Denver Area Mental Health Care

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Inositol and OCD

2009-05-25T12:35:00.002-06:00

Inositol and OCD
By Frederick Penzel, Ph.D.
At the American Psychiatric Association (APA) conference in 1996, a paper was delivered on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with inositol, one of the B-vitamins. It seemed to indicate that this might be a viable treatment for OCD. As someone who treats OCD and related disorders, I am always on the lookout for new approaches. I did some further research, and found that since the early 1970s, a number of papers have been published on the use of inositol in the treatment of OCD, depression, and anxiety. It seems that inositol is converted by the body to two secondary neurotransmitter chemicals that enhance the action of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin, as we know, is a brain transmitter chemical that has been implicated in OCD and related disorders. Not all of these studies were conducted in the most scientific manner, but nevertheless, my curiosity had been piqued.
After several discussions with one of the psychiatrists at my clinic, we looked into its safety and possible interactions with other drugs. It appeared that most people took in an average of about 1 gram of inositol each day in their diets. We discovered that apart from some harmless digestive tract side effects, it appeared to be quite tolerable, and would not interact harmfully with any of the SSRIs our patients were taking for their OCD. At about the same time, (September, 1996) a double-blind placebo-controlled study on the use of high doses of inositol was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. Dr. Mendel Fux and colleagues in Israel conducted the study. Although it was only a small study involving thirteen individuals, inositol was found to have a significant effect upon the symptoms of OCD. It was shown to work as well and as quickly as the SSRIs Prozac and Luvox. The patients in this study had either not been able to find relief via standard medications, or were unable to tolerate medication side effects. Dosages in the study were gradually built up to 18 grams per day.
The article proved to be the convincer for us. We had a number of OCD patients, who were only getting partial relief from prescription antidepressants, so we decided to suggest the possibility of their trying inositol as an augmenting agent, in addition to what they were already taking. I should mention here that our clinic is a rather busy treatment center, and unfortunately, not really geared toward conducting research, so we really didn't collect any data on this. I know my learned colleagues will shake their heads at this, and they would be right. In any case, we started to see some positive results among some of those who tried it. In most cases, these results ranged from at least mild to moderate relief of symptoms. A few reported even more improvement. We have generally built up our patients over a six-week period, starting with 1 teaspoon (2gms) twice per day, and going as high as 3 teaspoons, three times per day. It turned out that not everyone required the full 18 grams used in the Fux study. One person was seen to improve on just 2 grams daily.
Since that time, we have also seen some positive results child cases as well. I have also received some positive e-mails and phone calls from O-C around the country who have heard of inositol, and tried it. Although it was probably not as precise as we would have liked, we based our children's doses on body weight, figuring roughly that a 40-lb. child could tolerate a maximum dose of up to 6gms. of inositol per day.
I do not believe that inositol is a 'miracle drug' for everyone with OCD. There are no miracle treatments. I am sharing this information with sufferers out there in hopes that it may help at least some people who have not otherwise been able to get relief, or who are too afraid of prescription medications to try anything. I also decided to write about this because I felt that some people might hear of this through some other sources, and try inositol without any guidance.
**Please note the following: This advice is purely informational, and not in any way meant to be a substitute for treatment by a licensed physician. Do not try this, or anything else, without first consulting your physician. If your M.D. has not heard about it, refer them to the American Journal of Psychiatry article and let them decide.
Obviously, before you run out and try anything new, you should always consult your physician. If your physician recommends trying this, you might also want to mention the following information to him or her:
1. It cannot be taken together with Lithium, as it seems to block its action.
2. The chief side effects of inositol are gas and diarrhea. Some people get this for the first
few days and then it clears up. Many of those taking it never have this side effect, and some only get it
when they take more than a particular amount.
3. I have heard reports that caffeine lowers inositol levels in the body, so if you are a
heavy coffee drinker, you might consider cutting down or eliminating this from your diet. Actually,
stimulants such as caffeine can sometimes contribute to anxiety, jitteriness, etc.
4. It should be purchased in powdered form, and taken dissolved in water or fruit juice. It
has a sweet taste, and is chemically related to sugar. If it is allowed to stand for about 10 minutes after
mixing it, it seems to dissolve better. Vigorous mixing for a few minutes also helps. If it still doesn't
dissolve well (not all brands do), stir it up and drink it quickly before it settles. The use of powder is
recommended, as the larger doses required could require taking as many as 36, 500 mg. capsules per
day.
5. Inositol is a water-soluble vitamin, so although the doses appear to be large, it will not
build up to toxic levels in the body. Whatever the body doesn't use is excreted. The average person
normally takes in about 1 gram of inositol each day via the food they eat. There are no reports of any
harm associated with the long-term use of inositol. Some of our patients have been taking it as long as
eight years now, with no problems.
6. It can be built up according to the following schedule (1 teaspoon=2 grams, and be
sure to use a measuring spoon) for an adult:
Week 1 - 1 teaspoon/2x per day
Week 2 - 1 teaspoon/3x per day
Week 3 - 1.5 teaspoons/3x per day
Week 4 - 2 teaspoons/3x per day
Week 5 - 2.5 teaspoons/3x per day
Week 6 - 3 teaspoons/3x per day
A child can be built up to 3 teaspoons per day over the same six-week period. Dosages for adolescents can be adjusted according to weight. In either case, it is best to allow side effects to be the guide. If they begin to occur, it is not considered wise to increase the dosage unless they subside.
Once a person has reached either the maximum dosage, or the greatest amount they are able to tolerate, it is best to try staying six weeks at that level to see if there is any noticeable improvement. If there is none by the end of that time, it should probably be discontinued. As with any treatment, those who are absolutely positive that it will help are only setting themselves up, and may wind up more than disappointed. Everything works for someone, but nothing works for everyone.
One further note. I know personally of one case where an adolescent with trichotillomania was administered a combination of inositol and a substance known as 5-HTP, which is a breakdown product of the amino acid L-Tryptophan. The body manufactures serotonin from 5-HTP, and serotonin is believed to be one of the brain transmitter chemicals implicated in trichotillomania. Taking this is believed to raise serotonin levels in the brain. This adolescent got partial results with inositol, and seemed to get a complete remission of the urge to pull with the addition of 100 mg. of 5-HTP daily. 5-HTP can cause drowsiness, and is usually taken at bedtime. It should never be taken with any prescription antidepressant (such as an SSRI) or herbal products such as St. John's Wort, as it can cause a very serious condition called serotonergic syndrome.
Again, none of the above is meant to be a substitute for expert medical advice. As with inositol, 5-HTP should not be taken without the supervision of a licensed physician. I find reports such as this rather interesting. and further study is clearly needed. It may have implications for the future treatment of trich.
*** As an interesting side note, a study was published (Seedat et al, 2001) since this article was written, in which three women with hair pulling and compulsive skin picking were treated with inositol. All three were seen to improve and this improvement was seen to continue through a 16-week follow-up period. Hopefully, there will be further studies on the usefulness of this compound.
If you would like to read more about what Dr. Penzel has to say about OCD, you may be interested in his self-help book, "Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: A Complete Guide To Getting Well And Staying Well," (Oxford University Press, 2000). You can find out more about it at www.ocdbook.com.

