Dr. Deb

Suicide Survivors Awareness Day

2009-11-20T11:50:00.001-05:00

Every year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sponsors National Survivors of Suicide Day - reaching out to thousands of people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This Saturday, November 21, 2009, is their 11th year of raising awareness and providing support.

Over 230 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and across the world. An amazing network of healing conferences is available for those who have survived the tragedy of suicide loss. Connecting on this day allows survivors to know that they are not alone in this experience. And perhaps more important than anything else, research has shown that survivors of suicide contribute significantly in better understanding suicide and its prevention. There is great power in the personal narrative.

To find a city worldwide where a conference is being held link here and here

Read more on suicide outreach and about the 10 common myths about suicide here

Andriessen, K. (2009). Can Postvention Be Prevention? Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 30 (1), 43-47 DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910.30.1.43

Optimism and Your Heart

2009-11-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Two recent issues of the journal Circulation include studies showing that positive thinking and health are interconnected.

In this study over 90,000 American women were followed for eight years, tracking their levels of optimism and heart attack rate. The results showed that the least optimistic subjects had higher incidences of heart attacks. The other study evaluated optimism and Coronary Heart Disease in over 2,000 Canadian men and women - and found that positive thinking resulted in a lower risk for CHD.

Positive Psychology is the study of positive thinking, thriving and resiliency and focusing on strengths-based traits. Though many of us are genetically wired to see the glass half full, you can learn how to accentuate the positive.

I'm a half full person.

What are you?

Tindle, H., Chang, Y., Kuller, L., Manson, J., Robinson, J., Rosal, M., Siegle, G., & Matthews, K. (2009). Optimism, Cynical Hostility, and Incident Coronary Heart Disease and Mortality in the Women's Health Initiative Circulation, 120 (8), 656-662 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.827642

Give An Hour

2009-11-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

Over 1.9 million troops have been deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf since September 11, 2001. Many who return home are finding a shortage of mental health therapists.

Give an Hour is a pro bono program that recruits mental health professionals to aid in this treatment gap. Give an Hour is endorsed by six major mental health associations in the United States--the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Association of Social Workers, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Only licensed mental health professionals are included in the network. Link here for registration.

Give an Hour is also looking for non-licensed volunteers who can use their skill‐sets to help veterans and their families. If interested, link here

Volunteering has long been known to have significant mental and physical health benefits for the volunteer. But did you know that recent research indicates how volunteering in your community produces "neighborhood well-being"?

Mellor, D., Hayashi, Y., Stokes, M., Firth, L., Lake, L., Staples, M., Chambers, S., & Cummins, R. (2007). Volunteering and Its Relationship With Personal and Neighborhood Well-Being Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, 38 (1), 144-159 DOI: 10.1177/0899764008317971

Seasonal Affective Disorder

2009-11-06T07:04:00.001-05:00

Question: What is seasonal affective disorder?
Answer: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a pattern of significant depressive symptoms that occur and then disappear with the changing of the seasons. SAD has also been called "Winter Depression" or "Winter Blues". The reason for these names is that SAD occurs when days get shorter around November and lasting until Spring.

Question: What's the difference between seasonal affective disorder and other forms of depression?
Answer: SAD is similar to other major depressions in its severity and symptoms; however, it occurs seasonally usually starting in the fall and lasting until early spring. This disorder is cyclical. SAD patients also tend to sleep and eat more compared to patients with other types of clinical depression — usually, depression patients have insomnia and loss of appetite. For some individuals, seasonal changes cause a "Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder" where symptoms of mania, elevated mood, racing of thoughts and pressured speech can occur. In this case, Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder stems from Bipolar Disorder. SAD can also occur in summer months.

Question: How many people are affected by this disorder each year?
Answer: SAD affects millions of individuals worldwide. The illness is more common in higher latitudes, that is locations farther north or south of the equator, because the timeline of darkness is longer.

Question: What are the symptoms of SAD?
Answer: Symptoms include many of the same symptoms of depression: sadness, anxiety, lost interest in usual activities, withdrawal from social activities and an inability to concentrate. The difference though, is that these symptoms resolve each Spring and tend to occur again in late Fall.

Question: What is the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Answer: Melatonin, a sleep-related hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain, has been linked to SAD. This hormone, which may cause symptoms of depression, is produced at increased levels in the dark. Therefore, when the days are shorter and darker the production of this hormone increases. A dip in Serotonin has also been associated with SAD.

