Anxiety attacks

Panic attacks, eg sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure, dizziness, breathlessness. Pins and needles, headaches, irritability, poor concentration, forgetfulness, over-alertness, jumpy, fears collapse or death, avoids trigger situations, sleeplessness, constant tiredness.

Drugs commonly used:

Diazepam/Valium; Buspirone/Buspar; Zopiclone/Zimovane; Chlordiazepoxide/Librium; Lorazepam/Ativan

Side Effects:

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, stomach upsets, skin rashes, low mood, apathy, dis-inhibition. These drugs are usually prescribed for a short time only, as they are likely to cause withdrawal/addiction problems if used for longer than eight weeks

Bi-polar disorder (Manic depression)

Becomes extremely excitable, over-active, overly talkative, euphoria, impulsive, self important, impatient, irritable, sleeplessness, irrational beliefs, may give away money or possessions for a time. Followed by a marked swing into a depressive phase before returning to a more usual stable mood.

Drugs commonly used:

Lithium Carbonate or Citrate/Priadel or Litarex or Camcolit; Carbamazapine/Tegretol; Sodium Valproate/Epilim; Valporoate; Semisodium (Depakote); Olanzapine (Zyprexa); Risperidone(Risperdal); Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Side Effects:

Sweating, headaches, dry mouth/eyes, weight gain, gastric upsets, thirst, nausea (can become toxic without adequate fluids), tremors, skin rashes, light sensitivity, dizziness, drowsiness. Confusion, agitation and visual disturbances.

Depression

Sleep problems (eg early wakening, broken sleep), negativity, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, loss of humour, low self esteem, poor appetite, self neglect (eg personal hygiene), low energy, worried about health, tearful, withdrawn, apathetic, nightmares. Some people may become angry, irritable and feel victimized. Post Natal Depression often occurs about 6 months after the birth; at times it can be quite severe and require time in hospital.

Drugs commonly used:

Paroxetine/Seroxat; Venlafaxine/Efexor; Lofepramine/Gamanil; Citalopram/Cipramil; Sertraline/Lustral; Dothiepin/Prothiaden; Fluoxetine (Prozac); Mirtazapine (Zispin)

Side Effects:

Nausea, headaches, constipation, difficulty or frequency in urinating, sweating, tremors, skin rashes, weight gain, dizziness, sleeplessness, nervousness, nightmares, agitation.

Eating distress

Eating brings on feelings of anxiety, guilt, fear of being fat. Some people will avoid eating, some will vomit after eating, others will become obsessed with eating particular foods. Other symptoms include sleep problems, avoiding mealtimes, weight loss, over-eating, fascination with food/cooking/ diets, over-activity, irregular/ missed periods, low blood sugar, bad teeth, digestive problems.

Drugs commonly used:

Paroxetine/Seroxat; Fluoxetine/Prozac

Side Effects:

Dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, stomach upsets, tremors, sensitivity to light, dizziness, drowsiness. Nausea, headaches, stomach problems, dry mouth, nervousness, sleeplessness.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Washing/cleaning excessively, fears contamination/harm to self or others. Anxiety increases if stopped from performing rituals, constantly thinking about the same thing, sense of guilt/shame, low self esteem, can become depressed if OCD takes over their life.

Drugs commonly used:

Clomipramine/Anafranil; Fluvoxamine/Faverin; Paroxetine/Seroxat

Side Effects:

Nausea, headaches, constipation, difficulty or frequency in urinating, sweating, tremors, skin rashes, weight gain, dizziness, sleeplessness, nervousness, nightmares, agitation.

Personality Disorder

Long term presentation of behaviour which makes it difficult for a person to (for example) work, learn from past experiences, or to sustain relationships. May be suspicious, jealous, impulsive, paranoid, mistrustful, phobic, fear being alone or being controlled, leading to manipulative or dependent behaviour. There may be difficulty in expressing negative feelings maturely, mood may alter quickly. Vulnerability to substance abuse, which may be a way to block out painful thoughts or feelings; or self-harm, as a way of relieving emotional pain.

Drugs commonly used:

Any drugs used will be to treat episodes of depression, anxiety, sleep problems etc. Long term therapy has been found to significantly help people with less severe disorders.

Schizophrenia

Hears voices, can see, smell or feel things, has irrational beliefs/fears. Refuses food, sleep, company, going out, watching TV. Uses coded or odd language. Withdrawn, low energy, anxiety, self neglect, no awareness of own behaviour. Tends to sleep during day and active at night

Drugs commonly used:

Risperidone/Risperdal; Chlorpromazine/Largactil; Trifluoperazine/Stelazine; Olanzapine/Zyprexa; Clozapine/Zaponex; Flupenxithol/Depixol; Amisulpiride/Solian; Quetiapine/Seroquel

Side Effects:

Dry mouth/eyes, low blood pressure, constipation, irregular periods, impotence, muscular stiffness, restlessness, drowsiness, shaky hands, weight gain, emotional flatness, inability to think clearly and quickly, sensitive to light. If you are concerned about any side effects of medication affecting the person you look after, contact their GP (family doctor), Mental Health Nurse or Consultant.

If you are concerned about any side effects of medication affecting the person you look after, contact their GP (family doctor), Mental Health Nurse or Consultant.