Do You Feel Guilty?

By Pamela O'Connor

If having a guilty mind is something you find reoccurring, you may be guilt prone. A good comparison to having this constant, annoying feeling would be an overactive smoke detector constantly going off. You know any small bit of smoke will set it off, and so you become on edge waiting for it to signal once again. It becomes so incessant that it begins to distract you from your daily routine, and stress you out so much that you become a rude, defensive and hostile person. Having guilty feelings all the time is similar; it will slowly change you and make you resent everyone around you.

Becoming guilt prone can also create self-fulfilling prophecies. This can greatly impact your relationships. You may think your loved one is upset over something you did, even though it may not be a crucial thing and they may not be upset at all. You may react defensively or coldly to this loved one, and in return they start to act upset. You now think it is because they were upset all along, when really they became upset because of your attitude towards them. This vicious cycle can continue until it ruins your relationships and leaves you feeling even guiltier than you did in the first place.

Luckily, there are ways to restore your peace of mind and ease your guilty conscience. The way to do this is to differentiate between something you've really done wrong and something minor that will not cause a problem. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes works very well here. If you play the situation out in your head and pretend that whatever you’re doing to someone, they are actually doing to you, you can determine if you would be angry about it. If you are angry about it, that would mean you've done the wrong thing and you are allowed to feel guilty. If you are not upset about it, that means they probably won’t be either, and you should not feel guilty or assume that you've done anything wrong.

Learning to ignore the false guilty feelings and stick with a positive attitude will help keep your relationships healthy and your mind calm. Day to day stress is enough without having to feel guilty all the time. This can take a huge weight off your shoulders and teach you to trust yourself and love yourself more, and know that you may not always be perfect, but you can always be happy. 

Source:  http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201308/the-two-faces-guilt/the-curse-being-guilt-prone

We All Know That Kid...

We all know that kid in elementary school: the kid who couldn’t sit still. When everyone else raised their hand, this kid would shout out his unfiltered thought. This kid would interrupt others, wander the classroom, and never seem to settle himself down. We all know that kid who seemed to have a bit too much energy and not enough patience; or perhaps in Freudian terms, too much Id and not enough Ego. We all know that this kid was different, but what we may not have known was that he could be suffering from one of the most prevalent childhood conditions.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 8.7% of American children ages 8-15, according to a study done in 2007. Characterized by a child’s high energy and lack of focus, ADHD has become a commonly known disorder among the American public, often leading adults and peers to make general diagnoses on kids they see as “wild.” What this 2007 study tells us, with a sample size of over 3,000 children, is that the poorer demographic (lowest quartile) seemed to contain a higher frequency of hyperactive children than the richer demographic (highest quartile). With that being said, it is painful to learn that this study also determined that this poorer demographic of children was the least likely to receive treatment in the form of medication. Another interesting stat was the older and younger demographics (ages 8-11 and ages 12-15, respectively) differed greatly in receiving prescriptions. The 12-15 group is more than twice as likely to get treated with ADHD medication than the 8-11 group, which is interesting to note because some could argue there has been a recent push to start medicating children at younger and younger ages. This study also reinforced that boys are more likely to develop ADHD (51%) than girls (49%).

While many parents and peers tend to make “casual diagnoses” on children, Dr. Richard Rende of parents.com gives advice on how parents can accurately recognize early onset symptoms and later consult with a professional about their child. Rende stresses the pillars of intensity and frequency when looking for hyperactive symptoms. Every child will act out occasionally and not cooperate, but an ADHD child will exude these traits at 3 times the intensity and frequency. These symptoms will be present in both at school and at home, according to Rende. He gives an example of a red flag hyperactive action:

“Imagine a 4-year-old being on a platform to the monkey bars at a playground, seeing another child walk by on the ground with a big ice cream cone, and literally walking off the platform without looking to take the ice cream (and getting a trip to the ER in the process).”

A major indicator of ADHD symptoms is whether or not the child is functioning effectively on a day to day basis. It is when the child’s symptoms hinder them or reach a level of impairment that there is a disorder. Functioning refers to focusing, problem solving, staying on task, weighing consequences and making decisions, most of which have to do with school and learning. A child that has a high level of energy and is still able to be efficient in the classroom raises no cause for concern. As Rende’s example points out, the child must struggle being attentive and aware. 

Rende makes a last point that is very useful to parents. He points out that teachers, while not being mental health professionals, could provide accurate insight into diagnosing hyperactive children due to the fact that they see countless children over their years of teaching. The impressions of teachers can be a valuable resource because of their experience with kids and child development; a concern from a teacher should be taken seriously. 

