Our blog is now on our website! Thank you to this wonderful service for letting me get things rolling!
If you want to keep up with all our goings on, go to http://www.beyondhealthqld.com.au
Thanks
Rachel
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Could gluten be related to psychosis?
Gluten may seem to be a fairly innocuous substance. Often found in modern BROWS grains - barley, rye, oats, wheat and spelt - gluten can end up in many expected and unexpected places. For those with celiac disease (an autoimmune disease affecting roughly 1-2% of the population) or gluten sensitivity, navigating simple tasks such as eating out or buying lip balm can become challenging (not, I might add, impossible). To make matters worse, some people don't understand that the effects of celiac disease, while not immediately visible, can be serious. Celiac disease can lead to deficiencies in iron, folate and Vitamin D, malnutrition, dental enamel defects, bone mineral density problems and severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Children may not grow. In a recent study, however, it seems that being sensitive to gluten, but not a celiac, may be related to schizophrenia.
Published in 2010, the study looked at 471 individuals - 129 who had recent onset psychosis, 191 with multiple episode schizophrenia and 151 controls without a history of psychiatric disorders. They then measured levels of gliadin IgA, gliadin IgG, deamidated gliadin IgG, atissue transglutaminase IgA, and tissue transglutaminase IgG antibodies - technical jargon for different markers than may be related to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. The results showed that both those with recent onset psychosis and multiple episode schizophrenia had elevated levels of certain markers (in a statistically significant way)compared to controls.
The increases couldn't be explained by gender, age, race, or cigarette smoking. What is more interesting is that the increases were not the same as those seen in celiac disease. This may suggest that the immune system is still reacting pathologically, just in a different way to celiacs. Hence gluten may be contributing to the psychosis associated both with the multiple episode schizophrenia and the recent onset psychosis.
Does this mean that the cause of psychosis is gluten? All mental illnesses are complex, multi-factorial conditions and what happens in one person does not necessarily happen in another. What it does mean, however, is that attempting a healthy gluten free diet (not living solely on D'Lush biscuits - yum) is definitely worth trying. Remembering it takes a minimum of 3 months to clear the brain and that any gluten consumed can put you back at square one, if you're going to try it - plan and prep.
Need some resources:
http://www.theallergymenu.com/ - a fabulous website for all sorts of allergy info and recipes
http://shepherdworks.com.au/ - Sue Shepherd has some fantastic information at this site, and her recipe books are fabulous
The journal articles used:
Dickerson, F., Stallings, C., Origoni, A., Vaughan, C., Khushalani, S., Leister, F., . . . Yolken, R. (2010). Markers of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease in Recent-Onset Psychosis and Multi-Episode Schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry, 68(1), 100-104. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.03.021 - this is the main article
Rodrigo-Saez, L., Fuentes-Alvarez, D., Perez-Martinez, I., Alvarez-Mieres, N., Nino-Garcia, P., de-Francisco-Garcia, R., . . . Lopez-Vazquez, A. (2011). Differences between pediatric and adult celiac disease. Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva, 103(5), 238-244. Available free to view at http://www.grupoaran.com/mrmUpdate/lecturaPDFfromXML.asp?IdArt=4619631&TO=RVN&Eng=1
Published in 2010, the study looked at 471 individuals - 129 who had recent onset psychosis, 191 with multiple episode schizophrenia and 151 controls without a history of psychiatric disorders. They then measured levels of gliadin IgA, gliadin IgG, deamidated gliadin IgG, atissue transglutaminase IgA, and tissue transglutaminase IgG antibodies - technical jargon for different markers than may be related to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. The results showed that both those with recent onset psychosis and multiple episode schizophrenia had elevated levels of certain markers (in a statistically significant way)compared to controls.
The increases couldn't be explained by gender, age, race, or cigarette smoking. What is more interesting is that the increases were not the same as those seen in celiac disease. This may suggest that the immune system is still reacting pathologically, just in a different way to celiacs. Hence gluten may be contributing to the psychosis associated both with the multiple episode schizophrenia and the recent onset psychosis.
Does this mean that the cause of psychosis is gluten? All mental illnesses are complex, multi-factorial conditions and what happens in one person does not necessarily happen in another. What it does mean, however, is that attempting a healthy gluten free diet (not living solely on D'Lush biscuits - yum) is definitely worth trying. Remembering it takes a minimum of 3 months to clear the brain and that any gluten consumed can put you back at square one, if you're going to try it - plan and prep.
Need some resources:
http://www.theallergymenu.com/ - a fabulous website for all sorts of allergy info and recipes
http://shepherdworks.com.au/ - Sue Shepherd has some fantastic information at this site, and her recipe books are fabulous
The journal articles used:
Dickerson, F., Stallings, C., Origoni, A., Vaughan, C., Khushalani, S., Leister, F., . . . Yolken, R. (2010). Markers of Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Disease in Recent-Onset Psychosis and Multi-Episode Schizophrenia. Biological Psychiatry, 68(1), 100-104. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.03.021 - this is the main article
Rodrigo-Saez, L., Fuentes-Alvarez, D., Perez-Martinez, I., Alvarez-Mieres, N., Nino-Garcia, P., de-Francisco-Garcia, R., . . . Lopez-Vazquez, A. (2011). Differences between pediatric and adult celiac disease. Revista espanola de enfermedades digestivas : organo oficial de la Sociedad Espanola de Patologia Digestiva, 103(5), 238-244. Available free to view at http://www.grupoaran.com/mrmUpdate/lecturaPDFfromXML.asp?IdArt=4619631&TO=RVN&Eng=1
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Little Ray of Sunshine
There is no doubt that we human's love sunshine - a beach on a summer's day, a sunny clear ski slope or a misty rainforest are all made better by the sun's gentle kiss. We sing many songs to celebrate the sun as well - Sunshine on my shoulder, Walking on Sunshine, Here comes the Sun and Blister in the sun (that may be about a different celebration of course, but I wouldn't know). Our love of the sunshine may be a primal understanding about one of the sun's great gifts to humans - Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a raft of health problems including rickets, bone density issues, heart disease, hypertension, bowel cancer, infections and autoimmune diseases. It has also been linked to our mood and mental illness. In a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, this association was discussed. The authors reported that hypovitaminosis D ( medical jargon for low vitamin D) had been associated with several mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. However, there was an impact even on the general mood of those without a diagnosis.
Researchers excluded people with conditions that may have made it difficult for them to make vitamin D, such as certain kidney, blood and hormonal conditions. It also excluded those who had mental illness or first degree relatives with mental illness. They then checked both their vitamin D status and personality traits "along the dimensions neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experiences, agreeableness, and conscientiousness." (p734) The results were then correlated and relationships were identified.