For more information about OCD and treatment options in the Denver, Colorado area, please visit our website.

Dealing with Financial Stress: Notes from a Denver Psychotherapist

2008-11-21T13:39:00.002-07:00

Three out of four adults feel stressed about money, and two out of three say the economy contributes significantly to their stress, according to the American Psychological Association.

How do I know if I am just worrying about the economy, or if I have an anxiety disorder?

“Economic anxiety” is a factor in many of our lives due to rising prices, the state of the economy and the recent loss of jobs due to outsourcing and layoffs. If you are worried, but still performing all of your daily life activities well, you probably have economic anxiety.

If you are solely focused on economic worry to the point that it is interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder. People with an anxiety disorder experience the following: consistent worry; irritability; physical/emotional restlessness; difficulty sleeping; physical symptoms of headaches/gastrointestinal problems/muscle tension; exhaustion; nervousness; a sense of dread, worry about winding up with no home, job or money, even if that is not likely; having exceedingly fearful and irrational thoughts about the economy.

How do I deal with Economic anxiety?
• Limit the time you spend reading about the economy or watching TV regarding the economy.
• Speak with your financial officer, or chose a reputable one to discuss your budget, finances, savings, retirement funds.
• Focus on Budgeting wisely; do not make unnecessary major purchases; continue to put aside money from each paycheck for savings; shop wisely at stores where your money counts.
• Focus on paying off debt; consolidating loans and credit card balances to ones with lower interest. A non-profit accredited debt management program that is registered with the Better Business Bureau can assist you with this. Make sure that there are no hidden fees, the organization works within state regulations, and that the agency is able to provide you with ongoing financial management counseling at no cost.
• Spend your time focusing on the things you can change, not worrying about the things you can’t control! Worrying never changes anything; it simply makes you more worried!
• Recognize that the economy runs in cycles; recessions occur, and they are followed with improved financial times.
• Continue to take care of yourself physically and emotionally by having leisure time activities; continuing to socialize; getting enough rest and sleep; sound nutrition and not taking on too much.
• Continue to document your assets: financial; personal; social/familial and spiritual.
• Make a list of all of the times you have landed on your feet when there has been a challenging or difficult time.
• If you are concerned that your job is one that is in a shrinking market, schedule an appointment with a certified vocational counselor to investigate what skills you have that you could transfer to another vocation.

HOW DO I DEAL WITH AN ANXIETY DISORDER?
Anxiety is a physiological/psychological condition that is treated with medication and counseling that focuses on stress management. Schedule an appointment with your family doctor, and seek a counselor that is familiar with treating this condition.

This article was submitted by Bernadine Merker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Ms. Merker and the counseling services she provides, please visit her page on our website.

How You Can Reduce The Stress About The Holidays And Actually Enjoy Them : Notes from a Denver Psychologist

2008-11-21T13:27:00.002-07:00

How You Can Reduce The Stress About The Holidays And Actually Enjoy Them

Many people over the years have asked me if I see more people for appointments in my private office during holidays than other times. The answer is not really because everyone is too busy to schedule even one more thing.

So if you’re one of those people who is too busy to get help for yourself then you’re too busy. Its very common to ask others how they are and the answer is frequently very busy. This is said with a certain ambivalence. They are somewhat proud to be busy as that must mean they are important and needed. What it actually means is they are stressing themselves with too many demands. When the holidays arrive there are even more demands placed on their shoulders by themselves and others.

Most people shop more during these times as well as clean and organize their homes for possible visitors. In addition they feel obligated to attend social gatherings, parties etc. even if they don’t really want to go. This creates an overload on an already too busy schedule so they feel overwhelmed, dreading the holidays rather than looking forward to them with joy and anticipation as they did when they were young and carefree.

Complicating the picture even more are feelings of depression or "down" feelings around this time of the year with the change in the weather and painful old memories of times in the past which were difficult or very disturbing. Some folks had parents who were very dysfunctional with drinking problems, troubled marriages or were emotionally and physically abusive. These old associative memories are naturally triggered during the holiday period. Thus many just want the holidays to be over.