-Ryan Scanlon

Works Referenced:

Froehlich, Tanya E.;Lanphear, Bruce P.; Epstein, Jeffery N.; Barbaresi, William J.; Katusic, Slavica K.; Kahn, Robert S (2007). Prevalence, recognition, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a national sample of US children. Vol 161, No. 9. 10.1001

 http://www.parents.com/blogs/red-hot-parenting/2012/08/15/health/recognizing-adhd-symptoms-in-your-child/

New Psychological Disorders Added to the DSM-5

By Kellie McClain

With the American Psychiatric Association’s newest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders recent release in May 2013, also known as the DSM 5, there have been several changes to already excising disorders as well as the creation of new disorders with the intent of diagnosing patients with more specific disorders instead of generalizing. The release of the DSM 5 includes the creation of fifteen new psychological disorders. These disorders include:

1. Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder: This is a new condition dealing with persistent difficulties in the social uses of verbal and nonverbal communication. The addition of this disorder helps doctors to more precisely diagnose individuals with communication problems that are unrelated to Autism or cognitive ability.
2. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: Limited to children under 18, this disorder would be diagnosed to children who have reoccurring outburst of anger or show frequent signs of lack of control of their behavior. This is a type of depressive disorder that has been created in order to address concerns about potential overdiagnosis and overtreat­ment of bipolar disorder in children.
3. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: The DSM 4 has included this disorder, which includes symptoms caused by women’s premenstrual cycle, in the Appendix B stating that it needed further study. Some critics argue that this disorder will cause further discrimination against women or lead to women using common symptoms to be diagnosed with an official disorder.
4. Hoarding Disorder: Rather than having hoarding be listed simply as a symptom for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, such as in the DSM 4, the DSM 5 lists hoarding as a disorder in itself. Reasoning behind making hoarding into a separate disorder I because hoarding is believed to have unique neurobiological correlates and may respond to clinical intervention.
5. Caffeine Withdrawal: The DSM 4 has included this disorder, which includes symptoms caused by an increase dependence on caffeine, in the Appendix B stating that it needed further study. Psychiatrists worry that since symptoms in this disorder such as headaches and sleep disturbances are very broad and may be misdiagnosed as Caffeine Withdrawal when they could be resulting from other severe disorders or past experiences.
6. Cannabis Withdrawal: The addition of this disorder has been made mainly because marijuana has become increasingly more available nationwide. Researchers claim that symptoms brought on by this disorder are significant enough to interfere with people ability to function normally.
7. Excoriation Disorder: As sub category of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, the Excoriation Disorder has been added to the DSM 5 to give individuals that show symptoms of chronic and obsessive picking and scratching of one’s skin a specific diagnosis.
8. Binge Eating Disorder: This disorder is the only change to the DSM 5 that is under the criteria of bulimia nervosa. The addition of this disorder is partly to raise awareness of the effects of increased cases of obesity in recent decades and the substantial differences between binge eating and overeating.
9. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: In DSM-IV, Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder was included under dyssomnia not otherwise specified. This disorder causes individuals to act within their dream with full memory of their actions. Their full diagnostic status is supported by research evidence.
10. Restless Legs Syndrome: In DSM-IV, Restless Legs Syndrome was included under dyssomnia not otherwise specified. By adding this as its own disorder into the DSM, psychiatrists believe that better treatment can be prescribed that will be tailored to the specifics of the disorder. Their full diagnostic status is supported by research evidence.
11. Major Neurocognitive Disorder: The addition of this disease helps to expend the category of dementia and helps psychiatrists to distinguish between different levels of its severity.
12. Mild Neurocognitive Disorder: The addition of this disease helps to expend the category of dementia and helps psychiatrists to distinguish between different levels of its severity. Although Mild NCD is new to DSM 5, it has been previously existent in other fields of medicine and withholds similar care and research.
13. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder: This disorder is considered a subtype of Reactive Attachment Disorder and results from social neglect or other situations that limit a young child’s opportunity to form selective attachments. It is considered separate from reactive attachment because it more closely resembles ADHD and is not as closely associated with internalized disorders.
14. Central Sleep Apnea: Research and knowledge has expanded regarding sleep disorders since the release of DSM 4, causing the press for additional disorders regarding sleep to be added to the DSM 5. These specific disorders have more relevance to treatment planning.
15. Sleep-Related Hypoventilation: Research and knowledge has expanded regarding sleep disorders since the release of DSM 4, causing the press for additional disorders regarding sleep to be added to the DSM 5. These specific disorders have more relevance to treatment planning.

