Tips to Coping With ADHD

If you’re lie a lot of people and don’t want your child on medicine, here’s a few tips that may help.
1). At School
-Have him/her sit near the teacher.
-Give him a planner so he knows what must be done.
-Maintain close communication with the school to be sure assignments are being done and they can make you aware of any problem areas.
-Meet with the school counselor/teacher to head off any problems.
-If he is eligible for special education services, make sure the teacher consultant works closely with the teacher and you.

2). At Home
-Have him repeat back instructions to make sure he has everything.
-Have specific chores and activities written down and place somewhere where he’ll see them.
-Focus on what he does well and not just what he’s struggling with.
-Structure your home to eliminate problems, such as putting breakables away, create a quiet place for him to study, have predictable places for thing he needs but regularly misplaces. An example is putting his school bag on his des when he gets home.
-Set short goals for him, then gradually increase as he succeeds. Expecting too much from an easily distracted and impulsive child will lead to failure, anger, low self-esteem and poor performance.
-Educate him about his condition, symptoms, and strategies that can help him.
-Monitor and regulate his daily routines to help develop consistent and effective behavior patterns.

ADHD Drug Cylert Too Dangerous

According to the Food and Drug Administration, liver problems with Abbott Laboratories Inc’s discontinued ADHD drug Cylert and other generic versions, are too dangerous for the U.S. market. This means that drug manufacturers can no longer produce generic versions of pemoline. Abbott Laboratories discontinued the drug earlier this year, but generic versions have remained available. The FDA said it is not recalling the drug. This will allow pharmacies to sell their remaining stock as doctors switch patients to alternative treatments. The lack of a recall caused concern from consumer advocacy group Public Citizen. Drs. Sidney Wolfe and Peter Lurie, who lead the organization’s Health Research Group, called the FDA and the involved companies reckless and insensitive to the health and lives of children and adults using this drug. The FDA made the statement that during the thirty years the drug has been available, it has thirteen reports of liver failure resulting in transplant or death among those who too it. According to them, the number is well above what the normal rate is such problems are among the general population. They conclude that the risk of liver failure outweighs the potential benefits, noting that other stimulants have been produced and don’t cause the problems pemoline does.

Patch or Pill for ADHD?

Those suffering from ADHD may soon have a choice of taking pills of using a patch. The patch will deliver methylphenidate, the same ingredient that’s found in Ritalin, Concerta, and Methylin, throughout the day. Pending FDA approval, it will be the first ADHD medicine that doesn’t have to be taken orally. The company plans to call it Daytrana.
This transdermal delivery system is designed to provide a continuous release of medicine throughout the day. It will pass through the skin and go directly into the blood stream, and it will be water-resistant. Studies reported at the American and Canadian Academies of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry find it’s effectiveness as well as the once a day drug. Of 80 ADHD kids, aged 6-12, studied, those receiving the real patch, not a placebo, did much better. Their behavior and attention, tested throughout the day, had improved. They also achieved better results on age-adjusted math tests. Side effects were similar to other stimulant drugs, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and those with sensitive skin experienced irritation.
Another study on the patch compared it with a placebo and methylphenidate pills. Both the patch and pills improved ADHD symptoms in 6-12 year olds. Scores improved slightly more with the patch compared to the pills, but the difference wasn’t significant enough to claim scientific proof of superiority.
The patch would be ideal for children who can’t swallow pills. This is especially important for those taing the extended release pills because they cant’ be broken up or the release mechanisms will be destroyed. Another important factor is that the patch offers parents control over how long they want the medication to last. Once a child swallows a pill, you can’t do anything about it. The patch may release methylphenidate for up to 16 hours. And it must be removed for three hours before its effects wear off. But parents can decide to remove it earlier or leave it on beyond the school day. Knowing there was continuing efficacy beyond that 12 hour time point may give them more options.

