The thyroid gland plays a huge role in human life. It produces hormones that play a key role in the metabolism and activity of the brain and directly affect health. Symptoms of work problems thyroid gland rather fuzzy and blurry, but if you have replaced the signals described below, be sure to go to an endocrinologist and check your health.
Sleep changes
If before you had no problems with sleep, and then you suddenly began to suffer from insomnia, then this may signal possible problems in the thyroid gland. If the level of certain hormones in the body exceeds the norm, then this leads to overexcitation of the central nervous system... A similar situation causes insomnia and other situations with a violation of the quality and duration of sleep. It is responsible for the control over these hormones thyroid.
On the other hand, if you sleep enough hours, but at the same time you still feel sleepy and tired, this may also indicate a similar problem, however, in this case, the amount of hormones in the body is not higher, but, on the contrary, lower than the norm, which leads to similar consequences.
Unreasonable worry
If you have not previously complained of causeless anxiety, but suddenly began to suffer from a similar problem, this may indicate an overactive thyroid gland. Excessive production of hormones, as mentioned earlier, leads to overexcitation of the central nervous system, which causes anxiety or even panic, which appear for no apparent reason. These hormones also affect brain activity, which also has negative consequences.
Bowel changes
Frequent bowel movements may indicate a low thyroid level. The hormones that this gland produces are also responsible for digestion processes, in particular, affect the speed of the intestines. If you have replaced changes in the digestive process, but there is no poisoning or other similar reasons, then you need to see an endocrinologist.
Hair loss
Hair loss, especially if it happens on your eyebrows, directly indicates possible problems and violations in this area. Over or under activity of the thyroid gland affects hair growth. The fact is that our hair grows unevenly, while some of the bulbs are in the sleep or rest stage. Hormonal disturbances lead to the fact that the number of bulbs that are in the resting stage increases, which causes a decrease in the amount of hair on the head, eyebrows, etc.
Unreasonable sweating
If you sweat due to high temperature exercising, stressful situations, then this is quite normal, however, if you continue to sweat, and there is no reason for this, then most likely it is a hormonal disorder that is involved. It is the thyroid gland that regulates the body's production of heat energy. Excessive activity increases metabolism, which leads to overheating of the body, and this, in turn, makes you sweat.
Unreasonable weight gain
If you feel that your jeans are too small for you, but you are 100% sure that you have not changed your eating habits or regimen physical activity then it also serves as a specific signal. Low hormone production leads to the fact that the metabolism slows down and calories are burned much more slowly, which leads to unexpected weight gain.
Unreasonable weight loss
On the other hand, if you suddenly fit into smaller clothes, while, again, did not change your diet and did not introduce additional physical activity, this indicates the opposite interruptions in the work of the thyroid gland. In this case, more hormones are produced, which speeds up the metabolism. At the same time, people often argue that in such situations their appetite increases, they eat more, but they do not gain weight, but even, on the contrary, lose it.
Confusion of thinking
If your thyroid gland is working intermittently, then your brain begins to work as well. People suffering from insufficient hormone production often complain of confusion, memory problems, forgetfulness, etc. This can also be indicated by general mental apathy and fatigue. If the production of hormones is high, then this can lead to the fact that it is difficult for a person to focus on one thing, and his attention is constantly scattered.
Excessive activity (as if you drank 5 cups of coffee)
An overactive thyroid gland significantly increases the concentration of hormones in the body. In this case, people are accompanied by a feeling reminiscent of when a person consumes a lot of caffeine. Often, in this case, you can observe a rapid heartbeat, even in those moments when a person is just lying down and resting.
Afternoon nap
Sleepiness and fatigue at lunchtime and the urge to take a nap may also indicate this problem... If the activity of the gland is low, then the production of hormones is not enough for the right level activity and energy throughout the day. This is why you feel tired and sleepy.
Disorders of the female cycle
If your critical days more painful or more frequent, you can blame hormonal disorders... Do not forget to contact a specialist while doing this.
Failure to conceive and miscarriages
Women who cannot get pregnant and who have a miscarriage for early dates pregnancy must be checked by an endocrinologist.
Low hormone levels affect ovulation, which can lead to pregnancy problems and miscarriages. It will help to improve the situation correct treatment, in particular with the use of hormones in the form of medications.
Developmental problems in children
Such problems are even more dangerous in children, since they cannot detect these symptoms and report them to adults. If you notice that your child is falling behind in physical development in comparison with peers, suffers from muscle pain or he constantly walks absent-mindedly and finds it difficult to focus, this may indicate low level hormones in the body. This is what causes child development problems.
How are thyroid problems treated?
Both high and low activity of the thyroid gland are easy enough to eliminate. For this, the endocrinologist prescribes special drugs that help to normalize the situation and restore the body's work.