Many wonder, what is the answer to prevent the same outcome of dreading the holidays rather than enjoying the festivities. First of all our personal histories may provide clues as well as the answers. If you had difficulty in the past around holidays its likely it will repeat unless you have made some significant changes.

The mass media bombards us with their messages that can accelerate the frenzy of over-shopping and trying to appear happy when inwardly you ‘re tired or exhausted.
If you believe the holidays will be a problem then they surely will be, and you will repeat your past. Albert Einstein was quoted as saying you can’t solve a problem with the mindset that created the problem. So the idea is develop a new mindset for this special time period.

What is needed is a different outlook and a plan. Examine your expectations of yourself and are they realistic given how very brief this time period is. The deeper question you can explore is what are you actually seeking for yourself during these holidays?

Most people respond by saying they want to feel connected with family and friends whom they don’t get to see much from during their routines. This all sounds fine but what is realistic to expect given the time constrictions? Remember if you put too much demand and expectations on you and others you are asking for trouble. The one choice we all have is to determine our personal expectations.

Now that you have looked at these expectations begin lowering them knowing that they won’t likely be noticed by anyone. If others expect them from you its because they are accustomed to you overworking. Don’t make the mistake of abandoning routines that are healthy and good like exercise. Rule of thumb should be that for everything you add subtract one nonessential from your to do list.

Don’t just have good intentions; instead, have good actions that not only benefit others but also include yourself. Remember the true meaning of the holiday so you will not drift too far into distractions. Give yourself the right to take good care of yourself and not get too busy. While the holidays are an important part of life they are not bigger than life. So keep it simple and balanced.

Plan on enjoying this time if at all possible. Stay balanced with the preparations so you enjoy the process not just the event that will be over before you know it.

Remember 80% of success is just to show up so you don’t miss it. Now if all else fails keep in mind this too shall pass.

This article was submitted by Dr. Thomas Calhoun, psychologist with Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, Colorado. For more information on Dr. Calhoun and the services he provides, please visit his page on our website.

How to Avoid a “BLUE” Christmas/Holiday Season: Notes from Denver Counseling and Psychotherapy

2008-11-21T13:09:00.002-07:00

For many, the holiday season brings with it an opportunity to celebrate, eat and be merry, engage in tradition, connect with friends and relatives, and to draw meaning from the spiritual significance of the season.

For many others it brings financial stress, temptations to eat, drink and be “too merry”, pressure to entertain, spend money you don’t have and to socialize to the point of exhaustion.

Holidays can also bring up memories of loved one’s who are not present this holiday season, and a sense of loneliness to those that do not have people to spend the holiday season with.

----- Often the holidays can bring a mixture of both joy and stress.

Here are some suggestions to help you create a pleasant holiday season for yourself, and some tips if you do start to feel a little blue.

• PLAN AHEAD
Sit down with pen and paper and make up one sheet for each day that is
important for you to celebrate.
DATE: HOLIDAY:
WHAT I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO EXPERIENCE ON THIS DATE:

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

IS THERE SOME COMMUNITY SERVICE THAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO ON THIS DATE?

WHERE COULD I DO THAT (SEE VOLUNTEER WEBSITE LIST)

• TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
• Don’t overspend, times are tight for everyone, spend within your means - be creative! Plan what you are going to purchase, and don’t wait until the last minute.
• Don’t overcommit to people, places and things!!! Fatigue and exhaustion quickly bring about stress and the blues!
• Take some alone time, listen to some music you enjoy, rent an old favorite movie, get a great new book to read, schedule a massage.
• Take care of yourself in terms of being especially reasonable with food and alcohol!!! Alcohol in large quantities is a depressant. Continue your exercise schedule, and if you don’t have one, try to get outdoors frequently and take a good walk.
• If you are in a 12 step program, keep in touch with your sponsor and attend more meetings! See if your home meeting has anything special going on for the holidays.

• REMEMBER WITH LOVE THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER HERE—Acknowledge your loss, and also focus on new people in your life, or people and experiences you want to put into your life

• DON’T ISOLATE
Renew old friendships, connect with the people in your life, discover some new places to make new friends “DENVER MEET UP” offers many great opportunities to help you do just that, check, it out!
Denver, CO Meetup Groups - meetup:www.meetup.com/cities/us/co/denver

• IF FEELING BLUE TAKES A TURN TOWARDS FEELING DEPRESSED
If you start feeling more than sad and you feel that you need more help, schedule an appointment for counseling with a professional. If you are a member of a spiritual community, speak with someone there for additional support!

• KEEP THINGS IN PERSEPCTIVE
Holiday seasons pass! It’s only as important as you make it. Use your time off from work as gifts to you to spend time you might not have time for otherwise!
Be mindful of what you have in your life and consider them as gifts to you
during this holiday season and all year round! Buy yourself a great holiday gift!

• DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Check out the enclosed volunteer list and take some time to do an act of kindness for someone who needs it.

• ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE: KEEP A RUNNING LOG OF WHAT YOU ENJOYED, PLANNED, EXPERIENCED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

ABOVE ALL, THE HOLIDAYS, LIKE ANYTHING ELSE ARE WHAT YOU MAKE OF THEM! WITH SOME ENERGY, PLANNING, THESE TIPS, AND THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES LISTED, THIS MAY BE YOUR MOST SPECIAL HOLIDAY SEASON EVER, ENJOY!!!

