The Trouble With Psychosis....

Alcohol misuse and drug misuse can trigger a psychotic episode.

A person can also experience a psychotic episode if they suddenly stop drinking alcohol or taking drugs after

using them for a long time. This is known as withdrawal.

It's also possible to experience psychosis after drinking large amounts of alcohol or if you're high on drugs.
Drugs known to trigger psychotic episodes include:

• cocaine
• amphetamine (speed)
• methamphetamine (crystal meth)
• mephedrone (MCAT or miaow)
• MDMA (ecstasy)
• cannabis
• LSD (acid)
• psilocybins (magic mushrooms)
• ketamine
  

In rare situations, psychosis can also occur as a side effect of some types of medication, or as a result of an overdose of that medication.
For example, levodopa, a medication that's used to treat Parkinson's disease, can sometimes cause psychotic episodes. However, any medicine that acts on the brain can cause psychosis with an overdose.
Read more at My Addicted Mind.com

Reference:

Psychosis - Causes, (2014), Causes of psychosis. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Psychosis/Pages/Causes.aspx

Psychological Profiling - Aileen Wuornos

 "Wuornos was psychotic and disorganized"....

Aileen Wuornos is widely considered to be America's first female serial killer and not just your typical black widow fem fatale. She was a professed lesbian who also confessed to killing seven men over a

period of several years. She was an interesting, at the same time, scary individual. So fascinating in fact was she that she captivated the human psyche to a point of unimaginable crimes and several movies and books have been written about her. Some believe she was a stone-cold killer, while others saw her as a person who was victimized so often during her tragic life that her only alternative was to fight back.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik9pZhIFPaY

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Is it Biological or Cognitive-Behavioral

The issue at hand is whether biological factors or cognitive-behavioral elements are underlying causes of

major depressive disorders (MDD) witnessed today in mental health clinics across the world.
The position and perspective of this author is that the chief cause of MDD seen in clinical practice today is cognitive-behavioral.

Childhood trauma, chronic stress, and anxiety all alter chemical pathways in the human brain which leads to a decrease in key neurotransmitter levels. This in turn correlates to a major depressive episode in later life. These facts are irrefutable and independent of any hypothesized “genetic” predisposition or hereditary component.

Supporting Argument 1:
            In the research performed by Murrough, et al, and published in the 2011 September issue of the Journal of American Medical Association, (JAMA Psychiatry), there is empirical evidence to support the idea that an incidence of trauma at an early age produces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in the human body suggesting a developmental component in the cause of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a high comorbity with MDD (Murrough, et al, 2011).
Supporting Argument 2:
            In another study by Dr. J. Hovens in 2012 and published in the Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, a longitudinal study of childhood trauma victims over a two year period resulted in high incidences of MDD with individuals who experienced “emotional neglect” and “psychological abuse” (Hovens, et al., 2012).

Supporting Argument 3:
            In a study by C. Cutrona in 2006, the effects of a contextual involvement for depression becomes clear. Within her research, Cutrona takes into account that a prolonged exposure to stress and anxiety within this context can also produce an “environment” (such as a neighborhood and threats of victimization) that leads to depression (Cutrona, 2006).
Supporting argument 4:
            In his article for the Psychological Bulletin in 2008, Edward Watkins gives the psychological community a link between the outcomes on depression and repetitive thought, or RT. This has to deal with self-esteem and whether or not our repetitive thoughts are “constructive” or “destructive” (Watkins, 2008). Destructive RT can have negative consequences and prolonged exposure can lead to MDD if not held in check.

John

References:
Cutrona, C. E., Wallace, G., & Wesner, K. A. (2006). Neighborhood characteristics

and depression: An examination of stress processes. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(4), 188–192.

Hovens, J., Giltay, E., Wiersma, J., Spinhoven, P., Penninx, J., & Zitman, F. (2012).

