Mind The boss Mental disorders Suicidal mania sexual dysfunction

Mind - The boss

Face is the mirror of the inner heart/feelings. But, now, in this egoistic world, people try to use their face as a mask for covering their tension/depression/anxiety. As in a fashion parade, they keep smiling artificially in spite of their stress levels. But the façade cannot be maintained when their stress levels go out of control. Further, one can sink with psychological complaints at any time with respect to changes in health status, behaviour, environment, happenings and biochemistry of the brain. No one can forecast mind or mood. A simple conflict may bring problems like irritability, impatience, restlessness, brooding, anxiety, depression, grief, fear, delusion, etc. (with or without crying). Some suffer silently and some show rage. In the initial stages, sleep can calm one’s mind, but no one can predict when it would get fogged or flare up again. To rule out these problems, one should take care and root out all predisposing and precipitating factors. Health means complete harmony of body and mind. There is an intimate relation between mind and body. Physical changes or symptoms can change one’s mind and, likewise, mood changes or mental illness can affect physical health. For example: Moods may vary and cause depression during periods or menopause (because of hormonal imbalance) in women Physical illness i.e. tumours, cancer, AIDS or any other major life-threatening disease can cause depression Anaemic patients will have loss of interest, concentration and depression Hypertensive patients can be short-tempered and get angry soon or often Cosmetic illnesses like leucoderma or psoriasis or even recurrent pimples can cause low self-esteem Mental tension can cause irritable bowel syndrome, mouth ulcers, peptic ulcers, etc. Depression or tension or anxiety in adults can also cause loss of sexual derives including impotency, premature ejaculation, lack of orgasm, etc. These examples all point that good physique can keep you in good mood and vice versa. Finally, a man who has hope can live better than one who doesn’t. Until the discovery of antibiotics, the medicine world presumed that mind and body were one and the same. But now it has separated soul (mind) from the body. When we separate disease as physical illness and mental illness and treat them accordingly, it means that we are concentrating on disease and not on the man. Here one should be aware that when 10 persons drink the same contaminated water and if only 2-3 suffer, how one can blame bacteria or virus alone as the causative factor. There must be something beyond that i.e., our immunity, susceptibility, etc. Advanced medical science ignored research in this aspect and got deviated deep into the study of diseases in man instead of studying man in the midst of diseases. Like other diseases, mind disorders are also common, i.e. one in three might have suffered from one or other complaint in their lifetime. Some persons may manage the condition by themselves while some others may feel disabled and need support. Some disorders are transient, some disorders can persist and be treated and while some others may last a lifetime and not respond to any treatment. Among all, anxiety disorders are more prevalent in this tension-filled world. At least 10-20 per cent people suffer from it. Among them, most people ignore them and do not take any treatment. Further, if circumstances are not favourable continuously, with more tension and fear, the sufferer may sink into depression or panic disorders. In general, any emotional stress can cause mental fatigue, tensed feelings and sleeplessness which, in turn, can cause physical fatigue and tiredness or exhaustion. Further emotional upsets with loss, grief after missing dear ones, getting cheated, etc., make them very sad and dejected. In course of time, they may develop fear, anxiety, tension, lack of confidence, etc. Slowly, they will lose hope and feel as if they have been singled out. Under these circumstances, unless they receive support, they may react differently to environments: for example, it could lead to delirium, reacting violently to kill oneself or others, etc. With mind disorders, every person reacts differently to situations. They need to be advised/counselled/treated accordingly. For example, some may raise a great hue and cry for even a small thorn prick or injections but some would go for injections (multivitamin injections) voluntarily and often keep themselves energetic. Here, they tolerate pain voluntarily. This represents the mental state of the person. Further, someone would remain scared always that he might have a heart attack even after doing all sorts of investigations and it being diagnosed as simple gastritis. Likewise, some others would neglect heart attack as simple gastritis. Both are not normal and they both will face complications because of their mindset. Here, the first one needs to rely on doctor’s words to lead a happy life and the second one needs to approach a doctor to have proper care and medication. For any illness of the mind, accepting change is the easiest way than medicines to lead a comfortable life. Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery Today is a gift – Live it happily without any tension  Mental disorders Mental disorders can arise from various sources and with a combination of various factors. For all mental illnesses, stress, tension, fear and anxiety usually come as foundation stones. It can also arise from birth with or without changes in brain tissues (due to development delays or for unknown reasons). Mental disorders can be identified with two types of reactions. A normal reaction to abnormal events An abnormal reaction to normal events In course of time, both these reactions can cause more and more difference in mind to react differently, i.e., some may getdepressed with mental fatigue and some other may react violently with anger – reacting differently to first reaction can fade or go off slowly even without treatment (according to nature, adaptability of person and future environment/situations) whereas for the second one, it will usually flare up to an explosive situation unless properly cared for, consoled, counselled or treated. One’s personality is influenced by thoughts, characters, behaviours, nature of bringing up and reactions to environment across situations and time. Further, feelings also differ from person to person according to their current status/circumstances. Normally, one can be observed as abnormal when many others’ decision conflicts with his view. That’s why many researchers/inventors are often shunned as mad during their initial days. Unless otherwise they attest their findings with results, they might not get recognition for their high intellect and will remain as ‘mad’ in others’ point of view. So, abnormal (?) mind is often identified because of reacting differently from others, and conflicting with the majority. Psychiatric medicine has recently gained much importance in this tension-filled world. Labelling someone as mad just because he goes to a psychiatrist is old-fashioned. Taking counselling is very common now as everyone accepts it as a need for a consoling word or a shoulder to lean upon for having support during their period of suffering. Counselling should be done by a knowledgeable person or otherwise the sufferer may feel worse after the counselling. Mind disorders can be seen in all age groups, irrespective of sex. Following are a few common mind disorders which crop up in children. Mind disorders in children Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - a developmental disorder characterised by distraction, inability to concentrate due to hyperactivity and sudden impulsive behaviour. Autism – is actually a syndrome where there are collection of disorders with lack of understanding, communication, social interaction and repetitive behaviour. Learning disorders - disorders related to listening, reading, writing, speaking and calculating ability. Mental retardation - a developmental disability with lack of daily living skills because of slow down or low intellectual functioning. Phobias – are intensified abnormal persistent fear of something which is unreasonable. For example, getting terrified of darkness, height or tall buildings, lifts, escalators, cockroaches, etc. Homesickness - is the distress caused by a feeling of longing with an actual or anticipated separation from home or parents. In course of time, it will be accompanied by anxiety and depression. It is commonly anticipated in children studying in hostel or youth studying or working in unfamiliar environments. Nightmare – getting distress with frightening dreams (with frequent awakenings) Homeopathic approach – In dealing with children, children-friendly Homeopathy is matchless in efficiency. It treats everyone as a different individual and treats them according to their symptom presentations, constitutional make-up (mental and physical) and feelings. Homeopathy can support mind disorders in children to build attention, concentration, confidence, etc., by supporting the nerves and brain. Homeopathy stands tall with its classical individualisation and treatment. Homeopathy can help the brain in storing / sharing / interpreting things in memory. Homeopathy can act as an adjuvant and offer better stability for mind with emotional support. For any mind disorders, treatment should be availed of as early as possible or otherwise improvement will be very poor. Homeopathic remedies commonly used for Phobias - Aspen, Arg Nit, Ars alb, Gels, Mimulus, Nux vom, Stramoninum, etc. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder / Autism / Learning disorders and Mental retardation – Baryta carb, Calc carb, Chestnut bud, Clematis, Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroidinum, etc. Dullness & depression – Baryta carb, Calc carb, Gentian, Horn beam, etc. Hopelessness & lack of self-confidence – Ambra grisea, Lachesis, Larch, Nat mur, Gorse, etc. Homesickness – Acid phos, Capsicum, Ignatia, Gels, Nux vom, Puls, etc. These medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a Qualified Homeopath. Mind disorders in adolescents Mental disorders-2 Life may be a rollercoaster ride on many occasions, i.e., sometimes one may be very happy and sometimes feel confused and sad. Even though mental disorders can arise in all age groups, mostly it starts during adolescence because of various changes in lifestyle and a lot of expectations. If they cannot cope with circumstances and changes, they will suffer from anxiety disorders or depression. The most common cause for mind disorders are losing an affectionate person, lack of love, love failure or sexual abuse. Family problems, financial problems and parent’s interference in ambition/choosing a career or profession/love matter may add pressure to the mind of adolescents to cause serious emotional problems. Common mind disorders arising in adolescent age group are Anxiety Disorders – Anxiety is an unpleasant emotional feeling triggered by anticipation or fear for future events with memories of past events. Stress Disorders – are also anxiety-related disorders which develop after an unusual event or a psychological trauma – There are two types - Acute stress response and Chronic or severe - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Anorexia Nervosa – losing appetite or interest for foods with anxiety disorder in adolescent females. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - is also an anxiety disorder where sufferer has uncontrollable, unreasonable, persistent and disturbing thoughts which compel him to do a particular activity repeatedly – for example, repeated hand washing with fear of germs remaining in the hands, aversion to sex fearing sexually-transmitted diseases, opening and closing the door repeatedly to check he has locked it perfectly, etc. Depression (two categories - Unipolar and Bipolar) o   Unipolar Depression - is a kind of mental illness where the patient is sad with lack of interest in things that were once pleasurable. o   Bipolar Depression – depression characterised by extreme fluctuations in moods, i.e., sometimes very dull and sleepy and at other times very irritable and violent with sleeplessness. Suicidal Mania – persistent and intentional thinking of killing self. Schizoid Personality Disorder – refers to constant or persistent withdrawal from social relationships/functions/joyous occasions with lack of self-confidence and interest. Delusion – condition of recurrent/persistent thought/belief which is really false, for example, thinks that everyone is talking about him in a wrong way. Schizophrenia – a chronic complex mental disorder where sufferer experiences disorganised speech and behaviour with delusions and hallucinations. Hypochondriasis – a kind of health anxiety disorder where there is excessive fear of having a serious medical illness (in spite of no medical evidence to support the presence of serious health problem or even after testing all parameters). Panic Disorders – one may become panicky if they experience unreasonable intensified fear along with anxiety. They will have sudden accelerated or irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, breathlessness, dizziness, sweating, etc., and lose control of himself. Agoraphobia – fear of remaining in unavoidable situations (from which escape might be very difficult) – for example, if he happens to go out, fears that a tall building may fall on him; an accident may occur, etc. Quite simply, they may fear to go outside or be in open, public places. Aversion to Marriage or Sex – with fear of sexual performance/pain/failure. Signs and symptoms   Sadness / hopelessness / worthless feeling Loss of concentration / interest / low self-esteem Irritability / anger / restlessness with loss of sleep Extreme sensitivity – will take silly things very seriously Fatigue / vague pains Suicidal thoughts and withdrawal from friends and family Nightmare – getting distress with frightening dreams (with frequent awakenings from sleep) Going for addictions with alcohol / smoking / drugs Fear about loyalty / faithfulness To cope with the situation Divert your mind – Keep yourself always busy or be with your friends or relatives Avoid sitting alone and thinking too much – i.e., be engaged always - if necessary, change of place may also be useful. Never, ever give up hope Do some charity work in person – You will realise your importance in this world Homeopathic approach - Counselling and medical treatment can be helpful to recover from mind disorders. Every person reacts differently to situations. They need to be advised / counselled accordingly or otherwise it can flare up the complaint. Homeopathy treats everyone as a different individual and treats them according to their symptom presentations, constitutional make-up (mental and physical) and feelings. Homeopathy stands high here with its classic individualisation and treatment with out any side-effects. Homeopathy is very safe and free from all sorts of harmful side-effects since it is given in very minute doses. Finally, one should be aware that “A bend in the road is not the end of the road... unless you fail to make the turn.” Further, there is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you.So, share it with a friend or parent or well-wisher or doctor to get advised. Remember, pain may be inevitable sometimes but suffering continuously is only optional. Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end. So be hopeful - It’s your world – enjoy and live it. Suicidal mania Suicide is the intentional killing of oneself. Suicidal mania is one of the most severe medical conditions where one has the elevated mood to kill oneself with depression or delusions. One who wants to commit suicide usually thinks he/she is no way worthy and with depression always looks at the darker side of life. They weep, pray, think they are not fit for this world and plunge into the deep gloom and despair. To combat the world of thorns, they commonly choose suicide by going for an overdose of sedative/poisonous medicines/substances or pesticides. Sometimes, they may also choose violent options too, like falling from great heights, cutting or injuring themselves with knives or guns or resorting to hanging themselves. As said by the World Health