Pessimism Can Lead To Dementia

Here’s another reason to stay positive; a new study by researchers at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Found that pessimists are more likely than optimists to develop dementia later in life.
Studied were people ages 20-69 who had taken memory impairment tests in the 1960’s and then developed dementia 20-30 years later. Those without a history of psychiatric problems, but scored high on the pessimism scale were 30 percent more likely to develop dementia. People who scored high on the depression scale increased their risk by 40 percent. This either causes stress hormones to be released or their might be a group of genes linked for dementia and pessimism. Whatever the cause, the results are pretty clear-you need to rev up your optimism. Here are four simple tips that can help change your gloomy outlook.
1. Applaud Yourself-Rather than thinking how much time it will take to accomplish a large goal, accomplish small goals and give yourself a pat on the back.
2. Don’t Let Fear Lead To Pessimism-Don’t avoid activities because you’re afraid of triggering a flare. You now you deserve to have some fun, just be sensible about when, and how long you do it.
3. Don’t Beat Yourself Up When Things Go Wrong-If your arthritis is acting up, find a way to enjoy the day anyway. If you had to cancel lunch with a friend, why not invite her over and order takeout instead.
4. Love Yourself-If you’re starring in the mirror wishing you looked younger, give yourself some positive affirmation. Say something like, “These laugh lines make me who I am,”

Classical Music Soothes the Mind and Body

Sing researchers and music therapists believe classical music can soothe aching limbs and decrease stress. A recent study found that Mozart and Bach, slow-tempo music, decreased chronic osteoarthritis pain. Study researchers from the Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing, Boca Raton, found that pain levels decreased from participants because the music distracted them. They also found that heart muscles synchronize to the beat of music, as does breathing. Classical music rhythms mimic the average resting heart. Therefore, listening t soothing sounds actually help to slow fast-beating hearts. Joanne Loewy, PhD, director of music therapy for Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, uses music to slow hr patients’ breathing and to help promote relaxation.
But not all music is the same. Some faster compositions can actually rev up the nervous system, maing people more sensitive to pain.
Steven Halpern, PhD, composes music for healing and relaxation and offers tips to finding music that can decrease stress and keep your mind off of pain. He says to pay attention to your breathing and heart rate. If it slows down while you’re listening, the music is soothing you. Music that makes your heart race should be used for exercising. He also suggests making your own compilations. Store bought compilations are often a mix of soothing and rousing music.
Finally, if you really don’t care for classical, you can try jazz of new age genres. Loewy states that any type of music that makes you feel good when listening to it can be effective.

Six Ways To A Better Doctor's Appointment

Like your doctor, but don’t feel like you’re connecting? Experts offer advice to be sure you’re not the one creating tension between the two of you.
1. Come Prepared.
Write down your questions, symptoms, and things to discuss with your doctor before your appointment. When you do this, the conversation will keep moving and your doctor is more likely to stay focused on you.
2. Take Notes.
Studies show that 20-50 percent of what the doctors said is forgotten by the time you get in the parking lot. Write down instructions or any other important information while you’re in there. This also lets the doctor know that you take him/her seriously.
3. Avoid “By the Way” Moments.
If you’re too nervous, feel too rushed, or you’re too embarrassed to ask the one question that really matters to you, you’ll often blurt it out while the doctor is going out the door. Often the most important things are brought up in the last minutes of an appointment and they can make a difference in your treatment regimen.
4. Do What Your Doctor Says.
Believe it or not, many patients don’t follow their doctor’s recommendations and don’t get better. If you feel uncomfortable with the treatment or if you feel you can’t do it, speak up. Your doctor would rather help you create a new plan than prescribe one you won’t or can’t follow.
5. Be Honest.
You may not want to tell your doctor you’re taking nutritional supplements or that you’ve started smoking again, but keeping these things from him can cause problems. Your doctor can’t help you if you don’t tell him the whole story. You may even get hurt if he prescribes something that conflicts with what you’re taking.
6. Speak Up.
David Watts, MD, physician, poet, author, and commentator on National Public Radio, says to tell your doctor if he says or does something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Your feedback will help other patients as well.