Now I know what some of you are thinking (well nerdish critics anyway) - Correlation does not equal causation. Without the jargonese, that means that just because two things are related it doesn't mean one made the other one happen. Correlations are important indicators and I think you'd have to be half way to dead to not wonder if something isn't going on here.
So, what are we wondering about? Researchers found that extraversion and openess were more closely correlated to increased vitamin D levels, and that there was a partial relationship between concentration and vitamin D too. They also discussed vitamin D deficiency and it's suspected role in schizophrenia and other psychosis. The role of vitamin D in regulating our seasonal rhythms, our anti-inflammatory responses, our neurotransmitters and our glucose metabolism make it a very likely suspect in producing our sunshiny dispositions.
Vitamin D can be taken in supplemental form, as once you are deficient, it's highly unlikely that you'll bring your vitamin D levels back up via sunlight. A nutritionist or nutritionally trained doctor can help you with that.
As it's night here now, we may just have to sing ourselves happy. I think Jimmy Cliff can manage that. Here's to you Vitamin D :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jsw_r0hILQ&feature=related
The article discussed here was Ubbenhorst A, Striebich S, Lang F, Lang UE. Exploring the relationship between vitamin D and basic personality traits. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Jun;215(4):733-7.
We'd like to thank our good friends at Time for Wellness for bringing this article to our attention and wish them a little more sun in the UK. Check out their fantastic blog here
http://www.timeforwellness.org/blog
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a raft of health problems including rickets, bone density issues, heart disease, hypertension, bowel cancer, infections and autoimmune diseases. It has also been linked to our mood and mental illness. In a study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, this association was discussed. The authors reported that hypovitaminosis D ( medical jargon for low vitamin D) had been associated with several mental illnesses including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression. However, there was an impact even on the general mood of those without a diagnosis.
Researchers excluded people with conditions that may have made it difficult for them to make vitamin D, such as certain kidney, blood and hormonal conditions. It also excluded those who had mental illness or first degree relatives with mental illness. They then checked both their vitamin D status and personality traits "along the dimensions neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experiences, agreeableness, and conscientiousness." (p734) The results were then correlated and relationships were identified.
Now I know what some of you are thinking (well nerdish critics anyway) - Correlation does not equal causation. Without the jargonese, that means that just because two things are related it doesn't mean one made the other one happen. Correlations are important indicators and I think you'd have to be half way to dead to not wonder if something isn't going on here.
So, what are we wondering about? Researchers found that extraversion and openess were more closely correlated to increased vitamin D levels, and that there was a partial relationship between concentration and vitamin D too. They also discussed vitamin D deficiency and it's suspected role in schizophrenia and other psychosis. The role of vitamin D in regulating our seasonal rhythms, our anti-inflammatory responses, our neurotransmitters and our glucose metabolism make it a very likely suspect in producing our sunshiny dispositions.
Vitamin D can be taken in supplemental form, as once you are deficient, it's highly unlikely that you'll bring your vitamin D levels back up via sunlight. A nutritionist or nutritionally trained doctor can help you with that.
As it's night here now, we may just have to sing ourselves happy. I think Jimmy Cliff can manage that. Here's to you Vitamin D :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jsw_r0hILQ&feature=related
The article discussed here was Ubbenhorst A, Striebich S, Lang F, Lang UE. Exploring the relationship between vitamin D and basic personality traits. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2011 Jun;215(4):733-7.
We'd like to thank our good friends at Time for Wellness for bringing this article to our attention and wish them a little more sun in the UK. Check out their fantastic blog here
http://www.timeforwellness.org/blog
Monday, August 8, 2011
Internet Addiction changes the Brain
The internet is a fabulous tool, it makes my life a whole lot easier. I love being connected to distant friends, listening to great music and podcasts, seeing great talks and reading great information. So you imagine how upset I was when the internet told me that the internet may be bad.
To clarify, we're talking about too much of a good thing. Researchers have suggested that internet addiction may be a real, diagnosable phenomenon and that it may be more common in adolescents. The problem is increasing so rapidly that it may not be long before terms such as internet addiction disorder, problematic internet use and pathological use may enter diagnostic language right next to substance use disorder or depression.
When addicted to the internet, individuals may find themselves neglecting social activities, work and school as well as experiencing negative psychological and social affects. High use of the internet has been associated with anxiety, hostility and depression. Even more than that, unrealistic expectations for life and love may be created by the fantasy offered by the internet.
It may be tempting to think that the problem is not that serious - after all, how bad can the internet be? A recent study has shown that the brain structure of individuals with internet addiction have microstructure changes that lead to functional impairments in cognition. A different study also showed a link between internet addiction may be related to increased interpersonal anxiety and psychosis.
Those adolescents with problems at home or at school were more likely to become addicted to the internet. Also, individuals who relied on the internet for entertainment or social interaction were more likely to become addicted.
Healthy use of the internet is an important skill for everyone to learn.
1)Setting time limits and boundaries on internet use is important to help develop appropriate use.
2)Social interaction is important for general health - texting is not a form of talking - and time spent in direct conversation with friends is a vital component of health.
3)Adults need to remember that children and adolescents learn from their behaviour - ask yourself when the last time you turned your mobile phone off was? Can you let the phone ring?
In short, the rate at which technology is advancing isn't necessarily a good thing. Myths regarding multitasking being possible or improved performance abound, leading many to grab the latest trend with both hands. There is a lot we still need to learn about how technology is affecting us. One thing is for sure, spending time with loving family and friends IS good for us. Why not text them and set a time to get together - in real life?
Interested in internet addiction? Here are some articles. Don't spend to long on line though!
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0014703
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0019660
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0020708
To clarify, we're talking about too much of a good thing. Researchers have suggested that internet addiction may be a real, diagnosable phenomenon and that it may be more common in adolescents. The problem is increasing so rapidly that it may not be long before terms such as internet addiction disorder, problematic internet use and pathological use may enter diagnostic language right next to substance use disorder or depression.
When addicted to the internet, individuals may find themselves neglecting social activities, work and school as well as experiencing negative psychological and social affects. High use of the internet has been associated with anxiety, hostility and depression. Even more than that, unrealistic expectations for life and love may be created by the fantasy offered by the internet.
It may be tempting to think that the problem is not that serious - after all, how bad can the internet be? A recent study has shown that the brain structure of individuals with internet addiction have microstructure changes that lead to functional impairments in cognition. A different study also showed a link between internet addiction may be related to increased interpersonal anxiety and psychosis.