Organization, more than one million people commit suicide every year. It is also one of the leading causes of death among teenagers and adults under the age of 35. Suicidal thoughts may occur for a number of reasons - most common causes or concerns are with development of anxiety related to money, job, love and health. For example, depression, grief after losing a loved one or affectionate person, sleep problems, emotional stress, anxiety, financial loss or difficulties, insecurity, shame, guilt, desperation, physical pain or any life-threatening illness, unable to fulfil the desire of one’s self or others’, rewind or repeat feeling of past worst incidents or other undesirable situations, etc. Sufferers are mostly deprived, widow, divorcee, lonely persons, etc. Symptoms - For suicidal maniac persons, life seems a burden so they desire death. Every opportunity will be sought for self-destruction. Further, they hate life/love with hopelessness dislike to speak or to be spoken to brood constantly over imaginary troubles worry over trifles with impulsive thoughts of suicide are restless of mind and body with sleeplessness lack concentration, are confused and forgetful are irritable and impulsive tired and become easily fatigued with body pain suffer from tremors have dry mouth and are thirsty report empty feeling in stomach/feel discomfort in upper abdomen have aversion to foods or drink suffer chest pain and breathlessness have palpitations with sweating and sinking feeling develop depression/fear/mania after prolonged suffering have impotency or loss of sexual passion Prevention and self care Be Open-minded and share your feelings and expectations with well-wishers or those who are concerned about you Be busy with work or job to forget all sorts of thoughts Accept Fate and try to overcome it - Life begins with acceptance. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising up every time we fall. Feasibility and limit your expectations Support of well-wishers to overcome sinking feeling Avoid Loneliness and thoughts Racing against time and fear with negative thoughts Circumstances which favour anxiety or depression To cope up the situation If necessary, change of place may be useful Never, ever give up your hope since “A man who has hope can live better than one who doesn’t have it” Do some charity work in person – You can realise your importance in this world Finally, one should realise that without trying to solve the problems but seeking an end can give a start of sufferings to others (near and dears). So, one needs to think rationally and needs to go for psychological counselling if he happens to develop such a feeling. He should also be aware that “A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.” Further, there is no agony like bearing an untold story inside of you. So, share it with friend or parent or well-wisher or doctor to get advised. Remember, pain may be inevitable sometimes but suffering continuously is only optional. Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new and pleasant end. So, be hopeful -It’s your world – enjoy and live it.  Counselling - is the first line of treatment in all psychological disorders – suicidal tendency is no way an exception. Medicines can control thoughts but anyhow psychological counselling is a must. Counselling differs in time and approach with each patient, according to their presentation and intensity of the complaint. Counselling also needs to play the right tune at the right time to comfort the sufferer or otherwise, negative impact will often follow. Counselling should be in such a way that it builds self-confidence, self-esteem and self-support. On probing the mind, grabbing the secrecy, soothing the anxiety, quieting the mind, relaxing the tension, any doctor can cure anxiety disorders even without medicines. The doctor can study all facets of the sufferer and help him/her by offering insights to root out the suffering. Here, patient cooperation is more essential than any other. Further, it is the onus of bystanders to care for the sufferer since they are with the continuous feeling of intolerable existence and great temptation for suicide. General treatment – Apt and timely treatment usually helps in safeguarding one’s life and to live peacefully. Since suicidal tendency is a very serious disorder, immediate attention and management with counselling and drugs is very essential (sometimes hospitalisation may be required). In general, unless situation or circumstances favour, psychiatric drugs may need to be continued for one’s lifetime where one may need to live with its side-effects too. But their usage in controlling one’s reaction with suppressing thoughts and saving life from suicide is remarkable. Homeopathic approach – Homeopathy revolutionised the medicine world by considering mental symptoms as the most important. Homeopathy treats the patient as a whole (on mental and physical plane altogether) with symptoms’ similarity. It always gives more importance to patient’s subjective feelings and sensations and for their betterment. Altogether, Homoeopathy can provide cure/better relief from all sorts of mental changes without any side-effects. Further, with Homeopathy treatment, one can regain and retain normalcy even after quitting treatment. For getting complete cure, one should avail of treatment at the earliest or during the start-up of the complaint itself. The Homeopath usually probes the patient’s mind to find the mental