When Your Job Has You Stressed, See Your Spouse

New research shows that a supportive spouse can help calm the negative effects of job stress, especially high blood pressure. A study of 216 men and women found that after one year, job stress and the lack of a supportive spouse had their blood pressure rising 2.8 mm Hg in systolic pressure. However, those volunteers who had spousal support showed a decrease in their systolic pressure by 2.5 mm Hg.

Researchers say the key is "marital cohesion" - basically the ability to talk things over on a daily basis. An attentive spouse who pays atttention to their partner's needs, is a good sympathizer and is willing to spend time with their spouse is a gem.

This study should alert those with a high stress job and/or low marital cohesion to get a blood pressure screening. For those who had a "harmonious" relationship that is deteriorating, a check with a counselor might also be in order.

Even in the Cold, Stay Active and Happy

Research from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, part of the Department of Defense, reports that during the cold holidays, the last thing on your mind is probably exercise. But taking a vacation from fitness could hurt. According to the University, just one week without exercise increased fatigue in their 20 adult subjects. After a second week, they began showing symptoms of depression. They believe that one reason might be that at-rest heart rates increase without regular activity, and the mind senses that something is amiss. Participants in the best shape on the first day ended the study in the worst of moods. Lead author Ali A. Berlin says because their initial heart rats were so low, they experienced the greatest change in heart rate, and the biggest shock to their systems. He says that people can take breaks, but they should just switch to a lower-intensity routine. And if you have to stop due to an injury, he recommends staying upbeat with low-impact exercises such as stretching, physical therapy, or water workouts.

Adult ADHD Meds Double

New research shows that the use of prescription medication for ADHD is growing at a faster rate among adults than children. The use of drugs that help keep ADHD patients focused, doubled among adults 20-44 between 2000-2004. But according to data compiled by Medco Health Solutions, one of the countries largest prescription benefit manager, it only rose 56 percent among children during that time. The study also shows that among women 20-44, use of prescriptions rose 113 percent and 104 percent among those between 45-64, both far more than men. They also point out that spending on the medicines has quadrupled. Experts say reasons for the increase include better drugs, advertising, and parents of children recently diagnosed with ADHD realizing they too have the symptoms.

Doctors are now seeing about 1 percent of adults being treated and 4 times as many are estimated to have ADHD. This means that nearly 1.5 million Americans 20 and older are taking ADHD medicine. These figures dispel the earlier beliefs that children grow out of ADHD. About 50 percent of adults still have problems that affect their functioning. And now, many are staying on their medication beyond adolescence.

Part of the increase is due to awareness of the disorder among the public through advertising. Eli Lilly and Co., makers of Strattera, have been running TV adds aimed at adults who may not realize they have the disorder. Also, the makers of Adderall XR and Concerta have advertised in magazines geared to parents of kids with ADHD.

ADHD has symptoms that include trouble concentrating, impulsivity, disorganization, procrastination and hyperactivity. Along with behavioral therapy, medication is good because it can improve adults' relationships, parenting skills, job performance, even their sex lives, according to Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of a new ADHD book called, "Delivered from Distraction". With new, brand-name versions that last all day, limiting the ups and downs of symptoms, sales have soared from $759 million in 2000 to $3.1 billion in 2004, according to IMS Health, a pharmaceutical informatin and consulting firm. And as drug makers receive regulartory approval specifically to market to adults, the market for ADHD drugs could easily double.

While there are benefits for some adults, others are just stressed out and are being misdiagnosed. More adults are being diagnosed due to better diagnosis procedures. He points out that adults don't just get ADHD, they had it when they were kids too. He says that 3-7 percent of the nation's children have ADHD and a third of them have the disorder with the same intensity in adulthood. While stimulants and non-stimulants are used to help some, doctors cannot act cavalier with the symptoms of ADHD. In our overstressed society, many symptoms can be describing a very stressed out, overloaded person.

