Psychology Update — A Test for C.T.E. in the Living May Be Closer Than Ever

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

TITLE

A Test for C.T.E. in the Living May Be Closer Than Ever

 

DESCRIPTION

AT THE END OF FOOTBALL SEASON AND LONG TERM INJURIES TO PLAYERS

This is an important article regarding C.T.E., or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (live link).  The condition is most associated with older former N.F.L. football players, and the fact that the sport itself causes numerous concussions over the active career of the player.  Since the condition does not show up for decades, serious brain damage ensues and the players develop terrible brain conditions similar to dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, along with addictions, disturbed personality disorders, and frequently suicide.  There has been no way to detect the development of C.T.E. but now there are active research efforts underway to diagnose the problem. “Currently, the only way to accurately diagnose C.T.E. is to stain brain samples and examine them under microscopes to look for the presence of the specific tau proteins associated with C.T.E.  But if ongoing studies pan out, there could be a test for C.T.E. in the living in as few as two years, according to one leading researcher. The future of testing for C.T.E. hinges on developing ways of identifying the protein without requiring brain samples. So, scientists in multiple research institutes worldwide are working to identify biomarkers for the disease that can be seen in samples of blood, saliva or spinal fluid or by using brain imaging scans.”  “As part of the wide-ranging project, doctors from the N.I.H. are tracking 120 former N.F.L. players, 60 former college players and 60 people with no history of repetitive head impacts to see if they show symptoms of C.T.E. Beginning in 2016, participants underwent a three-day examination that included neuropsychological and neurological assessments and were asked to detail their histories of brain trauma, lifestyle and other health factors such as genetics in a comprehensive look at their health.”

Psychologists play a role in the diagnosing and therapies for those who experience the problems.  Understanding the neurological systems as well as the actual sports is a plus for Psychologists wishing to work in this area.   For more information, click on the active link in the first paragraph.

 

SOURCE

New York Times, November 17, 2022, by Ken Belson

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/17/sports/football/cte-test-concussions-alzheimers.html?campaign_id=2&emc=edit_th_20221117&instance_id=77747&nl=todaysheadlines&regi_id=38200791&segment_id=113401&user_id=c6b93a8d82143938176a0b35d93b5dab

 

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

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is C.T.E.?   What is the major cause?  When do symptoms generally appear?

•How is C.T.E. related to such disorders as dementia and Alzheimers Disease?

•The article discusses how research is being conducted.  Elaborate on the method used and specifically how the subjects for the study are chosen.

Psychology Podcast of the Week — The Psychology Podcast (Scott Barry Kauffman)

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Podcast of the Week, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update.

 

 

PSYCHOLOGY PODCAST OF THE WEEK

NAME

The Psychology Podcast

ICON

 

 

 

Available in the iTunes Store

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-psychology-podcast/id942777522?mt=2

 

Available from the website

https://scottbarrykaufman.com/podcast/

 

ABOUT

This podcast focuses on creativity, the mind, brain, and behavior. Hosted by Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, each episode has a different guest expert speaking on the topic at hand. Topics they’ve covered include masculinity, charm, making good decisions, peak performance, power, and high-performance habits, and a wide variety of topics.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK — National Institute on Aging

Posted by & filed under Cognitive Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Lifespan Development, Professional Organization, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update, Psychology Website of the Week.

PSYCHOLOGY WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

TITLE

National Institute on Aging

URL 

http://www.nia.nih.gov/

DESCRIPTION

This is a wonderful site that can be used for both biological psychology and developmental psychology and psychological issues in late adulthood.  The site focuses on normal aging and brain development as well as issues of disorders (dementia and Alzheimer’s disease).  The sections of the site also focus on cognitive issues such as memory and decline in both healthy aging and disorders. 

Psychology Update — Can a ‘Fingerprint’ of Your Brain Help Predict Disorders?

Posted by & filed under Brain Structure and Function, Introduction To Psychology, Nervous System, Psychological Disorders and Therapy, Psychology Update, Sleep Disorders, States of Consciousness & Sleep.

TITLE

Can a ‘Fingerprint’ of Your Brain Help Predict Disorders?

Using new medical imaging techniques, researchers are working to identify early signs of developmental disorders and mental illness

 

DESCRIPTION

What a fascinating article!!! The article discusses new cutting edge research on the interplay of recorded brain activity while sleeping and various types of both developmental disorders (ASD =Autism Spectrum Disorder) as well as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia among others.  The article begins with a case of a young woman diagnosed with ASD and how the researchers are studying her brain while she sleeps.  The article provides details of how individual brain patterns are studies through EEG, fMRI, and other techniques.
“…brain fingerprints, despite being unique to each person, share similar characteristics that allow them to be categorized and classified. From these groupings, researchers can better pinpoint objective biological markers—telltale indicators of a medical condition’s presence and potentially its severity.,,, In this way, brain fingerprinting promises to carve a path toward more individualized diagnosis and treatment. Scientists are already using those two primary techniques—EEGS and functional connectome mapping—to trace our brain’s distinctive patterns and identify biological markers of mental health problems. Some researchers have even combined machine learning techniques and brain fingerprinting to successfully predict an individual’s risk of mental distress.”  The article presents the research results and the inroads that “brain fingerprints” can lead to various predictions and therapy.

