Heather Lauria

Americans live in an over-stimulated environment. Television, video games and other electronic devices are the culprits. According to an A.C. Nielsen Co. study conducted in 2007, the average American will watch over four hours of television per day. That statistic translates to nine years of television watching for a person who lives to 65 years old or 250 billion hours a year watched in America alone. A.C. Nielsen Co. also reports that children average 1,680 minutes of television per week versus the three and a half minutes they spend per week in meaningful conversation with their parents.

Over the course of a year, a child will spend over 1,000 hours in school and approximately 1,500 hours sitting in front of the television. With 99 percent of households owning one television set and 66 percent with three or more sets, it’s no wonder that a parent’s natural instinct has become putting their child in front of the television from a very early age. But have parents seriously thought or understood what effect this television watching will have on their children?

Researchers agree that the unsuspectingly harmless television set sitting in the living room may lead to increased aggression in children, but research has also found that television watching is connected to Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) cases in children. ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. It is usually diagnosed during childhood, but may also reveal its symptoms in adolescence and adulthood. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, inattention and concentration problems, hyperactivity, forgetfulness and short-term memory loss, procrastination, and poor impulse control. People with ADHD do not necessarily exhibit all symptoms.

 A study, done at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle, on more than 2,000 children revealed that for every hour watched at ages one and three, the children had an almost 10 percent higher chance of developing attention problems that could become ADHD by the time the child reached seven years old. Toddlers who watched three hours daily tripled their risk to 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Children between the ages of one and three are developing neural pathways in their brains in a completely unique way. When babies and toddlers are exposed to the over stimulation of television, the forming of these pathways is interfered with. These babies’ minds are wired differently than a normal baby’s mind. “TV can cause the developing mind to experience unnatural levels of stimulation,” says Dr. Dimitri Christakis, lead researcher and director of the Child Health Institute at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center and associate professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The quick scene shifts of video images seem normal to TV tots. Such a fast-paced world is not reality. As these children grow they expect the same rapidity from school as they found earlier in life from the television.

In a world where parents are constantly over-stressed and overworked, sitting a child in front of a television for a couple hours a day can almost seem like a vacation for mommy and daddy, but at what cost? Baby Einstein and Teletubbies do their jobs at keeping children occupied but that’s about it. Not even these shows and videos, produced solely for entertaining and educating young children, are safe. “Each hour has an additional risk. You might say there’s no safe level since there’s a small but increased risk with each hour,” says Frederick Zimmerman of the University of Washington, Seattle.

Researchers agree television for babies and toddlers may be detrimental to their development but for now, the decision as to whether or not these young children will sit in front of a TV screen remains with their parents. “Things are a trade-off. Some parents might want to take that risk. We didn’t find a safe level in that sense,” says Zimmerman.

Aaron Levin

Hoarding may be a psychiatric symptom, but is it just one part of obsessive-compulsive disorder or does it stand alone?

Since the dawn of hunting and gathering, some people have always gathered more than others and just couldn't bear to part with it.

When such behavior crosses the line from the eccentric into the DSM-IV realm, it becomes a symptom—hoarding—the compulsion to acquire objects coupled with an unwillingness to discard them.

Hoarding may occur in connection with a number of psychiatric disorders, but it is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Perhaps 30 percent to 40 percent of people with OCD have hoarding symptoms. Specialists argue over the relationship between OCD and hoarding. Is the latter merely a symptom of the former, or should the two be considered separate syndromes?

What Causes Dysthymia?

Experts are not sure what causes dysthymia. This form of chronic depression is thought to be related to brain changes that involve serotonin, a chemical or neurotransmitter that aids your brain in coping with emotions. Major life stressors, chronic illness, medications, and relationship or work problems may also increase the chances of dysthymia.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Dysthymia?

The symptoms of dysthymia are the same as those of major depression but not as intense and include the following:

The Voice Awards honor writers and producers who have given a voice to people with mental health problems by incorporating dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of these people into film and television productions.

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Voice Awards also acknowledge the tireless efforts of advocates who are working to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses.

ÐThe Pain of Depression: A Journey through the Darknessî explores the physical and psychological challenges of depression, whose symptoms range from insomnia to debilitating fatigue. Compelling stories from depression sufferers capture the illness� devastating impact on their families, friends and communities.

