Dirty White Boy! (MHMMental Health Matters!)

What exactly do I mean by the name of this chapter? What I mean is this, when you don?t have any money because you are on social security you are frowned upon and looked down upon, hey let?s face it when you are this low, you never take a shower so you look terrible and smell just as bad.

I wonder why that is the first thing to go is personal hygiene, why this is I am not sure but it is a proven fact, henceforth the name dirty white boy. Because if you look bad, smell bad and live in the not so great part of town and to top it all off you have to drive clunkers, that literally look like shit on wheels, now do you see how some people not knowing you have an illness, could mistake you for a low life, trailer trash, or even a DIRTY WHITE BOY!

Now don?t get me wrong these biologically unhappy people can?t help themselves. Let me try to explain an illness or illnesses to you all, as I have BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder), GAD (General Anxiety Disorder), and I am (Bi Polar) now how?s that for an illness?

Let me explain some of the symptoms of all these illnesses and then I believe you will have a better chance at understanding what a fellow human being my be going through, be it a loved one, friend, patient.

BPD ? Some of the symptoms for this illness are very severe. The reason they call it borderline is because the patient is said to live at the border of reality and make believe. I must admit this is the toughest illness that I have ever went up against and just when I think I have it whooped, it let?s out a furious attack and I get knocked down a few pegs. So what are some of the symptoms of this dreaded disease?

You are very compulsive in all or any of the following ? Sexual behavior when you are in a down mood you something tells your mind that having sex with anyone you can find will make you feel better, guess what it does for five min then all hell brakes lose. You fe! el dirty you shower ten times yet you still feel dirty and cheap.

The thing that is strange about this is it?s likely to happen again, even though this behavior is destructive, when a person hits a thing that is called Diaspora they will do absolutely anything to get out of it and I mean they will literally do anything to get themselves out of this feeling. They call this the caged animal part of the disorder.

Some have a compulsivity to spend money and do they ever, they buy everything in sight and they won?t stop until the dysphoria goes away, yet now they are $6,000 in dept, not to mention all the bounced checks that they wrote.

You want to know the funny thing they would rather go to jail for writing bad checks than stay in dysphoria which literally is the worst feeling in the world it?s every bad emotion their ever was put together and all wrapped up in one and you feel them as though they are happening at once, you feel them all at once, this is dysphoria and please know that if you haven?t experienced it you are lucky because it can literally ruin your life and is the absolute worse feeling that any individual can possibly feel and you live in constant worry that it will come back again,!

Yes it comes back time after time and leaves you defenseless for you to make the right decisions. Please know there is also medicine for dsyphoria, so there is now hope were a few years ago it was just tuff it out, so please know they are coming up with more and more miracle drugs to combat these negative symptoms, so your chances of recovery are getting better by the day!

Black and White Thinking ? I know this sounds weird, but once you see the reasoning behind black and white thinking it will all become clear. Say that someone you love dearly does something to piss you off. A normal reaction would be to go to that person and ask them why they did such a thing and try to work the problems out in a civil matter.

Not you though you see them as evil and you can only see them in the blac! k (THE B AD), which is another symptom of BPD. You will even go as far as hating this loved one and doing some pretty dumb things to get even, now let?s talk about the white (THE GOOD)

A friend or loved one buys you a gift, you are really touched and now you feel this person can do no wrong they are now great to you and you?ll do anything for them, anyway you can. Now the thing that may seem weird to you, there is no gray it?s either LOVE (WHITE) or HATE (BLACK), can you see how this type of behavior could run off some mates AND RUIN A RELATIONSHIP?

Back and fourth, love ya then, hate ya, Love ya, and hate ya. Tag you are it. Please know with the right medication this can greatly be controlled, which is a great break through and is helping many couples stay together every day, so don?t let the black and white thinking ruin your life!

Love can break all boundaries, overcome any obstacles, so stop and think what it was like before your loved one had a biological unhappiness and then never let go off that picture until the dream becomes a reality. Visualize you and your mate doing the things that you want, you each being the person that the other loves and please remember that a winner never quits and a quitter never wins.

Self-Mutilating Behavior - This may sound a bit gross and at times it can be very gross indeed. Now let try and explain why a person would act in such a manner and inflict pain on themselves. Ok the reason why they would take a razor and slit their wrist or their leg is because they are in that nasty little word disphoria and when the razor breaks the skin and the bloods start to flow everywhere, it gives such relief!

Now I feel normal again! When I was going through my toughest times with my BPD, I would drive nails through my hands and my feet, sometime I would actually have three to four nails in one hand and the same in one of my feet and I can honestly say I felt normal again. I am so thankful that they have medicine to control this behavior and I haven?t self-mu! tilated for five years now

Trapped Animal Effect ? Let?s say you are in Africa and you are out on the plains and as you are walking around you see a cave so you think you will set up camp there for the night. Low and behold there is a mother lioness and her cubs in the cave with you and your crew are in front of the exit. Now can you see how the mother lioness would go absolutely nuts and stop at nothing to get her cubs to safety? Well this is how a person with BPD feels at certain times in their life, and I must admit that you will make some bone head decision when you are spa zing out and feeling like that trapped animal, please know that this is greatly reduced with medications.

What are some of the most common behaviors of ADD and ADHD? One thing for sure, is the fact that we have an abundance of energy and we just keep going and going, sometimes it?s even hard to get a breath in! Running here, running there and starting this and starting that and never really finishing anything.

Unfinished piles of work everywhere and this absolutely drives you crazy. You interrupted your dad when are talking to him and this pisses him off and in turn makes you mad at him, as a matter of fact you are always interrupting everyone! When will this madness end? I need to slow down and take a break, I can?t sleep

WAIT A MINTUE! There is hope and I can est. to the fact that adderall has changed my life. WAIT A MINTUE! There is hope and I can est. to the fact that adderall has changed my life. Yes I can concentrate again. I can actually read something and understand it, I can read holy shit, I can?t believe it I only had to read it once and I remember how it goes and all that and I didn?t even analyze it a hundred times.

So yes even with ADD and ADHD there is now hope in a pill called an stimulate, which for someone with the above mentioned illness actually act to slow you down a bit and helps you to concentrate. Now the down side is this, people without ADHD use this drug like cocaine and the! y get a high a great feeling, that they want the feeling to last for ever and they become addicted to the stimulant.

It is usually abused by the younger generation and college kids to stay up all night to help them study for exams and of coarse party all the time, so this is where the negative press comes from. Some dumb kids ruining the entire positive that is happening, for many children and adults. So let?s stop the negative stigma and get the good press and the entire positive that these medicines are doing for millions.

Now let?s move on to OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. Now this can be very debilitating and can ruin ones life. Some of the symptoms are excessively checking to make sure that the door knob is locked, even though they checked it all ready one hundred times, dam when will the madness end?

Their are some that pull their hair out and in doing so there are even bald spots all over there head, and not only can?t they stop, they look terrible in the process. Basically this illness is an anxiety disorder one that can?t be controlled very easy.

It is almost always excessiveness in anything you can think of and then some. Now I know some people who are millionaires that have this disorder, that with medication are very happy and seem to have the illness under control and function very well and then there are those that don?t responded to the treatments as well.

As each day passes and more and more medicine comes out, we have hope that, we may have never had before, so hold on and keep the faith and with some hard work on your and your Drs. Part, it is my belief that we can greatly control this animal!

Let?s move on to the next illness that affects our biological clock in our little head of ours. Have you ever heard of OCPD- Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder? What exactly is this animal? Let me try to explain this disorder, as I have it and it is in a pain in the neck, it can literally ruin your life.

Let?s see you see your self as perfect, or the n! eed to b e perfect, yet in your mind you can?t seem to get it right, just that one idea that is lurking in the dark and you know this is the ?Perfect? answer to your problem. What about this idea or that idea?

Everyone says you did a great job and they are all signing your praises, yet you know that it is far from your best and you tear it up and start over and if someone offers you help you, you go nuts. There is no way that they could even come close to the perfection that you must have, so you politely tell them that the way they are helping is really off coarse and is deviating from your plan and could they please stop so you can get back on track to perfection.

I must admit I to this day have quite a bit of trouble with this disorder. I can never seem to please my self or anything I do and it causes me a great deal of pain, the medicine seems to help a bit, but I must admit that I feel the need to be perfect in everything that I do, but I can never satisfy myself, my hardest critique.

For this at least for myself I try to use consoling and I?ve made small steps in the write direction, with allot of blood, sweat, and tears, I have been able to give myself small praises and believe me if I can start to praising myself, some then there is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us who have this disorder, so keep your head high and know that if you shoot for the moon, if you miss at least you made it to the stars and this could very well be the step that just lets you settle for second best, which may indeed be perfection to everyone else!

Anxiety, or GAD- General Anxiety Disorder, is absolutely terrible and you honestly feel as though you are having a heart attack, or even worse you are losing your mind and your heart flutters and is beating stronger and stronger, as you are sweating profusely and you feel as though you are losing all the sanity that you have left!

When it is finally over you are so beat all you want to do is sleep and sleep as long as you can, I mean if you are! sleepin g you can?t have another panic attack. The worst of it is now you live in fear of it happing again and again. For some it is going out in public, the world starts to shrink and you can feel it closing in on you and you can?t breath and the hearts starts to beat a little faster and faster until it?s a full blown attack.

Some are terrified with public speaking and it all starts over and over again and again. This is a viscous cycle that just keeps getting worse. Here?s the thing the drugs to combat this are very addictive and are hard to get a Dr. give them to you, but if worse comes to worse they will and this will help you tremendously. Along with the medication you need to practice some relaxation as much as you possible can and try to stay calm in all situations. You may also need therapy as they will help you see what is triggering it all. I believe that with all three that you will find a great deal of satisfaction with the outcome!

Please know that you can share this article with anyone that you feel it may help, and some people who you don't even like. It's that good! Please just leave the footer intact and please make sure that the author is given the proper credit.

