tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17569215781907098542024-03-12T22:03:33.433+00:00Personality DisordersDenisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-84656899596367155052013-05-18T14:34:00.000+01:002013-05-18T14:34:01.655+01:00Insomnia and reducing suicide - the importance of sleepThe risk of suicide in people with insomnia could be reduced if they are able to get more sleep. <br />
<br />
Suicide is one of the major leading causes of death. Approximately 1 million people die each year worldwide from suicide. Suicidal behaviour is complex. Relevant risk factors vary with age, gender, and ethnic group and may even change over time. However, more than 90% of people who kill themselves have depression or another diagnosable mental or substance abuse disorder, often in combination with other mental disorders. Prior suicide attempt, family history of mental disorder or substance abuse, family history of suicide, family violence, including physical or sexual abuse, firearms in the home, incarceration and exposure to the suicidal behaviour of others are among the risk factors ( Agargun, M. Y., Lütfullah Beşiroğlu, 2005).<br />
<br />
A very recent study found a relationship between sleep duration and suicidal thoughts in people with insomnia (Linden Oliver, University of Pennsylvania). Specifically, researchers discovered that every one-hour increase in
sleep duration was associated with a 72 percent decrease in the
likelihood of moderate or high suicide risk.<br />
<br />
“We were surprised by the strength of the association between sleep
duration and suicide risk,” said primary author Linden Oliver, M.A.,
clinical research coordinator for the University of Pennsylvania
Behavioural Sleep Medicine Research Program.<br />
<br />
“A 72 percent decrease in the likelihood of moderate or high suicide
risk with a one-hour increase in sleep is interesting given the small
sample size.”<br />
<br />
Everyone’s individual sleep needs vary. In general, most healthy adults
are built for 16 hours of wakefulness and need an average of eight hours
of sleep a night. However, some individuals are able to function
without sleepiness or drowsiness after as little as six hours of sleep.
Others can't perform at their peak unless they've slept ten hours. <br />
<br />
Earlier studies have also found that people with insomnia are up to twice as
likely to commit suicide as people who don't have such difficulties
sleeping. A 2011 study in teens found that those who had sleep problems
at ages 12 to 14 were 2.5 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts in their late teen years.<br />
<br />
Depending on the person, insomnia could be a cause or an effect of depression. Insomnia can lead to a very specific type of hopelessness, and hopelessness by itself is a powerful predictor of suicide ( Dr. W. Vaughn McCall).<br />
<br />
Every cell in our bodies runs on a 24-hour clock, tuned to the
night-day / light-dark cycles. It can be said that the brain acts as timekeeper, keeping the cellular clock in
sync with the outside world so that it can govern our appetites, sleep,
moods and much more. The research also shows that the clock may be broken in the brains of people with depression even at the level of the gene activity inside their brain cells<i> (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,</i> the University of Michigan Medical School).<br />
<br />
In a normal brain, the pattern of gene activity at a given time of the
day is so distinctive that the authors could use it to accurately
estimate the hour of death of the brain donor, suggesting that studying
this "stopped clock" could conceivably be useful in forensics. By
contrast, in severely depressed patients, the circadian clock was so
disrupted that a patient's "day" pattern of gene activity could look
like a "night" pattern and vice versa. <br />
<br />
Sleep is essential for a person’s health and well-being. Sleeping poorly increases the risk of poor mental health and
physical health. As such, it is important to recognise the link between
sleep and mental health and to highlight a dire need
for people to begin to take sleep seriously as a health
concern.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /><br />
Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-15340661305703004692012-12-29T15:07:00.003+00:002012-12-29T15:07:54.867+00:00Understanding Psychosis
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The word <em>psychosis</em>
is used to describe a mental health problem that can affect the
brain, so that there is a loss of contact with reality. When someone
develops a mental health problem in this way it is called a <em>psychotic
episode. </em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">According to
</span></em><em><i>Rethink Mental Illness </i></em><em><span style="font-style: normal;">charity,
about 3 out of every 100 people will experience a psychotic episode,
making psychosis more common than diabetes. Most people make a full
recovery from the experience. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">The
word ‘psychotic’ relates to ‘psychosis’, which is a
psychiatric term, and describes experiences, such as hearing or
seeing things or holding unusual beliefs, which other people don’t
experience or share. Psychotic experiences are surprisingly common,
but can also lead to diagnosis such as schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, schizo-affective disorder, paranoia, several depression or
puerperal psychosis (a very severe form of postnatal depression). </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">One
sign of psychosis is that a person lacks insight into their own state
of mind. Psychosis distorts the senses, making it very difficult for
the ill person to tell what is real from what is not real. Someone
experiencing a first-episode psychosis may not understand what is
happening. Symptoms are unfamiliar and frightening, leaving the
person confused and distressed. If they do not know the facts and
have no real understanding about mental illness, their distress may
be increased by negative myths and stereotypes. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">A
psychotic episode occurs in 3 phases: (1) Prodrome, (2) Acute, (3)
Recovery. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">1.
PRODROME - refers to the early symptoms and signs of an illness that
precede the characteristic manifestations of the acute, fully
developed illness. It is defined as the period of time from the first
change in a person until development of the first frank psychotic
symptoms. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">2.
ACUTE - clear psychotic symptoms are experienced, such as
disorganised thinking, hallucinations or delusions. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">3.
RECOVERY - psychosis is treatable and most people recover, however,
the pattern of recovery varies from person to person. </span></em>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">CAUSES
OF PSYCHOTIC EXPERIENCES</span></em></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">Almost
anyone can have a brief psychotic episode. In general, psychotic
experiences may be caused by:</span></em></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Physical
causes, such as illness:</b> For example through a lack of sleep or
high fevers (including malaria, pneumonia, other viral infections).
They can also be a result of damage to the brain or dementia, lead
and mercury poisoning, or changes in blood sugar levels.
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Drug use:
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Alcohol, street drugs,
prescription medication (including steroids) can result in a
psychotic experience that may continue even if the drug has worn
off.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Changes in
brain chemistry: </b>It’s not clear though whether these changes
are the cause or the effect of the psychotic experience.
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b>Inherited
vulnerability: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">However, n</span>o
single gene has been found to be responsible, though, and the
majority of people who have these experiences have no known family
history.
</div>
</li>
<li><div class="western">
<b>Traumatic events such as abuse: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Many
people who have psychotic experiences have been physically,
emotionally, or sexually abused, and feel a need to push their
feelings and memories away, because they are so painful. Psychotic
experiences may be an expression of these overwhelming feelings and
forbidden thoughts, and a way of coping with trauma. </span>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">TREATMENT
OF PSYCHOSIS</span></em></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western">
<em><span style="font-style: normal;">Treating
psychosis involves education, medication, close monitoring of
symptoms, stress management and creating a strong, supportive
environment. </span></em>These treatments all help to speed up the
recovery process and promote good quality of life for both the person
and the family. </div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
RECOVERY</div>
<div class="western">
<br /></div>
<div class="western">
Some of the most recent and hopeful news in
psychosis research is emerging from studies in the field of <b>Early
Intervention</b>. New studies challenge several long held myths in
psychiatry about the inability of people with psychosis to recover.
It now appears that such myths, by maintaining an overall pessimism
about outcomes, may significantly reduce a persons opportunities for
improvement and/or recovery. After three decades of empirical study,
it is now clear that early intervention is an important part of the
treatment strategy. Furthermore, the importance of family input for
treatment and the benefits of supportive partnerships between
clinicians and families are well established (Rethink Mental Illness
Charity).