ADHD Med May Help Autism

According to research published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Medical Assoc. Archives of General Psychiatry, children with autism may benefit from a drug that is commonly prescribed for ADHD.
Researchers enrolled 72 children in the largest study yet of a stimulant medication, Ritalin, for autistic kids that are hyperactive. They were trying to see if methylphenidate would be effective in reducing hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children with autism.
For the first week, each child participated in a tolerance test of three different dose levels. Next, a four week phase where they were given either a previously tested dose or a placebo. Those who had a positive response were treated for an additional eight weeks to make sure their response was stable.
Of those who participated, 14 withdrew due to intolerable side effects. 35 responded well to methylphenidate and experienced a significant reduction in hyperactivity. However, reduction in symptoms for the entire group was not as great as is typically seen when used to treat those with ADHD.

Exercise Can Lift A Heavy Heart

For the millions of Americans striken each year with depression, they may want to consider walking, running, and even swimming away from their problems. Recent studies show that any form of exercise is as effective as antidepressant medications in reducing the symptoms on those with major depression. It doesn't seem to matter how long you need to exercise. Just get up and do it!
A study done five years ago found that just 10 months of exercise outperformed the antidepressant Zoloft in easing symptoms in young adults with moderate to severe depression.
A study done in 2005, by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, found that 30 minute aerobic workouts three to five times a week cut symptoms by 50 percent in young adults.
Experts agree that those truly depressed can find it rough to get into an exercise routine. That's were loved ones can play a key role. By urging a depressed friend or family member to join them, they're offering helpful support in getting people to maintain exercise. For those who are depressed, exercise may prove to be a viable, worry-free alternative that has great cardiovascular benefits.

Adults With ADHD Often Suffer Psychiatric Problems

According to a recent study, adults with a history of ADHD often suffer from multiple psychiatric problems during their lives, including depression, anxiety and substance abuse. Researchers found that in their study group of parents with past or current ADHD symptoms, 87 percent had at least one other psychiatric disorder and 56 percent had two or more. Major depression was the most common diagnosis that affected 59 percent.
The study, found in the American Journal of Psychiatry, says this is a major public health problem. The authors feel that an estimated 4 percent of adults with ADHD have such a high rate of co-existing disorders. One of their major concerns is that these disorders can affect parenting and ADHD is believed to have a strong genetic component. The University of California, Los Angeles researchers assessed 435 parents who had at least one child with ADHD. By using questionnaires and interviews, they found that 35 percent of parents had ADHD at some point in their lives and about half still showing symptoms.
These parents also had higher risks and earlier onset of a number of psychiatric disorders. Dr. James J. McGough says that 21 percent of parents with ADHD had an anxiety disorder at some point, whereas 8 percent of parents were unaffected. 59 percent of the ADHD parents suffered from major depression during their lives compared to 40 percent of unaffected parents. Those parents with ADHD were also more likely to suffer from oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder as children. Both of these disorders and major depression tended to arise at a younger age amoung ADHD parents. McGough is unclear whether these co-existing disorders emerge as a consequence of ADHD, or represent some biological susceptibility to certain psychiatric conditions.
They suggest doctors look for signs of other psychiatric conditions when assessing adult ADHD. They also suggest considering the possibility of the attention disorder when evaluating adults for conditions like depression and anxiety.

Link Between Depression and Colorectal Cancer

According to a new analysis of data from the Nurses' Health Study, an ongoing study of some 127,000 female nurses, women who suffer from depression are at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Researchers however have found no link between depressive symptoms and the risk of colorectal adenomas, which are growths or polyps that can become cancerous. Dr. Candyce H. Kroenke of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, and colleagues explain in the American Journal of Epidemiology that while depression has long been thought to play a role in the development of cancer, the data are inconclusive. But they add that depression has been tied to certain risk factors for colorectal cancer, including diabetes, low estrogen levels, and behavioral risk factors such as smoking.
Researchers hypothesized that depression would increase the risk of both colorectal cancer and colorectal adenomas. They are the first to look specifically at depression and colorectal cancer. Data analyzed from 81,612 women, all free from cancer at the study's onset, showed 400 cases of colorectal cancer and 680 colorectal adenomas were diagnosed during the 8 year follow up period. Women with the highest levels of depressive symptoms on the Mental Health Index had a 43 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to women with lower levels. The association was stronger among overweight women. These findings suggest that depression may worsen obesity's adverse effects on cancer development. They concluded that further research will be needed to identify potential biological factors through which depressive symptoms may promote colorectal cancer development.

