Category: Blog

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By Dr. Robin Arthur, Chief of Psychology, Lindner Center of HOPE
 

What are the top five stressors in your life right now? Write them down and set them aside.

So what is stress? Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” Stress is also the “wear and tear” our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment. It has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings.

The warning is that stress can cause severe health problems and, in extreme cases, can cause death.

Stress has a positive side as well. Stress can help compel us to action. Some of the early research on stress (conducted by Walter Cannon in 1932) established the existence of the well-known “fight-or-flight” response. These hormones help us to run faster and fight harder. They increase heart rate and blood pressure, delivering more oxygen and blood sugar to power important muscles. They increase sweating in an effort to cool these muscles, and help them stay efficient. They divert blood away from the skin to the core of our bodies, reducing blood loss if we are damaged. These hormones focus our attention on the threat, to the exclusion of everything else. All of this significantly improves our ability to survive life-threatening events.

Unfortunately, this mobilization of the body for survival also has negative consequences. In this state, we are excitable, anxious, jumpy and irritable – actually reducing our ability to work effectively with other people. The intense focus on survival in this state impairs judgment and self-control.

Since most situations benefit from a calm, rational, controlled, and socially sensitive approach, the fight-or-flight response needs to be controlled.

Additional negative sides of stress include a negative influence, resulting in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression. These feelings can lead to physical health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the emergence of Psychoneuroimmunology in the 1980s, it was recognized that psychological factors (such as those seen in stress) can directly affect the immune system.

So how can we eliminate stress from our lives?

Actually, the goal should not be to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and use it to help us. What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us.

How can we manage stress better?

Identifying unrelieved stress and being aware of its effect on our lives is not sufficient for reducing its harmful effects. Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. However, all require working toward change – changing the source of stress and/or changing reactions to it.

How do we proceed?

The skills fall into three main groups:

  • Action-oriented skills:  In which we seek to confront the problem causing the stress, often changing the environment or the situation;
  • Emotionally-oriented skills:  In which we do not have the power to change the situation, but we can manage stress by changing our interpretation of the situation and the way we feel about it;
  • Acceptance-oriented skills:  Where something has happened over which we have no power and no emotional control, and where our focus must be on surviving the stress.
    1. Become aware of stressors and emotional and physical reactions. Notice your distress. Don’t ignore it. Don’t gloss over your problems.
    2. Recognize what you can change. Look at your list of five stressors. What can be changed?
    3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress. The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger … physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing stressors in exaggerated terms?
    4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress. Learn to relax and breathe deeply and slowly.
    5. Build your physical reserves. Exercise; eat well; avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants; mix leisure with work; and get enough sleep.
    6. Maintain your emotional reserves. Develop mutually supportive relationships; pursue realistic goals; expect some frustrations, failures and sorrows; and always be kind and gentle with yourself.

Stress Management Skills. Remaining calm and effective in high pressure situations.

  • Deep Breathing. Take a number of deep breaths and relax your body further with each breath.
  • Progressive Muscular Relaxation. Tense up a group of muscles so that they are as tightly contracted as possible. Hold them in a state of extreme tension for a few seconds. Then, relax the muscles normally.
  • Imagery in Relaxation. Imagine a scene, place or event that is safe, peaceful, restful, beautiful and happy. Use the imagined place as a retreat from stress and pressure.
  • Imagery in Preparation and Rehearsal. You can also use imagery in rehearsal before a big event, allowing you to run through the event in your mind.
  • Volunteer for Others. The endorphins released when we do something nice for others are amazing.
  • Give a gift to yourself.
    • Listen to your deepest needs.
    • Set a time every day that is protected time to self-nurture. Set a monthly splurge.
    • Write yourself a letter, giving yourself permission to self-nurture.

Therapy

Sometimes, even with the best effort, you cannot relieve your stress alone. I highly recommend seeking a consultation with a mental health professional to help with stress management. You may only need a few sessions with an unbiased third party to help you get to the root of the issues. Early intervention is essential and will produce better long term results.

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HP-PIC-green-ribbonWhen we think about cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, we don’t wait years to treat them. We start before Stage4—we begin with prevention. When people are in the first stage of those diseases, and are beginning to show signs of symptoms like a persistent cough, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar, we try immediately to reverse these symptoms. We don’t ignore them. In fact, we develop a plan of action to reverse and sometimes stop the progression of the disease.

So why aren’t we doing the same for individuals who are dealing with potentially serious mental illness?

