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Compulsive hoarding is by no means a new phenomenon. However, it has recently moved into the spotlight courtesy of several documentaries and television shows such as A&E’s “Hoarders” and TLC’s “Hoarding: Buried Alive.”

The exposure compulsive hoarding has gained as a result has been an eye-opener to many hoarders as well as to those around them. It has brought awareness to the fact that treatment is available to help people begin to unclutter their lives.

The Characteristics of a Hoarder

Compulsive hoarding affects roughly two million Americans, according to Psychology Today Magazine. Although it is argued in some circles that hoarding is a stand-alone disorder, it is most often placed within the category of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD).

Generally, hoarders fear that throwing anything away will have negative repercussions on their lives. As a result, they collect and accumulate things that might have little or no real use.

Although the scene inside their dwelling might appear chaotic to others, many hoarders feel hanging onto items provides them with a certain amount of control and sense of organization. Hoarders feel a personal responsibility and connection to their possessions. If an item is lost or discarded, the fragile balance in their lives can be disrupted.

Getting Help

In treating compulsive hoarding, mental health professionals use an approach similar to that of OCD treatment. The foundation of treatment focuses on a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Specifically, behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) are employed.

Some of the goals within behavioral therapy include diminishing the hoarder’s urge to save, and redirecting the distorted view of the importance they place on the items in question. Therapy also helps at decreasing a hoarder’s anxiety over discarding items and improving their judgment and decision-making capabilities.

Mental health centers across the country are home to experienced professionals who have successfully treated compulsive hoarders. Though treatment can be lengthy and at times difficult, it can provide a new lease on life for those struggling with this all-consuming disorder.

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Mason, Ohio—February 2, in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Lindner Center of HOPE will join with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute to offer an Evening with an Eating Disorders Expert Panel. The panel will consist of nationally recognized Eating Disorders experts and offer an opportunity for primary care physicians, mental health specialists, school counselors, coaches and family members to learn about the emotional and health consequences affecting over 11 million individuals.

Eating Disorders are biologically based, devastating illnesses that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. They affect a person’s emotional and physical health, productivity and relationships. The panel presentation is part of the Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE’s monthly health series.

Compared with other mental illnesses, eating disorders represent the highest rate of mortality. And to make it more challenging, its identification and treatment can be challenging. Research has shown that with psychiatric management, psychotherapy, nutritional services, and family engagement, success can be experienced. “A coordinated approach to care can return patients, and their loved ones, to more fulfilling lives,” says Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist and Eating Disorders Intake Coordinator at Lindner Center of HOPE.  Bullock says to look for these signs indicating a person may be suffering with an eating disorder:

  • Preoccupation with body shape and/or weight
  • Weight disturbances or unexplained weight changes (underweight, overweight or obese)
  • Hoarding high-calorie food
  • Obsession with diets, calories, food, or nutrition
  • Compulsive eating, binge eating, or inability to stop eating
  • Frequent rigorous dieting, regardless of body weight
  • Compulsively arranging food and/or cutting into tiny pieces
  • Eating alone or late night eating
  • Taking laxatives or diet pills or excessive exercising to prevent weight gain
  • Avoiding eating in public and social situations that involve food
  • Repeatedly going to the bathroom shortly after meals
  • Regular fasting

An Evening with an Eating Disorders Panel of Experts

February 2, 2012; 6:30pm-7:45pm

Harold C. Schott Eating Disorders Treatment Team:

Anne Marie O’Melia, MD, MS, Medical Director

Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist & Intake Coordinator

Sarah Arszman Lavanier, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist

Tracy Early, BA, Med, Group Curriculum Specialist

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center:

Laurie Mitan, MD, Director, Eating Disorders Program

Abbey Tissot, PhD

Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute

Ann Kerney- Cooke, PhD, Director and national best-selling author

For more information contact: [email protected].

March Event:

March 1, 2012, 6:30pm-7:45pm

Ellen Young, Dietician & Jessica Barth, Dieticians, Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE

The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment

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The teen years can be challenging and confusing times. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is not an easy one for many young people as they try to establish their place in the world. Pressures to perform well academically, fickle relationships and living up to parental and peer expectations are just some of the issues that can weigh heavily on the mind of a teenager.