Question: What kind of treatments are available?
Answer: Phototherapy or bright light therapy has been shown to suppress the brain’s secretion of melatonin. Although, there have been no research findings to definitely link this therapy with an antidepressant effect, many people respond to this treatment. The device most often used today is a bank of white fluorescent lights on a metal reflector and shield with a plastic screen.

For mild symptoms, spending time outdoors during the day or arranging homes and workplaces to receive more sunlight may be helpful. One study found that an hour’s walk in winter sunlight was as effective as two and a half hours under bright artificial light.

If phototherapy doesn't work, an antidepressant drug may prove effective in reducing or eliminating SAD symptoms.

Daily exercise has been shown to be helpful, particularly when done outdoors. For those who tend to crave sweets during the winter, eating a balanced diet may help stave off SAD.

Question: How Do I Seek Treatment for SAD?
Answer: If you have noticed a pattern to your depressive symptoms, make an appointment with your physician and bring this to his or her attention. Medical tests and exams should be up to date to rule out any other reason for depressive symptoms. Thereafter, a consult with a psychologist, social worker, psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist so that together you can formulate a treatment plan with light therapy, medication, talk therapy or a combination of them.

Resources
Seasonal Affective Disorder Association: http://www.sada.org.uk/

Society for Light Treatment :www.websciences.org/sltbr

The Circadian Lighting Association: www.claorg.org

New Medications From Psychology Today

2009-11-01T06:59:00.000-05:00

Have A Stigma Free Halloween

2009-10-24T21:08:00.006-04:00

Halloween is one of the oldest recorded calendar events.

The tradition started over two thousand years ago with The Celts, who believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on October 31st. So, on that "Hallow's Eve" they built bonfires and wore ghostly costumes to drive the evil spirits away, and carried a potato or turnip candle lantern to intimidate the demons around them.

The National Alliance For Mental Illness reminds us that not only is it the season for ghosts and goblins, but also stigma. Costumes and seasonal attractions that feature psychos, mental patients, and insane asylums perpetuate stereotypes. Intended as fun, these violent stereotypes serve to perpetuate stigma -- which as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General is one of the greatest barriers to people getting help when they need it. It also is the source of prejudice and discrimination that leads to isolation and impedes progress toward recovery.

Last year, I didn't notice any neighborhood kids with stigma related costumes. But there was this young adult couple who made my eyebrows arch. One was dressed in scrubs with a butterfly net, and the other was in pajamas with a bloody cleaver.

Sheesh.

October 20th is US National Call-In Day For Health Care Reform

2009-10-18T12:15:00.003-04:00

October 20 is National Call-In Day for Health Reform .

If you'd like to contact your local Senator and Representative, you can follow these simple instructions. And you don't need to call on the 20th.

I left my message already!

Call: 877-264-4226

Once connected:
Press 1 to be connected to your Senators
Press 2 to be connected to your Representative.

Then you will be asked for your 5 digit zip code.

In the case of the Senators, you will pick which one you want to be connected to.

Leave your message: "Health Care Can't Wait. We need action on the health care reform NOW."

Ralph, I Love You, But You're Kidding, Right?

2009-10-10T20:26:00.005-04:00

I love Ralph Lauren's designs. They are classic, urban and pure Americana. But I think the Ralph Lauren company went overboard with reshaping model Fillipa Hamilton’s figure via photoshop for their recent marketing campaign.

Take a look and see the impossible body proportions.

I understand that designers think clothes looks better framed on thin figures, but promoting such unrealistic body images does great harm.

What do you think?

Update From Ralph Lauren Company :"For over 42 years we have built a brand based on quality and integrity. After further investigation, we have learned that we are responsible for the poor imaging and retouching that resulted in a very distorted image of a woman's body. We have addressed the problem and going forward will take every precaution to ensure that the caliber of our artwork represents our brand appropriately."

World Mental Health Day 10/10/2009

2009-10-03T13:33:00.009-04:00

World Mental Health Day was first observed on October 10, 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health by the then US Deputy Secretary General Richard Hunter - and is officially commemorated worldwide every year on October 10th.

This year's theme is Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing Treatment and Promoting Mental Health

I happen to have a wonderful Primary Care Physician. She endorses psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, and often calls me to help her refer patients to therapists. And I often consult with her to find specialists in the medical field for my patients. It's so great that the fields of mental health and medicine have been working better over the years - understanding the art and science of each respective field. Mind and Body are *so* inter-connected. Now, if only we can get everyone health care.

Do you have a good relationship with your Primary Care Physician?

