Arizona Counseling: March 2007

Ozone impact on Health Children, Teens, Adults

Ozone is a colorless, odorless gas that has severe effects on health, particularly the lungs.

The Environmental Protection Agency states it can cause chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. It can reduce lung function and inflame the linmings of the lungs. Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

Blog by David Abrams lifeworksaz.com, lifeworks counseling, Phoenix Az.

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Children Day Care Behavior Issues

The National Institute of Health issued a report regarding the impact of behavior in relation to how long a child has been in day care.

The longer children had spent in day care centers before kindergarten, researchers had found the more likely their sixth-grade teachers were to report "problem behavior".

The report stated that the children that received high quality care had improved vocabulary skills in the fifth grade than those that had received lower quality care.

There is research that states the most important ages for a child's development is from birth- 3 yrs old.

There is also research that states the more a child interacts with adults outside of the home during early development the greater ability a child will gain in his communication skills(vocabulary)

Blog by David Abrams lifeworksaz counseling, www.lifeworksaz.com, Phoenix Az, child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist.
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Sobriety Teens and Adults

There are nearly eight million alcoholics in the United States.

Four major drug manufacturers are working on alcohol treatment drugs.

What is interesting is that prescription drugs would be used to treat a drug related addiction.
Methadone has been used in the past as an alternative to heroin derived drug use.

Are we just substituting one drug addiction for another??????????

By David Abrams Mapc LPC lifeworksaz.com lifeworksaz.com
Counseling
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Women and Weight

I read an interesting article in Body + Soul magazine called Women + weight by Tracy Gaudet, M.D.(April 2007) Below are some portions of the article I found enlightening.

Our upbringing also wields enormous influence. Working with patients over the years, I've seen that those whose parents eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly are far more likely to maintain those habits as adults.

Despite challenges like these, you can always cultivate a healthier approach to your weight for the simple reason that the impact of culture and the habits you grew up with are ultimately determined by you. By bringing these underlying dynamics to light, you make them conscious, you reclaim your power to rewire old habits and make healthier choices.

Unhealthy behaviors, including eating habits, often function to help satiate emotional needs that are not being met.

When you have fewer buried emotional or physical issues driving your eating, you'll find that it is enormously easier to maintain a balanced weight, and you'll see healthier patterns in the rest of your life.

Blog by David Abrams lifeworksaz counseling, therapist, psychotherapist, mental health counselor.
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Brainpower adults

I read an article in the LA Times on 10-16-06 called Brainpower:Think upkeep by Greg Miller. Below are portions of the article.

Earlier this year, a panel of experts assembled by the National Institutes of Health reviewed the scientific literature on cognitive aging. Aside from genetics, four factors stood out as good predictors of how well people keep their mental edge as they age, says Marilyn Albert, a cognitive neuroscientist at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, who sat on the panel.

The Fab four, Albert says, are physical activity, mental activity, social engagement, and cardiovascular health.

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Cags, lifeworksaz counseling, therapist.
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Nicotine content Cigarettes

I read a recent health flash that appeared in my girlfriends Self magazine, April 2007.

Nicotine content in cigarettes has risen about 11 percent over seven years, a new study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston finds.

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Kids in youth jails Md

I read an interesting article from the Baltimore Sun, March 14, 2006, by Greg Garland called: Most-troubled kids languish in youth jails in MD., backlog of juveniles awaiting placement builds. I have a portion of the article below.

Department of Juvenile services records show that as of late January, 63 youths had been jailed six weeks or longer while waiting for placement- nearly twice the number of a year ago. The jails, formally known as detention centers, are supposed to be used only for short-term stays until a youngster accused of a crime can have his case decided in juvenile court.

The youths languishing the longest in jail are those most in need of help, state juvenile service officials acknowledge. Many have been traumatized from years of abuse or neglect and the kinds of life experiences that can come with growing up poor: a parent jailed or lost to drugs; a friend or sibling killed on the streets; frequent moves to stay with different relatives or foster families.

"They are mainly youths with severe mental health issues...waiting for in-state or out-of-state residential treatment center beds to open, " Hopkins said, describing the young offenders waiting six weeks or more for placement.

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Protect your Children and Family drugs in water supply.

I read an interesting article by David Horowitz called no drugs down the drains in the costco connection 4-07.

