Schizophrenia in the DSM-VI-TR

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV-TR, is a text published by the American Psychiatric Association. This text is currently in the text-revised fourth edition, with the publication of the fifth edition pending soon.

Psychotic is a term that is used rather loosely to describe those who live with schizophrenia. This term is often misused and misinterpreted, but there is no universally agreed upon definition of psychotic to guide discussion. In the DSM-IV-TR, the term psychotic is used to refer to the presence of symptoms in disorders such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and brief psychotic disorder. With these conditions, psychosis is taken to mean the presence of prominent hallucinations or delusions, disorganized speech, catatonic or disorganized behavior.

What does this look like? As with many mental health conditions, a psychotic disorder has varying symptoms and can look very different from individual to individual. Schizophrenia is a disorder that occurs for at least six months before it can receive an official diagnosis, with at least one of those months being a period of active symptoms. For example, the individual may experience delusions of grandeur (i.e. they have great wealth or extreme power, which they do not) and may be unable to organize their thoughts or speech during this time. As with other mental health conditions, schizophrenia has numerous subcategories between which symptoms will vary, including paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated and residual.

Symptoms to Expect

Individuals and family members experiencing schizophrenia may have a great deal of struggles as they attempt to sort out the illness. Their loved one has likely become withdrawn, has developed a flat affect with less range of emotion showed, and they may be coping with a variety of strange experiences.

Some individuals will experience visual or auditory hallucinations. These hallucinations may be innocuous or very threatening in nature. Some individuals may also experience command hallucinations that speak to them and order them to perform in certain ways. Delusions may occur in the form of paranoia that is unrealistic fears, while others may experience delusions of grandeur, believing that they are omnipotent.

Symptoms of schizophrenia, regardless of type, can be loosely divided into two categories: positive and negative. Positive symptoms are described by the DSM-IV-TR as an excess or distortion in a person’s life, such as hallucinations and delusions. Whereas, negative symptoms refer to a paucity or loss of function, such as range and restriction of emotions, or flattening of effect, and alogia, or the flattening and restrictions in the fluency of a person’s speech.

Delusions, a term that has been referenced as a common symptom above, really means an erroneous belief. These can be difficult to sort out, and family may be unaware that this is occurring in the early stages of the illness. Although the public is probably more familiar with the popular media and the more extreme and bizarre delusions, there are more subtle thought distortions that occur.

Hallucinations can occur affecting any of an individual’s five senses, including tactile, smell (olfactory), visual and auditory. Although hearing voices is often mentioned, it is important to note that an individual may hear numerous voices conversing with one another, making it extremely difficult to complete a task or concentrate on anything.

Disorganized thought processes and behaviors are hallmark symptoms of this illness. The individual may be unable to form cohesive sentences, speak tangentially, be thrown off by a sound that rhymes and begin to repeat other words that rhyme, and so on. The individual’s behavior may also be disorganized, laughing inappropriately, heading into the shower with their clothing still on, and more.

Treatment

Early intervention is the key to the success of treatment in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The prognosis improves significantly if an individual is diagnosed early, begins a regime of antipsychotic medication and is able to participate in psychosocial rehabilitation programming with the close monitoring and support of qualified mental health workers.

There are numerous programs available to address the needs of individuals experiencing an early psychotic episode, including early psychosis intervention and progressive assertive community treatment.

Regardless which services are used, family is optimally the front line care providers of an individual living with schizophrenia. They are the first to be aware of any changes in mental status, can monitor compliance with medications and can alert mental health professionals as any changes arise. More importantly, they are there to provide support and care for the individual who may be in great distress.

References

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.

International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Volume 16

What is ADHD?

ADD/ADHD is defined by the DSM-IV-TR as a persistent and significant pattern of inattentiveness or hyperactivity that has occurred for at least six months. The symptoms must have been noted before the child turned seven years of age, and there must be a clear interference with the child’s developmental functioning in two or more areas, such as school, work or social settings.

