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Personality Disorders

Personality Disorders Personality disorders are a group of a 10 mental health conditions that involve long-la sting, disruptive patterns of thinking, behaviour, mood and relating to others. People with personality disorders often don’t realize their thoughts and behaviours are problematic. Personality disorders may cause distorted perceptions of reality, abnormal behaviours and distress across various aspects of life, including work, relationships and social functioning. Additionally, people with a personality disorder may not recognize their troubling behaviours or the negative effect they have on others. What are the types of personality disorders? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard refere nce publication for recognized mental illnesses, organizes the 10 types of personality disorders into three main clusters (categories). Each cluster has different symptoms in common. Cluster A personality disorders: Cluster A personality disorders involve unusual and eccentric thinking or behaviours. These include: Paranoid personality disorder: The main feature of this condition is paranoia, which is a relentless mistrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason for suspicion. People with paranoid personality disorder often believe others are trying to demean, harm or threaten them. Schizoid personality disorder: This condition is marked by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in interpersonal relationships. People with schizoid personality disorder have a limited range of emotions when interacting with others. Schizotypal personality disorder: People with this condition display a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with and limited need for close relationships. Relationships may be hindered by their distorted views of reality, superstitions and unusual behaviours. Cluster B personality disorders: Cluster B personality disorders involve dramatic and erratic behaviours. People with these types of conditions display intense, unstable emotions and impulsive behaviours. Cluster B personality disorders include: Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD): People with ASPD show a lack of respect toward others and don’t follow socially accepted norms or rules. People with ASPD may break the law or cause physical or emotional harm to others around them. They may refuse to take responsibility for their behaviours and/or display disregard for the negative consequences of their actions. Borderline personality disorder (BPD): This condition is marked by difficulty with emotional regulation, resulting in low self-esteem, mood swings, impulsive behaviours and subsequent relationship difficulties. Histrionic personality disorder: This condition is marked by intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. For people with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and doesn’t come from a true feeling of self-worth. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed by others, and may display dramatic and/or inappropriate behaviours to get attention. Narcissistic personality disorder: This condition involves a consistent pattern of perceived superiority and grandiosity, an excessive need for praise and admiration and a lack of empathy for others. These thoughts and behaviours often stem from low self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence. Cluster C personality disorders: Cluster C personality disorders involve severe anxiety and fear. They include: Avoidant personality disorder: People with this condition have chronic feelings of inadequacy and are highly sensitive to being negatively judged by others. Though they would like to interact with others, they tend to avoid social interaction due to the intense fear of being rejected. Dependent personality disorder: This condition is marked by a constant and excessive need to be cared for by someone else. It also involves submissiveness, a need for constant reassurance and the inability to make decisions. People with dependent personality disorder often become very close to another person and spend great effort trying to please that person. They tend to display passive and clinging behaviour and have a fear of separation. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): This condition is marked by a consistent and extreme need for orderliness, perfectionism and control (with no room for flexibility) that ultimately slows or interferes with completing a task. It can also interfere with relationships. This is a separate condition from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is classified as an anxiety disorder. While people with OCD usually are aware that OCD is causing their behaviour and accept they need to change, people with OCPD usually have little, if any, self-awareness of their behaviours. Who do personality disorders affect? Most personality disorders begin in the teen years when your personality further develops and matures. As a result, almost all people diagnosed with personality disorders are above the age of 18. One exception to this is antisocial personality disorder — approximately 80% of people with this disorder will have started to show symptoms by the age of 11. Antisocial personality disorders are more likely to affect people assigned male at birth. Borderline, histrionic and dependent personality disorders are more likely to affect people assigned female at birth. How common are personality disorders? Approximately 9% of adults in the U.S. have some type of personality disorder, and about 6% of the global population has a personality disorder. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder are the most frequently diagnosed personality disorders. What causes personality disorders? Personality disorders are among the least understood mental health conditions. Scientists are still trying to figure out the cause of them. So far, they believe the following factors may contribute to the development of personality disorders: Genetics: Scientists have identified a malfunctioning gene that may be a factor in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Researchers are also exploring genetic links to aggression, anxiety and fear, which are traits that can play a role in personality disorders. Brain changes: Researchers have identified subtle brain differences in people with certain personality disorders. For example, findings in studies on paranoid personality disorder point to altered amygdala functioning. The amygdala is the part of your brain that’s involved with processing fearful and threatening stimuli. In a study on schizotypal personality disorder, researchers found a volumetric decrease in the frontal lobe of their brain. Childhood trauma: One study revealed a link between childhood traumas and the development of personality disorders. People with borderline personality disorder, for example, had especially high rates of childhood sexual trauma. People with borderline and antisocial

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What is depression?