Those adolescents with problems at home or at school were more likely to become addicted to the internet. Also, individuals who relied on the internet for entertainment or social interaction were more likely to become addicted.
Healthy use of the internet is an important skill for everyone to learn.
1)Setting time limits and boundaries on internet use is important to help develop appropriate use.
2)Social interaction is important for general health - texting is not a form of talking - and time spent in direct conversation with friends is a vital component of health.
3)Adults need to remember that children and adolescents learn from their behaviour - ask yourself when the last time you turned your mobile phone off was? Can you let the phone ring?
In short, the rate at which technology is advancing isn't necessarily a good thing. Myths regarding multitasking being possible or improved performance abound, leading many to grab the latest trend with both hands. There is a lot we still need to learn about how technology is affecting us. One thing is for sure, spending time with loving family and friends IS good for us. Why not text them and set a time to get together - in real life?
Interested in internet addiction? Here are some articles. Don't spend to long on line though!
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0014703
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0019660
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0020708
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Ground on Down
"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein
It is so marvellous to work with natural therapies for the treatment and support of mental illness. Not simply because of the wonderful effects, but also because sometimes the simplicity of nature's methods in healing the body bring such awe it is breathtaking.
The latest findings that make me smile from ear to ear are those related to grounding or earthing. Earthing in its simplest form is making contact with the bare earth (soil, grass, etc) with your bare feet for extended periods of time (a minimum of half an hour a day). In the bad old days of running for our lives from lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), we used to sleep for eight solid hours in contact with the ground. We also didn't have shoes. This constant contact with the earth appears to have had a physiological purpose.
While it may sound like a very hippie trippie sort of healing, ongoing research has shown a vast array of responses that are particularly relevant for mental health. In one study, grounding throughout the night with a sleep set up was shown to have a potentially positive effect on glucose metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, kidney function and skeletal calcium-phosphate storage. Another study showed that grounding may affect stress systems in a healthful manner - modulating the hormone cortisol and improving sleep. As diverse as these factors sound, each and every one may be implicated in the psychopathology of mental illness. Research is still in the early stages. For me though, the simplicity of the idea that as humans we were in contact with the earth for a reason is enticing. Was nature smarter than us?
In a discussion of grounding and its potential role in chronic disease, James Oschman elegantly summised my beliefs about modern science and why this simple idea is one we should possible pay attention to.
"How can the average person or the physician or even the experienced researcher evaluate this continual barrage of ‘‘science’’ that is supposed to improve our health? We should not drink coffee—we should drink coffee; we should not eat chocolate—we should eat chocolate; vitamin E will save your life, but do not take too much of it! These back and forth recommendations can make us cuckoo, nervous, worried, and depressed, conditions that can, of course, be treated with antidepressant drugs, whose benefits are also validated by some studies but not by others.
Are life and health really this complicated?"
(Oschman,J, "Chronic Disease: Are we missing something?" J Altern Complement Med, 2011; 17(4): 283-285)
I really don't think health is that complicated - I think modern life is that complicated for reasons that aren't necesarily all beneficial. Man made complication equals modern illness.
So what if you want to get in on this fabulous new technology? There are grounding products available for your bed while you sleep. If, however, you want to take a low tech approach - take your shoes off for at least 30 minutes a day and get some good earth under your toes. The longer the period, the better the effect it appears. So why not give it a go?
The ultimate tune for your low tech lay on the ground, you can't go past Ben Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f-D7Xx89r4
For high tech products available in Oz, you can go here:
http://www.earthingoz.com.au/
It is so marvellous to work with natural therapies for the treatment and support of mental illness. Not simply because of the wonderful effects, but also because sometimes the simplicity of nature's methods in healing the body bring such awe it is breathtaking.
The latest findings that make me smile from ear to ear are those related to grounding or earthing. Earthing in its simplest form is making contact with the bare earth (soil, grass, etc) with your bare feet for extended periods of time (a minimum of half an hour a day). In the bad old days of running for our lives from lions and tigers and bears (oh my!), we used to sleep for eight solid hours in contact with the ground. We also didn't have shoes. This constant contact with the earth appears to have had a physiological purpose.
While it may sound like a very hippie trippie sort of healing, ongoing research has shown a vast array of responses that are particularly relevant for mental health. In one study, grounding throughout the night with a sleep set up was shown to have a potentially positive effect on glucose metabolism, immune response, thyroid function, kidney function and skeletal calcium-phosphate storage. Another study showed that grounding may affect stress systems in a healthful manner - modulating the hormone cortisol and improving sleep. As diverse as these factors sound, each and every one may be implicated in the psychopathology of mental illness. Research is still in the early stages. For me though, the simplicity of the idea that as humans we were in contact with the earth for a reason is enticing. Was nature smarter than us?
In a discussion of grounding and its potential role in chronic disease, James Oschman elegantly summised my beliefs about modern science and why this simple idea is one we should possible pay attention to.
"How can the average person or the physician or even the experienced researcher evaluate this continual barrage of ‘‘science’’ that is supposed to improve our health? We should not drink coffee—we should drink coffee; we should not eat chocolate—we should eat chocolate; vitamin E will save your life, but do not take too much of it! These back and forth recommendations can make us cuckoo, nervous, worried, and depressed, conditions that can, of course, be treated with antidepressant drugs, whose benefits are also validated by some studies but not by others.
Are life and health really this complicated?"
(Oschman,J, "Chronic Disease: Are we missing something?" J Altern Complement Med, 2011; 17(4): 283-285)
I really don't think health is that complicated - I think modern life is that complicated for reasons that aren't necesarily all beneficial. Man made complication equals modern illness.
So what if you want to get in on this fabulous new technology? There are grounding products available for your bed while you sleep. If, however, you want to take a low tech approach - take your shoes off for at least 30 minutes a day and get some good earth under your toes. The longer the period, the better the effect it appears. So why not give it a go?
The ultimate tune for your low tech lay on the ground, you can't go past Ben Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f-D7Xx89r4
For high tech products available in Oz, you can go here:
http://www.earthingoz.com.au/
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Anti-depressants and Teenagers
Watching a child develop depression must be one of the most challenging times for a parent, particularly if they have never experienced it themselves. While all logic may say that there is no reason for the feelings that their teenager is experiencing, the depths and intensity of their emotions would suggest otherwise. Understanding that this is a biological condition, just like a broken leg or a cancer cell, may help but it doesn't necessarily make you feel better.
In the end, every parent wants to do the best for their child and may turn to anti-depressants as a method for treating this. But what is the evidence for their effectiveness in this age group?