To receive the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD a child must present at least six of the symptoms outlined in the DSM-IV-TR in the area of impairment. For example, if a child is diagnosed with the inattentive sub-type of ADD/ADHD, they must present with at least six, or more, symptoms of inattentiveness and likewise for the hyperactive sub-type. To receive the diagnosis of the combined type, a child must present with six or more symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

Examples of symptoms of inattention include forgetfulness, losing items, easily distracted, making careless mistakes or unable to pay attention to details, not appearing to listen when receiving instructions and having difficulties organizing themselves. Examples of hyperactivity include excessive movement, fidgeting, climbing on things and running when inappropriate and difficulty engaging in quiet play. Symptoms of impulsivity are also common, including blurting out responses, having difficulties waiting for a turn and interrupting or intruding upon others.

Diagnosis and treatment

A psychologist or psychiatrist and not a child’s teacher diagnose ADD/ADHD. However, it is often a child’s school that will raise the concerns as behaviors become disruptive to the classroom. The first step is to rule out another cause of the inattentiveness/hyperactivity, such as autism, pervasive development disorder, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia or psychotic disorder or dissociative disorder.

The Connors Rating Scale, developed by Dr. Keith C. Connors, is sometimes performed in order to determine a child’s level of functioning. This test involves a questionnaire that is filled out by the child’s parents in order to get a more fulsome understanding of how the child is functioning in the home. There is another component that teachers complete regarding the child’s performance and behavior in the classroom setting. Finally, there is a test that is designed for adolescents to self-rate themselves.

The first line of treatment of ADD/ADHD is often through stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). There are also newer medications, like atomoxetine (Strattera), that are non-stimulant and are longer-lasting. Other treatments involve treating the underlying cause of the ADD/ADHD, such as family systems therapy or trauma treatment. Treatment may also involve assisting the child and family in learning strategies to assist them in retaining attention and minimizing distractions. Some examples of this include setting up predictable schedules, incorporating movement, using classroom aids like stress balls, or developing strategies that allow the child to take a break from the classroom when needed.

If a parent should choose medications as an option, it is important to realize that they form only a part of the solution. There is the criticism, often justified, that parents and institutions want medicate away with drugs what is a normal part of childhood development. It is 10 percent pills and 90 percent skills in this equation, meaning that the child and family must learn strategies to address behavior and help the child learn how to self-regulate. Some strategies are simple, like counting to 10 or sitting on their hands, while others will incorporate the whole family. Different phases of a child’s development may require parents and teachers to revisit and revamp former strategies that become ineffective or that the child has outgrown.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/

PsychCentral.com: Attention Deficit Disorder

http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx1.htm

The ADD/ADHD Support Site: ADHD Connors Test

http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/adhd-connors-test.htm

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a term that is frequently used in self-help and popular media, but it is a term that few people truly understand. Most basically, mindfulness is about being present in the moment. According to “Psychology Today,” mindfulness is a state of attention and openness to the present. It is the ability to look at oneself and their thoughts with acceptance, and without judgment. Mindfulness is truly about opening oneself up to experiencing life in an active way, as opposed to being a passive observer. Another central component of mindfulness is compassion, not just for others but also for oneself.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness practice does not require meditation necessarily, as one can practice mindfulness in a variety of ways throughout their day. However, meditation is one method of learning and practicing mindfulness that some may find helpful.

One meditation method is to focus on breathing and be mindful of breathing in and out, acknowledging the breath as it is inhaled and then exhaled. Be aware of the presence of the body as measured breaths are taken, and how each area of the body feels. Accept those areas where tension is felt and feel compassion towards them. Next, focus on the emotion that is being felt as the breath is inhaled and exhaled, acknowledging and accepting that emotion. Focus on calming those emotions as breath is taken in and out. The next step is to acknowledge the mind while taking measured breaths, then calming it. Finally, one acknowledges their perceptions as they inhale and let those perceptions go as they exhale.

Benefits

Mindful meditation has been shown to have positive benefits on the brain and the functioning of an individual’s immune system, according to a report published in “Psychosomatic Medicine” in 2003. This report demonstrated that mindfulness meditation practiced over an eight-week period had a significant impact on the activation of the left side of the anterior portion of subject’s brains. This type of activation has been linked to positive effect, suggesting that subjects felt better after practicing mindfulness meditation. The researchers also reported a significant rise in antibody titers to the influenza vaccination, suggesting subjects were experiencing an increase in the functioning of their immune system.

