Anxiety disorder

Choose a cognitive or mental health illness.
What is it? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated?
How does it differ from a physical or "visible" illness?
Address the following for your chosen diagnosis.
Historical
Socioeconomic impact
Political issues or impact
Educational needs
Topographical findings
Geographical impact
Cultural impact
Include interdisciplinary interventions for this disease.
Discuss the impact of a patient's value systems on management of this disease.
Address the following health-care practices:
Acute versus preventive care
Barriers to health care
Impact of pain and the sick role
Cultural practices
Identify challenges related to:
Learning styles
Autonomy
Educational preparation
Disease management

Full Answer Section

  Depression is often treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can help to improve your mood and your energy levels. Therapy can help you to understand your depression and to develop coping skills.
  • How does it differ from a physical or "visible" illness?
Depression is a mental health disorder, not a physical illness. This means that it does not have any obvious physical symptoms, such as a rash or a fever. Depression can be difficult to diagnose because it can manifest itself in different ways in different people. Some people with depression may experience sadness, while others may experience anger or anxiety. Some people may have difficulty sleeping, while others may sleep too much.
  • Historical
Depression has been recognized as a medical condition for centuries. The earliest known description of depression is found in the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical text that was written around 1550 BC. The papyrus describes a condition called "wekhat," which is characterized by sadness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In the Middle Ages, depression was often thought to be caused by demonic possession. However, in the 17th century, the English physician Thomas Willis proposed that depression was a physical illness caused by an imbalance of the humors. This theory was widely accepted for many years. In the 20th century, there was a growing understanding that depression is a mental health disorder. In 1955, the first medication for depression, imipramine, was approved by the FDA. This medication revolutionized the treatment of depression and made it possible for many people to get relief from their symptoms.
  • Socioeconomic impact
Depression has a significant socioeconomic impact. It is estimated that depression costs the US economy $210 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Depression is also a leading cause of disability.
  • Political issues or impact
Depression is a global health problem. It is estimated that 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression. However, access to treatment for depression is limited in many parts of the world. This is due to a number of factors, including poverty, lack of education, and stigma associated with mental illness.
  • Educational needs
There is a need for more education about depression in schools and in the community. People need to be aware of the symptoms of depression and the importance of seeking treatment. There is also a need for more education about the stigma associated with mental illness.
  • Topographical findings
There are no specific topographical findings associated with depression. However, some studies have shown that people with depression are more likely to live in urban areas. This is likely due to a number of factors, including poverty, stress, and lack of access to healthcare.
  • Geographical impact
Depression is a global health problem. However, it is more common in some parts of the world than in others. For example, depression is more common in low-income countries and in countries with high rates of poverty and inequality.
  • Cultural impact
Depression is a universal human experience. However, the way that depression is expressed and experienced can vary across cultures. For example, in some cultures, depression may be expressed through physical symptoms, such as fatigue or loss of appetite. In other cultures, depression may be expressed through emotional symptoms, such as sadness or hopelessness.
  • Interdisciplinary interventions for this disease
Depression can be treated with a variety of interventions, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Medication can help to improve your mood and your energy levels. Therapy can help you to understand your depression and to develop coping skills. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and healthy eating, can also help to improve your mood and your overall health. In addition to these traditional interventions, there are a number of emerging interdisciplinary interventions for depression. For example, some researchers are using virtual reality to treat depression. Virtual reality can be used to create realistic simulations of environments that are known to trigger depression, such as crowded places or social situations. This can help people with depression to learn how to cope

Sample Answer

  Depression is a common mental health disorder that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
  • How is it diagnosed?
Depression is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. There is no single test for depression, but your doctor may ask you about your symptoms, your family history, and your medical history. They may also give you a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms.