New study shows effect of bullying on brain chemistry

A recent study, published in Physiology & Behavior, indicates that bullying can significantly alter brain chemistry.  In the study, mice that were bullied by dominant males became particularly nervous when new mice were introduced.  According to researcher Yoav Litvin, this anxiety can have an effect on bonding, mating and parenting skills.

When the brains of the bullied mice were studied, researchers found an increased sensitivity to vasopressin, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety.  If this research holds true for humans, it could generate new worries about bullying in children.  It would mean that the anxiety triggered by bullying would have a lasting effect on socialization and personal relationships.

However, Litvin said in a statement, “Studies have shown that the formation and maintenance of positive social relationships may heal some of the damage of bullying.”  This means that, with proper therapy, the damage may be reversible.  Additionally, researchers can now use this information to look into psychopharmacological options to treat the bullying-related anxiety.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-03-bullying-brain-chemistry-anxiety.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20047829-10391704.html

New study suggests depressed Mexican-Americans are lacking proper treatment

According to a new study presented at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 70 percent of Mexican-American men were left untreated for depression.  This is significantly higher than the 25 percent rate found in non-Hispanic white males. 

There are several explanations for this difference.  Firstly, Hispanic men are diagnosed with depression at lower rates, 35 percent of the Hispanic population, versus 68 percent of non-Hispanic white men.  This could be due to the differences in cultural expression.  Secondly, Latino men may not feel comfortable admitting that they are sad because it would make them appear more vulnerable.  Additionally, they might feel that sadness and melancholy is a natural part of life and the aging process. 

Notably, the study also finds that 20 percent of Mexican-American men receiving help for their depression still showed very significant symptoms one year after beginning treatment.  Therefore, it is important for therapists to tailor their treatment to address the specific depression that occurs in Mexican-American men. 

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/health/2011/03/25/mexican-americans-likely-treated-depression-study-says/

English cricket player quits World Cup due to depression

Mike Yardy, spinner on the English cricket team, has withdrawn from the competition.  He cited “a prolonged period” of suffering from depression as the reason for his departure.  This shocked his team members, as they were unaware that anything was wrong. 

The athletic world has been shaken by Yardy's admission because the masculinity associated with sports has made mental illness somewhat taboo.  Perhaps his decision to put his mental health first will shed light on the illness and clarify the misconceptions and judgments associated with depression in athletes.

Yardy is expected to return to the sport after receiving treatment.  The right therapist, treatment and support will make the difference.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-1369759/Mike-Yardy-Depression-forces-England-spinner-quit-World-Cup.html

Overcoming the Odds

The new season of “American Idol” has introduced us to a group of diverse, talented hopefuls with both heartbreaking and inspiring personal stories. One contender, James Durbin, has particularly touched viewers.  Throughout the season, the 22-year-old has shared his struggle with Tourette and Asperger syndromes.  Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes symptoms, including involuntary movements, vocal outbursts (tics), grimacing, head or shoulder jerking, repetitive throat clearing, hopping, grunting and barking.  Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that can cause oddities of speech, obsessions and repetitive rituals.  The two syndromes are 3-4 times more likely to be found in males than females.  Dan Ackroyd, of “Ghostbusters” and “Saturday Night Live,” also lives with both conditions.

“The thing about Asperger’s,” Durbin said, “is that it’s about social awkwardness and not being able to contain yourself and being overwhelmed…”  These conditions are often misrepresented and misunderstood.

Durbin has described the difficulties the syndromes have presented throughout his life.  In a recent episode, he explained, “As I was getting older, at school people would tell me, ‘Cut that out!  Stop that!’…I always got made fun of, beat up.”  What’s clear, however, is that Durbin has not allowed his personal challenges to affect his performances.  He’s said, “Tourette’s hasn’t affected me whatsoever in my performances.  It goes away completely when I’m singing.”

His inspirational story, combined with his incredible talent, has propelled him to the top of the competition.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/american-idol-finalist-james-durbin-defies-tourette-syndrome-aspergers

How often should we take advice from our Facebook friends?

 

The latest issue of The National Psychologist (March/April 2011) features an article highlighting the psychological ramifications of social networking. 

Recent research studying electronic communication has found that 54% of teens prefer text messaging their friends instead of speaking to them in person or on the phone.  This would lead us to believe that people are lacking ordinary socialization, but 59% of Facebook users reported feeling more connected to people now and one in four Facebook users see friends face to face more than they did prior to joining the site.

Additionally, belonging to a social network like Facebook is positively correlated with online empathy but not offline empathy.  Social support is correlated more strongly with online empathy than with real-life empathy.  Notably, online empathy, real-world empathy and social support were positively correlated with spending more time with people face to face.

All of these studies indicate that people are communicating continuously and, thus, receiving a great deal of emotional support.  Facebook and Twitter are available around-the-clock and if we’re in crisis or need validation, someone is always available to offer an opinion.  As the author states, “It is like having your own therapist available 24/7.” 

The problem with this, of course, is that people are receiving advice from all outlets.  People are less inhibited in their online behavior and, consequently, may give advice that is questionable.  Therefore, it has become essential for psychotherapists to address social media during a session.  With a therapist, we must be able to wade through the negative and ill-advised comments in order to maintain healthy and helpful online socialization. 

Read the article “Is social networking really social?” in the most recent issue of The National Psychologist.

http://www.nationalpsychologist.com/

How did the American Dream turn into a nightmare?

In the most recent issue of Psychology Today (April 2011), author Lauren Sandler explores today’s growing disillusionment in the American Dream.  The article’s tagline sums it up nicely: “We have everything the American Dream prescribed.  So why aren’t we happy?” 

The American Dream, as described by Sandler, includes getting married, having children and working long hours to afford a sprawling home in the suburbs.  However, even after achieving everything that’s supposed to lead to an idyllic existence, Sandler suggests that people are not happier.  The article sites studies suggesting that Americans have become more depressed in the last 25 years, while in 19 out of 26 other countries in the world, the overall contentment levels have increased.  Married people seem to be unhappier than those who are single and people with children suffer from depression and unhappiness at higher rates than those who do not.  Additionally, that big house in the suburbs may actually be causing social isolation that leads to unhappiness.

The article states that the dissatisfaction may arise from the unrealistic expectations that come with the American Dream.  We believe that our marriages are going to be blissful, our children will be angels and the suburban lifestyle will be wonderfully satisfying.  Striving for this total perfection will inevitably lead to disappointment.  However, if we modify our expectations to something more realistic, the American Dream can become the fulfilling idea it was meant to be.

Read the article “American Nightmare” in the latest issue of Psychology Today.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/201103/the-american-nightmare