The Cochrane Reviews are considered to be among the highest quality reviews of scientific data. In a tiered system of evidence, Cochrane Reviews are part of Tier 1. Two Cochrane reviews are of interest - one is on tricyclic antidepressants in children and adolescents and the other is on SSRI antidepressants in children and adolescents. (If you'd like to look at these, they are freely available to the public.) Tricyclic antidepressants are older and used somewhat less frequently than SSRI's.
When looking at tricyclic antidepressants, the Cochrane Review summised that they were no more effective than placebo for the treatment of depression in pre-pubertal children and only a moderate effect over placebo was found. Safety and efficacy were both unclear when considering children and adolescents.
http://http//onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD002317/frame.html
When looking at SSRI's, the results were more complex. The use of SSRI's did appear to have a greater effect than placebo in children and adolescents for the reduction of symptoms. However, this was "to a predetermined level deemed a “response”" and it was unclear as to whether "a meaningful outcome for children and adolescents with depressive disorders" was obtained. Further complicating matters is the risks for those children and adolescents with comorbid conditions or suicidal ideation, as they were "largely excluded from the trials". It was also suggested that there was an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts related to SSRI's.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD004851/frame.html
So what does this mean for parents and teenagers who may find themselves either on these medications or looking at taking them?
1. If you are on them, keep taking them. Never stop an antidepressant (or any other prescribed drug for that matter) without professional medical support and advice
2. If you haven't started, educate yourself and consider all your options. Psychological therapy, nutritional interventions and other natural therapies may be as effective or more effective for this age group
3. If you do decide to take medications, be well informed of the possible side effects. Keep a diary and have a buddy - someone you can trust - to help you monitor your mood management.
4. If you are on these medications, nutritional support may be able to help manage side effects
5. If these medications are being prescribed for a condition other than depression (such as an eating disorder or bipolar) then the evidence is different, so go back to the research and check what is relevant
6. Medications or nutritional therapy are simply addressing the biological aspects - psychological support from a trained and competent professional is also vital
7. If you do experience adverse side effects from any treatment, contact your practitioner IMMEDIATELY for appropriate advice
When it comes to mental illness, we have progressed a long way in the management of the severe expression of these conditions. However, an integrative approach will always be more effective than a single tactic. It's a simple case of two heads are better than one.
It seems blatantly unfair to ask a parent or teen with no biochemical training to determine whether or not a medication is the best path for them. Unfortunately, life is unfair despite what greeting cards may lead you to believe. So the best way to mitigate this is to make sure you have someone you trust listening to you and working WITH you for the best outcome.
In the end, every parent wants to do the best for their child and may turn to anti-depressants as a method for treating this. But what is the evidence for their effectiveness in this age group?
The Cochrane Reviews are considered to be among the highest quality reviews of scientific data. In a tiered system of evidence, Cochrane Reviews are part of Tier 1. Two Cochrane reviews are of interest - one is on tricyclic antidepressants in children and adolescents and the other is on SSRI antidepressants in children and adolescents. (If you'd like to look at these, they are freely available to the public.) Tricyclic antidepressants are older and used somewhat less frequently than SSRI's.
When looking at tricyclic antidepressants, the Cochrane Review summised that they were no more effective than placebo for the treatment of depression in pre-pubertal children and only a moderate effect over placebo was found. Safety and efficacy were both unclear when considering children and adolescents.
http://http//onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD002317/frame.html
When looking at SSRI's, the results were more complex. The use of SSRI's did appear to have a greater effect than placebo in children and adolescents for the reduction of symptoms. However, this was "to a predetermined level deemed a “response”" and it was unclear as to whether "a meaningful outcome for children and adolescents with depressive disorders" was obtained. Further complicating matters is the risks for those children and adolescents with comorbid conditions or suicidal ideation, as they were "largely excluded from the trials". It was also suggested that there was an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts related to SSRI's.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/o/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD004851/frame.html
So what does this mean for parents and teenagers who may find themselves either on these medications or looking at taking them?
1. If you are on them, keep taking them. Never stop an antidepressant (or any other prescribed drug for that matter) without professional medical support and advice
2. If you haven't started, educate yourself and consider all your options. Psychological therapy, nutritional interventions and other natural therapies may be as effective or more effective for this age group
3. If you do decide to take medications, be well informed of the possible side effects. Keep a diary and have a buddy - someone you can trust - to help you monitor your mood management.
4. If you are on these medications, nutritional support may be able to help manage side effects
5. If these medications are being prescribed for a condition other than depression (such as an eating disorder or bipolar) then the evidence is different, so go back to the research and check what is relevant
6. Medications or nutritional therapy are simply addressing the biological aspects - psychological support from a trained and competent professional is also vital
7. If you do experience adverse side effects from any treatment, contact your practitioner IMMEDIATELY for appropriate advice
When it comes to mental illness, we have progressed a long way in the management of the severe expression of these conditions. However, an integrative approach will always be more effective than a single tactic. It's a simple case of two heads are better than one.
It seems blatantly unfair to ask a parent or teen with no biochemical training to determine whether or not a medication is the best path for them. Unfortunately, life is unfair despite what greeting cards may lead you to believe. So the best way to mitigate this is to make sure you have someone you trust listening to you and working WITH you for the best outcome.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
My Kryptonite. The root causes of mental illness
Quick catch up for those of you who don't know what Kryptonite is. Superman is a super hero (hence the name) who came to Earth from another planet as a baby. As he grew, it became clear that he had super human abilities - flying, x-ray vision and so on. Anyway, this was all ok unless he was exposed to Kryptonite. Once the Kryptonite came near him, he was not just human, he was sick. All caught up? So now the question I'm sure you're asking - what on Earth does this have to do with mental illness?
Sitting in front of the psychiatrist who, many years ago, diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and panic disorders, I asked a simple question "How did this happen?" He looked me straight in the eye and told me "You were just made that way". Beyond that, he really didn't know.
I don't blame him. Firstly, this was several years ago and we've come a long way in understanding the physiology and psychology of mental illness. Secondly, he was trained in a medical model that isn't really helpful in defining how illness comes about. And thirdly, he really didn't know. He wasn't malicious or uneducated, he just hadn't found the root cause of my unique problem - my kryptonite.
The modern medical system is stellar at diagnosis. With thorough testing and accurate case histories, medicine can name just about anything. Diagnosis falls into categories - psychiatric, neurological, gastroenterological for example. The naming isn't always particularly helpful though, as it doesn't necessarily tell you what is wrong or what to fix.
Beneath the label of the diagnosis is an imbalance, usually it's more than just one. So where do these imbalances come from? Most of the time, the imbalance is feedback about the environment - something right now isn't working for you and you need to change it. Here's a very basic run through of how it works.