make-up and constitution/temperament of a person to probe the core of the case. One must express one’s feelings precisely and clearly to the doctor without hiding. Homeopathy can treat the sufferer exemplarily to face boldly the unexpected and to have and enjoy all the fantasies of the world. Homeopathic medicines commonly used in suicidal tendency are Aconite, Arg nit, Arnica, Ars alb, Aurum met, Bryonia, Caladium, Cal carb, Cannabis indica, Capsicum, Clematis, Gelsemium, Helleborus, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Iodium, Kali brom, Lachesis, Lycopodium, Medorrhinum, Merc sol, Naja, Nat mur, Nux vom, Opium, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Sepia, Silicea, Staphysagria, Stramonium, Tarantula, etc. Bach’s flower remedies like Aspen, Mimulus, Red chestnut, Vervain, etc., can also provide amazing results for persistent thoughts. These medicines can facilitate one’s mind in a better way to cope with the situation. It is better to have these medicines under the advice and diagnosis of a Qualified Homeopath. Mental disorders and sexual dysfunction Mental disorders can cause sexual dysfunction because of deviated mind or lack of interest/concentration. Further, lack of satisfaction and interest in sex will make anyone stay away from it in future. Even though sexual dysfunction can occur in any one at any time, it is more common in depressed men or women. It may be because of emotional stress/disease or the side-effects of antidepressants. In males, Mind disorders can cause Erectile dysfunction (ED) – inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse and ends up without any satisfaction to himself or his partner Premature ejaculation (PME) - discharge of semen with minimal sexual stimulation before or during or shortly after penetration Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) - persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to, or absence of, or avoidance of all genital sexual contact with sexual partner Hyper sexuality in males - Satyriasis – meant for abnormal, extreme and frequent sexual activities with constant craving or urge. It can be because of mind disorders or because of drugs/alcohol or sexual addiction In females, Female sexual dysfunctions (pain during sexual activity, difficulty in getting penetration, lack of interest in sex or inability to attain orgasm, etc.) are often caused by fear of pain and bleeding (during first day of sex) or hormonal imbalance (especially due to low level of oestrogen) and during menopausal with or without dryness of vagina. Sexual aversion disorder or sexual arousal disorder - refers to the lack of sexual passion or desire with persistent or recurrent inability of a woman to achieve or maintain an adequate lubrication in vagina (swelling response) during sexual activity. Vaginismus - occurs when the muscles around the outer third of the vagina contract involuntarily when vaginal penetration is attempted during sexual intercourse. Lack of libido (mood and interest) with no orgasm – This is often seen in depressed women and with the prescription of scheduled sex during ovulation in the treatment plan for infertility. Hyper sexuality in females - Nymphomania - refers to abnormal, extreme and frequent craving for sexual activities with sexual addictions. To suppress the feelings, they may often go for cold baths at erratic times. Homeopathic approach – For sexual dysfunction in psychological patients, treatment should not be just aimed at sexual passion, but should also be concentrated on their mental illnesses with counselling. Homeopathy is a wonder of scientific application and not a magical prescription. Homeopathy treats the person’s mind and physique on the whole to provide dramatic relief. Individualisation is the specialty of Homeopathy. There are many wonderful drugs for mental illness and sexual weakness or dysfunctions. Homeopathy can quarantine the progress of the disease and can cure the situation in due course without any recurrences. As the main message of this article, don't be depressed or fearful or feel hopeless. A hopeful heart always keeps you happy. Be optimistic. Be cheerful. To recapture your sexual passion, don't go for booster drugs, since they last only for a few minutes and create dependency. Homeopathy never acts as a booster. But it works to make a person normal or revive the active normal state. It will blend perfection, pleasure and happiness in one’s life. Homeopathic medicines commonly used in cases of sexual dysfunctions are Acid phos, Acid picric, Agnus castus, Arg nit, Avena sativa, Caladium, Cantharis, Conium, Damiana, Gelsemium, Kali brom, Lycopodium, Moschus, Nat mur, Nuphar luteum, Nux vom, Onosmodium, Pulsatilla, Sabal serrulata, Selenium, Sepia, Staphysagria, Titanium, Yohimbinum, Zinc met, etc. These medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis of a qualified Homoeopath. When the Homeopath approaches the case by analysing the cause, and psychological counselling, Homeopathy can reassure complete recovery. for new hope Dr. S. Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo) Laxmi Homeo Clinic 24 E. New Mahalipatti Road Madurai, TN 625 001 India Tel:  +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011 (Mob) Fax: +91-452-233-0196 E-mail:  drcheena@yahoo.com www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in (Disclaimer - The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for any health problem or medical condition.)