The US Geological Survey says its recent studies of the US waterways are detecting trace levels of chemicals commonly found in prescription drugs. It states that prescription drugs are being tossed down our toilets.

Trace levels of chemicals from these drugs were found in 80 percent of the streams across the country according to AARP Bulletin. These chemicals are harming marine life and the EPA is pushing to gauge the impact of pharmecuticals on health and our environment.

David Abrams lifeworksaz.com counseling for children, teen, and adults.
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Journaling for Health: Children, Teens, Adults

I read a great article called Putting words to work by Sonja Haller in the Az Republic 2-28-07. Portions of this article are provided below.

A 2002 study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that University of Iowa students who journaled about their emotions and tried to understand stressful events saw improvements in their relationships, personal strength, spirituality, and appteciation for life.

Two decades of studies by University of Texas at Austin psychology professor James Pennebaker found that journaling for
20 minutes three days a week can lower blood pressure, reduce missed workdays and visits to the doctor, and increase immunity.

Journals are wonderful for healing, self discovery, travel, memories, gratitude, and many other ways to make changes in life.

David Abrams lifeworksaz counseling,Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale Az, Tempe Az., Paradise Valley Az.
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Child, Teen, Adult Health and water

1. The water we drink must be free of all impurities.
2. The water we drink must be warm.
3. Drink sea salted water throughout the day.
4. Drink one qt of warm salted water within the first hour of waking up each day. If you weigh 120 lbs or less you can get away with 24 ounces in that first hour.
5. Use 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per qt of water.
6. Urine outflow volume should equql inflow of water.
7. Consume half your body weight in ounces of warm salted water every day.

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Drug Abuse Teens, Adults, Children

I read an article relating to prescription drug abuse today. The article stated that 15.1 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2003.

The article states that prescription drug abuse is greater than the use of illegal street narcotics worldwide.

It appears there is a tremendous amount of pain at home in the USA and we must look at reducing this pain in legal healthy ways.

Psychotherapy has shown great benefits in alleviating emotional trauma and pain which is correlated with the need to abuse drugs.

David Abrams lifeworksaz counseling
Therapist Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale Az., Tempe Az, Paradise Valley Az
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Anxiety Adults in NY Post 911

It has been over five years since the Sept 11 tragedy in Manhattan. New Yorkers are more anxious in relation to events and activities in the city.

New Yorkers want to feel safe and secure, however, struggle with these issues due to 9/11. Fear seems to be hanging around in the heart and minds of many New Yorkers.

EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy has helped many with anxious symptoms.

David Abrams MAPC LPC CAGS
Lifeworks counseling
Mental Health Therapist
Phoenix Arizona
www.lifeworksaz.com

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Kids,child,teen unhealthy habits and advertising

I read an interesting article on CNN AP.. called Ads spur eating disorders, premature drinking, doc says. Below are some portions of the article.

Inappropriate advertising contributes to many kids' ills, from obesity to anorexia, to drinking booze and having sex too soon, and Congress should crack down on it, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.

The article states that these pervasive ads influence kids to demand poor food choices, and to think drinking is cool, sex is a recreational activity, and anorexia is fashionable, the academy says.

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Kids, teens, art therapy supported by science

I read a fascinating article that supports art therapy's impact on the brain and on healing in a NY Times article 3-20-06. called The healing canvas by Jenny Hontz.
Below are some portions of the article.

Allan Schore, associate clinical professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA's
School of Medicine, says that traumatic and stressful memories are stored in the right hemisphere of the brain, which processes emotions, visual and nonconscious information. The left brain controls logical thinking and verbal skills. But for therapy to be effective, "it has to get into the right brain" Schore said. Creating art is a fast way to access the right brain and the emotions stored there.

While making art activates the right brain, talking about it and constructing a coherent story about the traumatic experience activates the left hemisphere as well. Integrating the two leads to healing. "What is expanded is the interconnectivity of the brain," Schore said.

Art therapy can be especially useful diagnostic tool with kids and others who have a hard time talking about feelings.

David Abrams lifeworksaz.com
Life works counseling
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Child Anxiety School

Children from the age of 10-13 typically leave the nurturing environment of elementary school and are placed into a new middle school.

Children at this age have hormonal changes and struggle with self-image challenges. Many children are bullied or perpetrated by other children with low self-esteem.