When you or someone close to you starts to experience the early warning signs of mental illness, knowing what the risk factors and symptoms are will help to catch them early. Often times, family and friends are the first to step in to support a person through these early stages. Experiencing symptoms such as loss of sleep, feeling tired for no reason, feeling low, feeling anxious, or hearing voices, shouldn’t be ignored or brushed aside in the hopes that they go away. Like other diseases, we need to address these symptoms early, identify the underlying disease, and plan an appropriate course of action on a path towards overall health. Mental health conditions should be addressed long before they reach the most critical points in the disease process—Before Stage 4.

Many people do not seek treatment in the early stages of mental illnesses because they don’t recognize the symptoms. Up to 84% of the time between the first signs of mental illness and first treatment is spent not recognizing the symptoms.

Mental Health America’s screening tools can help. Taken online at www.mhascreening.org, a screening is an anonymous, free and private way to learn about your mental health and see if you are showing warning signs of a mental illness. A screening only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about the next steps you should take based on the results. A screening is not a diagnosis, but it can be a helpful tool for starting a conversation with your doctor or a loved one about your mental health.

This May is Mental Health Month; Lindner Center of HOPE is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives and encouraging members of the community to learn more about their own mental health and to take action immediately if they are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness.

Mental illnesses are not only common, they are treatable. There is a wide variety of treatment options for mental illnesses ranging from talk therapy to medication to peer support, and it may take some time for a person to find the right treatment or combination of treatments that works best for them. But when they do, the results can be truly amazing and life changing. Lindner Center of HOPE wants to help people learn what they can do both to protect their mental health and know the signs of mental illness #B4Stage4.

It’s up to all of us to know the signs and take action so that mental illnesses can be caught early and treated, and we can live up to our full potential. We know that intervening effectively during early stages of mental illness can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental illnesses. Be aware of your mental health and get screened #B4Stage4 today!

 

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(Part 1) Introduction and Accidental Overdose

Jolomi Ikomi, MD, Chris J. Tuell, EdD, LPCC-S, LICDC, Lindner Center of HOPE, Staff Psychiatrist; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry

 

Opioids are indicated in treatment of acute and chronic non-cancer pain. Opioids are psychoactive substances and can cause an increased sense of euphoria via their action on the brain opiate receptors. This effect, which is beneficial for altered pain perception, is also the main reason for their misuse potential.

Opioids can be highly addictive. When used for recreational purposes, or when prescribed by treatment providers and not adequately monitored, can progress rapidly to an opioid related disorder. Opioid related disorders include opioid use disorder, opioid withdrawal, opioid intoxication, opioid induced mood disorder, opioid induced anxiety disorder and opioid induced psychotic disorder. There is an increased prevalence of mental illness in individuals with opioid related disorders than within the general population. About 90% of patients with opioid dependence will also have an additional psychiatric disorder, most commonly major depressive disorder, alcohol use disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.

Since the 1990s, there has been greater awareness about adequate pain control for patients experiencing not just acute pain, but also chronic non-cancerous pain. This has led to an increase in the rise of prescription opioids, which in turn has led to a steady rise in opioid prescription addiction. The United States and Canada have significantly higher rates of prescribed opiates than any other developed country in the world. Prescription opioids are costly and the high cost of obtaining them has led individuals to seek cheaper alternatives. Heroin resurgence has occurred in the last decade. Patients addicted to prescription opiates are seduced by its cheap price and more rapid onset of action.  Increased prevalence of heroin use has led to a rise in drug related felonies (larceny, prostitution) and medical complications such as HIV and Hepatitis C seroconversion and accidental overdose.

 

Accidental Overdose

Opioid overdose is a global health concern accounting for considerable mortality among patients with opioid use disorders. About 50% of all deaths of heroin users in the United States are as a result of opioid overdose. 73% of all prescription overdose related deaths are due to prescription opioid medications.

To understand overdose, we first need to define the term “Tolerance”. This refers to an individual requiring more of a psychoactive substance to achieve a desired effect or when the same dose of a previously used substance does not give the desired effect. Individuals with opioid use disorders develop tolerance to the drug over a prolonged period of time. Opioids have respiratory depressant as well as euphoric effects. Tolerance to respiratory depressant effects occurs much slower than to the euphoric effects. This means whenever an individual rapidly increases the amount of the drug used in order to achieve a euphoric effect, they are at significant risk of respiratory compromise and death.  Tolerance also rapidly decreases during periods of abstinence, such as following an opioid detoxification. Risk of overdose is greatly increased during the immediate opioid detoxification period. This is as a result of intense craving for the drug, as well as loss of tolerance to the drug.

