Is phone therapy effective?

By Irada Yunusova

When people think of therapy they often picture an individual lying on a couch while the therapist sits in a chair repeatedly asking, "And how did that make you feel?" However, therapy in the 21st century has taken on many different forms, including phone therapy. With telepsychology, an individual speaks to his therapist over the phone, and is able to stay in the comfort of his own home. Although some people question the efficacy of phone therapy, new research now suggests that phone therapy may be equally or even more effective than face-to-face therapy for mild and moderate disorders.

Researchers at University of Cambridge studied over 39,000 British adults who had mild to moderate depression and anxiety disorders. These individuals were treated through England's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies program, which is a national program meant to increase people's access to low-intensity, non-medical therapies. When comparing individuals who received cognitive behavioral-based therapy over the phone  to those who received it in-person, the results indicated that phone therapy for most non-severe symptoms was as effective as face-to-face therapy; in some cases it was even more effective.  

Telepsychology is also a useful tool for reaching patients who may have difficulty utilizing in-person therapy. Underserved populations in rural areas or in minority groups may have greater access to phone therapy. Additionally, the study found that phone therapy was 36 percent less expensive per session than in-person therapy, so more people may be able to seek out treatment.

For therapists considering phone therapy sessions, it is important to consider patient's confidentiality, what to do in emergency situations, and how to provide telehealth services across jurisdiction. Although this new form of treatment may create new complications, many therapists believe that the pros outweigh the cons.

References: Monitor on Psychology, January 2013.

Throwing Away Negative Thoughts

by Kristi Caporoso

It is often difficult for us to stop focusing on negative thoughts that pop into our heads, even when we don't want to dwell on them. However, research has shown that a new method--physically handling your thoughts--helps you to get a grip on them. For example, writing down your negative thoughts and then throwing them out in the trash, ripping them up, or using whatever means you use to dispose of things, can help to get them out of your mind and keep them out for some time. On the other hand, you can make your thoughts more useful by writing down important ones you have and storing them on your person. This increases the likelihood of you using them in making decisions and fulfilling tasks. Research shows that it is the physical act of disposing or keeping these thoughts that has the effect. Just imagining you are getting rid of them does not have the same effect. This tactic can be especially useful if you are experiencing frequent invasive thoughts that you are unsuccessfully trying not to dwell on. Scientists are trying to find if this method or ones similar to it can help those suffering from frequent unpleasant, bothersome thoughts.

Source: http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/11/27/want-to-get-rid-of-negative-thoughts-throw-them-away/48160.html

Multitasking lowers effectiveness, but how about your mood?

By Irada Yunusova

Most people have at one point found themselves studying for an exam and watching TV at the same time. Even though multitasking makes individuals less productive, they continue to do so. According to a recent study, habit and positive feelings cause us to multitask.

In a study at Ohio State University, 19 college students were given a cellphone-like device to report all of their activities, three times a day, for four weeks. The students then rated what needs were met by the various activities on this device, and what motivated them to do each activity. The results of this study indicated that multitasking satisfied emotional needs for the students. However, learning and thinking skills were reduced. With multitasking, a dull task felt fun, less stressful, and more doable.

Multitasking is a habit that may be inefficient, but it allows individuals to feel better while doing multiple tasks simultaneously. The trade-offs of effectiveness and positive mood encourage individuals to continue to multitask.

References: "Task Master," Web MD the Magazine. July 2012.

Supreme Court rules on benefits for same-sex marriages

By Irada Yunusova

The Supreme Court ruled today on two controversial gay marriage cases. The Supreme Court ruled on Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in California. Also, the court ruled on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prevents legally married gay couples from receiving the same federal benefits available heterosexual married couples.

This morning, the Supreme Court invalidated a provision of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. This Act prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health, and retirement benefits which are generally available to married couples. Also, the Supreme Court turned away the defenders of Proposition 8, therefore, allowing same-sex marriages to resume in California.