With Much Love,

Arthur Buchanan
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Is The Conflict Within You Created By Duality Or Yin And Yang

Where there is yang there is yin and where there is yin there is yang. Neither exists without each other. Balance between both sustains harmony or whole and imbalance between both creates to much of either. This is aspect of duality. We are surrounded and internalised by this duality. If we look at our own bodies and start from the top then we know that our brain is split into right and left brain which controls different way of thinking. There is also two eyes two openings in the heart, two lungs, the liver splits in two, there are two kidneys etc. This duality in the body applies to the yin or the solid organs in the body. The yin organs in the body hold and the yang organs excrete, more about this later.

Looking at the outside world we can see the yin and yang in the aspect of day and night, hot and cold, light and dark, sun and moon, left and right, wet and dry, heavy and light, below and above, contraction and expansion, slow and rapid, descending and rising, water and fire, solid and gaseous, growth and death, passive and aggressive, heaven and earth and many other possibilities. The play between all these qualities create result or action and reaction and consequence. The more one aspect dominates the other, the stronger is the reaction in the environment which it influences. For example if there is too much heat and sun like in desert there is no growth. If it is too cold and little sun like in the arctic there is no growth. If there is equal amount of day and night like it is at the equator, there is easy growth.

The further the yin and yang is from each other, the more conflict it can be. This is very true in relation to our relationship with other people. If we take for example right wing and left wing politics. There was a wide gap between these two ideology. It created one of the greatest conflict ever we have seen in this world. It almost brought us on the brink of destruction. But from that conflict there was creation of even greater aspect into our mass consciousn! ess and that was the demand of peace and brotherhood. There has never been so many organisations and individuals fighting for human mankind to bring awareness of non-conflict or tolerance towards difference of being and demand of peace. This is still going on and even today the need is great since we are seeing great conflict between two ideology and cultures again in a different way.

So what does all this politics got to do with health. Well, what is above is below and what is outside is inside. The laws of the universe are everywhere the same. In fact the Chinese philosophy talks about the universe being reflected in our bodies. This is not only in Chinese philosophy but in others philosophies as well. So in our bodies there is conflict between yin and yang and the further the yin and yang splits apart the more serious consequence there is. If there is to much yang there is too much heat if there is too much yin there is too much cold.

Good example of conflict between yin and yang might be manic depression or bipolar syndrome. This mental disease can be described as swinging between the extremes of over joy and depression. This creates great suffering for the person involved. Both ends have the potential to be destructive and the person fights in between against one and the other. In our everyday life we are constantly making decisions between so called right and wrong behaviour or action. This can create stress in our life?s and constant indecision. This is an example of conflict and it can be trivial or very serious. Who doesn?t know the feeling of the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder, of course metaphorically speaking.

It is always the middle path that is the most generous, but so hard to stay on it. Understanding and trusting that understanding is our key. Intuition is the fluid which brings us back to the balance.

Be Well

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Aspartame and Your Mental Health

In 1965, a chemist working to develop an ulcer drug accidentally discovered a substance 200 times sweeter than sugar. The FDA initially shunned this substance because it caused seizures and brain tumors in lab animals.

In 1981, the FDA allowed this brain tumor and seizure-causing substance to begin both sweetening and poisoning our food supply, pharmaceuticals, and children?s? vitamins. Banned in children?s products in Europe, the chemical, aspartame, is now a big part of America?s diet craze. This is despite the fact that it accounts for more than 75% of the complaints reported in the FDA's Adverse Reaction Monitoring system. (http://www.aspartame.ca/pagea3.html and http://www.dorway.com/jwnoasp.html)

Aspartame, once in the body, breaks down into various chemicals. One is the same toxin you get from a fire ant bite. Another is the smelly formaldehyde in which your science teacher stored animals to dissect. Yet another is methanol, the same main ingredient as in Prohibition Era moonshine - the same moonshine that was notorious for causing blindness. How many mothers, who would never think of giving their children moonshine, have stocked their cabinets with any of the now 5,000 products that contain aspartame? (http://www.dorway.com/betty/environ.txt)

For those of us who struggle with anxiety or depression because of low serotonin levels, aspartame is especially bad news. This chemical additive wreaks further havoc by depleting tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is necessary in the production of serotonin. Without it, you will suffer more frequent attacks and more severe depression! (http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/aspartame.htm)

For more information on aspartame and depression and anxiety, visit http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/aspartame.htm.

Heidi Whitaker is an author and speaker on the subject of nutritional support of autoimmune disease. To read more articles by Heidi, vistit: http://autoimmune.myblogsite.com/blog. For information on how you ! can join one of Heidi's teleseminars, visit http://www.20again.com/teleseminar2.htm.

A Vaccine to Boost Willpower?

This is how applying a vaccine effect will boost your willpower. Meditation has a vaccine like effect on the mind as it has the power to boost willpower. There are two kinds of people in the world, those who meditate and those who do not; if you do not you will never be satisfied with the world, impossible. And among those who meditate, there are two kinds of people; there is the inner and the outer circle. Those in the inner circle are steadfast and constantly trying week after week, month after month, year after year to discipline themselves and expand their minds. Why? Because they now have a deep inner conviction that they are divine beings and they want to be free. You can acquire this discipline through the practice of meditation.

This writing I have not collected from the National Enquirer. These words come from a line of Spiritual Masters whom spoke from a state of cosmic consciousness to teach us divine strategies and gradually, while on earth, to build the great power of discrimination and observation through which the student discovers how to acquire that divinity we all have. In the science of yoga you very quickly realize you are not dealing with ethics, moral codes, constitutional rights, but with cosmic laws or magnetic forces few people are aware of; therefore you become more intelligent and you do not fight anymore with anyone; you now begin to study your own behavior. The cosmic laws of justice are the ?unseen controllers? that are recording everything we do twenty four hours a day. There is no place we can hide to escape our actions; and I tell you, if I was a lawyer or a doctor, I would really sweat it out, but as a teacher it could be even worse if they do not tell the truth. Our health is not only biological but it is controlled by cosmic engineers, cosmic designers or astral forces which police the body cells. We are utterly ignorant of our own body functions. We have cars and computers but we do not have the most remote idea of how they really work.

How do you prot! ect your subconscious mind from your mental environment? There is physical disease, mental disease, emotional disease, spiritual disease, karmic disease, and evil disease. Now let me reveal to you a side which the science of our days, the medical science has not acknowledged, ?evil disease.? I am going to give to you an idea since most diseases are thought induced. What is a thought? A thought is a portion of consciousness, a tube through which positive, neutral, or negative energy is flowing. Therefore the most responsible cause for mental diseases is television and movies. There are evil tendencies within the subconscious mind that are like ticking bombs you do not want to reenergize. Stronger than willpower is the company you are with, mostly the mental company you entertain with your own thoughts and feelings. Did you know that when you watch horror movies like the Exorcist your subconscious mind assimilates what you are watching as real? You can attract negativity to you and rekindle those hideous evil thoughts in your subconscious mind. You are unaware of the fantastic programming that takes place in your body cell structure when triggering tendencies of violence from your subconscious mind. How can any human being enjoy seeing murder and violence? You can say to yourself that it is just a movie and it is not real. And of course it is directed by a great artist, a great man in filmmaking. When is murder an art? Is killing people an art? You do not know that the moment you begin to watch movies like that you become receptive and offer the entry of negative forces to you. All evil has some intelligence for it works itself into the minds of people through false reasoning. Some people told me that when they were watching the movie ?The Exorcist? they burned a holy candle to protect themselves from any danger. This is what you can call false reasoning. You may follow every natural health law but what do you have in your brain that sees and loves horror movies? You can be certain it is not you who is enjoying th! at fear, but the evil energy in you feeding itself. Whatever evil qualities you have, know that you have implanted them within yourself. Mental fear is a door through which evil tendencies enter into you. Everything in the universe is interlocked by the laws of magnetism and as you begin to have evil thoughts, actions, or feelings you automatically begin to magnetize every cell of your body with destructive energy and you draw all the misery into your life. Let us be reminded about karma the ?absolute disciplinarian.? People get raped, get robbed, get beaten up and get drawn into all types of circumstances by the laws of magnetism, attraction and repulsion called karma. A typical man most often follows a careless existence not comprehending its purpose. He cannot understand that his whole existence is a gladiatorial boot camp for spiritually retarded people, who are lacking mental, physical and spiritual development. Most people are totally unprepared for what is coming to them in life. The misbehaving man can get away with breaking human laws and its penalties. But the justice of karma is inescapable. For example, this subject is so vast because we are dealing with karmic disease, imposed upon us from previous incarnations, such as cancer. Staunch vegetarians die of cancer because diet makes no difference. When you have dragged your feet long enough away from spiritual laws, finally, as a karmic accelerator cancer comes to your life so that you can destroy a karmic bill of many incarnations to come in one single lifetime; therefore, even cancer is a blessing in disguise. You can be in top physical shape; you can do everything, run, jog, nutrition, and everything else and die of cancer just the same as retribution from previous incarnations.

The conclusion of various studies support that nearly all diseases are psycho-somatic or thought induced. The time will come when psychiatrists and psychologists will gradually take the place of doctors. These illnesses are psycho-somatic thoughts influenced by the sub! consciou s mind-field memory and by inharmonious flow of (pranic) energy currents in our thirty thousand billion cell batteries as in the Grand Canyon you have the Coral River that begins with all kinds of curves into this river; similarly, you are creating inharmonious flows in your body. As a result, scoliosis of the spine may develop. Most of us have this deformed spine that is why we have millions of people going to chiropractors and osteopaths. We have one leg shorter than the other and trouble with our hips because the currents of energy are not flowing properly in our body, and as they begin to move in a certain way, they begin to disturb at every level the proper equilibrium of your inner structural body. Unless one goes to the root cause of the disease itself we cannot prevent its occurrence. What we need is a mind so attuned with the super-consciousness of the soul that it will transmit its boundless energy into the body cells and not only reprogram our cells but change the very chemical structure of our cells and gradually destroy the blueprints of disease which are locked up as memory banks in the computer of the subconscious mind. When a person transgresses physically, mentally or spiritually and the action of an individual becomes very bad, they generate inharmonious vibrations that attract disease germs; the agency of all evil and a portal is opened for a specific disease. Specific disease enters specific parts of the body because of specific thoughts, which makes prostate problems a very embarrassing problem. The Chinese call it the ?dark door.? They know we have problems there because of the mind. We have opened portals to specific diseases according to the nature of the transgression that enters the body. It is necessary to go to the very source of the disease. People do not do evil only through the influence of their postnatal and prenatal bad habits, but also because they are consciously pushed by the evil entities residing in their brain. When the evil entities is dislodged from the brain by ! higher m editation and the help of a Guru then a soul can become really free. If you do not begin to dislodge those evil entities who feed on watching movies on rape, murders, on crime and violence and so on and as long as you feel drawn to that kind of entertainment, you shall know that your are being manipulated by a force that you have no control of. To be healthy is not an easy thing but it is possible.

