Chronic conditions such as depression and chronic pain are more common than one may think. While we all feel sad, moody or low from time to time, some people experience these feelings intensely, for long periods of time (weeks, months or even years) and sometimes without any apparent reason. This is chronic depression. Others may have pain that does not diminish or regularly returns which is defined as chronic pain. According to the CDC “more than a quarter of all Americans and two of three older Americans have multiple chronic conditions” (CDC, 2013, p. 6). These chronic conditions place older adults at risk.
Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that has an impact on both physical and mental health. The precise
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al. “national and international studies show that the prevalence of chronic pain among elderly people of the community ranges from 29.7% to 89.9%”. Chronic pain is very complex and may be caused by a number of factors. It may occur alongside conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or fibromyalgia. It may occur after an injury or trauma to the body has healed. And in some cases the cause is not known. Chronic pain is associated with changes to the nervous system (the nerves, spinal cord and brain). Throughout our lives our nervous system changes and adapts to help us learn from and deal with different experiences. This is called neuroplasticity. However, sometimes this normal process of adapting and changing becomes abnormal. It is no longer helpful. Chronic pain is an example of this. Some changes to the nervous system affect the way the brain understands the information it receives about pain, and things such as touch or movement. In such circumstances, everyday activities that should not cause pain may cause pain. Pain may be worsened by staying in one position for short periods. The affected area may be tender to light pressure, and at times to very light touch. Often this pain can spread to nearby areas or to the opposite part of the body. This is often referred to as ‘central
The pain that patients report is out of proportion to the severity of the injury. The pain gets worse, rather than better, over time. Eventually the joints become
In the article, “Sometimes Pain Is a Puzzle That Can’t Be Solved”, Abigail Zuger, the author, describes her own experiences with pain along with some examples and generalizations about the feeling. She claims that she is “ruled by (her) elbow” and “it is (her) constant companion, whimpering, and tugging at (her) sleeve.” She goes on to say that many people have the same problems, especially when drugs, “like naproxen and ibuprofen” are unhelpful and “might as well be cornflakes.” Finally, she explains how far we have advanced in the medical field, but “ none of (the) knowledge has translated into new treatments,” to help people such as herself.
I am so happy you picked pain as your ICP project. Pain, in my eyes, has always been all encompassing. It can affect sleep, ability to move around, eating, healing, breathing, mood and relationships (Shega, Tiedt, Grant, & Dale, 2014). Personally when I am in severe pain I really do not want people around and it affects every aspect of my life. To think that persistent pain affects 80% of elderly residents in nursing homes and 50% of community dwellers, and we still do not treat this properly (Veal& Peterson, 2015).
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent Fibromyalgia from forming. Fibromyalgia pain is different than any pain you may have experienced like a headache or sprained ankle. It is a specific kind of pain that is chronic, widespread, and often accompanied by tenderness. Fibromyalgia affects 2% - 4% of the population in the United States, with most being women. The word “chronic” in the definition of fibromyalgia means that the pain lasts a long time-usually at least three months or longer.
Pain The interchange of emotions and feelings within one’s self is a particularly hard thing to measure. Pain is a combatant of positive and negative change. Pain is one of the most prevalent causes of human change, and is a provoker of human deterioration. Pain has always been a major factor in healthcare.
In the past, opioids have been used to treat moderate to severe pain such as cancer or post surgery, and on a short term basis. Now they are prescribed to anyone who is experiencing chronic pain and on a long term basis. Opioids being taken for chronic pain allows everyone to have the ability to carry out their daily life easily and without pain. In light of opioids helping people manage their pain, the problem lies with what they are being prescribed for now, how long, and how much. Opioids are now being prescribed for back pain, migraines, and other small instances.
In same studies it showed that among the subjects between 25 and 74 years of age, the prevalence of knee symptoms such as pain, swelling and morning stiffness increased with age and knee pain was slightly higher among women compared to men (Hannan et al, 2000). Knee pain is very likely a health problem with tremendous health care costs, despite the lack of direct cost estimates. In 1996–1997, more than 6 million Americans sought medical care for knee problems (Peat et al
I. Depression among cultures and ethnicities can differ not only on its triggers but also on its treatment preferences; several factors are being analyzed to compare how this mental disorder is affecting Hispanic communities, particularly those of Mexican origin, in the US. A. Key Points 1. Lack of education regarding depressive disorders and their treatment options. 2.
Some patients prefer not to take pain medication because they fear addiction or may have a history of substance abuse. Educating the patients on their right to be free of pain and having their pain managed aggressively is a priority in the recovery phase. The goals that I hope to achieve during this clinical practicum
MY PRIVATE BATTLE Living with chronic illness and pain is something that isn’t easily understood by people who are not going through the same thing. Moreover, the effects of illness are an emotional and personal daily battle. All of us with Fibromyalgia are not the same!! Not one of us has the exact same symptoms. We have a lot of the same, some are worse, some are less, but no two are exactly alike!
Depression is one of the most widely diagnosed mental health issue. The National Institute of Mental Health(NIH) define depression as persistent symptoms of depressive moods that last 2 years and interfere with day to day activities. Throughout the years, medical authorities and researchers have questioned whether or not the withdrawal from antidepressants causes dependence. This is an important issue for several reasons. Firstly, antidepressants are commonly used throughout the world.
Throughout the nation and our world people are suffering from this disease. Depression effects people of both genders, all ages, and any background. The history of mental illness, specifically depression were extremely helpful in today’s treatment and diagnosis. We know that all individuals are different and because of this, we can assume that each case of mental illness, more specifically depression, is unique in its own way as well. One treatment that is very effective for one person may not be equally as effective in a similar case simply because of the differences in patients.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), 2. Relaxation Training, and 3. Biofeedback. These approaches are often used together to provide simultaneous interventions at cognitive and physical levels. Research on cognitive behavioral interventions in chronic pain involves CBT, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, or some combination of the three.
Depression can cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle your daily activities. Depression is always accompanied by sense of suffering as well as the belief that escape from it, is hopeless.
The majority of back pain results from problems in the muscoskeletal system. Regular exercise increases the strength of muscle and bone tissue, increases the blood circulation and reduces stress (Jones, 1997). Chronic low back pain is a common condition associated with disability,