Weight Loss

It is not surprising that mindfulness strategies can improve an individual’s efforts at weight loss. First, the practice of mindfulness incorporates compassion for oneself. The yo-yo diet pattern and self-image challenges perpetuated by the diet industry often significantly hamper’s the ability for an individual to feel compassion towards themselves. Second, mindfulness requires the individual pay attention to what they are doing and how they are feeling doing it. If an individual savors every bite and pays close attention to their feelings while they are eating, then theoretically they will be satiated sooner and more in-tune with feelings of fullness.

Certainly the American Psychological Association supported this theory in its January 2004 publication, “Monitor on Psychology,” which suggested meditation and positive eating messages were tools for combating eating disorders and creating a balanced approach to nutrition. Positive eating messages involve creating a positive attitude towards food and avoiding restriction-based dieting.

References

Psychosomatic Medicine: Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation

http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/content/65/4/564.short

Psychology Today: Mindfulness

http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/mindfulness

Mindfulness Meditation Center: Practice Basics

http://www.mindfulnessmeditationcentre.org/practBasics.htm

Borderline personality disorder is diagnosis outlined by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-IV-TR. This diagnosis falls under the general heading of personality disorders, within the sub-category of cluster B personality disorders. The personality disorders that are classified as cluster B, including borderline, histrionic and antisocial personality disorders, are known for their dramatic and emotionally erratic presentation.

The cause of cluster B personality disorders is the subject of much debate in the mental health literature, with many pointing to early developmental patterns of unstable relationships and exposure to traumatic situations.

Each of the cluster B personality disorders are characterized by a tendency to dissociate or deny reality, making individuals with this diagnosis particularly prone to lying and abuse. These individuals are highly likely to engage in splitting or triangulating behaviors in relationship with others, somatization, conversion and acting out when dissatisfied.

Features of borderline personality

Borderline personality disorder typically begins to emerge in later adolescence, although it is not to be diagnosed until after a person turns 18 years of age. This diagnosis most often occurs in women, with over 75% of those diagnosed with this illness being female.

According to the DSM-IV-TR, borderline personality is characterized by a pattern of unstable relationships and poor self-image. There are nine common features of the disorder, of which a person must meet at least five in order to receive the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, an individual must experience these symptoms in a variety of areas, such as work, family and social spheres.

The criteria are as follows:

1. Frantic attempts at avoiding abandonment, whether real or imagined.
2. A recurrent pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships, varying between idealization and devaluation
3. Persistently unstable self-image
4. Impulsivity in at least two self-damaging areas such as sex, substance abuse, and overeating
5. Recurrent suicidal ideation and self-injurious behavior
6. Unstable effects related to emotional instability/reactivity
7. Ongoing feelings of intense loneliness and emptiness
8. Intense angry outbursts, often inappropriate
9. Paranoia or dissociation in response to stress

What to expect

A family member of someone with borderline personality disorder can expect to experience many of the aforementioned symptoms first hand, as they are one of the few major, significant relationships in that individual’s life. In truth, they are likely to be the only consistent relationships in that person’s life. Family of a person diagnosed with borderline personality disorder will know all too well the impact of the impulsivity, intense anger and relational instability.

So, how does one support an individual who will continuously try to push them away, and who will at some moments behave incredibly abusive? It is known that those with a borderline personality disorder diagnosis who have strong family support have better chances of recovery, and a faster recovery at that. One of the most important ways to support a loved one with this mental disorder is to set clear and constructive limitations or boundaries. Boundary setting is not easy at first; however, with some training and support, family members can learn how to do this appropriately.

Family members may be tempted to put a great deal of effort into celebrating successes; however, too much positive reinforcement can actually promote relapse. Family members need to heed caution around showing excessive enthusiasm over progress; as such excitement may prompt a characteristic shift towards self-sabotaging behavior. Family members are well advised to suggest caution to their family member, reinforcing previous boundaries and acknowledging that there are likely to be many obstacles ahead. Family members can model positive and appropriate reinforcement, responding to both positive and negative events in a less reactive manner.

Clear communication is important for both the family and the individual coping with borderline personality disorder. Make time for everyday conversations around neutral topics, this will create an opportunity for the individual to experience neutral and effective communication. Although it may be difficult to remain neutral in times of conflict, particularly if the individual is verbally abusive, neutrality and calmness is an efficient technique to use with a family member with this disorder.

Wherever possible, create a routine. This will help the family member with the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder to anticipate events and create positive experiences. It is very important that the family’s life has more to it than coping with the experience of mental illness.