One day higher civilizations that are coming will look at us in total dismay. They will not be able to understand how we with such intelligence, we could have lived in such a barbaric way. That is why I should not have to convince anyone of the fact that every human being on this planet except for the saintly men and women has within their subconscious mind a library of active memory banks containing the vibratory latent impulse of self-destructive behavior accumulated from the countless violent existence of previous incarnations. Earths history of the last twenty four hundred years where there was absolute barbaric behavior, known as Kali Yuga where twelve hundred years going down and twelve hundred years going up ended in 1898. If there is one thing we have to remove from our consciousness that creates so many diseases is our love of violence. It is utterly impossible to become spiritual as long as there is any violence in us.

Stubborn mental or physical disease always has a deep root in the subconscious. Illness may be cured by pulling out its hidden roots. The vaccine to cure and kill these hidden roots is healing scientific affirmations otherwise known as ?psycho- immunity.? To develop such thoughts in the subconscious mind that one is automatically repulsed by anything which is violent, vile and foul to the point of dragging you down, one must not resist it but one must not want anything to do with. That is what we call psycho-immunity. Mental cure is superior to all methods of physical cure by using the power of your mind. It is superior to any other method you can use because imagination, w! ill, fai th and reason are states of consciousness that actually act from within. Therefore television conditions ones level of consciousness. If you do not reprogram your mind by daily affirmations, you will remain exactly where you are at for the rest of your life.

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Skipped Beats Anxiety & Panic

Some people also describe this feeling as a sudden pause as if the heart stops then one big mighty thump. Or as if the heart forgot to beat for a second. Some people do find this sensation to be a little frightening.

A question I am asked a lot is ?I get a lot of skipped beats do many other people get this??

The answer is YES!

Even people who do not suffer from anxiety and panic often report a sensation of a ?skipped beat?.

Now of course I am not a doctor, however? When I wore a 24 hour Holter monitor I did record in my diary a feeling of a skipped beat a few times. And for every time I recorded feeling a ?skipped beat? it coincided with an ?ectopic heart beat?.

My cardiologist informed me that almost everyone has an ectopic beat and they?re harmless.

If you are concerned about it this is something you could maybe bring forth on your next doctors visit. There are certain things that can make this sensation more frequent, for example; stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, caffeine, even exercise can bring it on.

If it?s really worrying you, your doctor may recommend a beta-blocker to reduce the amount of skipped beats you feel.

Note: Never self diagnose. Make sure you visit your local GP first. All material provided is for informational or educational purposes only. No content is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.

? Joanne King - http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

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Food for Thought: Exercise Your Mind

Depression is a disorder marked by sadness, low energy, impaired concentration, and feelings of dejection. Some people believe that depression is normal. Hectic daily activities and the conflict between family and career cause constant stress. Yet depression and anxiety as a response to stress are not normal. They can be signs of illness, which may worsen and result in physical symptoms or an inability to function.

Life was much simpler for the last two generations. Father worked; mother stayed home. This is no longer the model. Some now view families as an ?endangered species.? There are more single mothers working than ever before. There is greater stress and competition for well-paying jobs. The result: long hours at work, away from the family. Children are raised with limited supervision. Thus we see more children with emotional problems derived from a lack of knowledge as to who they are and what their role is in today?s society. Similarly, adults suffer from the loss of nurturing that family time should provide.

Until recently, mental health was not discussed openly. However, there is a growing awareness that choosing therapy can be helpful, even necessary, to cope with today?s life. Psychiatric help is often sought for the entire family. Today, being healthy means not only having a sound body, but also a sound mind and spirit.

People exercise their bodies daily, yet they neglect to ?exercise? their feelings and emotions. Young men are taught to hide and deny emotions. Women are reluctant to seek help in coping with their depression, anxiety, or distressed relationship. The same fitness fanatic who exercises daily, eats right and has two physicals a year will neglect the mind until a crisis is reached. Emotional problems don?t just happen, but are cumulative and they can be avoided at times with the same ?daily fitness? and ?annual physical? approach we use when caring for our bodies.

The Chinese say ?the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.? Just like i! t?s bett er to maintain a healthy heart than recover from a heart attack, dealing with emotional issues is easier before the chaos of a crisis breaks. Think about ?exercising your emotions and give your mental health professional a call.

Debra S. Gorin, M.D. received her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She has been in private practice as a Psychiatrist for the past sixteen years in the Fort Lauderdale area. Dr. Gorin treats all types of stress-related, emotional and psychiatric problems of children, adolescents, and adults. She is also a trained hypnotherapist. Visit her website (http://www.doctorgorin.com) to view her growing library of psychiatric and health-related articles. Dr. Gorin's weblog can be viewed at http://debragorinmd.blogspot.com She can be contacted at couchdoctor415@yahoo.com

Questions to Ask Mental Health Professionals About Depressive Illness

If you or someone you love visits a therapist, there are questions you need to ask to avoid problems. Some therapists are more advanced than others are. I can tell you that some are not qualified to diagnose anything that is more complex. If you suspect you have a disorder, the best thing you can do is get accuracy on those symptoms, research your behaviors, and write them down.

If you go to the therapist you will be ahead of the game, and by learning more about your own behaviors, symptoms, and so on can save you from a diagnose you may or may not have. Therapists as a rule base their treatment on the thought patterns, which includes hearing and talking. If the patient shows a disturbance in their thinking patterns, the therapist will consider psychosis, since this is a symptom related to the diagnosis.

They will search for signs that the patient may demonstrate, including vague thoughts, fleeting ideas, peripheral thought patterns, blocking thoughts, disassociation and so forth. Counselors often search for evidence of schizophrenia or psychosis when there is a break in reality, paranoia etc.

Paranoid and Paranoia are separate from the other, and must not be misconstrued. Professionals could make a mistake in diagnosis if they are not aware of the difference of paranoia and paranoid. Schizophrenias are often paranoid, while patients that suffer posttraumatic stress in the early stages may illustrate paranoia.

When a patient answers out of content, or else the ideas delivered are unrelated to the conversation then there is a potential mental illness. For example, we are discussing society, and the patient says, ?I never go there. After I get back from Australia next week we can do that.?

An area of concern is when the patient is talking fragments. The patient will start with one idea and jump to several other ideas. This pattern is known as fleeting thought processing. When the patient is illustrating thoughts that are sidetracked, the therapist may show a degree of conc! ern.

Language is important when evaluating a patient, since some patients may not have sufficient skills in communication it could very well mean a lack of education rather than a diagnosis. If you have been talking individually to a therapist, and this is the only symptom, make sure that the patient is not on medications he or she may not need.

It is important to pay attention to symptoms and signs that link mental health problems and other issues. Ask the therapist questions any time there is a diagnosis, what the symptoms include, and what medicines can do to treat the disorder. When a person is suddenly, loosing a train of thought during a session this may be a possible diagnosis.

If a person is telling you about a dream related to his or her parent, and all of a sudden claims they cannot remember what they were talking about, this is an evident sign of some disorder. Most likely, this patient has suffered trauma. The symptoms are in front of you and it is important to continue treatment to find which diagnosis the patient may have.

Unfortunately, most therapists are not trained to treat patients with Multiple Personality Disorders, and often these people pay a steep price. The sign or symptom is known as disassociation or blocking memories and this is a definite sign or Multiple Personality Disorder. Multiple Personality Disorder is often exclusive in blocking memories to avoid pain.

It is always wise to ask questions when you are visiting any therapists since anyone can make mistakes without the complete medical picture and your mental health is important and should not be taken lightly.

For more related information visit: http://www.DepressionSymptomsTreatment.com - a site that offers advice for avoiding, coping with depression. Get professional knowledge on dealing with symptoms, drug side effects and improving your life!

How You Can Help Yourself or Someone Else Who Suffers From Depression

Depression can be a matter of life and death, so help from others is of vital importance. Since depression affects millions of people each year, chances are you may know someone who suffers from this terrible illness.

Helping someone with severe depression can be frustrating at times. Many depressed people don't want to be helped. It's as if they feel they can benefit from being depressed because no one expects anything from them. Some even go as far as to feel that being depressed is easier than dealing with life's problems and trying to improve them. It's important to realize however, that not ALL people who suffer from Depression feel this way.

Many people suffer from depression needlessly all because they won't consult with a Doctor. If you know someone like this it's important that you do what you can to convince them to seek professional care. Let them know that you care and just want to make sure that they are okay. Sometimes if the person won't take the initiative, you may have to make the appointment for them and make sure they get there. Be kind but at the same time, be firm. Helping a friend or relative who suffers from Depression is no easy task, but it can be lifesaving. At times, just knowing you care makes all the difference in the world.

Many people who suffer from Depression feel like they are a burden not only to their family and friends, but also to themselves because they feel as if they are helpless and can't get past their depression. Some even feel ashamed and humiliated. So, instead of getting help, they isolate themselves some more and in turn drift further and further away.

In order to help a person who suffers from Depression, you first need to have empathy for that person. In other words, try to identify emotionally with them. Be sensitive to their feelings and realize that they really are in emotional pain. What they are feeling is real so try to be understanding. NEVER ever tell a depressed person to 'snap out of it.' This simply! cannot be done.

