MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'depression anxiety'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:24:00 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028453&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F07%2F13%2Fwhy-sugar-is-dangerous-to-depression%2F You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to appreciate the link between sugar and depression. Anyone who doubts the relationship need only to spend a night in our house and see what type of behavior happens when two kids consume 12-ounce cans of Coke or Sprite — and the demonic demonstrations that happen after a 7-11 slurpee, especially if it’s red or blue, or God forbid, a mix. People who suffer from depression are especially vulnerable to sugar’s evil power. I am so sensitive to white-flour, processed foods that I can practically set an alarm to for three hours after consumption, at which time I will be cursing myself for inhaling the large piece of birthday cake at the party because I am feeling so miserable. That doesn’t stop me from eating dessert at the next gathering, of c... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028453 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:34:30 +0100 5028453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028428&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fout-of-body-experiences.html Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are typically associated with individuals who have certain kinds of dissociative or post traumatic disorders. Though people who are generally in good health also report having OBEs, the experience is poorly understood. Often, out-of-body experiences are met by others with skepticism and stigma.A new study, published in the July 2011 issue of Cortex, has shown that OBEs are related to anomalies in the neural systems in the brain's temporal lobes - and that the body's sense of itself, called body awareness, misfires. Data from this study has enabled scientists to better understand how normal "in-the-body" mental processes work... and why, when they break down, they produce such striking experiences.We know that epilepsy, headaches and seizures have a basis in b... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028428 Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:13:00 +0100 5028428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984499&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F06%2F29%2Ffamilies-affected-by-mental-illness-feel-little-support-from-churches%2F A new study conducted at Baylor University indicated that families with a mentally ill member would like their congregation to offer more assistance. The study, published in the journal “Mental Health, Religion and Culture,” was the first to look at how mental illness of a family member influences an individual’s relationship with the church. “Families with mental illness stand to benefit from their involvement with a congregation, but our findings suggest that faith communities fail to adequately engage these families because they lack awareness of the issues and understanding of the important ways that they can help,” said Diana Garland, Ph.D., dean of Baylor’s School of Social Work and co-author of the Baylor study. The study surveyed nearly 6,000 participant... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984499 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:11:12 +0100 4984499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852937&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F23%2F10-things-you-should-know-about-male-depression%2F What looks and feels like depression to a woman may not to a man, which is why so many men in America are misdiagnosed or missed altogether. However, considering that the rates of completed suicide of men are three to four times that of women, we need to educate ourselves about male depression and its unique symptoms. The following are 10 things you should know about male depression, compiled from Johns Hopkins Depression and Anxiety Bulletin and other sources. 1. Depression affects about 6 million American men and 12 million American women each year. But these numbers don’t tell the story of men, and older men, in particular. 2. Suicide in men peaks in the 20s and again in the 60s and 70s. 3. Many men experience “depression without sadness,” which makes it more challenging for prima... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852937 Mon, 23 May 2011 16:45:23 +0100 4852937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028429&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fvideo-play.mp4%3FcontentId%3Db94ec5e39e942782%26type%3Dvideo%252Fmp4http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fbook-promotion-living-with-depression.html Take a look at some of the high profile people who live with a mental illness.For more information, link here. (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028429 Mon, 09 May 2011 18:29:00 +0100 5028429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780461&cid=t_182396_136_f&fid=39016&url=http%3A%2F%2Fturquoisegates.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fjesus-paid-it-all.html Head knowledge is different than knowing something deep in your heart. The concept that echoes through every conversation I've had in the past few months is God's love. I believe that He died for me, which was an act of love. But I find the blackness of my own heart so hideous that it is hard to believe that He forgave that out of love. Perhaps this is why He seems so distant from me lately. How would you feel if you tried to give someone a gift and they rejected it, citing their unworthiness, then walking away from you? The ongoing acceptance of God's love in our broken lives is praise, worship, and thankfulness. That's what God wants me to be doing.In the quagmire of guilt and shame, I am searching frantically for the rope to lift me out. I find it in Romans during devotions this morning... Turquoise Gates blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780461 Tue, 03 May 2011 12:45:00 +0100 4780461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658415&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2Fintroducing-partners-in-wellness%2F I’m pleased to introduce our newest blog, Partners in Wellness by Kate Thieda. This is a blog that is meant to provide information and support to relationship partners and spouses who are in a marriage with someone who has a mental illness, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Coping with someone who has a serious mental illness can often times be trying, difficult, and stressful. This blog will deal with topics to help caregivers and partners learn to better communicate and improve their relationships with someone who has a mental health concern. Partners in Wellness will focus on helping people who are in a relationship with a person who has a mental health issue. While this may include what people often refer to as “caregivers,” it is focused on people who are par... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658415 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 10:55:29 +0100 4658415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507334&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Facceptance-and-commitment-therapy.html (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps you accept the difficulties that come with life. ACT has been around for a long time, but seems to be gaining media attention lately. Categorically speaking, ACT is a form of mindfulness based therapy, theorizing that greater well-being can be attained by overcoming negative thoughts and feelings. Essentially, ACT looks at your character traits and behaviors to assist you in reducing avoidant coping styles. ACT also addresses your commitment to making changes, and what to do about it when you can't stick to your goals.ACT focuses on 3 areas:Accept your reactions and be presentChoose a valued directionTake action.AcceptanceWhether it be a situation you cannot control, a personality trait that is hard to change or an emotion that overwhelms, accep... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507334 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:39:00 +0100 4507334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389219&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F23%2F11-tips-to-help-manage-anxiety%2F If your mind were a diesel engine, anxiety would be the leaded gas that was accidentally poured in and responsible for all the burps and stutters. Even more so than depression, I think, anxiety is the big disabler in my life, with a capital D. That is why I try to nip my anxiety in its early symptoms. That doesn’t always happen, of course, but here are some techniques I try, and seem to work for me. Who knows, maybe they’ll work for you too! 1. Recognize the reptilian brain. My therapist friend Elvira Aletta gives a brilliant neuropsychology lesson in one of her posts where she explains the two parts of our brain: the primitive part containing the amygdala — which is responsible for generating and processing our fear and other primal emotions — and our frontal lobes... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389219 Sun, 23 Jan 2011 13:22:31 +0100 4389219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377613&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F20%2Fwhy-ruminating-is-unhealthy-and-how-to-stop%2F Ruminating is like a record that’s stuck and keeps repeating the same lyrics. It’s replaying an argument with a friend in your mind. It’s retracing past mistakes. When people ruminate, they over-think or obsess about situations or life events, such as work or relationships. Research has shown that rumination is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, binge-drinking and binge-eating. Why does rumination lead to such harmful results? For some people, drinking or binge-eating becomes a way to cope with life and drown out their ruminations, according to Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Ph.D, a psychologist and professor at Yale University. Not surprisingly, ruminating conjures up more negative thoughts. It becomes a cycle. ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377613 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:06:31 +0100 4377613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4338024&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F11%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-january-11-2011%2F Today is 1/11/11. Maybe for you, it will be a day filled with firsts. The first time you sought therapy. The first step you took towards healing yourself. The first time you realized how far you’ve come and how much you have achieved towards your goals and your mental health. If so, I hope you will celebrate these firsts and remember them when times get tough. Because ever year brings with it a new challenge, an obstacle we didn’t foresee and with it an opportunity for self-growth and a chance for a better more balanced life. When that opportunity comes, will you take it? For me, I’ve finally come home. The holidays are over. And instead of being surrounded by the voices of my family members, I’m here sitting back at my home in silence. This Christmas was as chaotic... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4338024 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:02:06 +0100 4338024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331057&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F01%2F10%2Fdaily-hope-newsletter-from-postpartum-progress%2F Postpartum Progress, our favorite blog on postpartum depression, has a new daily newsletter that’s intended to help pregnant and new mothers get through the difficulty of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It’s called “Daily Hope.” Daily Hope, according to Postpartum Progess, is the “nation’s first support service featuring once daily emails to mothers with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD and antenatal depression or anxiety.” Beginning Monday, January 17th, this free service will provide encouragement from survivors, the country’s top perinatal mental health specialists and authors of the leading books on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and parenting. Many of the nearly one million women who suffer each year do not... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331057 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:06:48 +0100 4331057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086312&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F20%2Fhumor-neuroplasticity-and-the-power-to-change-your-mind%2F A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that we have much more control over our minds, personalities and personal illnesses than was ever believed to exist before, and it is all occurring at the same time that a flood of other research is exposing the benefits of humor on brain functioning. The ability to change the structure and functioning of the brain through experiences and the conscious use of directed thoughts is referred to as neuroplasticity. The latest research indicates that the adult brain not only has the ability to repair damaged regions, but to grow new neurons; that willful activity has the power to shape the brain in new directions far into adulthood. We hear a lot about the effects of illness and old age on the mind, but in the not-too-distant future, we will beg... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086312 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:58:10 +0100 4086312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845146&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F08%2F09%2Fcongratulations-to-katherine-stone-postpartum-progress-2%2F Katherine Stone, the author of the wonderful Postpartum Progress blog, won the First Annual Bloganthropy Award at the BlogHer 10 event in NYC this past weekend. It’s an award focused on making a difference through social media. Given that this award was open to any type of blog on any type of topic, the fact that a mental health blogger won it is heart-warming and fantastic! Here’s a part of the announcement about the award: The Bloganthropy Awards recognize bloggers who have made a difference by using social media effectively to promote a good cause. Stone became an advocate for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders after experiencing a severe bout of postpartum depression herself in 2001. Her feelings of fear and isolation inspired her to create Postpartum Progress, no... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845146 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:04:23 +0100 3845146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710606&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F06%2F29%2Fgender-and-forgiveness%2F “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. “ – Henny Youngman But a new study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Positive Psychology may shed some light. Positive marriages are those determined to have resiliency, courage and strength of perseverance to endure, with the added virtue of partners being able to accept or forgive each other when the feces hits the oscillator. The usual transgressions that a typical marriage encounters assure that every couple will be tested, but statistics show that not all pass the forgiveness test. Once a betrayal has occurred and trust has been broken, forgiveness, or lack thereof, will determine the couple’s future. Experts report that in the United States, the marriage failure rate increases with the number of tri... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710606 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:20:22 +0100 3710606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706724&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fempty-nest-syndrome.html is a phrase used to explain the psychological experience of loss when a child leaves home. Often shortened to Empty Nest, parents move through feelings of sadness, loss and worries regarding their own identity since their day-to-day responsibilities have changed.Empty Nest is most often seen in the Fall when teenagers leave for college, in Summer when kids leave for camp - but can occur anytime a child leaves home (getting married, new job, etc.)Some parents move through the transition of children leaving home without much difficulty. Others experience bouts of weepiness, loneliness or irritability. These are very normal and natural.If you find that time has not helped you adjust to your new life, and symptoms are worsening, it might help to seek a support group like Daily Strength Empty-... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706724 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:17:00 +0100 3706724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607556&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F28%2Fnow-what-depression-at-graduation-or-any-transition%2F I read somewhere that a large number of Nobel Prize winners become depressed after receiving their honor because their sense of purpose has been taken away. They have to grieve their pre-Nobel Prize life and find a new way of being, something to get excited about that will get you out of bed in the morning. The same is true, to some extent, when you graduate. With Commencement often comes an emptiness, a sense of loss. Much joy and relief, yes. But also a “what the hell do I do now?” response. For highly sensitive persons like myself, every kind of life transition — be it graduation, a new job, a baby — comes with a few challenges and their offspring. How to gracefully maneuver between point A and point B? Like you would with any other mourning process. Because yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607556 Fri, 28 May 2010 15:45:17 +0100 3607556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3302370&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F24%2F7-depression-busters-for-caregivers%2F Nearly one-third of people caring for terminally ill loved ones suffer from depression according to research from Yale University. About one in four family caregivers meet the clinical criteria of anxiety. And a recent study found that 41 percent of former caregivers of a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia experienced mild to severe depression up to three years after their spouse had died. Caregivers are so vulnerable to depression because they often sacrifice their own needs while tending to their loved one and because of the constant stress involved. Here, then, are 12 tips to help protect you from anxiety and depression and to guide you toward good mental health as you care for a relative. 1. Acknowledge it. If you haven’t already, say this out loud:... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3302370 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:57:38 +0100 3302370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208446&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2Fptsd-brain-scan-hype%2F Last week, we noted along with many news outlets that a biomarker had been apparently discovered for PTSD. The researchers claimed they had a new tool to help make a differential diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The tool is a brain scanning technology that, like EEG, measures the brain’s electrical activity. But instead of directly measuring such activity, it measures magnetic fluctuations in the electrical activity. The technique is called MEG. There are certain technical benefits to this method as compared to a traditional EEG, so some researchers are exploring its greater use. Mind Hacks has a very good analysis of why the researchers’ claims were overreaching and a bit ridiculous: Crucially, the scan didn’t pick out cases of PTSD among people with ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208446 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:00:08 +0100 3208446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149113&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F07%2Fintroducing-therese-borchards-new-book-beyond-blue%2F Unless you’ve been living under a rock this past year, you probably noticed that one of our regular contributors here has been Therese Borchard. However, she blogs more often and more regularly on her beliefnet.com blog, Beyond Blue. It was actually her wonderfully witty and touching writing there that led me to invite her to blog more regularly here. Therese is a rare find, combining a love of prose with a wealth of personal experiences with depression and other concerns to make for always engaging reading. So it’s no wonder she was able to bundle up that wisdom and publish her first book, Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes. If you’ve enjoyed Therese’s posts either here or on her regular blog at beliefnet.com, then yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149113 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:08:24 +0100 3149113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004078&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FTheSplinteredMind%2F%7E3%2F45B-RfZTVNI%2Fmailbag-anxious-cry-for-help.html Despite what others may think of me in my local community and family, I am not the mess I used to be. I have come a long way. I have still a long way to go, but I am happier and better and more productive today—more so now than in any time in my life. I take no medications, and in truth shun them. They made my life worse. I live in fear of side-effects and worry about my readers who write about the cocktails they take to deal with all the side-effects yet they still are no better off for them. Mental illness is a difficult malady to overcome, yet there is hope if we can find focus and motivation to tackle it. The other day I received this email and felt my reply to it might help other people who suffer from Panic Anxiety Disorder. I give this advice hoping that somebody can climb out of ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004078 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:11:22 +0100 3004078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967340&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F06%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-6-2009%2F I’m attending the 25th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy today, and I’ll write more about the inspirational work this organization has been doing for 25 years shortly (not just in Georgia, but throughout the entire country). The people who are attending this