Autonomic Dysfunction Problems With Neuropathy

Today's post from healthline.com (see link below) is especially helpful for those neuropathy patients who have been diagnosed with autonomic neuropathy but aren't quite sure what that is and what's going on inside their bodies. It takes a good look at the whole autonomic system; how it works and how it can go wrong. It may raise more questions than answers and may require a certain amount of Googling to explain medical terms but it's worth the effort.

Autonomic Dysfunction
Written by Christine Case-Lo
Medically Reviewed on May 21, 2013 by George Krucik, MD, MBA

Overview

Your autonomic nervous system is made up of nerves that control those “automatic” things you need to do to survive. A few of those necessary things include blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion of your food. Autonomic dysfunction or dysautonomia refers to problems with this autonomic nervous system.

What Is Autonomic Dysfunction?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls several basic bodily functions. These include heart rate, body temperature, breathing rate, digestion, and many other systems as well. You don’t have to consciously think about these systems in order for them to work. The ANS provides the connection between your brain and your internal organs. For instance, it connects to the heart, liver, sweat glands, and even the interior muscles of your eye.

The ANS is made up of two subsystems: the sympathetic autonomic nervous system (SANS) and the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system (PANS). Most organs have nerves from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

The SANS usually stimulates organs. For instance, it increases heart rate and blood pressure when necessary. The PANS, on the other hand usually slows down bodily processes. For example, it reduces heart rate and blood pressure. There are certainly exceptions. Digestion and urination, for instance are stimulated by the PANS and slowed by the SANS.

The general responsibility of the SANS is to trigger emergency responses when required. These “fight or flight” responses get you ready to respond to stressful situations. The PANS, on the other hand, conserves your energy and restores tissues for ordinary functions.