Occasional moodiness and angst are normal for most teens as they navigate their way through adolescence. These are often typical responses to circumstances that young people have not yet developed the skills or maturity to process. As time moves forward, the healthy adolescent will gain the experience and perspective necessary to handle many of the situations that once confounded them.

Symptoms of Adolescent Depression

For some teens however, moodiness, sadness and irritability are not so fleeting. Prolonged bouts with these and other symptoms including withdrawal from friends and family; hostility and extreme sensitivity; expressing feelings of worthlessness; and loss of interest in activities may indicate problems at a deeper level.

Depression is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., affecting approximately 10-15 percent of the nation’s teens. If symptoms such as those described above persist for more than a period of a few weeks, it would be wise to seek help as soon as possible.

Depression Treatment: The Sooner the Better

The earlier that mood disorders such as depression are detected and treated, the better. If left unaddressed, the chances of depression leading to substance abuse and other destructive behaviors — and even suicide — are greatly increased.

After initial screening, treatment for teen depression will often include a combination of medication and talk therapy. Teens that are prescribed antidepressant medications are carefully monitored for side effects. Talk therapy and cognitive therapies help young patients replace negative thought patterns with positive ones by providing them with a better understanding of the causes for their thoughts, feelings and behavior.

Detecting depression early and beginning treatment right away will enhance the chances of a faster and smoother recovery. A complete “cure” for depression is never guaranteed. However, proper treatment can set an adolescent on the path toward living a good and productive life.

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Over 45 million Americans have some form of mental illness. Roughly 25 percent of these individuals have disorders considered to be serious, according to a recent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study. With the number of Americans suffering from mental illness and substance abuse problems on the rise, caregivers and treatment facilities throughout the country continue to work to meet increasing demands.

One way this troubling trend is being addressed is through the creation of comprehensive mental health treatment centers. In recent years more focus has been placed upon the consolidation of mental health services that were once spread throughout a city or region.

Mental Health Centers are All-Encompassing

Many of the newer mental health centers are universal in their offerings. They provide inpatient and outpatient services for a wide range of mental health issues and are staffed with a diverse array of experienced therapists and psychiatric specialists.

These types of facilities will often contain separate areas for children, adolescents and adults. ADHD treatment, adolescent depression treatment, eating disorder treatment and treatment for anxiety and bipolar disorders are among the services that can be performed under one roof.

Some mental health centers also contain short-term residential units, such as Lindner Center of Hope’s “Sibcy House” near Cincinnati, Ohio. Sibcy House staff members specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of those with complex mental disorders, addictive disorders and those who have experienced a mental health crisis.

The Lindner facility is also one of the few mental health centers in the country to offer both ECT and TMS treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are used in severe depression treatment and to address conditions for other types of treatment that have failed. These devices are located in Lindner’s new state-of-the-art Neuromodulation Center.

The centralization of services in modern-day mental health centers has been a positive development in a number of ways, including making treatment more accessible to patients and communication between caregivers more convenient. This is especially the case in situations where multiple modes of treatment may be necessary.

 

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There is an overriding tendency within human nature to fear what we don’t understand. Throughout history, this “fear of the unknown” has shaped our perception in regard to those who suffer from mental illness.

Assumptions and judgments are formed about people with mental health issues often without any understanding of the causes, symptoms and treatment of a particular disorder. Moreover, people tend to believe that those who are mentally ill have a greater propensity toward displaying violent behavior.

However this is simply not the case. Numerous studies have shown those with mental disorders are no more likely than anyone else to commit violent acts. In fact, the mentally ill are more likely to be the victims of violent crimes than the perpetrators.

The Stigma Softens

In the past, the portrayal of those with mental illness in books, film and television were major contributors to the negative reaction that terms such as “mental disorder” and “schizophrenia” often received from the general public.