 

SOURCE

Smithsonian Magazine, March 24, 2023, by By Lucy Tu

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/can-a-fingerprint-of-your-brain-help-predict-mental-health-conditions-180981869/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&spMailingID=48132215&spUserID=NzQwNDU3MDAyMDIS1&spJobID=2422920992&spReportId=MjQyMjkyMDk5MgS2

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/4dcvmhrh

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is a “brain fingerprint”?

•How is this research performed?  What are the results?

•How does this technique predict both problems and offer therapeutic solutions?

 

Psychology Update — Why Do You Get Sleepy After Eating?

Posted by & filed under Animal Behavior Studies, Introduction To Psychology, Motivation and Emotion, Nervous System, Psychology Update, Research Methods, Sleep Disorders, States of Consciousness & Sleep.

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Why Do You Get Sleepy After Eating?

DESCRIPTION

A genuinely interesting article about the effects of eating on feeling sleepy, or in other words how behavior and physiological functioning interact in our daily lives.  “If eating makes you tired, you’ve got something in common with most people—and, for that matter, with most living things. Researchers have turned up evidence of “postprandial sleepiness,” also known as a food coma, in insects, snakes, worms and rats.”  What is interesting about the article is not only the fact that we may experience sleepiness after eating but the various hypotheses about why this happens.  From a “Psychology as a Science” perspective the article reviews various types of research into the field.  

For Psychology students who are fascinated by the experimental and scientific perspective, this is a great article to read!

 

SOURCE

Time, January 30, 2019, by Markham Heid

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/5515553/sleepy-after-eating/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=++&utm_content=+++20230206+++body&et_rid=207786296&lctg=207786296

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/4xj7mzzp

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•First, what is the meaning of “postprandial sleepiness,” also known as a “food coma”?

•Are humans the only animals affected?  Please provide examples.

•What are the various hypotheses regarding why we feel sleepy?  And further, who is research conducted?

 

Psychology Update — How to Find a Therapist Who’s Right for You

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

TITLE

How to Find a Therapist Who’s Right for You

 

DESCRIPTION

These days, many are experiencing mental health issues.  If you are at a college or university, then you may have access to a counseling center.  It is very important to be able to seek out a good listener who can help with difficult feelings and thoughts.  This article addressees finding a therapist outside of the college situation for you and or family and friends.  “their therapist get the most out of therapy. But figuring out which mental-health provider is the right fit for your personality and needs—not to mention, who’s affordable and available—is a daunting task.”  This article provides an interactive exercise in that you click on a several scales and then submit.  Up will come a “guide” that will enable you to find the right type of therapist in order to get necessary help.   Also, even if you are not looking for a therapist at this time, it’s worth the few minutes to see the types of help that is suggested.  It’s a good resource article!

 

SOURCE

Time, January 25, 2023, by Angela Haupt

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6240153/how-to-find-a-therapist/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=newsletter+health+default+ac&utm_content=+++20230302+++body&et_rid=207786296&lctg=207786296

 

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

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What are the various factors that should be considered in choosing a therapist?

•Do therapists provide any services to help with a decision to know if it’s the right type of therapy for an individual?

•If a friend confided in you that they were having a real mental health issue, how would you explain this article as a resource?

 

Psychology Update — Adding Exercise to Therapy May Make It More Effective

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

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Adding Exercise to Therapy May Make It More Effective

 

DESCRIPTION

Is there a relationship between the addition of exercise to psychotherapy?  This is a fairly new area of research that attempts to use good scientific methodology to answer the question. “Several recent studies have concluded that mental-health treatments are more effective when they’re combined with physical activity programs, supporting the idea that therapy can be about far more than just talking…. Why does exercise have such a strong effect on mental health? That’s a question researchers are still studying, but there seem to be multiple pathways. Studies have long shown that working out releases feel-good endorphins, and animal research suggests it can also increases the brain’s supply of neurotransmitters, which may improve mood and decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise has also been shown to boost blood flow to and stimulate nerve growth in the brain, which can improve cognitive health and function, potentially leading to psychological benefits including the prevention or improvement of depressive symptoms. Physical activity is also linked to better sleep, which is itself beneficial for mental health.” (Each of the red phrases is an active link to a particular study regarding the topic under discussion.)

The article discusses how therapists have added exercise to therapy and provides interesting materials of therapists have worked to make the treatment more holistic for better health overall.

 

SOURCE

Time, February 17, 2023, by Jamie Ducharme

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://time.com/6255359/exercise-during-therapy-effective/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=newsletter+brief+default+ac&utm_content=+++20230226+++body&et_rid=207786296&lctg=207786296

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/yc5j9pc8

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•According to the article, how might the addition of exercise to psychotherapy enhance the benefit of the therapy?