Prescribing Stimulants or Nonstimulants

According to investigators, who presented their findings at the joint meeting of the American and Canadian Academies of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, physicians are more likely to prescribe atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, than stimulants to adults with ADHD if the patient has additional psychiatric diagnoses. Research scientist, David L Van Brunt, PhD. for Eli Lilly, wanted to see if a patient with ADHD's history predicted whether or not the patient was steered toward stimulant therapies or a non-stimulant therapy. Dr. Brunt said that factors of treatment, such as histories of depression or anxiety, predicted whether physicians would prescribe atomoxetine as opposed to stimulant therapies.
The study was conducted due to the growing evidence that ADHD persists into adulthood. They reviewed pharmacy and medical administrative claims from a database that included 10,359 patients 18 years or older and had begun both an ADHD medication and had filed at least one diagnostic claim for ADHD between 2002-2003. In the analysis comparing initiations for atomoxetine to any stimulant, 2036 had recently started on atomoxetine and 6814 had started on any stimulant. The key factor that predicted the use of a stimulant was use of a stimulant in the previous year, which occurred in more than 60 percent of cases.
Dr. Brunt says that there is no overall difference in prescribing patterns of stimulants and long-acting stimulants. He says they are being use to address different treatment needs in clinical practice.

7 Ways To A Happy Holiday

Holidays are they time of year to seduce the senses and bolster the bonds between family and friends. But often, even for the hardiest reveler, the mental and physical stress of holiday tasks can strain the mind and body. Below are some tips to help yet you trough the season, including ways to stay organized, to volunteer your time, decorate, shop, cook, and even card writing, all the while making your health the top priority.

1). Ways To Ward Off Stress
Stress and depression often go hand in hand. It is estimated that 10 percent of the population experiences depression triggered by stress. You can minimize these unwanted effects by controlling time spent on holiday chores.
-Take time for yourself. It’s easy to get burdened with a to-do list. Take time out and pencil in time for relaxation and daily rest. By completing a crossword puzzle, taking a walk, or a nap, the mental and physical break can rejuvenate you.
-Set limits. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Decide how much you can do and stick with it. Don’t forget to ask for help if needed.
-Help others. If you have the time, volunteering can lift your spirits and remind you what the holidays are about. Suggested organizations include the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run, the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, Meals on Wheels, or even helping the Red Cross with the hurricane victims.
-Skip the holiday spirits. Alcohol, which is a depressant, can dampen your mood. It can affect sleep, increase stress, and exacerbated joint pain in some forms of arthritis, especially gout.
-Remember what’s important. Holidays are about family and friends, and your religious beliefs, not about who got what gift. Take part in events that make you feel good and say no the others.
-Laugh out loud. Remember to enjoy yourself. You’re out to have fun with others. Laughter is a successful supplemental therapy for pain. Even giggles can relax muscles, boost circulation and help dissolve stress.
-Don’t create a financial burden. Don’t cause added worry and stress by overspending. Simplify gift giving. Ask family members to do a grab-bag gift exchange. Enjoy less expensive entertainment by driving to decorated houses or going to free concerts.
-Make compromises. Skip the card writing. Call your friends to wish them happy holidays. Talking to them will boost your spirits. Or if you still want to send cards, get printed ones. It will save you pain from writing and time.

2). Ways To Tone Down De’cor
To get in the holiday spirit, many decorate their home. Here’s a few tips to help without going overboard.
-Go artificial. You can buy an artificial tree with the lights already attached. Places like Wal-Mart and The Home Depot will put a tree together for you. To spruce up a room, use artificial wreaths, garland, poinsettias, and holly branches. They won’t need watering and won’t drop needles, saving time on maintenance and clean-up.
-Take a stand. If you must have a live tree, take the stand with you. Ask the handler to set it in there, then just load it in your car.
-Hang together. If you’re having a get together, ask everyone to bring a decoration for the tree. It will be full in no time.
-Lay on lights. If you’re lighting the outside, use the ones that lay like a blanket and drape them over bushes and trees.
-Seek simplicity. Go minimalist. Try a grouping of candles at different lengths. Switch your regular couch pillows with holiday ones.

