Anger: How much anger is enough?

As humans we experience a lot of different emotions.  Most of them are necessary for survival, but some overwhelm us and affect our daily lives.  For example, have you ever seen someone sitting in traffic, angry and cursing up a storm? Or seen someone get mad over the smallest mistake?  Those are common signs of anger issues.  Some people are good at expressing their anger, while some aren't. 

The American Psychological Association breaks down a lot of information about anger, including the normal ways to express it.  They state that there are different ways to express this anger, and when or if they fail, then help is needed. 

The three ways to express anger properly are, to first be aggressive about it, second suppressing it and third to control and calm internal responses.  If the proper ways to express anger don’t work then there are always alternatives and help provided. 

The biggest problem our society faces, is that no one likes to admit that they have an issue.  We tend to see the consequences of the denial every day.  The shootings and current violence in Ferguson is a perfect example.  If we analyze it we’ll realize that violence emerges from anger that hasn't been expressed properly.  Not only that anger affects each individual, but it also affects the relationships with people that we care about. 

Now that we understand that improperly expressed anger can result in negative consequences, it would be wise for someone with anger issues to consider counseling.  The American Psychological Association states that, a psychologist or other licensed mental health professional can work with individuals to help develop a range of techniques for changing your thinking and your behavior.

Source: http://www.apa.org/topics/anger/control.aspx?item=5

Treatments for Heroin Addiction

 

By: Jillian Curry

 

 

With the recent death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman due to a heroin overdose, one may wonder how his death could have been avoided.  Heroin is an opiate drug that is highly addictive.  Treatment for heroin addiction is most successful when it is sought early.

The most successful treatment for heroin addiction involves a combination of therapy and medication.  The most common therapeutic techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management therapy.  Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves changing the thought processes that occur before a behavior in order to prevent the problem behavior from occurring, while contingency management therapy involves a reward and punishment approach for good and bad behaviors.

Effective medications for heroin addiction include Methodone and Suboxone.  Methodone is primarily used as a painkiller, but is also very effective in reducing the withdrawal symptoms of heroin.  This medication lasts 24-36 hours and does not have effect on daily activities.  Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to reverse the effects of narcotic drugs, like heroin.

Either of these medications, in combination with therapy, provide great hope to those suffering from heroin addiction.  When sought early, treatment could mean the difference between life and death.


Sources:

http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/heroin/f/herion_faq09.htm
http://www.drugs.com/misspellings/methodone.html
http://www.drugs.com/suboxone.html

 

Obsessive-Compulsive

By: Riddhi Patel 

"I couldn't touch any doors or counter tops in public areas. I knew it didn't make any sense, but I was terrified of getting germs that could kill me. I almost couldn't go out in public, I was so afraid. If I thought I touched anything, I would have to wash myself for hours. Sometimes I washed so much that my skin would get red and raw and I would start to bleed."

One of the most commonly misused words in today's society would have to be the word obsessed. Phrases such as, "I am so obsessed with your shoes!" and "My current obsession is Greek yogurt" completely distort the actual meaning of the word. More often than not, this word is thrown into conversations when someone describes something they simply like. However, it has a much deeper meaning than that. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it means "to have a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling."

When a person is obsessed with an idea or feeling it can indicate the presence of a mental illness known as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have OCD, you have repeated, upsetting thoughts. You may do the same thing over and over again to make the thoughts go away. You feel like you are not in control of either your thoughts or your actions. The disturbing thoughts and images are called "obsessions" and the actions you repeatedly take to relieve your anxiety are called "compulsions".

"At first I was too embarrassed to get help, but a friend told me to call the doctor. I'm so glad I did."

Talking to psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist helps many people with OCD. A type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly useful for treating OCD. It teaches different ways of thinking and reacting to certain situations that help you feel less anxious. A psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner could also prescribe medication that help you get rid of these symptoms.

"I took medicine my doctor gave me. I also worked very hard in therapy with a psychologist. I learned to cope with my fear of germs and to stop washing so much."

Substance Dependence vs Substance Abuse

By: Samantha Santo

Is there really a difference between substance dependence and substance abuse?  It might seem like there isn't, but there actually is.

Substance dependence is when a person relies on a certain drug to make them feel a certain way, to essentially feel "normal".  You can tell a person is dependent on a substance if he or she develops a tolerance, meaning it takes a great amount of a substance to feel normal.  A person is considered to be dependent when it is hard to manage drug use and he or she spends a great deal of time trying to obtain the drug.

