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December 31, 20094:47 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Sleep duration in adolescents related to depression
According to a study reported in the January 1st issue of Sleep, duration of sleep in adolescents may be related to the development of depression. According to the cross-sectional analysis, less sleep not only correlated to the development of depression in adolescents but was also found to be associated with a greater risk of suicidal thoughts. According to James Gangwisch, PhD, of Columbia University in New York City, “this study lends support to the idea that short sleep duration can be a risk factor for depression as opposed to simply being a symptom of depression… in the event that a clinician comes into contact with an adolescent who does suffer from depression, that’s an area that they would want to delve into — is the adolescent getting adequate sleep.” Click here to read an article from Medpage Today that discusses this study more.
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December 24, 200911:39 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Only half of children diagnosed with a mental health disorder are seen by a professional
According to a study recently reported online in Pediatrics, only half of the children and young adolescents that possess a diagnosis of a mental health disorder have actually been seen by a professional regarding their symptoms during the past year. According to Kathleen Ries Merikangas, PhD, of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, data utilized from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2004 indicate that, among those between the ages of 8 and 15, 13% were recognized as having a mental disorder; however, only 51% of these had sought help from a professional. The NHANES data shows a lower prevalence of mental disorders than is commonly reported. “However, they are quite comparable to findings from other U.S. studies that used similar diagnostic methods and criteria and are strikingly similar to those reported for a community survey conducted at the same time in Houston, Texas,” the researchers reported. Click here to read an article from Medpage Today that discusses this study more.
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December 23, 20095:02 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Participating in social functions helps elders prevent cognitive decline
According to findings reported in the December issue of Journals of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, participating in social functions helps older women to delay or reverse declining brain function. In this study, participants who tutored children as part of a volunteer service program saw significant increases in function after six months in the regions of the brain important to cognitive function, including the left ventral prefrontal cortex (P<0.01), the anterior cingulate cortex (P<0.003), and the left dorsal prefrontal cortex (P<0.04). According to Michelle C. Carlson, of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and colleagues, “This finding is best captured by a personal observation from one of the volunteers, who stated that ‘it [volunteering] removed the cobwebs from my brain.’” “Individuals exhibited use-dependent neural plasticity by exercising and reactivating skills that may have been relatively unused for years or even decade,” they further explained. With average life expectancy increasing and the number of United States citizens with Alzheimer’s expected to quadruple over the next 50 years, authorities on Alzheimer’s disease have called for efforts that increase research and encourage both physical and mental engagement to lessen the likelihood of decreased cognitive function. Click here to read an article from Daily Breeze that discusses this study more.
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December 22, 20097:39 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Psychotherapy decreases overeating in young girls, more so than dietary education
According to findings reported online in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, overweight girls who participated in interpersonal psychotherapy experienced stabilization of body mass index over the course of one year, but girls in the same pilot trial that engaged in educational classes did not. According to Marian Tanofsky-Kraff, PhD, of the National Institute of Health, these findings provide some indication that psychotherapy may help one prevent excessive weight gain, especially girls who are at risk for obesity. In addition to stabilization of body mass index, those girls enrolled in the trial that underwent interpersonal psychotherapy also experienced a lessening of binge eating occurrences. According to the researchers, “We found very preliminary support that the therapy may reduce loss-of-control eating and prevent excess BMI gain.” Click here to read an article from The Inquisitr that discusses these findings more.
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December 16, 200912:22 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Gifting Obligations, Savory Sensations, Family Location, Celebratory Concoctions and so forth… (Pt 4)
With regards to emotional and physical health during the holidays it’s also important to recognize that many people, whether it’s because of their family being in another state, the loss of loved one’s, or due to familial problems, do not have an abundance of people to celebrate with during the holidays. I think that this is a twofold scenario wherein action is concerned. On the part of an individual who is isolated during the holidays, it is important to stay connected. One Tulsa church opens up its Bible school facility every year during Thanksgiving so that individuals without family to celebrate with can do so in context of the church body. If you do not belong to a church invite some friends to your house for the holidays. The holidays are laden with deep-seated traditions of delectable delights and everyone loves to eat. Invite a friend or two and you’ll be surprised how many people accept your invitation.
Alternatively, you could give of your time to someone else, and there is always someone who has more to complain about than you, whoever you are. Take your time to volunteer at the local shelter to serve meals during Christmas and Thanksgiving, or anytime for that matter. Buy some winter wears as you can afford; even some dollar mittens from Wal-Mart would be worth the sentiment; distribute them to the homeless. Make a few calls to the elderly and windows and wish them a Merry Christmas. Visit a local nursing home and offer to sing some Christmas carols. In general, it’s good to connect with others in various forms during the holidays.