The body takes the information from its environment and processes it through it's unique genetic makeup. This information can be about food quality or quantity, nutrients available, microorganisms or viruses, stress, exercise, toxins or any factor that might need to be managed by you to survive the environment you're in. For example, if you have a bacterial infection you want your body to respond appropriately. Enter the internal systems.
The body takes the information and then decides how to best run its internal systems. These systems cover an amazing number of biochemical processes. They control a vast network of events covering energy production, hormones, neurotransmitters, digestion and absorption, inflammation, immune function and detoxification (to name a few). The amazing thing is that for the most part, the amazing choregraphy works. Just think of the complex way in which the body attacks an invading bacteria. Even in illness, a lot of the time the body is trying to do the right thing by you.
Take depression, for example. On suggestion is that the aggressive feelings that come about from very low serotonin are there to psych you up to hunt, kill an animal and get more meat which is more tryptophan which gives you more serotonin - and this is just one way in which evolution could be using a disease to help you out. Sometimes, it may be helping the species out (which is a real bummer if you draw the short straw). Here is another theory - mental illness may be in part the result of the human development of mental abilities such as creativity or intelligence. Hence it's association with some of the brightest and most gifted individuals around - both now and throughout history.
This is why it can be so hard trying to answer "How did this happen?" The truth is that answering this question involves working out not only what is out of balance and how to rebalance it, but also what threw YOU out of balance in the first place. It means that you have to identify YOUR OWN Kryptonite (or Kryptonite's as the case may be.) This isn't necessarily easy, as mental illness has been associated with viruses, bacteria, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, intolerances, genetic anomalies, psychological factors, autoimmune disease, social stressors and on and on and on. That's why there is no single answer - there is no single cause!
This is where a functional and natural approach can be so helpful - it can help identify kryptonite (root causes) as well as managing imbalances. It can be used very successfully in conjunction with many other therapies. Physiology and psychology both need to be addressed.
It also means that the psychiatrist was right - I was made to respond to specific signals in the environment with mental signs and symptoms to tell me something was wrong. Eventually, my body created mental illness. For someone else, they may have gone down a path that created cancer or gastrointestinal diseases. But the flip side is that for most people who are mentally ill, there is also the capability of being your own level of Superman (or Superwoman if linguistics require it) - talented, creative and productive.
If I go crazy, will you still call me Superman? Of course I will, because most mental illness is really just a special case of Kryptonite :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu4QLu2ppsc
Sitting in front of the psychiatrist who, many years ago, diagnosed me with depression, anxiety and panic disorders, I asked a simple question "How did this happen?" He looked me straight in the eye and told me "You were just made that way". Beyond that, he really didn't know.
I don't blame him. Firstly, this was several years ago and we've come a long way in understanding the physiology and psychology of mental illness. Secondly, he was trained in a medical model that isn't really helpful in defining how illness comes about. And thirdly, he really didn't know. He wasn't malicious or uneducated, he just hadn't found the root cause of my unique problem - my kryptonite.
The modern medical system is stellar at diagnosis. With thorough testing and accurate case histories, medicine can name just about anything. Diagnosis falls into categories - psychiatric, neurological, gastroenterological for example. The naming isn't always particularly helpful though, as it doesn't necessarily tell you what is wrong or what to fix.
Beneath the label of the diagnosis is an imbalance, usually it's more than just one. So where do these imbalances come from? Most of the time, the imbalance is feedback about the environment - something right now isn't working for you and you need to change it. Here's a very basic run through of how it works.
The body takes the information from its environment and processes it through it's unique genetic makeup. This information can be about food quality or quantity, nutrients available, microorganisms or viruses, stress, exercise, toxins or any factor that might need to be managed by you to survive the environment you're in. For example, if you have a bacterial infection you want your body to respond appropriately. Enter the internal systems.
The body takes the information and then decides how to best run its internal systems. These systems cover an amazing number of biochemical processes. They control a vast network of events covering energy production, hormones, neurotransmitters, digestion and absorption, inflammation, immune function and detoxification (to name a few). The amazing thing is that for the most part, the amazing choregraphy works. Just think of the complex way in which the body attacks an invading bacteria. Even in illness, a lot of the time the body is trying to do the right thing by you.
Take depression, for example. On suggestion is that the aggressive feelings that come about from very low serotonin are there to psych you up to hunt, kill an animal and get more meat which is more tryptophan which gives you more serotonin - and this is just one way in which evolution could be using a disease to help you out. Sometimes, it may be helping the species out (which is a real bummer if you draw the short straw). Here is another theory - mental illness may be in part the result of the human development of mental abilities such as creativity or intelligence. Hence it's association with some of the brightest and most gifted individuals around - both now and throughout history.
This is why it can be so hard trying to answer "How did this happen?" The truth is that answering this question involves working out not only what is out of balance and how to rebalance it, but also what threw YOU out of balance in the first place. It means that you have to identify YOUR OWN Kryptonite (or Kryptonite's as the case may be.) This isn't necessarily easy, as mental illness has been associated with viruses, bacteria, nutritional deficiencies, allergies, intolerances, genetic anomalies, psychological factors, autoimmune disease, social stressors and on and on and on. That's why there is no single answer - there is no single cause!
This is where a functional and natural approach can be so helpful - it can help identify kryptonite (root causes) as well as managing imbalances. It can be used very successfully in conjunction with many other therapies. Physiology and psychology both need to be addressed.
It also means that the psychiatrist was right - I was made to respond to specific signals in the environment with mental signs and symptoms to tell me something was wrong. Eventually, my body created mental illness. For someone else, they may have gone down a path that created cancer or gastrointestinal diseases. But the flip side is that for most people who are mentally ill, there is also the capability of being your own level of Superman (or Superwoman if linguistics require it) - talented, creative and productive.
If I go crazy, will you still call me Superman? Of course I will, because most mental illness is really just a special case of Kryptonite :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu4QLu2ppsc
Sunday, June 12, 2011
What is mental illness?
Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, Major Depressive disorder and Anorexia Nervosa. These conditions represent a small number of the diagnosable mental illnesses that are recognized in the modern world. But this abstract list of names doesn't really help if you are wondering whether you or someone you love has a mental illness. To start with, we really need to answer the question "What is a mental illness?"