Although neutrality is touted as a preferred approach, there are definitely times where this is impossible.  If the individual is voicing thoughts of wanting to harm themselves or others, family is put in the position of needing to respond. If a family member is diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and has a history of threatening to harm themselves or others, be ready with emergency numbers and local crisis services.

References

BPD Today: Borderline Personality Disorder DSM IV Criteria

http://www.borderlinepersonalitytoday.com/main/dsmiv.htm

Family Practice Notebook: Cluster B Personality Disorder

http://www.fpnotebook.com/psych/Behavior/ClstrBPrsnltyDsrdr.htm

Facing the Facts: Supporting a Loved-One with Borderline Personality Disorder

http://bpdfamily.com/tools/articles5.htm

Anxiety is a term most people are familiar with and use in their daily lives. It is common to hear someone refer to him or herself as feeling anxious about an impending, stressful event or something that causes some distress. In fact, most people would identify with having felt anxious at some point in their lives.

The clinical disorder known as generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, refers to much more than the feelings of anxiousness that most people can relate to. Rather, generalized anxiety disorder is a set of symptoms that together form the disorder, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

Anxiety is a fairly common psychiatric disorder, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of approximately 5 percent. This condition occurs roughly twice as often in women than in men and affects about 40 million people in the United States annually.

Diagnosing generalized anxiety disorder

The DSM-IV-TR is a diagnostic manual for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals outlining the criteria for a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, differentiating the disorder from other conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, social phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The DSM-IV-TR indicates that those suffering from generalized anxiety disorder experience excessive worrying and anxiety about a number of events. This anxiety occurs for a period of at least six months, occurring on more days than not, causing acute distress in social, workplace and other settings. Individuals experience three or more of the following symptoms, including feeling restless, easily fatigued, tense muscles, irritability, and decreased concentration and sleep disturbances.

Generalized anxiety disorder will not be diagnosed if the anxiety is about having a panic attack, being embarrassed in public or having a flashback, for example. These symptoms would indicate the presence of another disorder such as panic attack, social phobia or post traumatic stress disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder is also not diagnosed when caused by drug or alcohol use, if it is a part of a mood disorder like depression, or if there is a medical reason for its presence, such as hyperthyroid disorder.

Behavioral therapy

The treatment options for anxiety are many. Cognitive behavioral therapies, or CBT, are considered an extremely effective therapy modality for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. This short-term therapy model lasts approximately 12 weeks and focuses on changes in thinking and behavioral patterns in order to address the underlying emotional distress. For a person with generalized anxiety disorder, CBT might focus on aiding the individual to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to increased symptoms. An example of this might be helping an individual determine what prompts “racing thoughts” and to learn techniques to slow thoughts down or focus on one thought at a time. CBT also helps individuals learn techniques to alter their behavior in specific high-stress settings, providing tools to assist them in managing and eventually decreasing their symptoms.

Medications

Medications are commonly prescribed in order to help manage the distressing symptoms of anxiety. It is important to recognize that for an anxiety disorder, medication is symptom relief and not a cure. Therefore, pharmacological interventions should be paired with psychotherapy.

Common medications include antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclics. These medications affect the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, and may help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications are also frequently used to treat generalized anxiety disorder. These medications are known as benzodiazepines, such as ativan and clonazepam, and may provide short-term relief of symptoms. This class of medication should be taken with caution due to their potential for addiction. Finally, beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to minimize the physical distress experienced with anxiety.

The Family Connection

Generalized Anxiety Disorder can be an extremely distressing and painful experience for an individual, as well as their family and friends around them. Family and friends play an important role in helping an individual recognize and manage symptoms, aiding in stress management and supporting techniques applied through therapy.

Family also plays an important role in recognizing when the symptoms of distress become unmanageable, monitoring for signs that a person is having thoughts of suicide and can take responsibility for engaging help when the person is unable to do so themselves. To find a list of crisis resources, contact the local mental health agency or public health offices.