***************************************************

• VISIT THESE GREAT WEBSITES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENJOY, SURVIVE AND COPE WITH THE HOLIDAYS:
www.webmd.com:Coping with depression during holidays
www.nmha.org: Fact sheet: Holiday Depression & Stress
www.mayoclinic.com: Stress, depression and the holidays:12 tips for coping

www.journey of hearts.org: Basics about the Holiday Blues

DENVER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

Frequently Asked Questions - Denver Rescue Mission
You can call the volunteer department at 303.953.3955. ... How do I sign up for the events at Thanksgiving and Christmas? We start sign up for Thanksgiving ...
http://denverrescuemission.org/faqvol.html
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities
Deliver Christmas Day Meals on Wheels Thursday, December 25th, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Various locations across Denver). 100 volunteers are needed to assist ...
http://www.voacolorado.org/holiday-2007.htm - 27k
Volunteer Opportunities in Denver, CO related to Hunger
Volunteer at Christmas House The Salvation Army Location: Denver, CO Dates: Monday December 1, 2008 to Thursday December 18, 2008 ...
http://www.volunteermatch.org/bymsa/m2080/c14/opp1
Please volunteer to adopt my family for Christmas!!! - Denver ...
Oct 16, 2008 ... i really need help from somebody this christmas to get my family gifts and a christmas tree. i wouldnt normally ask for help but we are ...
http://denver.kijiji.com/c-Community-Volunteer-Please-volunteer-to-adopt-my-family-for-Christmas-W0QQAdIdZ81216301 -
Volunteer as Volunteer to help register families for Christmas ...
Volunteer to help register families for Christmas Assistance ... Denver, CO 80205 ... Denver, CO 80203 303.282.1234 fax: 303.282.1242 ...
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/metro-volunteers/LoadOpportunityReview.do?opportunityId=285203 -
Denver Volunteer and Civic Groups
The Mission of Single Volunteers of Greater Denver (SVGD) is to fulfill the volunteer needs of charitable organizations in the Denver area with an ...
http://www.singlesnews.net/Denver_Colorado/Volunteer_Civic_Organizations.htm
Volunteer in Volunteer to help Families register for Christmas ...
I saw this volunteer opportunity, and wanted to see if you might be interested ... register for Christmas assistance, The Salvation Army, Denver, Colorado ...
http://www.christianvolunteering.org/org/opp23578.
Adopt a Grandma/Grandpa Christmas Party - Random Acts of Kindness ...
Join Random Acts of Kindness Volunteer Group/Denver Chapter to RSVP! ... Your organizer's refund policy for Adopt a Grandma/Grandpa Christmas Party ...
http://www.meetup.com/Living-Karma/calendar/8958213
Volunteer at Salvation Army Christmas House to register families ...
View job summary for Volunteer at Salvation Army Christmas House to register families for holiday assistance at Salvation Army in Denver, CO.
http://www.simplyhired.com/job-id/nzay4owobw/volunteer-at-jobs/

This article was submitted by Bernadine Merker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, Colorado. For more information about the counseling services she provides in the Denver area, please visit her page on our website.

DO YOU NEED PSYCHOTHERAPY?: Notes from a Denver Counselor

2008-11-21T13:00:00.003-07:00

If you’re like most people, you probably have ups and downs. You might even have wondered if you need to see a therapist. But how do you decide? What is the difference between the normal ups and downs that everyone experiences and the kind of emotional problems that call for psychotherapy?

Experts say it’s time to get help when you feel so bad you are having trouble functioning: when your problems start interfering with your daily life, your job, or your marriage. It is also important to factor into your decision how long the problems have been going on. If it is more than one or two months, you probably could use some help.

Emotional problems often start when people can’t get back on their feet after a crisis–a death, divorce, or loss of a job. Sometimes, though, a person begins to show signs of emotional stress for no apparent reason. In either case, emerging emotional problems usually show themselves in some of the following ways:

1. Excessive rage over small problems.
2. Increasing difficulty in getting along with others.
3. Physical symptoms–dizziness, fatigue, chest pains–with no medical basis.
4. Inability to stop thinking about problems.
5. Increasing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
6. Fearfulness or suspicion about certain situations or people that seems out of proportion.
7. Purposeful self harm behavior.
8. Erratic sleep patterns; loss of appetite.
9. Feelings of hopelessness about oneself or the future.
10. Inability to change unsatisfactory or destructive behavior.
11. Suicidal urges.

This article was submitted by Jane Plattner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, Colorado. For more information about Ms. Plattner and the counseling services she provides, please visit her page on our website.

Troubled Economic Times Afford An Opportunity For Personal Growth by Denver Psychotherapist

2008-11-21T11:54:00.003-07:00

Today’s troubled economic times offers a unique opportunity to confront our attitudes toward money and our personal security. When fear of loss hits it resonates our deepest fears. Most people never examine what their beliefs are about money so they emotionally react to their anxieties and act out by overspending, hoarding, or mismanaging. What are the root causes of our stress about our finances anxiety or about possible job losses?

Believing our self worth identity is reflected in what we do, what we own or possess can create enormous anxiety if its vulnerable, lost, or threatened. Our sense of inner security can be based on this shaky and deceptive belief. True inner security is balanced on the foundation of who we are not who we think we are or whom we think others perceive us to be. This desire to get others to believe that if we are successful and have a lot we must be worthwhile. So the real fear is fear I am worthless unless I can prove otherwise.

Biologically we are programmed to seek comfort. Indeed having enough money to pay our bills and maintain provides a certain comfort but its not the basis of our security. Most of us have bought into the idea of the American Dream that was perpetrated some sixty plus years ago to fuel the capitalism society. The idea was generated that if you work hard becoming successful; nice home with white picket fence; nice car etc. then you be happy and secure. Unfortunately this interpretation has created the American Nightmare for many.