However, in more recent years, a greater effort has taken place to educate the public about mental illness.  These positive developments include:

  • Mental health centers with educational programs that raise public awareness  about the truths of  mental disorders, as well as addressing successful treatment modalities for OCD, ADHD, depression,  and eating disorders.
  • Organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that work with media and news organizations to raise awareness about mental illnesses.
  • TV shows and documentaries focusing on the lives and struggles of people with bipolar disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and other illnesses.
  • The emergence of celebrities who are beginning to discuss their mental health issues in public forums.

By increasing exposure to the facts and attaching names and faces to various disorders, the stigma and stereotypes surrounding mental illness are gradually fading. All these factors contribute to encouraging those with mental illness and other mental health concerns feel empowered to discuss their issues and seek help.

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On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Americans took the time to reflect upon the events of that horrific day. Observances and ceremonies were conducted throughout the country to pay respect to the victims and to memorialize the heroes that emerged from that devastating day. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but many more continue to acutely feel its after-effects.

Ten years later, many 9/11 first responders and those that followed them to “ground zero” to address the aftermath are not only experiencing severe physical ailments, but are suffering with serious mental health issues as well. The lives of these individuals have been forever changed as they continue to deal with the repercussions of that fateful day.

A Traumatic Impact

As millions around the world watched the terrifying and almost surreal scene unfold in the middle of New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the impact was intensely magnified for those in close proximity to ground zero. After having been directly involved with such a traumatic event, thousands of responding firefighters, police personnel, doctors, nurses and even construction and utility workers developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety problems and depression in its wake.

Attempting to Heal

In January 2011, the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was federally approved. This bill offers assistance to ground zero workers suffering from a physical or mental illness as a result of 9/11. It also establishes medical and mental health centers dedicated in part to the treatment of those affected by the travesty.

The Zadroga Act has greatly benefited workers and their families experiencing mental health issues. Those who might lack the financial means to receive treatment for depression , PTSD  and treatment for other mental health issues associated with the traumatic events of 9/11 are now able to get the help they need.

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders in children. In the U.S., ADHD affects roughly 8 percent of children ages 3-17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), up to 60 percent of children with ADHD will experience symptoms through adolescence and into adulthood.).

Countless studies from reputable health organizations have been conducted on the causes, symptoms and treatment of ADHD. But a decisive ADHD diagnosis can often be difficult to pin down, especially in young children.

Core Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms. While the “attention deficit” and “hyperactivity” aspects of this disorder can occur separately, they coincide in cases of ADHD. Attention deficit characteristics include trouble listening, inattention to detail, forgetfulness, lack of organization and an inability to stay focused on a subject or activity. Hyperactivity symptoms include the inability to sit still,  the constant need to be in motion and excessive talking.

Not Hard to Misdiagnose

Some of the symptoms of ADHD can also be present in adolescent depression, bipolar disorders and other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and mood disorders. While ADHD can occur in conjunction with another disorder, it is also possible for a child exhibiting symptoms common to ADHD diagnosis, to be actually be suffering from a different  problem altogether.

When a child is disruptive in class or has difficulty listening and cannot sit still at home, ADHD is often the first concern  a teacher or parent has. However, a recent Michigan State University study reports nearly one million children in the U.S. might  have been misdiagnosed with ADHD. This can translate into ADHD treatment such as medication being initiated too soon, which in some cases might have a negative long-term impact on a child’s health.

It is important for a child displaying ADHD symptoms to be thoroughly evaluated over a period of time by a mental health professional. Any initial treatment should begin with behavioral therapies in lieu of medication.

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Stress shows no boundaries. It hits everyone—not just the patient in your waiting room, or the parent who says they’ve hit bottom and don’t know where else to turn, or your staff person working endlessly to meet deadlines and improve the bottom line. Economic pressures, unrelenting competition, never-ending work hours and shoestring budgets can take a toll on the high level professional or executive as well.

“We know that stress has physical and emotional effects on people and can create positive or negative feelings,” says Dr. Robin Arthur, Chief of Psychology at Lindner Center of HOPE. “Stress can help compel us to action,” she says. “But stress can be brutal and cause health problems such as anxiousness, depression and addiction issues. Often when leaders are stressed they look for ways to help them cope and those ways aren’t always healthy,” says Dr. Arthur. Busy executives self-medicate with alcohol or sleep aids or experience deteriorating relationships, irritability and isolation.

