Psychology Update — Marsha Linehan Interview on YouTube

Posted by & filed under Lecture Enhancement/Student Engagement, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Psychology Video of the Week, Stress and Health Psychology.

PSYCHOLOGY UPDATE — YouTube Video of the Week

NAME

MARSHA LINEHAN INTERVIEW

DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER

SOURCE:  YouTube:        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR7Oi0cyoVo

 

 

DESCRIPTION

This is an excellent interview with Dr. Marsha Linehan.  She describes her own struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder and the development of Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

This is an excellent resource for use with the chapters covering personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy.  

 

 

Psychology Update — 3 ARTICLES RELATED TO BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER AND TREATMENT

Posted by & filed under Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

3 ARTICLES RELATED TO BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER AND TREATMENT:  These three definitive articles will be excellent resources for use with the chapters covering personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy.  

ALSO SEE THE WEBSITE OF THE WEEK REGARDING DBT RESOURCES AND THERAPY AND A YouTube INTERVIEW WITH MARSHA LINEHAN.

 

ARTICLE #1

TITLE

The Truth About Borderline Personality Disorder in Relationships

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a very humanely compassionate article detailing the pain and suffering that those diagnosed with BPD go through.  It takes the approach of providing case study material and focuses on the disorder from a relationship perspective.  The article states:

“what people with BPD go through: intense, difficult-to-control feelings of anger, insecurity, and self-hatred; frantic efforts to avoid abandonment; self-harming behavior such as cutting; extreme mood swings; feelings of emptiness; and bouts of paranoia.”  The end of the article discusses possible courses of action and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  The DBT website is provided as the “Psychology Website of the Week” for April 22, 2019.  This article can be used with the text in discussion of personality disorders and different types of therapies.

 

SOURCE

Psychology Today, November 6, 2018. by Lisa A. Phillips

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201811/the-truth-about-borderline-personality-disorder-in-relationships

 

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y28makf4

 

ARTICLE #2

TITLE

What Is DBT?

(Transforming destructive behaviors into positive outcomes)

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a very detailed article about DBT and the work of Marsha Linehan in pioneering one of the few therapies that actually helps those suffering Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).  “Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an effective combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies. The goal of DBT is to transform negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes.”  This article can be used with the text in discussion of personality disorders and different types of therapies.  The DBT website is provided as the “Psychology Website of the Week” for April 22, 2019.

 

SOURCE

Psychology Today, September 28, 2016

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-eating-disorder-recovery/201609/what-is-dbt

 

(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/y26hdegd

 

——————————–

ARTICLE #3

TITLE

Expert on Mental Illness Reveals Her Own Struggle

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a poignant tale of the evolution of Marsha Linehan who herself struggled since adolescence with the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder.  It is like a confessional of the pain, suffering, and suicidal experiences over her lifetime.  In her evolution she discovered the means through self-acceptance of the emotional rollercoaster (dysregulation) to cope effectively with her problems.  She gradually developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) which uses many different techniques along with a dash of hope to those who suffer BPD.   It can be an emotionally difficult article to read but hopeful for a positive prognosis for those who seek treatment using DBT.  The article includes a 3-minute video segment with Marsha Linehan.  The DBT website is provided as the “Psychology Website of the Week” for April 22, 2019.  This article can be used with the text in discussion of personality disorders and different types of therapies.

 

SOURCE

New York Times, June 23, 2011 , by Benedict Carey

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/health/23lives.html

 

(Tiny URL)  http://tinyurl.com/y2bocjjq

 

——————————–

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

•What are the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder?

•How does Borderline Personality Disorder differ from other personalty disorders?

•What are the problems doing psychotherapy with someone suffering from BPD?

•What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?  What are the underlying principles?  Why has this type of therapy been more effective with BPD than other therapies?

