Psychology Update — Treating Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

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Treating Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 Disorders

DESCRIPTION

What an amazing comprehensive article on the topic of Bipolar Disorder.  The article begins with acknowledging that we all can experience ups and downs but usually come to a middle ground in our moods.  “But for some people, especially those with bipolar disorder, finding and staying in that middle ground, can be very difficult. Dr. Ernest Rasyidi, a psychiatrist with St. Joseph Hospital in Orange County, California, says that bipolar disorder – which is classified into two categories, bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 – are defined by how patients move from one extreme end, or pole, of mood to the other.  “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 focuses on the symptoms of each classification, how to differentiate between the two, and the treatments for each.    This article should be used in conjunction with the text chapters on abnormal/psychopathology disorders and treatment.  It is worth bookmarking for future reference.

 

SOURCE

US News and World Report, 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/3me8wb79

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is Bipolar Disorder?

•How do professionals classify the differences between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2 disorders?

•What is the treatment for Bipolar Disorder?

 

Psychology Update — If You’re Feeling Anxious, Try This 2,000-Year-Old, Neuroscience-Backed Hack

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

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If You’re Feeling Anxious, Try This 2,000-Year-Old, Neuroscience-Backed Hack

DESCRIPTION

This is truly a must read article for the understand of the concept of anxiety from historical, philosophical, and psychological perspectives.

From the article:  “Some 2,000 years ago, in the throes of a targeted chase to his death, a Roman philosopher named Seneca had a thought: “what’s the worst that can happen?” Today, a growing body of research finds that a Seneca inspired exercise—inviting the worried brain to literally envision its worst fears realized—is one of the most evidence-based treatments for anxiety. In scientific terms, that exercise is called imaginal exposure, or “facing the thing you’re most afraid of” by summoning it in your mind, says Dr. Regine Galanti, the founder of Long Island Behavioral Psychology, and a licensed clinical psychologist who regularly integrates imaginal exposure into her therapy.” The article explains both sides of anxiety:  the painful experience and the useful more positive use of the feelings.  Very importantly, the article highlights how our thoughts (worry) can create the intense unpleasant experience that we label as anxiety even when the event is not as subjectively negative as the anxious feelings.  The article discusses “imaginal” and exposure therapy as treatment components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).   

The article is an important read for students who want to understand anxiety and treatments.  Additionally the article can be used with text chapters on stress, health, and abnormal/psychopathology.

Note:  includes a brief video — worth watching

 

SOURCE

Time, November 5, 2021, by Julia Hotz

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6114215/if-youre-feeling-anxious-try-this-2000-year-old-neuroscience-backed-hack/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm-term=health_mental-health

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/s786pmh9

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•According to the article, what is the historical and philosophical origins of the concept of anxiety?

•Why do some researchers state that there are positive aspects to anxiety?  Can anxiety be useful/helpful to an individual?

•How do “imaginal” and exposure therapies work to reduce the feelings of anxiety?

•Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used as a main therapeutic practice to treat anxiety.  How does CBT help?

 

 

Psychology Website of the Week — Social Psychology Network

Posted by & filed under Careers, Introduction To Psychology, Professional Organization, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week, Social Psychology.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

TITLE

Social Psychology Network

 

URL      

https://www.socialpsychology.org/

 

DESCRIPTION

Mission Statement

“The mission of Social Psychology Network is to promote peace, social justice, and sustainable living through public education, research, and the advancement of psychology”

This site is a great resource for teaching of Social Psychology, Topics in Social Psychology, News about Social Psychology, as well as pointing to the field as a career.

Psychology Update — There’s a Mental-Health Crisis Among American Children. Why?

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

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There’s a Mental-Health Crisis Among American Children. Why?

 

DESCRIPTION

This is an important article to understand psychological disorders among children and adolescents both during and before the pandemic.  “Indeed, the C.D.C. reported a pronounced increase in similar tics (active link to article) based on evidence from a source never before used to assess specific mental-health conditions among the nation’s children: emergency-room data. For girls ages 12 to 17, the proportion of visits to the E.R. for tics nearly tripled during the pandemic as of January 2022. Visits also doubled for eating disorders, and there were increases related to anxiety, trauma and stress and obsessive-compulsive disorders.”  This NY Times article provides details of the increase in mental health visits to emergency rooms, clinics, and practitioners that point to the stressors, depression, anxiety, and many other symptoms experienced by children.    Details of the probable causes and ways to handle such issues are provided in the article.  It is a must reading for students interested in mental health issues and for parents as well.

 

SOURCE

New York Times, March 23, 2022, by Kim Tingley

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/23/magazine/mental-health-crisis-kids.html?smid=em-share

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/22m6znsp

 

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•According to the article, what types of mental health symptoms have become prevalent through the pandemic?

•True or False:  there were no indications of mental health issues pre-pandemic (covid-19)?  Please justify your answer.

•What advice is suggested to parents to help and perhaps prevent mental health issue in children?