Self-treatment and search for funds on the Internet not only will not solve the problem, but may also lead to more serious consequences... That is why you need to contact only a professional for help and not try to solve problems on your own.
Currently, there are several theories that distinguish the stages burnout.
J. Greenberg suggests considering burnout as a five-step progressive process.
The first stage of burnout("Honeymoon"). The employee is usually satisfied with the work and tasks and treats them with enthusiasm. However, as work stresses continue professional activity starts to bring everything less fun and the worker becomes less energetic.
Second stage("Lack of fuel"). Fatigue, apathy appear, and sleep problems may occur. In the absence of additional motivation and incentives, the employee loses interest in his work or the attractiveness of work in this organization and the productivity of his activities disappear. Possible violations labor discipline and detachment (distancing) from professional duties. In the case of high motivation, the employee can continue to burn by feeding on internal resources, but to the detriment of their health.
Third stage (chronic symptoms). Excessive work without rest, especially "workaholics", leads to such physical phenomena, as exhaustion and susceptibility to diseases, as well as to psychological experiences - chronic irritability, heightened anger or feelings of depression, "cornered." Constant feeling of lack of time (manager syndrome).
Stage four(a crisis). Typically develop chronic diseases, as a result of which a person partially or completely loses his ability to work. Feelings of dissatisfaction with their own efficiency and quality of life intensify.
The fifth stage of emotional burnout("Breaking through the wall"). Physical and psychological problems go to acute form and can provoke development dangerous diseases, life-threatening person. The employee has so many problems that his career is in jeopardy.
Dynamic model B. Perlman and E. A. Hartman represents the four stages of burnout.
First stage- the tension associated with additional efforts to adapt to situational work requirements. The two most likely types of situations are causing this tension. First, the skills and abilities of the employee are insufficient to meet the status-role and professional requirements. Second, the job may not meet his expectations, needs, or values. Both situations create a contradiction between the subject and the work environment, which triggers the process of emotional burnout.
Second stage accompanied by strong sensations and experiences of stress. Many stressful situations may not cause appropriate experiences, since there is a constructive assessment of their capabilities and the perceived requirements of the work situation. The movement from the first stage of emotional burnout to the second depends on the resources of the individual and on the status-role and organizational variables.
Third stage accompanied by the reactions of the main three classes (physiological, affective-cognitive, behavioral) in individual variations.
Stage four represents burnout as a multifaceted experience of chronic psychological stress... Being negative consequence psychological stress, the experience of burnout manifests itself as physical, emotional exhaustion, as an experience of subjective ill-being - a certain physical or psychological discomfort. The fourth stage is figuratively comparable to the "decay of combustion" in the absence of the necessary fuel.
According to models by M. Burish (Burisch, 1994), the development of burnout syndrome goes through a number of stages. First, there are significant energy costs - a consequence of an extremely high positive attitude towards the performance of professional activities.
As the syndrome develops, a feeling of fatigue appears, which is gradually replaced by disappointment, a decrease in interest in their work. However, it should be noted that the development of emotional burnout is individual and is determined by differences in the emotional-motivational sphere, as well as the conditions in which a person's professional activity takes place.
In the development of burnout syndrome, M. Burish distinguishes next stages or phase.
1. Preventive phase
a) Excessive participation:
- excessive activity;
- rejection of needs not related to work, displacement from consciousness of experiences of failures and disappointments;
- limiting social contacts.
b) Exhaustion:
- feeling tired;
- insomnia;
- the threat of accidents.
2. Decrease in the level of own participation
a) In relation to employees, patients:
- loss of positive perception of colleagues;
- transition from assistance to supervision and control;
- attributing blame for their own failures to others;
- the dominance of stereotypes in behavior towards employees, patients is a manifestation of an inhuman approach to people.
b) In relation to the rest of the environment:
- lack of empathy;
- indifference;
- cynical assessments.
c) In relation to professional activity:
- unwillingness to fulfill their duties;
- artificial extension of breaks in work, being late, leaving work ahead of time;
- an emphasis on the material aspect with a simultaneous dissatisfaction with work.
d) Increasing requirements:
- loss of a life ideal, concentration on one's own needs;
- feeling the experience that other people are using you;
- envy.
3. Emotional reactions
a) Depression:
- constant feelings of guilt, decreased self-esteem;
- unfounded fears, lability of mood, apathy.
b) Aggression:
- defensive attitudes, blaming others, ignoring one's participation in failures;
- lack of tolerance and ability to compromise;
- suspicion, conflicts with the environment.