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-68189086221895014812012-08-16T09:47:00.000+01:002012-08-16T09:47:24.225+01:00Cognitive Enhancers in Schizophrenia: non-pharmacological approachThis post is a follow up part to the previous post, which introduced the <a href="http://www.allabout-personalitydisorders.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/enhancing-cognition-in-schizophrenia.html" target="_blank">pharmacological approach</a> to the enhancement of cognition in schizophrenia. <br />
<br />
With no major clinical success to date in targeting cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, attention shifted to behavioural, neuro-cognitive interventions. These approaches are based on the assumption that a broad and intensive activation of neural processing systems can stimulate neural resources to improve their functioning. It is believed that intense activation of cognitive (mental) systems damaged in patients with schizophrenia could effectively lead to a general and lasting functional improvement. As a result, several cognitive training strategies have been developed and these can generally be divided into either (1) COGNITION-ENHANCING or (2) COMPENSATORY approaches. The former approaches train patients with laboratory tasks designed to improve specific abilities in various cognitive domains, such as perception, learning, or memory. On the contrary, the latter approaches attempt to bypass cognitive deficits and teach strategies to compensate for them by relying on aids or other processes (Tom<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">á</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s</span>, Roder, & Ruis, 2010).<br />
<br />
<u>1) COGNITION-ENHANCING PROGRAMMES</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cognitive Remediation Therapy (<b>CRT</b>)</li>
<li>Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (<b>CET</b>)</li>
<li>Integrated Psychological Therapy for Schizophrenia (<b>IPT</b>) </li>
</ul>
<b>CRT</b> aims to improve attention, working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_functions" target="_blank">executive functioning</a>. CRT is usually administered via use of a computer, with the tasks appearing on the monitor. Research to date demonstrates small to moderate durable effects of CRT and that irrespective of therapy characteristics CRT can provide benefits to patients with cognitive difficulties. Although having more symptoms is associated with smaller effects, all participants were shown to benefit from CRT.<br />
<br />
<b>CET </b>is a recovery-phase intervention for symptomatically stable schizophrenic out-patients with reduced relapse risk (Hogarty et al., 2004). This programme tackles areas and disabilities of a wider functional range. For example, specifically designed exercises target analytic logic, decision making, strategic and foresightful planning, as well as the intuitive thinking that supports social cognition (thinking). CET is a small-group approach that combines approximately 75 hours of progressive software training exercises in attention, memory and problem solving with 1.5 hours per week of social cognitive group exercises. Consistent positive results are fund in processing speed and verbal memory. A drawback of this approach is that it is only applicable to patients with a certain intellectual level (with an IQ above 80) who are psychopathologically stable (Tom<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">á</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s</span> et al., 2010).<br />
<br />
<b>IPT </b>integrates <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurocognitive" target="_blank">neuro-cognitive</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychosocial" target="_blank">psychosocial</a> rehabilitation methods.IPT is administered to groups and consists of five, hierarchically organised sub-programs: cognitive differentiation, social perception, verbal communication, social skills and interpersonal problem solving. Studies typically reveal the largest improvements in neuro-cognitive functioning, however, effects on psychosocial functioning tend to be smaller (Roder et al., 2006). More research is currently needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach.<br />
<br />
<u>2) COMPENSATORY REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Errorless Learning (<b>EL</b>)</li>
<li>Cognitive Adaptation Training (<b>CAT</b>)</li>
</ul>
<b>EL </b>involves two main procedures: prevention of errors during the learning phase and automation of perfect task execution (Terrace, 1963). It refers to teaching procedures that are designed in such a way that a learner/patient does not have to - and does not- makes mistakes as she/he learns new information and new procedures.<br />
<br />
<b>CAT </b>uses environmental supports and various clues such as signs, check-lists or alarmed drug packaging. It also encourages organisation of belongings and the sequencing of appropriate routines.<br />
<br />
In effect, compensatory strategies work to some extent, however, they do not succeed in achieving pre-morbid levels of performance (Tom<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">á</span>s et al., 2010). Moreover, they are aimed at people with significant cognitive impairment that is difficult to restore and thus renders them less suitable for people with recent illness who are more intact.<br />
<br />
<i>References </i><br />
<br />
Roder, V., Mueller, D. R., Mueser, K. T., & Brenner, H. D. (2006). Integrated psychological therapy for schizophrenia: is it effective? <i>Schizophrenia bulletin, 32 Suppl 1, </i>S81-93. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbl021<i> </i> <br />
<br />
Terrace, H. S. (1963). Discrimination learning with and without errors. <i>Journal of the Experimental analysis of Behaviour, </i>6, 1-27.<br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tom<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">á</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s, P., Roder, I. F. V., & Ruiz, J. C. (2010). cognitive Rehabilitation Programs in Schizophrenia: Current Status and Perspectives. <i>International Journal of Psychology and Psychological Therapy, </i>10(2), 191-204. </span></div>
Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-19614359087919691712012-05-16T18:34:00.000+01:002012-05-16T18:47:25.795+01:00Enhancing Cognition in Schizophrenia - pharmacological approach<br />
<div class="western" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Cognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia, with more than 80% of patients showing significant impairments (Keefe & Fenton, 2007). The range of cognitive impairments in individuals with schizophrenia is broad, with the more robust and replicable deficits typically found in the domains of processing speed, episodic memory, working memory and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_functions" target="_blank">executive function</a>. These impairments have been shown to be associated with various impaired functional outcomes and thus development of new therapies to enhance cognition has become one of the most pressing challenges. Cognitive deficits persits throughout the course of the illness and as such, negatively affect daily functioning, work outcomes and treatment adherence. While anti-pscyhotic medications can control psychotic symptoms for the majority of patients, such improvements do not automatically transfer into the functional outcome, such as community functioning. Additionally, anti-psychotic drugs that are currently the main form of treatment in schizophrenia demonstrate only a modest positive effect on cognition. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Despite
a large number of compelling rationales and significant body of
preclinical data, there are no dramatic or consistent results that
any one medication has the power to increase cognitive skills to the
level of normal functioning. While a wide range of cholinergic,
dopaminergic, glutamatergic and cannabinoid compounds have been
developed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved
any of the drug development programmes specifically aimed at treating
cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Pharmacological
approach: Potential Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs in Schizophrenia</span></span></i></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ol style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<li><div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Antipsychotic
Drugs (APDs)</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> While numerous studies have demonstrated the dramatic
efficacy of APDs in suppressing psychotic symptoms and preventing
their recurrence, they have also revealed their inability to
alleviate the negative and cognitive symptoms of the illness. There
are, however, some studies that suggest that some of the newer
atypical antipsychotics e.g. aripiprazole, clozapine, quetiapine,
olanzapine, risperidone and ziprasidone, may provide minimal benefits
in certain specific areas of cognition.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<li><div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Donepezil,
Rivastigmine, Galantamine</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> Researchers
sometimes focus on drugs that have proved effective in other
cognitively impaired conditions, such as in dementia. Several drugs
approved for dementia stimulate acetylcholine by blocking its
breakdown, which has been shown to improve cognition and slow
cognitive decline. Donepezil belongs to this type. The results in
schizophrenia field, however, are not very encouraging, with only a
few studies showing somewhat minimal memory improvement. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> Rivastagime
has also been investigated but only in smaller-scale studies. No
significant findings have been reported to date.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> Evidence
of cognitive benefit with galantamine has been mixed so far. The
overall trend indicates that at lower doses galantamine exerts a
positive effect on cognition but at higher doses it is consistently
associated with negative results. The most effective dosage is yet to
be established.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<li><div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Nicotine
and nicotinic receptors</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> It
is now widely accepted that nicotinic receptor abnormalities are
present in schizophrenia. The vast majority of studies found some
positive effects, improvements were frequently recorded in working
memory and attentional/executive control functions and in episodic
memory. However, nicotine did not improve every measure examined in
each study and the magnitude of the effects was not large.