•Who is Marsha Linehan?  What is the story of her struggle with BPD?  How did she develop Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

 

Psychology Update — For Some, a Second Pandemic Winter Means Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Hitting Hard

Posted by & filed under Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Social Psychology, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

For Some, a Second Pandemic Winter Means Seasonal Affective Disorder Is Hitting Hard

 

DESCRIPTION

This interesting article is focused upon the diagnosis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the now 2-year length of the pandemic and how it has affected those with the affliction.  The article begins by discussing a case of an individual who experiences anxiety and depression and who is sensitive to the issue and who has experienced an increase in the SAD.  The article quotes a psychiatrist familiar with the issue.  “Luana Marques, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says she’s seeing similar trends among her patients. If last year’s primary challenge was isolation, this year’s is uncertainty, Marques says. As the pandemic drags on and new variants emerge, many people are afraid of what that could mean for the winter ahead—especially when, post-vaccine rollout, they’d envisioned spending the season around friends and family. That’s colliding in an unfortunate way with SAD, which is defined as depression that follows a seasonal pattern for at least two consecutive years….It’s logical to think the pandemic would worsen that situation, given that many people are spending more time at home and socializing less than ever—effectively doing the opposite of what experts typically recommend for avoiding SAD.”  The article makes simple easy to follow recommendations which include going outside and trying to increase social contacts.  Further, “Pre-pandemic tools for fighting SAD still apply as well. There is some evidence that exposure to light therapy lamps can help, and some people have luck with vitamin D supplements. Mental health professionals can also provide extra support.”

 

SOURCE

Time, December 23, 2021, by Jamie Ducharme

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6128820/pandemic-seasonal-affective-disorder/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm-term=health_mental-health

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/45ubzbdt

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?  How is it diagnosed?  Is it different than other types of depression?

•According to the psychiatrist quoted in the article, how has the pandemic affected those with SAD?

•What are the recommendations for coping with SAD?

 

Psychology Update — 3 ARTICLES REGARDING UNUSUAL SLEEP PATTERNS/EXPERIENCES

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Nervous System, Psychology Update, States of Consciousness.

3 ARTICLES REGARDING UNUSUAL SLEEP PATTERNS/EXPERIENCES

 

ARTICLE #1

TITLE

Exploding head syndrome: What to know

 

DESCRIPTION

Parasomnias are issues related to disturbed sleep patterns and may include night terrors, sleep walking and talking, as well as sleep eating.  Another unusual parasomnia as been labeled “Exploding Head Syndrome.”  From the article:  “Exploding head syndrome is a sleep disorder that causes people to hear loud noises when they transition in or out of deep sleep.  Although hearing loud noises can cause distress, panic, or fear in some people, exploding head syndrome is not a severe or life threatening condition. However, it can interfere with a person’s sleep, which may lead to excessive daytime fatigue.  Exploding head syndrome is a type of sleep disorder that belongs to a group called parasomnias. These cause unwanted physical, verbal, or behavioral symptoms during sleep transitions.”  The article discusses causes, symptoms, and treatments.  The article can be used along with the chapter on Sleep and Dreaming.

 

SOURCE

Medical News Today, March 5, 2020, by Jamie Eske

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/exploding-head-syndrome

 

(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/y3896yba

 

================================================

ARTICLE #2

 

TITLE

Insomnia and Vivid Dreams on the Rise With COVID-19 Anxiety

 

DESCRIPTION

With the increasing time of the lock down due to the pandemic more and more are people experiencing anxiety and negative emotions during their waking hours, experiencing insomnia, and having bad dreams (REM activity) during sleep.  “The Lyon Neuroscience Research Center study has found a 35 percent increase in dream recall and a 15 percent increase in negative dreams. For people not on the front lines of healthcare and emergency response, fears of the novel coronavirus are projected onto threats like zombies, bugs, and shadowy figures, which represent the pandemic metaphorically, per National Geographic.”  The article provides several examples of the types of dreams reported by the researchers.   This article can be used to accompany the textbook chapters on sleep and dreams.