So what is the answer to this troubling dilemma? First we begin by asking the right question of what is really important to us and examining our attitudes about what does money mean to us. When can we say enough is enough ? There is an old Chinese curse : May you live long enough to live in interesting times. Well we can all say that this is where we all find ourselves. But how can we change the curse into an opportunity?

Learning to live more simply is open to us all. Having more does not guarantee that we will be happy or feel secure. If you honestly look back you can see that having more and having the illusion of job security did not offer peace or happiness.

Developing better spending habits can actually create a true sense of confidence by living within our means with less. The simple pleasures of life such as spending time with family and friends and taking walks in nature get us connected to something bigger than our self based fears.

Knowing no matter what is happening around us - which we have no control over - we can choose to embrace with awareness the difficulty we are experiencing. Anxiety is the fear of the future which is based on an endless series of what ifs. While we plan for the future we need to engage the present which is the real gift of life. We need to live consciously in the here and now living the adage: Carpe Diem.

On a practical level we can address the question: honestly are we alright now not caught up in imaging some catastrophe in the future. Secondly we can stop watching the moment to moment news flashes that do very little to educate but rather create an addiction to information anxiety. We can read edifying books on people that faced troubled times and created true inspiration.such as Abraham Lincoln. We can lean on our faith which is based on the assurance there is something bigger than us at work in the universe.

Seeking creature comforts is ok but not a true source of security. Instead of exercising our fingers on the remote control or the computer mouse take a walk in solitude or with a friend. Get out of your head and feel more connected to your body. Mindfully spend money rather than creating a general feeling of loss or feeling deprived. Look around at all your possessions you no longer use that just take up space in your home. Gather them up and give them to a charity and notice how good you feel letting go of what you don’t need realizing someone can really use it. This provides a sense of control because we are proactive not simply just reacting.

There’s the story of the Buddha meeting a beggar whom he realized had over many lifetimes been destitute . As he approached the man he offered him a bag of coins. There was one stipulation he must say out loud three times publicly: I don’t want it, and I don’t need it. Obviously this was extremely hard for this man who saw this as immediate relief to his needs and dilemma. However the wisdom of the Buddha saw this man’s problems as much deeper than not having enough money. Finally after considerable urging the man was able to say it three times; “I don’t need it I don’t want it.”

In contrast the elder John D. Rockefeller the multimillionaire was asked by a reporter if he had enough money now in his life and reportedly he said I could use a little more.

So if we dare to examine our attitudes and beliefs about money this education can serve us over a lifetime. Then we might realize that to be happy is not just getting what you want but rather wanting what you have.

For more about Thomas W. Calhoun, PhD and the counseling services he provides for Westside Behavioral Care in Denver, Colorado, please visit our website.

Bipolar Kids Need Nutrition

2008-10-16T12:59:00.004-06:00

The full article on this topic was released from the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service on October 16, 2008. We are providing excerpts below as a public service and as a way to give parents another option to consider - in collaboration with their physicians, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals - for children suffering from attention deficit disorder or bipolar disorder:

The NY Times Magazine's cover story, "The Bipolar Kid" (September 14, 2008), is a very bleak article. While emphasizing the miseries of living with such a child, Jennifer Egan's article offers little hope except for ever-increasing doses of lithium.

Pediatrician Lendon H. Smith, M.D., nationally famous as "The Children's Doctor," was very plain in stating that sugar causes profound mood disorders. He specifically advised parents to give their children a "sugarless diet without processed foods." (1) It is not easy. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has reported that children between the ages of six and eleven drink nearly a pint of soda pop a day. 20% of toddlers drink soda pop, nearly a cup daily. (2) And, of the seven best selling soft drinks, six have caffeine in them. In sensitive persons, caffeine can cause psychotic behavior. (3)

Food colorings and benzoate preservatives increase childhood hyperactivity, according to research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, June 2004. (4) The study, involving 277 preschool children, also demonstrated that withdrawing these chemical additives decreased hyperactivity. When additives were reintroduced, there was once again an increase in hyperactivity. "Additives do have an effect on overactive behavior independent of baseline allergic and behavioral status," said lead author Dr. J.O. Warner.

Ian Brighthope, M.D., says, "What is going on in the mind can be influenced by the nutrients and chemicals going into it. You can't get anywhere with a patient with psychiatric symptomatology if their brain is hungry, starved, or poisoned." (5)

Allergist Benjamin Feingold, M.D., was convinced of the negative effect of food chemicals on children's behavior and the role of good nutrition in treatment. (6) Says the Feingold Association: "Numerous studies show that certain synthetic food additives can have serious learning, behavior, and/or health effects for sensitive people." (7)

Another word totally absent from the Times article is "vitamin." Psychiatrist Abram Hoffer, M.D., has had decades of experience and considerable success treating children's behavioral disorders with vitamins. High doses of vitamin B-3 (niacin, or niacinamide) were first used by Hoffer and colleague Dr. Humphrey Osmond in the early 1950s. The trials were double-blind and placebo controlled. Over half a century later, vitamin therapy has still been largely ignored by the psychiatric profession.

A case study involved a child having serious behavioral problems in school and at home. Interestingly enough, the child had already been taking physician-prescribed little bits of niacin, though totaling less than 150 mg/day, but evidently it wasn't enough to be effective. Drug trials had been ineffective in this case, although they sometimes can be very helpful.