Additionally, nicotine as a therapeutic agent may be limited by
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachyphylaxis" target="_blank">tachyphylaxis</a>.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<li><div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Modafinil</span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"> Modafinil
is a wakefulness-promoting agent, shown to be effective in enhancing
cognition in sleep-deprived and healthy individuals, as well as in
some psychiatric disorders. While having effect on many
neurotransmitter systems, modafinil has an uncertain mechanism of
action. Results at this stage appears to be inconclusive. Benefits
demonstrated by early studies were not replicated by larger-scale
studies.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><i>NB: Non-pharmacological applications will be reviewed in a future post</i></span></span></u></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Reference</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Keefe,
R. S. E., & Fenton, W. S. (2007). How should DSM-V criteria for
schizophrenia include cognitive impairment? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Schizophrenia
bulletin</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">,
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">33</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(4),
912-20. doi:10.</span>1093/schbul/sbm046</span></span></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-27762026569267235382012-04-11T18:06:00.001+01:002012-04-11T18:06:35.844+01:00New combat stress helpline announced | BPS<a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/news/new-combat-stress-helpline-funded">New combat stress helpline announced | BPS</a>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-24769846775032229522012-04-11T18:00:00.000+01:002012-04-11T18:00:45.423+01:00Problem solving for personality disorder<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><strong>Mary McMurran and Stephen Coupe describe a promising approach to a distressing disorder</strong></div><div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><strong> </strong><span style="color: #929078;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span></div><div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #929078;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What is problem-solving therapy?</b></span></span></span></div><div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <i><span style="color: #231f20;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Problem-solving therapy has a solid evidence base for alleviating distress and improving social functioning in people with a range of psychological and health problems. This approach has considerable appeal for both therapists and clients, in that its basic principles are easy to understand, it does not pathologise individuals, and it empowers people to solve those problems that they prioritise. Applications of problem-solving therapy for people who are diagnosable with personality disorders have been pioneered by researchers and clinicians in the UK.</span></span></span></i></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><br />
</i> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #231f20;">Social problem solving is the process by which individuals attempt to discover and apply adaptive means of coping with the wide variety of stressful problems encountered in the course of everyday living (D’Zurilla & Nezu, 2007). There is abundant evidence of an association between social problem-solving deficits and psychological distress, physical ill health, substance misuse, hostility and aggression, and mental health problems. Problem-solving therapy can help people to cope better with everyday problems and can lead to better mental and physical health. Problem-solving therapy teaches the skills required for effective social problem solving. These are the ability to recognise problems when they arise, define the problem clearly and accurately, set realistic goals for change, produce a diversity of possible solutions, anticipate outcomes, devise effective actions plans that have stepwise stages, and carry out those action plans to solve problems effectively. </span></span></span></i></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #231f20;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Click on the following link to read more</span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #231f20;"> </span></span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #231f20;"><b>about<a href="http://www.div12.org/sites/default/files/WhatIsProblemSolvingTherapy.pdf" target="_blank">: Problem Solving Therapy</a></b></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-32562471822841657832012-02-09T19:17:00.000+00:002012-02-09T19:17:59.935+00:00Coping with Suicidal Thoughts<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">There are times in life when we might feel totally, hopeless, helpless, overwhelmed with emotional pain. It can seem like there is no other way out of our problems, we've run out of ideas, possible solutions. Our problems seem unfixable. The pain feels like it will never end. We believe we've run out of options, and suicide is the only answer left. </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe the suicidal thoughts come to mind, and you might have mixed feelings about them. They can be frightening and confusing. </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some people, suicide may be a way of getting back at others, or showing them how much pain you're in. But after suicide, you won't be there to see that they feel guilty, or finally understand your pain. </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><i><b>Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.</b></i></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Feelings </span><span style="color: black;"><b>will </b></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pass. Depression feels permanent, but it's transient. Things will change. Depression comes, and it goes.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Depression and pain distort our thinking. It can seem like we're wearing very dark tinted 'gloomy specs'. Everything looks different to how it really is. </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Thoughts are thoughts - not necessarily how things are, although it certainly feels like the thoughts are true. Thoughts affect the way we feel, and thoughts and feelings affect the way we react, what we do.</span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Suicidal thoughts can result when we experience too much pain, without having enough resources to cope. </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">We therefore have two ways to get us through this horrible time: </span></span></span> </div><ol><li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Reduce the pain</b></span></span></span></span></div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Increase coping resources</b></span></span></span></span></div></li>
</ol><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">REDUCE THE PAIN:</span></b></u></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Self-soothing </span></b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do something that will help you feel better, right now.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Perhaps collect items into an emergency bag or box that you can turn to.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Use all five senses to find things that will soothe you.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">VISION – Focus your attention on looking at something nice, nature, a painting, watching a favourite programme or movie.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">HEARING – Listen to a favourite piece of music, sound of nature, sing.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">SMELL – Really notice smell – favourite soap, food, essential oil.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">TASTE – Use sensation of taste to focus your attention. Eat mindfully -savouring each moment.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">TOUCH – Wear soft comforting socks, stroke a pet, give yourself a hand massage.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Avoid drugs and alcohol </span></b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Whilst it seems like they help for a while, they will make your problems worse. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ask yourself: </b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Are these thoughts facts or my opinion? </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What has helped me feel better in the past? </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What can I do right now that will help me feel better? </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What gives my life meaning? What are my goals, dreams or life values? E.g. Family, friends, pets, helping others, faith, spirituality, community life, connecting with nature. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tell yourself: </b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I've coped this far, I can get through the next .... (day, hour, 10 minutes) </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Things will look better in time. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Depression is temporary - this will pass. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Depression is distorting my thinking - these thoughts are the voice of depression. They are not facts. I don't have to act on them. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The vast majority of people get better from depression. I will look back and be pleased that I chose to live. </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Write things down </span></b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/SafetyPlan.pdf" target="_blank">Safety Plan worksheet</a> & <a href="http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/SafetyPlanCards.pdf" target="_blank">Safety Plan Cards </a></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>INCREASE COPING RESOURCES – IMMEDIATE STEPS</b></u></span><span style="color: black;"><b> </b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Read and put your Safety Plan into action! </b></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Keep the <a href="http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/SafetyPlan.pdf" target="_blank">Safety Plan</a> where you can easily find it when you need it. Maybe make several copies – and keep them in several places (e.g. your room, your car, your purse). </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Take one step at a time </b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Take things a little at a time. Set out to get through the next day, the next week or month, perhaps the next hour or even less. Tell yourself: "I've got through so far, I can get through the next hour". </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Distraction </b></span></span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Do something else</b></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, and focus your attention fully on what you're doing (e.g. gardening, physical exercise, something creative, sudoku).</span></span></span></span></span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Talk to someone - now! </span></b></span></span></span> </div><ul><li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A friend or family member </span></span></span></span></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A telephone helpline (E.g. Samaritans 08457 90 90 90) </span></span></span></span></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A health professional </span></span></span></span></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Go somewhere you'll feel safe - be with other people </span></span></span></span></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Go to the local Accident & Emergency department </span></span></span></span></span> </div></li>
