We all encounter anxiety at some time or other. Anxiety may serve as an alert signal warning us of external /internal threats and consequently act as a prompt to take appropriate action. When anxiety is very severe and present even when there is no threat of any kind, then it interferes with our functioning and can become an illness. In this circumstance, anxiety becomes a disorder characterised by an unpleasant emotion with feelings of fear, threat and impending danger and can be associated with numerous bodily symptoms like breathlessness, trembling, tightness in throat, dry mouth, racing heart and nausea/vomiting. There are varieties of anxiety disorders like panic attacks, phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety, post-traumatic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Anxiety can often be associated with a depressive episode. Anxiety disorders are very common and if unrecognised and untreated, can cause severe disability.

Depression is a mood disorder. Emotional states like sadness, ‘feeling blue’ or tearfulness are part of normal human experience. Clinical depression is called Major Depression and is characterised by the presence for at least two weeks of symptoms such as depressed mood, diminished interest and pleasure in most activities, change in appetite and weight (these can be increased or decreased) sleep disturbance, fatigue, bodily symptoms (headache, backache etc) poor concentration, feelings of anxiousness, worthlessness, hopelessness, guilt, and suicidal ideation. It is a common disorder and about 10-20 % of the population in New Zealand will suffer from depression during their lifetime.

There are several types of memory problems people can have. If you are referred because of memory concerns it is very helpful to bring along a family member. It is also very important to bring all of your medications with you as these can often affect memory. You are likely to have blood tests looking for some causes of memory loss and depending on your history you may be referred for a scan of your brain. Not all memory problems are due to dementia, so it's important to see a specialist who can thoroughly explore the symptoms you have.

This is a condition of gradual loss of memory and other functions of awareness or thinking such as concentration over time. There are several types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which is due to the same sort of illnesses that cause stroke. Although many people are afraid of a dementia diagnosis, there is every reason to hope for a good quality of life whilst living with dementia with the right support and treatment. It is important to know early whether you have dementia. The earlier a dementia is diagnosed, the easier it is to find solutions and plan for the future.