Parks Therapy Centre
86 Cambridge Street
St Neots, Cambs, PE19 1PJ

Tel: 01480 394715 Fax: 0870 0519230

E-Mail physio@parksphysiotherapy.co.uk

Copyright Parks Therapy Centre 2008

Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Stress & Anxiety

Anxiety, stress and depression are the most common mental health problems seen in general practice. Anxiety has an impact on normal functioning within society; work productivity and health care costs.

The most common disorders are:

  • Generalised anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

When the emotions are experienced persistently or intensely, they can alter the chemical balance of the body and adversely affect the health of a person. Stress induced hormones and neurotransmitters are released which alter the balance of the body and manifest as clinical, physical symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Altered blood flow to the visceral organs
  • Increased heart rate and respiratory rate

The symptoms experienced by the patient can be diverse and life changing and only a few are mentioned here:

  • Migraine
  • Tension Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Palpitations
  • Visceral pain:
    • Irritable bowel syndrome
    • Infertility
    • Diverticulitis
    • Endometriosis

Traditionally these are treated with pharmacological intervention such as:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Analgesics
  • Anti-depressants
  • Gastric acid suppressants
  • Beta blockers

At Parks Therapy Centre, practitioners will undertake a full detailed assessment to uncover the source of the stress related illness in order to direct clients to the most appropriate intervention. The emphasis within the Practice is on a multi-disciplinary management of the patient in order to:

  • Restore balance
  • Reduce stress inducing chemicals
  • Improve well being
  • Restore confidence
  • Empower the patients own recovery

Within Chinese Medicine the physical symptoms and emotional status cannot be separated. The symptoms of stress and anxiety help the practitioner to diagnose the underlying causes and adjust the intervention to address the cause. This may include:

  • Acupuncture intervention
  • Herbal medicine
  • Hypnosis
  • Pain management
  • Psychological management

The assessment will reveal the correct course of action and intervention to offer patients the most effective treatment for their condition.

It may require input from all avenues or merely one but this will be discussed between patient and practitioner and the best course of intervention chosen.

Depression

Depression is used to describe a variety of ailments, ranging from minor to incapacitating. Clinically diagnosed depression is a serious condition characterised by:

  • Depressed mood
  • Somatic
  • Cognitive
  • Motivation disorders
  • Impairment of social and occupational functioning

Individuals suffering from clinically depressed states often report symptoms such as:

  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Helpless
  • Despairing
  • Numbness

Depression may vary from mild sadness to complete physical and mental hopelessness. Clinical depression is defined according to specific criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

Unipolar and Bipolar Disorders

Unipolar results in only the depressed dimension of mood and do not include periods of above average mood.

Bipolar Disorder results in both depressed and manic or hypomanic episodes.

Practitioners at Parks will assess and determine the suitable course of treatment that is based upon clinical research and evidence of effectiveness implemented reliably by an appropriately trained practitioner. It will not be standardised, as all patients are different and unique so is the treatment intervention tailored to the patients needs. The interventions at Parks offer substantial promise in the treatment of these conditions, offering another dimension and approach especially where medication is contra-indicated or has failed to help, it may enhance psychotherapy, pharmacology whilst minimising unwanted side effects.

The aim is to help people move across the healing spectrum from cure to care, to enlighten and empower.