symposium — as well as the Carter Center itself — have done much to improve mental health care in the U.S., but it’s not something you hear enough about. It’s heartening so many great minds coming together to share best practices and ideas for improvement (especially at this unique time in healthcare history). Not just policy wonks, but also physicians, mental health practitioners, administrators, consumers, CEOs, you name it — they’re all here. All talking about wa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967340 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:06:23 +0100 2967340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904926&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fwhat-is-a-nervous-breakdown%2F A nervous breakdown refers to a mainstream and often-used term to generically describe someone who experiences a bout of mental illness that is so severe, it directly impacts their ability to function in everyday life. The specific mental illness can be anything — depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or something else. But the reference to a “nervous breakdown” usually refers to the fact that the person has basically stopped their daily routines — going to work, interacting with loved ones or friends, even just getting out of bed to eat or shower. A nervous breakdown can be seen as a sign that one’s ability to cope with life or a mental illness has been overwhelmed by stress, life events, work or relationship issues. By disconnecting from the... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904926 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:55:47 +0100 2904926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2766074&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F02%2Fa-profile-of-aaron-beck%2F Aaron Beck is probably best known for pioneering the use of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) — that commonly used modern psychotherapy technique known the world over. He revolutionized psychotherapy in general, by turning toward science — and replicable data — to validate the efficacy of his new therapeutic techniques he pioneered in CBT. He had to, because before Beck came along, studying why psychotherapy worked was done generally only through narrative case reports in the scientific literature. Often interesting and sometimes entertaining, but they completely lacked scientific data outside of subjective observations by the professional. Beck, on the other hand, hand to actually invent the tests to help measure whether his new therapy was working or not. Hence the psych... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2766074 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:56:11 +0100 2766074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2602046&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F14%2Fbremners-false-claims-about-postpartum-depression%2F Psychiatrist J. Douglas Bremner has weighed in on the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act, an effort to provide voluntary screenings to pregnant women to help identify postpartum depression before it becomes overwhelming. I’ll let Bremner speak for himself: The problem with this is the attitude that being a mother is a risk factor for a psychiatric disorder. First of all, there is no evidence that women without a prior history of anxiety and depression have any increased risk of getting post partum depression. So to screen all moms as if giving birth is a risk factor for depression is ridiculous. My BS alert goes off whenever someone tries to change the argument from a reasonable effort to help increase education and information about a stigmatized mental health issue, to hyperbole,... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2602046 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:10:42 +0100 2602046 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570608&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F02%2Fdeclaring-independence-from-fear%2F Independence Day in the U.S. is the day that America declared its independence from a tyrannical government, but real independence took many longer, hard years of war. The sacrifice of tens of thousands of people was needed first, before our declaration of independence had any real effect. And so it is with any change in our lives. We can make the declaration, “Today, I’m going to start losing weight,” or “Today, I’m going to try and reply to every cognitive distortion by examining the evidence and answering it back.” But declarations are only starting points — they represent the beginning of our journey, not the end. But declarations serve an important purpose — they place us (and others) on notice. Something is going to change. It may not ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570608 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:42:06 +0100 2570608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570609&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F01%2Fwhy-do-kids-behave-the-way-they-do-listen-to-doctor-radio-this-july-4th%2F Ever wonder why kids behave the way they do? Satellite radio Sirius XM and a team of medical experts from NYU Langone Medical Center have the answer with a special on the Doctor Radio channel on July 4th. Doctor Radio is heard on SIRIUS channel 114 and XM channel 119. 24 Hours About Our Kids is a July 4th weekend marathon of Doctor Radio’s weekly child psychiatry and psychology show, exploring important topics that all parents and kids face today including ADHD, mood disorders, the effects of online social networking, issues related to coming out of the closet, Autism, depression and more. About Our Kids is hosted by leading doctors from NYU Langone Medical Center, including Dr. Jess Shatkin, Dr. Lori Evans, and Dr. Alexandra Barzvi. Dr. Harold Koplewicz, Director of The Child Study ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570609 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:04:32 +0100 2570609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511164&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F17%2Fintroducing-the-psych-central-mood-tracker%2F After taking a look at a few of the mood trackers that have long been available online, I was very unsatisfied with both how they asked you about your mood (”How depressed are you today?”) and the results they displayed (can we say “unhelpful”?). Mood trackers are used to help you track your emotional state on a daily or weekly basis, helping you get a better grasp on your emotions. Mood trackers can also help you determine your treatment’s effectiveness over time. Like a screening quiz for depression or anxiety, you typically can’t just ask a person, “How depressed are you?” and get any kind of answer that you can hang your hat on. People aren’t always the best judge of their own mood states — especially when they are in the down... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511164 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:04:19 +0100 2511164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452705&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Fresearch-participate-in-an-online-support-group%2F This study will involve joining and taking part in an online support group as well as filling in questionnaires online about how you are feeling. Study participant requirements: The study is looking for participants who are Over 18 years old Live in the UK Are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety or similar mental health concern Have an interest in joining an online support group. Interested? Learn more: Online support group research (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452705 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:50:15 +0100 2452705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441692&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fupdate-dsm-v-major-changes%2F At the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting last week, a presentation covered some of the likely major changes that will be incorporated into the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, commonly referred to as the DSM by mental health professionals. The DSM provides professionals with the symptom checklists that allow for a mental disorder diagnosis to be made. The most significant change proposed has to do with the inclusion of dimensional assessments for depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and reality distortion that span across many major mental disorders. So a clinician might diagnose schizophrenia, but then also rate these four dimensions for the patient to characterize the schizophrenia in a more detailed and descriptive m... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441692 Tue, 26 May 2009 18:41:05 +0100 2441692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2389950&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F05%2Flocation-location-location.html According to follow-up research due out in June 2009 from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine where you live can shape how you feel.The county-by-county map above shows the percentages of residents who reported "Frequent Mental Distress" (FMD)—defined as 14 or more days of emotional discomfort, including "stress, depression and problems with emotion," during the previous month. Of note, Kentucky was the "saddest" state while Hawaii was the "gladdest".Over 2.4 million adults were the subjects for this study from about mental health in America from 2001 through 2006. For more, read hereStrine, T. (2004). Risk behaviors and healthcare coverage among adults by frequent mental distress status, 2001 American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 26 (3), 213-216 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2003.1... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2389950 Wed, 06 May 2009 14:36:00 +0100 2389950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365126&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F24%2Fbiofeedback-helps-military-personnel-cope-with-war%2F I’ve long been a believer of the benefits of biofeedback, a simple technique anybody can learn to help control their own physiological responses, such as your breathing or muscle tension. I know because I spent 3 years in graduate school heading up the biofeedback program at my graduate school, sitting in countless supervisions watching young therapists learn to effectively wield the technique to help hundreds of clients. So it was no great surprised to read about a new study in the journal Biofeedback that describes the successes achieved in North Carolina at the Wounded Warrior Barracks, the first rehabilitation facility of its kind. The purpose of this biofeedback program is to help US Marines and Navy Corpsmen adjust to their injuries and assist them in the development of skill... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365126 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:00:31 +0100 2365126 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348544&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F16%2Fyoga-therapy-on-the-rise%2F Midweek Mental Greening (Yes, it’s Thursday.) “Since the days of Freud, research into the mind-body relationship has come a long way. Studies show that not only are your mental health and mood dependent in large part on physical factors like exercise, but also unchecked stress, anxiety and depression can affect physical health, increasing blood pressure, heart disease and even risk of death. So it was perhaps inevitable that patients would start bringing their yoga mats into therapy.” I’d planned on writing about something completely different today, but when I ran into this Time article on psychotherapy and yoga, I couldn’t resist rearranging the schedule – especially as we just talked about yoga last week. According to the article, yoga-therapy – which “is to... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348544 Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:46:27 +0100 2348544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313535&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F08%2Fgetting-started-with-yoga-in-3-easy-steps%2F Midweek Mental Greening I used to be into yoga. Like, really into yoga. So much so that a few of my friends teasingly called me “Yogi.” (Though, don’t misunderstand – I was nowhere near being the “accomplished practitioner” the name suggests. I just really liked yoga and I think they thought the name was cute.) I don’t know why I fell out of yoga, but I’ve been making some serious attempts to get started with it again. I’ve noticed, though, that despite how into yoga I was before, getting started with it again offers some of the same challenges that getting started with it the first time offered. Why is it I want to do this again? What will I gain? Am I ready? Do I have time? Because I’m not a “Yogi,” I’m not going to attempt to teach you how to pr... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313535 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:51:22 +0100 2313535 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313539&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2F8-ways-to-keep-going%2F A woman who lives with chronic pain said to my mom the other day, “You can’t sit around and wait for the storm to be over. You’ve got to learn how to dance in the rain.” That’s a perfect description of living with depression, or any chronic illness. But what do you do on the days you don’t think you can take the pain anymore? When you want so badly to be done with your life … or at least be done with the suffering? What do you do when anxiety and depression have spun a web around you so thick that you’re convinced you’ll be trapped forever in those feelings? I’ve compiled a few tools for moving past that harrowing darkness, suggestions on how to emerge from a place of panic, and techniques on how to dance in the rain. 1. Escape ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313539 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:08:20 +0100 2313539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2240890&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F05%2Fmore-thoughts-on-motherhood-and-depression%2F The post I wrote earlier only seemed to stir up more thoughts about depression and motherhood. Of course, you could insert whatever mental illness into the place of depression and many of the consequences and outcomes would be similar. So here goes round two of motherhood and depression from a mom who’s been there. Many women feel the pressure to be supermoms — do it all with a smile and have it all at the end of the day. This is so difficult to fulfill that women often feel like they come up short. Somewhere somehow something has to give. Many families certainly have to sacrifice to make ends meet, and especially now the economy isn’t making it any easier. But it’s just this type of “be everything to everyone” kind of expectation that can get moms in a ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2240890 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:29:33 +0100 2240890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2227164&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F02%2Fmotherhood-and-depression%2F Let me first say that I’m glad that many many mothers around the world can go about the challenging and rewarding job of parenting without experiencing mental illness. Clearly the majority of mothers can weather the storms without having their boat completely capsize. But the reality is that a modest percentage of mothers do experience depression, excessive anxiety, and other mental illnesses. As a mother who’s had postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, I don’t have a grudge against the moms who have stayed healthy. Not that they would have all sunshine and lollipops every day as a mom either. Motherhood can be tough no matter how resilient you are. In fact, I thought I was being exposed to how difficult it really was — the truth behind the faca... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2227164 Mon, 02 Mar 2009 18:50:06 +0100 2227164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2216531&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F02%2F26%2Fintroducing-anxiety-ocd-exposed%2F You asked, we answered. Introducing our newest blog, Anxiety & OCD Exposed! Anxiety and OCD Exposed is written by the authors of a series of “Dummies” books on mental health concerns, including the one for anxiety disorders and the one for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They’ll be blogging every week on these two (and related) topics with their insights, opinions and news about anxiety and OCD. Laura L. Smith, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cogn... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2216531 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:18:09 +0100 2216531 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2173040&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Foff-shelf-hide-seek-by-wendy-aron.html "How I Laughed At Depression, Conquered My Fears And Found Happiness" - A Neurotic's Hilarious JourneySometime towards the end of August, Wendy Aron visited my blog and offered to let me read & review her book. I jumped at the chance. Once the book arrived, however, school had started and I was in fulltime chauffeur duties, homeschooling my 14 year old, being dance dad, and hobbling around trying to stay ahead of my disabilities. Needless to say many projects did not get done last Fall, including reading & reviewing Wendy's book.That's why I was glad to find some time over the Christmas holiday. I settled in and dug into the book, finally finishing it about two weeks ago. Now I'm ready to share it with you.Hide & Seek starts with Wendy's 40th birthday and takes us through a labyrinthine pa... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2173040 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:55:00 +0100 2173040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2052555&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fkeeping-you-in-yuletide.html The holiday season can be a time of great joy, connection and celebration. And if you find yourself feeling the warmth of the season, you are lucky.Many, though, do not find the holidays a time for celebration. Family strife, financial woes, traumatic memories and even loneliness can make the season dark, not bright.If you are having a rough time as the holidays approach, keeping YOU in this Yuletide Season may help.1     Put yourself first.2.    Don't over-schedule your time.3.    Keep a limit on spending.4.    Avoid triggers that set old traumas into motion.5.    Focus on what you can control.6.    Choose to do things you want to do, not have to do.7.    Keep expectations realistic.8.    Don't be afraid to delegate or ask for what you need.9.    Live in the present and ... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2052555 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:18:00 +0100 2052555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1837330&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F09%2Feven-stars-struggle-to-stay-aloft.html Last June an item came across my desk, but I was too busy to address it. It concerned TV star, Heather Locklear. According to her publicist, Heather Locklear was checked into an Arizona medical facility to treat her anxiety and depression.Heather Locklear with depression? The drop dead gorgeous Heather Locklear‽ The same lady that women envy (well, except for her taste in men)‽ What would she have cause to be depressed about? This last statement was one I heard echoed around the web. Apparently, beautiful people with money and fame weren’t supposed to succumb to the problems we poor extras struggled with. Obviously, the truth is a different matter. Not much more than a brief statement from her publicist has been revealed, though an anonymous friend spoke with the press when she left ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1837330 Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:30:00 +0100 1837330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2192695&cid=t_182396_87_f&fid=38261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vibrantglow.com%2F2008%2F08%2Fboost-your-mood-with-frankincense.html Feeling a little blue or anxious? Try burning frankincense to give yourself a lift.A team of researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem have found that a compound in frankincense resin, called incensole acetate, activates the production of a protein--specifically, TRPV3--that affects the brain and works to lower anxiety and alleviate depression.While inhaling the smoke offers the most immediate effect, you can also try putting a few drops of frankincense essential oil in almond oil or another carrier oil and dabbing it on your wrist.The recent study appears online in The FASEB Journal. (Source: Vibrant Glow) Vibrant Glow blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2192695 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:04:00 +0100 2192695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1640343&cid=t_182396_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F340990637%2F 13 out of the top 20 feeds on my cardiac news reader were all pointing at one topic. And I mean all of them… Depression, women and heart disease.  I have written about this so many times in the past. Our emotional and physical self all works as one. Never be too proud to admit when it is time to seek help for depression. Symptoms of depression include: Loss of interest in normal daily activities Feeling sad or down Feeling hopeless Crying spells for no apparent reason Problems sleeping Trouble focusing or concentrating Difficulty making decisions Unintentional weight gain or loss Irritability Restlessness Being easily annoyed Feeling fatigued or weak Feeling worthless Loss of interest in sex Learning to control our emotions as women will help our heart health and decrease our risk... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1640343 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:43:17 +0100 1640343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596655&cid=t_182396_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F328299003%2F Here we go again.. or so it seems. Your mental health is so important in how you deal and heal from illness. Depressed patients are more at risk for developing complications following a heart attack. It is very important that we take check and let ourselves feel and be scared and all that comes with such a life altering episode. “There is good evidence that if a person has depression after a heart attack, they are more likely to die from cardiac causes in the following months and years,” said lead author Jeff Huffman, M.