References:
http://longisland.news12.com/news/supreme-court-to-issue-rulings-on-defense-of-marriage-act-proposition-8-1.5569160
http://longisland.news12.com/news/supreme-court-strikes-down-federal-marriage-provision-1.5571981?firstfree=yes
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-prop-8-supreme-court-ruling-20130626,0,5931694.story

Distracted Driving

Hands-Free Doesn't Mean Risk-Free

by Kristi Caporoso

       Hands-free devices--bluetooths, GPS, voice command cell phones and cars--are society's latest solution to increasing driver safety. They are also a solution to our constant need to be connected and in communication with those around us. However, despite what almost everyone believes, hands-free devices are not necessarily a safe alternative to talking on the phone while driving. It's true that they're less risky than fumbling through your contacts and holding onto the phone with one hand that should be on the wheel, but there is a still a significant distraction present.

       While these devices remove the physical distraction from driving, the mental distraction is still present. As humans we tend to multitask in our everyday lives. However, our brain was not built to multitask, especially not on two complex tasks at once. Trying to focus on two things at once can lead to "inattention blindness" (Kissinger), during which you can look at something and not see it--for example, a stop sign or a pedestrian. According to research, voice-activated devices are a significantly bigger distraction than say, listening to the radio in the car. While driving, they decrease attention and reaction time. Therefore, even though you may not be physically looking away from the road or the steering wheel, you still have a mental distraction that is impeding your ability to drive safely.

       Hands-free devices might be a safer means to communicate while driving, but they are not risk-free. Being mentally distracted can be just as bad as being physically distracted when you are on the road. For now, the experts recommend simply to abstain--put off your phone call until you get where you need to go to prevent distracted driving.

Source: http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20130612/even-hands-free-devices-unsafe-while-driving-report?page=2 

Adolescence: When Does it Really Start and End?

by Kristi Caporoso

       Adolescence, the period of "storm and stress," is still a relatively new concept developed in human history. However, it appears that what we know about adolescence, who experiences it, and when it happens is starting to shift. Typically, adolescence is considered to range from ages 12 to 18. But kids today are exhibiting behaviors typical of adolescence now as early as age 7. They are self-conscious about their bodies, rebellious, and an increase of youth with mental problems is now occurring. More and more children now suffer from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-mutilation such as cutting themselves (Keitel et. al). Girls are entering puberty earlier. Boys are sexualizing girls earlier. In addition to this, young adults are taking longer to complete the actual transition into adulthood. Today, some qualities of adolescence are lasting into people's 30s. What is the cause of this? Researchers have suggested numerous reasons, all related to the way our society is today.
       One possible explanation for this shift in adolescence is the growing impact of media and technology. The most important item to almost every teenager is their cell phone or their computer. This increase in constant screen time has made it less likely for the youth of today to develop interpersonal skills. In fact, too much technology and lack of human interaction can lead to depression. Another factor the internet plays is giving kids the means to explore the world of sex and violence behind their parents' backs and at younger ages. This stimulating exposure at such a young age leads to an earlier onset of adolescent-type behaviors that kids are not ready or mature enough to handle. The media increases the sexualization of children as well. Little girls model themselves after thin celebrities who focus on looks as the most important factor, and little boys think it's "cool" or appropriate to sexualize and harass girls. Even though these concepts are being thrown at kids at younger ages, they are not developed emotionally enough to handle them.
       Another cause of the early onset of adolescence is the increasing pressure put on by parents and adults as our society grows more competitive. Kids are congratulated and encouraged to excel in sports and academic tasks, but there is neglect on their emotional needs and other everyday life skills they need to develop. This pressure not only causes kids to grow up faster, but cripples their ability to mature and be emotionally healthy, therefore pushing the duration of adolescence further back. Loving your children and supporting them is an important thing for parents to do. But it's also important to focus on other things besides their superficial achievements. On the flip side, being overbearing and protective of your kids can be detrimental as well. Kids today are the main focus of the nuclear family. However, overindulging them and shielding them as many parents are tempted to do can also cripple them from developing important independence skills, coping skills, and other skills that they will need to blossom into adulthood. Neglecting a child's emotional needs or being too overbearing and protective can both hamper their development and keep them in adolescence longer.
       The changes in our society today--in technology, childrearing, and competitiveness--are causing kids to try to grow up earlier and impeding them from maturing into capable adults. It may be that our society is changing the definition of childhood and adolescence--without even realizing it.

Source: Merle Keitel, Diane Schaupp, Mary Kopala, New Jersey Psychologist 

Do Eating Disorders Affect Only Teens?

