Caring For Elderly

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Drugs, particularly recreational ones, have a nasty reputation for causing mood swings and hallucinations. Most of the drugs that are popular among users and addicts today are especially prized or formulated for their specific effects. Unfortunately, these very same effects could also become uncontrolled, creating unpleasant physical, mental and emotional stress. Often, these emotions can be either extremely positive or extremely negative. Depending on the amount of drugs that enters the body and the person’s own physiological reactions to it, mood swings can be prolonged and intense.

Drugs that can cause mood swings
There are several types of drugs that lead to mood swings. These are:

Cocaine
Cocaine was a drug that soared in popularity in the 80s and 90s. It is a known stimulant that may be dissolved and taken through an IV, although it is commonly inhaled. Cocaine, like its derivative crack, produces a feeling of intense euphoria, which makes it very popular with users. It can quickly stimulate the central nervous system, increasing energy and confidence and reducing inhibition.

The problem with cocaine is that once the initial effects wear off, the negative effects begin. This is then replaced by depression, guilt, anxiety and nervousness, exactly the opposite of the emotions it produces initially.

Inhalants
Inhalants frequently come in the form of adhesives such as glues, gasoline, aerosol propellants, spray paints and cleaning liquids. Although safe in small quantities and if used as indicated, inhalants may be abused.

Inhalants produce a ‘high’ but this is only temporary. Unless a new ‘hit’ is taken, the user could begin to suffer from negative emotions, leading to mood swings.

Amphetamines
Amphetamines were the drug of choice for nearly two decades starting in the 1950s. It was actually a prescription drug, used to treat mild depression, fatigue and obesity. The only problem is that amphetamines can lead to addiction, which has now severely limited its use today.

Over-the-counter drugs that have amphetamine-like effects are frequently being abused by some users. Because of its stimulant effects, it helps keep people awake and alert. It can also suppress the appetite, making it the drug of choice of people who want to lose weight.

The problem is that amphetamines are also drugs that cause mood swings. People who use them frequently exhibit insomnia, restlessness and irritability. In some cases, it can even cause tremors.

LSD
LSD or lysergic acid diethylamide is a synthetic substance, a drug that was made popular in the 60s and 70s. It is a hallucinogenic drug, capable of changing the user’s perception of reality. It is so strong that it can work even in very small doses.

Like most drugs, LSD can also lead to mood swings. Although its initial effects are mainly producing hallucinations, it can create confusion and anxiety in users.

There are also other naturally-occurring drugs that function in similar ways to LSD. Peyote, for example, contains mescaline, while certain types of mushrooms contain psilocybin. These ingredients both produce hallucinations, which made them very popular for use by people practicing certain religious rituals.

Although both substances are quite effective, they are not as potent as LSD, which is 200 times more potent than psilocybin and around 4,000 times more powerful than mescaline.

Antidepressants
Antidepressants are prescription drugs that change the levels of neurotransmitters in the body, including norepinephrine and serotonin. Antidepressants include monoamine oxidase inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics. Although quite effective, these drugs do have side effects, including mood swings.

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It’s normal for people to go through different emotions throughout the day. However, for people who suffer from conditions that cause mood swings, it can be problematic. It not only upsets their normal day-to-day functions, it also affects their social and personal relationships. Fortunately, mood swings can be managed and if you experience them frequently, you do have ways of dealing with them. Here’s how:

Determine the cause of your mood swings.
Mood swings can be a symptom of another condition. To deal with it properly, make sure you know exactly what causes it. If its depression, for example, you might want to seek professional help. If it’s caused by food or lifestyle, you will have to make some conscious changes in order to manage your mood properly.

Seek professional help.
If your mood swings are frequent and already affect your life and that of your family terribly, it would be a good idea to go and see your doctor. He could give you a proper diagnosis, find the true cause of your mood swings and prescribe the correct treatment. This could include therapy or medication or a combination of both.

Get sufficient information.
You’re less likely to allow your mood swings to go out of control if you understand how and why it happens. If you have been diagnosed with a condition that leads to mood swings, find out what you can about it. You’re more likely to know how to handle your condition if you understand what causes it than if it remains a mystery to you.

Consider activities that help you feel focused.
If your mood swings are caused by emotional or mental issues, consider spending time on activities that help relax and keep you focused. A favorite pastime or hobby could help you calm down. People who suffer from conditions such as mood swings and depression are frequently encouraged to focus their energies on sports and creative pursuits. These activities not only keep your mind busy, it also helps you take control of how you react to certain situations.

Talk to your family and friends.
If your mood swings occur more often and you’re undergoing therapy or medications, you will need all the support you can get. Discuss your condition with your family and friends. Other than you, they are the ones who are likely to be affected by your condition.

When you’re dealing with mood swings, there will be certain changes in your behavior and your life. Don’t let this affect your personal relationships. Let your family and friends know what you’re going through. If they understand what it is that causes you to behave in a certain manner, they will be less likely to be offended or confused. They could also offer invaluable emotional support, something you will find important while you’re trying to recover.

Follow the doctor’s prescription.
There really is no reason for you to suffer unnecessarily from mood swings. That is why it’s important that you follow the course of therapy or medication prescribed to you. If you are told to avoid certain activities or food, for example, you will have to follow it carefully.