What is depression? Depression is one of the most common types of mental health conditions and often develops alongside anxiety. Depression can be mild and short-lived or severe and long-lasting. Some people are affected by depression only once, while others may experience it multiple times. Depression can lead to suicide, but this is preventable when appropriate support is provided. It’s important to know that much can be done to help young people who are thinking about suicide. What causes depression? Depression can happen as a reaction to something like abuse, violence in school, the death of someone close or family problems like domestic violence or family breakdown. Someone might get depressed after being stressed for a long time. It can also run in the family. Sometimes we may not know why it happens. Depression in children and adolescents: Depression can show up in children and adolescents as prolonged periods of unhappiness or irritability. It is quite common among older children and teenagers, but often goes unrecognized. Some children might say they feel “unhappy” or “sad”. Others might say they want to hurt or even kill themselves. Children and adolescents who experience depression are at greater risk of self-harm, so such responses should always be taken seriously. Signs and symptoms of depression:  Physical: Tiredness or low energy, even when rested Restlessness or difficulty concentrating Difficulty in carrying out daily activities Changes in appetite or sleep patterns Aches or pains that have no obvious cause Emotional and mental: Persistent sadness, anxiousness or irritability Loss of interest in friends and activities that they normally enjoy Withdrawal from others and loneliness Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt Taking risks they wouldn’t normally take Self-harming or suicidal thoughts Ways to help your Patients: Find out what’s happening: Ask them how they’re feeling and listen openly without judgment or advice. Ask people you trust who know your child, like a favourite teacher or close friend, to find out if they’ve noticed anything that might be worrying them or changes in their reactions to things. Pay particular attention to their well-being during important life changes like starting a new school or puberty. Spend time with them: Try to build an environment of warmth, reassurance and support by talking or doing age-appropriate activities together that they will enjoy. Take an interest in their life, like how their day was at school or what they love most about their friends. Encourage positive habits: Encourage your child to do the things they usually enjoy, stick to regular eating and sleeping habits and stay active. Physical activity is an important way to boost their mood. Music can have a strong influence on our moods, so try listening to songs together that make them feel positive about life. Let them express themselves: Let them talk to you. Listen carefully to what they say about how they feel. Never press your child to share, instead you can encourage other forms of creative expression like painting, crafts or journaling their thoughts and experiences. Mood-journaling can help some children let their feelings out by observing the things that make them upset or low. They can also be a great reminder of the positive aspects of their life and the things they are proud of. Protect them from stressful surroundings: Try to keep your child away from situations where they may experience excessive stress, maltreatment or violence. And remember to model healthy behaviour and reactions to the stresses in your own life, including setting boundaries and maintaining positive self-care habits. Symptoms and patterns: During a depressive episode, a person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty). They may feel a loss of pleasure or interest in activities. A depressive episode is different from regular mood fluctuations. They last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. Poor concentration Feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth Hopelessness about the future Thoughts about dying or suicide Changes in appetite or weight Feeling very tired or low in energy. There are different patterns of depressive episodes including: Single episode depressive disorder, meaning the person’s first and only episode; Recurrent depressive disorder, meaning the person has a history of at least two depressive episodes; and Bipolar disorder, meaning that depressive episodes alternate with periods of manic symptoms, which include euphoria or irritability, increased activity or energy, and other symptoms such as increased talkativeness, racing thoughts, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, distractibility, and impulsive reckless behaviour. Contributing factors and prevention: Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. People who have gone through adverse life events (unemployment, bereavement, traumatic events) are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression itself. Depression is closely related to and affected by physical health. Many of the factors that influence depression (such as physical inactivity or harmful use of alcohol) are also known risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and respiratory diseases. In turn, people with these diseases may also find themselves experiencing depression due to the difficulties associated with managing their condition. Diagnosis and treatment: There are effective treatments for depression. These include psychological treatment and medications. Seek care if you have symptoms of depression. Psychological treatments can teach new ways of thinking, coping or relating to others. They may include talk therapy with professionals and supervised lay therapists. Talk therapy can happen in person or online. Psychological treatments may be accessed through self-help manuals, websites and apps. Effective psychological treatments for depression include:   Cognitive behavioural therapy Behavioural activation Interpersonal psychotherapy Problem-solving therapy. Antidepressants should not be used for treating depression in children and are not the first line of treatment in adolescents, among whom they should be used with extra caution. PREVALANCE:  Women are more likely to have depression than men. An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and

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COCAINE ADDICTION IN OVERSEAS PAKISTANI FAMILIES AND TREATMENT EXPERIENCE AT NEW HOPE REHAB CENTER ISLAMABAD

COCAINE ADDICTION IN OVERSEAS PAKISTANI FAMILIES AND TREATMENT EXPERIENCE AT NEW HOPE REHAB CENTER ISLAMABAD What Is Cocaine Addiction? People who are struggling with cocaine addiction will begin to use cocaine in a way that is compulsive (feeling an irresistible urge to use), even if they experience harmful consequences.3 While addiction is a chronic brain condition, it is treatable and recovery is possible. Cocaine addiction and misuse can be caused by cocaine’s reinforcing high, which is primarily a result of how it works on the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the brain.1,4 Addiction to cocaine can be triggered in many people after only one use, since cocaine affects the brain’s reward pathway immediately. Why Is Cocaine So Addictive? Dopamine is associated with ‘euphoric’ emotions, the regulation of movement, and the processing of reward cues. While individuals using cocaine may feel these highs for a time, once the drug begins to leave the system, they may experience unpleasant reactions, including anxiety, confusion, irritability, and agitation. These negative effects may lead people to regularly use cocaine in order to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which can drive the development of tolerance. Tolerance occurs when more frequent and/or escalated use is needed to achieve the same level of positive effects (or high) and temporarily decrease the negative effects of cocaine withdrawal. Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Use: Typical signs and symptoms of current cocaine use include: Increased agitation. Effusive enthusiasm. Increased movement (i.e. hyperactivity). Signs of involuntary movements (i.e. muscle twitches). Changes in concentration and focus. Adverse Effects of Cocaine Use: There are several potentially dangerous side effects of cocaine use. One serious risk of cocaine abuse is heart damage.5,6 Both acutely and over time, cocaine use can result in several cardiovascular issues, such as ischemic heart disease, aberrant heart rhythms, hypertension, and cardiomyopathy. Intravenous cocaine use can result in infection and inflammation of the heart valves and the lining of the heart chambers (endocarditis). Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). Aortic rupture. Severe declines in health and life quality due to chronic reductions in cardiac function. Cocaine addiction is also associated with kidney damage. The prolonged use of cocaine is thought to be related to the inflammation of important microstructures within this organ. Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms: Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal can occur when an individual decreases or discontinues using cocaine. As the body becomes used to having cocaine in the system, physical dependence develops, causing the brain to desire cocaine in order to function. As a person’s brain adapts to the dopamine surges related to their cocaine use, they aren’t as sensitive to them. This may lead the person to use more of the drug or use it more frequently in order to prevent uncomfortable cocaine withdrawal symptoms, which may include: Fatigue Increased appetite. Unpleasant dreams. Delayed thinking.   