 

SOURCE

Smithsonian, April 23, 2020, by Three Machemer

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/insomnia-and-vivid-dreams-rise-pandemic-anxiety-180974726/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20200423-daily-responsive&spMailingID=42342156&spUserID=NzQwNDU3MDAyMDIS1&spJobID=1742516608&spReportId=MTc0MjUxNjYwOAS2

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/yxhj455u

 

================================================

 

ARTICLE #3

TITLE

What Is Hypnic Jerk? Here’s What’s Behind the Sleep Problem

 

DESCRIPTION

An unusual occurrence during sleep is the sudden “hypnic jerk” phenomenon.  “If you’ve ever found yourself drifting off to sleep only to be woken by a vigorous, full-body twitch or jerk, then do not feel alarmed. You’re among the estimated 60-70% of Americans who regularly experience a phenomenon known as a hypnic jerk—also known as a hypnagogic jerk, or sleep start—which strikes as a person falls into a deep sleep… Hypnic jerks—involuntary twitches or jolts which occur during the night—can affect people in different ways. Many people will sleep right through them, but for others, they are vigorous enough to wake them up.”  The article discusses circadian rhythm patterns and possible causes of the hypnic jerk.  (A short YouTube video is included with the online article.)

 

SOURCE

Time, December 4, 2017, by Kate Samuelson

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/5008693/sleep-start-hypnic-jerk/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=time-health&utm_content=20200221

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/y6xbkl6g

 

================================================

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•First discuss the normal circadian wake-sleep cycle.

•What is the usual pattern of REM sleep within the sleep cycle?  What typically occurs during REM sleep?

•What is a parasomnia?  List a few of the most common.

•What is “exploding head syndrome?” What are the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments?

•What is a “hypnic sleep jerk?”  What are the causes, symptoms, and possible treatments?

•What is hypothesized regarding the causes of an increase in insomnia and bad dreams during this period of lockdown during the covid virus?

 

Psychology Update — MULTIPLE USES OF VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) IN PSYCHOLOGY AND THERAPY

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness & Sleep, Stress and Health Psychology.

THIS WEEK’S PSYCHOLOGY UPDATE FOCUSES ON THE USES OF VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) AS A TECHNOLOGY TOOL USED FOR TREATMENT OF VARIOUS TYPES OF CONDITIONS.  BELOW YOU WILL FIND A LISTING OF ARTICLE TITLES, WEBSITES, AND YOUTUBE LINKS FOR VARIOUS USES OF VIRTUAL REALITY IN THERAPY.

THE REFERENCES CAN SERVE AS A STARTING POINT FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE APPLICATION OF VR TO THE FIELD OF THERAPY.

—->GETTING STARTED

Provided here are resources for understanding and utilizing VR for Psychology in terms of therapeutic resources.  Virtual Reality applications provide a new technology to handle a variety of problems.

For the student, all that is need is a cell phone, VR headset, and a source (such as those listed here).  As far as the headset is concerned these can be found all over the internet starting around $5 for the Google cardboard version.  Searching Amazon (no conflict of interest) will provide a great many VR headset alternatives; click on the filter for prices “low to high” to find the least expensive.  

For the professor:  this will make for a great DIY project for class.

 

VARIOUS  SOURCES FOR VR USE IN THERAPY

—->A VIRTUAL CURE (APA)

http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug05/cure.aspx

 

—->Speaking of Psychology: Improving lives through virtual reality therapy (Episode 19) (APA)

http://www.apa.org/research/action/speaking-of-psychology/virtual-reality.aspx

 

—-> Virtual Reality as Therapy for Pain

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/well/live/virtual-reality-as-therapy-for-pain.html

 

—-> A Virtual-Reality Program to Conquer the Fear of Public Speaking

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/a-virtual-reality-program-to-conquer-the-fear-of-public-speaking

 

—-> How Virtual Reality Could Transform Mental Health Treatment

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/know-your-mind/201605/how-virtual-reality-could-transform-mental-health-treatment

 

—-> Treating PTSD With Virtual Reality Therapy: A Way to Heal Trauma (Video)

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/treating-ptsd-virtual-reality-therapy-heal-trauma/story?id=38742665

 

—-> Using Augmented Reality to Treat Phobias

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/3209313_Using_Augmented_Reality_to_Treat_Phobias

 

—-> How Virtual Reality May Reduce Fear And Anxiety In Adults With Autism

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2019/02/25/how-virtual-reality-may-reduce-fear-and-anxiety-in-adults-with-autism/#59b6214677b1

 

 