Change for the child can be overwhelming and produce a lot of anxiety. Children struggle with this new adjustment that can impact the child's mood, behavior, and academic performance.

Many children complain of: headaches, stomach aches, etc.
The child is having difficulty with adjusting to his new environment and this creates an anxious mood.

Long-term issues like; delinquent behavior, social isolation, marital issues, difficulty holding a job may be created. Anxiety, depression, and other disorders can be created.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially effective in these cases.

Blog by David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS lifeworksaz counseling, child therapist, teen therapist, Phoenix Arizona.
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Antidepressants not effective for bipolar disorder

I read an interesting article with the above title in the Arizona Republic 3-29-07.

Antidepressants which are widely prescribed with mood stabilizers to treat patients with bipolar disorder, do not work in reliving the depressive symptoms of the illness, a large federal study reported Wednesday.

Researchers estimated that 50 to 70 percent of people with bipolar disorder take antidepressants, although the FDA has approved none of the drugs as a treatment.

For more details go to the article in AZ Republic 3-28-07.

Blog by David Abrams Lifeworks Counseling, child therapist Phoenix Az, teen therapist Phoenix Az, adult therapist Phoenix Az, Scottsdale Az, Tempe Arizona, Paradise Valley, Arizona.
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Antidepressants may harm infants' lungs

Excpectant mothers who took antidepressants like Prozac late in their pregnancy were significantly more likely to give birth to an infant with a rare but serious breathing problem, doctors are reporting today.

The lung disorder, called persistent pulmonary hypertension strikes 1 to 2 newborns in 1000, on average, and can be fatal. In babies exposed to antidepressants during the last few months of pregnancy, the study found, the rate was six times as high: 6 to 12 newborns in 1000.

For more info on this article go to NY Times 2-9-06 article by Benedict Carey called antidepressants may harm infants' lungs, report says.

Blog by David Abrams lifeworks counseling, child therapist, adult therapist, teen therapist, child counseling, teen counseling, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona, Mesa Arizona.
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Medical experts tied to drugmakers

A majority of the medical experts who create the "bible" for diagnosing mental illness have undisclosed links to drugmakers, says a study out today.

Some panels overseeing disorders that require treatment with prescription drugs, such as schizophrenia and "mood disorders", were 100 percent filled with experts financially tied to the pharmaceutical industry, says the study published in the journal psychotherapy and psychosomatics.

For more on this article go to USA today 4-20-06 ; study: medical experts tied to drugmakers by Dan Vergano.

Blog by David Abrams therapist, teen therapist, child therapist, adult therapist, child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona.
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Anger Management

Anger management classes can vary quite a bit. But most share basic principles: understanding, identifying and learning to control angry emotions and employing relaxation techniques to minimize the physiological responses to anger.

The judicial system has created the biggest demand for anger management training. It may cost a jail 100 dollars a day to keep a defendant in jail for: assault, rage, or disturbing the peace.

Blog by David Abrams life works counseling, child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Tempe Arizona.
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Net addiction video games

The mental health profession is dealing with people who blame online roleplaying games for lost jobs, failing grades, health problems, and even divorce.

One study by a neuropsychiatric journal called CNS Spectrums, found nearly 6 percent of 2,513 adults reported that they felt their relationships suffered as a result of excessive internet use.

Blog by David Abrams Life Works Counseling, child therapist, adult therapist, teen therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona
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Attitude and Health

Taking the time to focus on all the wonderful elements we have in our lives can boost our health and our immune system.

Appreciating our health, our friendships and loved ones is extremely important in maintaining healthy emotions that are in balance.

Reflect upon wonderful memories that have been a positive experience in your life.

Learning to forgive others is essential to maintain health.

Exercise and diet are extremely important in dealing with stress.

Hobbies: photography, gardening, playing with your dog, reading are very helpful for emotional and physical health.

Blog by David Abrams Life Works Counseling, child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, psychotherapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona
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Signs of drugs child and teen

Inhalants: slurred speech, drunken,dizzy, dazzed appearance, unusual breath odor, chemical smell on clothing, paint stains on body or face.

Methamphetamines: inability to sleep, increased sensitivity to noise, nervous physical activity like scratching, irritability, dizziness or confusion, extreme anorexia, tremors or convulsions, increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Presence of inhaling paraphernalia, such as razor blades, mirrors and straws. Presence of injecting paraphanalia, such as syringes, heated spoons or surgical tubing.