4. Phase of destructive behavior
a) Sphere of intelligence:
- decreased concentration of attention, lack of ability to complete complex tasks;
- rigidity of thinking, lack of imagination.
b) Motivational sphere:
- lack of own initiative;
- decrease in the efficiency of activities;
- performing tasks strictly according to the instructions.
c) Emotional and social sphere:
- indifference, avoidance of informal contacts;
- lack of participation in the lives of other people or excessive attachment to a particular person;
- avoiding work-related topics;
- self-sufficiency, loneliness, rejection of a hobby, boredom.
5. Psychosomatic reactions and decreased immunity;
- inability to relax in free time;
- insomnia, sexual dysfunctions;
- increased pressure, tachycardia, headaches;
- back pain, indigestion;
- addiction to nicotine, caffeine, alcohol.
6. Disappointment and negative attitudes;
Nikki fidgets in her chair, trying to solve an arithmetic problem. His eyes wander around the classroom, and his foot is tapping out the rhythm of a song he once heard on the radio. Finally, he breaks down and begins to beat this rhythm with a pencil on the table. Then the object of his "musical exercises" becomes the head in front of the sitting boy: Nikki tries to repeat the obsessive rhythm on it. Another moment - and both fall to the floor in a fierce fight.
Nikki has been overly active and mobile since infancy. He sometimes becomes explosive and even aggressive, jumping up and down, yelling and destroying school property. The boy's behavior is affected by his extraordinary activity - a symptom of a disorder in which it is difficult for children to concentrate, keeping their attention on something for a long time. Children like Nikki are characterized by excessive mobility, poor control over the expression of feelings and a constant desire to attract the attention of others.
Excessive activity is not yet a mental disorder. However, sometimes it is accompanied by serious delays in emotional, mental, intellectual development. This behavior is often stressful and can lead to overexcitement. Excessive activity is observed in 5-8% of boys and about 1% of girls - primary school students.
Children who are too active often have difficulty completing school assignments, as it is difficult for them to concentrate and sit still. These children usually become the subject of special care of parents and teachers. In one study of children aimed at medical clinic about their excessive activity, it was found that in 50% of cases, the school environment was the cause of bad or inappropriate behavior of children.
Completely reasons increased activity schoolchildren have not yet been clarified, but quite definite judgments are expressed about many cases. In particular, the opinion of experts is quite stable regarding such reasons as damage to the central nervous system (due to injuries, etc.), genetic influences. Some researchers cite food, temperament of children, encouragement or reinforcement of unacceptable behavior as the reason. But, as usual, simple answers to difficult questions does not exist at all. This also applies to the problem of excessive activity of schoolchildren. Most likely, it should be about the interaction of many factors that give rise to such behavior.
However, ignorance of the whole complex of reasons does not mean at all that there are no ways to prevent the excessive activity of children. Today, a variety of methods and prevention of treatment of such ailments are used. Some medications (such as Ritalin) have a calming effect on hyperactive children. These medications help children to focus better in their lessons, make fewer mistakes when completing assignments, and focus on an activity. True, many parents, teachers and doctors are concerned about the appearance of adverse reactions to the use of sedatives, about which very little is known. For this reason, the more common treatment for hyperactive children is a diet that is free of sugar, artificial spices and nutritional supplements... Good results are obtained by constant and tactful monitoring of the child's behavior by parents and teachers, as well as purely external moments, such as the soothing soft blue lighting in in public places... These and similar methods can help reduce activity levels somewhat, allowing children to improve their school performance and behavior in the classroom, at home and on the street. Of course, there is no single treatment. Perhaps the best approach here is a systematic approach, when specialists use several methods of treatment at the same time.
In principle, overly active children generally have good prospects. Many of them graduate from high school, some then go to college, and most find permanent jobs.
Disorders Specialist eating behavior Lauren Malheim lays out the scientific evidence for excessive physical activity. How does it manifest in anorexia, bulimia, or muscle dysmorphia? What are its risks and what to do if you suspect that you or someone close to you are characterized by an unhealthy passion for sports - read this article.
What is excessive physical activity?
Talking about bad habits in an eating disorder, most people will mention artificial vomiting, but exercise is usually not considered by anyone. Those who practice diligently are often praised for their discipline, people admire them. strong motivation... However, when physical activity becomes excessive, it can lead to serious consequences.
In one of the largest studies on excessive physical activity, it was described as follows:
Physical activity that interferes with other important activities.
Training more than 3 hours a day.
Negative emotions if the training did not take place.
Frequent training at inappropriate times and in inappropriate places, inability or insufficient attempts to restrain oneself.
Exercise despite injury, illness, or complication.
Animal studies have shown that eating disorders can trigger excessive physical activity. For example, when scientists limited the nutrition of rats, leaving Free access to the running wheel, the rats began to run vigorously. Amazingly, when given food, these rats preferred to keep running. If left unchecked, they literally drove themselves to death.