Addiction To Cocaine: Cocaine is a highly addictive drug, but it may be hard to recognize an addiction to it. Craving Cocaine and ignoring the consequences that come with it are signs of an addiction. The psychological addiction is often the hardest part to overcome, although there are undeniable physical symptoms of addiction as well. Someone who uses Cocaine frequently will develop a dependence on it, meaning they need to have it in order to feel normal. Once dependence has developed, a tolerance will develop and withdrawal symptoms will occur when stopping use. Once someone becomes addicted to Cocaine, it can be very hard to stop. This is because Cocaine abnormally increases the level of dopamine in the brain, eventually reprogramming the brain reward system. Cocaine And Other Drugs: Many people who experiment with Cocaine usually do so in environments where other substances are being used. For this reason, many people with a Cocaine addiction may also have a dependence on other substances, such as alcohol or Marijuana. This is known as poly-drug use and is especially dangerous, as it increases the risk of fatal overdose. Cocaine and alcohol are frequently used together, to the point where alcohol can be a trigger for recovering Cocaine users. For this reason, it is important to abstain from all drugs during recovery. Using Heroin and Cocaine together (known as a “speedball”) is arguably the most dangerous of all drug combinations that include Cocaine. Cocaine Addiction Treatment Programs: There are many addiction treatment options available to help people struggling with cocaine addiction. Treatment can take place in an inpatient or residential center that provides room and board and around-the-clock supervision and support. Outpatient treatment offers a similar range of therapeutic interventions to that of its counterpart but does not require onsite residence. Behavioural Therapies: Behavioural therapies are psychosocial treatments that address the reasons, motivations, and possible underlying psychological issues associated with a person’s substance misuse. Behavioural therapy techniques are particularly effective in helping patients affected by cocaine abuse and dependence. An example of a behavioural treatment associated with effectively promoting abstinence from cocaine use is contingency management (CM). This treatment is based on incentives (e.g. prizes or cash) for abstinence, or other positive parameters, such as improved social interactions. Another form of behavioural treatment—cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—may be used. This type of treatment addresses the reasons behind substance abuse and helps to alter maladaptive ways of thinking and acting that may be contributing to the cocaine use issue. Cocaine Detox: Drug treatment begins with detox. This process eliminates the toxins cocaine leaves behind in the body. However, it also involves withdrawal, which causes dangerous side effects. Examples of these include insomnia, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts. Therefore, enrolling in a medical detox program is the safest way to stop using cocaine. Doctors and nurses monitor vitals and provide medicines to ease pain and discomfort. Unlike alcohol and opiates, however, there are no medications that reduce cocaine cravings. The process takes five to 10 weeks, depending on cocaine use and overall health. Cocaine Rehab: Cocaine users must also continue their treatment with rehab. This provides therapy to address the behavioural, emotional, and mental side effects of cocaine addiction. Rehab

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BEST REHABILATATION CENTER IN ISLAMABAD

BEST REHABILATATION CENTER IN ISLAMABAD BENEFITS OF REHABILATATION FOR PEOPLE What is rehabilitation? Rehabilitation is care that can help you get back, keep, or improve abilities that you need for daily life. These abilities may be physical, mental, and/or cognitive (thinking and learning). You may have lost them because of a disease or injury, or as a side effect from a medical treatment. Role of rehabilitation centre: Rehabilitation helps to minimize or slow down the disabling effects of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes by equipping people with self-management strategies and the assistive products they require, or by addressing pain or other complications. Rehabilitation centres are designed to help “restore some or all of a patient’s physical, sensory and mental capabilities that were lost due to injury, illness or disease”. Many doctors will prescribe rehabilitation services after a patient has suffered through an amputation, neurological issues, a variety of orthopaedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke or other traumatic brain injuries. Patients can be treated in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. This normally depends on the severity of their injury or illness. A patient who has suffered a stroke, for example will be treated within the hospital by therapists before being discharged and prescribed outpatient therapy. Stroke patients are also treated under more than one rehabilitation discipline. This means that they will see not only a licensed physical therapist