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) defined mental illness as "a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individuals cognitive, emotional or social abilities." In plain English, it means that the way a person thinks or mentally processes information, manages their emotions or manages social interactions is negatively impacting their life and is far enough outside the norm that they fit into a diagnostic criteria as assessed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
The great difficulty with mental illness is that a diagnosis needs someone to present to a doctor in the first place - a huge challenge when you aren't thinking straight. Diagnosis also relies on the doctor getting all the relevant information from someone who is mentally struggling and unaware of what's relevant and what's not. (Not to mention the fact that some of the thoughts experienced by those with mental illness are scary enough to the sufferer that they don't really want to share). The doctor then has to find the clinical diagnosis. There is no blood test or brain scan that can confirm these conditions. In this amazingly challenging situation, we are left with room for misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, unnecessary diagnosis and totally wrong diagnosis. I'm not suggesting this is malicious, it is more to do with the nature of the beast.
So mental illness is technically all about that diagnosis. For family members and sufferers alike, a diagnosis can give a sense of closure - there is something wrong. When I was diagnosed with Major Depression and Anxiety and Panic Disorders in my youth, I found myself thinking a strange paradoxical little thought - "I'm not losing my mind, I actually am losing my mind"- a small cryptic nod to the fact that something was biochemically wrong instead of me just thinking wrong.
But the journey from mental health to mental illness is not a single step, its a slope - for some more slippery than others. While the idea of a specific diagnosis does have its merits, waiting to fit into some pre defined criteria so that you can start receiving help is not at all necessary. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help prevent the slide to disorder and may bring a return to happiness and health. Not only that, nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help at all stages and can be used in conjunction with medications.
If you or someone you love is struggling, whether it's with something diagnosable like depression or simply with a bit of brain fog, don't wait for someone outside to give you the go ahead to choose health. There are any number of qualified therapists who can help you get to where you want to be - no matter where you find yourself.
Mental illness is, in the end, all about a diagnosis given by someone outside of yourself when you finally reach a threshold. Do you really need to wait for that? If you or someone you love is struggling with clear thinking, emotional stability or the ability to handle social life to the point that it is negatively impacting on their life, don't wait for a magic label. Seek help from caring professionals in a field that feels right for you - whether it's nutritional medicine, herbalism, psychology or counselling. Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher, once said that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". If you feel you may be starting to struggle, why not take that first step before mental health really feels a thousand miles away?
Finally, what if you already have a diagnosis? What then? Then the first step has been taken for you - the problem has a name. Time to take the next step for yourself.
The National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) defined mental illness as "a clinically diagnosable disorder that significantly interferes with an individuals cognitive, emotional or social abilities." In plain English, it means that the way a person thinks or mentally processes information, manages their emotions or manages social interactions is negatively impacting their life and is far enough outside the norm that they fit into a diagnostic criteria as assessed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
The great difficulty with mental illness is that a diagnosis needs someone to present to a doctor in the first place - a huge challenge when you aren't thinking straight. Diagnosis also relies on the doctor getting all the relevant information from someone who is mentally struggling and unaware of what's relevant and what's not. (Not to mention the fact that some of the thoughts experienced by those with mental illness are scary enough to the sufferer that they don't really want to share). The doctor then has to find the clinical diagnosis. There is no blood test or brain scan that can confirm these conditions. In this amazingly challenging situation, we are left with room for misdiagnosis, missed diagnosis, unnecessary diagnosis and totally wrong diagnosis. I'm not suggesting this is malicious, it is more to do with the nature of the beast.
So mental illness is technically all about that diagnosis. For family members and sufferers alike, a diagnosis can give a sense of closure - there is something wrong. When I was diagnosed with Major Depression and Anxiety and Panic Disorders in my youth, I found myself thinking a strange paradoxical little thought - "I'm not losing my mind, I actually am losing my mind"- a small cryptic nod to the fact that something was biochemically wrong instead of me just thinking wrong.
But the journey from mental health to mental illness is not a single step, its a slope - for some more slippery than others. While the idea of a specific diagnosis does have its merits, waiting to fit into some pre defined criteria so that you can start receiving help is not at all necessary. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help prevent the slide to disorder and may bring a return to happiness and health. Not only that, nutritional and lifestyle interventions can help at all stages and can be used in conjunction with medications.
If you or someone you love is struggling, whether it's with something diagnosable like depression or simply with a bit of brain fog, don't wait for someone outside to give you the go ahead to choose health. There are any number of qualified therapists who can help you get to where you want to be - no matter where you find yourself.
Mental illness is, in the end, all about a diagnosis given by someone outside of yourself when you finally reach a threshold. Do you really need to wait for that? If you or someone you love is struggling with clear thinking, emotional stability or the ability to handle social life to the point that it is negatively impacting on their life, don't wait for a magic label. Seek help from caring professionals in a field that feels right for you - whether it's nutritional medicine, herbalism, psychology or counselling. Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher, once said that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". If you feel you may be starting to struggle, why not take that first step before mental health really feels a thousand miles away?
Finally, what if you already have a diagnosis? What then? Then the first step has been taken for you - the problem has a name. Time to take the next step for yourself.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What do you mean you're stressed?
I have had a wicked case of writers block this week. Not because I have run out of things to say - an impossibility many who know me might suggest - but simply because I have had a bit of a stressful few days. It is so amazing that such a basic physiological reaction can have such a far reaching impact. If you are an adolescent though, stress has a completely different meaning both physically and emotionally.
Why would this be? Well, it could have something to do with emmigration. Emmigration is a nice way of saying that back in the day once you hit adolescence you were out the door! It was time to brave the world and seek new tribes, new hunting grounds and new experiences. While this can be easily related to risk taking in adolescence, the flip side is that you also had to be prepared for new threats. Say hello to a heightened stress response.
Adrenarche is the fancy term for the maturing of the adrenal gland and it occurs during adolescence. At the same time, the HPA or stress axis (which includes the adrenal gland) becomes more responsive compared to childhood. Part of this extra responsive stress reaction is geared towards social interactions which makes sense when you realise that if you emmigrate, you have to find a whole new social group. However, our stress system can also be triggered by other physical and social factors. And stress is totally personal - what triggers off a physical response in one person might have no observable affect in another.
One aspect of adolescent life that is often dismissed as being a bit silly is the social structure - who is on top and who is not. Social hierarchies have been shown to be important in the stress response - whether you are a baboon, a monkey or a public servant, where you are in the social schema can cause you to be more or less stressed. And the top is definitely the spot to be.
So lets consider this from the point of view of an adolescents world. What are some of the best places to experience social stress and social hierarchies? How about school, exams, sports and work? Great, someone really thought that all the way through. Add into that heightened emotional responses to girlfriends or boyfriends and poor eating habits, and you have a bit of a stressful environment both emotionally and physically.
So what are some of the signs that you aren't handling stress?
