PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
National Institute of Mental Health:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
URL
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/z7d6pd9
DESCRIPTION
This is the definitive resource regarding ADHD from the National Institute of Health. It is useful as an authentic source for both he professor planning a lecture as well as for students who want more information on the topic.
3 ARTICLES ON THE LATEST BRAIN RESEARCH REGARDING ADHD
ARTICLE #1
TITLE
ADHD: A Beginner’s Guide
DESCRIPTION
This is a very readable article in an unusual place for this type of problem: Forbes Magazine. It is written by a psychiatrist practitioner who has experience both diagnosing and treating children with ADD and ADHD. The author, in clear language, explains how the symptoms manifest and fit with the DSM classification. The treatment section touts medications and gives some lip service to non-medical therapies but focuses on the medical model. Overall, the article is very well written and can provide a good resource for understanding the condition.
SOURCE
Forbes, February 15, 2017, by Alan Ravitz, MD
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.forbes.com/sites/noodleeducation/2017/02/15/adhd-a-beginners-guide/#d5f1d1f45406
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/jttvqqn
ARTICLE #2
TITLE
Study Finds Brains of ADHD Sufferers Are Smaller
DESCRIPTION
This article focuses on brain physiology of those diagnosed with ADHD. The article presents a brief video and a number of photos of brain areas, hence it is helpful to the understanding of the condition by way of neuropsychology. “The study, which was published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry and stands as the biggest review of the brains of people with ADHD to date, suggested that the disorder is due to “structural differences” in the brain and is not simply an excuse for antisocial behavior.” Students interested in this condition from the biological perspective will find that the video is helpful in showing the use of technology to study the condition.
SOURCE
Newsweek, February 16, 2017, by Conor Gaffey
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/zvqg7mv
ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Why ADHD Isn’t Due to Bad Parenting
DESCRIPTION
This story, like the previous, focuses on the Lancet study that found that the brain of those with ADHD is smaller and/or may mature more slowly. Additionally, this article also focuses on other aspects of the findings such as “…researchers also found two new regions that were smaller in people with ADHD than in controls: the amygdala and the hippocampus. These areas are primarily involved in processing emotions and shed new light on some of the non-thinking aspects of ADHD.” The biological perspective on ADHD may pave the way for new and better treatments beyond just the use of the current medications. The title, which is somewhat misleading, should be interpreted that the causes of the ADHD condition lean to the biological rather than environmental. However, management of the child is certainly based on environmental therapies.
SOURCE
Time, February 21, 2017, by Alice Park
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://time.com/4671981/adhd-hyperactivity-disorder/
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/hx3djkf
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)?
•What is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
•How do these disorders differ?
•What is the usual medical treatment? What are the usual Psychological and Social environment therapies?
•What the are the findings of the brain studies on ADHD? What are the implications regarding treatment and parenting?
3 ARTICLES ON AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
TITLE
ARTICLE #1
Doctors May Now Be Able To Predict Autism Before Age One
DESCRIPTION
Can autism be detected early? This has been the goal of research in the further understanding of the disorder and developing possible preventive treatments. “Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), a team of researchers from across the country just found it may be possible to predict which babies will go on to develop autism ― all before they turn 1.” It was found that, in the sample studied, that there were differences in brain development in those babies who became autistic as compared to those who did not. MRI results demonstrated brain changes over the first two years that could be predictive of the disorder. Researchers are further refining the techniques to begin to hypothesize possible therapies. At the end of the article is a short “power point” like display providing information about autism in general.
SOURCE
Huffington Post, by Catherine Pearson, February 15, 2 017
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/gnge3xf
TITLE
ARTICLE #2
Along the Autism Spectrum, a Path Through Campus Life
DESCRIPTION
The growth of the neurodiversity movement has proven to be somewhat successful in helping students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) attend college. “The first generation of college students with an autism diagnosis is fanning out to campuses across the country. These growing numbers reflect the sharp rise in diagnosis rates since the 1990s, as well as the success of early-learning interventions and efforts to include these students in mainstream activities.” The article presents an in depth perspective on a program at Western Kentucky University and students enrolled in the program. The article provides a portrait of the lives of the students and how the university provides support services. This is an excellent article for teaching about developmental disability and how the environment can impact ASD. It also can make for the beginnings of an excellent discussion as well as provide a topic for a term paper.