Certain small sacrifices will have to be made but you’ll be glad to know that most of the time, these are temporary. If you’re dealing with mood swings, be ready for its challenges. Some days it can be tough and on some days it can be nearly impossible but it is still manageable.

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Mood swings, also known as phase mood changes, may have natural or unnatural causes. Receiving good and bad news at the same moment certainly warrants a mood swing. But there are also times when a person experiences mood swings for no apparent reason. When this happens, you might want to consult a physician about it as such mood swings could be a symptom of a more serious problem.

Possible Mood Swing Causes
Before approaching your physician, you can review the possible causes below and see if any of them may have brought about your mood swings.

Menstruation and Menopause
Some women have all the luck. They go through menstruation each month and menopause in the latter stages of their lives without ever suffering pain or discomfort. Others are not as fortunate and these women are the ones prone to suffer from mood swings.

Menstruation and menopause cause hormonal changes in our bodies and these changes could mess up the way we think and feel at the moment. Mood swings could be a result. Certainly, the pain that comes with menstruation and menopause can also cause mood swings. At the early part of the day, you could be extremely happy but once your period comes, your mood could instantly change and you become irritable and overly sensitive.

Mood swings during these stages may frequently occur but even so, they’re entirely natural and as such you shouldn’t be too worried about it. To regulate their frequency, try doing what you can to alleviate the pain caused by other symptoms of menstruation and menopause. Do that and the frequency of your mood swings will consequently go down.

Puberty
Growing up is a painful but necessary change in life. This is especially true as kids hit their teenage years. For women, the changes are more visible: their bodies develop curves that once weren’t there. They also start experiencing menstruation, which is painful in itself. Their voices change and even their skins could change, making them more acne prone among other things. Add all these up and it’s fairly easy to understand why adolescents become prone to mood swings.

Bipolar Depression
In this case, mood swings are merely a symptom of a more prevalent condition. Bipolar depression is vastly underestimated by many. It is a serious condition that when left untreated can lead to graver complications.

The best way to know if one is suffering from bipolar depression is to obtain a professional diagnosis.

ADHD
ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is certainly not something to scoff at either. True enough, it is not in any way life-threatening but if the affected individual is left to cope with his condition without professional help and support, he will find it extremely difficult to achieve certain things in life – things that may come naturally to other people who aren’t suffering from ADHD.

And because he doesn’t understand the cause of his inadequacies, he could be prone to mood swings. There is no cure for ADHD but there are ways to help affected individuals lead a normal lifestyle.

Stress
Last but not the least, problems in your life can easily lead you to suffer from mood swings. The best way to prevent mood swings in this case is to solve your problems instead of running away from it.

Whatever the cause of your mood swing, you’ll find it easier to prevent them from occurring again if you have the care and support of your loved ones.

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Alzheimer’s is a dreaded disease, primarily because it is irreversible and tends to progress gradually. Although it is more common among people in their senior years, it can also affect people in their 40s and 50s. There are even some patients who are still in their 30s. Alzheimer’s is a problematic disease because it is characterized by a decline in perception, language skills, memory and physical functions. It can also lead to mood swings, something that does not only affect the individual himself but also the people around them.

Growing older
Contrary to what some people believe, Alzheimer’s Disease is not really the result of aging. However, people who age are at a higher risk of developing it. Already, around 10% of the people over 65 living in the U.S. have Alzheimer’s and half of those who are 85 years old and older may already have the disease.

Mood swings in Alzheimer’s
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience some very difficult mental, emotional and even physical challenges. Although gradual, the onset of the disease may appear as memory loss and a decline in certain cognitive abilities. In its early stages, the symptoms could appear mild. However, over time the disease progresses and patients may begin suffering more intense and more prolonged bouts in mood swings.

The reason behind this can be attributed to the feelings of frustration and agitation that patients with Alzheimer’s experience as a result of the symptoms they begin to suffer from. For example, a patient trying to remember a simple thing – someone’s name, his home address, a task that used to be automatic – can cause him to feel anger and annoyance.

As the disease progresses, so will the incidences and the severity of the symptoms. The result: mood swings.

Treating mood swings in people with Alzheimer’s
If a person suffers from Alzheimer’s, mood swings are to be expected. However, there are ways to help a patient manage these symptoms. A few steps you can take:

Scheduling
People with Alzheimer’s have to struggle constantly with forgetfulness and the strong emotions that come as a result. Difficult tasks, for example, such as those that involve multiple physical and mental efforts, are frequently the cause of mood swings. Instead of allowing the patient to suffer from frustration and agitation, it would be helpful to schedule these tasks during the time of day when the person is most calm and in a good mood.

Routine
For people who have Alzheimer’s, having established routines can be very helpful. This will help eliminate confusion and predictability, two factors that often lead to mood swings. The more familiar the tasks are to the person, the easier they will be to perform.

Flexibility
The most basic functions in a person with Alzheimer’s can decline steadily over time. Abilities can even change on a daily basis. Caregivers should allow flexibility into the routine and adapt new or other tasks and activities if necessary.

Simplicity
One of the causes of mood swings among those who have Alzheimer’s is their struggle with the complexity of tasks or activities. It would help if tasks are simplified and choices are limited. Having too many choices can make it difficult for an Alzheimer’s sufferer to decide. By reducing the number of things or actions a person has to choose from or perform, a patient wouldn’t have to think too hard or too long, which helps prevent feelings of agitation.

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