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Learn About Conditions and Procedures

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a serious injury or shock to the body. It is caused by a physical force such as violence or an accident. The injury may be complicated by psychiatric, behavioral, and social factors.

It is critical to have an entire team immediately available to provide care to an injured patient 24-hours a day. This teamwork starts at the scene of the injury where a coordinated, statewide pre-hospital medical system rapidly transports the injured patient from the scene to the hospital providing the appropriate level of care according to criteria established in the statewide trauma regulations. Once at the hospital, a complete team of surgeons, emergency physicians and nurses continue the life-saving treatment.

This team approach to care of the injured patient has had a dramatic impact on saving lives.

Minimally Invasive Procedures for Massive Bleeding

Injuries take many forms. The most advanced hospitals can treat injuries with a variety of approaches that involve well-known ones, like surgery, and newer ones where minimally invasive procedures can replace some surgeries.

As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Hartford Hospital has Interventional Radiologists as part of the Trauma Team. They perform procedures such as "embolization" which is a recognized interventional radiology technique that is used to treat trauma patients with massive bleeding.

Click here to see some of the advanced interventional techniques available at Hartford Hospital.

Learn more about trauma, or search below to learn about other health conditions.

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Anxiety Disorders

(Chronic Free-Floating Anxiety)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

En Español (Spanish Version)
More InDepth Information on This Condition

Definition

Anxiety is a state of dread, tension, and unease. It is considered a normal response to stress or uncertain situations. Feeling anxious for long periods of time or at intense levels may mean that you have an anxiety disorder. You may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if the anxiety:

Occurs without an external threat (called "free-floating" anxiety)
Is excessive or unreasonable for the situation or threat
Negatively affects how you function during the day

The most common types of anxiety disorders are:

Anxiety may occur with other conditions, such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and depression.

Causes

Anxiety disorders may result from a combination of factors, such as:

Genetics
Factors in the environment

Chemical imbalances in the brain (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) may also play a role.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the risk of anxiety disorders include:

Sex: female
Family member with anxiety disorders
Stressful life events
Poor coping strategies
History of physical or psychological trauma

Symptoms

Psychological symptoms may include:

Worry or dread
Obsessive or intrusive thoughts
Sense of imminent danger or catastrophe
Fear or panic
Restlessness
Irritability
Impatience
Ambivalence (uncertainty)
Trouble concentrating

Physical symptoms may include:

Rapid heartbeat
Sweating (especially the palms)
Dry mouth
Flushing or blushing
Muscle tension
Shortness of breath
Feeling lightheaded or fainting
Difficulty sleeping
Shaking
Choking sensation
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Feeling of "butterflies" in the stomach
Sexual difficulties
Tingling sensations
Nail biting or other habitual behavior

Symptoms of Anxiety

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a psychiatric evaluation. Your doctor may also do a physical exam and order tests to look for other causes of your symptoms. You may be referred to a psychotherapist for further evaluation.

Treatment

Effective treatment usually involves a combination of interventions, including:

Get sufficient rest and sleep.
If you smoke, quit.
Reduce or eliminate caffeinated beverages.
Drink alcohol in moderation.
Avoid using drugs.
Reduce exposure to stressful environments.
Exercise regularly.

Practice deep breathing and meditation.
Learn how to do progressive muscle relaxation.
Work with a massage therapist.
Engage in pleasurable activities.
Do yoga.

Have a strong support system of family and friends.
Seek therapy to improve your coping skills.
Join a support group.

This therapy addresses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that play a role in anxiety. It helps you work through traumas and conflicts.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors. Over time, you can learn to retrain your thinking. This will help you respond better to stress and anxiety.

CBT has been very effective in children and teens.

For severe anxiety or anxiety disorder, medicines may include:

Benzodiazepines
Buspirone
Antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs])

If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

To help prevent anxiety, consider taking the following steps:

Avoid situations, occupations, and people that cause you stress.
If unavoidable, confront and overcome situations that provoke anxiety.
Find a relaxation technique that works for you. Use it regularly.
Develop and maintain a strong social support system.
Express your emotions when they happen.
Challenge irrational beliefs and thoughts that are not helpful to you.
Correct misperceptions. Ask others for their points of view.
Work with a therapist.
Avoid using nicotine or other drugs. If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

http://www.adaa.org/

Mental Health America

http://www.nmha.org/

Canadian Psychiatric Association

http://www.cpa-apc.org/

Canadian Psychological Association

http://www.cpa.ca/

Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273. Published May 22, 2009. Accessed August 27, 2012.

Generalized anxiety disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Updated May 23, 2012. Accessed July 31, 2012.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml. Accessed August 27, 2012.

12/4/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Javnbakht M, Hejazi Kenari R, Ghasemi M. Effects of yoga on depression and anxiety of women. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009;15(2):102-104.

9/12/2012 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/: Li AW, Goldsmith CA. The effects of yoga on anxiety and stress. Altern Med Rev. 2012;17(1):21-35.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Brian Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.