 

 

Psychology Update — What It’s Like Living With Aphasia, Bruce Willis’s Condition

Posted by & filed under Brain Structure and Function, Cognitive Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Nervous System, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

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What It’s Like Living With Aphasia, Bruce Willis’s Condition 

(This includes the lates link to a discussion of frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.)

 

DESCRIPTION

As you may have already heard and/or read, Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with the condition known as aphasia.  What is aphasia?

“Symptoms vary, but generally, aphasia affects people’s ability to speak or comprehend language. Speech, reading, writing, and the ability to listen can be affected. It often occurs suddenly after a stroke or other brain injury damages parts of the brain involved in language expression and comprehension. In other cases, known as primary progressive aphasia, the condition gets worse slowly over time, and patients may develop dementia-like symptoms.”  This is a simple to understand comprehensive article that not only provides details regarding the disorder of aphasia but also the social and psychological issues and consequences of living with the condition.  The article describes some possible routes to therapy, and importantly, what steps family and friends can take to aid the person experiencing the condition.   It is important to note that psychologists as well as speech pathologists are often part of the treatment team working with the individual.  This article is a good resource for those considering careers in this field.

Also, there is a link to a video discussion of the latest diagnosis of FrontoTemporal Dementia below.

 

SOURCE

Time, March 31, 2022, by Tara Law

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6163559/aphasia-symptoms-bruce-willis/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm-term=health_medicine

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2p8zpk8v

 

(Link to a video discussion of FrontoTemporal Dementia)

https://www.today.com/health/disease/bruce-willis-health-rcna99998

 

 

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is aphasia?  What are the symptoms and causes?

•What are the possible treatments for aphasia?  Is recovery possible?

•Imagine that you are the Psychologist explaining aphasia to the family of Bruce Willis (or anyone who has presented with the disorder?  How would you explain the disorder in terms of both brain function and everyday living in the social world?

•From the video link:  explain the diagnosis of FrontoTemporal Dementia along with the symptoms that Mr. Willis experiences.

 

Psychology Update — Ted Talk and Podcast Feeling good | David Burns | TEDxReno

Posted by & filed under Careers, Cognitive Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Personality, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Video of the Week, Psychology Website of the Week, Stress and Health Psychology, Ted Talk.

TITLE

Ted Talk 

Feeling good | David Burns | TEDxReno

 

DESCRIPTION

David Burns, MD is the best selling author of perhaps the best and most effective self-help book “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy.”  He has recently published “Feeling Great: The Revolutionary New Treatment for Depression and Anxiety”  He is a prolific researcher into Cognitive Therapy and a wonderful speaker.

Though this is an older TedTalk, it will help you understand Cognitive Therapy.  Dr Burns’ website will provide you with many resources including his podcast and blog.   If you really want to understand how Cognitive Therapy works and how effective it is, then by all means, check out his website and TedTalk.

 

SOURCE

 

TEDxTALK, September 5, 2014, David Burns, MD

Feeling Good Website: https://feelinggood.com/

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

Click on the link  to go to the YouTube Video

(For the  Tedtalk):    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1T5uMeYv9Q

 

FOR David Burns “Feeling Good WEBSITE AND PODCASTS

URL for the website:   https://feelinggood.com/

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is Cognitive Therapy?  How effective is it?

•What is the basic philosophy underlying Cognitive Therapy?

•What are the principles behind Cognitive Therapy?

•What problems can be treated most effectively?

 

Psychology Update — The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Psychiatric Disorders

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Psychiatric Disorders

 

DESCRIPTION

Clearly this article provides expansive details regarding the links between physical health and mental health issues.  The article details the relationship between psychological and psychiatric disorders and Type 2 Diabetes as stated in the title.  “Living with mental-health disorders is challenging enough without adding physical ailments to the mix. But recent research suggests that people with psychiatric disorders also have higher rates of Type 2 diabetes, and the combination can be devastating.  “When people who have pre-existing mental illnesses develop diabetes, their outcomes are much worse,” says Anne Doherty, an associate professor of psychiatry at University College Dublin. Compared to people with Type 2 diabetes who don’t have mental illnesses, “they are more likely to develop complications, and they’re significantly more likely to die younger.” The relationship goes both ways; people with diabetes also tend to have higher rates of psychiatric disorders and face worse outcomes than people without diabetes.”  The article clearly states that there is a link between the two but not necessarily a causal relationship and further highlights the ongoing research.  The article provides numerous examples regarding how the issues of mental health and Type 2 Diabetes are found in those affected.  If  you understand the Bio-Psycho-Social Approach  (brief YouTube video) to human behavior, it becomes clear about our physical health and psychological well-being interact with each other and the social milieu.  

 

SOURCE

Time, March 10, 2022, by Sandeep Ravindran

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6156685/type-2-diabetes-mental-health/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-share-article&utm-term=health_disease

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2ky25fc4

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is believed to be the relationship regarding Type 2 Diabetes and Mental Health Disorders?

•How does the combination  affect  the daily lives of those who experience both of these?