Other ways to help a depressed person may be to encourage them to talk. You never want them to keep everything bottled up inside them. Avoid judgemental and critical critical comments. Remember, most depression sufferers have very low self-esteem, so try to restore it by reasoning with them. Ask them why they feel the way they do and really LISTEN when they talk. By showing them this attention you are showing them that you have a genuine interest in wanting to help.

If you are married to someone who suffers from Depression don't automatically assume that you are the cause of the depression. Depression isn't ALWAYS caused by a bad marriage. However, it can be brought on by friction, guilt or a strained or isolated relationship. Always remember that if you are married to someone who suffers from depression and they lash out at you, don't take it personal. Remember the emotional pain they are in. Also remember that in most cases, YOU are not the one they're mad at. Remembering this can help you respond to them in a mild way.

If it's your wife that suffers from depression, take the initiative by helping cook and clean. If there are kids in the family, help by tending to them instead of your wife having to do it. By doing this you are helping in more ways than you know.

So, if you know someone who suffers from Depression, always be patient, show empathy and assist them in any way you can. Be encouraging and let them know you are thinking about them and you care. Send them a letter or card in the mail. Give them a call on the phone, or better yet, pay them a visit, even if it's for a little while. All these little things can mean the world to a person who is depressed. Don't expect someone with depression to get well overnight. It can be a slow process at times. So the best thing to do is to try to prevent it.

If you suffer from Depression and want to prevent or fight it, start by getting plenty of exercise, get proper rest and eat a well balanced di! et with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid the 'depressing foods' like chocolate, caffeine or other sugars. Don't build your sense of worth on the love of others, on money, power or your job. Avoid drugs and too much alcohol. Always do the best you can but don't try to be perfect. There is no such thing. And the number one thing you have to remember is to recognize the early symptoms of depression and seek help immediately. By doing these things you can have more success in conquering your depression.

For more information on depression visit Anna's Depression Website at: http://www.depressionadviceonline.com/index.html or visit her Depression Blog which contains helpful articles that are updated daily: http://depressionadviceonline.blogspot.com.

Tips On Attacking Anxiety And Depression Successfully

As people, attacking anxiety and depression should be something that we do without a doubt. There should be a real need to pursue this life threatening, emotion destroying situation. Whether alternative treatments for depression are used or depression anxiety medication is used, there needs to be some call to do something about the condition. Those that find themselves struggling with this condition will feel as if they are facing the attacking. Anxiety and depression are serious, life altering conditions that need treatment.

Clinical depression symptoms are something that should be noticed. These symptoms will include insomnia, feelings of being down and out, fatigue, loss of interest in things that you used to love doing and hopelessness. These feelings may be all evident or just a few may be. Attacking anxiety and depression symptoms like these means using either medications or alternative therapies for the condition.

Methods To Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Anxiety attack symptoms often leave a person believing that the worst is going to happen to them. If you are reading this, looking for answers about your specific condition, you need to take note that the way that you feel is not necessarily reality. This can be very hard to understand and it can be quite impossible to wrap your mind around. Yet, anxiety attack symptoms can be very real and very scary in themselves. Understanding what these symptoms are, and working to correct them, will allow you to excel in treatments for yourself.

What Symptoms Are Evident?

The first thing to understand about your anxiety panic disorder, social anxiety disorder or any other form of anxiety disorder is that the symptoms you face are symptoms and not reality. It is important to spot these anxiety attack symptoms so that you can ultimately see it coming on and treat it.

Here are some of the feelings and symptoms that you may experience during an anxiety attack:

? Irrational heightened fear. Although thos! e that f ace anxiety disorder often have an overall fear and endless amount of worries, during an attack this is heightened and elevated to something much more serious in their minds.

? Pounding heart, racing heart and chest pain.

? Problems breathing, often, you may feel like you have just run a marathon although you have not done much physical activity.

? Feelings like you are losing it, you may feel that your mind is just being overtaken; you can not concentrate or focus.

? You feel physically shaken; your legs are jelly, your stomach hurts, your muscles do not move as you are telling them to. You may even feel numbness, tingling and chills.

? You feel as if you are dying.

Anxiety attack symptoms can be just one or two of these or they can be many more. You should realize or try to realize, when these symptoms are occurring as this can be a helpful signal to you to realize that this is not rational thought.

In anxiety attack symptoms, your body is reacting to the way in which you are thinking. While you should not try to treat your condition alone, you can work with behavioral specialists that will help you to work through the problems effectively. In most cases, people that have anxiety disorders of any type feel as if they just can not seek out the help that they need. While this may be the case, getting through this one event can help you to ease out of the terrible conditions you are facing right now.

Knowing what anxiety attack symptoms are can help you to notice when you need help. Realizing when a loved one is in this situation can be helpful to them as well. Often, the irrational feelings that they are having are very real and very terrifying to them. Getting them the help they need is essential to their own well being.

Sandy Sizemore writes on many consumer related topics including mental health. You can find info on attacking anxiety and depression and bipolar disorder symptoms and more by visiting our mental health website.

Depression: Based on a True Story

?Ring, ring.? The crisis operator answers the phone to a woman pleading to let her daughter know that she loves her. The woman spent her day writing letters to friends and loved ones, expressing her thoughts and emotions. From the loaded gun on the table to the rope hanging from the attic, it was a well-thought out plan (Lewis, Pamela, 2003).

Have you ever felt life was not worth living? Have you wished you were dead? Have you had any thoughts of taking your own life? It began October of 1998, while my husband and I were on our way home from the grocery store. The cellular phone rings. My husband answers. He then tells the caller that we are on our way there. His tone of voice sounded frightened and worried. I repeatedly asked, ?What is going on? Why are you driving so fast??

?Something has happened to your mother!?, he exclaimed. I had fifteen minutes to prepare myself for the worst, yet I did not know exactly what I was preparing for. As we arrived to the scene, numerous police vehicles, two ambulances, the local rescue squad, private investigators, negotiators, and the SWAT team had one half of a mile from my house blocked off. As we came to a stop, I jumped out of the car crying and screaming, while trying to find answers as to what has happened. A police officer then pulled me aside. The young man explained that my mother was attempting suicide due to her depression.

As the number one public health problem, four to 8 percent of the U.S. population experience or have experienced a clinical depressed syndrome (Klerman, Gerald, pg. 27). Depression is a mental illness that requires immediate medical attention. Because depression is so widespread, it is often called the ?common cold? (Koop, Everett, 1996). The difference between a cold and depression is that depression, if not treated, can lead to the death of an individual.

Depression occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, fail to communicate with each other due to a chemical imbalance in the brain (Koop, Eve! rett, 19 96). A neuron is a specialized cell that conducts messages through the nervous system. Two neurons communicate with each other by electrical impulses or signals. The point of communication where electrical signals carry a message between two neurons is called a synapse. Separating the sending neurons and receiving neurons from the axon terminal are tiny, fluid-filled gaps called synaptic clefts. Chemicals called neurotransmitters dock at receptor sites, thus igniting the electrical signal of that neuron. After the signal is delivered, the neurotransmitters float back to the neuron that sent them. This process is called reputake.

Researchers have found many causes or reasons for depression. Usually, depression is caused by a deficiency in the neurotransmitter serotonin or norepinephrine (Morgan, Marie, pg. 75). Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, aggression, and appetite. Norepinephrine affects wakefulness, alertness, and also appetite. In some cases hereditary, personality traits, stress, and lack of supportive relationships are linked to depression. Other causes for depression are helplessness, sense of loss, isolation, and unresolved anger (Koop, Everett, 1996). Through your eyes, you see the world as a series of positive, neutral, or negative events. These events are interrupted through a group of thoughts that constantly flow through your mind. This is called your internal dialogue. Created by your thoughts is your feelings or mood. Before an emotional response can be experienced what you are feeling or what is happening to you (Burns, David, pg. 30). Therefore, the negative thoughts that process through your mind are actually the cause of your emotions.

Your negative thoughts, or cognitions, are the most overlooked symptoms of depression. Symptoms are feelings or behaviors that disturb normal functioning (Heitler, Susan, pg.47). A depressed person may show signs, such as a loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, decrease i! n the ab ility to think or concentrate, and a loss of energy and appetite (Koop, Everett, 1996). The assessments of symptoms include specifying troubled behaviors and feelings, the history of the symptoms and diagnosing the problem (Heitler, Susan, pg. 49). Other symptoms include crying excessively, negative thoughts about the future and even thoughts of death or suicide (Koop, Everett, 1996).

Suicide is the deliberate taking of one?s own life, which accounts for 5 percent of clinically depressed patients (Burns, David, pg. 383). Suicide rates have increased in children and adolescents since the 1990's (Burns, David, pg. 9).

Why do depressed individuals often think of suicide? Persuasive and pessimistic visions dominate their thoughts. To them, life seems to be a nightmare. When a depressed person thinks of the past, she only remembers moments of suffering and pain (Burns, David, pg. 384). Researchers have proven that the unrealistic sense of hopelessness is one of the most important factors in the plans for a serious suicidal wish or thought (Burns, David, pg. 385). A famous myth remains today: An unsuccessful suicide attempt is simply a means of getting attention and is not to be taken seriously (Burns, David, pg. 387). The fact is that all attempts are to be taken very seriously. Because a depressed individual?s pain and suffering may feel unbearable and never ending, she may conclude that suicide is the only escape. In reality, medical treatment and attention will help the individual overcome depression.

Many researchers have described therapy as an opportunity for people to deal with their conflict of everyday living (Heitler, Susan, pg. 7). Consulting with a professional, such as a psychologist or a psychiatrist, can be a nice beginning for treatment. With a Ph.D. in psychology and other related fields, a psychologist serves the public through research, testing, and psychotherapy (Hauck, Paul, pg. 134). Psychotherapy is an important means of treatment for certain types of emo! tional o r mental disorders. Usually working with the patient alone, a psychologist allows her to express feelings and emotions of life?s battles. At the end of each session, the psychologist gives simple, step by step advice to the patient. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in counseling clients with psychiatric, neurologic, and medical conditions (Reference International Publishers, LTD, pg. 18). During a period of one to six visits, the doctor will be discussed with the patient and followed upon regularly (Reference International Publishers, LTD, pg. 187). A psychiatrist also prescribes and administers medication, usually antidepressants, with the referral from a psychologist (Hauck, Paul, pg.135).