Illusions: Moving Though Static

2009-09-27T18:08:00.003-04:00

"Seeing" begins with the presence of darkness and light. An image forms on our retinas which sends an impulse of information to our brain.

"Perception", however, is a more involved process than seeing. Perceptions are influenced by the interplay of the mechanics of seeing and our imagination and experiences.

The illusion above moves even though it is a static figure. Research says that the reason for this perceptual experience has to do with the neural processes which take in contrast and luminance. Of interest, are the research findings that says some of us will see it move more fluidly than others. This has to do with our individual hard-wiring.

There's more to the magic and mystery behind optical illusions, but I won't go further into how perception and the mind work. I still feel sad knowing the secret of the bunny in the hat magic trick.

Let's just enjoy for now.

Backus, B. (2005). Illusory motion from change over time in the response to contrast and luminance Journal of Vision, 5 (11), 1055-1069 DOI: 10.1167/5.11.10

What Your "Chair" Says About You

2009-09-22T16:30:00.001-04:00

You Are Calm and Comforting

You're the type of person who can sit all day in order to keep someone in need company.

You are kind and giving. Helping other people is your one, true person in life.

You give a first impression of blending in. And it's somewhat true - you need to be drawn out.

You are an armchair spiritual leader. You can bring peace to those who can't usually be comforted.

The Chair Test

Work is Hard. Time for Blogthings!

The Marshmallow Test

2009-09-17T20:27:00.006-04:00

Dr. Walter Mischel's famous "Marshmallow Test" researched children and self-control back in the 1960's and 1970's. The design of the experiment involved leaving a succession of 4-year-olds in a room with a bell and a marshmallow. Each child was given a set of simple instructions. If they rang the bell, Mischel would come back and they could immediately eat the marshmallow. If, however, they didn't ring the bell and waited for him to come back on his own, he would bring them another marshmallow - thus giving them two to eat.

What Mischel found over years of following test subjects was that children who rang the bell early - in order to eat the one marshmallow - had more behavioral and academic problems growing up, got lower SAT scores and struggled in stressful situations and had limited friendships as adults. In essence, their lack of self-control had life long effects.

The video below simulates Mischel's "Marshmallow Test". I'd totally do what one of these cuties does - I'd touch it and smell it. Even glide it across my lips. But I could wait to eat the two marshmallows. How do you think you'd do?

Patterson, C., & Mischel, W. (1976). Effects of temptation-inhibiting and task-facilitating plans on self-control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 33 (2), 209-217 DOI: 10.1037/0022-3514.33.2.209

Ten Ways To Become Medicine Smart

2009-09-13T16:33:00.003-04:00

The National Council on Patient Information and Education has a list of 10 ways to become medicine smart. When you get a prescription, remember to ask these questions:

1. What is the name of the medicine and what is it for? Is this the brand name or the generic name?

2. Is a generic version of this medicine available?(If so, it may be more cost effective to go generic)

3. How and when do I take it and for how long?

4. What foods, drinks, other medicines or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?

5. When should I expect the medicine to begin to work, and how will I know if it is working? Are there any tests required with this medicine (for example, to check liver or kidney function)?

6. Are there any side effects? What are they and what do I do if they occur?

7. Will this medicine work safely with the other prescription and nonprescription medicines I am taking? Will it work safely with any dietary/herbal supplements I am taking?

8. Do I need to get a refill? When?

9. How should I store this medicine?

10. Is there any written information available about the medicine? Is it available in large print or a language other than English?

I'd add one more to the list -> to keep a list of all the medications you take available, like in your wallet, pocketbook ,etc. I always have one on hand for in-case-of-emergency-situations.

World Suicide Awareness Day

2009-09-10T07:29:00.008-04:00

World Suicide Prevention Day is today, September 10, 2009. This public health education campaign is sponsored by The International Association for Suicide Prevention, The World Health Organization, The United Nations and many grassroot organizations and agencies. This year's theme is "Suicide Prevention in Different Cultures."

According to the World Health Organization, every 40 seconds a person committs suicide. Link here for the warning signs. For suicide resources in the USA link here and for worldwide referrals go here.

Top Ten Films That Feature Mental Illness

2009-09-06T07:18:00.002-04:00

I love watching movies. The cinematic experience not only entertains but also informs. Here are my top 10 favorite movies that show mental illness and psychotherapy in a realistic manner.

1. Ordinary People (PTSD, Depression)
My absolute favorite movie of all time because it portrays the human experience of loss so well and it also features psychotherapy in a realistic way. Robert Redford's directorial debut. Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, Judd Hirsch and Timothy Hutton wow in their performances.