In desperation, his mother finally tried giving him 500 mg of niacin, three times daily (1,500 mg total). There was some improvement. With about 500 mg every two hours (an astounding 6,000-8,000 mg/day), the boy was a new person. He was now a cheerful, cooperative, affectionate youngster. Adding vitamin C and B-6 to his regimen helped even more. His school performance soared, the teachers loved him, and they repeatedly said so. At age 15, his maintenance dose was about 3,000 mg/day. He has since graduated from high school and is successfully employed. This is exactly in line with what Dr. Hoffer has repeatedly demonstrated for over 50 years. (8)

References:

(1) Smith L. Foods for Healthy Kids. Berkley, 1991. ISBN-10: 0425127087; ISBN-13: 978-0425127087

(2) Jacobson MF. Liquid Candy: How soft drinks are harming Americans' health. http://www.cspinet.org/sodapop/liquid_candy.htm Accessed Sept 18, 2008.

(3) Whalen R. Welcome to the dance: caffeine allergy, a masked cerebral allergy and progressive toxic dementia. Trafford Publishing, 2005. ISBN-10: 1412050006; ISBN-13: 978-1412050005. Reviewed in J Orthomolecular Med, 2005. Vol 20, No 3, p 215-217 and at http://www.doctoryourself.com/news/v5n11.rtf Synopsis at http://www.doctoryourself.com/caffeine_allergy.html

(4) Bateman B, Warner JO, Hutchinson E et al. The effects of a double blind, placebo controlled, artificial food colourings and benzoate preservative challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of preschool children. Arch Dis Child. 2004. Jun;89(6):506-11.

(5) Interview, in the documentary film, Food Matters. Permacology Productions, 2008. http://www.foodmatters.tv

(6) Feingold BF. Why Your Child is Hyperactive. NY: Random House, 1985. ISBN: 0394734262. List of Dr. Feingold's publications: http://www.doctoryourself.com/biblio_feingold.html

(7) http://www.feingold.org/pg-research.html and http://www.feingold.org/pg-news.html Free email newsletter available.

(8) Hoffer A. Healing Children's Attention & Behavior Disorders: Complementary Nutritional and Psychological Treatments. Toronto: CCNM Press, 2004. ISBN-10: 1897025106; ISBN-13: 978-1897025109. List of Hoffer's publications: http://www.doctoryourself.com/biblio_hoffer.html See also: http://www.doctoryourself.com/review_hoffer_B3.html

Nutritional Medicine is Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness: www.orthomolecular.org .

The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource.

Editorial Review Board:

Damien Downing, M.D.
Harold D. Foster, Ph.D.
Steve Hickey, Ph.D.
Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D.
James A. Jackson, PhD
Bo H. Jonsson, MD, Ph.D
Thomas Levy, M.D., J.D.
Erik Paterson, M.D.
Gert E. Shuitemaker, Ph.D.

Please visit our website for more information on the psychotherapeutic treatment of attention deficit disorder.

On our website we also post information on the treatment of bipolar disorder.

People living in the vicinity of the greater Denver and Boulder (Colorado) metropolitan areas may attain immediate access to a region-wide network of exceptional therapists by visiting the home page of our website.

Protect Against Age-Related Cognitive Decline

2008-10-07T12:47:00.002-06:00

A team of researchers at the University of Bari-Policlinico in Bari, Italy, using prevalence data from the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging (with nearly 6000 subjects aged 65 to 84), found a statistically significant, inverse relationship between the amount of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) consumed and cognitive decline.

The researchers concluded that, "in an elderly population of Southern Italy witha typical Mediterranean diet, high MUFA intakes appeared tobe protective against age-related cognitive decline."

For more information on the psychotherapeutic treatment of conditions related to geriatric concerns, please visit our website.

Sign Up for Denver Depression Study from This Blog

2008-09-29T16:54:00.002-06:00

A study on the medication treatment of depression is ongoing at the Denver branch of Radiant Research, 4704 Harlan St. in Denver, Colorado.

You can sign up for the study, or get more information about it, by going to their website.

Westside Behavioral Care is an outpatient, psychotherapy service with 50 exceptional clinicians spread over the entire Denver/Boulder region. With receptionists available from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, callers needing first-time appointments are provided with an appointment immediately according to their location, insurance, and need...no voice mail, phone tag, waiting, or sorting through lists. The number is 303-986-4197, and it is also possible to self-schedule from Westside's website 24/7.

For more information on depression, please visit Westside's website.

Antioxidants Help Cancer Treatment

2008-09-29T13:30:00.003-06:00

As reported in the August, 2007 issue of Cancer Treatment Review an evaluation of 19 published studies indicated that supplementation with antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin E, melatonin, an antioxidant mixture, or ellagic acid) typically resulted in one or more of the following responses:

1) Increased survival times

2) Improved responses of tumors to chemotherapy

3) Reduced toxicity of chemotherapy

The authors reported that larger studies with well-controlled, double blind designs are much needed in this area.

For mental health treatment of the emotional effects of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in the Denver, Colorado area, please visit our website.

Westside Behavioral Care is an outpatient, psychotherapy service with 50 exceptional clinicians spread over the entire Denver/Boulder region. With receptionists available from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, callers needing first-time appointments are provided with an appointment immediately according to their location, insurance, and need...no voice mail, phone tag, waiting, or sorting through lists. The number is 303-986-4197, and it is also possible to self-schedule from Westside's website 24/7.

Anxiety Research Study Looking for Denver Area Participants

2008-09-18T13:40:00.003-06:00

Denver area residents are currently being invited to participate in a research study (a clinical trial) at the Radiant Research facility, which has been conducting psychiatric research in the Denver community for many years. The researchers are interested in documenting the outcome of a new treatment for problems with anxiety and sleep.

Qualifying questions include the ones just below:

How anxious are you?

Please respond to the following questions basing your answers on your experience in the last 2 weeks or more.