Antidepressants are drugs that are prescribed to treat depression and some anxiety disorders. The most widely prescribed drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, enhance the potency of the brain?s neurotransmitters in the synapse. Some agents of tricyclic drugs are Imipramine, Desipramine, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, and Doxepin (Burns, David, pgs. 430-432). Side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision, disappear after the first few days (Burns, David, pg. 432). MAO inhibitors cause elevations in the levels of amine neurotransmitters, thus, correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain. The most commonly prescribed trade names for MAO inhibitors are Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. Similar to tricyclic drugs, the side effects of MAO inhibitors are dry mouth, lightheadedness, trouble urinating, a rash, and constipation or loose stools (Burns, David, pg. 440). MAO inhibitors, if not taken properly can produce serious effects. Blood pressure may rise of certain foods or drugs containing a substance called tyramine, which interferes with the brain?s ability to regulate blood pressure, while taking a MAO inhibitor (Burns, David, pg. 441). Lithium carbonate is another antidepressant drug used to treat severe depression. Although lithium is simply salt, it d! oes have many side effects, such as hand tremors, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, that usually taper off within a week or soon after (Morgan, Marie, pg. 78). Long term effects of lithium include blackouts, headache, slurred speech, weight changes, fatigue, and hypotension (Morgan, Marie, pg. 70). Valium is an antidepressant that suppresses anxiety and covers up symptoms rather than getting at the causes (Morgan, Marie, pg. 78).

Although addictive and may worsen depression, some doctors use minor tranquilizers or sedatives to treat anxiety and nervousness (Burns, David, pg. 444). Sleeping pills are used to help treat insomnia. These pills become highly addictive as they disrupt normal sleep patterns and greatly worsen the sleeping problem. For example, my mother was given the drug, Ambien, because she was having trouble falling and staying asleep. She awoke often only to take another pill because she was still not able to sleep well. Ambien gave her short-term amnesia and disrupted her sleep instead of helping her sleep. She ended up in the emergency room for an accidental overdose (Lewis, Pamela, 2003). I almost lost her again to a drug that was supposed to help her. There are at least a dozen different antidepressants that are effective for some patients, while for others, the results may be disappointing or harmful. Reoccurrences of depression can happen at any time a person stops taking medication as prescribed just because they ?think? they are better. In some cases a depressed person may need an increase or even a change in medication after an evaluation with a doctor or therapist. In the near future, researchers will hopefully advance the understanding of antidepressant drugs and how they affect the human brain.

It sometimes, seems that the more hopeless and severe the depression was, the more extraordinary and delicious the taste of happiness and self-esteem is. As you begin to feel better, the pessimistic thoughts will go away like the melting of the winter snow when spring arri! ves. Yo u may even wonder how you ever could believe such thought in the first place. Because the change of negative to more neutral or positive thinking can be so dramatic, a person may be convinced that the depression has vanished forever. But that simply is not true because there is a mood disorder that remains. A depressed person who feels better must understand what caused the depression and be able to apply and reapply self-help techniques whenever needed. Acquiring self-confidence and self-esteem is a must to getting better. Focusing on happy memories and keeping positive thoughts will decrease the recurrence of depression. Lowering one?s standards to prevent disappointment and learning from one?s own mistakes will also help a person overcome depression.

My mother has beat the battle of depression after six months in Zellar, the old local mental institution, and years of learning how to cope with life?s emotional stress. Trying to resume her original lifestyle was the most difficult obstacle to getting better. Her suicidal attempt was reported on the front page of the Peoria Journal Star. Not only did they have the wrong information about the depressing event, they also labeled her and tried to press charges against her for trying to take her own life. Returning to work, she was stereotyped as ?crazy? or ?insane? instead of strong and hopeful for fighting the horrifying condition. It has been five years since her breakdown and she now lives a wonderful and happy life. She states, ?I am proud to be here today!? (Lewis, Pamela, 2003). If you know anyone who shows any signs of depression or has thoughts of death, help them. Be their friend and give them positive reinforcement. Show them they are loved and needed in your life and many others. Most important, get them help because not every depressed person knows they are depressed, therefore they may not be able to help themselves.

References:
Burns, David D., MD. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Avon Books Printing. New Yor! k, New Y ork: 1980.

Hauck, Paul A. Overcoming Depression. The Westminster Press. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 1987.

Heitler, Susan M., Ph.D. From Conflict to Resolution.W.W. Norton and Company, Inc. New York, New York: 1990.

Klerman, Gerald L. Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression. Jason Aronson, Inc. Northvale, New Jersey: 1984.

Koop, Everett C., MD. Depression at Time of Diagnosis. Time Life Medical. Patient Education Media, Inc. New York, New York: 1996.

Lewis, Pamela. Interview. Edelstein, Illinois: 2003. Morgan, Marie. Breaking Through: How to Overcome Housewives? Depression.

Winston Press, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota: 1983.

Reference International Publishers, Ltd. Good Housekeeping: Family Health and Medical Guide. Hearst Books. New York, New York: 1979, 1980.

Jamie Herold

The True Nature of Super Power Kundalini

What exactly is this Divine Serpent Power or Kundalini? With reference to this scriptural scholars and great seers / saints, on the basis of their experiences have put forth many precepts. In the Jnanarnava Tantra (Indian scripture) Kundalini is described as the Mother of the world and a divine energy that controls this world. World activities take place with tortuous preludes. The movements of atoms, stars, galaxies, planets etc. are rotational and revolutional. All our thoughts, words etc. start at a certain point in space and after traveling to a certain far off place, it returns to its original point. This cycle of movement is one of the 4 weapons of God. It is also called the transformational process of Lord Mahakal. It is this that induces movement in a living being like a ball of mud. Just as a potter makes various articles from mud/clay, so too it plays the role of raising and throwing down the state of our soul. The Divine Serpent Power generates energy in macro form as far as the cosmos is concerned and micro as far as an individual living being is concerned.

In spiritual literature, especially the Indian Upanishads, Kundalini or the Divine Serpent Power is discussed a great deal. But one should not think that only this description is total. Because beyond this there is a lot more that needs to be researched into, spoken about and understood deeply. We must keep an open mind so as to understand more deeply, the results of conjoining these incomplete theories.

In the Kathopanishad the dialogue between Yama-Nachiketa revolves around the Panchagni Vidya or the 5-fold science of fire. This can be correlated to the 5-fold description of the Divine Serpent Power. In the Shwetashwatar Upanishad it is called the Fire of Yoga. In the Yoga Pradeepika it is called Spirit of Fire. Scholars of Tantra like John Woodroffe call it Serpentine Fire.

Madam Blavatsky called it Cosmic Electricity. She described it as a conscious flow of energy akin to cosmic electricity. In her book! ?Voice of Silence? she says ?

It is called Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power because it moves like a snake. A Yogic seeker imbibes the ordinary movement as cyclic in his body and as a result of this practice his individual energy augments greatly. This Kundalini which is an electrical fire power, is hidden. It is that natural energy which is present in the substratum of all creatures and objects of the cosmos.

Under today?s modern circumstances our past prejudice can only be mocked at. Similarly if we look upon today?s achievements as the ultimate truth, we are definitely going to obstruct the path of further research and progress. Because of a prejudiced standpoint, one thinks materialism to be the ultimate truth. In fact material scientists allude to the existence of consciousness to a mere material manifestation. While walking on the path of progress, scientists are now experiencing the independent existence of consciousness. They are being known to accept that its potential and power supercedes the potency of material objects.

In recent years no doubt the divine existence of Kundalini Power has been accepted yet in the scientific arena there are some scientists who describe it as a form of one?s bodily potential. Anatomists call it the nervous force that emanates from the nervous system. Dr. Rele in his most talked about book ?Mysterious Kundalini? calls it the ?vagus nerve?. He further says that when its potency, that controls the muscles and nervous system, works in spiritual tasks, it becomes the Divine Serpent Power. According to him when one gets control of this power, one can control one?s voluntary and involuntary bodily movements as per one?s desire. This self-control is indeed a very great feat. Thus it means that we can mould our psyche and thus our destiny/future too. He sings praises of Kundalini from this standpoint and advises one and all to activate this Divine Serpent Power so as to make apt use of it.

The Introductory note of Dr. Rele?s ?Mysterious Kundalini? h! as been written by the Tantra expert Sir John Woodroffe. Over there Sir Woodroffe has disagreed with Dr. Rele?s observation which opines that Kundalini is merely on electrical flow of the physical bodily centre. Sir John agrees that ?It is a grand potential i.e. it is a conscious and a divinely powerful energy and that it can never be compared to any material object or flow. According to him the nervous force is merely a gross aspect of the Divine Serpent Power and is not a creation of the nervous center. It is neither material in nature nor is it a mental force. In fact it is Kundalini that creates the above two. It works as a combined flow of static reality, dynamic reality and residual power. In an individual?s consciousness, it lies in a latent state. He/She who activates Kundalini with intense effort becomes endowed with a very special power.?

In scientific terms Kundalini is called life force or electromagnetism. Its center is said to be the brain. Even then the mystery of how the brain gets the capacity of executing various intellectual tasks has yet not unfolded. But Yogic texts answer this question by pointing towards the power of desire (Kama Shakti). They further say that it is this center that gives an opportunity to the unmanifested human existence, to manifest in a human body. It gives required inspiration to the various functions of the desire center. It is that magnetic crystal that creates a substratum for the working of the transistor in the form of the human body. The chance to manifest sexual (desire) power is attained via the medium of the genitals. Hence the Mooladhar Chakra (plexus) present in this region is called the center of the Divine Serpent Power or Kundalini. In short it is called Kund (pyre).