<li><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Call the local emergency number (E.g. 999, 112, 911)</span></span></span></span></span></div></li>
</ul><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><i>Reference: </i></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><i>A huge thank you to Carol Vivyan who has put together an incredibly useful set of resources.</i></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><i>Vivyan, C. (2011), www.getselfhelp.co.uk</i></div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.04cm;"><br />
</div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-44134395296348458092011-12-21T09:23:00.000+00:002011-12-21T09:23:40.264+00:00Mindfulness - what is it?<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Mindfulness is an ancient Budhist practice which is very relevant for life today. It refers to a psychological quality that involves bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment to moment basis. It could also be described as kind of non-judgemental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation that arises in the attentional field is acknowledged and accepted as it is. </span> </div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Mindfulness is actually very simple concept. It is simply a practical way to notice thoughts, physical sensations, sights, sounds, smells – anything we might not normally notice. <span style="color: black;">The actual skills might be simple, but because it is so different to how our minds normally behave, it takes a lot of practice.</span> <span style="color: black;">Mindfulness can simply be noticing what we don't normally notice, because our heads are too busy in the future or in the past - thinking about what we need to do, or going over what we have done. </span></span> </div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">For example, Carol Vivyan, explains how we are simply often set on auto-pilot in many activities of our life. In a car, we can sometimes drive for miles on automatic pilot, without really being aware of what we are doing. In the same way, we may not be really 'present' moment-by-moment, for much of our lives: We can often be 'miles away' without knowing it.On automatic pilot, we are more likely to have our "buttons pressed”: Events around us and thoughts, feelings and sensations in the mind (of which we may be only dimly aware) can trigger old habits of thinking that are often unhelpful and may lead to worsening mood.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">By becoming more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, from moment to moment, we give ourselves the possibMility of greater freedom and choice; we do not have to go into the same old “mental ruts” that may have caused problems in the past.</span></div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Mindfulness training has at least 5 broad beneficial effects, according to Felicia Huppert, Professor of Psychology of the University of Cambridge's Well-Being Institute. Specifically, mindfulness promotes:</span></div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">increased sensory awareness</span></div></li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">greater cognitive control</span></div></li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">enhanced regulation of emotions</span></div></li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">acceptance of transient thoughts and feelings</span></div></li>
<li><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">the capacity to regulate attention </span> </div></li>
</ul><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Mindful breathing</span></b></div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The primary focus </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">in Mindfulness Meditation</span></span><span style="color: black;"> is </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">the </span></span><span style="color: black;">breathing. However, the primary goal </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">is a</span></span><span style="color: black;"> calm, non-judging awareness, allowing thoughts and feelings to come and go without getting </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">caught up</span></span><span style="color: black;"> in them. This </span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">creates calmness and acceptance</span></span><span style="color: black;">.</span> The following link takes you to the Mindful Breathing Script/Handout created by Carol Vivyan to help you started.</span></span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.get.gg/docs/MindfulBreathing.pdf">Mindul Breathing Script</a><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Emotion regulation</span></b></div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Many of our intrusive thoughts come with an emotional flavour. Often these are negative – we suddenly remember a recent argument, which makes us angry, or the time we embarrassed ourselves in front of others. It is all to easy to get caught up by these intrusive emotional thoughts and to ruminate on them at length. Again, mindfulness encourages a more de-centred perspective on these feelings: they should be noted, and let pass. "Simply recognising your feelings gives you a choice in how you are going to respond, rather than reacting automatically in ways that lead to trouble", says Professor Huppert. </span> </div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Using mindfulness to cope with negative experiences </span></b> </div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">As we become more practised at using mindfulness for breathing, body sensations and routine daily activities, so we can then learn to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings, to become observers, and subsequently more accepting. This results in less distressing feelings, and increases our level of functioning and ability to enjoy our lives.</span></span> </span></span> </div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">Jon Kabat-Zinn uses the example of waves to help explain mindfulness. Think of your mind as the surface of a lake or an ocean. There are always waves on the water, sometimes big, sometimes small, sometimes almost imperceptible. The water's waves are churned up by winds, which come and go and vary in direction and intensity, just as do the winds of stress and change in our lives, which stir up waves in our mind. It's possible to find shelter from much of the wind that agitates the mind. Whatever we might do to prevent them, the winds of life and of the mind will blow, do what we may</span></span> </span></span> </div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial Black,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB">"Y</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB"><i>ou can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf"</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="en-GB"> (Kabat-Zinn 2004).</span></span> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> </div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-16027080766813571152011-10-09T13:01:00.001+01:002011-10-09T13:06:11.267+01:00World Mental Health Day<div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Monday 10 October</b> is World Mental Health Day and I would like to use it as an opportunity to urge the government to continue to invest in mental health services. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every year one in six of us will experience mental ill health, yet only a quarter will seek treatment. The social cost of mental ill health is over £100bn – more than the entire NHS budget – and half of all mental health problems begin before the age of 15.</span><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;">The government’s recent </span><span style="font-size: small;">mental health strategy “No Health without Mental Health” sets out how important mental well-being is to every one of us and how much still needs to be done to ensure that people affected by mental ill health enjoy the same chances in life as everyone else. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span lang="en-US">People with mental health problems tell us they require services that meet both their mental health and social needs. Yet the current reductions in social care and support to the voluntary sector are having a significant impact on the lives of those who are already marginalised and living in poverty.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">The British Psychological Society and a number of other professional organisations, including the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, have written an open letter to the health secretary to call for action to coincide with World Mental Health Day.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">As well as continued investment in mental health services, they want to see an emphasis on recovery, job opportunities and fighting discrimination, and call for s</span><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;">ervice users and carers to be involved at the outset in planning, delivering and evaluating mental health services</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;">To read more about World Mental Health Day, click on the following links:</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: #272627; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.who.int/mental_health/publications/mentalhealthday_brochure_2011.pdf">http://www.who.int/mental_health/publications/mentalhealthday_brochure_2011.pdf</a> </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.wfmh.org/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm">http://www.wfmh.org/00WorldMentalHealthDay.htm</a></span></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-83996084021232514462011-09-30T20:04:00.000+01:002011-09-30T20:04:42.686+01:00The Power of Positivity by Dr Fred Von GuntenDear all,<br />
<br />
I have just finished reading <b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86502"><i>The Power of Positivity</i></a>,</b> an e-book written by Dr Fred Von Gunten who, I am really proud to say, was one of the first followers joining this blog. It is through his e-mails and the 'first-hand' account in his e-book that I have come to understand much better the life of a bipolar sufferer. Fred has lived with the bipolar for 50 years and was one of the first to receive Lithium when the FDA approved it in 1971. Fred's great belief in the 'power of positivity' is beautifully captured in the e-book, in which he focuses on the benefits of positivity over negativity.<br />
<br />