VIRTUAL REALITY IN THE CREATIVE ARTS THERAPY FIELD

ART THERAPY

—->The Principles of Art Therapy in Virtual Reality

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02082/full

 

DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPY

—->(PDF) Role of Virtual Reality for Cerebral Palsy Management

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262075602_Role_of_Virtual_Reality_for_Cerebral_Palsy_Management

 

—->Upbeat: Augmented Reality-Guided Dancing for Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Upper Limb Amputees

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jhe/2019/2163705/

 

 

MUSIC THERAPY

—->Virtual Reality And Music Therapy Are Helping Quadriplegics To Breathe Easy

https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2016/11/15/virtual-reality-and-music-therapy-are-helping-quadriplegics-to-b_a_21606117/

 

—->Atlanta Tech Edge: Bringing together Virtual Reality and Music Therapy  (YouTube Video — VR segment at 30 seconds)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRP0Dynu_tQ

 

Psychology Update — Treating Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders

Posted by & filed under Careers, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

Treating Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders

 

DESCRIPTION

This is an extremely important and comprehensive article regarding Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 disorders.  “In both conditions, a patient may experience episodes of major depression,” but they also “have mood states on the other end of the pole. If depression is considered ‘down,’ they have periods that are considered ‘up’ relative to normal mood.”  The article first provides the characteristic symptoms of each of the disorders and then a comparison of the differences that lead to a differential diagnosis.  Further the article discusses treatment by psychotherapy and medications.

This article should definitely be used as an adjunct to the abnormal/psychopathology and therapy chapters

 

SOURCE

U.S. News and World Reports, July 26, 2021, by  Elaine K. Howley

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://health.usnews.com/conditions/articles/mental-health/bipolar/bipolar-1-vs-2

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/3nxdtt77

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What are the characteristics and symptoms of Bipolar 1 disorder?

•What are the characteristics and symptoms of Bipolar 2 disorder?

•How are the two disorders differentiated for diagnostic purposes?

•What are the treatments for Bipolar disorder?

 

Psychology App of the Week –Alzheimer’s Disease Pocketcard

Posted by & filed under Brain Structure and Function, Lifespan Development, Memory, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology App of the Week, Stress and Health Psychology.

PSYCHOLOGY APP OF THE WEEK

Alzheimer’s Disease Pocketcard

AlzheimersApp

 

Click on your platform:    iOS     or      Android

 

DESCRIPTION

From the Google Play and  iTunes Store

Manage Alzheimer’s disease with confidence. The Alzheimer’s Disease Pocketcard app helps physicians and other health care professionals care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at the point of care. The app features clinically relevant information on AD and interactive tools to help clinicians efficiently assess patients and interview their caregivers.

Highlights

Top 10 signs of Alzheimer’s disease

The latest information on detection, diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s disease, including pharmacotherapy guidelines and non-pharmacologic strategies

Interactive tools to assess cognition and function, including the Mini-Cog™, Clock Drawing Test, Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam (SLUMS), Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) and more

• An Annual Wellness Visit algorithm developed by national experts to help clinicians assess cognition more efficiently
Current diagnostic criteria, including the DSM-5® and the updated diagnostic criteria and guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease from the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association

Education/support packets (PDF brochures) from the Alzheimer’s Association that can be e-mailed directly to patients and caregivers

Bookmarking and notes capability

Index and full text search

The Alzheimer’s Disease Pocketcard app is a collaboration between the Alzheimer’s Association and Borm Bruckmeier.

HOW TO USE THIS APP

This app can be used in conjunction with teaching both neuropsychology and aging.

Psychology App of the Week — Profile Me –  A quick Personality Test based on Research by Briggs and Myers

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Personality, Psychology App of the Week.

PSYCHOLOGY APP OF THE WEEK

NAME

Profile Me – 

A quick Personality Test based on Research by Briggs and Myers

ICON

 

iOS:  (free)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/profile-me-quick-personality/id702959840?mt=8

 

DESCRIPTION

From the iTunes Store

Profile Me is a very quick and simple personality test that will accurately determine your key personality traits…

“Profile Me” is based on the ‘Temperament Sorter’, which was designed by Dr. David Kersey, based on the research done by Isabel Myers and Kathryn Briggs, who developed the “Myers-Briggs Type Indicator”.