•If you were a treating Psychologist working with these patients, what would be your recommendations regarding handling both the physical and mental health issues?

Tags

 

 

Psychology Update — How to Help a Child With Math Anxiety

Posted by & filed under Child Development, Introduction To Psychology, Motivation and Emotion, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Stress and Health Psychology.

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How to Help a Child With Math Anxiety

 

DESCRIPTION

Do you experience math anxiety?  A number of studies have begun to exam young children in school settings and their reactions to dealing with mathematics.  “Math anxiety is a common psychophysiological reaction characterized by feelings of dread and apprehension, increased heart rate and sweating. Up to 30 percent of people report moderate to high levels of math anxiety, a condition researchers have observed in children as young as 6. In brain-image scans, math-anxious children show more activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain central to processing fear.”  This is a short interesting article that points out how parents, peers, and teachers can trigger math anxiety in children.  The article offers simple steps to help children cope with the math anxiety and words of wisdom to the parents.

 

SOURCE

New York Times, March 22, 2022, by Malia Wollan

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/magazine/kids-math-anxiety.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/224a2ppd

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•First read the textbook sections on anxiety, then looking at the article:  Does anxiety in children in anyway differ from anxiety in adults?  Yes? No?   Explain the rationale for your answer.

•According to the article, how do teachers and peers increase math anxiety in children?

•According to the article, what can parents do to help children cope with math anxiety?   

 

Psychology App of the Week — The Stroop Effect

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology App of the Week, Psychology Update, Sensation and Perception, Thinking, Language, and Intelligence.

PSYCHOLOGY APP OF THE WEEK

The Stroop Effect

 

PSYCHOLOGY APP OF THE WEEK

The Stroop Effect

(iOS and Android)

FOR iOS (Apple iPhone and iPad)

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brain-test-stroop-effect/id791503877

FOR ANDROID DEVICES

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goxler7.strooptest

 

From Wikipedia

“The Stroop effect is a demonstration of interference in the reaction time of a task. When the name of a color (e.g., “blue,” “green,” or “red”) is printed in a color not denoted by the name (e.g., the word “red” printed in blue ink instead of red ink), naming the color of the word takes longer and is more prone to errors than when the color of the ink matches the name of the color. The effect is named after John Ridley Stroop who first published the effect in English in 1935. The effect had previously been published in Germany in 1929. The original paper has been one of the most cited papers in the history of experimental psychology, leading to more than 700 replications. The effect has been used to create a psychological test (Stroop Test) that is widely used in clinical practice and investigation.”

This is a fun app to work with an entire class room or to set up a mini two person experiment in your class (like pair-&-share).   You can simple hold up your tablet in front of the class, give instructions, and then collect data.  It is informative, entertaining, and demonstrates a number of processes.   This can be an easy 10 minute demonstration activity.

Psychology Update — How Disgust Explains Everything

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Motivation and Emotion, Nervous System, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Research Methods, Sensation and Perception, Stress and Health Psychology.

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How Disgust Explains Everything

For psychologists who study it, disgust is one of the primal emotions that define — and explain — humanity.

 

DESCRIPTION

This is one of the most fascinating articles that you will ever read:   THE TOPIC OF DISGUST!   The article primarily focuses on the work of Paul Rozin.  “Paul Rozin is known for many things — he is an eminent psychologist who taught at the University of Pennsylvania for 52 years, and he has gathered honors and fellowships and published hundreds of influential papers and served on editorial boards and as chairman of the university’s department of psychology — but he is best known for his work on the topic of disgust. In the early 1980s, Rozin noticed that there was surprisingly little data available on this universal aspect of life. Odd, he thought, that of the six so-called basic emotions — anger, surprise, fear, enjoyment, sadness, disgust — the last had hardly been studied….Disgust shapes our behavior, our technology, our relationships….The more you read about the history of the emotion, the more convinced you might be that disgust is the energy powering a whole host of seemingly unrelated phenomena, from our never-ending culture wars to the existence of kosher laws to 4chan to mermaids. Disgust is a bodily experience that creeps into every corner of our social lives, a piece of evolutionary hardware designed to protect our stomachs that expanded into a system for protecting our souls.”   

The article is rich in stories and anecdotes of the absolutely fascinating research done on the topic of disgust.  Additionally, the article discusses cultural and social aspects along with religion, politics, geographical references.  The studies are fascinating!!!  

The article is very lengthy and also provides a 41 minute audio reading.   This paper can serve as a great resource in the understanding of a real life phenomenon and how Psychologists can do research.

 

SOURCE

New York Times Magazine, December 27, 2021, by Molly Young

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/27/magazine/disgust-science.html?smid=em-share

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2p845y2p

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•According to Rozin, what is “disgust”?  How does it shape our lives?

•How is disgust demonstrated in the following areas:  food preferences, bodily functions, politics, religious practices?

•If you were to discuss this paper with your classmates, which studies (at least two) would you cite?  Why did you pick these in particular?