Impact of childhood life events and trauma on the course of depressive and anxiety disorders. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 126, 198-207

Murrough, J. Czermak, C., Henry, S., Nabulsi, N., Gallezot, J., et al. (2011) The

Effect of Early Trauma Exposure on Serotonin Type 1B Receptor Expression Revealed by Reduced Selective Radioligand Binding. JAMA Psychiatry, 68, (9), 892-900. Retrieved from Capella University Library, EBSCOhost http://web.b.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/ehost/command/detail?sid=9fc5a9ad-f6f5-48d1-8f8e-0a82655e27bd%40sessionmgr113&vid=23&hid=119

Watkins, E., (2008), Constructive and Unconstructive Repetitive Thought,

Psychological Bulletin, (134), (2), 163–206. Retrieved from Capella Library, EBSCOhost, http://web.a.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=a0a19980-b2af-48d8-b2ca-d48eab7dfa2c%40sessionmgr4001&vid=7&hid=4201

 Visit us at My Addicted Mind.com for more info on causes of depression or substance abuse....

Links to Substance Abuse Through Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Abuse

Unless one is a practicing clinician, depression and substance abuse are not typically thought of as occurring together. Maybe this is because they are two separate diagnoses and people view them that way in the realm of disorders as well. On the other hand, many experts believe that depression can lead to substance abuse and vice-versa. This article will look at major depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, then contrast and compare similarities, as well as differences. Then it will look at how each of these disorders is linked to the other.

Read more about Anxiety, Depression, and Substance Abuse at http://myaddictedmind.com/anxietydepressionsubabuse.html

A Lesson On Ethics in Psychotherapy

The case history of the 17 year-old adolescent male involves delinquency and an apparent indifference (or

inability) by the parents to maintain any sort of stability in the household. The father is a prominent leader in the community with a wandering eye for the females. His accounts of public infidelity have driven a wedge between him and his wife over the years and he has distanced himself from his son as well. The mother did not want the divorce because of her religious upbringing, but could not take the public embarrassment and shame. She thus became more distant, despondent, and turned to alcohol to ease the pain. 

The child has been in and out of trouble since the age of 14 when he and some friends stole a car and crashed after a high-speed chase with law enforcement. The child has since had issues with substance abuse and larceny to support his heroin addiction.  The child is now in therapy as a result of the court’s pressure on the father and threat of admittance to a children’s psychiatric hospital.

At odds with the custodial parent’s wishes for the noncustodial parent not to be involved in the child’s therapy, the psychotherapist takes the position of “do no harm” to the client. (APA, 2010).  The therapist then speaks with the child to better understand his wishes concerning his mother’s involvement. The child is emotionally indifferent and could “care less” either way. However, the therapist believes that having both parents involved would promote beneficence for the child client. The therapist now needs to get answers to his questions from other colleagues.

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What is the "Addiction Severity Index"?

The Addiction Severity Index, or ASI, is an interview that appraises history, frequency, and outcomes of

alcohol and drug use, as well as five additional domains that are commonly linked to drug use: medical, legal, employment, social/family, and psychological functioning. The higher the score on the ASI indicates a greater need for treatment in each of these particular areas. The ASI scores can be used to profile patients’ problem areas and then plan effective treatment.

According to Alcohol Rehab.Com, "The ASI focuses on the big picture. It takes into consideration that addiction to drugs or alcohol can result from life events that precede, occur at the same time as, or result from substance abuse problems. Rather than focusing on the client’s substance abuse, the ASI highlights seven potential problem areas" (alcoholrehab.com, n.d.).

Overall, studies typically conclude that the Addiction Severity Index is a consistent and accurate tool for assessing clients and their substance abuse issues. The ASI is able to successfully identify the client’s problem area in which they are experiencing the greatest difficulties, such as alcohol or drug addiction, or legal or familial problems. Once a client’s psycho-social issues are identified, an appropriate course of treatment may be administered.

Read more about Addiction Severity Index at My Addicted Mind.Com

Source:
Alcohol Rehab.Com website: Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Retrieved July 6, 2014 online from http://alcoholrehab.com/addiction-articles/addiction-severity-index-asi/

The Addicted Mind

Addiction can take many forms such as sex, gambling, drugs, alcohol, maybe even Internet Porn sites. Whatever it is, the social stigma related to this addiction can be as problematic as the addiction itself. This paper was created in an effort to provide the layperson a better understanding of addiction. In this paper we will discuss the definition of addiction according to medical experts, causes of addiction, social ramifications, and interventions.



Read more about addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com

A Day in the Life Of....