Substance abuse is when a person misuses a substance.  The person typically consumes an excessive amount of the drug.  When a person abuses a substance, he or she tends to put himself or others in dangerous situations.  A person abusing a substance is also inclined to neglect certain obligations, such as work, school and even relationships.

Substance dependence and substance abuse may be different, but both can have detrimental effects on a person as well as on his or her loved ones. 

Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment

 

 

By: Jillian Curry

 

 

Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a psychological disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function.  Thought to be caused by genetic factors in unique combination with environmental, as well as other personal factors, bipolar disorder affects more than 2 million American adults every year.

The defining symptoms of bipolar disorder are its mood swings.  These refer to feeling overly energetic (manic) at a given time, and then sad and hopeless (depressed) at another given time.

Signs and symptoms of a manic episode include: increased energy and activity, restlessness, excessively “high” euphoric mood, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, talking fast, jumping from one idea to another, distractibility, sleeplessness, poor judgment, spending sprees, unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers, increased sex drive, abuse of drugs, provocative, intrusive, and aggressive behaviors, and denial that anything is wrong.  A manic episode is diagnosed when elevated mood occurs with at least 3 of these symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 1 week.

 

Signs and symptoms of a depressive episode include: sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions, restlessness, irritability, change in sleep, change in appetite, and unintended weight loss or gain.  A depressive episode may also include chronic pain that is not caused by physical illness or injury, and thoughts of suicide.  A depressive episode is diagnosed when 5 or more of these symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks.

 

Despite these symptoms, most people with bipolar disorder can be relieved of their symptoms with the proper treatment.  Treatments for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizing medications and various other newer psychiatric medications.  Along with psychotherapy, these medications can alleviate the often troublesome bipolar symptoms.

 

 

Source:  National Institute of Mental Health





Can Religion Protect Us From Depression?

By: Riddhi Patel 

Nowadays, depression is commonly associated with having the “blues” or feeling “down in the dumps”. Although this association is not too far-fetched, depression is much more serious than that - it is a medical illness that involves the brain. A person can be diagnosed with depression when the feeling of unhappiness negatively starts to impact their daily life for at least 2 weeks. Anyone can have depression regardless of how old they are or where they are from. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 6.7% of the U.S population is diagnosed with this illness.  

Furthermore, studies have associated depression with thinning of the brain cortex. What if there was something out there associated with the thickening of the brain cortex and could possibly protect against depression?

A recent study conducted by Lisa Miller, professor and director of Clinical Psychology and director of Spirituality Mind Body at Teachers College, Columbia, included 103 adults at either high or low risk of depression. After being asked how much they valued religion or spirituality, the participants got MRI’s done and the results indicated that those who placed high importance on religion had a thicker cortex than those who placed low importance on religion. The findings suggest that there is a negative correlation between religious people and depression. In other words, religious people seem to be less susceptible to depression. 


Sources:

Lisa Miller, Ravi Bansal, Priya Wickramaratne, Xuejun Hao, Craig E. Tenke, Myrna M. Weissman, Bradley S. Peterson. Neuroanatomical Correlates of Religiosity and Spirituality. JAMA Psychiatry, 2013; 1 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.3067
http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depression/

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. 

Foundation For an Adolescent's Trust

By: Samantha Santo

During the teenage years, it is often hard to establish and maintain a trusting relationship with your adolescent.  It is not uncommon for an adolescent to stray, but it is important for you to let him or her know you will always be there.  If your adolescent knows you are always available to listen, he or she is more likely to feel comfortable talking to you.

Another important element for the foundation of trust is understanding your adolescent.  Adolescents are going through a period of change which can be difficult.  If he or she knows their parents understand this, they will be more inclined to communicate with you.

Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms and Treatment

By: Jillian Curry

This winter has already proven to be a harsh one.  With its recent snow storms and frigid temperatures, many people may find themselves feeling tired, unable to concentrate, and depressed.

These feelings may be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or “the winter blues”, which according to Psych Central, affects as many as 14 million Americans every year.  Its cause is thought to be related to a disruption in the body’s circadian rhythm, or “sleep-wake” cycle.  While the body is asleep, assuming there is darkness, a hormone called melatonin is produced in order to create the drowsiness associated with sleep.  As the winter days grow shorter, the increased amount of darkness confuses the body’s melatonin regulation, leading to feelings of drowsiness, lack of energy, and even depression. 