Club drugs: problems remembering things they recently said or did, loss of coordination, dizziness or fainting, depression, confusion, sleep problems, chills or sweating, slurred speech.

Cocaine: Red, bloodshot eyes, runny nose or frequent sniffing, a change in friends, acting withdrawn, depressed, tired or careless about personal appearance. Losing interest in school, family or activities, frequently needing money.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, child counselor, teen therapist, teen counselor,adult therapist, adult counselor Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona, Lifeworks Counseling, Phoenix Arizona.
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ADHD and diet

Dietary changes can help some who are affected by ADHD.

Feeding the brain with higher-protien, lower-carb meals is very helpful. For breakfast, a ratio of 60 percent protein and 40 percent carbs can be effective.

Supplementation that specifically targets focus, stress and memory can make a difference.

Long term studies show family counseling and parenting training are effective.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist phoenix Arizona, teen therapist Phoenix Arizona, adult therapist Phoenix Arizona, Psychotherapist Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale AZ , Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona
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Values,Ethics, child

The state House of Representatives is now considering a Senate Bill that would give law enforcement officials another tool to combat children in prostitution.

Pimps prey on vulnerable teens, often runaways, torture them, drug them into a brainwashed state of mind. This can lead them to a life of prostitution.

We must think about how we can prevent children from a life of crime.
A child does not simply wake up one day and decide on becoming a prostitute. A child who receives love and feels: safe, secure, and stable will have the tools to make healthy choices. A child who is taught that their body is a temple and who is taught to value and respect ones self will not poison themselves with drugs. A child or teen who feels valuable and has a strong self esteem would not sell their body for money. A child needs to be heard and needs to feel that he/ she has a voice. If we can instill : love, values, ethics, and create a healthy environment for our youth we can prevent future crime.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, adolescent therapist, kid therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult therapist, adult counselor, psychotherapist, family therapist, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Mesa Arizona, Glendale Arizona.
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Psychopathic Personality

The psychopath never remains attached to anyone or anything. They live a "predatory" lifestyle. They feel little or no remorse. They use people for stimulation, to build self-esteem and they invariably value people in terms of their material value.

A psychopath can have high verbal intelligence, but typically lack emotional intelligence.

The following is a list of items based on research of Robert Hare, PHD which is derived from"the hare psychopathy checklist-revised, 1991, Toronto: multi-health systems. These are the most highly researched and recognized characteristics of psychopathic personality and behavior: glibness, need for stimulation, manipulative, parasitic lifestyle, promiscuous sexual behavior, lack of realistic long term goals, irresponsibility, grandiose sense of self worth, pathological lying, lack of remorse, lack of empathy, poor behavioral controls, impulsivity, no accountability for self, many short term relationships, juvenile delinquency, criminal versatality. For further info and more detailed info see www.hare.org

Blog by David Abrams Child Therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona.
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Girl's Self- Esteem

A 1997 study by Cornell University researcher Joan Jacobs Brumberg found that 53 percent of 13 year old girls were unhappy with their bodies. By the time they turn 17 that dissatisfaction rate grows to 78 percent..

I do not blame girls for not being aware of the forces that influence how they see themselves. If you are a teen, how do you identify a conspiracy to make you feel inadequate when it envelops you?

To read more on this article called A girl's most valuable attribute? Herself, written by Cindy Rodriguez from Denver Post 10-1- 2006.

Blog by David Abrams child counselor,teen counselor, adult counselor, child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, psychotherapist, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Mesa Arizona, Glendale Arizona.
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Columbine fascination

Many teens are fascinated with the tragic Columbine shootings. Students have cited the bloodbath as a source of inspiration.

We must not delude ourselves to the reality that our children all have pain.
We must do our best to: spend quality time with our children, listen to them, encourage their growth, give them unconditional love, instill guidance, support, and build their self concept and self esteem. Our children need to feel more important than our vehicles, clothing, jewlry etc... Children are a gift!!!!

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, psychotherapist. Phoenix
Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona.

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Youth Suicide

Arizona ranks in the top 10 states across the nation for suicide-related deaths.