3). Ways To Work In Your Workout
Things may seem to busy, but don’t skimp on your exercise. It may make you feel depressed.
-Walk during your child’s sport event. Walking around the gym or field during your child’s sports practice or event will help you burn more calories than sitting on the bleachers.
-Exercise with a friend. If you exercise with a friend, you’re more likely not to break your commitment. Use the time to catch up, vent, release stress.
-Don’t park near the door. Whether it’s at home or the mall, parking further away can help. Those additional steps can really add up during a day of shopping.

4). Ways To Shop Smart
Instead of walking aimlessly from store to store, follow these do’s and don’ts so gift browsing doesn’t lose its luster when pain is present.
-Don’t procrastinate. Joining the mayhem of Christmas shoppers between Dec. 10 and Christmas Eve will only add to your stress, and you’ll probably spend a lot of time on your feet in long lines. You should plan ahead, start early, and shop at a leisurely pace. Stores are less crowded early or late on weekdays.
-Do browse at home. Visit Web sites or review catalogs of your favorite stores. Mae a list of thngs you want to purchase, call ahead to see if the item is in stock, and have the salesperson hold it for you. Better yet, order by phone or online and save yourself a trip.
-Do map it out. If your going to numerous stores, set a course of action and stick to it. List where you need to go and what items you need for each store.
-Don’t lose your cool. Don’t beat yourself up an cause more stress if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. Remember that it’s the thought that counts.
-Do use a cart. So your finger joints won’t be strained from carrying gifts, use a cart from store to store. If you can’t borrow one from the mall, you can purchase one at www.shop.com for $46.99. You can also use it after the holidays fro groceries or laundry.
-Don’t shop the mall. Scarce parking spots and long lines can make the mall a very stressful and unfriendly place. Try to visit main street style shops or open air shopping areas. Parking is usually plentiful, you can visit multiple shops, and you can get some fresh air in between.

5). Ways To Avoid Temptation. Avoiding high calorie holiday foods is often difficult. But don’t have post-holiday regret by overeating now. Just follow these simple guidelines.
-Eat in before you head out. Eating a healthy meal before you leave home for a holiday party will prevent you from overeating. You’ll also be able to focus on family and friends.
-Set sensible goals. Set a realistic limit on how much you will eat and drink before you go out. Limit your visits to the buffet table and how many items you’ll get. Then praise yourself for keeping your promises.
-Don’t mingle near food trays. Try to stay away from tables loaded with hors d’oeuvres or candies and snacks.
-Bring your own. See if you can bring a veggie tray or something else nutritious for you to snack on.
-Just say “No, thank you”. It may be difficult to do, but if the host offers you seconds, politely but simply decline their offer.
-Inform gift-givers. Let family and friends be aware that you don’t want food as a gift. And if they ignore your wishes, you can give it to a homeless shelter.
-Remove food. Instead of meeting friends and family at a home, try getting together at a holiday concert, theatre, museum, or sporting event.

6). Places To Go Online For Gifts. Shopping on the Web saves time and energy that’s traditionally spent schlepping from store to store. It’s never been easier to find a rare collectible or a sweet sentiment to send to someone over the holidays. With online gift guides and Web-based catalogs providing a clearing-house of gifts that allows you to bookmark a gift idea to come back to later, further simplifies online searches and purchases. Next time you sign in, try these sites: www.ebay.com, www.findgifts.com, www.shopzilla.com, www.surprise.com, www.zingermans.com.