Studies Show Biological Basis May Cause Anorexia to Persist Into Adulthood

by Kristi Caporoso

 

All around the world, body image is a prevalent issue--especially with women. And in most cases, a negative body image is the root of an eating disorder. Some may think that eating disorders only affect teens, but this is not the case. While adolescence is the period during which these disorders usually start, studies are finding that they often persist into adulthood. The reason for this may be a newly found biological base to the disorder. It is being shown that  people with anorexia have a different chemical makeup in their brain than people without it.  Their serotonin and dopamine levels are abnormal, causing them to have trouble discriminating between positive and negative stimuli (Kuchinskas). For example, when they smell or see food, while most people would be attracted to it, they experience aversion. This chemical makeup can be the reason why eating disorders can persist far into adulthood. It also gives new hope for possible treatments, such as adjusting the thinking of someone with anorexia. It is possible that now we know about the biological base of this disorder we can find numerous new ways to treat it.

Source: Susan Kuchinskas, WebMD

Does sleeping more lower the risk of depression in teens?

By Irada Yunusova

High school and college students are notorious for late night cramming. With the widespread availability of cell phones, MP3 players and television, the list of reasons to stay up seems to continuously grow. However, according to recent studies, staying up late and getting less hours of sleep can be harmful to an individual's mental health.

Data from a study of 15, 659 teens and their parents indicates that adolescents are significantly less likely to suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts when their parents set earlier bedtimes as compared to teens who go to bed at midnight or later. Adolescents who stayed up until midnight or later were 24% more likely to suffer from depression and 20% more likely to have suicidal thoughts than individuals with bed times of 10 pm or earlier. Also, teens who usually slept five hours or fewer per night were 71% more likely to report depression and 48% more likely to have suicidal thoughts than individuals who slept eight hours per night. Although it is recommended that individuals have nine hours of sleep per night, the teens in this study had an average of only seven hours and 53 minutes of sleep. 

The researchers of this study recommended that parent set earlier bedtimes for their adolescents. Although staying up to see a movie or to study for an exam may seem important at the time, research suggests that sleeping less than the recommended amount can be dangerous to one's health. 

References: "Early to Bed." Web MD magazine. May 2010.

"Catching Loneliness": Feelings of loneliness can spread

By Irada Yunusova

The Beatles once sang, "All the lonely people, where do they all come from?" This moving question asked years ago has continued to ring through people's minds, and psychologists may finally have an answer.

Just as a moving song lyric can bring people together, so can loneliness. Whether rarely or often, most people have had the awful experience of feeling lonely. A lonely individual may feel isolated, without a connection to others. However, a recent study has demonstrated that loneliness spreads through social networks.

In the Framingham Heart Study, researchers followed 5,124 people from 1971 to 2001. Individuals reported on their feelings of loneliness. They found that lonely individuals get pushed to the edge of social networks, but their feelings of loneliness and despair can spread. When an individuals feels lonely, friends, neighbors, spouses, and acquaintances may begin to feel the same. The study also found that women are more likely than men to feel lonely and a woman's loneliness is more likely to spread to friends, family, and acquaintances. Also, friendships have a greater influence on a person's loneliness than family does.

The best way to prevent the spread of loneliness is by repairing relationships. By removing barriers and making new connections, individuals will feel less lonely, as will their families and friends. Maybe with time we will no longer need to wonder where all the lonely people come from.

References: "Lone Connection" in WebMD the magazine. May 2010.

Mental Health Services lacking in Community Colleges

By Irada Yunusova

College can be a stressful experience for anyone and it is important to have psychiatric services available. Recent studies have found that occurrences of mental health problems amongst students at community colleges have been rising. Help may not be available since fewer than 13 percent of community colleges provide psychiatric services for students. On the other hand, 56 percent of four-year colleges and universities offer on-campus psychiatric services. Although 68 percent of community colleges do offer some sort of personal counseling, this may not be the adequate level of support that is necessary. Many counselors on campus also have other duties, such as serving on campus committees and academic advising, and therefore they may not be able to devote enough time to students seeking mental health counseling.

In a recent survey of 294 community college counselors, researchers found that community college students are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health problems than traditional university students. Two-year students are also more likely than four-year students to be employed or supporting a family while attending school. This can create great stress for which the student may seek therapy. Surveys revealed that 60 percent of community college counselors found that amongst the students they counseled within the last year, students in community colleges suffered with more severe problems.