“Be bold—read much—write much—publish little—keep aloof from the little wits—and fear nothing.”(Edgar Allan Poe, 1843). AND… FEAR… NOTHING! These were the words I came away with when I spent the day with poet and published writer, Edgar Allan Poe. Just the sound of his name stirs dark, soulful metaphors like the doomed, fringe caucuses idolizing tormented surrealism. To say I was very much addicted to this reality is by its very definition an understatement!

During my time with Mr. Poe, he proposed to me the intimate nature of writing and that there is actually a “philosophy of composition”. The well-crafted lyrics, similes, alliterations, and allusions known mechanically by educators are just the tip of the proverbial ice-berg because it is how these “words” and ideas are artfully constructed and shared with the reader to create the reality that writers wish to conveye. Mr. Poe is, by all means, the master lyricist and master story teller. When he narrates, I believe, we all share his vision. “How it hangs upon the trees. A mystery of mysteries. Be silent in that solitude, Which is not loneliness- for then the spirits of the dead, who stood In life before thee, are again in death around thee”(Poe, 1809).

In summary, Mr. Edgar Allan Poe has shared his vision of writing and the grasp of emotional realism with his trainee. Through artful manipulation of words and ideas, the writer (or story teller) can impart a type of catharsis and identification with the players in the tragedy, thereby sharing their story (and emotions) with the reader/listener. The “philosophy of composition” garners favor of the participants as they relate to the plight of the under-appreciated, persecuted, downtrodden, etc…. Mr. Poe would describe it as such, “Be silent in that solitude, Which is not loneliness- for then the spirits of the dead, who stood In life before thee, are again in death around thee”(Poe, 1809)

Obsession Versus Addiction

According to Christine Hammonds,  MS, LMHC,  obsession is "ritualistic" thinking or behavior and addiction has to do with feeling "satisfied". For example, "When you obsess, ritualistic routines are part of your everyday life.  Perhaps you comb your hair the same way you did as a teenager, you recheck all of the doors at night even though you have been told it is already locked, you replay the same conversation over and over again just trying to figure it out".... However, in an addiction, we are seeking an escape. "...you never feel satisfied unless using the substance.  Perhaps you drink alcohol to relax, take prescription drugs to numb the pain, shop for clothing to feel better about how you look, gamble to earn quick easy money, exercise to get the adrenaline high, look at porn to feel desirable, smoke to unwind, watch soap operas to feel romantic, play video games to feel successful or eat sugar to get energy.  All of these behaviors have roots in escaping from an undesirable place to a desirable place and in fantasy living" (Hammonds, C., 2013). This may be all well and dandy,but the major difference is that some experts believe that an obsession can be managed and transformed into  success!  Dr. Alex  Lickerman  sees  obsession as not being as destructive as addiction and can be used to our advantage. "The challenge then is to make our obsessions function positively, controlling them so they don't control us, extracting the benefit of obsession without succumbing to its detriments" (Lickerman, A., 2010). Dr. Lickerman goes on to list several ways to manage an obsession such as: Distract yourself at varying intervals Accomplish a task that helps put your obsession behind you Focus on your greater mission Adopt a practice that grounds you Listen to what others tell you In his article in Psychology Today, Obsession: How to make an obsession function properly, Dr. Lickerman states, "I'm not arguing here that we should seek to extinguish obsession; I'm arguing we should seek to control it. Our ability to bend our emotions to our will is poor, but not our ability to manage them" (Lickerman, A., 2010). References: Hammonds, C., The Difference Between an Obsession and an Addiction. Retrieved May 1, 2014 online from http://christinehammondcounseling.com/2013/03/07/the-difference-between-an-obsession-and-an-addiction/ Lickerman, A., Obsession: How to make an obsession function positively, Psychology Today. Retrieved May 1, 2014 online from http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201205/obsessed-or-addicted/obsess-success Read more about addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com

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Awards 2014

Had awards ceremonies yesterday for the boys' respective classes. It started at 9 a.m. and finished up at a little after 11. Of course, having the kids at different levels in the spectrum made for a long wait. It was pretty cool though. I was able to get a couple good pictures of them and put them both together as though they were right next to each other and finished the comp off with the "Iron Dragon" roller coaster from Cedar Point. I thought it turned out pretty good, but there are a couple of light spots around my oldest son's hair that gives the photoshopping away. I'm fairly happy with it and could fix those light spots relatively easily if needed. The thing is, being obsessive over these kinds of things and being a perfectionist, is something that could very well lead those of us with addictive personalities down the road to becoming addicted to certain behaviors and activities. There is a fine line between being professional and being (or trying to be) perfect. Learn more about addictive personalities and addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com

Your Computer Misses You!