I would like to recommend this e-book to all of you because, in my eyes, it is a 'must read' for anyone who either suffers from the disorder or has ever wondered what the bipolar might be about. The following review offers a good introduction to the e-book, which can be yours within seconds for a tiny little fee of $1.99 USD. The access link is provided at the end of this post.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"> <i><strong>Review by: </strong><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/lindaleerathbun">Linda Lee Rathbun</a></i> <i> on Sep. 05, 2011 : <img alt="star" height="16" src="https://www.smashwords.com/static/img/star.png" width="16" /> <img alt="star" height="16" src="https://www.smashwords.com/static/img/star.png" width="16" /> <img alt="star" height="16" src="https://www.smashwords.com/static/img/star.png" width="16" /> <img alt="star" height="16" src="https://www.smashwords.com/static/img/star.png" width="16" /> <img alt="star" height="16" src="https://www.smashwords.com/static/img/star.png" width="16" /></i> <i><br />
Anyone who has struggled with mental health issues, and anyone who wonders how they can achieve positive thinking in their life, will no doubt benefit from this book. The author shares his lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder, and offers ways to manage the disorder with medication and with the Power of Positivity. In this book, Fred Von Gunten has opened up his heart and life for all to learn from. It is only when experience is passed on that it becomes a learning tool, and in this case, also a positive force for everyone's life. I highly commend this book to all. Linda Lee Rathbun<br />
<span style="color: #888888;"> (reviewed the day of purchase) </span></i> </div>I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please follow the link below:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86502">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/86502</a><br />
<br />
Kindest Regards,<br />
<br />
DenisaDenisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-43776592155059918202011-09-02T19:31:00.000+01:002011-09-02T19:31:32.246+01:00Understanding Psychotic Experiences <h2 align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-left: -0.02cm; text-indent: -0.02cm;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Psychotic experiences, such as hearing voices, are surprisingly common, but can lead to diagnoses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.</span></h2><div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">WHAT ARE PSYCHOTIC EXPERIENCES?</span></div><div align="JUSTIFY" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Also referred to as psychosis – a psychiatric term that describes experiences such as hearing voices seeing things or holding unusual beliefs, which other people don't hear/see or share. The psychotic episodes that a person experiences usually consist of </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>hallucinations</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span>(seeing, hearing or feeling things that aren't there) and <b>delusions</b> (holding unusual/unfounded beliefs such as paranoia or feelings of importance). Some delusional ideas can be extremely frightening; for example, someone might believe that other beings are placing thoughts in their head, or trying to control or kill them. These ideas are called <b>paranoid delusions</b>. </div><div align="JUSTIFY">These symptoms can be very distressing for sufferers and can lead them to become withdrawn, depressed and suicidal so it is vital that sufferers of psychosis get help. Psychiatrists regard these types of experiences as symptoms, and, depending on other factors, they will base a diagnosis on them. The diagnosis could be severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, paranoia, psychotic illness, schizoaffective disorder, or puerperal psychosis (a very severe form of postnatal depression). These diagnoses are not clear-cut, and people may receive different diagnoses at different times. </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everyone’s experiences are unique. The majority </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>hear voices</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">, which may be recognizable or unfamiliar. There may be one or many of them talking to, or about, an individual. They might be present occasionally, or all the time, interfering with ordinary life, making concentration and conversation difficult. The voices may be benign and helpful, or hostile and nasty. Some people hear only positive voices, and may not regard them as a problem, others hear only negative ones, which causes great distress. The sufferers may feel the voices are in control of their body and can hurt them or punish them if they don’t do as they’re told. This may cause them to cut themselves or carry out other harmful types of behaviour. </span></span> </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Other psychotic experiences can take form of non-verbal thoughts, images and visions, tastes, smells and sensations, which have no apparent cause. </span></span>For example, feeling as if insects were crawling under your skin, having a sensation like an electric shock, or smelling something that other people around you can’t. </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY">WHAT CAUSES PSYCHOTIC EXPERIENCES?</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY">Almost anyone can have a brief psychotic episode resulting from a lack of sleep, through illnesses and high fevers, or abusing alcohol or drugs. There is considerable evidence that psychotic experiences are connected to using cannabis in some vulnerable people. Experiences of this kind can also be a result of damage to the brain or dementia, of lead and mercury poisoning, or changes in blood sugar levels. There are different ideas about why psychotic experiences develop. But it’s generally thought that some people are more vulnerable to them, and that very stressful or traumatic events make them more likely to occur. A person's own attitude to their experience, as well as the attitude of those around them, also plays a part. </div><div align="JUSTIFY">The experiences may involve biological changes in brain structure or brain chemistry, but its not clear whether these are the cause or the effect of the psychotic experience. Research into whether there’s an inherited vulnerability is inconclusive. If one member of a family is diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, then there seems to be more chance of another family member being similarly diagnosed, but no single gene has been found to be responsible. Early experiences in life may be important in helping to prevent, or contributing to, problems. One theory suggests that overcritical or over-protective families make people more vulnerable. </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY">TREATMENT</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY">Psychosis can be treated in a number of ways once it has been diagnosed: anti-psychotic drugs, psychological therapies, hospitalisation and self-help.</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><b>LITERATURE</b></div><div align="JUSTIFY"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Voicing-Psychotic-Experiences-Ruth-Chandler/dp/1841962503?ie=UTF8&tag=personadisord-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Voicing Psychotic Experiences</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=personadisord-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1841962503" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advances-Understanding-Illness-Psychotic-Experiences/dp/185433333X?ie=UTF8&tag=personadisord-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Recent Advances in Understanding Mental Illness and Psychotic Experiences</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=personadisord-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=185433333X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div><div align="JUSTIFY"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bipolar1-Psychotic-Experience-Kevin-Rowan/dp/1440110786?ie=UTF8&tag=personadisord-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Bipolar1: A Psychotic Experience</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=personadisord-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1440110786" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div align="JUSTIFY"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Episode-Psychosis-Patients-Families/dp/0195372492?ie=UTF8&tag=personadisord-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The First Episode of Psychosis: A Guide for Patients and Their Families</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=personadisord-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0195372492" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div align="JUSTIFY"><br />
</div><div align="JUSTIFY"><i>References:</i> </div><a href="http://www.mind.org.uk/">http://www.mind.org.uk/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.glasgowpsychology.co.uk/psychosis.htm">http://www.glasgowpsychology.co.uk/psychosis.htm</a><br />
<br />
Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-77058006600375609642011-08-11T14:47:00.000+01:002011-08-11T14:47:36.818+01:00Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) <div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Like other personality disorders, histrionic personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation and the history and severity of the symptoms. There is a lack of research on the causes of the HPD and thus they are not definitively known. It is suggested however that biological, developmental, cognitive and social factors play a crucial role. This disorder (Cluster B) is characterised by constant attention seeking and discomfort from not being the centre of attention. Histrionics tend to interrupt others to dominate the conversation and are sometimes referred to as drama queens with their theatrical performances and gestures. Those with the disorder may dress provocatively to gain the attention they crave, and be sexually seductive in inappropriate situations. However, there is a difference between being dramatic and being histrionic. Many people exhibit HP characteristics but would not be classified as having the disorder. The following symptoms of HPD may characterize someone who is described as 'dramatic', however, only in those diagnosed with the HPD the symptoms will be exhibited to a pathological degree. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">SYMPTOMS</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Acting or looking overly seductive</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Being easily influenced by other people</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Being overly concerned with their looks</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Being overly dramatic and emotional</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Being overly sensitive to criticism or disapproval</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Believing that relationships are more intimate than they actually are</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Blaming failure or disappointment on others</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Constantly seeking reassurance or approval</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Having a low tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Needing to be the center of attention (self-centeredness)</div></li>
<li>Quickly changing emotions, which may seem shallow to others<br />