The key to treating SAD is to help the body recognize and regulate the proper time to produce melatonin.  For some people, this can be done by taking melatonin supplements before bed.  Other people respond better to taking the supplement when waking in the morning.  This signals the brain to stop producing melatonin during the day, by suggesting that the right levels have been reached.

Other forms of treatment for SAD include light therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and antidepressant medications.  With all these options, it is very possible to relieve the symptoms associated with SAD until the spring months arrive again.

Sources:

http://www.wellnessresources.com/tips/articles/cold_weather_mood_shock_how_to_avoid_the_winter_blues1/

http://psychcentral.com/library/seasonal_affective.htm

http://psychcentral.com/lib/are-you-sad-this-winter-coping-with-seasonal-affective-disorder/00010241

Suicide: Rational or Irrational?

By: Jillian Curry

Common reasons for suicidal acts result from psychological disturbances.  For example, many people contemplate suicide as a last resort to end the feelings of sadness and hopelessness that come with depression.  Other people may use suicidal acts as a way to alert those around them that they are feeling troubled and are in need of help.  Motivations may also include the desire to end physical pain, or to shorten an inevitable death after receiving a serious medical diagnosis.  In rare cases, suicidal thoughts may result from psychosis, as hallucinations may command self-destruction.

With the recent suicide bombings taking place in Afghanistan, the latest occurring on January 17th in Kabul, many people are wondering what could be responsible for causing such horrible acts.  It may be surprising to learn that the motivations behind these suicide bombers are quite different from what we commonly think of as motivations for suicide.

In the case of the suicide bombers in Afghanistan, many are psychologically healthy.  What then is it that motivates these healthy young men and women to contemplate suicide?  It turns out that because these individuals are deeply rooted in their community and their sense of identity is tied to their terrorist organizations, dedication is their main motivation for suicide.  They sacrifice their lives to promote their group's religious and political agendas.

In this way, while we may commonly think of the motivations behind suicide as being individually based, those of the suicide bombers in Afghanistan are largely community-based.  This shows just how powerful group dedication can be, as it has the power to influence such an extreme personal decision to end one's life.

Sources:
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/17/afghanistan-suicide-  bombing_n_4617809.html#slide=2706341
- http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/content/what-motivates-suicide-bombers-0
- http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/the-six-reasons-people-attempt-suicide

Mutiple ways to successfully quit or moderate alcohol consumption

By Irada Yunusova

     Cold turkey is often considered the only clear solution for reducing alcohol consumption. Alcoholics Anonymous, an organization which offers support and a single plan of abstinence, surrendering one's ego, and accepting one's "powerlessness" over alcohol, is often acclaimed as the most successful approach for alcoholics to improve their lives.  However, some individuals may find greater success with other approaches that require moderation and not elimination.

Research indicates that individuals who repeatedly drink more than they intend, sometimes having physical or psychological consequences from over-drinking, may benefit more from programs that encourage moderation instead of abstinence. Some individuals can successfully minimize alcohol consumption with brief interventions and practical advice about how to set better limits and change their drinking behavior by reducing consumption.

Some doctors treat alcohol-use disorders by prescribing drugs, including naltrexone, an opioid antagonist approved by the FDA in 1994. Although this drug has typically been prescribed to assist abstinence, some individuals have found greater success by taking the drug in conjunction with minimal levels of alcohol consumption. Psychologist John David Sinclair utilizes "pharmacological extinction," with which patients take naltrexone an hour before drinking. Naltrexone blocks the rewards produced by drinking, causing the individual to crave alcohol less and less, with a 78% success rate. Nalmefene, a drug similar to naltrexone, has been approved in Europe to aid heavy drinkers moderate their alcohol consumption.

Moderation Management has recently been identified as a very successful, free, nonprofit support group for nondependent problem drinkers who want to control their consumption, especially amongst women. M.M. implements techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy. Unlike A.A., M.M. encourages members to take "personal responsibly for choosing and maintaining their own path, whether moderation or abstinence." Members are provided guidelines for moderation where they are instructed to abstain for 30 days, reintroduce alcohol while evaluating the effects of drinking, and then stick within limits (for women, nine drinks a week and no more than three on any day). Another option for moderation is moderatedrinking.com, a website that helps drinkers set limits, self-monitor while they're drinking, get feedback on their progress and identify and manage triggers to overdrinking.