2. A Beautiful Mind (Schizophrenia)
The true story of Nobel Prize Winner John Nash is told in this award winning film. Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly star. Directed by Ron Howard.

3. The Soloist (Schizophrenia)
This is the true story of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a former Julliard Student, who falls into the depths of schizophrenia. When reporter, Steve Lopez, befriends him, both of their worlds change. The ethical issues of treatment of mental illness are realistically portrayed. Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx offer great performances.

4. Canvas (Schizophrenia)
A young boy moves through the his mother's psychotic episode with the help of his father and friends. Joe Pantoliano, Marcia Gay Harden and Devon Gearhart are inspiring to watch.

5. Bird (Substance Abuse/Eating Disorder)
The true story of Charlie "Bird" Parker, Jazz legend, and his struggles with mental illness. Directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Forest Whitaker. Fantastic soundtrack.

6. Rain Man (Autism)
Dustin Hoffman delivers an award winning performance as a man with Autism and Tom Cruise as the brother who doesn't understand him.

7. Fearless (PTSD)
Jeff Bridges is unforgettable in his performance as a survivor of a plane crash as is Rosie Perez in this emotional tale of trauma, loss and recovery.

8. Lars And The Real Girl (Social Anxiety Disorder)
This film knocked me out with its poignant storytelling of a young man living in a rural Minnesota community. Ryan Gosling and Emily Mortimer star.

9. A Lion In Winter (Personality Disorders, Family Dysfunction)

Various personality disorders as well as maladaptive defense mechanisms often seen in family dysfunction are presented in vivid language and breathtaking performances. Peter O'Toole, Katherine Hepburn and a young Anthony Hopkins dazzle in this award winning film. It's an oldie, but a goodie - and based on the life of King Henry II.

10. The Night Listener (Factitious Disorder)
Robin Williams and Toni Collette tell this true-based story from the experiences of author Armistead Maupin, and his connection to a mysterious young boy.

There are so many more that I could name, but these are my top favs. Head on over to Psychmovies and Cinematherapy.com for more movie suggestions.

What are your favorites?

Laughter is Good Medicine: Fun With Charts

2009-09-02T16:17:00.002-04:00

It is well known that doing mind fitness puzzles and brain teasers can ward off Dementia and Alzheimer's as well as sharpen mental acuity. Have a fun workout with these.

Name The Beatles song ___________________________

Name the Meat Loaf Song: ___________________________

Name the Michael Jackson song: _____________________

Name the Rick Astley song: ______________________

Answers:

* All You Need is Love

* I'd Do Anything for Love But I Won't Do That

* Billie Jean is Not My Lover

* Never Gonna Give You Up

Let Them "See" Cake

2009-08-28T06:04:00.001-04:00

According to research in the latest journal Appetite, looking at pictures of mouth watering food can actually help improve self-control.

Hmmm.

Let me get this straight. Gazing at the above photo is supposed to satisfy my desire for chocolate cake? I'm not sure that it's working for me. See, all I keep thinking about right now is the Pepperidge Farm cake I keep in the freezer for pop-in company.

The data analysis for this study reveals only 54 subjects were tested, so the generalization for this conclusion may not have sturdy reliability. But I'll give it a try. I wonder if my family will thumbs-up or thumbs-down the scads of pictures of chocolate and juicy cheeseburgers that'll be up.

What about you? Would looking at pictures of your favorite foods help or hurt?

Kroese, F., Evers, C., & De Ridder, D. (2009). How chocolate keeps you slim. The effect of food temptations on weight watching goal importance, intentions, and eating behavior Appetite DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2009.08.002

"Novelty Seeking" Tourism

2009-08-24T16:58:00.005-04:00

Research says that a growing number of travelers are choosing "Novelty" vacations. Are you one of them?

How about booking a stay at these rooms that were made from unused sewer pipes? If so, check into Das Park Hotel in Austria.

Maybe a capsule room when you stay in Japan?

A refurbished 1965 Boeing 727 airframe is now part of the Hotel Costa Verde in Costa Rica. I wonder if the bathroom is teeny-tiny?

The '70s-era escape pods make up the traveling Capsule Hotel in The Netherlands. Red-Alert not included.

The four enormous casks on the grounds of the Hotel de Vrouwe Van Stavoren in The Netherlands once held almost 20,000 bottles of wine. I bet the room has an oakey flavor (easy pun, sorry).