Hathyoga specialists have correlated it to the ?Kand? present in the depth of the bladder region and say that it is egg shaped. Many have tried to correlate it to either the muscles of the body or the genitals or the male endocrine glands. Others opine that the mouth sourc! e of Kun dalini is the covering of the triangular region at the base of our spinal cord. Another scholar says ?Ganglion Impar? is where one can find Kundalini. It is because of such deluded beliefs that bodily exercises, postures, Bandha, Mudra etc. are correlated to activation of the Divine Serpent Power. That energy, which manifests due to incitement of the nerve centers, shows its potential only for a very short time span. In comparison to this the Divine Serpent Power is eternal. Hence under such circumstances it is vain to call it muscular or nervous energy.

Kundalini is conscious energy. It can also be seen to work as life force, as the urge to live and also works in our body and psyches. The centers beyond this lie in a latent state. No doubt it is electrical energy yet it cannot be compared to the material electricity that is generated from batteries, dynamos, generators etc. When with the help of Kundalini the soul nature can be transformed like Kayakalps (bodily transformation), it cannot be called a material power. This Divine Serpent Power which plays an extraordinary role in uniting the individual soul (Creature) with the cosmic soul (God), which augments our bliss and zeal and which manifests miraculous powers, can be never be called material. Hence in short Kundalini is definitely a soul force and hence spiritual.

Another name of Kundalini is Fire of Life. It is the influence of this fire that manifests brilliance, radiance, hope, enthusiasm, zest, zeal etc. This Fire of Life pervades every atom of the cosmos. When it works in inert objects, it is called Apara Prakriti in spiritual terms. It is due to this that objects are created, propagated and transformed. Another form of Fire of Life is Para Prakriti. It is said to be the experience of all creatures. It encompasses the intellect, discrimination (Vivek), desire, knowledge, emotions etc. By making the unconscious mind its center, Para Prakriti controls the movements of the body, mind and inner nature.

The aim of the sci! ence of spiritual practices is to help conjoin an individual?s emotional ?Fire of Life? with that cosmic sentimental consciousness and thus attain benefits that accrue out of such close proximity. A small machine makes itself powerful by joining one of its wires to the huge powerhouse of electricity. It is only when a wet/cold bar of wood comes in close proximity with a blazing fire, that it itself takes the form of brilliant fire.

The more intense is the bond built between the individual Fire of Life and God, to that extent divinity will manifest in a human being. Brahmavarchas or soul force is that special quality attained, due to building a bond with God via spiritual practices. It is different from the fleeting powers attained by living an ordinary material life. This soul force can be seen as radiance, power and importance of one?s inner personality. When this soul force manifests in one?s daily actions, such a person is called a seer, sage, Rishi, philosopher, superman etc. Sometimes their worldly actions are so out of this world, that it is termed a miracle by the ordinary layman.

The macro form of Fire of Life is called God Fire in spiritual terms and in its individual, micro form it is called soul or Fire of Life. The divine principle is described as Spiritual Science and science of living beings is described as soul science. Both these forces i.e. material and spiritual manifest from one single energy flow. Yet in order to understand their natures, it is classified into 2 aspects from the standpoint of analysis and experience. Electricity is one single principle. Based on cosmic laws its generation, union and separation take place. Thus it is called positive or negative. In the same way the Fire of Life from the macro standpoint is called Para and Apara and from the micro standpoint is called God and individual soul. All that is taking place, all that has already taken place and all that will take place in future comes within its jurisdiction.

In an individual?s life i.e. wi! thin the human body the center of Para Prakriti or the conscious flow is the Brahmarandhra (central area of the brain) and is called the Sahasrar Kamal (1000-petalled lotus). It is also called Shiva, the Lord of Kailash or Vishnu who sleeps on Shesha Serpent or Kalagni. Another center is in the cave of the genitals. It is called the center of Apara Prakriti. It is also called Shakti, Parvati and the Fire of Life viz. Kundalini.

Both of them can also be called positive and negative electricity. The human body is called a small / micro sample of the macro visible cosmos. All types of forces present in this cosmos exist in the human body. Just as on the basis of scientific experiments and technology one can benefit from electrical, ethereal etc. forces, in the same way via Yogic scientific practices one can manifest intense energies of Apara Prakriti present in the human body. All this can be seen as divine / miraculous acts of great Yogis. All these miraculous Sidhis (divine powers) generated via spiritual practices (Sadhana) must be accepted as advancement of the bodily Apara Prakriti. The root of the fount of divine energy is situated in the ?Kand? region of the human genital organs and is none other than Kundalini or the Divine Serpent Power.

In the same way special qualities like pious acts, nature, viewpoint, discrimination, radiance, will power, soul force etc. seen in one?s personality, are nothing but attainment of sensitive emotions from the conscious principle. Its central point is the Sahasrar Kamal (1000 ? petalled lotus) of the wisdom center of the brain. Over here dwells Kalagni in the form of Shiva. So far 2 benefits of soul wisdom have been listed i.e. 1) the conscious brilliance of one?s emotions 2) extraordinary activities executed by the human body. These are also called Vibhootis or Sidhis (divine glories). These Vibhootis emanate from the brain center or the wisdom center i.e. divine sentiments. Sidhis emanate from the sexual center i.e. the Kund Kundalini or the energy ! fountain . Both these energy centers should be looked upon as the 2 poles of human existence. Our planet Earth has 2 poles i.e. the North Pole and the South Pole. In the same way man?s brain center is called the North Pole and the genital center is called the South Pole. The science of attaining knowledge regarding the above 2 centres and utilizing its power in the internal and external area of life?s advancement in an apt manner is called Kundalini Science. There can be varied forms, means and paths of spiritual practices (Sadhana) yet they should be understood as differences only at the external symbolic level. The aim of all spiritual practices is the same as seen in Kundalini worship. The aim of wearing clothes is to protect the body from weather changes. In this world clothes of many designs are produced for this aim only. Hence it is form this standpoint that we should understand the most accepted spiritual beliefs and practices of various religious sects of the world. Although externally/superficially they seem different, their fundamental aim is the same. In Indian Spiritual Philosophy, this science has been put forth without adding any unwanted paraphernalia. It has been put forth in a very straightforward manner by diving deep into its fundamental roots. Thus it is easier to understand it and thus attain the goal of all human lives in a relatively facile manner.

The presiding deity of the soul force viz. Kundalini or Divine Serpent Power which can help a living being to imbibe divine powers of Lord of the Cosmos (God), has been described as follows :-

?Kundalini, the presiding deity of divine energy sleeps like a female serpent in a coil of 3 ? rounds in the Mooladhar Chakra. As long as Kundalini sleeps, man behaves like a beast. Man makes many material efforts yet he remains animal like because his Kundalini is yet sleeping. If one?s presiding energy is sleeping (inactive), one?s world too is sleeping. But the day this Kundalini awakens, one?s world too awakens.?

-MAHAYOG VI! JNAN

?Via Yogic practices one can attain that Kundalini which shines like lightning, which is the mother of the 5 elements and the 5 Vital Forces, which is the supreme conscious energy and power of action.?

?In the Mooladhar Chakra lies the snake-like Divine Serpent Power and it shines brilliantly like a flame. Over there dwells a living being. If a person?s Kundalini energy gets activated, know for sure that he is indeed very blessed.?

-Gherand Samhita (6/16/18)

?This Kundalini energy is like a sleeping female snake. It is movement, light and speech manifest. It is the energy of Lord Vishnu. It shines brilliantly like the golden sun.?

-SHIV SAMHITA

The Kundalini energy sleeps like a female snake around a self-existent linga of Lord Shiva with a 3 ? rounded coil. This comparison tells us that Kundalini has all those 3 capabilities, which are the fundamental causes of advancement of human existence. On the basis of hopes, thinking, activities and spiritual endeavour, every human being marches ahead with success and thus experiences joy. The seeds of all these 3 are present in the deep recess of the Divine Serpent Power. On advancing all these, the 3 skills bloom forth from within. Thus on attaining the external means, it gets a chance of making it more advanced. But if the inner potential is inactive, external endeavour for progress never succeeds. The 3 legs of Gayatri are the 3 rounds of the snake-like Kundalini. It is said to be the root potential of human existence ?

?This Kundalini super energy is immovable nature and divine speech. It is none other than God.?

-PRAYANTRASARA TANTRA

?The nature of the 3 mystic words is Bhuha ? desire power, Bhuvaha ? action power, Svaha ? wisdom power.?

?This Divine Serpent Power is pervaded with emotional bliss. When it is activated, man is filled up with so much emotional bliss that it is like the bucket of leather overflowing with water. Because this bliss evolves many skills, it makes one?s life blissful! .

-YOGA VASISHTHA

?When radiance manifest Kundalini awakens, it lends brilliance to the powers of desire / wisdom / action. One can see its influence on the entire body. The latent world of Mantra gets activated. The cosmic wisdom awakens fully. Kundalini that transforms the entire world, makes a spiritual seeker extremely powerful.?

-MAHAYOG VIJNAN

?It is said that there are 3 powers viz. Sattvik wisdom power, Rajasik action power and Tamasik material power.?

-DEVI BHAGWAT

?Wisdom, desire and action are all symbols of power. They are called Mahasaraswati, Mahakali and Mahalakshmi.?

?Some call me the divine energy of penance. Some call me inert. Some call me knowledge, some Maya and others Mother Nature. But I am Supreme Love and Bliss.?

- DEVI BHAGWAT

?It is I who give the path to demi-gods and human beings, so as to achieve the desired goal. He, who worships my discrimination power so as to please me, is made extremely radiant by me. I make them Brahmins, Rishis and great seeers.?

-Rig Ved (10/25/5)

In spiritual terms spiritual ignorance means to be totally unaware of the divine potential within our body. When this ignorance is destroyed, we call it divine wisdom or realization of the self (soul). The highest achievement for a human being is to activate that which is inactive and to search for that which one has apparently lost. Soul based endeavour is said to be the supreme endevaour. As against this ordinary efforts can only give you transient wealth, bodily might and material pleasures. All these are fleeting and in fact as soon as you attain them, you desire more of them. But when you gain soul force you are led to higher and higher steps of divine grace. They are eternal and give total satiation. Not only does a person benefit individually but that he influences others too, to attain their spiritual goal. Thus keeping in mind all the above facts, spiritual endeavour is to said to be the supreme endeavour.