The flip side of the coin is directed to those who have an abundance of family and friends to celebrate the holidays with; these should heighten their awareness of those that are isolated during the holidays. Take the time and put some effort into thinking about those that you may know that do not have anyone to celebrate with. Invite them to your house for dinner. Invite them to your New Year’s celebration. Invite them over Christmas morning and buy them a small gift. If it ruffles anyone’s feathers, just know that their feathers would have been ruffled anyway by a variety of other circumstances. I believe that the majority of people who are part of a given seasonal clique would appreciate your warm heartedness. Ultimately, however, whether you’re the type of person that’s inundated with family during the holidays or one that’s relatively isolated this time of year, make sure to connect with people in a real and tangible way. Allow yourself to be somewhat vulnerable and inconvenienced by someone else. In the end, I think you will look back and be glad that you did.
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December 15, 20094:52 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Gifting Obligations, Savory Sensations, Family Location, Celebratory Concoctions and so forth… (Pt 3)
Christmas has been widely argued to be too consumer-oriented. Many Christians believe that the entire meaning of the celebration is completely overlooked by capitalistic drive. Santa Claus, giant trees, trinkets, décor, gifts and bows, and stockings full of gadgets and goodies, could easily be argued to compose a reality derived exclusively from department store advertising rather than actual religious traditions. Scaling back on gifts and extras can be easily justified and could actually cause enjoyment if one were to replace those things with new traditions, traditions that celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. When excessive gifting does not occur, children may place more value on those things that they do receive. It could be argued that lavishing loved ones with gifts one year causes unthankfulness that has traditionally been met with a lump of coal the next.
What ever happened to the age of holiday boardgames? Taking the time during the holidays to include festive activities, singing, playing games, roasting marshmallows and chestnuts “over the open fire,” thanks Mel Tormé, may be things that you should consider as replacements for over-gifting that will make this season equally as memorable without spending a lot of dough.
Another way to save money over the holidays, especially where kids are involved, is by purchasing a couple of nicer/nice-ish gifts; if you feel that the holidays necessitate more than this you could satisfy the rest of your holiday buying compulsions with cheaper, fun, perhaps crafty, gifts. It’s amazing that every birthday and Christmas it seems that it’s the cheap toys, like the bouncing ball, or the plastic sand truck, that leave a lasting impression on the children in my family.
Another idea is budgeting ahead of time. Have a specific amount set forth; determine how much you’re going to spend on each individual in the family. Budgeting ahead of time and keeping a ledger of what you spend on each individual will keep you from succumbing to the myth that buying gifts at Christmas sales is actually saving you money. Don’t get drawn into the idea that because you purchased something on sale you’re staying with your bottom line.
Family agreements are another way to save money. Ask around as to who is buying for whom and suddenly you’ll find that ears are more sympathetic, even enthusiastic, about kosher agreements for spending boundaries. Do some asking around; don’t try to lead the charge of thriftiness, but as the discussion surfaces and evolves you may find some discussions taking form about arrangements to both save money and face. I hate that I even have to say this but “do not use a credit card!” Unless you are the type of person that pays off the entire balance of your card each month to gather points, SkyMiles, etc., do not use a credit card. Why? Remember what happened last Christmas?
Are things tight this year? Have the party at someone else’s house. Are you stuck having the party at your house? Request that each partygoer bring a dish. There are many things that you can do to save yourself from the stress of overspending during the holidays. However, what should be forefront in our thoughts is a focus on the family and remembrance of the why behind the what. Even if an individual did not have enough money to purchase one gift for another person, or enough money for one meal during the holiday season, I’m willing to bet that a family that is focused on each other and has an abundance of love is going to have a better time and take with them more memories than those with an abundance of things and no genuine charity between themselves.
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December 14, 20097:34 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Gifting Obligations, Savory Sensations, Family Location, Celebratory Concoctions and so forth… (Pt 2)
On the lighter side (no pun intended) of a holiday discussion, most are posed with the question “to eat or not to eat?” “Is food my friend or foe?” Please understand that I’m not a nutritionist, but having thus said, if you must overindulge during the holidays try being “selectively gluttonous;” I’m joking, obviously, but if you have to let your guard down, do so for one meal; don’t throw self-control out the window for the entirety of the winter months. Sometimes compromising with one’s appetite is the best way to not totally give in to it. Giving in to your holiday appetites for the duration of one meal may satisfy you enough so that self-discipline can be exercised the rest of the time. Make sure to “say no to leftovers.” Yes, you can do it. If grandma forces them on you with those loving mittens, you could box them up and take them to someone less fortunate.