Problems with the ANS can range from mild to life threatening. Sometimes only one part of the nervous system is affected. In other cases, the entire ANS is affected. Some conditions are temporary and can be reversed, while others are chronic and will continue to worsen over time. Diseases such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease can cause irregularities with the ANS. Problems with ANS regulation often involve organ failure, or the failure of the nerves to transmit a necessary signal.

Symptoms of Autonomic Dysfunction

Effects of autonomic dysfunction can include just a small part of the ANS, or the entire ANS. Some symptoms that may indicate the presence of an autonomic nerve disorder include:

dizziness and fainting upon standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
inability to alter heart rate with exercise (exercise intolerance)
sweating abnormalities, which could alternately be too much sweat or insufficient sweat
digestion difficulties due to slow digestion. Resulting symptoms could include loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea or constipation, and difficulty swallowing.
urinary problems. These can include difficulty starting urination, incontinence, and incomplete emptying of the bladder
sexual problems. In men, this could be difficulty with ejaculation and/or maintaining an erection. In women, this could be vaginal dryness and/or difficulty with orgasm
vision problems. This could be blurry vision, or the failure of the pupils to react quickly enough to changes in light.

Any or all of these symptoms may be present, and effects may be mild to severe.

Orthostatic hypotension or orthostatic intolerance (a milder form of orthostatic hypotension) are two of the most common conditions resulting from ANS disorders. Orthostatic intolerance, which results in low blood pressure on standing, causes alarming symptoms. These include lightheadedness, fainting, and heart palpitations.

Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms, such as tremor and muscle weakness, may also result from certain forms of autonomic dysfunction.

Autonomic Dysfunction Conditions

Certain types of autonomic dysfunction can be very sudden and severe, yet also reversible. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disease affecting nerves of the ANS. It has a rapid onset of symptoms, including muscle weakness, tingling, and paralysis. However, most functions affected by this condition can be regained over time.

Primary forms of dysautonomia are conditions that can result in general autonomic failure. The systems associated with the ANS nerves no longer work effectively when general autonomic failure occurs. Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a progressive deterioration of the ANS. MSA affects all ANS-associated functions and causes orthostatic hypotension and Parkinson’s-like symptoms. Onset is usually in adults over 50.

Other primary forms of dysautonomia include:

hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN). This is a group of related genetic disorders that cause widespread nerve dysfunction in children and young adults. Familial dysautonomia is in this group of diseases.
autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks a particular set of ANS nerve cells.
Holmes-Adie syndrome. This condition mostly affects the nerves controlling the muscles of the eye, causing vision problems.
neutrally mediated syncope. This affects regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, causing episodes of fainting.

Other dysautonomias can result from disease or damage to the body. Autonomic neuropathy refers to damage to nerves from certain medications, injury, or disease. Diseases causing this neuropathy include bacterial infections, alcoholism, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Parkinson’s disease causes orthostatic hypotension and other ANS failure symptoms.

Treatment of Autonomic Dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction is treated by addressing the symptoms of whatever form of dysfunction you are experiencing. Orthostatic hypotension, for instance, can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Symptoms can respond to elevating the head of the bed you sleep in, drinking enough fluids, and compression stockings to prevent blood pooling in your legs. Medications like midodrine are also used for treating autonomic dysfunction.

Treating underlying conditions like alcoholism, diabetes, or Parkinson’s may help alleviate the progression of ANS dysfunction. Damage is difficult to cure. More severe symptoms may be addressed with the help of physical therapy. Walking aides, feeding tubes, and other methods may be used for bypassing damaged internal systems.

Prognosis for Autonomic Dysfunction

Damage to the nerves of the autonomic system is often not reversible. Some illnesses like Guillain-Barre may see significant recovery. Orthostatic hypotension responds to treatment, but there is an increased risk of stroke due to the sudden blood pressure changes. More general and severe conditions, such as multiple system atrophy, might have a life expectancy of six to ten years (Mayo Clinic, 2011).

http://www.healthline.com/health/autonomic-dysfunction