There has been some controversy over whether these disorders hold up as truly separate illnesses and some doctors believe that a majority of these disorders are illegitimate and cannot be scientifically studied. Some have expressed concern that the new DSM 5 will lead to over-diagnosis and over-medication that can be dangerous and scientifically unsound.

References: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/22/american-psychiatry-needs-to-move-beyond-american-psychiatric-association-dsm-5-1643647435/

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/15-new-mental-illnesses-in-the-dsm-5-2013-05-22

http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/changes%20from%20dsm-iv-tr%20to%20dsm-5.pdf

Why Are You Still Single?

By Pamela O'Connor

Many people wish to find their partner, soul mate, spouse, etc. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done. People come from broken families, or have had traumatic relationships that will scar them for life. This makes finding a new mate extremely difficult, and trust issues much more common and harder to fix.

A lot of these deep-rooted problems can stem from family issues. If someone has grown up in an environment that has had a large amount of loss, trauma, or distrust it can make him or her feel unsafe. Being in this situation constantly will enable the person to build protective walls around themselves and make a routine that is comforting. This can be difficult to let someone into, for fear of disrupting their “bubble” and changing what they are so used to.

Caregivers and past partners can also make you feel unlovable. If you grew up having strict boundaries and rigid parents, they may have made you feel that there was no emotional connection. This can cause you to choose partners that will do the same, because having an intimate connection with someone may not even be an option to you.  You may legitimately want a real, meaningful relationship but it is not that easy for you, so you go with what you know and ultimately end up being single.

Trauma is a huge factor in why people stay single. You may have been in an accident, or even abused physically, mentally, or emotionally. These types of traumatic events can stay in your mind and get worse over time if not treated properly. This can pollute your hopes for the future and change your outlook on love in general. You will not want to experience the same trauma over and over again, so you take extreme caution in all future relationships.

There are other reasons to staying single as well. You may have not had any large traumatic event in your life, and you could be relatively normal. However, you just haven’t reached the stage that you want a real commitment yet. That’s normal, but if you are involved with someone, it would be wise to communicate that you aren’t ready for something serious. You should at some point be ready for a full commitment and be ready to provide that.

Another reason to avoid relationships could be an overwhelming needyness that you may feel ashamed of. You may not completely love yourself, and so you think no one would love you. This can lead to self hate and a phobia of relationships in general. You may also be okay with yourself and your needs, but you may expect the same out of a future partner, and if that is not given it could disappoint you.

Whatever the reasoning for you staying single, it is important to know yourself and your boundaries. When looking for a relationship, you must at first be willing to keep an open mind and accept others for who they are, and find a way that both of your needs can be met together.

Why Do Men Love Fantasy Football So Much?

 

By Pamela O'Connor

It’s that time of year again, football season. Of course it’s fun to gather around the television and get together with friends, but when does the game turn into an obsession? Probably when men gamble large amounts of money for the fantasy draft, one that really won’t matter in the long run. Why is it so much fun to them? Some obvious reasons could be that gambling is an addiction, and the more they win the more they want to win. If they lose, they want to keep trying until they win. Money is important to just about everyone and this is just another chance to obtain it.

Another reason men love fantasy football is because of the social interaction. Men, like everyone else, need to get away from it all sometimes. Women may go to the spa or out with friends, so men have football. Reconnecting with old friends or even making new ones is a big reward during this game. It is a chance to get out of the house, laugh, trash talk with friends, and relax. It is an escape from their hectic daily lives of working and the everyday stress we all have. This source of entertainment helps men bond while making football even more fun.

Competition is, of course, a huge part of fantasy football. As humans, we are naturally competitive. When we add sports and money into the situation, we become even more competitive. This will make men want to be better than all the rest involved in the draft, and drive them to keep playing and keep coming back throughout the season.

There are many reasons for playing fantasy football, and although gambling can become an issue, it seems that playing this game can be healthy in many ways. Women may not understand the love for this and why it seems like such an important part of male bonding, but motivation for this game will never cease, and the fantasy will continue to live on. 