Paying attention to warning signs-changes in behavior, hearing someone say, "this place would be better off without me" should be taken seriously, Kontz said. She recommends parents take advantage of opporrtunities to speak with their child about suicide and depression.

For more on this article written by Sara Bisker called Community grapples with youth's suicide 11-10-2006, West Valley View.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, psychotherapist, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Paradise Valley, Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona.
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EMDR..... PTSD.

Treatment with EMDR involves elements of several therapeutic methods, including behavioral, cognitive, and even freudian ideas, but in addition, the EMDR therapist induces rapid eye movements in the patient by asking him to follow the movements of a finger waved in front of his face. At the same time, the patient is encouraged to think and talk about the stressful-traumatic event.

According to Shapiro, after three 90 minute sessions, at least 84 percent of trauma victims improve so much that their symptoms no longer fit the definition of PTSD.

The American Psychological Association and the International Society of Traumatic Stress studies approved EMDR in 1999.

Donna Bowers had insomnia, nightmares, panic, anxiety, and depression. She states all her symptoms left after six sessions of EMDR and have not returned in eight years.

To read more go to the article called Finger-Flash therapy catches on by Robert Evans Web MD/Healtheon 2-21-2000.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, adolescent therapist, adult therapist, child counselor, teen counselor, adult counselor, psychotherapist, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Mesa Arizona.
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Insomnia- trouble sleeping

These are some tips to get a better night's rest: exercise regularly, but not just before bed. Go to bed at the same time every night, and avoid taking long naps during the day. Finish any work related tasks early in the evening. Do not eat three hours before bedtime. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. If you wake up in the middle of the night, get out of bed and go to a relaxing room where you can read until you become sleepy.

I believe visualization, imagery, yoga breathing, and cognitive behavioral therapy, in conjunction with diet are extremely important to maintain healthy sleep.

Blog by David Abrams adolescent therapist, child therapist, adult therapist, teen counselor, child counselor, adult counselor, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona, Paradise Valley Arizona.
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Depression(SAD) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

I read an interesting article called Getting a grip on the Winter Blues 12-5-06, by Jane E. Brody.

The article states 14 million severely affected American adults, SAD can send them into a tailspin that makes it difficult if not impossible to fulfill daily responsibilities and derive any joy from life. An additional 33 million people are less severely affected but may experience declines in energy, cheerfulness, creativity or productivity in the dark days of winter.

The article states an effective approach is cognitive behavioral therapy. For more information please
see the full article.

Blog by David Abrams child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, psychotherapist, Phoenix Arizona, Scottsdale Arizona, Tempe Arizona.

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Child abuse Brain chemistry

I read an interesting article by Ronald Kotulak, in the Chicago Tribune, 11-25-2006.Portions of the article are mentioned below.

A new study on monkeys raised by abusive mothers suggest that growing up in an abusive household can alter brain chemistry in a way that makes youngsters prone to mistreating their own children when they grow up.

In other words, abuse is not just something that's learned from living with abusive parents, although that may have an influence, according to authors of the report, published in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience.

Suffering through abuse also appears to permanently lower the brain's production of an important regulator of emotions called serotonin..

Blog by David Abrams, child therapist, teen therapist, adult therapist, Phoenix, Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, Tempe Arizona, Glendale Arizona.

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ADHD Drug Risks

I read an interesting article in the Arizona Republic on 2-22-07 called Makers of ADHD drugs must warn patients of risks. Below are some excerps from the article.

The FDA directed the manufacturers Ritalin, Adderall, Strattera and all other ADHD drugs to develop guides.

Drugs prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will include guides to alert patients and parents of the risks of mental and heart problems including sudden death.

The alerts cover psychiatric problems, such as hearing voices and manic behavior, of which there is a slightly increased risk in patients who take the drugs, the agency said.

The guides also tell patients and their parents of precautions they can take to guard against risks.

Blog by David Abrams child counselor,
Teen counselor, adult counselor, psychotherapist, Phoenix, Scottdale, Tempe, Arizona.
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Depression children

There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to a depressed mood.

A child who develops a healthy sense of his gifts( intrinsic qualities) is important. These positive self perceptions can build the child's self esteem. A positive self concept can be helpful when the child has negative life events. The child can focus on his gifts instead of focusing on all the negative events.