Counseling is important at community colleges because many students are commuters whose problems may go unnoticed on campus. Unlike at four-year colleges and universities, at community colleges, students do not have residence-life staff who can recognize signs of student mental illness. It is imperative that students are able to find support while studying in college, even if they do not necessarily live on campus. The low availability of mental health services at community colleges is worrying.

References: Chamberlin, J. in Monitor on Psychology

Psychologists' involvement in obesity epidemic

By Irada Yunusova

Typically obesity is viewed as a physical complication for the medical community. It's a widespread issue that affects one third of U.S. adults and 17 percent of all U.S. children. Obesity is associated with a higher mortality rate and a lower quality of life. Additionally, obese adults are more likely to suffer from diabetes, stroke, breast and colorectal cancer, osteoarthritis, and depression. Obese children are at an increased risk of asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and psychological problems. The physical struggle caused by obesity is clear, but now the psychological aspects are being considered as well.

The social environment and human behavior are the root of obesity. Some psychologists are interested in understanding, treating, and preventing obesity by focusing on initiating and maintaining behavior change. This can be achieved through scientific research, advertising, and public policy changes. Essential psychological research and interventions can solve the obesity epidemic that affects children, families, schools, and work environments. The American Psychological Association has a goal of expanding psychology's role in advancing health, which can begin with ending obesity.

References: Johnson, Suzanne B. in Monitor on Psychology.

Brain treatment utilizing Deep Brain Stimulation may help Anorexia patients

By Irada Yunusova

Anorexia Nervosa is a very dangerous, chronic illness that usually affects teens between the ages of 15 and 19. Of all psychiatric disorders, Anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates at 6-11 percent. Specialists also agree that it is very difficult treat. However, a new study suggests that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be an effective treatment.

During DBS, electrodes are implanted into the portion of the brain that regulates emotion. The device is connected to a pulse generator located under the skin. DBS is typically only used to treat severe neurological disorders, but researchers conducted research to test its effectiveness in treating Anorexia.

Although the study was small, it does provide promise for future research. Three out of six of the patients had gained weight and appeared to be in a better state of mind after nine months. Also, for four patients, DBS was associated with improvements in mood, anxiety, and anorexia nervosa-related obsessions and compulsions. However, the three patients who did not experience weight gain experienced other adverse effects, including panic attacks, nausea, and pain. Continued research is necessary to draw more accurate conclusions about effective treatment methods for Anorexia Nervosa.

Reference: http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/06/16/a-new-hope-for-anorexia-patients-found-through-brain-treatment/56092.html

Spice, K2, Blaze: The New and Legal Fad of Synthetic Marijuana Has Adverse Effects on the Body and Mind

By: Sierra Shumate

Synthetic marijuana, which is also known as Blaze, K2, and "Spice," on the street, is allegedly supposed to mimic the affects of cannabis. However, it may actually be more dangerous than the drug itself, according to recent research by the American Psychological Association.

Synthetic cannabis first went on the market in the early 2000's, about a decade ago. In 2008, lab analysis showed that the synthetic marijuana contained a mixture of synthetic cannabinoids that are similar to the cannabinoids in real cannabis. These synthetic chemicals are used to avoid making the drug illegal. It is sold anywhere from online, to head shops, to gas stations.

Although Spice is extremely easy to attain, there have been multiple reports, 10 of them in San Diego, on patients who were hospitalized for psychosis after using the drug. Research has increased with this side effect and more studies have shown its relevance.

  The plant materials that are its makeup can be burned--the dangerous effects come from the synthetic chemicals that are used to coat the plant and are said to produce a high from cannabinoids present in the chemicals.  Initial studies have shown that synthetic cannabis ties to psychosis--in some cases it is acute, and in some cases prolonged. Later studies have found that it can also worsen previously stable psychotic disorders and may even be able to trigger a chronic disorder among individuals who have a family history of mental illness.  

Sources: http://www.aapcc.org/alerts/synthetic-marijuana/

Getting out of an On-Again, Off-Again Relationship

By Irada Yunusova

Regardless of whether or not people believe on-again, off-again relationships are healthy, it is indisputable that they are common. Professor Rene Dailey found that 60 percent of adults have ended a relationship and then gotten back together. 75 percent of those individuals have even gone through the cycle of breaking up and making up twice. But why would people stay in such a complicated relationship?