*Sugar or salt cravings can be a sign
*Loss of appetite
*Difficulty sleeping
*Brain fog and lack of concentration
*Headaches, stomach aches or general muscle tension
*Random crying or the feeling of wanting to cry
*Feeling on edge or generally anxious
*Not wanting to do the things you always enjoyed or stepping back from friends
How can you help to manage stress during adolescence naturally? Once again, the same common sense rules apply.
1) Watch the stimulating drinks - caffeine, gurana and soft drinks can all add to the stress on the body
2)Eat good food regularly. If you can't identify the ingredients or if the top ingredient is sugar, it's not your friend.
3) Make sure you get enough sleep (see our previous post)
4)Exercise regularly (Castle Hill is calling)
5) Take time out for fun and socialising
6) Cut back the extra curricular activities if you feel you need to
7)Learn a relaxation technique (deep breathing will serve you well your whole life and is a great serotonin boost)
8)"This too shall pass" - no matter how big it is, it will eventually be over. Still, give yourself some time to deal.
There is a great story about two friends who wake up while camping to find a lion about to eat them. One of the friends bends down to put on his shoes. The second friend says "What are you doing? You can't outrun that lion". The first one says "I don't have to outrun it, I just have to outrun you". So you see, it makes sense to have someone else help you when you're feeling stressed. Because you never know just how helpful and lifesaving it could be - for you ;)
Why would this be? Well, it could have something to do with emmigration. Emmigration is a nice way of saying that back in the day once you hit adolescence you were out the door! It was time to brave the world and seek new tribes, new hunting grounds and new experiences. While this can be easily related to risk taking in adolescence, the flip side is that you also had to be prepared for new threats. Say hello to a heightened stress response.
Adrenarche is the fancy term for the maturing of the adrenal gland and it occurs during adolescence. At the same time, the HPA or stress axis (which includes the adrenal gland) becomes more responsive compared to childhood. Part of this extra responsive stress reaction is geared towards social interactions which makes sense when you realise that if you emmigrate, you have to find a whole new social group. However, our stress system can also be triggered by other physical and social factors. And stress is totally personal - what triggers off a physical response in one person might have no observable affect in another.
One aspect of adolescent life that is often dismissed as being a bit silly is the social structure - who is on top and who is not. Social hierarchies have been shown to be important in the stress response - whether you are a baboon, a monkey or a public servant, where you are in the social schema can cause you to be more or less stressed. And the top is definitely the spot to be.
So lets consider this from the point of view of an adolescents world. What are some of the best places to experience social stress and social hierarchies? How about school, exams, sports and work? Great, someone really thought that all the way through. Add into that heightened emotional responses to girlfriends or boyfriends and poor eating habits, and you have a bit of a stressful environment both emotionally and physically.
So what are some of the signs that you aren't handling stress?
*Sugar or salt cravings can be a sign
*Loss of appetite
*Difficulty sleeping
*Brain fog and lack of concentration
*Headaches, stomach aches or general muscle tension
*Random crying or the feeling of wanting to cry
*Feeling on edge or generally anxious
*Not wanting to do the things you always enjoyed or stepping back from friends
How can you help to manage stress during adolescence naturally? Once again, the same common sense rules apply.
1) Watch the stimulating drinks - caffeine, gurana and soft drinks can all add to the stress on the body
2)Eat good food regularly. If you can't identify the ingredients or if the top ingredient is sugar, it's not your friend.
3) Make sure you get enough sleep (see our previous post)
4)Exercise regularly (Castle Hill is calling)
5) Take time out for fun and socialising
6) Cut back the extra curricular activities if you feel you need to
7)Learn a relaxation technique (deep breathing will serve you well your whole life and is a great serotonin boost)
8)"This too shall pass" - no matter how big it is, it will eventually be over. Still, give yourself some time to deal.
There is a great story about two friends who wake up while camping to find a lion about to eat them. One of the friends bends down to put on his shoes. The second friend says "What are you doing? You can't outrun that lion". The first one says "I don't have to outrun it, I just have to outrun you". So you see, it makes sense to have someone else help you when you're feeling stressed. Because you never know just how helpful and lifesaving it could be - for you ;)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Would you just go to sleep!
The house is quiet, the lights are off and you are in bed. You lie, looking at the ceiling and listening to the noises outside. You know that tomorrow you’ve got to be up early and get to school and yet – you just can’t sleep! Your head hit the pillow an hour ago, everyone else is out and yet – you really aren’t tired. You decide to listen to music and surf the web – a parent walks by the door, switches off the lights and says ‘Would you just go to sleep’.
Adolescent sleep is a strange thing. The desire to sleep may not affect older adolescents until much later in the night. Unlike adults, adolescents may actually feel more awake as the day goes on instead of getting increasingly tired. (This strange phenomenon is known as phase delay or phase shift). Yet, the amount of sleep needed by adolescents is greater than just a few years earlier in childhood or a few years later in adulthood. Adolescents need around 9 hours a night. Far from being an act of rebellion, staying up late and sleeping in is part of the biology of adolescents.
Sleep deprivation has been shown to be prevalent in today’s society, particularly among adolescents, and it can have serious affects. It can increase anxiety, decrease performance and negatively affect mood. The dangers of sleep deprivation for adolescents behind the wheel are very real, as this quote from Dr Karl shows.
“On one hand, about 20% of all road deaths are caused by microsleeps, in turn caused by tiredness - but about half of all such fatigue-related road deaths happen to those aged 16-25”
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/05/03/1913123.htm
So how can adolescents best manage their sleep? Simple steps can lead to sleep changes.
Adolescent sleep is a strange thing. The desire to sleep may not affect older adolescents until much later in the night. Unlike adults, adolescents may actually feel more awake as the day goes on instead of getting increasingly tired. (This strange phenomenon is known as phase delay or phase shift). Yet, the amount of sleep needed by adolescents is greater than just a few years earlier in childhood or a few years later in adulthood. Adolescents need around 9 hours a night. Far from being an act of rebellion, staying up late and sleeping in is part of the biology of adolescents.
Sleep deprivation has been shown to be prevalent in today’s society, particularly among adolescents, and it can have serious affects. It can increase anxiety, decrease performance and negatively affect mood. The dangers of sleep deprivation for adolescents behind the wheel are very real, as this quote from Dr Karl shows.
“On one hand, about 20% of all road deaths are caused by microsleeps, in turn caused by tiredness - but about half of all such fatigue-related road deaths happen to those aged 16-25”
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2007/05/03/1913123.htm
So how can adolescents best manage their sleep? Simple steps can lead to sleep changes.