•What types of issues appear to benefit from adding exercise to therapy?

•If you were a practicing therapist, what type of advice regarding exercise would you tell your client.  What evidence would you use in your discussion?

 

Psychology Update — Anxiety Signs and Symptoms

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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Anxiety Signs and Symptoms

 

DESCRIPTION

Nervous, worried, sleepless, shy, inhibited, butterflies, tense, moody, irritable, catastrophizing — these are often different expressions of anxiety.  This is quite an excellent comprehensive article on anxiety!  “Anxiety can be a normal response to a stressful situation or decision, lasting long enough to help you push past the stress. But with anxiety disorders, worry or fear is a mainstay of life. For people with GAD [Generalized anxiety disorder], panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or any other type of anxiety disorder, their anxiety is overwhelming and affects daily life… Anxiety can cause debilitating mental, emotional, and physical symptoms. Anxiety symptoms can include worry; changes in your mood, behavior, cognition, or physical health; and sleep problems. Linking your symptoms to anxiety is the first step in relieving them and improving your quality of life… If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, make an appointment to talk with a healthcare provider. It can be difficult to ask for help, but with the right treatment, it’s possible to improve your anxiety symptoms.” 

The article presents the various types of and symptoms of anxiety.  It is important to note that anxiety is treatable by Psychotherapy and in severe cases the addition of medication may be used as an adjunct to treatment.

 

SOURCE

Health,  October 28, 2022 , by Ashley Abramson

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.health.com/condition/anxiety/12-signs-you-may-have-an-anxiety-disorder

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2fwb7fs4

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is anxiety?  Under what conditions is it considered a temporary emotion that would be considered a “normal response” to a stressful situation? 

•When would anxiety be considered problematic to warrant seeking professional treatment?   Please list the types of symptoms a person would experience.

•If you were providing a lecture to other students, what would you explain about the different types of symptoms that are experienced as anxiety?

 

PSYCHOLOGY PODCAST OF THE WEEK — We All Wear It Differently: A Podcast for Early Career Psychologists

Posted by & filed under Careers, Careers in Psychology, Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Podcast of the Week, Psychology Resource of the Week, Psychology Update.

PSYCHOLOGY PODCAST OF THE WEEK

We All Wear It Differently: A Podcast for Early Career Psychologists

WeAllWearItDifferently

 

iOS:  (free): (Click on the icon or link below to be taken to the iTunes preview page)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-all-wear-it-differently/id992827102?mt=2

 

The Podcast can also be listened to directly over a web browser on any platform.

DIRECT WEBSITE: https://weallwearitdifferently.com

 

DESCRIPTION

from the iTunes Store

A podcast for early career psychologists. If you’re looking for inspiration and advice for your psychology career, you’re in the right place. Amy Felman interviews working psychologists from diverse fields with all levels of experience as they share their journeys, challenges and career breakthroughs that have lead them to where they are today. Tune in and discover how we all wear it differently.

Note:  Though this podcast is a few years old, it can be a helpful resource for students making career decisions about which aspect of Psychology they would like to study.   They will hear real practitioners discuss how they have chosen their particular career path.

Psychology Update — What Can Hypnosis Do for Your Health?

Posted by & filed under Introduction To Psychology, Psychology Update, States of Consciousness, States of Consciousness & Sleep, Stress and Health Psychology.

TITLE

What Can Hypnosis Do for Your Health?

 

DESCRIPTION

Most of us know about hypnosis from TV and movies that usually show it as a comedic act or perhaps part of a horror movie to control people — hypnosis gets a bad reputation from the media!  However…“Today, hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, has a lot more data to back up its use for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. It can also be an effective treatment for sleep problems, pain, irritable bowel syndrome and quitting smoking, studies show. And it’s still occasionally used as a way to sedate patients for surgery with little (or no) medication…. The simplest way to describe hypnosis is as a state of both deep relaxation and focused attention, where your mind is more receptive to making subtle changes in feelings and behaviors.” (Each of the blue phrases is an active link to a particular study regarding the topic under discussion.)  

The article presents interesting cases wherein individuals have been helped with hypnosis.  Note that the work of Dr. David Spiegel is highlighted; he is a leading researcher into the application of hypnosis to individual problems.

(The article also has an audio link that will allow you to listen — approximately 13 minutes.)

 

SOURCE

New York Times, February 8, 2023, by Hannah See

 

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/08/well/mind/hypnosis-therapy-mental-health-depression.html?smid=em-share

 

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/52z9rsvr

 

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•Reading the article:  what is the history of hypnosis? What changed how scientists came to regard hypnosis as a helpful treatment?  

•What types of problems can be helped by hypnotherapy?  What types of problems should be avoided?  Provide examples to both questions.

•Can anyone/everyone be hypnotized?