 

Treatment of Overdose

Naloxone (Narcan) is a short acting opioid receptor blocker that is a life saving measure and should be immediately administered in suspected overdose. Signs to look for in an individual with suspected overdose include diminished level of consciousness or coma, pinpoint pupils and respiratory depression with rate less than 12 per minute (normal is 12-20). Administration of intravenous Narcan works within 2 minutes and slightly longer if given intramuscularly. This medication is safe and has no significant side effects. The main draw back with Narcan is the short half-life so its effects last much shorter than the effects of most opioids. Thus, once the medication has been administered, emergency medical services must be called immediately. Failure to do so will lead to immediate return of overdose symptoms within minutes, after effects of Narcan have worn off.

Administration of Narcan is easy and everyone, not just trained professionals can administer it. It can be administered in the community by trained lay persons. Family members and friends usually witness early symptoms of overdose. Training the support network as well as the individual with a history of opioid use disorder is imperative for the risk reduction of overdose deaths. Prescription of a Narcan kit to all individuals with a history of opioid use disorder has been shown to significantly reduce overdose deaths in the community. This is being practiced in some European countries and in several states across the U.S.

Narcan is not treatment, it is only an emergency life saving measure to prevent death and buy time before the arrival of emergency services and referral to treatment centers for long term treatment. Long-term treatment of opioid use disorders will be discussed in the subsequent series.

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Chris J. Tuell, EdD, LPCC-S, LICDC, Lindner Center of HOPE, Clinical Director of Addiction Services; University of Cincinnati, Department of Counseling, Adjunct Professor, Addiction Studies

 

For many of us growing-up in school, February was all about the Presidents, most notably, Abraham Lincoln. As our opinion of politicians has waned over the years, we can only wish that our political choices were of the caliber of our 16th President. Though the history books play a significant role in our perception and understanding of the “rail-splitter” from Illinois, it often becomes easy for us to forget that Abraham Lincoln was very human. Lincoln led this nation through its worst crisis, while at the same time battled his own internal war of chronic depression.

At the age of 32, Lincoln writes, “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever better, I cannot tell; I awfully forebode I shall not; to remain as I am is impossible.”

Within the past few years, recent books and articles have addressed Lincoln’s melancholy by examining his own letters and the recorded observations of those who knew him. Lincoln scholars have clear evidence that he suffered from depressive episodes beginning in his twenties and lasting throughout the rest of his life. Lincoln’s school teacher, Mentor Graham stated, “Lincoln told me that he felt like committing suicide often.” Law partner and biographer, William Herndon, stated, “He was a sad looking man, gloomy, and melancholic.” Herndon adds, “His melancholy dripped from him as he walked.”

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year, according to the National Institute on Mental Health. Depressive disorders may include: Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymia (an ongoing, low grade depression), and Bipolar Disorder (mood swings of depression and mania). Depression can affect every aspect of one’s life: physical health, sleep, eating habits, job, and your relationships with friends and family. It affects thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

Lincoln was a man with human strengths and frailties.   His depression or melancholy did not define who he was as a person, nor can the same be said for the millions of individuals who suffer from depression every day. Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health issues facing people today. It is also one of the most treatable.

Lincoln had much cause for sadness throughout his life. His only brother died in infancy. His mother, an aunt, and uncle died from an epidemic when he was nine years of age. Ten years later his sister died giving birth to a stillborn infant. Historical records indicate that Lincoln’s mother and father were disposed to melancholy and that one side of the family “was thick with mental disease.” According to mental health professionals, bereavement in childhood can be one of the most significant factors in the development of depressive illness in later life.

As an adult, Lincoln experienced the loss of a close friend, Ann Rutledge, of whom who he grew fond of while living in New Salem, Illinois in 1835. As a father, Lincoln experienced the death of two young sons, Eddie and Willie. As Commander-in-Chief, one can only imagine the emotional toll the Civil War had upon Lincoln and the 680,088 lives that were lost in its cause.

Before the age of psychotherapy and medication, Lincoln learned to live with his depressive disposition. He would frequently utilize humor and story-telling to elevate his mood and distract himself from his depression. Only his closest friends had any insight concerning the extent of his condition. Learning how to manage his life with his depression was his only choice. The only other option would have been for him to succumb to these adversities. It does not appear that it was in the 16th President’s persona to acquiesce. Lincoln persevered and served this country eloquently.