Some individuals break up because they know that their relationship doesn't work. However, the loneliness and low self-esteem following a break-up causes them to go back to the relationship. Often times an individual will get attached to a specific aspect of the individual or of the relationship to the point where they overlook negative qualities like irresponsibility or dishonesty. An individual's doubt in positive future relationships or his or her hope of "fixing" the negative traits of the partner may cause them to get back together. Some individuals even believe that a break-up will make their relationship stronger and that their partner will permanently change.

However, specialists believe this is a dangerous cycle. Psychotherapist Toni Coleman warns that underlying conflicts that had caused the break-up will come about once the couples is reunited. Psychiatrist Gail Saltz recommends that couples in an on-again, off-again relationship take time apart to see what draws them in the relationship and to recognize that there is a pattern. Trying to understand one's own thought process and imagining what life would be like with this individual in the future may make the individual consider if this relationship is truly the best for him or her. It's always possible to break the cycle.

References: Svoboda, Elizabeth in Psychology Today

Can video games cause teens to become reckless drivers?

By Irada Yunusova

Parents are always cautious when it comes to their teen first getting behind the wheel. Adding to their worry, studies have now indicated that mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly. According to the APA's online journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture, teens who play such games have been found to have greater number of automobile accidents, police stops, and incidences of drinking and driving. In fact, there is a greater association between reckless driving and video game playing than between reckless driving and and parenting practices.

A longitudinal study, involving over 5,000 U.S. teenagers, gathered data on this matter based on self-report. Telephone interviews first asked teens if their parents allowed them to play mature-rated video games, such as Spider-Man 2, Manhunt, and Grand Theft Auto. Three more interviews were conducted over the next four years where the percentage of self-reports of sensation seeking, rebelliousness, and self-reported risky driving consistently increased. By the final interview, 90 percent of teens had reported that they had participated in a risky driving behavior such as speeding, tailgating, failling  to yield, and running red lights.

Since these are correlational studies that utilized self-report, researchers cannot draw concrete conclusions. However, it is possible that mature-rated video games cause adolescents to develop rebellious, risk-seeking personalities that reflect the extreme personalities of the characters within the video games. This personality may lead to risky behavior in the future including reckless driving, smoking, and drinking. With recent findings indicating that motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of adolescent deaths, parents may now want to exercise greater caution with the video games they permit their children to play.

Reference: Bowen, Lisa in Monitor on Psychology Nov 2012.

Smiles: Do We Know When They're Fake?

By: Sierra Shumate

Does this picture make you happy? That is because smiles are rewarding, and often contagious. However, studies have never really specified whether or not fake smiles play into the reward center of the brain, and new research explains that not all smiles make us feel the same.
Dr. Erin Heerey, of Bangor University in the UK, states that genuine smiles have a "unique social value." Thus, people will respond differently (and quicker!) to a genuine smile than they will to a fake one.said psychological scientist and lead researcher Dr. Erin Heerey of Bangor University (UK).
This research, which is now in the journal of Psychological Science, also suggests that even though no two interactions are alike, people still use smiles as social cues and respond to them differently depending on the type of smile. Polite smiles, for example, which may or may not be genuine, most generally occur when smiling is socially necessary, or expected. Since these smiles are less rewarding, Heerey hypothesized that people should be less likely to anticipate fake/polite smiles.
Genuine smiles signify pleasure, and occur in a split second. They also look different, as certain eye muscles are engaged that are different from muscles engaged during a fake smile.
In an observational study with pairs of strangers, when they were getting to know one another, would match the type of smile to one another, whether genuine or polite. However, the response rate was much quicker when a genuine smile occurred, suggesting that the participants were actually anticipating these types of smiles.
Researchers are indicating that genuine smiles thus promote positive social interactions, which is why there are differences in response rates. People are more likely to anticipate when there is more of a reward, and learning to anticipate is a crucial skill in social interaction.
This study was particularly amazing as it allowed for both naturalistic as well as controlled observation, promoting a richer and more developed way to examine relationships. This type of approach may be helpful over time in researching developmental delays or disorders such as Autism, anxiety, and schizophrenia, where social interactions prove much more difficult to learn, and are sometimes nonexistent.

Source: Association for Psychological Science