I'd totally stay in a chocolate hotel. Wonder if there is one somewhere. For more go to Unusual & Unique Hotels of The World

Hyde, K. (2008). The Vacation Flexibility Index: A Measure of Independence in Vacationer Behavior Tourism Analysis, 13 (5), 437-444 DOI: 10.3727/108354208788160423

College Survival Tips for Parents

2009-08-19T07:04:00.000-04:00

If it's August, it's time to get ready for college.

A teenager heading for college for the first time has many things to get in order.

So, too, do parents.

Harlen Cohen author and columnist has some tips for parents to smooth the college-bound transition.

1. Know as much about the university as your child does: names, numbers, support
services.

2. Get roommates' and friends' cellphone numbers so you have an alternate way to reach your child in an emergency.

3. Apply the 24-hour "helicopter parent" rule: Give every minor emergency at least 24 hours to resolve itself before you swoop in.

4. Discuss everything, even difficult topics such as sex and drugs. This kind of frank conversation will show your child that you see him or her as an adult now.

For more, read the USA Weekend article here.

Changing Mental Illness Stigma As It Exists In The Real World

2009-08-12T20:20:00.007-04:00

Researchers Corrigan & O'Shaugnessy cite three main areas that need to be highlighted in order to reduce mental illness stigma. Protest, Education and Contact.

1. Protest involves the active and visible effort to highlight misrepresentations of mental illness whenever they occur. From movies to news reports to off-the-cuff remarks, it is important to hold those accountable who continue to stigmatize and misinform.

2. Education involes the sharing of scientific findings and effective treatments so the general public learns that mental illness is not a result of laziness or weak character.

3. Contact is perhaps that most important aspect of de-stigmatizing mental illness. Being able to see a person living a full, whole life helps to shatter the illusions regarding mental illness. The movie short above from the UK organization Time To Change does a great job of doing just that.

Here's a link if you want to know more about becoming a Stigma Buster

Corrigan, P., & O'Shaughnessy, J. (2007). Changing mental illness stigma as it exists in the real world Australian Psychologist, 42 (2), 90-97 DOI: 10.1080/00050060701280573

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

2009-08-07T15:21:00.004-04:00

Recent research has psychometrically validated the criteria for Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) - a disabling intense state of grief that persists for months, sometimes years. Though not a recognized mental disorder in the DSM-IVTR and ICD-10, inclusion could become a reality with the upcoming DSM V and ICD-11.

I have worked with a few individuals whose significant bereavement would fall into this category. Unable to move forward, paralyzed by the loss and grieving deeply, these individuals were often chastised by family and friends for "not getting on with it already." Often, friends and family don't realize that such statements are hurtful.

The inclusion of PGD as a recognized disorder would bring credibility to this specific grieving process. With it, too, would come ways to deal with the disorder. Dr. David Kessler, Grief and Loss Specialist for Tributes.com offers the best and the worst things to say to someone in this grief state :

The Worst Things to Say:

* At least she lived a long life, many people die young.
* He is in a better place.
* She brought this on herself.

* There is a reason for everything.

*Aren’t you over him yet? He has been dead for a while now.

The Best Things to Say:

* I am so sorry for your loss.

* I wish I had the right words, just know I care.

* I don’t know how you feel, but I am here If can help in anyway.

* You and your loved one will be in my thoughts.
* My favorite memory of _________ is _________

Prigerson, H., Horowitz, M., Jacobs, S., Parkes, C., Aslan, M., Goodkin, K., Raphael, B., Marwit, S., Wortman, C., Neimeyer, R., Bonanno, G., Block, S., Kissane, D., Boelen, P., Maercker, A., Litz, B., Johnson, J., First, M., & Maciejewski, P. (2009). Prolonged Grief Disorder: Psychometric Validation of Criteria Proposed for DSM-V and ICD-11 PLoS Medicine, 6 (8) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000121

5 Reasons You May Be Tired

2009-08-03T10:15:00.004-04:00

I was reading this article written by Dr. Mark Liponis in Parade magazine regarding reasons that might cause fatigue. So if you find yourself tired or yearning for some Zzzs, check out the overview of his suggestions below:

1. Sleep Disorders
Two common medical sleep disorders—obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome— could be responsible for getting in the way of a good night's sleep.

Remedy: Talk about your concerns to your physician. From there, a series of tests will help you discover if you have either of these disruptive, yet treatable, sleep disorders.