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Aside from obvious life altering changes in diet and exercise-  mental health needs to be addressed as well. These findings would also suggest that physicians and clinicians also need to keep a close eye... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596655 Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:43:55 +0100 1596655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1484817&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F06%2Fmagnetic-therapy.html I have worked with several individuals who have not had success with the combination of talk therapy and medication to reduce their psychological symptoms.It is always disheartening when this occurs. And when it does, I always recommend looking into alternative therapies to address what conventional treatments can not.One of the more recent alternative therapies uses magnets. Yes, that's right, magnets.This illustration above shows the visual cortex of the brain during Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic StimulationrTMS, as it is called, is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that increases neural blood flow in the brain. The procedure is not a surgical one, and should not be confused with Electroconvulsive TherapyIn rTMS, a doctor holds a device over a specified area of the brain. Mag... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1484817 Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:52:00 +0100 1484817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1460861&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fsmell-is-swell.html Science Daily reports that an international team of scientists believe a new class of depression and anxiety drugs might be right under our noses. For thousands of years, burning incense has been touted as being good for the mind, body and soul. Now, biologists have learned that IT TRULY IS good for our mind! The burning of incense has been shown to be psychoactive - stimulating specific areas of the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. I burn incense often. Blue Champa and Lavender are my favorites. And I do find that when I use them, my mood lifts. Or I become calmer. So perhaps there's more to it than the uplifting smell of it all. Maybe it helps to shift my brain chemistry.Do you use scents in your daily life? (Source: Dr. Deborah Serani) Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1460861 Thu, 22 May 2008 13:51:00 +0100 1460861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451900&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwary-of-psych-meds-here-is-my-personal.html Just why am I so adamant against psych meds in the first place?Since I was in elementary school until I became disabled at 25, I used psych meds to regulate my life. I started with Ritalin and moved up to Cylert in college. In my early twenties I had a great deal of faith in modern psychiatry. I wanted to fix my head and they promised to give me the tools to do it. The tools they gave me, however, came in bottles.I was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD, a Panic Anxiety Disorder, and Depression. I took various psych meds for the Anxiety, but none worked. For Depression I took Wellbutrin, then Paxil over a period of time I cannot recall completely. The drugs made me quite loopy and disconnected. I'd acclimate, they'd up my dose. I'd acclimate, they'd up my dose. Soon I was taking the max of a ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451900 Mon, 19 May 2008 14:00:00 +0100 1451900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1439861&cid=t_182396_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F289424091%2F Here at the health and wellness channel it is theme day- and it is all about mental health and Alicia has the roundup at Mental Health Notes. With that being said, I have a few things to offer you… Increased risk of heart disease due to depression is right on the mark and is a vicious cycle indeed. Depression medications lead to weight gain, food cravings and feelings of lethargy. Feelings of lethargy lead to a sedentary and less than “healthy” lifestyle. And a round and around we go! How do we break the cycle? The more depressed one is the higher the chance of being a smoker, less physical activity and more calories are consumed on a daily basis. And if depression is not enough, here comes the link between anxiety and heart disease- this is very tongue in cheek. Anxiety increase... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1439861 Tue, 13 May 2008 13:09:07 +0100 1439861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1280824&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F03%2Fq-can-distraction-and-work-save-you.html A reader of my blog asked me through the live chat window:Hi Douglas, first time reading your blog. Very interesting. A question that you may be able to answer; when I am bored my mind tends to wander to the negative...I can really work myself up into a sweat and shivers and feel really awful. I have noticed that if I can manage to keep myself busy and distract from my depression I can feel better...is this possible?Hello, aimguest1645505 (Great name!) Thanks for reading my blog. I'm glad you find it interesting. What you describe is very common in people with ADHD. In fact, negativity is a key diagnostic trait of ADHD. Hallowell & Ratey list it as criteria number ???. Some people with ADHD tend to worry and ruminate. Their minds fixate on things that can go wrong and, like yourself, they ... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1280824 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:04:00 +0100 1280824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179283&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fsplintered-chat-4.html I've got a great weekend ahead. Hope you do, too. Let's open up our weekly chat again. Topic this weekend is Heath Ledger. I know. I know. If you dig him, you can't get enough of him. If you don't, you're wondering what all the fuss is about. How about this? How many of us have self-medicated our anxiety and depression? I haven't. Not with recreational or prescribed drugs. However, I have my vices. Who doesn't? But do we let them destroy our lives? I had hoped to blog about this yesterday but I've been really busy with sick kids, saving the world, you know the routine... I'd really like to hear what you think on the subject.Comments will be closed late Sunday night, or sometime Monday when I remember, "Oh yeah! I've got to close the comments!"tags technorati : HeathLedgerHeath LedgerDepres... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179283 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:19:00 +0100 1179283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=936783&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F167224647%2F Head over to Anxiety, Addiction and Depression treatments for a brief article on the uptake and growing popularity of computer based therapies in the UK. Article contains links to a couple of web-based programs for anxiety/depression, called Fear Fighter and Beating the Blues. (Source: PsychSplash) PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=936783 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 02:15:23 +0100 936783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=931103&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F165930506%2F As part of maintaining PsychAntenna, I spend a fair bit of time tracking down sites that produce RSS feeds in the area of mental health. Thanks to an email submission, I came across HealthCentral today. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. is a collection of affiliate sites who provide medical information, personalized tools (social networking) and resources, and to my surprise a vast collection of blogs by professionals and patients for people seeking to manage and improve their health. The goal of these blogs is to provide readers with a “rich community of patients and experts who share their experiences, “real-world” learning and support as they manage their day-to-day lives and their health”. In doing so, HealthCentral hope to become “a crucial destination on t... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=931103 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 23:36:35 +0100 931103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=765803&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fmy-weekend-with-harry-potter.html A weekend consumed by a certain wizard wasn't part of my adult plans, but I'm sure glad things happened that way. Sometimes we need to be flexible, positive minded, and patient to be rewarded with new and delightful experiences.Those who follow my column know that my life is not my own during the summer months. As a stay-at-home dad, I've got four kids to manage. As a stay-at-home dad with AD/HD and Chronic Motor Tic Disorder, I sometimes wonder if I have four kids too many. I'm not SuperDad, that's for sure. The dull household chores are pure torture for me, the laundry is always behind, I don't enjoy cooking, and my ticking often makes us late to the various lessons and performances we need to be at. Frankly, I'd rather hide inside my iBook. Is it any wonder I stay up late to finally get... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=765803 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:10:00 +0100 765803 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=761469&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F137861362%2F I found my way to The Wellness Shop via a NICE guideline for computerised CBT. The Wellness Shop (an online service of Ultrasis) was launched in Nov 2006 and provides computerized CBT programs for a range of health and wellbeing topics: depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress and pregnancy. The computerised CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) programs sold by the Wellness Shop are designed to be interactive in that the programs guide users through similar principles as a therapist would. In fact, all the products were designed by expert and/or practising psychologists. The interactive programs adapt to the unique circumstances of each user, help them learn techniques to modify their thinking, and can be used at a pace defined by the user. Computerised CBT is seen to have a number of advantages... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=761469 Fri, 27 Jul 2007 06:51:59 +0100 761469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=736202&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fvicious-circle-of-misery-and-company.html We all know that misery and company like each other, but the fallout from finding a friend to commiserate with can actually make matters worse.The American Psychological Association is reporting that girls are more likely than boys to develop anxiety and depression as a result of extensive conversations with friends about their problems.Co-rumination (excessively talking with another person about problems, including rehashing them and dwelling on the negative feelings associated with them) has costs and benefits. For girls, talking with a friend increased the feelings of closeness, but the co-rumination increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, which in turn, contributed to greater co-rumination. Setting into motion a vicious circle.I have seen this trend in my work with young girls and r... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=736202 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:16:00 +0100 736202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=675255&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F123054819%2F Since PsychSplash was updated and I included space on the home page for people to quickly submit sites, I have had a nice steady stream of sites being submitted for inclusion on PsychSplash. The variety of the sites prompted me to develop a new series of posts called “The Smorgasbord Series”, designed specifically to include a range of resources in a single post. As such I am putting the call out to anyone who wants to submit their site (or a great site they know) on my home page for future Smorgasbord posts. For now though, enjoy episode #1: drjoecarver.com Dr Joe Carver is a Clinical Psychologist in Southern Ohio, USA. He has practiced in psychiatric and medical hospitals, community mental health centers, and private practice. He currently works in private practice and is emp... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=675255 Thu, 07 Jun 2007 22:56:17 +0100 675255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=565913&cid=t_182396_140_f&fid=35443&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesplinteredmind.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fgive-me-break-by-john-stossel.html Give Me A Break by John StosselHow I exposed Hucksters, Cheats, and Scam Artists and Became the Scourge of the Liberal Media...Known for his investigative reporting exposing scams in business, John Stossel turned to the biggest business of all - the government - and found his fan base transformed into his loudest critics. Stossel explores his career from business busting to governmental shenanigans in an honest and humorous way, exposing his own flaws and hypocrisies along with the targets of his criticisms.Surprisingly, I found myself agreeing with him on most of his conclusions and insights until I reached the end of the book. There I found his stance on drug legalization difficult to buy. Give me a break, Stossel. We can't even regulate drunk drivers and DUI casualties in this country a... The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=565913 Mon, 23 Apr 2007 22:40:00 +0100 565913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=510920&cid=t_182396_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F105246897%2F The Qpass (Quick Psycho-Affective Symptom Scan) is a  brief 10-minute screening questionnaire that assesses 3 negative affect dimensions (depression, anger and anxiety) in addition to five clinical scales (suicide risk, violence risk, psychoticism, obsessive compulsivity, and phobic avoidance). The Qpass was developed by Scott Lownsdale during his doctoral studies at Northern Illinois University, as a means of providing therapists with a brief yet comprehensive self-report measure for use in clinical practice. The Qpass is described as a measure of “psychological vital signs”, akin to the biological data (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol) collected by medicos to focus their diagnosis and treatment. The Qpass website provides detailed information on the questionnaire, from... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=510920 Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:39:04 +0100 510920