This informative documentary was produced and written by Mary Guardino, Founder and Executive Director of Freedom From Fear and sponsored by the organization. It has aired on over 250 television stations nationwide and takes viewers on a journey to understand depression through the first-hand experiences of three people. Their family members and friends express their early misconceptions about the illness and recall how their loved ones fought depression with counseling, medication and lifestyle changes.

Throughout the film, nationally recognized experts from the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, New York State�s Psychiatric Institute and the Hispanic Treatment Program at New York State�s Psychiatric Institute discuss the cutting-edge research and theories about depression: its neurophysiology, symptoms, treatments and the role of family and friends in an individual's recovery. The documentary also touches upon the stigma of mental illness within various ethnic communities, including Latinos, and details the need for a customized treatment plans for these populations.

For more information and to view clips from the film, please visit http://w ww.painofdepression.org

Do you experience.....

·        Sudden feelings of dread

·        Heart palpitations

·        Shortness of breath

·        Fear of losing control

      You may have Panic Disorder

·        Fear of public speaking

·        Afraid to meet new people

·        Fear of being scrutinized

·        Fear of social situations

You may have Social Anxiety Disorder

·  Persistent unwanted thoughts

·  Rigid routines and rituals

·  Fear of germs

·  Checking things repeatedly

You may have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

·  Flashbacks

·  Nightmares

·  Inability to trust or feel

·  Avoiding reminders of the ordeal

You may have Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

·        Chronic worrying

·        Inability to trust or feel

·        Difficulty sleeping and headaches

·        Persistent sense that something is wrong

You may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder

To learn if you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder you can screen yourself at http://www.freedomfromfear.org/screenrm.asp.

To find a referral in your area visit our referral foom http://www.freedomfromfear.org/refroom.asp .

Often people don’t understand the physical symptoms of depression. Knowing all the signs and symptoms can greatly improve your health.

Do you suffer from any of the following physical symptoms?

• Headaches
• Back Pain
• Trouble Concentrating
• Restlessness, Irritability
• Sleeplessness, Fatigue
• Joint or Muscle Pains
• Digestive Problems
• Feeling Sad or Blue

 Did you know?

• Anxiety disorders and depression manifest themselves in individuals with symptoms of pain. The most common symptoms are joint and back pain, fatigue, insomnia, headaches and dizziness.
• 80% of people suffering from anxiety or depression complain of physical symptoms.
• The mind and body work together, when they are not in sync difficulties can develop.
• When seeking help it is important to inform your healthcare provider about your emotional state.
• Often x-rays, blood work or diagnostic procedures cannot diagnose some types of pain. But the pain is real, impairing and distressing to both body and mind.

To learn if you may be suffering from symptoms of depression screen yourself at http://www.freedomfromfear.org/screenrm.asp or to find a referral in your area visit our referral room http://www.freedomfromfear.org/refroom.asp .

Researchers Say Merely Anticipating a Laugh Can Jump-Start Healthy Changes in Body

By Kelley Colihan
WebMD Medical News

OK, take a deep breath. Now put your hand on your belly. Imagine your stomach jiggling, as if you were starting to laugh. You may have just taken a step toward reducing stress hormone levels.

The findings come from a small study, made up of 16 healthy men. The men were divided into two groups. The experimental group was told to anticipate something funny. The other group was used as a comparison.

Researchers then tested the levels of three stress hormones participants had in their blood and compared that to the control group, which did not expect a laugh was on the way.

Researchers found that the group anticipating the laughs had reduced levels of three stress hormones compared to the other group.

Here's the breakdown from the experimental group.

Cortisol levels dipped 39%. Cortisol is known as a major stress hormone.

Adrenaline levels dropped 70%. Adrenaline is also known as epinephrine.

Dopac levels dropped 38%. Dopac is a chemical related to the "feel-good" chemical known as dopamine.

Persistently elevated stress hormone levels in the blood, as happens under chronic stressful situations, has been linked to a weakened immune system.

"Our findings lead us to believe that by seeking out positive experiences that make us laugh we can do a lot with our physiology to stay well," says researcher Lee Berk in a news release.

The researchers were following up on a similar study they did two years ago in which they found that anticipating laughter led to an increase in healthful chemicals such as beta-endorphins.

Visit our bookstore to order a copy of Healing Through Humor: a book containing fabulous jokes, anecdotes, and mind twisters to speed healing to your heart and soul.

http://www.freedomfromfear.org/ftp/BOOKSTORE/amazon%20books%20inspirational.html

-WHAT IS BDD?

    Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a severe preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s appearance. Any body part can be the focus of one’s concern. Individuals with BDD frequently have face-related preoccupations (e.g., their nose is too big or their eyes are too small). Some patients may worry about their hair or skin (e.g., that their hair is thinning or that their skin is scarred). Often, people with facial or skin concerns pick at their skin. Some BDD sufferers have concerns involving body symmetry. Others have muscle dysmorphia, where they worry that they are not muscular enough or that they are small and weak. Most of these concerns are imaginary, but if a slight “defect” is in fact present the concern is regarded as overly excessive.
    Individuals with BDD spend a great deal of time – at least one hour a day - thinking about their perceived appearance flaws. Commonly, BDD patients will repetitively check their minor or imagined flaw in mirrors. In other cases, patients will often go to great lengths to avoid mirrors. Individuals with BDD may attempt to gain reassurance from others or try to convince them of their imperfections. They often have difficulty controlling the negative thoughts about their appearance and often have poor insight or awareness of their problem. Individuals with BDD frequently try to hide their defect with make-up, sunglasses, clothing, etc. Some engage in excessive grooming behaviors (e.g., combing hair or picking at their skin) to remove imperfections. These rituals may take several hours per day and usually only provide temporary relief. Some BDD patients will seek cosmetic surgery or dermatological treatment for their perceived defects but will usually find only temporary relief, as BDD patients are typically dissatisfied with the outcome of their procedures.
    BDD can result in significant distress (e.g., anxiety or depression) and impairment in one’s social life, relationships, employment, schoolwork, and overall functioning. People with BDD often avoid dating, miss school or work, and feel overly self-conscious in social situations. Though the severity of BDD varies, in general, patients have a very poor quality of life. While some BDD sufferers experience manageable distress, others find the disorder to be tormenting. Left untreated, such torment can lead to hospitalizations and suicide.

-HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU HAVE BDD?
 
    If you answer yes to several of the following questions you may have BDD. Please note that the questions cannot provide you with a final diagnosis of BDD.
 
•Do you worry a lot about your appearance?
•Do you consider any part or parts of your body especially unattractive?
•Do you spend a lot of time thinking about your defect(s)? At least one hour per day?
•Do your appearance concerns interfere with your work or social life?
•Do you repetitively check your appearance in mirrors or go to great lengths to avoid mirrors?
•Do you often ask people for reassurance about how you look?
•Do you spend a lot of money on make-up, cosmetics, etc., to camouflage your flaws?
•Do you often compare your appearance to that of others?
•Do you pick at your skin?
•Have you had repeated cosmetic surgeries?
 
    BDD usually begins during adolescence and tends to be chronic. Though the disorder is currently diagnosed equally among men and women, it is frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for a number of reasons. Many BDD sufferers are embarrassed by and ashamed of their symptoms and, therefore, have difficulty revealing them to others. There is also a lack of familiarity with BDD among healthcare professionals. The majority of physicians are unaware of the disorder. Misdiagnosis can also occur because BDD produces symptoms similar to those of a number of other psychiatric problems, including anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), social phobia, and others. In addition, several BDD patients see dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other physicians rather than mental health professionals and, therefore, do not receive proper treatment.
 
-HOPE

    There is hope for BDD sufferers. Studies have shown that when treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or medication patients have shown a significant improvement in symptoms and overall functioning.

From Website of Massachusettes General Hospital, Link: http://www.massgeneral.org/bdd/pages/bddInfo.htm

-WHAT IS BDD?

     Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by a severe preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s appearance. Any body part can be the focus of one’s concern. Individuals with BDD frequently have face-related preoccupations (e.g., their nose is too big or their eyes are too small). Some patients may worry about their hair or skin (e.g., that their hair is thinning or that their skin is scarred). Often, people with facial or skin concerns pick at their skin. Some BDD sufferers have concerns involving body symmetry. Others have muscle dysmorphia, where they worry that they are not muscular enough or that they are small and weak. Most of these concerns are imaginary, but if a slight “defect” is in fact present the concern is regarded as overly excessive.
     Individuals with BDD spend a great deal of time – at least one hour a day - thinking about their perceived appearance flaws. Commonly, BDD patients will repetitively check their minor or imagined flaw in mirrors. In other cases, patients will often go to great lengths to avoid mirrors. Individuals with BDD may attempt to