but in many cases, an occupational and speech therapist as well. New Hope Rehab Centre in Islamabad is an exclusive, alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility which offers special care and attention to their clients. New Hope Rehab is located in Islamabad, and it works on the principals of dual diagnosis treatment. Here we believe in treating addiction with a holistic approach by incorporating Psychological, Medical and Wellbeing Treatments. We focus on different aspects of Spirit, Mind and Body which makes the road to recovery easy and decrease the chances of relapse. DETOXIFICATION: The first step within Drug and Alcohol addiction rehab is always Detoxification, it is important to cleanse the body of all addictive substances before continuing forward. Individuals with alcohol use disorder or any drug addiction problem tend to suffer from mild to severe withdrawal symptoms within the first few hours or days of quitting, these include shaking, seizure, hallucination, nausea, and vomiting. In order to manage these complications medications are often introduced by a professional. There are consistent medical and physical check-ups of the patients and their vitals are checked regularly. The clients are provided with full support in their daily activities as some of the symptoms during Detox can hinder their ability to do daily tasks. They are also given the utmost attention and care while they are going through the detox process. Span of our services include rehabilitation, counselling, after service relapse prevention, psychotherapy and psychiatric counselling. Our clinic operates on a 24 hour basis depending on the requirements and expected number of patients incoming at our premises. Our staff is highly trained to facilitate the patients with every way they can they include doctors, nurses, paramedical staff as well as therapists who are helping on a daily basis all the patients to recover from their issues. COMPONENTS OF BEST REHAB CENTER: 1 – Individualized Treatment Plans: Different patients have different needs when it comes to treating mental health and addiction. One single treatment plan cannot be applied to everyone with an expectation of acceptable success rates. Instead, personal attention must be paid to each individual, considering their situation, needs, sensibilities, and circumstances. Once a treatment plan is customized, the likelihood of success is much higher. 2 – Specialized Services: Other co-occurring conditions frequently accompany addiction. These can include bipolar disorder, sex addiction, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or anxiety. When such a situation exists, it’s important to find a facility that can treat both the addiction and the co-occurring condition. 3 – Qualified Therapists You Can Trust: Research has shown that therapists who can bond with their clients through empathy instead of confrontation tend to be more successful. The rehab centre’s staff must be fully trained, qualified, and licensed experts within their respective fields. They must utilize industry-leading methodologies known to have the greatest rate of success. 4 – Individual and Group Therapies: Individual therapy sessions are where the greatest breakthroughs and steps forward can happen. A good drug rehab centre should offer two individual therapy sessions per week. Studies have indicated that participation in support groups can complement individual sessions. After treatment, support groups such as alcoholics anonymous or narcotics anonymous can be vital to getting and staying healthy. 5 – After Care Treatment: Reintegration into your normal life following a stay at a drug rehab center can be fraught with difficulties and pitfalls. A comprehensive aftercare program will help to make that transition easier and help you remain on track. A good aftercare service should include tools to help patients cope with reintroduction into society, help them look for and apply for employment opportunities, or pursue their education. It should also encompass family counseling to assist those struggling with a loved one’s drug abuse and their return home. While this is by no means meant to be a complete and comprehensive list of the positive attributes that a good treatment center may have, hopefully, it will assist you in taking the first steps to identify the right program that will help you on your journey to a healthy and drug-free life. The Primary Stages of Physical Rehabilitation: The Recovery Stage: The Repair Stage The Strength Stage The Function Stage EXPERIENCE IN NEW HOPE REHAB AND CARING CENTER Rehabilitation is a unique journey. You arrive with individual needs, goals and expectations and progress at your own speed, learning new skills and strategies to overcome personal challenges.  Team is there to guide you and provide care and treatment to help you rebuild your life. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Asking a staff member for assistance when you need to get in or