SOURCE
New York Times, November 19, 2016, by Jan Hoffman
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/health/autism-spectrum-college.html?_r=0
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/gor57pf
TITLE
ARTICLE #3
Researchers Are Studying Fecal Transplant As A Potential Treatment For Autism
DESCRIPTION
Researchers have hypothesized that the bacteria in the gut can have a major impact on ASD. “Imbalances in the gut microbiome ― the community of trillions of bacteria living in the digestive tract ― have been linked with mental and neurological disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Parkinson’s disease. Now, medical researchers are looking into ways of improving the health and diversity of the gut’s bacterial community in order to better treat these conditions.” Conducting a pilot study that involved treatment of the gut (cleansing, antibiotics) and “microbiota transfer therapy” ― aka fecal transplants, the preliminary data demonstrated improvements in behaviors, sleep, and social function in the subjects. Note that the transferred fecal matter is a highly technologically processed substance — “don’t try this at home.” The scientists hope to do a complete study (including placebo groups) to determine whether “microbiota transfer therapy” (use of healthy fecal matter) will permit an understanding of treating “the gut to treat the mind” will be an helpful therapy for ASD.
SOURCE
Huffington Post, January 31, 2017, by Carolyn Gregoire
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/autism-gut-bacteria-fecal-transplant_us_588642e4e4b096b4a2335f6a
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/z7pzowr
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is ASD? (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
•How and when does it manifest?
•What are the symptoms?
•What is the concept of Neurodiversity? How is it applied in the article regarding college students with ASD?
•Can ASD be predicted? According to the article, what are the preliminary findings of MRI scans in the first two years of infancy?
•What is Microbiota Transfer Therapy? What do researchers hypothesize its role in ASD?
APP OF THE WEEK: EVERNOTE
Evernote and Evernote WebClipper
(free version available on ALL platforms for both computers and mobile devices)
Evernote and Evernote WebClipper
“The workspace of your life’s work. From inspiration
to achievement, Evernote is where your work takes shape. Write, collect, find, and present, all from one workspace.” (evernote.com)
Are you using Evernote? Shame on you if you are not! Overall this is one of the best and most useful applications available for your life as an academic and student for that matter. Simply sign up at the Evernote site (evernote.com) and get a free account. A premium account is available that provides more bells and whistles but not necessary. Once you sign up for an account on your computer (Mac and PC), get the app for your tablet and smartphone; Evernote is available on all mobile platforms. Once you have the app, then just log on and you’re set to go.
To describe all of what Evernote does in this space would be a difficult task. However, the way I use it is combined with an associa
ted app: Evernote WebClipper. You can follow the directions at the Evernote site to download and add WebClipper to your internet browser as a tiny icon in the menu bar. You may need to go to the add-ons and/or extension tools for your browser.
Imagine that you’re reading an article online from a newspaper, journal, APA publication, or for that matter, anything at all. Suppose that you want to save the article for later use such as citation, handout, later reading, and so on. Well just click on the Evernote WebClipper icon in the browser menu bar, and suddenly you will see a pop up window that gives you options to store in your Evernote account. Just click and the article is saved in either its entirety, as a title and URL, or just a selection. You can then find the article in your Evernote account for later use such as printing it out, reading, setting up a bibliography or a repository of reference materials.
WELCOME STATEMENT
Welcome to Introductory Psychology Weekly Updates
Every Monday through June, you will find wonderful resources to enhance your teaching and to engage your students in discussions. With each “published” edition, you will discover two or three interesting provocative articles to use as “triggers” to discuss important issues that relate to your teaching content, subject matter, and/or important issues. The choice of the articles is such that students can find these on popular sites such as the New York Times, Time Magazine, Huffington Post, and read them without the pressure of going to the library or poring through their textbook. The popular media choices are easy to find without the need for subscription services; these are often articles that you might have read and brought up in your class. Further, the update will include a few questions that can be used to get a discussion started.
In addition to a listing of the articles, you will also be presented with a few websites for use in your teaching. The websites can be useful informative resources for both your teaching preparation and for student use. Lastly, every week, you will find either an App Of The Week listing, occasionally YouTube video, or a Podcast that will both enhance your teaching and presentations. If you have any suggestions please contact me.
Thank you,
David Berg
[email protected]
Psychology Update: 3 NEW STUDIES ABOUT SLEEP
ARTICLE #1
7 Ways Sleep Affects The Brain (And What Happens If It Doesn’t Get Enough)
DESCRIPTION
This is an excellent general article on the functions of sleep. It is well written, easy to read, and will make for an excellent piece for discussion. The author provides good information that works as a starting place for the introduction to this topic. Articles #2 and #3 (below) provide more technical and neuro-psychological studies on some of the function of sleep as function of memory. However, begin with the Forbes article especially if the class (audience) is new to the topic.