A sleeping man lie! s inacti ve and seems dead. But when he awakens all his prowess too gets activated & it is true for the vital force energy or Kundalini. If a person?s inner power is latent, know for sure that spiritually he is sleeping. When a person?s inner soul awakens, one can see him act greatly in the world.

In order to awaken the sleeping Divine Serpent Power in the body, one has to take recourse to Gayatri spiritual practices. Those who take up this marathon task of awakening the Kundalini energy, attain pinnacles of material and spiritual heights.

AUTHOR: Shriram Sharma Acharya, founder of the International Gayatri Family, was a great Yogi, seer and incarnation of God who wrote volumes of scientific literature mainly on spiritual subjects for world welfare and peace.

For more scientific e-books visit: http://www.shriramsharma.com/

DESCRIPTION: Three free e-books on Indian Gayatri Science, Kundalini Yoga & Biography correlated to Neurosciences-ESP, Endocrinology, Anatomy, Physiology, Psychology & Sociology for 1) material & spiritual prosperity & 2) uniting the world peacefully as one family. Ours is a strictly non-commercial website which aims at realizing the age old dream of great leaders and thinkers of the world viz. ?A beautiful borderless world.?

KEYWORDS: Kundalini Yoga Gayatri e-books biography Guru world peace mind psyche god nerve subtle consciousness soul divine trance endocrine gland ESP Chakras plexus meditation concentration intellect prophecy thought thinking Cheiro Nostradamus Aurobindo bliss brain Vedas solar sun energy sacred pure sense organs Prana Avatar Upanishad light cell hypothalamus pituitary

Landmark Study into Bipolar in Children and Young People

A recent study by Course and Outcome of Bipolar Illness in Youth COBY found that children and teen-agers with bipolar disorder suffer from the illness differently than adults do with their symptoms lasting longer and changing more swiftly from hyper to lethargy and depression.

In this first major study by COBY psychiatrist conducted a study of over 400 patients some for over five years to determine the effects of bipolar in young people and children.

Dr Martin Keller a front liner in designing and conducting long-term studies of major psychiatric disorders says Bipolar disorder severely impairs functioning and has a high rate of related psychiatric and physical health issues, such as anxiety and substance abuse,

Bipolar disorder also known as manic-depressive illness is distinguished by dramatic mood changes, energy levels and behaviour. Sufferers can swing from one extreme (mania, which can be accompanied by extreme irritability, lack of sleep, poor judgment, restlessness and impulsiveness.) To the other extreme, depression, this can be branded by hopelessness, tiredness and, in some cases, suicidal tendancies. These manic and depressive episodes are interspersed with milder symptoms and impaired function in a mainstream of sufferers.

The study showed that these symptoms run a longer course with children and young people and in many of the cases the mood swings were even more dramatic and switched within shorter intervals than usual in adult cases.

Many of those with Bipolar otherwise specified developed Bipolar or Bipolar II. While researchers supposed that such conversions might transpire, this is the first comprehensive study to clearly document the phenomenon.

Cerianwen is a writer and Bipolar sufferer striving to rid the stigma of mental health through writing. Cerianwen is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writers.

Achieving Optimum Health

Optimum health is not just the absence of disease but the presence of wellness in mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and social areas. Some would also include financial health.

Introduction

Optimum health is essential at all levels, from the individual to the society we live in to the environment around us. We have to start thinking of wealth not just in terms of possession of money and properties but also the possession of mental, emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being.

Mental Health

The truth is mind is the forerunner of all states.

With a proper mindset, a poor man can still be happy. Conversely, if the mindset is not right, no matter how much material possessions you may have, you may still be a very unhappy person. Thus, Gandhi said, The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not enough for even a single person's greed.

So a healthy mind is one that possesses a mindset that can lead to happiness and contentment with self and the world around us. It provides clarity of thoughts, good insight and the ability to see things through an unbiased mind.

To be able to see things through an unbiased mind is no small feat. It is extremely difficult to note or observe the unfolding of events and phenomena without judging. We habitually associate emotions or feelings to events, and allow such emotions to direct our actions. Our likes for certain things and dislikes for others are closely associated with our emotions.

Emotional Health

It is our emotions that lead us to act impulsively at times. Thus a high level of self-awareness in this area is extremely useful. In fact, it is essential to our well-being. After all, things and relationships that may take us years to build can be destroyed in a moment of anger.

There are positive and negative emotions. Positive emotions such as love, compassion and joy should be cultivated, while negative emotions such as fear, anger and hate need to be eradicated.

When asked about this, a ! wise sag e of India once illustrated with a story:

An old man said to his grandson, Boy, I have two tigers caged within me. One is love and compassion. The other is fear and anger.

The young boy asked, Which one will win, grandfather?

The old man replied, The one I feed.

At times, it may seem that we have no control over our emotions. This is not true. The truth is how well we manage our emotions depends on how aware we are of our emotions, particularly on the arising of our emotions. The earlier we are able to note the arising of our emotions, we better we can manage them.

More and more researches are showing that our well-being is closely linked to our emotional and mental health. Our body's immune system is generally enhanced by positive mental outlook and emotion. Conversely, it is depressed by negative mental and emotional states. Thus, stress, worry, anger and fear are some states that may lead to physical illnesses such as hypertension, cardiac diseases, peptic ulcers, depression and a host of other ailments.

Physical Health

To maintain an optimum physical well-being, therefore, requires us to focus not only on our body but also our mind and emotions.

On a physical level, our body can be kept healthy through adequate sleep and rest, proper nutrition, regular exercises and a healthy environment that is free from pollution.

Spiritual Health

Throughout the ages, wise men have consistently informed and taught us that we are essentially spiritual beings.

Although medical science has not been able to reveal to us our spiritual nature, there are many indirect evidence that we would be foolish to ignore. Stories from people who had gone through a near death experience (NDE), or dying people with heightened nearing death awareness, or simply a cure from an 'incurable' disease all suggest that there is more to life than just the physical state.

Major religions of the world all based their teachings on the belief that we are essentially spiritual! beings. According to these teachings, our physical existence is secondary.

While it may be true that we should focus our life more on our spiritual nature than our physical nature, it would be difficult for the majority of people to do so, at least not immediately. Things cannot change overnight. Mindset, however, can, and that is perhaps the best place to start.

Financial Health

However, on a more mundane level, most people are still stuck on how to survive from day to day, where to get the next cheque to pay for the house installment, so on and so forth.

Practically, therefore, we need to look into ways to achieve a financial state that would theoretically free us from the constrain of 'forced' work. This is where the concept of financial freedom is so attractive. According to this concept, one should strive for a state where we have one or more than one source of income that can be generated passively, that is, even when we don't work.

This is what Robert Kiyosaki termed as 'passive income'.

According to him, passive income can only be achieved by becoming an investor or a business owner, not a sole proprietor or an employee. To become an investor or a business owner, you must spend the time and money to acquire financial intelligence. Unlike IQ or EQ, you can acquire financial intelligence through self education.

To get a financial health check-up, consult an accountant, a banker or a financial planner you can trust.

Healthy Relationship

No man is an island, entire by itself.

As a medical doctor, I am in a unique position to confront and comfort dying patients. One of the most important thing that I have observed is that dying people do not ask about their money or possessions. Instead, they focus their remaining energy and strength on trying to heal wounded relationships. It is as though there is an inherent need to get a proper closure to a relationship.

Thus, forming and cultivating a healthy relationship is important for our well-being. U! nfortuna tely, this is something we often ignored until it is too late. If there is any forgiving to be done, or the need to be forgiven, leaving things to the last minutes may end up with an unfulfilled desire for a closure.

Knowing this now, shouldn't we spend more time and effort in improving our relationship with our loved ones, especially with our parents, spouse, children and siblings?

Dr Tim Ong is a medical doctor with 15 years of experience in family medicine. He is also a speaker, trainer and counsellor in his community. He has a personal website at KlinikOng.com

What Should Runners Think About?

What do you think about when you are running? Does it make a difference? Research suggests it definitely can.A survey into what runners think about when competing identified four categories. These are relevant to participating in many sporting activities: -

1) Inward monitoring - focusing on how you feel while running.

2) Outward monitoring - focusing on aspects of the race such as distance, terrain and tactics.

3) Inward distraction - having thoughts irrelevant to the race such as solving ?mental puzzles? or what we are going to do after the race.

4) Outward distraction - focusing on surroundings irrelevant to the race such as scenery.

The research concluded that inward distraction (3) should be avoided as it reduces awareness resulting in either running too fast and ?burning out? or running too slow. Inward monitoring (1) is useful for judging the required pace and also being aware of any warning signals such as muscle strain. The researchers believe that most attention should be focused outwardly on aspects of the race to minimise the influence of discomfort whilst remaining aware of the race situation.

However, I would like to add another category, I call it 'interactive awareness'. This is thinking of how we are running in relation to terrain. This is not to be confused with what we are feeling or race strategy but to the actual movement.

For example, when running are you aware of the location of your hip joints or which muscles lift the leg off the floor? Focusing on the act of running can help to ?free up? the movement if unnecessary tension can be identified. Misconceptions about our body will influence the way we run. The pelvis is part of the back yet many run with an excessive swing of the pelvis because the hip joints are held too tightly. The swaying action of the pelvis will also twist the lumber spine where the psoas muscle (hip flexor) has its origin. The psoas lifts the leg therefore inappropriate movement of the spine reduces efficiency and a! lters th e direction of the pull.

This type of thinking is neither inward nor outward, as it requires us to maintain awareness of who is running, how we are running and where we are running. For example, see if you can be aware of yourself reading this article. What parts of you are making contact with a surface? Is your jaw tight? If we are aware of the feet landing on the ground when running, we can appreciate the force opposing our weight as gravity helps us to move forward.