Through a simple test, which is made of multiple choice questions, “Profile Me” will determine your personality profile, by determining four dominant character traits. Each of these traits represents a dimension of:

••• Extraversion-Introversion,

••• Sensory-Intuitive,

••• Thinking-Feeling, and

••• Judging-Perceiving.

Knowing the dominant character traits will help determine the important characteristics of your personality profile.

“Profile Me” will give you detailed numerical scores that not only will help you determine your dominant personality traits, but also show ‘how dominant’ a certain dimension in your personality is. This will be very helpful in understanding your personality profile better. If some traits are not strongly dominant, you could have traits in common with more than one personality profile.

The application will also link you to another psychology application “Personalities and Behavior”, which is a great resource for reading more about your personality profile and other personality types, as well as learning more about a large, popular, and practical set of Psychology topics including personalities, behaviors, irrationality, motivation, intelligence, habits, and more.

The app also includes a number of learning resources and tools.

HOW TO USE THIS APP

 

To the Psychology Student:  This is a fascinating resource to learn about one of the most popular personality assessment instruments.

To the Professor:   Looking to engage students in the area of personality and testing?  This interesting app will be useful in guiding a discussion for involving students in the topic.

Psychology Update — Working with adults with developmental disabilities

Posted by & filed under Careers, Careers in Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

Working with adults with developmental disabilities

 

DESCRIPTION

This is a very important article from the American Psychological Association regarding the need for psychologists to be trained to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.  “There is a yawning gap between the need for and the availability of mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here are some ways psychologists can help meet that demand.”  The article explains the various issues that individuals with disabilities have finding treatment with psychologists, and then also focuses on the issues that psychologists have in providing treatment that may include both training and funding.  The article also focuses on the types of therapy that psychologists can offer with the proper training.

Though complex, this is an excellent APA article for students contemplating the direction of their careers if interested in providing psychological services.

 

SOURCE

American Psychological Association, Monitor on Psychology, by Charlotte Huff, Volume 52 Number 8, November 1, 2021 

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/feature-developmental-disabilities

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/e53n2jrw

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•Specifically, what are developmental disabilities as defined by psychologists?

•After reading the article:  Why is there a “gap between the need for and the availability of mental health services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities”?

•What are some of the issues faced by psychologists who might wish to work with individuals who have developmental disabilities?

•The article provides a few examples of treatments and therapies that psychologist could provide individuals who have mental health, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.  What are these?

 

Psychology Update — Debate Rages After Woman Told to Remove ‘Distressing’ Spider Jewelry Over Worker’s Fears

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Learning, Psychological Disorders and Therapy.

TITLE

Debate Rages After Woman Told to Remove ‘Distressing’ Spider Jewelry Over Worker’s Fears

 

DESCRIPTION

While this may seem like a silly article and a fun read, it illustrates the problems of those with intense fears and/or phobias which in this case is arachnophobia.  A worker wearing a piece of costume jewelry in the shape of a spider came under criticism from another worker who had an intense fear even though this was a decoration.  The article tells a bit more of the office story and how it unfolded.  “According to Medical News Today, some of the symptoms of arachnophobia are similar to those of a panic attack and include dizziness, nausea, sweating, shaking, increased heart rate, struggling to breathe and fainting.  To help deal with the phobia the site suggests exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or hypnotism.”

See the Psychology Updates (November 8, 2021) for which provide a more in-depth discussion of arachnophobia and the Phobys App for dealing with phobias.

 

SOURCE

Newsweek, October 18, 2021, by Lydia Veljanovski

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.newsweek.com/woman-remove-spider-brooch-colleague-phobia-debate-1639839

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/9huz6sum

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is arachnophobia?

•How did the situation evolve from one of personal decoration (jewelry) to a phobia trigger event?

•Suppose you were the psychologist called in a a consultant.  How would you explain how a piece of jewelry could become a fear stimulus? (a conditioning explanation) And further what therapeutic recommendations would you make for the individual who experiences the phobia?