Another factor specific to the holiday season that can potentially interrupt one’s emotional peace is the stress of spending, spending, and more spending. There is such an awful lot of pressure to perform for family members, to engage in traditional giving and receiving practices, but in every situation planning and a bit of forethought can help. A little organization and forethought regarding spending during the holidays can make a big difference. Some may think that this is absolutely absurd in a consumer-oriented, capitalistic society such as ours, but talking with the family about scaling back on gifts may not hurt nearly as much as you think. There’s several ways to do this; however, simply establishing new traditions based on more of an acknowledgement and celebration of each festive event may be just what your family needs.
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December 11, 20095:01 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Gifting Obligations, Savory Sensations, Family Location, Celebratory Concoctions and so forth… (Pt 1)
There are many challenges that come up around the holiday season, which can pose threats to one’s emotional and physical welfare. The stresses caused by gifting obligations, savory taste sensations, the presence or absence of family, celebratory concoctions and so forth, all present potential complications during the holidays. Much of this depends on the person. However, a bit of leisurely forethought may prove to be beneficial in keeping holiday glee abounding for all. The holidays are a great time to enjoy family, friends, food, and obviously faith; don’t let my overly analytical cautionary tails spoil it for you. Nevertheless, here’s a list of things to consider depending on your individual soft spots:
Some people have difficulty with sobriety during the holiday season. It’s routine behavior for many people to drink too much during the holidays. Why do people drink so much this time of year? Well, there is an abundance of social functions, more so perhaps than throughout the rest of the year, unless you’re a real partygoer and in the “nightlife know.” It’s much easier to partake in a drink here and there if everyone else is, especially during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
It’s good to keep busy during the holidays, but the right kind of busy. With a little planning and a little forethought you may keep yourself from overindulging in your favorite drink. Preplanning, and booking your schedule up may enable you to say no to those last-minute engagements where alcohol might be offered. Consider taking a friend that does not drink to get-togethers that you plan on attending. If you don’t have a friend who abstains could you consider the possibility of making a new friend? It may be an extreme revelation for some but church folk do celebrate New Year’s like everyone else. Invite a friend, an acquaintance, or an accountability partner from your church to join you at gatherings where you know drinks will be offered; this may be just what you need to see you through to 2010 while keeping your commitments.
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December 4, 20096:11 am
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Motivational interviewing among DUI offenders: Does it work?
According to findings published online in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, a brief intervention designed to motivate change among repeat offending drunk drivers resulted in the lessening of some risky drinking. More specifically, motivational interviewing led to a 25% reduction in days of risky drinking during a 12 month follow-up. The researchers reflected upon motivational interviewing as “… a therapeutic approach that seeks to enhance intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence and incorporates an empathetic, patient-centered yet directive counseling style.” Unfortunately, however, as was true in this study, many DUI programs have only produced modest gains. However, these types of interventions are well worth pursuing as among the United State’s 40,000 annual motor-vehicle fatalities a third or more are associated with drinking and driving. Click here to read an article from US News and World Report that discusses this study more.
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December 3, 200912:21 pm
posted by Aric Thorpe, MHR
Hostile perceptions in children with prenatal alcohol exposure reduced through learning social cues
According to findings published in the February issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, children who suffer developmental problems as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure experienced improved social skills through learning “social cues.” According to the study, children with prenatal alcohol exposure are more likely to perceive the intent of others as hostile; therefore, teaching these children social cues, the actuality of the intent of peers, decreases their perception of hostility in those they encounter. According to Vivien Keil, PhD, of the University of California, Los Angeles, “Children (with prenatal alcohol exposure) have a hard time making and keeping friends…they tend to have difficulty understanding social cues and common social norms.” The researchers were hopeful that teaching children with prenatal alcohol syndrome about the social cues of others would not only lessen instances of hostility but improve overall developmental outcomes. Click here to read an article from Medpage Today that discusses this study more.
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"I knew if I didn't get help, I was in for trouble. The Renewal program gave me the tools I needed to get my life back in order and also helped me restore my relationship with God."
--Lori H
Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.
Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.
Sarah McGee, BA, serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.
Michael Mason- A versatile and prolific writer, Michael is the author of the book, "Head Cases: Stories of Brain Injury and Its Aftermath," and regularly delivers engaging talks and readings to audiences nationwide. Michael serves at Brookhaven Hospital as an advocate for individuals with brain injury.
Penny Rott, MS, is a brain injury case manager for the Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute at Brookhaven Hospital..
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