1. I feel keyed up, on edge or restless
2. I feel stressed most of the time
3. I have trouble sleeping (either too little or too much)
4. I have trouble concentrating, or my mind goes blank
5. I feel irritable; I can’t relax; I’m uptight
6. I notice my heart beating rapidly
7. I feel worried, anxious and fearful

If you had 2 or more "yes" statements above and are between 21 and 64 years of age, you might qualify for inclusion in the study. All research-related treatment, follow-up, and medication are provided free of charge for qualifying participants.

Contact:

Leslie Moldauer, M.D.
Radiant Research - Denver
Telephone: 303-477-CARE(2273)

For information on panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety - or for information on therapists who treat anxiety disorders in Denver - please visit our website.

National Anxiety Disorders Study: Sign Up from this Blog for Denver and other Locations

2008-09-17T12:45:00.005-06:00

Researchers at the State University of New York - one of the world's foremost centers for the study of anxiety disorders - are about to begin what they hope will be an extremely helpful evaluation of the effectiveness of The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety.

Details about the study are available online at www.ACTforAnxiety. com along with eligibility criteria and what else is needed to participate.

For more information on the treatment and nature of anxiety and panic disorder, please visit our website.

New Treatment Option for Alzheimer's Disease

2008-09-16T12:50:00.002-06:00

On the reasoning that oxidative stress is a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers at the Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics in Hannover, Germany hypothesized that an antioxidant supplement, alpha-lipoic acid, might slow the progression of the disease.

As reported in the 2007 issue of the Journal of Neural Transmission (number 72), 43 patients with Alzheimer's Disease were given 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day over an observation period of 4 years. Using standardized measures of functioning for Alzheimer's patients, the authors concluded that alpha-lipoic acid markedly slowed the progression of the disease compared to patients receiving no treatment as well as to patients receiving choline-esterase inhibitors.

People looking for outpatient, geriatric mental health care in the Denver, Colorado region are invited to visit our website for a list of competent practitioners.

Panic Disorder Gene Research News

2008-09-15T15:47:00.002-06:00

Researchers at the Centre for Medical and Molecular Biology in Barcelona reported a genetic abnormality common to 90 percent of family members affected by panic disorder and social phobia. The abnormality, called the DUP25 mutation, was also present in most unrelated people suffering from these disorders but rare in people who were free from anxiety. The affected genes play a critical role in the way cells in the central nervous system interact with each other.
This discovery does not by any means rule out the influence of learning or experience; for example, 20 percent of subjects with the DUP25 mutation had no anxiety problems whatsoever. And about half of the people presenting for evaluation had no parental background for the disorder.

The researchers pointed out that a critical factor in the development of panic disorder is not the panic attack per se but the way the individual interprets it, e.g., as impending insanity, heart failure, fainting, and so forth. It was the hard won understanding of false interpretation that led behavioral researchers to develop talk therapies which are effective in 80 percent or more of cases.

Thus there are effective therapies for panic disorder which work despite genetic influence and which do not depend upon current drug therapies or medications to be developed in the future. Please visit our website for more information on the prevalence, nature, and treatment of anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder Therapy Research News

2008-09-12T09:56:00.003-06:00

N-Acetyl Cysteine, a common nutritional supplement, was used successfully to treat depressive symptoms among bipolar patients as reported in the June, 2008 issue of Biological Psychiatry.

It is well known that depression is a significant problem in the treatment of bipolar disorder and that it is often very difficult to treat despite a range of available drug options. The authors of the study hypothesized that N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) would be effective because it corrects glutathione depletion common to the disorder.

A randomized, double blind, multi-center, placebo controlled research design was employed across 75 bipolar patients, with the treatment group receiving NAC (1 gram twice a day) over a 24 week period, adjunctive to usual medications. Compared with placebo, the NAC group showed significant improvement in mood, depressive symptoms, general functioning, social functioning, and occupational functioning.

There were no significant side effects associated with NAC. For additional information on bipolar disorder therapy, please visit our website.

Denver Stress Relief Get Control of Financial Stress

2008-07-29T13:19:00.006-06:00

Christine Chang, Channel 7 Morning News Anchor in Denver, Colorado, interviewed Dr. Thomas R. Giles, our director, about getting control of financial stress. We describe and elaborate upon this feature just below, but as long as the link is active, please feel free to take a look at the article on the Ch 7 Website, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/16984182/detail.html.

The subtitle of the article was: Clinical Psychologist Gives Practical, Psychological Tips, and this is the gist of what one must do to address financial stress during hard times; i.e., there are common sense as well "mental wellness" areas to consider.

I. The Practical

Here the emphasis is upon action, what one can do and what one can plan. This includes a wide range of possible activities; e.g., looking for a job or career change; obtaining job retraining or further education; looking for a job recruiter; looking for a different job location, which sometimes can entail moving to another section of the state or country...or in some cases just across town; engaging a support group; involving nonjudgmental friends and family members in brainstorming sessions (getting as many minds involved as possible); updating and posting one's resume; looking for a region with a booming economy; considering the start-up of one's own business; networking; and searching the internet, paper, and other sources for job postings and career news.

Another emphasis of this stage is upon patience and judgment; in other words, it's best to carefully consider one's options, as opposed to jumping at the first opportunity whether it appears to be a good fit or not.

We should add here that there are certain cognitive styles which also ease the stresses of one's practical endeavors to manage financial stress. One of these, looking for the positive aspects of one's current condition, is a great strategy to practice on a regular basis and works for nearly everyone. Another, however, the attempt to minimize the import of the situation, is only effective if it isn't used in the extreme: Some people are so good at denying their problems that they cannot face things realistically enough to arrive at a solution.