Exercise on a daily basis is extremely beneficial in coping with a depressed mood. The brain releases "feel good" endorphins that can elevate mood.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown a great deal of success in coping with a depressed mood. The basis is becoming aware of our irrational thoughts and changing them to healthy realistic thoughts.
Thoughts impact our mood.

Blog by David Abrams Adolescent therapist, adult therapist, child therapist, Phoenix AZ
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Angry Teens

Teens are creating "hit lists" and plans to take guns to school and use them on their enemies.

Teens are struggling with their emotions including anger and it is being misdirected on their peers.

Adolescents need to have a voice and need parents to hear their pain. Everyone has pain, however, parents have become so busy and exhausted with work and other activities that our children have become emotionally neglected.

Teens do not feel heard, loved, or valued. Adolescents have so much anger, frustration, and pain that they begin to project their anger out on peers and victimize their peers.

A child who does not feeel good about who he is at home will struggle with self esteem at school and in other aspects of life.

Parents must make children a priority instead of treating them as chattel.

A child needs a safe and secure environment that has stability and consistency. A teen needs to feel loved and respected so they can give love and respect back to society.

There is no substitute for healthy love and healthy communication!

David Abrams therapist teen
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David Abrams Phoenix Arizona

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Depression

Ashley Judd revealed that she battled depression for years but hid her anguish. "I was in so much pain."

Eighty nine percent of americans believe physical and mental health are equally important in a poll by Parade/ Research America Poll.

For more info on this article go to Parade magazine article called the true cost of depression by Lyric Wallwork Winik.

Blog by David Abrams therapist phoenix az, teen counselor, adult counselor, teen therapist.

Sent from David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS
602.575.4030
www.LifeWorksAZ.com
Visit My Blog At http://davidstake.blogspot.com

Trauma and Children

------Original Message------
To: My Blog Davids Take
Sent: Mar 21, 2007 9:40 PM
Subject: Trauma and Children

I recently read an article on applying principles of neurodevelopment to clinical work with maltreated and traumatized children.

This article states that traumatic stress, abuse, chaos, and neglect have negative implications for children. These adverse experiences alter a developing child's brain in ways that result in enduring emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and physical problems.

The article states that traumatic and neglectful experiences during childhood cause abnormal organization and function of important neural systems in the brain, compromising the functional capacities mediated by these systems.

The article states that neural systems and children change with repetition, repetition, repetition. Parts of the brain can not change if they are not activated. Neglected children can change; however, the process is long, and it requires patience and understanding of development.

Children with brainstem-mediated hypervigilance, impulsivity, and anxiety require patterned, repetitive brainstem activities to begin to regulate and organize these brainstem systems. Dance, music, repetitive sensory input will begin to provide the kinds of experiences that may influence brainstem neurobiology to reorganize in ways that will lead to smoother functional regulation.

Dogs have been useful for children with relational neglect. Dogs provide unconditional love and repetitive nurturing experiences required to help some of these children.

Extreme anxiety, hypervigilance, and a persistant activated threat response will undermine academic, therapeutic, and socioemotional learning opportunities. A child must feel safe to start to heal. A sense of safety will help keep the child's state of arousal at a manageable level.

Several therapeutic approaches, including EMDR( eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), involve patterned, rhythmic avtivation of the brainstem as part of the intervention. We have hypothesized that EMDR is effective because it can short circuit the chain of traumatic memory that follows a specific traumatic event by tapping into a much more powerful brain-stem the association created in utero.

Blog by David Abrams
Child therapist
Teen therapist
Adult therapist
Child counselor
Teen counselor
Adult counselor

Sent from David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS
602.575.4030

www.LifeWorksAZ.com

Visit My Blog At http://davidstake.blogspot.com

Iraq War and mental health

A recent army study indicated that more than half of the soldiers returning from Iraq who showed signs of psychological problems were not getting treatment, many because they fear being seen as weak.

Military studies already indicate that nearly one in five returning soldiers struggle with depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

For more on this article go to NY Times, Jan 15, 2006 article by Jeffrey Gettleman.

Blog by David Abrams
Child counselor phoenix az
Teen counselor phoenix az
Adult counselor phoenix az
Therapist phoenix az

Adult counselor
Sent from David Abrams MAPC, LPC, CAGS
602.575.4030
www.LifeWorksAZ.com
Visit My Blog At http://davidstake.blogspot.com