A Harmful High

Study
With one twenty-fifth of the United States condoning the recreational use of marijuana, the conversation has already begun about the drug's future in this country. Marijuana has been illegal nation wide for quite some time, and the conservative point of view would be to stand by the idea that it will serve no real purpose to legalize "another drug." The opposing outlook looks at marijuana as a seemingly "harmless" drug. While it is true there has never been a reported death directly related to over consumption of marijuana, Medical News Today learned some interesting facts. An epidemiological study by Dr. Didier Jutras-Aswad of the University of Montreal and Dr. Yasmin Hurd of Mount Sinai was conducted to investigate correlations between the effects the drug had on brain chemistry and the genetic and environmental influences, focusing on adolescent users. The trends showed that cannabis use improved one's chances of developing an addiction to more powerful drugs as well as developing a psychotic illness. While these findings themselves were not surprising, the study's purpose was to narrow down possible shared risk factors between victimized users. Adolescent users with brains still in growth and with specific genetic risk factors had the highest vulnerability for acquiring these addictive behaviors and psychosis. A study done further to address the brain chemistry aspect showed that cannabis receptors are located in the areas of the brain that are responsible for learning, motivation, rewarding, habit formation, and motor ability. Again, the purpose was to look past those results and conclude that these are the same areas in the brain that undergo rapid growth through adolescence. This is telling as to why the teenage brain is much more at risk for the negative effects of cannabis use.

Reflection
All drugs (prescription, non prescription) come with side effects. There is no perfect drug.  Advanced medical companies that engineer these substances for years and years can't even reach the point of developing a perfect drug with no possible negative backlash. To advocate that cannabis is a "harmless" drug is simply not true. It may not be as harmful as the group of extreme narcotics, but the term "harmless" is almost never reached in the world of medical treatment/chemical drug use. Cannabis use, however, has never been used to a point of overdose and its benefits on particular medical conditions are well documented. With all that being said, this study stresses that there is a demographic that is very vulnerable to the harm cannabis causes. And this very vulnerable demographic happens to be a demographic that is one of the most frequent cannabis users: teenagers.
As for using the term "gateway drug," I hesitate. A lot of other factors come into play. It really depends on the individual's genetic influence, specifically the formation and function of the certain cannabis receptors and THC processing. Additionally, the individual's character type comes into play, whether the user is an impulsive risk taker exposed at an early age or maybe a dependent trend follower. It also depends on the strength and effectiveness of the cannabis used, meaning a stronger form may cause more damage. A combination of all these factors certainly heightens this "gateway" effect and may result in future addictive behaviors, but it really comes down each specific case (as it normally does in the field of psychology). For some, it will be a gateway, for others, not so much.
I emphatically agree with this article's concluding point, that being these findings are not intended to fuel the debate surrounding marijuana use, but to help identify those users who are most subject to neurological damage. 

"Identifying these vulnerable adolescents, including through genetic or psychological screening, may be critical for prevention and early intervention of addiction and psychiatric disorders related to cannabis use." -Professor Didier Jutras-Aswad

-Ryan Scanlon

Works Referenced:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/265289.php

Helpful Tips for the First Day of School

By Pamela O'Connor

It is definitely a transition from home to school, especially in young children. Parents are easily concerned and get anxiety over this situation, but to be calm is what would best help your child. You can do many simple things to help your child prepare for their first day of school.

It is helpful to practice the first day of school routine about a week before school. This way the child will know what time to get up at, and will have a routine to follow before, during, and after school. Packing lunch the night before with healthy, energizing foods is also a good idea. Going to the school a few days before hand to see where their classrooms or lockers are will familiarize them with the unknown and make them more comfortable with their new environment.

If you have moved to a new area, take a walk around your neighborhood and meet the other children and their parents. Set up play dates or even carpools, or find out popular places kids in that town meet up at. This will help your children to make friends faster and ease the anxiety of going to a new school, because they will already have friendly faces awaiting them.

Speaking to your child about their fears and concerns will also help ease the process of going to school. Ask them what they enjoyed about wherever they previously were and help them relate that to their new school or grade. Having them vent to you their issues will make them more comfortable about their feelings and you can help to give them more confidence. It will help them to know that they are not alone and someone else is there to listen and give them support.

Encourage change in your children’s lives. Every year will bring something different for them, but you must empathize that you've been through the same change and it is not scary or bad just because it is different. They need to know that they may fall down or mess up some things, but that should not get the best of them and they should always keep trying. Showing them that you as a parent believe in their success and will always be there for them will help tremendously.

Getting involved in school or community activities will help the whole family to feel more comfortable and will make the children closer to the other students while connecting the parents as well. Knowing the area and the people involved in your children’s lives will give them a stronger sense of togetherness while making it easier for them to come out of their shells. 

Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201308/helping-your-child-transition-school