Newton?s third law of gravity states that ?the mutual actions of two bodies upon each other are always equal and in opposite directions?, or more commonly known as, ?for every action there is an equal opposite reaction?. We do not have to be pulled down by gravity yet many runners appear to lose the battle.

Contemplate this law when running and we can allow ourselves to ?go up? to go forward due to the action of the legs and utilise energy more efficiently. Another way to describe this is ?Thinking in Activity?.

So on your next run try and maintain an awareness of what you are thinking. 'Interactive awareness' can exist concurrently with thinking about the race and surroundings. but if you find your thoughts drifting onto to something beyond your run to the point of distraction, let your awareness come back to your moving parts and the ground.

Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and has studied performance enhancement in sport for the last 10 years. In 2001 he published a book called 'The Performance Paradox: Challenging the conventional methods of sports training and exercise' and is currently working on a new project about The Zone. More information about his unique approach to training can be found at Running Technique

He works with sports people of all abilities to recognise and overcome performance-limiting habits.

Parenting With Distractions: Assessing AD/HD in Parents of AD/HD Children

Introduction

It is estimated that between 1% and 6% of the adult population has AD/HD. (Wender) Forty percent of children who have AD/HD have at least one parent who also meets the criteria for diagnosis. (Zeigler) AD/HD affects up to 7.5% of school-aged children, or between one to three students in every classroom. (Barbaresi, et al) For various reasons, AD/HD in adults often goes undiagnosed. Thus, these parents are trying to carry out adult responsibilities without the benefit of appropriate treatment for their own AD/HD. Undiagnosed AD/HD in parents affects the entire family. These adults typically exhibit emotional labiality and tend to have higher rates of depression, substance abuse disorders, and other co-morbidities.

Adults with AD/HD are less likely to graduate from college and even less likely to obtain advanced educational degrees. Like most adults with AD/HD, these parents face uncertain career prospects. Although they may be intelligent and enthusiastic workers, they often have difficulties keeping a job. (Pary) Social skills deficits are common among this population. AD/HD can interfere with the ability to establish and maintain close relationships and may contribute to an unstable home environment.

Parents of a child who has AD/HD are three times as likely to separate or divorce as parents of non-AD/HD children. (Barkley 1995) Simply put, the parent may not have the emotional tools needed to effectively support the special needs of the AD/HD child. Parents who do not have AD/HD report that these children are often far more challenging to parent than their non-AD/HD siblings. The adult with AD/HD faces the already formidable task of raising a difficult child while at the same time trying to cope as best they can with their own AD/HD. If the parents? own AD/HD issues are not addressed, these adults can have tremendous difficulties fulfilling their roles as parents.

Evaluating the Parent

Parents may be unaware that they exhibit behaviors that would indicate t! he prese nce of AD/HD. Furthermore, AD/HD has been long considered a childhood disorder. It was not until the mid-1980's that researchers began to acknowledge that AD/HD indeed lasted into adulthood. Parents may be under that mistaken belief that they outgrew their AD/HD while in fact it continues to affect their life.

When treating a child who has AD/HD, the physician should discuss with the parent the genetics of AD/HD and inquire if a parent might be struggling with symptoms too. Physicians (i.e. pediatricians) who are uncomfortable or unable to evaluate the adult should then refer parents to another health care provider for an AD/HD evaluation. Should the parent show resistance to the idea, the physician might discuss the difficulties of raising an AD/HD child if ones own AD/HD is not addressed and treated. One or both of the parents may indicate that they faced many of the same problems when they were a child. The parent may recall that school was difficult, although he or she had the intellectual capabilities to do well. There may be family stories of hyperactivity or behavioral problems during the parent's childhood.

Mothers or fathers may see in the opposite sex parent many of the same behaviors now being exhibited by their child. Often is the case when one parent will turn to the other and say, I know where it comes from. You're the exact same way! Physicians may want to ask about the behaviors of other family members as well, to better ascertain the possibility of undiagnosed AD/HD in the family. These kinds of questions can bring up a plethora of information pointing to the possibility that the parent, too, might have the disorder.

Research on AD/HD and behavioral disorders is fairly recent and may not have been attributed to AD/HD when the parent was a child. The astute physician will take a patient history by posing questions in terms of behavior and not necessarily in terms of any specific diagnosis. How does this affect the physician's role in evaluating and treating their young p! atients? Treating the parent is an important part of improving the quality of life for the child. One can see that an impulsive, distracted parent might have problems remembering to give a youngster his/her medication. Adults with AD/HD tend to be disorganized and often have difficulty maintaining a home. These adults have trouble keeping appointments, getting the child ready and off to school in time, and performing other basic parenting duties.

How AD/HD Symptoms Compare in Adults and Children

The same symptoms that apply to children with AD/HD also apply to adults; however, the symptoms may be manifested in a number of ways. Diagnosis is further complicated by the overlap between the symptoms of adult ADHD and the symptoms of other common psychiatric conditions such as depression and substance abuse. (Searight)

The primary symptoms of AD/HD are inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The adult versions of these symptoms often have severe consequences. Inattentive children are reprimanded for daydreaming in class. Inattentive adults neglect their spouses, forget directions, and crash their automobiles. Impulsive children often make bad choices. Impulsive parents also make bad decisions.

Consequently, they may face huge credit card bills, marital strain and other negative consequences. Hyperactive children are always moving. Hyperactive adults may feel restless and are drawn to high-risk behaviors. Other behaviors that are common to children who have AD/HD are also seen in adults with the disorder. Children with AD/HD will procrastinate, turning in homework late, if at all. Their work is often sloppy.

Procrastination in adults results in paperwork and work-related projects being completed late or not at all. Bills go unpaid not because there is no money, but because the adult simply never gets around to mailing in the payment.

Other common symptoms include not living up to one?s potential, hypersensitivity to stimuli, emotional reactivity, and poor short term memory. Any ! one of t hese behaviors presents a problem for an adult. Taken as a group, they represent a potentially disabling condition.

Consider the following challenges:

1. How can the parent who procrastinates, help his AD/HD child learn strategies for getting homework and other school projects finished in a timely fashion?

2. How can the disorganized parent help his child learn organizing skills to keep materials and possessions tidy and at hand?

3. How can the hyperactive, restless parent find a way to emotionally connect with a child who may prefer quiet activities?

4. How can the daydreaming parent listen and be attentive to her child?s needs?

5. How can the overly emotional, short-fused parent stay calm when his child needs a steady, calm parent to help her self-regulate her own volatile unpredictable moods?

6. How does the hypersensitive parent handle the onslaught of activity and noise of a busy household? Untreated, the parent facing such challenges could easily become depressed, anxious, angry, or an explosive combination of all three, setting up a vicious cycle wrought with guilt and poor self-esteem. These parents often question why they can't do a better job raising their child. Invariably, the child loses out too, because his or her emotional and sometimes physical needs are not being met.

Treatment for Adults

Adults with AD/HD respond well to treatment. Appropriate management of adult patients with AD/HD is multimodal and should include psychoeducation, counseling, supportive problem-directed therapy, behavioral intervention, coaching, and cognitive remediation. Couples or family therapy may be indicated to help the parent learn better parenting strategies for raising the AD/HD child. (Wender)

Stimulant medications are the first line of treatment for adults with AD/HD. Stimulant use among patients with a history of substance abuse should be closely monitored to ensure that no abuse occurs. Approximately 70% of adults who have been treated with stimu! lant med ication show a reduction of symptoms. The antidepressant medication Bupropion has also been shown to be effective in treating adults with AD/HD. (Kuperman) Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant medication which is a highly selective inhibitor of the norepinephrine transporter, appears to be an efficacious treatment for adult AD/HD. Its lack of abuse potential may be an advantage for many patients. (Michelson)

Once effective treatment is in place, adults with AD/HD usually do quite well. Paired with the other interventions, medication can provide the parent with the tools he or she needs to improve the quality of life for the family.

Conclusion

Because AD/HD is a genetic disorder, screening the parent of the AD/HD patient is imperative as part of the overall medical/psychological management of the child. Appropriate and effective treatments are available to both child and parent and should be considered for both in order for families to live successful, healthy lives.

References:

Barbaresi, W., Katusic, S., Colligan, R., Pankratz, V., Weaver, A., Weber, K,. Mrazek, D., Jacobsen, S. How Common Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? Incidence in a Population-Based Birth Cohort in Rochester, Minnesota Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Vol. 156 No. 3, March 2002 Barkley, R. International Consensus Statement on AD/HD January 2002 Barkley, R. Taking charge of ADHD. NY: Guilford Press. 1995 Kuperman S, Perry PJ, Gaffney GR, Lund BC, Bever-Stille KA, Arndt S, Holman TL, Moser DJ, Paulsen JS. Bupropion SR vs. methylphenidate vs. placebo for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry 2001 Sep; 13(3):129-34 Michelson D, Adler L, Spencer T, Reimherr FW, West SA, Allen AJ, Kelsey D, Wernicke J, Dietrich A, Milton D. Atomoxetine in adults with ADHD: two randomized, placebo-controlled studies. Biol Psychiatry 2003 Jan 15; 53(2):112-20 Pary R, Lewis S, Matuschka PR, Rudzinskiy P, Safi M, Lippmann S. Attention deficit disorder in adults. Annal! s of Cli nical Psychiatry 2002 Jun; 14(2):105-11 Searight HR, Burke JM, Rottnek F., Adult ADHD: evaluation and treatment in family medicine. American Family Physician 2000 Nov 1; 62(9):2077-86, 2091-2 Wender PH, Wolf LE, Wasserstein J. Adults with ADHD. An overview. Annals of the New York Academy of Science 2001 Jun;931:1-16 Zeigler, Chris. Teaching Teens with ADD and ADHD, Dendy, November 2000 2003

Terry Matlen, MSW., ACSW, is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in AD/HD in adults. She is the author of Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD, director of http://www.addconsults.com and http://myADDstore.com and serves on the board of directors of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).

A popular presenter at local and national conferences, Ms. Matlen has a passion for raising awareness of the special challenges for women with AD/HD and the unique issues parents face when both they and their children have AD/HD.