Porn Addiction          Porn addiction is the overindulgence or manipulation of pornographic material that leads to negative outcomes in one’s life.   The person addicted to porn cannot control the overwhelming impulse to watch porn and continues these destructive behaviors even in light of negative consequences.  Isolated from real human contact, porn addicts subsequently find themselves alone and with only their computer for company.   For the addict, pornography diminishes the actors as human beings and leads to a loss of intimacy.          Porn addiction progresses similar to a drug addiction in that, after an earlier satisfying experience with pornography, individuals may begin to experience an overpowering compulsion to reach sexual fulfillment through that form of activity. Hence, the feedback loop between Internet porn and sexual satisfaction is positively strengthened. This in turn creates behavioral impulses that become more powerful as well as more frequent.  The links between sexual stimulation and porn addiction can escalate to a point where merely sitting down in front of a computer produces a sexual reaction. Read more about Porn Addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com

Food Addiction or Eating Disorder Symptoms?

Eating Disorder Symptoms It would seem that eating disorder symptoms are pretty easily pinned to society’s views on the slim and glamorous. However, while a lot of people place culpability on grossly thin super models and media that extol the virtues of being thin, the fact of the matter is that this is only part of the equation. Like other addictions and compulsions, there may be some basis in a genetic component as well. When analyzing eating disorder symptoms, it becomes pretty clear that there is also a psychological connection to these symptoms as well. There seems to be a common link between the physiology and psychology of eating disorders and some would label that common link as depression. With that said, eating disorder symptoms are just the tip of a much larger problem. Read more about Eating Disorder Symptoms at My Addicted Mind.Com

Maybe it's "Subconscious"

"However, some scientists argue that there is little evidence that most people have a specific drive toward self-destruction. According to them, the behaviors Freud studied can be explained by simpler, known processes, such as salience biases (e.g., a person abuses drugs because the promise of immediate pleasure is more compelling than the intellectual knowledge of harm sometime in the future) and risk calculations (e.g., a person drives recklessly or plays dangerous sports because the increases in status and reproductive success outweigh the risk of injury or death)". (wikipedia - web whore) We may not always realize we have a death wish, but our actions will almost certainly give others a snapshot of what lies beneath our own jovial smiles and acceptable etiquette. But wait, this is counter-productive and deceptive, right? However, rationalizing what we do and why we do it is our own best defense and we are our own worse enemy. If we were to observe the characteristics we possess in others we would probably call it crazy or just plain ignorant, but the problem is we cannot percieve ourselves as other people do. Oh, how little we know about ourselves other than what we like and don't. Is it a selfish desire to do what we do? Can we really see beyond our own egos or pride? I find it very difficult. I find that if I rely on my own understanding, events do not always play out as I plan. But, If I choose a role model and make decisions based on documented evidence of this person or being's actions, I can almost always be certain that I am not acting alone. I, in essence, have a mentor who "guides" me through the rough times and maybe even to show me that my actions are self-destructive. In my mind, Freud has been superceded by Maslow and Erikson who look at human needs and developmental stages throughout the life span. Maslow contends that certain human needs must be met before moving on to the next and Erikson believes that if a developmental stage is not met at a certain time, that an individual will linger in this stage until it is. But, I cannot help but correlate the stages of "delayed gratification" from Freud to those of substance abuse or addiction. It would seem that those of us who have addictive personalities get stuck in this stage and cannot "defer" our gratification until later. It is quite a conundrum... Join me on this journey through addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com