Research conducted by global business management, Towers Watson which surveyed HR professionals at 316 US organizations identified “opportunities for promotion” as the top reason that high performers would leave a company.  In a separate survey of 10,000 employees across the country, results indicated that the number one reason high achievers leave a company is because of—stress.  Interestingly, out of the five potential causes cited by HR professionals that top-performing employees would leave, not one of the reasons included stress.

Most business executives, care providers and other high level employees are conditioned to not show their stress. So symptoms manifest in anger, increased substance use, depression and difficultly at home or with relationships. But when the culture of an organization permits their executives to acknowledge their stress and its subsequent reactions, only then can progress and wellness take place.

“Balance is the key,” Dr. Arthur said. “The goal should not be to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and use it to our benefit. Finding the optimal level of stress can be motivating without being overwhelming.” Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. All require working toward personal change – changing the source of stress and reactions to it.

Tips for Managing Stress:

  • Become aware of stressors and emotional and physical reactions
  • Focus on strengths, recognize what you can change, pursue realistic goals
  • Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions
  •  Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress
  • Exercise; eat well; avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants
  • Develop supportive relationships
  • Create a game plan and think things through

About Lindner Center of HOPE:

Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, residential services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally.

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In recent years, many high profile actors, politicians and athletes have opted to take the step of disclosing their battles with mental disorders to the general public.

In doing so, these people have elevated public awareness of conditions such as bipolar disorders, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). In some cases, the decisions by these public figures to reveal their struggles have been the catalyst for everyday people to seek help for their own mental conditions.

Public Figures Reveal Mental Health Issues

After a stressful period in which she was caring for her cancer-stricken husband actor Michael Douglass, Catherine Zeta-Jones decided to check herself into a mental health treatment center. Zeta-Jones had reached a point where she was fluctuating between periods of joy and deep depression and knew she had to take additional action to address her condition. As a result of her decision to seek treatment, the famous actress discovered she had bipolar II disorder.

Not long ago, comedian and game show host Howie Mandel was officially diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and ADHD. After years of dealing with racing thoughts, an inability to sit still and obsessing over germs, Mandel decided to get help. After seeing improvements in his mental health with ADHD treatment and OCD treatment that included the use of psychotherapy and medication, Mandel is now a spokesman for these disorders and fights to diminish stigmas attached to them.

Mental health issues surrounding professional athletes have also come to the forefront. Reigning National League MVP Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds and boxer Mike Tyson both endured bouts of severe depression. Additionally, a Duke University study found that nearly half of all U.S. presidents have at some point battled mood disorders that include depression.

Mental illness is not something an individual should be embarrassed about or feel they have to keep secret. Numerous agencies and mental health centers offer treatment that allows individuals struggling with mental disorders to live normal and productive lives.

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A fairly recent study has found evidence linking Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to genetics.

A team of scientists scanned gene maps of more than 1,400 children for the study. After comparing the abnormal samples to the DNA of children without ADHD, the researchers discovered those with ADHD were more likely to have small pieces of their DNA missing or duplicated.

The DNA irregularities among ADHD children were prevalent in the same region where schizophrenia and autism is believed to develop; solidifying the belief ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition.

ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood and causes impulsiveness, restlessness and difficultly focusing. In the U.S., ADHD affects roughly two million children and three to five percent of the global child population. Medication and behavioral therapy are common forms of ADHD treatment.

The results from the study are expected to help researchers develop better methods for ADHD treatment. However, it is doubtful the findings will lead to an ADHD genetic test, as many experts consider environment part of the cause as well.

Speaking of environmental factors, another recent study suggests children with high levels of the pesticide malathion in their urine have a greater risk of developing ADHD.

The new study is the first to base its findings on a general U.S. population sample rather than on children from farm-working families or those living in locations where high chemical exposure is prevalent. Researchers estimate the majority of participants in the study were exposed to the malathion through food consumption.

The study compared data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted during 2000 to 2004. The findings concluded children with malathion metabolite levels 10 times above the normal rate are 55 percent more likely to have ADHD.