Under the category of practicality, there is the use of stress relief activities, which should be matched to the individual's tastes and interests. For example, some people find relief from yoga, meditation, relaxation exercises, and massage, while others find relief from music, TV, regular exercise, hanging out with friends, or working on the computer. We heartily recommend such activities because they not only provide stress relief but distraction as well: It just isn't good to obsess about or work on one's problems 24/7.

II. The psychological

This aspect of managing stress is at least as important as the practical issues discussed above. Why? Because if one has a tendency toward emotional difficulty, this difficulty is likely to come to the forefront during a time of stress.

Thus a good stress management step is to keep a lookout on oneself for counterproductive emotional reactions which make things worse if not recognized and dealt with appropriately. Some examples include:
Adjustment Disorder
Alcohol Abuse
Losing One 's Temper
Taking Frustration Out on One's Spouse
Becoming Overwhelmed with Anxiety
Becoming Depressed
Eating Excessively
Suffering Grief
Insomnia, Tension
Abusing Drugs
Becoming Suicidal.

If one notices any of the tendencies or disorders noted above, it is wise to seek the services of a mental health professional who specializes in the problem observed.

Attention Deficit Disorder

2008-07-11T11:33:00.004-06:00

ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), with or without Hyperactivity, is the most common mental health problem among young school children, and the disorder will sometimes persist well into adulthood. We discuss the problem more thoroughly on our website; however, here we wish to emphasize what to consider first with children who may have ADD or ADHD.

Primarily, it is essential to consult the services of a specialist when trying to decide whether or not a child is suffering from this problem. This is because ADD and ADHD are both underdiagnosed and overdiagnosed, depending on the setting and other factors.

A specialist can determine if a particularly active, distracted or inattentive child is simply within norms expected by age, developmental stage, family, or context. Children truly suffering from the disorder display symptoms that not only are outside normal boundaries but also that persist over time in quite a number of different situations.

It is equally important not to miss the diagnosis, because school difficulties, family disruption, parental frustration, low self-esteem, and a bullying personality - all of which may result from or accompany the disorder - tend to worsen over time without treatment. Untreated, children with ADD/ADHD are also more likely to develop anxiety disorders, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder.

Please go to the ADD page on our website to read more about this problem, which is discussed at length at the bottom of the page.

Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten

2008-07-11T11:17:00.005-06:00

So Your Child is Going to Kindergarten?

Tips for parents of children starting Kindergarten

Talk with your child about his/her hopes, expectations, and fears about starting.

Acknowledge ALL of your child’s feelings regarding beginning Kindergarten, even if they seem different from what you might expect.

Encourage your child to take risks to get to know other kids.

Remind your child that it’s okay to ask for help.

Don’t take a long time when dropping off the child. A quick hug and “have a nice day” phrase followed by promptly leaving the scene shows that you have confidence your child will transition smoothly.

Stress and the Poor Economy

2008-07-09T13:30:00.005-06:00

$ and Stress

There are are 2 main issues to address when confronted with this problem:

I. The Practical

This includes all the things a person would normally do to address money problems and is primarily action-oriented, placing priority on good decision-making and common sense. Examples include:

1) Reducing expenses
2) Retraining or getting more formal education
3) Looking for a better economy, which in some cases may be nearby. To give an example relevant to Colorado, the Denver area is feeling the effects of high gas prices and foreclosure rates; however, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Rifle - all just 2-3 hours away - are booming, especially for the natural gas and construction industries.
4) Updating a resume and possibly involving a headhunter
5) Consulting job counselors of various sorts
6) Performing Internet searches and posting one's resume at various places such as Monster.com
7) Networking
8) Joining a job search support group
9) Exploring a home business, self-employment, or other entrepreneurial activity

II. The psychological

This category may be broken into general and specific stress management techniques.

A. General:

1) Regular exercise
2) Appropriate intake of alcohol and caffeine
3) Regular use of relaxation exercises, yoga, or massage
4) 5 minutes each day of a simple meditation technique such as observing the breath going in and out
5) Social Activities
6) Other distracting, engaging, and pleasant activities

B. Specific

1) The most important thing here is contemplation time, an invaluable exercise for those who can tolerate it. While alone and free from distractions, please explore your thoughts about everything that is upsetting about the problem; trying very, very hard to put all your emotions into words. This one is as tricky as it is essential because many people do not wish to experience their feelings deeply enough to label or truly understand them. During times of financial stress especially, emotional themes of of worthlessness, failure, catastrophe, or uselessness are common and acutely painful, so much so that many people become unable to put into place the positive steps outlined above in sections I and II.

2) Because of the difficulty involved with contemplation, it is often useful to seek the assistance of a mental health expert, who may be very helpful in the contemplative part of this and who may also know specific relaxation, re-breathing, or hypnotic techniques to help relieve some of the stress. A good therapist will tailor many of the steps mentioned above into a treatment plan, then meet with you regularly to ensure the steps in the plan are carried out. An expert can also assess whether the emotional consequences of the problem are serious enough to warrant a medication - consult with an appropriate psychiatrist or physician.

Healthy Aging

2008-07-09T13:19:00.007-06:00

Keys to Healthy Aging

 Maintain Healthy Relationships with family and friends.

 Develop your spiritual connection.

 Engage in playful activities. Get regular exercise

 Be sure to take time for physical connection. Give and receive hugs. Get a massage.

 Help someone else. Volunteer in a hospital, at a pet shelter, in a day care. Be a Big Brother or Sister.

 Keep your mind stimulated. Take an adult education course, start a book club, develop a new hobby.

 Travel - Many Universities are part of a Senior Hostel system..

 Find groups that share common interests.

by Renee Strauss, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Member, Westside Behavioral Care, Inc., in Denver Colorado.