</li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">TREATMENT</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Treatment for HPD is difficult for a number of reasons. Often, sufferers do not believe that they have a personality disorder and do not believe they’re in need of therapy. Those who <em>do </em>seek treatment often do so for depression or anxiety – conditions that are frequently associated with HPD. The treatment usually involves psychotherapy and/or medication. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Many people with this disorder are able to function well socially and at work. Those with severe cases, however, might experience significant problems in their daily lives. </div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-67908686861715026672011-07-31T11:46:00.001+01:002011-07-31T11:50:02.892+01:00Personality Disorder – what is it actually?<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Having talked to people from various backgrounds, I realize how many different definitions/ideas/images exist associated with the notion of a personality disorder. Therefore, it does not surprise me that it is often considered as one of the most controversial of all psychiatric diagnoses. There are no accurate figures, but an estimated 10% of the general population have some kind of personality disorder. Experts describe personality disorders as being ‘fuzzy at the edges’. One person may qualify for several different disorders, while a wide range of people may fit different criteria for the same disorder, despite having very different personalities. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Placing people into neat categories is almost impossible, because each individual is unique and personality is very complex. It’s a mistake to assume that giving people a diagnostic label means knowing more about them, and it’s too easy to use these terms in a judgemental way. Many of these diagnostic labels have been used in a way that stigmatises people. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Research from the Office of National Statistics states that as many as 5.4% of men have a personality disorder, and for women, it is 3.4%. Personality disorders are found more in younger age groups (25-44 year age group) and are equally common between males and females. In 1998, research carried out by the Office of National Statistics found that numbers of people with personality disorders are highest in institutional settings like prison, which has a population where 64% of male sentenced prisoners and 50% of female prisoners have been found to be suffering from a personality disorder. </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Personality disorders typically start in adolescence and continue into adulthood. They may be mild, moderate or severe, and people may have periods of 'remission' where they can function well. They are caused by a combination of genetic reasons and experiences of distress or fear during childhood, such as neglect or abuse and can be broadly grouped into one of three clusters – A, B or C. NHS provides the following definitions of the groups.</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Cluster A personality disorder</b> </div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">An individual regards other people as alien and usually shows patterns of behaviour that most people would regard as odd and eccentric. Others may describe them as living in a fantasy world of their own. An extreme example is paranoid personality disorder, where the person is extremely distrustful and suspicious.<br />
</div><h4 align="LEFT"> </h4><h4 align="LEFT">Cluster B personality disorders</h4><h4 align="LEFT"> </h4><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A person with a cluster B personality disorder struggles to regulate their feelings and often swings between positive and negative views of others. This can lead to patterns of behaviour that others describe as dramatic, unpredictable and disturbing. An example is borderline personality disorder, where the person is emotionally unstable, has impulses to self-harm and has very intense and unstable relationships with others.</span><br />
</div><h4 align="LEFT"> </h4><h4 align="LEFT">Cluster C personality disorders</h4><h4 align="LEFT"> </h4><div align="LEFT">A person with a cluster C personality disorder struggles with persistent and overwhelming feelings of anxiety and fear. They tend to show patterns of behaviour that most people would regard as antisocial and withdrawn. An example is avoidant personality disorder, where the person appears painfully shy, is socially inhibited, feels inadequate and is extremely sensitive to rejection. The person may want to be close to others, but lacks the confidence to form a close relationship.</div><div align="LEFT"><br />
</div><div align="LEFT">To know more about <a href="http://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorder-symptoms.com/">personality types</a> follow the link to my related website.</div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-61974099026770190222011-07-22T20:10:00.000+01:002011-07-22T20:10:02.688+01:00Antidepressants cause relapse says study | BPS<a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/news/antidepressants-cause-relapse-says-study">Antidepressants cause relapse says study | BPS</a>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-42605070365499988792011-07-22T19:51:00.000+01:002011-07-22T19:51:54.640+01:00Understanding Bipolar Disorder | BPS<a href="http://www.bps.org.uk/understanding-bipolar-disorder">Understanding Bipolar Disorder | BPS</a>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-15744589154052953952011-06-29T16:28:00.000+01:002011-06-29T16:28:40.746+01:00Coping with Panic Attacks<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">A panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. It is an exaggeration of the body's normal response to fear, stress or excitement. Panic attacks are extremely frightening and involve physical symptoms, including shaking, feeling faint, dizzy, confused or disorientated, rapid heartbeats, dry mouth, sweating, ringing in ears, hot or cold flushes, tingling or numbness in hands/ feet and chest pain. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">During an attack, you may fear that the world is going to come to an end, or that you are about to die or go mad. The most important thing to remember is that, however dreadful you may feel during an attack, this is NOT going to happen. Panic attacks always pass and the symptoms are not a sign of anything harmful happening. The following is based on various useful resources provided by MIND – the leading mental health charity.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>First Aid:</b></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">If you are having a panic attack, try cupping your hands over your nose and mouth, or holding a paper bag (not plastic!) and breathing into it, for about 10 minutes. This should raise the level of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream and relieve symptoms.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Other first-aid tips include running on the spot during a panic attack. If you feel unreal, carry and object, such as the photograph of a loved one, to anchor you in reality, or finger a heavily textured object (e.g. a strip of sandpaper). You could also distract yourself, by trying to focus on what is going on around you.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The first step is recognising that you have the power to control your symptoms.</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Confront your fear – do not run away from it. You need to tell yourself that nothing bad is going to happen and the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by anxiety. Try to keep doing things and, if possible, do not leave the situation until the anxiety has subsided (Salkovskis, 2010)</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Accept that a panic attack is unpleasant and embarrassing, but that it is not life-threatening or the end of the world. By going with the panic, you are reducing its power to terrify you.</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Learn creative visualisation – for example, imagine you are in a place that symbolises peace and relaxation for you . You can practice this anywhere but, until you have got used to doing this, try sitting in a chair with your limbs as floppy as possible, and think of calming images.</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Use positive, present-tense affirmations – you can use visualisation to focus on situations that you fear. Imagine the situation and speak positively to yourself: 'I am doing well', 'This is easy'. These can be said silently or out loud. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><i>(NB: If you have been used to thinking negatively, over a long period of time, you will need to practice every day.)</i></div></li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Learn a relaxation technique, which focuses on easing muscle tension and slowing down your breathing.</div></li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Practice correct breathing – to avoid hyperventilation (over-breathing), which leads to panic attacks. Avoid breathing shallowly, from the upper chest, and breath more slowly from the abdomen. Put one hand on your upper chest and the other on your stomach. Notice which hand moves as you breathe. The hand on your chest should hardly move but the hand on your stomach should rise and fall.</div></li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">If necessary, make changes to your diet – eat regularly and avoid sugary foods and drinks, white flour and junk food to prevent unstable blood sugar levels , which can contribute to symptoms of panic. Caffeine, alcohol and smoking all contribute to panic attacks and are best avoided.</div></li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">If the self-help does not help, consult your doctor </div></li>
<li><div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">Therapies that can be considered include: Drug Therapy, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Therapy as well as various Complementary and Alternative Therapies (e.g. acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy). </div></li>
</ul>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-20472180839490129172011-06-14T20:11:00.002+01:002011-06-14T20:18:09.914+01:00Do you have bipolar?<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first question that you need to ask is, if you indeed have this condition. Learning the signs and symptoms will help you to weigh the need to seek out medical attention. If any of your symptoms are severe or you are considering harming yourself, you must seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible.</span></div><div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bipolar individuals will go through an alternating pattern of highs and lows that play on their emotions. The highs are called episodes of mania. The lows are episodes of depression. The intensity of these highs and lows will vary from person to person and from one episode to the next. For some, the symptoms can be quite mild but for others they can be quite severe. In addition to this, you may also have very normal times too. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 131%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">During the manic phase, there are a number of symptoms that can be observed.</span><br />