We can only speculate what Lincoln would say or do about our current state of political affairs, or even what thoughts he may have towards the new millennium’s understanding of depression and mental health. But now, some 150 years later, Lincoln’s historical persona continues to “belong to the ages.” Abraham Lincoln believed in the human spirit and spoke of the role we must all serve toward one another. This was no more clearly expressed than through Lincoln’s own words, “With malice toward none; with charity for all.”

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© 2014National Eating Disorders Association.Permission is granted to copy and reprint materials for educational purposes only.National Eating Disorders Association must be cited and web address listed.www.NationalEatingDisorders.org Information and Referral Helpline: 800.931.2237

The goal of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week  is to put the spotlight on the seriousness of eating disorders and to improve public understanding of their causes, triggers and treatments. By increasing awareness and access to resources, we can encourage early detection and intervention, which can improve the likelihood of full recovery for millions.

This year the National Eating Disorders Association is focusing on the importance of early intervention and recognizing the diverse experiences of people personally affected by disordered eating. Too often, signs and symptoms are overlooked as insignificant behaviors when in fact many of these are early warning signs of eating disorders.

If someone is exhibiting signs or thoughts of struggling with an eating disorder, intervening during the early stages of development can significantly increase the likelihood of preventing the onset of a full-blown eating disorder. It also leads to greater chances of a full recovery. It can prevent years of struggle and can even save lives. A key goal of NEDAwareness Week is to direct individuals to a free online screening for eating disorders at MyBodyScreening.org.

Educating yourself and those around you about eating disorders is a great way to get involved. Correcting myths and spreading awareness about the facts are important steps to eating disorder prevention. Visit NEDAwareness.org to review information about how eating disorders develop and why they are so complex, as well as finding out how you can be proactive in recognizing contributing factors and being a part of the fight against these life threatening illnesses.

While eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses, help is available and recovery is possible. It is important for those affected, and their loved ones, to remember that they are not alone in their struggle. Others have recovered and are now living healthy fulfilling lives. Let the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) be a part of your support network. NEDA has information and resources available via our website and helpline: www.NationalEatingDisorders.org, NEDA Helpline: 800-931-2237.

 

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By Paul E. Keck, Jr., MD
President-CEO, Lindner Center of HOPE
Frances & Craig Lindner Professor & Executive Vice Chair
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
 

Bipolar disorder is common and recurrent psychiatric illness associated with high rates of morbidity, disability and mortality. In the United States, the 12-month prevalence rate of bipolar I and II disorder is estimated at 2.6%. Bipolar I disorder is distinguished from major depressive disorder by the occurrence of manic episodes. Bipolar II disorder is distinguished from major depressive disorder by the occurrence of mild manic symptoms, and depressive episodes tend to predominate the course of illness.

Symptoms of mania include: abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive or irritable mood, excessive energy or activity, psychomotor agitation, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, excessive speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, impulsivity, and poor insight. Manic episodes often constitute a medical emergency requiring hospital admission and severe depressive episodes similarly pose a risk of suicide and need for hospital care.

Bipolar disorder frequently presents early in an individual’s life, frequently between the ages of 16-24, and often the initial mood episode may be depression, further complicating the diagnosis. Bipolar disorder is highly heritable. Clinical predictors of bipolar disorder include a family history of a first degree relative with bipolar disorder and early age of onset of depression.

Fortunately, there have been substantial advances in the evidence-based treatments of bipolar disorder over the past several decades. The goals of treatment of acute mood episodes (manic, mixed, and depressive) are rapid, complete remission in a safe environment. The goals of long-term or maintenance treatment are prevention of further episodes, eradication of sub-syndromal symptoms, and optimizing quality of life and function.

The treatment of bipolar disorder is often complicated because of a number of factors. First, bipolar disorder is the single psychiatric illness associated with the greatest degree of comorbidity. For example, addictions, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, migraine, overweight and obesity, and diabetes are all more common in people with bipolar disorder than in the general population. Thus, treatment recommendations often require addressing not only the symptoms of bipolar disorder itself, but also concurrently addressing comorbid illnesses.

Second, within the realm of bipolar disorder itself, although classified as a mood disorder, this illness is also fraught with symptoms in behavior, cognition and perception, as well as insight.

Third, treatment is further complicated by the diversity of illness presentation. For example, there are often substantial differences among patients in the pattern, frequency, and severity of mood episodes, the presence of absence of psychosis, and in acute or chronic psychosocial and other environmental stressors. Further, some medications have particular efficacy in one phase of illness but not in another, and some may actually increase the likelihood of precipitating a reciprocal mood episode.