Abstinance is the Best Policy

Really been struggling today with the whole sobriety thing, but have been able to ward off the alcohol demons so far. It's really weird that the relapse can happen in the blink of an eye and when least expected. I will have to guard against "stinking" thinking and know when I become vulnerable to the temptation.  On a more positive note,  I talked with my recruiter today and all set to get started on the 7th. I'm really looking forward to getting back to work and making the dollars! Selling my Blazer to live off the money while I'm in training and have a guy coming by in a little bit to take a test drive. He came by yesterday and looked at it, but couldn't drive it until today. Hopefully, he will love it as much as I have and put some cash in my hand :) The in-laws have bought a new car and are "giving" the wife their old one. It would really be a blessing  if we could at least  sell one of them soon. Anyway, I've been alcohol free for 7 days and know I can't drink  today  either.  I'm hoping  it gets  easier as time goes by.  Until  next time,  stop by and check out my new articles on addiction at My Addicted Mind.Com and if you need to locate an AA meeting in the Akron, OH area, check this link - www.akronaa.org - for meetings and times. Thanks.

Sobriety Ain't so Bad

Hello, I'm John and I'm powerless over alcohol. It's been five days since my last drink and I've come to grips with my affliction and have turned it over to God... again. Fasting and praying seems to have worked this last time as far as asking my Higher Power to remove what he has given me.  God told Paul that His grace was sufficient and I know God will forgive me as well. "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corithians 12: 9). However, I live in the world and need to be alcohol free for my family and occupation. Once I framed this "thorn" in this perspective, it has been a little easier for me to stop. I also realize I cannot do it by myself.  I know that if I have just one drink today, I may have two (or more) tomorrow and the cycle is perpetuated. I know that I cannot take that first drink!  "I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me". (Psalm 120:) Join me in recovery at My Addicted Mind.Com

Not a Morning Person!

Well, evidently I am not Mr. Congeniality first thing in the morning? Woke up to, "I need my pain pill" before I was fully alert and oriented. Where are they? Downstairs. Why are they downstairs? So, I drag myself down the stairs and return with the meds. "Don't I need to take these with food"? Well yes, how silly of me. Another trip down the stairs produces needed sustenance. Well, might as well get up and get ready for the day! I will rise and shine to the challenge! Visit us at My Addicted Mind.com

Post-Op Follow Up

Other than a two hour wait in pre-op to have the surgery, everything went pretty smoothly today. 

Cathy seems to be recovering well and the nasty gall bladder has been eradicated. And, although they wouldn't let us keep the stones, (not they we really wanted to anyway), everyone involved with the process was very congenial and polite. Thank you Summa staff.  Now on to a full and complete recovery!

Another Surgery in the Family

My wife is having a lap-chole this morning and we're here at the hospital now. They've called her back for the prep work and I'm just kinda hangin out waitin to be paged. Seems just like a few weeks ago I was the one going under the knife. I'm just praying everything goes well and the recovery is quick. Summa did a great job with me and I have no reason to worry this time.

Is There Such a Thing as Religion Addiction?

Religion Addiction Believe it or not, I have experienced first hand how religion can be addictive. But then anything can be carried to the extreme by overzealous practitioners of all sorts of different behaviors or activities. But those of us with addicted minds cannot limit our involvement in these behaviors - it is all or nothing. I have witnessed individuals "drunk in the Spirit" or "High on God" and heard others say that God is like a drug that needs to be tapped into for the emotional high that praise and worship can bring. I for one wanted this spiritual high and seriously contemplated selling all my possessions, giving up current relationships, and become like Jesus. In Matthew 16:24 Jesus also tells his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me". Again in In Mark 8:34 Jesus tells the people,"He said unto them, “Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me". And in Luke 9:23 Jesus is portrayed as making the statement, ""Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me". However, I came to a realization that what I was doing was unhealthy. It is a phenomena known as Religion Addiction, or being addicted to religious aspects. During research for different addictions, I found some interesting concepts about how some churches are able to actually fuel the emotions of people and foster addictive-type qualities in their "productions" or sermons. Mega Church services are one type of worship experience that some claim can be "addicting". James Hart, president of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, has this to say about mega church worship productions, "Ecstatic worship can be positive, nurturing the emotive side of God's relationship with us. But when ecstasy begins to dictate theology, or suggest normative behaviors, we risk falling off the plateaus of orthodoxy and orthopraxy." http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/october/is-megachurch-worship-addictive.html For more information on addiction, visit My Addicted Mind.Com