</div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may feel extremely happy and optimistic. You may feel euphoria. You may also have an inflated self esteem or ego.</span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </li>
<li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may have very poor judgement, and you may know this by being told by others that you’ve made the wrong decision.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your speech can be very fast. Your mind is going crazy with thoughts (see earlier <a href="http://allabout-personalitydisorders.blogspot.com/2011/05/racing-thoughts.html"><i>Racing Thoughts</i></a> post below). You may be agitated and feel the need to move your body and your mind. Physical activity may be increased too.</span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </li>
<li><div style="line-height: 131%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many will be aggressive in their behaviour.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some people find this to be a time of problems with sleeping, problems with concentrating on what you should be doing. You may be easily distracted, and have problems getting tasks accomplished.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 131%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can be reckless or you may take chances on things that you normally would not do.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">The depressive side of bipolar is often associated with depression like symptoms. These symptoms can include the following, often more than one symptom.</span></div><ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Feeling very sad, very guilty or feeling that all is lost. Hopelessness is a common feeling here too. The trademark of a problem is that the symptom is unfounded and is persistent.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may be very tired, often not caring about getting your tasks accomplished. You may lose interest in the things that you do daily, normally. Even those things that you love to do may not be done.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 131%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may be very irritable, losing your temper for no real reason.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may not be able to sleep although you are tired. You may not be hungry and some will lose weight because of not eating properly here.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some have problems with pain, too. If you have pain that there is no real cause for, this can be a sign of depressive behaviour.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<ul style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><li><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">The most serious of all symptoms and signs of depressive behaviour is that of thoughts of suicide. If you have these thoughts, your condition needs immediate attention.</span></div></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span> <br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you think that you have any of these symptoms, then you need to work with your doctor to be diagnosed. It is necessary to get treatment and treatment really can help you!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Finally-Break-Vicious-Bipolar-ebook/dp/B004K6MGQQ?ie=UTF8&tag=personadisord-21&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Finally, Break The Vicious Cycle Of Bipolar: Overcome the Mood Swings That Have You Trapped!</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=personadisord-21&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B004K6MGQQ" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </span></b></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-36370864239584781532011-06-07T16:34:00.001+01:002011-06-07T16:37:55.375+01:00Anxiety Disorders<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">ANXIETY is a normal response to stress or danger. At times it's helpful because it can help prepare the body for action, and it can improve performance in a range of situations. It only becomes a problem when it is experienced intensely and it persistently interferes with a person's daily life.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Depression and anxiety commonly occur together. Not everybody who is anxious is depressed, but most depressed patients have some symptoms of anxiety. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">CAUSES:</div>Are not fully known, but things to do with your family, your body and what has happened to you in the past are all believed to be involved. <br />
Studies have shown that some people are born more likely to have high levels of anxiety. You are probably more likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder if someone in your family does. <br />
Drug use and some physical conditions can also lead to increased anxiety as can one or more events that cause significant adjustments in everyday life (e.g. marriage, injury or retirement). <br />
<br />
SYMPTOMS:<br />
<br />
<strong>1) Psychological:</strong><br />
<ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Inner tension. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Agitation. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Fear of losing control. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dread that something catastrophic is going to happen, such as a blackout, seizure, heart attack or death. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Irritability. </div></li>
<li>Feelings of detachment, as if being trapped in a bubble separate from the world. </li>
</ul><strong>2) Physical:</strong><br />
<ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Racing heart beat (palpitations). </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Breathing fast, feeling short of breath or finding it hard to 'get breath'. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Chest tightness. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dry mouth, butterflies in the stomach, feeling sick. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">An urge to pass urine. </div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Tremor. </div></li>
<li>Sweating. </li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Five major types of anxiety disorders are:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Generalized Anxiety Disorder</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="https://borderlinepersonalitydisorder-symptoms.com/Panic_Disorder.html">Panic Disorder</a></div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)</div></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)</div></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-decoration: none;">TREATMENTS:</div><br />
<span style="text-decoration: none;">1) </span><b>Psychological:</b> Often tried first. They may include learning about the symptoms and realising that though they are frightening, they are not medically dangerous. Relaxation techniques can also be helpful. <br />
<div style="text-decoration: none;">People with OCD can be taught <u>'thought stopping'</u> techniques to prevent obsessional thoughts. </div><div style="text-decoration: none;">Phobias can be treated by a number of techniques including <u>'graded exposure'. </u></div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-decoration: none;"><b>2) Medicines</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">- </span></span><u><span style="font-weight: normal;">Diazepam , Lorazepam</span></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - effective in quickly relieving the symptoms of anxiety. However, the body rapidly becomes used to these drugs and they can be addictive. Should not be used for longer periods.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u>-Buspirone</u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">- Other medicines can help some of the physical symptoms of anxiety, for example <u>propranolol </u>(eg Inderal LA) can slow a fast heart beat and reduce tremor. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">Antidepressants – such as <u>Prozac (fluoxetine), Seroxat (paroxetine), Lustral (sertraline) and Cipramil (citalopram)</u> – these appear to be better for panic disorder and OCD. A newer antidepressant <u>Cipralex (escitalopram)</u> is also proving to be beneficial in many patients with anxiety and panic disorders. Other antidepressants such as <u>Gamanil (lofepramine) and Edronax (reboxetine)</u> may be helpful for social phobias.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-47193501063829122712011-05-31T15:44:00.003+01:002011-05-31T15:51:32.042+01:00Racing Thoughts<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is normal for people to have several things going on in their minds at any given time. When planning for the day ahead, there are usually several things that should be done. But for some people, however, these multiple thoughts become too much for them to bear. They begin to show symptoms of irritability, uneasiness, slurred speech, and inability to concentrate.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Generally, racing thoughts are described as an event where the mind uncontrollably brings up random thoughts and memories and switches between them very quickly. Sometimes they are related, as one thought leads to another; other times they are completely random. A person suffering from an episode of racing thoughts has no control over his or her train of thought and this stops them from focusing on one topic or prevents sleeping.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Racing thoughts are not just "thinking fast." They are thoughts that just won't be quiet; they can be in the background of other thoughts <i>or</i> take over a person's consciousness. Thoughts, music, and voices might be zooming through one's mind. There also might be a repetitive pattern of voice or of pressure without any associated "sound". It is a very overwhelming and irritating feeling, and can result in losing track of time. Sometimes racing thoughts are accompanied by a pounding hearth or pounding pulses, including drumming in the ears. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">The phenomenon called racing thoughts is distinct from "hearing voices," which is a symptom of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, severe mania or other psychotic disorders. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Racing thoughts can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, depression, OCD or a variety of other mood and anxiety disorders. They are also associated with use of amphetamines and sleep deprivation. Treatment is available for each of these conditions. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1.27cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">There some suggestions put forward that can help with racing thoughts: <b> </b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1.27cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><ul style="font-family: inherit;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do crossword puzzles -</b> helps you to focus your thoughts on something specific instead of letting them roam.<b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Read a book</b> - Especially one in which you can become absorbed.