Fe, ee eta 4h 76 - ‘Friday, March 21, 1986 - North Shore News DEPRESSION, ANXIETY Mental diserders affect millions EMOTIONAL disorders annually affect more Canadians than al} other health problems combined, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Twenty-five per cent of the population suffer from various forms of depression-and anxiety at some point during their lives. The CMHA estimates these disorders result in 50 per cent of all visits to physicians by Canadians. The cost of treating mental il- Iness in Canada is estimated at more than $1 million dollars a day, the CMHA reports. ANXIETY DISORDER Under the broad category of anxiety disorders, there - exists a specific class of syndromes called phobic disorders. These include agoraphobia, social phobia and simple phobia. “Between seven and 18 per cent of the American population meets the diagnostic criteria for primary anxiety disorders at any point in time. Although Canadian statistical data does not exist, we may presume that our profile is similar,’’ says Dr. Andre Villeneuve, Professor of Psychiatry at Laval University and Chief of Psychiatry at Clinique Roy Rousseau, Quebec City. PANIC ATTACKS Panic attacks seem to be trig- gered in susceptible individuals by a variety of medical or en- vironmental events. For example, the use of drugs is associated with the triggering of attacks — in par- ticular, marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines. Even excessive caffeine can in- duce new attacks in risk patients. Some studies have also provided evidence for one of the disease’s genetic components. The panic attack is a distinct, unpredictable period of acute emo- tional and physical distress that usually lasts a few minutes or less, but may persist for hours in a few rare cases. According to the definition established by the American Psychiatric Association, at least four symptoms must be present: shortness of breath, palpitation, chest discomfort, choking or smothering sensations, unsteady feelings, tingling, hot or cold flashes, sweating, faintness, trembling, feelings of unreality, fears of loss of control and fears of dying or going crazy. WHAT IS AGORAPHOBIA The ‘first recorded case of agoraphobia is found in Robert Burton’s 162] work, The Anatomy of Melancholy, which discusses three patients who refused to go to public places unless they were in- ebriated or accompanied by a friend. Agoraphobia originates from the Greek words agora (marketplace or place of assembly) and phobos (terror or flight). Patients suffering from panic at- tack often suspect a serious medi- cal illness as the cause, such as heart disease or multiple sclerosis, says Dr. John C. Pecknold, ‘chief of psychiatry at Montreal’s St. Mary’s Hospital. “They. insist on undergoing months of medical investigation, but unfortunately, nothing is found. As a result, they become frustrated and preoccupied with themselves. This can lead to avoidance behavior, a drop in function and self-esteem and even- tually, the development of second- ary depression."' The social and medical costs of agoraphobia and panic disorder are staggering, says Dr. Rejean’ NEWS er fan Smith Fontaine, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Montreal’s McGill University. “These people can lose their jobs and end up on social welfare. In addition, medications and alcohol might be abused and this further compounds the social pro- blems.’* WHO IS AFFLICTED Recent research suggests that anxiety disorders usually begin be- tween the ages of 15 and 30, with the average onset occurring during in the early 20s. Children are also afflicted with phobias, especially simple phobias that are related to normal developmental! fears. These include phobias with dogs, doctors and darkness. The disorder peaks between the ages of two and four and, as with adults, is more frequent among females. Most phobic adults are not phobic children. \ LETUSORCHESTRATE \ A VERY CLASSICAL . SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR YOU Relax this Sunday at the International Plaza’s Classical Sunday Brunch. Compose your own deli- cious brunch from our vast buffet and enjoy while our talented musicians play the best of the classics. Come soon to the International Plaza's Classical Sunday Brunch. The price will be music to your ears, too. Conduct yourself accordionly. THE CLASSICAL SUNDAY BRUNCH This Sunday's Feature: Rossetti Duo ne 75 per person. for Seniors and Children under 12. 3.00PM Reservations accepted for parties of 6 or more. 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