Evidence-based treatment of bipolar disorder is generally categorized by treatment of acute mood episodes and maintenance treatment, designed to prevent recurrent symptoms and episodes. Medications with evidence of efficacy in the treatment of manic episodes include: first- and second-generation antipsychotic drugs, lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine. Medications with evidence of efficacy in the treatment of bipolar depressive episodes include: olanzapine, olanzapine-fluoxetine combination, lithium, quetiapine and lurasidone. The co-administration of unimodal antidepressants in the treatment of bipolar depression remains controversial, although clinically a substantial subgroup of people with bipolar depression appears to need such agents.

Within the many types of antidepressants, some data indicate that SNRI’s may pose a greater switch risk. Medications with evidence of efficacy in maintenance treatment include: lithium, olanzapine, lamotrigine, aripiprazole, quetiapine, and long-acting injectable paloperidone. Many people with bipolar disorder require a combination of medications to achieve and sustain euthymia. It is also important to recognize that certain medications that were once thought promising for bipolar disorder have not been proven to have efficacy in any phase of the illness. These include, for example, topiramate, gabapentin, and oxcarbazepine.

Although pharmacotherapy is the foundation of treatment of bipolar disorder, there are now evidence-based psychosocial treatments that improve outcome. These are primarily for the maintenance phase of treatment, have the greatest impact on depression and treatment adherence, and include: individual and group psychoeducation, individual interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family-focused treatment.

Resources

Keck PE, Jr, McElroy SL. Pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder. Nathan PE, Gorman JM, eds. A Guide to Treatments That Work, 3rd edition, Oxford, NY, 2007, pp. 323-350.

Miklowitz DJ, Craighead WE, Psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder. Nathan PE, Gorman JM, eds. A Guide to Treatments That Work, 3rd edition, Oxford, NT, 2007, pp. 309-322.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

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Lindner Center of HOPE’s Chief Research Officer, Dr. Susan McElroy, was recently cited in a Forbes article about her work in the investigation of an experimental drug that could be used in the treatment of depression.

Naurex, a private company founded by a Northwestern University professor in Evanston, Ill., is reporting that this experimental drug works to help push patients out of a major depressive state within 24 hours of getting a single intravenous shot.

Click here to read the Forbes article.

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Susan L. McElroy, MD, Chief Research Officer, Lindner Center of HOPE, co-authored study published online by Jama Psychiatry

At some doses, the medication lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a drug approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, was effective compared with placebo in decreasing binge-eating (BE) days in patients with binge-eating disorder (BED), a public health problem associated symptoms of mental illness and obesity and for which there are no approved medications, according to a study published online by JAMA Psychiatry.

BED is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption accompanied by a sense of loss of control and psychological distress. Cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as psychotherapy, can reduce BE behavior but implementation of these treatments has not been widespread. Consequently, many patients with BED are undertreated despite having functional impairments and difficulties in their social and personal lives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved pharmacologic treatments for BED, according to background information in the study.

Susan L. McElroy, MDSusan L. McElroy, M.D., of the Research Institute, Lindner Center of HOPE, Mason, Ohio, and coauthors compared lisdexamfetamine with placebo in adults with moderate to severe BED in a randomized clinical trial from May 2011 through January 2012. The study included 259 and 255 adults with BED in safety and intention-to-treat analyses, respectively. The medication was administered in dosages of 30, 50 or 70 mg/day or placebo.

BE days per week decreased in the 50-mg/d and 70 mg/d treatment groups but not in the 30 mg/d treatment group compared with the placebo group, according to the study results. Results also indicate the percentage of patients who achieved four-week BE cessation was lower with the placebo group (21.3 percent) compared with the 50-mg/d (42.2 percent) and 70-mg/d (50 percent) treatment groups.

“In the primary analysis of this study of adults with moderate to severe BED, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate treatment with 50 and 70 mg/d, but not 30 mg/d, demonstrated a significant decrease (compared with placebo) in weekly BE days per week at week 11. Similarly, BE episodes decreased in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups. The one-week BE episode response status was improved in the 50- and 70-mg/d treatment groups, and a greater proportion of participants achieved four-week cessation of BE episodes and global improvement of symptom severity with all lisdexamfetamine dosages. … Confirmation of these findings in ongoing clinical trials may results in improved pharmacologic treatment for moderate to severe BED,”  the study concludes.

(JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 14, 2015. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2162.  at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor’s Note: Authors made conflict of interest disclosures. This study was supported by Shire Development, LLC, including funding to Scientific Communications & Information and Complete Healthcare Communications, Inc., for support in writing and editing the manuscript. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Susan L. McElroy MD, James I. Hudson MD, ScD, James E. Mitchell MD, Denise Wilfley PhD, M. Celeste Ferreira-Cornwell PhD, Joseph Gao PhD, Jiannong Wang PhD, Timothy Whitaker MD, Jeffrey Jonas MD, Maria Gasior MD, PhD

JAMA Psychiatry. 2015;72(3):-. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2162

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Private offices enable clinicians and patients to work together in a comfortable environment.

Charles Brady, PhD, ABPP, Director OCD and Anxiety Program at Lindner Center of HOPE discussed Diagnosis and Treatment of OCD on a recent One Hour at a Time episode.

To download and listen to the program, click here.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) was once thought to be an untreatable condition.  However, in the past 30 years psychiatric and psychological treatment advances now allow individuals with OCD to manage and overcome their symptoms and live fulfilling and meaningful lives.  Untreated OCD is a potentially disabling condition that strikes children and adults. Estimates of up to three percent of the population will battle OCD at some point in their lives and it affects men and women in equal numbers. It delivers a staggering toll for the individual and society, as individuals with OCD to have much higher than expected rates of under-employment and unemployment.  With treatment , a person suffering OCD can now expect to free themselves from OCD’s grip. Dr. Charles Brady, from Lindner Center of HOPE’s OCD and Anxiety treatment program will discuss the nature of OCD including how it is diagnosed and how current evidence based treatments are able to help individuals reclaim their lives.

 

 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Charles F. Brady directs the Lindner Center of HOPE’s Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety treatment program. He leads the research and development of the Center’s psychiatric rehabilitation programming. Dr. Brady is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience on the staff and faculty of the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Psychiatry. In addition to providing clinical service at UC, he trained and supervised interns, doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, psychiatric residents, psychiatric fellows, and psychiatrists. Dr. Brady earned his Doctorate of Clinical-Community Psychology from University of South Carolina and completed his post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He has completed training in the treatment of OCD and OCD spectrum disorders through the Behavior Therapy Institute. Dr. Brady is Board Certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.

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By: Lynn Gordon, ThD, Spiritual Care Coordinator Lindner Center of HOPE

There was a popular television series in the 1970’s called, “Kung Fu.” I recall an episode when Kwai Chang Caine, the main character played by David Carradine was revisiting a disappointing and sad moment in his youth. In providing support to Caine, Master Po told him, “Ah, grasshopper, you must realize that at every ending lies a new beginning.” I’ve never forgotten that quote and have reminded myself of its truth throughout my life.

2014 is now history and we are now launched into 2015! Many, if not all of us have experienced disappointing and sad moments this past year. Difficulty is no respecter of persons. Consider what the late inventor, Thomas Edison so profoundly stated as he watched his life’s work go up in flames, as he witnessed his house and laboratory being destroyed by a fire in 1917, “All my mistakes are now up in flames, but with God’s help, we can start anew.” After experiencing such a tragic loss at the age of 67, Mr. Edison could have easily quit and retired but, he chose to put his words into action – and started anew! Then, just three weeks after the fire, Thomas Edison invented the phonograph.

When it comes to certain disappointments and setbacks experienced in 2014, one must realize that most things cannot be changed. However, the good news is that one can choose to take action in 2015 – and start anew! The following are some suggestions on How to Delve in 2015 to make it a more positive year:

1. Choose to forgive – Forgiveness is a choice. Forgiveness is not forgetting the hurt or pain caused by someone else – sometimes this is impossible. Rather, it’s remembering that the offense has been forgiven. This allows the offended to take his/her power back that someone has taken from them. Forgiveness can unlock the chains that hold us hostage in life, even when the offense took place years before.

2. Increase my laughter – There is a proverb that says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Life can be overwhelming with all its serious issues and events. Consider including humor in your daily activities. Jump start your day by reading a humorous joke, watch a good comedy show or movie on television, and allow laughter to brighten your day and lighten the load of the cares of the world. Laughter can also be contagious and can benefit others around you.

3. Say, “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, and “I need your help”. These important phrases will strengthen one’s attitude of gratitude, ensure harmony in relationships, and is always a good reminder that there is support out there when needed.