These rats showed the same behavior as the patients. anorexia nervosa who starve themselves. It would seem logical that starving rats (and humans) should become less active, but no.
In children with anorexia nervosa, dietary restriction is usually accompanied by increased activity. They cannot sit still, spin and often run aimlessly. They do not express a conscious intent to burn calories like older teens and adults.
Thus, excessive physical activity or playing sports is, apparently, a biologically inherent desire, which is provoked by an energy imbalance with restriction of nutrition.
Physical activity for anorexia nervosa
Hyperactivity is a common, intriguing, and well-described symptom of anorexia nervosa. It was noticed back in 1873 by the French physician Ernest Charles Lasegue, who was one of the first to describe this disorder. Lasegue noted that patients with anorexia showed high level activity that seemingly did not match their inadequate nutrition:
“Against the background of a decrease in muscle strength, there is an increasing tendency to move. The patient feels lighter and more active, rides on horseback (the French text mentions "long walks"), visits and receives guests, he retains the ability to take part in the exhausting events of social life without experiencing the fatigue he would complain about in other situations. " (Lasegue, 1873: 266)
In one study, excessive exercise was common in 37-54% of patients with anorexia nervosa (depending on the subtype). Patients may underestimate the amount of time spent on physical activity, making it difficult for doctors and others involved in treatment to adequately assess the situation.
Patients usually describe sports as a compulsive activity. They keep training, ignoring the signs of fatigue, feeling unwell and lack of energy. Here is what one of the patients who participated in the study said:
“Before I started treatment, I could only sit down while eating, the rest of the time I felt that I did not deserve a rest. I was so restless that I just could not relax ... I have a feeling that something is forcing me to train ... "
Exercise in anorexia nervosa is associated with younger patients and anxiety-inducing temperament. obsessions and perfectionism.
Physical activity for bulimia nervosa
Excessive physical activity is listed in the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual mental disorders"(DSM-III-R) from 1987 among diagnostic criteria bulimia nervosa. The current 5th Edition of the Handbook (DSM-5) indicates that compensatory behavior occurs in bulimia nervosa, which may include vomiting, and short-term fasting, the use of laxatives and diuretics, sports.
Excessive physical activity is a common compensatory behavior. In one study, excessive exercise was common in 20-24% of patients with bulimia nervosa.
Physical activity for muscle dysmorphia
Excessive physical activity - frequent symptom muscle dysmorphia, a relatively new disease that primarily affects bodybuilders. According to some researchers, this disorder is a form of anorexia nervosa in patients with gender identity, which is characterized by masculinity in the more traditional sense. In accordance with modern diagnostics the disease is classified as a type of bodily dysmorphic disorder with an eating disorder.
For patients with muscle dysmorphia, a persistent belief is characteristic that they have insufficiently developed muscles. They take action to build muscle, including extreme training and eating a growth-promoting diet. muscle mass(often with a lot of protein). Sometimes sufferers use muscle growth supplements and steroids. 71% of men with muscle dysmorphia abuse weightlifting and 64% abuse the gym.
Risks of excessive physical activity
Among the risks are electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, muscular atrophy, injury and sudden death... Patients with anorexia tend to have weak bones, so in general they are more prone to fracture; physical stress due to overtraining increases this risk.
Abuse physical exercise among patients with anorexia nervosa is associated with more long treatment in the hospital and more frequent relapses. Excessive physical activity is also associated with more high risk suicide.
Too zealous exercise immediately after discharge from the hospital suggests an imminent relapse of the disease. Exercise can reinforce beliefs that keep people trapped in an eating disorder and hinder weight gain when it is the goal of treatment.
For these and other reasons, doctors generally recommend that people with eating disorders stop exercising before a period of sustained remission.
How do you know if training is harmful?
Determining whether physical activity is excessive can be difficult, especially for athletes. The main feature excessive training is not so much in the amount of physical activity as in motivation and attitude towards it: If training has become an obsessive habit, a way of influencing the figure or weight, and skipping training causes guilt, this indicates an unhealthy attitude.
An elite athlete may exercise more than an eating disorder patient, but the sufferer's training may be over-exercised when the athlete treats them differently, his attitude is not a problem, and does not over-exercise.
It should also be noted that eating disorders are more common in athletes than in other people, especially in sports where slimness is important. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the condition of athletes who have anxiety symptoms.
If you notice them in yourself or a loved one, you may need to seek help!
If you or someone you care about has signs of excessive physical activity and / or an eating disorder, eating disorder therapy, including psychotherapy, can help manage both problems. Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy that helps change both behavior and its underlying beliefs about sports, can help bring about moderation and balance.
Translation of the original article - Marina Nestrugina, IntuEat Center for Intuitive Nutrition ©
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