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Archive for the ‘Mental Health’ Category

Meditation’s Rewiring Power

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Meditation's Rewiring PowerResearch continues to prove the benefits of meditation, including in a treatment setting.

The benefits of meditation have long been espoused, but some need to see concrete research before they accept these types of assertions. Fortunately, there is plenty of research to draw on, including a new study that shows that meditation can help people find peace by rewiring the brain.

A technique called integrative mind-body training (IBMT) has been shown to produce dramatic changes in the brains of volunteers just hours after learning the method, according to Behavioral Health Central. Scans revealed that neuron connectivity was boosted in a part of the brain important for regulating emotions and behavior, the report said. (more…)

Ecstasy & PTSD

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Ecstasy & PTSDA new study suggests that Ecstasy may be used to treat post-traumatic stress.

The experts know that those in pain turn to illegal drugs because they work – at least initially. Despite their harmful effects ranging from addiction to overdose to other health hazards, some are successful at numbing the pain from mental disorders including depression, bi-polar and trauma. The trick is to only use drugs as necessary, under a doctor’s care, and in conjunction with alternative methods including therapy to treat these problems.

The study looked at 20 individuals suffering from PTSD related to traumas ranging from sexual assault to combat stress and found that MDMA paired with ongoing counseling was more effective than counseling and a placebo. According to the Journal of Psychopharmacology, five out of six who took the drug improved to the point where they no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, compared to one in four in the placebo group. (more…)

The Facts Behind Impulse Control Disorders

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The Facts Behind Impulse Control DisordersWhat role does impulse control play in addiction and how is this a disorder in its own right?

For the loved ones of those battling an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the problem is often seen as a simple lack of self-control, but those who know substance abuse from the inside out know that’s not the case. Despite that fact, Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) can play a role in some addictions.

In fact, many psychological issues are characterized by a lack of control that is part of a pattern of behavior that involves other maladaptive thoughts and actions, according to psychologyinfo.com. The actions can include substance abuse, sexual disorders, compulsive gambling or shopping, kleptomania, pyromania, etc. (more…)

The Parity Bill Is Here

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Parity BillThe heated debate about the healthcare bill has overshadowed another healthcare system change that took effect this year and could benefit you.

There has been much debate about the healthcare bill that President Obama recently signed into law, but there’s a healthcare act that already went into effect this year and is big news in addiction treatment circles.

The Parity Act

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Rehab for Anxiety?

Friday, March 19th, 2010

anxietyDual diagnosis is still a relatively new term, which may be why Chynna Phillips seeking addiction treatment for anxiety is causing some confusion.

Singer Chynna Phillips announced this week that she has entered rehab for anxiety issues, but the former Wilson Phillips singer’s admission has some scratching their heads.

Usually when we hear about a celeb entering treatment, it has to do with drugs or alcohol, but what many may not know is that mental issues often play a role in addiction. (more…)

Daylight Savings Time & Depression

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Seasonal DepressionAs the days grow shorter, it’s more important than ever to get outside, especially for those in recovery for drug or alcohol addiction.

As the days grow shorter and it’s dark before you even begin your evening commute, there’s a tendency to want to huddle inside where it’s warm and hibernate. The gray days of late fall and winter lead to a seasonal depression for many people. That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of the natural light the season does offer. (more…)

Mental Health Moving Forward

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Mental TherapyMental health disorders are on the rise, but are training and treatment methods keeping pace?

While the number of those with mental health disorders in the U.S. has nearly doubled in the past 20 years, some wonder if training for the experts treating those disorders is keeping pace with the growing problem.

There are questions about whether that treatment — administered by clinical psychologists and therapists — is done using out-of-date methods that lack scientific rigor. (more…)

Mental Health & Addiction

Monday, September 28th, 2009

Mental health and addictionMore people are suffering with mental issues than previously thought, and those issues, especially when untreated, can contribute to addiction problems.

There may be twice as many people struggling with mental health issues than previously thought, according to a new study completed by two Duke University psychologists in partnership with colleagues from the U.K. and New Zealand and published in the journal Psychological Medicine. Anxiety, depression and substance dependency were all found to be much more common than health professionals thought, according to data from a long-term study of more than 1,000 New Zealanders from birth to age 32.

Part of the reason for the discrepancy may be the fact that mental illness is vastly underreported because of the stigma attached to psychological disorders. Studies to track the incidence of anxiety, depression, alcohol dependence and marijuana dependence are costly, which means they are very rare.
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Noah’s Notes: Strength and Weakness

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

Rock ClimberEmotional pain is part of emotional health, and every one of us has found our own path to our own pain. If that’s tough news, tough. It’s also reality therapy. So however you think you got here in your life, or who you think got you here, and whether you’re suffering from the need to please, the blame game, or simply sitting there wearing a feeling-sorry-for-yourself party hat at your own pity party, it’s time you knew the party is over.

Character isn’t how we live the life we intend but how we live the life destiny intends. We’re all hurting. What’s hurting you is where your work begins. You’re not expected to finish the work, but neither are you excused from it. It’s time to get busy.
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Mental Health Parity

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

ScaleYou’d have to be living at the North Pole to not hear about the financial bailout package that went before the congress late last year. What you may not have heard about is the mental health “parity” bill that was tacked onto the bailout package before it passed. That landmark law requires employers to provide mental health insurance benefits comparable to their medical coverage. This will affect 113 million Americans, providing them with the parity in insurance benefits, making treatment for mental disorders and addiction affordable.

“The new law would bar insurance plans from setting higher co-pays or deductibles for mental health or substance abuse treatment than for medical care,” USA Today reports. “Lower benefit limits also would be illegal, along with caps on the number of outpatient therapy sessions or inpatient treatment days.”
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