Certain approaches may be more successful that others depending on circumstances. Although abstinence is encouraged for severely dependent drinkers, moderation may be the ideal approach for some. It may be easier to prevent overdrinking through medication, meetings, and online websites. Treatment of alcohol dependency is difficult, but it is important to recognize different possible approaches, and to find the one that may work best in any situation.

Reference: Glaser, Garbrielle. "Cold Turkey Isn't the Only Route." The New York Times OP-ED. 2 Jan 2014.

Emotions correspond to different sensations in the body

By Irada Yunusova

     Most people believe that emotions are felt by the heart, or the mind, or by both. However, recent research indicates that emotions are felt by the whole body. Sensations felt in the head, limbs, and chest vary by emotion, so different levels of sensations correspond to an individual's emotional state.

     In a recent Finnish study, 5 experiments were run in which participants from Finland, Sweden, and Taiwan were given outlines of a body and asked to color in the regions where they felt warmer or cooler in certain body parts in response to 13 emotions. After comparing the responses, researchers found that all 13 emotions, including anger, fear, surprise, happiness, and depression, were all very different. However, the patterns of color were consistent across participants from different cultures.

     The diagram above depicts the results of the study, where blue indicates diminished sensation and yellow indicates elevated sensation. Most individuals found that anger increased sensation in the limbs, while sadness decreased it. Happiness was unique in its ability to increase sensation in all parts of the body. So the cliche happy feeling "all over" or the butterflies in your stomach from love are actually accurate descriptions of a person's emotional state.

     The results of this study, gathered from healthy individuals, allows researchers to better grasp the mind-body link. It also encourages further study to understand the mind-body link's role in mood disorders, possibly providing another means of diagnosing psychological conditions. The meaningful findings in this study demonstrate how both scientists and individuals themselves can better understand the human body and it's emotions.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2013/12/31/emotions-body-mapping-finnish-study/4260281/

Why do New Year's resolutions fail and how can they be more successful?

By Irada Yunusova

     We all search for turning points in our life, New Year's being the ideal option. Whether to lose weight or to save money, people often believe that a New Year's resolution will be a simple fix to any problem. But why is it that New Year's resolutions do not usually pan out? And why does over 50% of the population continue to make them?

     Researches have been interested in the psychology behind New Year's resolutions as early as 1980s. At that time, psychologist John Norcross studied New Year's resolutions of his time. He found that over 50% of the American population made New Year's resolutions, but after six months, only 40% followed through with them. Two years later, only 19% continued to stick to their resolutions. Amongst those, however, more than 50% experienced lapses, with as many as 14 on average. How do individuals continue to believe that they can change their behavior just because of a date on a calendar?

     In 2012, researchers Katherine Milkman,  Jason Riis, and Hengchen Dai from the University of Pennsylvania suggested that turning points are key in our decisions for change. Studying the journal Management Science, they found that temporal turning points, such as the beginning of a week, a month, or a year form a boundary which individuals believe can separate the old from the new. They found that daily Google searches for the term "diet" over a period of nine years peaked at the start of any week, month, or year. Immediately after New Year's, an 82% increase above the baseline for searches was found. The researchers found similar patterns for gym attendance and goal setting and achievement for a website called stickK. Beyond individual health, positive outlook at the beginning of the year even impacts the economy's health by improving the performance of the stock market.

     However, it is this same optimism that can ultimately lead to individuals' failures. Often, individuals overestimate their own abilities, underestimate the time and effort involved in following through with the goal, or have an exaggerated view of the effect that the change would have on their lives. Psychologists Janet Polivy and Peter Herman titled this phenomenon the false-hope syndrome, where unrealistic expectation about ability to change are followed by failure of high hopes.

     Scientists conclude that there is still hope for change, however, and realistic goal-setting is crucial. As long as individuals do not overestimate their own abilities or underestimate the required effort, they can be more successful. Peter Gollwitzer's theory of implementation intentions suggests that it is easier to stick to a goal if contingencies are considered in advance and responses are planned for each scenario. For example, if an individual sets a goal of going to the gym but knows that in the future he will reason with himself by saying he is too tired to go to the gym, he will be more successful in continuing with his goal if he had initially planned to drink coffee of eat an apple whenever such a setback occurs. As long as realistic and specific goals are set, individuals can be successful for any occasion, including New Year's resolutions.

Source: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/12/why-we-make-resolutions-and-why-they-fail.html