Written by- Pranjal BATRA 

French +5 more

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4845 Views 4 years ago

There is no progress without compromise,No victory without sacrifice.On that note, I, candidate X, would like to present my views in support of the agenda, GST, A game changer. I'm sure, many of you must have thought of GST as a magic thing where, as an d when the GST comes, the GDP will suddenly grow by 2%.Well, you have over simplified the issue, i dont think it is nearly as simple. I think GST is a supply side reform that's going to create a common market and increase the allocative efficiency in the economy. I think that's the key benefit. As somebody joked, the GST is India's form of signing a free trade agreement with itself.Earlier, octroi, entry tax, these were the real hassles when it came to movement of goods. So for eg. In China if a thing moved within 3 days, over here it took 7 days. Why? Because in India, at every point you would have had to pay several kind of taxes but all thanks to the GST, these things now belong to the past and suddenly the movement of goods and the efficiency has increased so dramatically, which has, as a result, reduced the cost.GST achieves various economic goals in one stroke - be it promoting the manufacturing sector, boosting exoorts, creating more job,improving the investment climate or cutting down tax evasion. By and large, it is a win- win situation for both the centre and the states.Let's come to some facts and figures, first the registered businesses had paid a total of ₹923 billion for July, which was over the target of ₹910 billion.Second, as promised the centre has released near ₹8698 crore to states as compensation for revenue loss following GST implementation. A country where a select few loot, such a nation cannot scale new heights. These select few never want the nation to grow. Those who have looted the poor will have to give back what they have looted.Post demonitisation, data mining shows that over 3 lakh registered companies indulged in suspected dealings. Govt has cancelled the registration of over 1 lakh companies, mind my words, 1 lakh companies and more than 3700 shell firms have been identified for strong action.Along with the swachh bharat abhiyan, his govt has taken the initiative to clean India's economy and it has taken strong action against those who have duped the nation. Indeed, the GST reform is still a work in progress, but so is every political process in a mega-perse system like india. When you do such a massive reform there are bound to be some issues and challenges but the govt has been responding to feedback from stakeholders and making appropriate changes as required. Pre gst, we had more tax on fewer items, With gst, there is less tax on more items.Thank you.

GST +4 more

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4689 Views 4 years ago