7). Ways To Make Meals Simple. Although a home-cooked meal is probably a tradition at your home, long hours over a hot stove can e a bit too much for your joints. Cut down on cooking time by starting a few new traditions.
-Make it a potluck. Why do you have to do all the cooking? Ask friends and family if they can bring a certain dish to share.
-Offer a buffet. Why lug all the dishes from the kitchen to the table? Make it a buffet. Line up plates, food, then utensils and napkins. Your guests will enjoy not having to mess with utensils while filling up their plates.
-Order out. Leave food preparation to someone else. Local caterers and grocery stores can provide dishes or entire meals. You can try such places as www.Kroger.com or www.honeybaked.com.
-Get mobile. If you must cook, a supportive stool with wheels will help you move around the kitchen more easily, and it will help you save energy.
-Go disposable. Washing dishes doesn’t have to be part of the tradition. Use disposable and inexpensive cooking tins. Dixie’s Stoneware even offers decorative dining plates and bowls.

Finally, just remember to do what you can to prevent stress from wrecking your holidays. Stress lowers your immunity and you could be prone to an infection or full fledged flare. Remember to stop and rest, especially at the first sign that you’ve overdone it. Be sure to enlist help if needed. If you do overdue it, an ice pack will help swollen joints and a heating pad helps sore muscles. Taking time to relax, whether it’s listening to music or soaking in a hot tub, will help you better cope with the holidays.

Treatment For Depression On The Net?

A new study has found that depression treated on the internet is as effective as in person sessions with a therapist. Researchers say those with depression doing self help sessions reported similar improvement to those seen in previous studies of patients who go to clinical environments. These findings could be valuable to sufferers in rural and remote areas who have difficulty accessing therapists.
In a study, published by Swedish scientists in the British Journal of Psychiatry, gives credence to the vast majority of self help courses offered online for years. One study examined 177 Swedes suffering from mild to moderate depression. One group underwent an internet therapy treatment while a second group received no formal treatment. They found that those receiving internet therapy reported decreased depressive symptoms immediately after treatment and at a six month follow up. Benefits also included anxiety relief and a better quality of life. They concluded that it is a proven form of treatment for mild depression.
Researchers however expressed concern over the high drop out rate, which was 37 percent, of those receiving internet treatment. Anita Abrams, a clinical psychologist, said that quite a few had to be excluded when it became clear they required treatment at a more personal level. But she feels that anything that reaches out to people may help save a life and it's worth persisting.

Largest Survey On Major Depressive Disorder

Research from the largest survey of psychiatric disorders among U.S. adults indicated a larger picture than previously reported of major depressive disorder (MDD) in specific population groups. The National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) also indicated a strong relationship of MDD to alcohol use disorders, drug disorders and other mental health conditions.
Researchers at Columbis University's Mailman School of Public Health reported middle age, female , Native American, low income, separation, divorce or widowhood increased the likelihood of current or lifetime MDD. The most striking findings to emerge from the study were the elevated rates of major deprssion in baby boomers and in Native Americans. This was expressed by lead author Deborah Hasin, PhD, professor of clinical Epidemiology at the Mailman School.
Research involved interviews with more than 43,000 non-institutionalized individuals over 18 years with questions that reflect diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The findings conclude that five percent experienced MDD during the 12 months preceding the survey and 13 percent experienced MDD at any time during their lives. Notable is the shift among the highest lifetime risk from younger adults during the 1980's and 1990's to the middle-aged adults of today. Dr. Hasin feels this is an improtant transformation in the distribution of MDD in the general population and specific risk for those aged 45-64.
The risk of the onset of MDD increases between age 12 and 16 and more gradually up to the early 40's when it begins to decline, with mean age of onset at about 30. Women are twice as likely then men to experience MDD and are more likely to receive treatment. About 60 percent of those with MDD received treatment specifically for the disorder. Of all who experienced MDD, nearly half wanted to die, one third considered suicide, and nine percent attempted suicide. Research also shows that those with MDD, 14 percent have an alcohol abuse disorder, 5 percent have a drug use disorder, and 26 percent are have a dependence for nicotine. More than 37 percent have a personality disorder and more than 36 percent have at least one anxiety disorder.
These results demonstrate a strong relationship of MDD to substance dependence and a relationship to substance abuse. The NESARC also found strong relationships between MDD and anxiety disorders. MDD was strongly associated with personality disordrs. Mailman School colleague Renee Goodwin, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology believes this study provides the grounds for further investigation in a number of areas. Complete findings were published in the October 2005 Archives of General Psychiatry.