- Avoid caffeinated beverages – guarana shots are not your friend if trying to sleep
- Get some exposure to daylight in the morning – preferably without sunglasses
- Get some physical activity every day
- Have a routine bedtime – 10pm is a good compromise
- Turn off technology – iPods, iPads, iPhones, Internet and iTelevison – at least 1 hour before bedtime. iOut of the bedroom is even better
- Fresh air and a cool environment
- Only sleep an extra hour or two of sleep than normal if sleeping in, or you may confuse your body
- Have a dream journal by the bed. If you want to remember something from a dream, write it down and then go back to sleep – it’ll all be there in the morning
- Do not drive when you know you’re tired
The best thing about these tips is that everyone in the family would benefit from the same rules. Bedtime may need to be adjusted as age appropriate, but every tip here can help every member of the family. After all, no one wants a cranky 2 year old behind the wheel of a car, do they?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Juliet - When you gonna realise, it was just that your brain was young?
"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!/ For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 1.5
Romeo and Juliet - the classic tale of star-crossed lovers who, attempting to escape their feuding families and live in love forever, tragically kill themselves, uniting those left behind. Either that, or a tale of a teenage boy and a 13 year old girl who over the course of 5 days (in Shakespeare's telling) becoming so enamoured of each other they lose the ability to think rationally, make less than effective (also known as poor) decisions and pay the ultimate price. Were Dire Straits wrong? Was it less about timing and more about emotions? Modern research tends to suggest a mix of both.
Adolescence begins with the hormonal surge of puberty (or gonadarche) and related changes in stress hormones (adrenarche). It is these changes that most people attribute the emotional turmoil of adolescents to. "Teenagers are ruled by their hormones". There are also changes in the brain structure and brain chemistry. Serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) generally associated with happiness, decreases in certain areas of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter related to attention, learning and reward. Systems related to dopamine (dopaminergic systems) increase their activity. This can cause differing effects on mood. For example, the combination of reduced serotonin and increased dopamine can mean that some adolescents receive a greatly reduced sense of satisfaction from those things that once made them happy. Other neurotransmitters, such as GABA, glutamate and endogenous cannabinoids also experience changes.
That's not all that happens. The brain continues making changes, growing new connections, decreasing unused circuits and adding myelin to the neurons (a type of insulation that improves the communication of neurons. During this process, there is a period in which the balance between the prefrontal cortex and limbic system favours the latter. The prefrontal cortex is involved in impulse control, rationale decision making and emotional regulation. The limbic system is involved in emotion and reward based behaviour. What that means is that in the face of strong emotions, the smartest and brightest adolescent may well find themselves following their heart instead of their head.
So how does this apply to our star crossed lovers? Firstly, intensity of emotional feeling is common for adolescents. These strong emotions are easy to see in Shakespeare's beautiful telling of this story. Secondly, the ability to make rational decisions, particularly in the heat of strong emotions, is reduced. So the romantic in me likes to phrase it this way - they really did feel so strongly for each other that they had to be together, they just couldn't think of a safe way to do it when faced with the challenge of feuding families.
The story of Romeo and Juliet has been around now for centuries in one form or another, and is the perfect example of how adolescents differ from adults and children. It is also one of the few forms in which adults can connect with this intensity of feeling. So how do we manage this emotional change? Nutrition plays a very important role in brain development. As hard as it can be to get teens to eat effectively, it is vital that the growing brain gets all the nutrients to build itself effectively.
At the end of the day, every adolescent needs patience and love. Oh, and the whole family could do with some great tunes.
Dire Straits (and VERY 80's video) for mum and dad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxfjSnMN88U
or a 2007 remake by The Killers for the teens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87cLyBR1JTo&feature=related
"For never was a story of more woe
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 5.3
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Health Challenge at 12 O'Clock - What do I do now?
There is a wonderful Irish proverb that says "May you live a long life full of gladness and health". This sums up what most of us really want for our lives (with possibly a side helping of wealth). Yet in the modern world we are given so much rubbish disguised as "health information", its impossible to sort out what's marketing and what's fact. Then, when people are faced with a health challenge, they end up drowning in a sea of facts and figures and are no longer sure of how to start.
The very first thing to do is to remember that we are all unique. Scientists even use jargon - "biochemical individuality" - to remind themselves of that one simple fact. What that means is that there is no one right answer for every single person. This might sound like a scary proposition, but when you are faced with illness or injury and you are trying to decide what to do, the answer becomes keep looking until you find what works for you. It also means that if people won't listen when you tell them somethings wrong, just say "Next please", because there is an answer out there for you.
This puts you in the drivers seat. Want to add some nutritional advice to that doctor's script, why not? If you want to try acupuncture or homeopathy, go right ahead. Massage and herbs? Give it a whirl. Coaching and counselling? Give it a try. Commit 100% to trying the therapy for a reasonable period of time with a qualified practitioner (not your best friend and a magazine) and see what works for you.
Now it may sound like bad business practice to suggest to my clients to try and find what works for them. However, I have an ace up my sleeve. The ace is that no matter what health challenge you're faced with, good nutrition is vital to healing. AND no matter what therapy you're undergoing, nutritional support helps it to work better.
At the end of the day, my dream is of a world in which everyone is so healthy I no longer have a job! If everyone finds what works for them, then we can sit around happily and ponder another Irish proverb "Never bolt the door with a boiled carrot." Hey, they aren't all winners!
The very first thing to do is to remember that we are all unique. Scientists even use jargon - "biochemical individuality" - to remind themselves of that one simple fact. What that means is that there is no one right answer for every single person. This might sound like a scary proposition, but when you are faced with illness or injury and you are trying to decide what to do, the answer becomes keep looking until you find what works for you. It also means that if people won't listen when you tell them somethings wrong, just say "Next please", because there is an answer out there for you.
This puts you in the drivers seat. Want to add some nutritional advice to that doctor's script, why not? If you want to try acupuncture or homeopathy, go right ahead. Massage and herbs? Give it a whirl. Coaching and counselling? Give it a try. Commit 100% to trying the therapy for a reasonable period of time with a qualified practitioner (not your best friend and a magazine) and see what works for you.
Now it may sound like bad business practice to suggest to my clients to try and find what works for them. However, I have an ace up my sleeve. The ace is that no matter what health challenge you're faced with, good nutrition is vital to healing. AND no matter what therapy you're undergoing, nutritional support helps it to work better.
At the end of the day, my dream is of a world in which everyone is so healthy I no longer have a job! If everyone finds what works for them, then we can sit around happily and ponder another Irish proverb "Never bolt the door with a boiled carrot." Hey, they aren't all winners!
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