I always insist that my OCD patients listen to or read Brainlock, by Jeffrey Schwartz. The book not only explains effective cognitive behavioral techniques, but also teaches how to do “self talk.” This helps reduce OCD behavior. Schwartz and his UCLA colleagues also demonstrated that doing these techniques not only […]
WilmzBrewxs
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Classic OCD starts with a thought, “what if?”. Obsessive thoughts lead to compulsive behaviors. The serotonin system in the brain is overactive. Medications that increase serotonin make OCD worse. Every medicine that significantly helps OCD is a Reuptake Inhibitor of serotonin, or SSRI. When an SSRI is taken initially, (within […]
? OCD is like the brain getting ‘stuck in gear? unable to shift to another thought • 2% to 3% of Americans, or 1 in 50 are affected by OCD • Onset of OCD is usually in adolescence or early adulthood • Studies show a gap of 17 years between […]
? Body dysmorphic disorder • Hypochondriasis • Anorexia nervosa/Bulimia • Tourettes syndrome • Tics • ADHD/ADD • Trichotillomania (hair pulling) • Pathological gambling • Addictions • Asperger’s
Many studies show that stress symptoms and disorders are increasing. Not only are more people becoming clinically depressed, but it’s starting at an earlier age. Suicide is second only to accidents in cause of death in teenagers. The average adult weighs 30 pounds more than in 1970. Stress is a […]
The spectrum of bipolar disorders is characterized by mood instability and impulsivity. About 1% (2 million) of the population is bipolar I. Bipolar has multiple forms. It ranges in severity from mildly disruptive to life destroying. As in other medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, the vulnerability to bipolar […]
Mood stabilizing medications treat depression and mania: Anticonvulsants Depakote* Lamictal** Tegretol Trileptal Gabitril Topamax Keppra Atypical Antipsychotics Zyprexa* ** Risperdal* **** Seroquel* Geodon* Clozaril Abilify* Other Options Lithium* ** Thyroid Symbyax*** FDA approval for: *Mania **Maintenance (Stabilization) ***Bipolar depression ****Mixed episodes
Bipolar I: Severe mania, with depression Distinct periods of elevated, expansive or irritable mood Inflated self esteem/grandiosity Decreased need for sleep More talkative than usual Racing thoughts/ideas Distractibility by the irrelevant Increased goal directed activity, psychomotor agitation Excessive/impulsive behavior in pleasurable activities Bipolar II: Major depression, hypomania (milder mania) Mood […]
• Stuttering • Butterflies • Sweating • Palpitations • Trembling/shaking
Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be very effective in treating social anxiety disorder. Behavioral therapy focuses on specific steps to lessen anxiety and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. The patient is asked to face the thing they fear (exposure), and not avoid to cope with the situation. Patients must […]