10 Ways To Take Control Of ADHD

At first you may think that posivie thinking and ADD have nothing to do with each other. But many with ADD develop negative thinking habits due to frustration of challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative outlook makes it harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward positively. By practicing positive thinking, you're allowing yourself to focus on your strengths and accomplishments, which then increases happiness and motivation. This then allows us to spend more time progressing and less time feeling down and often times stuck. Here are a few tips to help you start feeling more positive.
1.Take care of yourself. You can be positive by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2.Remind yourself to be grateful. Reminding yourself of the things going right in your life make challenges and stresses seem alittle smaller.
3.Don't make assumptions. Our fears are usually not reality. If you think a friend is mad at you, ask them. Don't waste time worrying unless you have proof there is something to worry about.
4. Don't us absolutes. Have you ever said to someone "You're always late!" Using absolutes like always and never makes things seem worse then they are. And it programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5.Detach from negative thoughts. If you're having a negative thought, detach from it, and let it go. Thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them.
6.Squash the "Ants"-Automatic negative thoughts. These are usually bad thoughts that are reactionary, like "Those people must be laughing about me." When you notice these thoughts, realize what they are and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin', Touchin', and Squeezin'. Positive physical contact with friends and loved ones is an instant pick me up. It even works on pets! One study showed that a waitress recieved higher tips from people she touched then ones she didn't.
8. Increase you social activity. Increasing activity will decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with happy, positive people who will affect you in a positive way.
9. Volunteer or help someone out. Investing your time, money or energy makes everyone feel good. The more positive energy you put out, the more you'll recieve.
10. Combat rumination with pattern interruptions. If you're ruminating, do something different. Rumination is never productive. Try changing your physical environment by going for a walk, calling a friend, or turning on some music.

New Treatment For Depression

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy, VNS, is a recently approved long-term treatment for depression. The FDA specifically approved this treatment for those who suffer from major depressive episodes, but who have not had an adequate response to four or more antidepressant treatments. Major depressive disorder affects nearly 19 million Americans each year. Unfortunately, one fifth do not respond to multiple antidepressant treatments. For these people, psychotherapy, medications and even sometimes electroconvulsive therapy does not work, or only works for a short while then stops working over time. This is refered to as Treatment Resistant Depression,TRD.
VNS therapy was first approved for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in 1997 and is now available for those 18 years and older with TRD. Dr. Sarah H. Lisanby, director of the Columbian Brain Stimulation Service at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, believes patients need safe and effective therapeutic options. The availability of the FDA approved treatment is an important development for the disturbingly large number of people with depression who have not responded to other treatments. She believes that open studies suggest that the benefits were sustained over time with very tolerable and few side effects. Half of the patients with an average of 25 years of major depressive disorder saw some benefit. One third had at least a 50 percent improvement and one out of six was depression free after treatment. They also reported signficant improvements in their quality of life.
The VNS therapy is delivered through a small device similar to a pacemaker that is implanted in the chest area. It sends mild pulses to the brain through the vagus nerve that is located in the neck. A thin, insulated wire is attached to the generator and runs under the skin to the left vagus nerve. The nerve serves as the body's "information highway" that connects the brain to many major organs. Studies have shown what VNS therapy may modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine thought to be involved in mood regulation.

How To Beat Stress

Stress Can have thousands of causes, but the ultimate remedy is to just let it go. First remember the saying "this too shall pass". Often , just letting the problem be is a good solution. When things get rough, stop, take deep breaths, and relax. Things you can do to slow down and let go include taking a break, nap, bath, or going for a walk. The problem for alot of people is that they get caught up in their problems and lose perspective on what matters most. Being calm and collected is the source of success, health, and happiness. If you follow the Serenity Prayer, which says change the things you can and accept the things you can't, stress will be a small, manageable part of your life.