<b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The chalkboard technique</b> - Imagine a blackboard in your mind. As each thought comes to you, it is "written" on the chalkboard, which you instantly erase. Keep doing this with every thought as it comes. Eventually, you will tire yourself out and/or the thoughts will cease.<b> </b><b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Write in a journal</b><b> </b><b> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Use a tape recorder</b>: Just tape record your thoughts. This way you can speak as fast as your thoughts come to you. Eventually you will exhaust those thoughts (as well as your voice), and be able to sleep.</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1.27cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may also want to read an article by Jordana Mansbacher entitled: <i>Anxiety Reactions and Techniques to Stop Racing Thoughts</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Anxiety-Reactions-and-Techniques-to-Stop-Racing-Thoughts&id=614404">http://ezinearticles.com/?Anxiety-Reactions-and-Techniques-to-Stop-Racing-Thoughts&id=614404</a></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-56060661012734678412011-05-24T12:11:00.000+01:002011-05-24T12:11:41.709+01:00Treating Bipolar DisorderIf you have bipolar disorder, taking medication is the key to reducing the frequency and severity of mood episodes. However, bipolar medications are most effective when used in conjunction with therapy and healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise and support networks. These factors play an important role in managing symptoms of mania and depression and will also determine how much of medication is required.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">It can take a while to find the right bipolar medication and dose. Everyone responds to medication differently thus several drugs might be tried before the one that works in a particular case is found. It may also take some time to establish the optimal dose, so it is important to work closely with a doctor. This is crucial since the medication should be re-evaluated on regular basis because the optimal dose fluctuates along the changes in a lifestyle. Medication should be continued even if a person feels better as the likelihood of having a relapse is very high.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All prescription drugs come with risks, but if taken RESPONSIBLY and especially, if combined with therapy and healthy lifestyle, the risks will be minimized and the efficiency of the treatment maximized. Responsibly here refers to the following:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- Medication is taken as prescribed</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- Track of side effects is noted/recorded</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- Being aware of potential drug interactions</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Common </span><u><b>Mood Stabilizers</b></u><span style="text-decoration: none;"> used</span> in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder are:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">1) LITHIUM, which is the oldest and most well-known mood stabilizer, highly effective for treating mania. It can also help bipolar depression, however, it is not as effective for mixed episodes or rapid cycling. Lithium takes from one to two weeks to reach its full effect. If lithium is taken, it is important to have regular blood tests to make sure the dose is in the effective range.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">2) ANTICONVULSANTS, which have been shown to relieve the symptoms of mania and reduce mood swings. These include:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">-Valproic acid (Depakote) – often the first choice for rapid cycling, mixed mania or mania with hallucinations or delusions.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">-Carbamazepine (Tegretol)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">-Lamotrigine (Lamictal)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">-Topiramate (Topamax)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">3) Natural Mood Stabilizers</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u>Other medications</u> used in treatment of bipolar include:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- ANTIDEPRESSANTS, however their use is becoming increasingly controversial</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATIONS</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">- BENZODIAZEPINES – fast acting sedatives that work within 30 minutes to an hour. These might be prescribed while a person is waiting for the medication to kick in, however these are also highly addictive so they should be used only as a 'temporary measure'.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><u><b>Therapy</b></u></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">Research shows that people who take medication for bipolar disorder tend to recover much faster and control their moods much better if they also get therapy. Therapy helps with coping strategies, monitoring the progress and dealing with problems that the disorder is causing in one's life.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;"><em><u>If anyone wants to share their personal experience with regards to the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, please do so. This may prove invaluable for other readers. Thanks.</u></em></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-68030006350820314842011-05-14T09:10:00.001+01:002011-05-14T13:57:38.642+01:00Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) versus Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)<div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has only been a few weeks since launching my <a href="http://borderlinepersonalitydisorder-symptoms.com/">personality disorders</a> website and I must say, I am absolutely thrilled about the feedback and comments coming in. Many have already given their ideas and suggestions and I shall endeavour to consider and work on these to make sure that the site becomes a good and inspiring source of information. </span></div><div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: normal;">A feedback from one OCD sufferer has initiated the content of this post, in which I would like to emphasize the DIFFERENCE between OCD and OCPD – two distinctly different conditions that are often the subject of much confusion. While they share similar names and some common symptoms between them, the two are very different forms of mental illness that should be recognized as such.</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">OCD is an anxiety-related disorder rather than a personality disorder. A person with OCD </span>experiences frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts, often followed by repetitive compulsions, impulses or urges. Compulsions are repetitive physical behaviours and actions or mental thought rituals that are performed over and over again in an attempt to relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessional thoughts.</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">OCPD is a condition in which a person is preoccupied with rules, orderliness and control. It is a type of personality disorder marked by rigidity, control, perfectionism, and an over-concern with work at the expense of close interpersonal relationships. People with OCPD tend to stress perfectionism above everything else, and feel anxious when they perceive that things are not right. They may hoard money, keep their home perfectly organized, or be anxious about delegating tasks for fear that they will not be completed correctly.</span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So how do we best distinguish between the conditions? </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As expressed by the OCD suffer herself, “...those with OCPD are usually controlling, dislike delegating, and rarely seek treatment of their volition as they think they are right, whereas those with OCD are tortured by anxiety and would do anything to get rid of their obsessions”. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The biggest difference between OCD and OCPD is the fact that obsessions and compulsions do not exist in OCPD in the same sense they exist for sufferers of OCD. OCD sufferers tend to spend much more of their time dealing with rituals and repeated actions than those with OCPD and they are usually distressed by having to carry out these tasks or rituals. In contrast, people with OCPD view activities such as excessive list making or organization of items around the home as necessary and even beneficial. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Finally, whereas the severity of OCD symptoms will often fluctuate over time, OCPD is chronic in nature, with little change in personality style. As such, both condition subsequently require a specific treatment.</span></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1756921578190709854.post-18875096599250486022011-04-25T16:01:00.000+01:002011-04-25T17:09:36.715+01:00Personality Disorder Diagnosis - a Blessing or a Curse?<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is commonly agreed that by our late teens, or early 20s, the most of us have developed our own personality with our distinctive ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. Usually, our personality allows us to get on reasonably, if not perfectly well, with other people. However, for some people this does not happen. Their personality develops in a way that makes it difficult for them to live with themselves and/or other people. They are simply unable to learn from experience and to change their traits.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My experience from working in mental health environments confirms that those with a personality disorder often find it hard to make or maintain relationships. Such people are frequently unable to get on with friends, family or people at work and lack the ability to control feelings and behaviour. As such, they end up unhappy or distressed, often upsetting or harming other people. Having a personality disorder makes life difficult, so other mental health problems (such as depression, or drug and alcohol abuse) co-occur.</span></span></div><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psychologists have developed many personality inventories, i.e. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) or the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI) and numerous projective tests, i.e. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) that allow clinicians to assess the patient's patterns of thinking, their worries or anxieties and thus directing them to a valid diagnosis. Furthermore, </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders </i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">(or DSM-IV-TR), published by the American Psychiatric Association, </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">is now a widely recognized manual that provides standard criteria for the classification of mental disorders, enabling even faster diagnoses. </span></span></div><br />
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, despite all the tools, one question remains unanswered. Is this goal of getting a fast diagnosis a blessing or a curse for those involved? As for me, I am still trying to find out...</span></span></div>Denisa Miluckahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06452209438531474140noreply@blogger.com1