SOURCE
Forbes, December 9, 2016, by Alice G. Walton
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/zmqgxw5
ARTICLE #2
The Purpose of Sleep? To Forget, Scientists Say
DESCRIPTION
The article begins asking the question that we usually bring up in class: “what is the purpose of sleep?” It provides a few of the usual answers. However, in the past decade scientists have hypothesized that perhaps one purpose is to pare down or prune some of the neural growth that occurs throughout the waking day to sharpen memories and rid the system of unnecessary synaptic growth that can interfere with real memory consolidation. Research in the area produced indirect “evidence to support the so-called synaptic homeostasis hypothesis…It turns out, for example, that neurons can prune their synapses — at least in a dish. In laboratory experiments on clumps of neurons, scientists can give them a drug that spurs them to grow extra synapses. Afterward, the neurons pare back some of the growth.” The article is a good read in that it provides some of the new research on sleep and it’s functions. Students who are particularly interested in the neurobiology of sleep will find this a stimulating article.
SOURCE
New York Times, February 2, 2017, by Carl Zimmer
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/science/sleep-memory-brain-forgetting.html
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/jgafos7
————————
ARTICLE #3
Brain Synapses Shrink During Sleep, Making Way for New Information
DESCRIPTION
In a slightly more recent update on the “synaptic homeostasis hypothesis” (see ARTICLE #1), scientists are finding more confirming evidence that there is a process going on during sleep that clears away the “unnecessary” synaptic growth that occurs during the day which would lead to clear sharper memories. A number of studies are discussed that show some of the problems in memory when the process of “pruning” is inhibited. There is a cute YouTube segment provided from the film Groundhog Day.
SOURCE
Newsweek, February 2, 2017, by Douglas Main
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://www.newsweek.com/brain-synapses-shrink-during-sleep-making-way-new-information-551871
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/goxelxc
———————————————
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What are the currently accepted functions of sleep?
•What is hypothesized to be problematic if an individual does not get enough sleep?
•How do memory and cognition related to the functions of sleep?
•What does research evidence suggest regarding the “synaptic homeostasis hypothesis” function of sleep? What are the negative consequences demonstrated through research if there is interference with this function?
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
TITLE
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON THE TEACHING OF PSYCHOLOGY
URL
DESCRIPTION
NITOP is planning its 39th conference in 2017 with a great program. The conference, if you have never attended, is one of the most worthwhile teaching conferences. Colleagues, sessions, workshops, presentations, and exhibits are fabulous. It is easy to propose either a poster session or (PIE) participant idea exchange. Further, it is in Florida at the right time of year and is family friendly.
3 ARTICLES ON NEW WAYS TO DIAGNOSIS AND PREDICT ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR AND MENTAL ILLNESS
TITLE
ARTICLE #1: Can Blood Tests Detect Schizophrenia and Other Mental Illnesses?
DESCRIPTION
Generally diagnosis in Psychology and Psychiatry is mostly predicated on interviews, history, and Psychological testing. Reliability and validity of the diagnosis and treatment may often come into question. What if there were a medical test such as a blood test that could screen for some types of mental illness? This article interviews researchers (includes a video) about the possibility of blood testing, bacterial testing, and other medical tests to differentiate and predict mental illness. “…if biological tests for mental illness do come to fruition, even those already living with a condition could benefit…if this biological aspect was attached to it, then people would see that stigmatizing someone for their depression is as ridiculous as stigmatizing someone for their diabetes.”
SOURCE
Newsweek, August 28, 2016, by Alexandra Venosa
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/09/blood-tests-detect-schizophrenia-mental-illness-493955.html
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/hssaonp
TITLE
ARTICLE #2 Resting Heart Rate May Predict Future Mental Ills
DESCRIPTION
“Extremely high or low resting heart rates in young men may predict psychiatric illness later in life, a large new study has found.” A Swedish study found associations between different levels of heart rate and mental disorders. “The highest heart rates — above 82 beats a minute — were associated with increased risks of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder and schizophrenia. The lowest, below 62 beats, were associated with an increased risk of substance abuse and violent criminality.” Note that this was a conclusion based upon associations — hence the study can be used to examine the diagnostics, prediction value, reliability and validity of this type of scientific research.
SOURCE
New York Times, October 26, 2016, by Nicholas Bakalar
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/zfut7k4
TITLE
ARTICLE #3: Does it pass the ‘smell test’? Seeking ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s early
DESCRIPTION
The hope of medical science is to be able to predict Alzheimer’s disease before overt symptoms of cognitive decline appear. Medical researchers have opened up two avenues of research: smell testing and retinal imaging testing. There have been preliminary studies (and anecdotal stories) that “…odor identification testing may prove to be a useful tool in helping physicians counsel patients who are concerned about their risk of memory loss.” Additionally, retinal examinations can reveal amyloid plaque build up in the eyes as a possible means to understanding what goes on in the brain since one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s is the buildup of those plaques. As yet there are no 100% reliable findings to draw a conclusion about these tests — the concern is whether the findings of these studies are reproducible and robust. A brief CNN video is included in the article.