2. Thyroid Conditions
The thyroid regulates your mood, metabolism heart rate and energy levels - just to name a few. The thyroid is a tricky gland. You can experience sluggishness or fatigue with either an underactive or even an overactive thyroid.

Remedy: Makes sure your thyroid function has been properly tested. If it's been a while since you've had a full physical, stop reading this, get on the phone and make an appointment!

3. Diabetes
Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and nearly 25 % of people with diabetes don’t even know they have it! Besides fatigue, it’s common for people with diabetes to experience weight gain, increased appetite, thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.

Remedy: The good news is that Type 2 diabetes can be helped and even prevented with proper diet, exercise, and weight loss. Diabetes can be detected with a simple blood test, so if you’re having symptoms or are at increased risk, don’t wait—get a checkup.

4. Depression
Depression, which often has symptoms of tiredness and fatigue, affects more than 20 million Americans and is a major cause of disability. Depression is a real illness, not a result of a flawed character or laziness.

Remedy: Make an appointment to see your physician or contact a mental health professional. Most depressive disorders can be effectively treated with medication, therapy or a combination of the two.

5. Anemia
This common medical condition occurs when there is a reduced number of red blood cells—the cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and the rest of your body. Because less oxygen is delivered to the muscles and tissues, you feel tired. You also may experience shortness of breath or a faster pulse.

Remedy: Again, see your physician. A simple blood test will determine if you are anemic or iron deficient. It would be important to discover the reasons for your low iron counts. Treatment usually includes the taking of iron supplements.

I have restless legs, depression and iron poor blood. And though I sleep pretty well at night, I find myself tired from time to time during the day. With the help of health professionals, I take iron supplements, monitor my clinical depression with medication, moderate my restless legs with a multivitamin trio, and catnap nearly everyday. These interventions definitely help.

So, if your dragging or perpetually pounding the pillow, talk to your health professional.

Overeating and the Amygdala

2009-07-28T21:06:00.005-04:00

Okay, now, don't go using this an an all-out excuse to have a hot fudge sundae for breakfast tomorrow morning.... but research keeps pointing to neurobiology as a major cause for the urge to overeat.

According to Dr. David Kessler and Passamonti, et al overeating is a biological challenge, not a character flaw. For most people, when they see a tempting snack like a potato chip, the area of the brain called the Amygdala lights up with activity and sends feelings of anticipation and desire. And once they start eating, the region shuts down.

But for an overeater the Amygdala remains activated while eating, creating that feeling of want and coaxing the desire even after 5, 10 or even 50 cookies. This can explain why some who've had gastric bypass find the weight creeping back on. Why others are hungry "all the time". Or why chocoholics like me can't seem to get enough Cadbury in a week. The Amygdala is also connected to emotional regulation and addiction - suggesting that much is knotted in this brain region.

I've always marveled at my mother-in-law who can have one cookie and be satisfied. Or a forkful of cake. Or stop at one potato chip. Yes, that's right. One potato chip. Her Amygdala regulates way better than mine.

But I am way better at Scrabble than she is.

So there.

Passamonti, L., Rowe, J., Schwarzbauer, C., Ewbank, M., von dem Hagen, E., & Calder, A. (2009). Personality Predicts the Brain's Response to Viewing Appetizing Foods: The Neural Basis of a Risk Factor for Overeating Journal of Neuroscience, 29 (1), 43-51 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.4966-08.2009

Aromatherapy Enhances Our Immune System

2009-07-23T20:53:00.007-04:00

Scientists in Japan are reporting the first scientific evidence that experiencing certain fragrances can alter gene activity and blood chemistry in ways that reduce stress levels. Their study appears in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

For centuries, people have used lemon, lavender and vanilla, just to name a few, to help reduce stress, fight inflammation and depression - and even induce sleep. But now for the first time, Linalool, a natural chemical found in flowers and spices, has been shown in this research to positively effect our body.

I'm a big lemon and lavender fan.

What about you?

Nakamura, A., Fujiwara, S., Matsumoto, I., & Abe, K. (2009). Stress Repression in by Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of Their Whole Blood Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57 (12), 5480-5485 DOI: 10.1021/jf900420g

Are You Thin Skinned or Thick Skinned

2009-07-20T13:35:00.002-04:00

You Are Medium-Skinned

You can be sensitive at times, but that's totally normal.

Your sensitivity means you can be empathetic and compassionate, even if you're a bit thin-skinned.

You take what people think into account but you try not to let it get to you.

It's hard not to take things personally, but you do your best.

Are You Thin Skinned or Thick Skinned?

This is sorta true for me.