SOURCE
CNN, July 26, 2016, by Susan Scutti
LINK TO RESOURCE
http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/26/health/alzheimers-eye-and-smell/
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/hp5oh9z
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•The class discussion could begin with providing information regarding Psychological/Psychiatric methods of diagnosing abnormal behavior and “mental disorders.”
•Are the current diagnostic methods reliable and valid?
•Concerning each of the disorders mentioned in the articles, what is the hope of the testing for early prediction? What would it mean to treatment?
•If diagnosis of mental disorders becomes part of medical testing, what would be the role of Psychologists and other mental health providers?
•If time is available, discuss the science of Psychological studies and what differentiates the good from the bad. (This would include the use of critical thinking around causation, correlational and associations.)
TITLE
‘Club Drug’ Ketamine Provides Hope in Fight Against Depression
DESCRIPTION
Depression can be devastating! There are a large percentage of individuals who do not respond to antidepressants or even shock treatment and so suffer from the disorder. In recent years, ketamine, a drug used as an anesthetic and as an animal tranquilizer has been found (anecdotally and in a small number of studies) to alleviate the symptoms of profound depression. It’s side effects, as found in recreational drug use, may include hallucinations as well as an out-of-body experience and even dependence as a side effect. However researchers are now looking at the drug as an antidepressant. “As more studies are starting to show, ketamine can also be a highly effective way to lift mood. But giving people with depression doses of ketamine could also set them up for addiction; while it rebalances certain brain chemicals pertaining to mood, ketamine also triggers dopamine, a substance with direct links to the reward system.”
SOURCE
Time, May 11, 2016, by Alice Park
‘Club Drug’ Ketamine Provides Hope in Fight Against Depression
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What are the symptoms of depression?
•What are the current approved treatments and psychotherapies?
•What is ketamine? How is it used recreationally? What are the known effects of ketamine on mood?
•According to the article, how does ketamine affect the brain?
•What have studies found regarding the effects of ketamine on depression?
TITLE
Three Ways Officials Are Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
DESCRIPTION
Opioid addiction is now a truly national problem! Whether it is by legal prescription or illegal in the form of pain pills or heroin, it is an ever increasing problem. The article points out that legislators look at the problem in the same war as the failed “war on drugs” concept in that the addicts are punished rather than treated and cracking down on drug trafficking. Additionally, legislators look to medical limitations such as implementing rules for prescriptions by medical personnel. The article points out that the perspective of treating the addict is an area that needs to further implemented with real resources from both the Psychological and Medical establishments, and further, legislators need to provide funding for resources. “It may feel empowering to further punish those addicted to opioids with harsher possession laws, but in order to truly impact the scope of this national health crisis, we must never forget that we are treating human beings who thrive with increased self-determination, social connections and holistic treatment.”
SOURCE
Psychology Today, March 29, 2016 , by Constance Scarf
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/gr4bbr3
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What are opioid drugs?
•How do opioids affect the brain?
•How do opioids cause addiction?
•According to the article, legislators have three possible approaches to begin to deal with the problem on a national basis. What are the three approaches? And further, what are the potential problems with these approaches?
•What do the authors advocate as a “best” way to deal with this type of addiction?
TITLE
What Parents Need to Know About Technology Addiction
DESCRIPTION
Is there such a thing as an addiction to technology? This brief article points to facts such as there is no agreement on what “technology addiction” is and further that there are large gaps in research. Some data from surveys of parents and teens are presented indicating that for some use of devices for phone, texting, playing games watching videos and so on can be a source of issues such as causing friction in families, problems in focusing/concentration due to multitasking, and the increased possibility of internet addiction. The author states: “By taking a balanced approach to media and technology — setting screen limits, establishing device-free zones, and reducing multitasking — you can help your whole family develop healthy media habits.”
SOURCE
Common Sense Media, May 2, 2016, by Michael Robb
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/what-parents-need-to-know-about-technology-addiction#
(Tiny URL) http://tinyurl.com/j8xwuzo
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•First: do a brief informal survey of the class asking if they believe that there is such a problem as “technology addiction.”
•Ask them to try to define it.
•Depending on the professor’s comfort level ask: who believes they have it and why?
•Critical thinking question: what type of research would have to be done to answer the question as to whether there is “technology addiction” in teens?