References

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV-TR #300.02)

http://www.brown.edu/Courses/BI_278/Other/Clerkship/Didactics/Readings/gad.pdf

AllPsych Online: Psychiatric Disorders

http://allpsych.com/disorders/dsm.html

Anxiety UK: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/about-anxiety/diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-of-mental-disorders-dsm/

Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that might indicate the presence of depression. People who are experiencing this condition may suffer from persistent sadness and feelings of hopelessness and may experience disruptions in sleep and appetite. They might also notice a significant decrease in motivation, experience fatigue and listlessness, and may find that they are struggling to engage in activities that would normally bring them pleasure. Some find it extremely difficult to partake in simple tasks, such as showering or getting out of bed, and some experience a decrease in interest in social interactions. Others find they need to withdraw from social settings entirely. A decrease in sexual libido is not uncommon with depression. Cognitive impairments, to include decreased concentration and poor memory might also be present. In some cases individuals might also experience other symptoms, such as psychosis or dissociative states. When feeling hopeless and in despair, some individuals will experience the passive feeling of not wanting to exist or even active thoughts of suicide. As is the case with many illnesses, depressive symptoms range from mild to severe and no one-person experiences it exactly the same.

Medications
Medications might be prescribed either by a General Medical Practitioner or a Psychiatrist. The most common medications prescribed for depression are antidepressants including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinphrine reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications affect levels of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and are often successful in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Side Effects
These medications are typically considered safe. However, as with any medication, there may be side effects. Typical side effects include headache, nausea, sleep disruption and agitation. Some individuals also experience sexual dysfunction while taking antidepressant medications. In some cases, particularly if the depression is a symptom of another mood disorder known as Bipolar Affective Disorder, antidepressants may cause a manic episode. It is important those medications and their side effects are monitored by a physician and that any changes in mental status, worsening of symptoms or suicidal ideation are discussed with a doctor. Finally, medications alone might not be effective. Many find that additional therapies are required to address underlying causes, such as trauma or complex grief.

Therapy
Current treatments for depression include a variety of therapies. Many individuals respond well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a short-term form of therapy that focuses on changing the way one thinks and feels by targeting behaviors. This therapy model, along with Solution Focused Therapy, is a favorite among funding agencies and insurance companies, as it generally only takes between 6 to 20 sessions, compared with longer-term treatments. Other forms of therapy include, but are not limited to, Emotion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and more. Regardless of which therapeutic modality is selected, it is important to find a therapist that feels comfortable and has a professional designation or license, such as a registered Psychologist or a Marriage and Family Therapist.

When to call a doctor or mental health professional
While it is important to respect the wishes and desires of a friend or family member suffering from depression, there are some instances where it is vital to step in and take control. This is particularly true if the individual suffering from depression is at an imminent risk causing bodily harm. To determine if an individual is feeling unsafe, the question must be posed. It is all right to ask if someone is having thoughts of suicide. If uncertain how to proceed with raising the question or what to do if the answer is yes, contact a local mental health facility, doctor or crisis line for assistance. If an individual is also experiencing symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing voices or seeing things, or their symptoms of depression are likely to cause physical illness (i.e. from lack of food) then it is advisable to seek the opinion of a mental health professional.

Prevention
Can depression be prevented? To know this for certain, the cause of depression would have to be known. However, there are many things that can be done to promote positive mental health, including connecting often with peers, taking time to relax and rejuvenate, meditating, exercising regularly, and maintaining proper nutrition. It might also be beneficial to seek the support of a qualified mental health professional during times of transition in one’s life, such as divorce, career change or losses. Maintaining emotional, physical and spiritual health can promote positive mental health.

If celebrities may rightly be considered as representatives of their times, then, it is obvious that the current generation has a serious addiction problem.

Use of illicit drugs is a common problem in many countries, particularly the developed nations. It generally begins during adolescence and seeps into adult life. According to a National Survey of Drug Use and Health, more than 45% of Americans have used one or more kinds of illicit drugs at some point of their lives. However, most people who experiment with drugs successfully avoid addiction. Only a small percentage of users are at risk of becoming addicts.

What is it that causes some people to deal with their drug problems while others succumb? What contributes to this risk? Scientists have been puzzled by these questions for years.

Some of the risk factors that push people towards addiction may be listed as below:

• Psychiatric illnesses or disorders: Personality disorders, anxiety and mood swings have been known to trigger addiction. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health reports that people with mental illnesses are three times as likely to become addicts as normal people. Although the numbers point to a definite connection, it is not clear whether mental illness predisposes someone to addiction or vice versa.
• Personality disorders: A number of personality disorders could trigger addiction. For example, narcissistic patients struggle with feelings of inadequacy all their life. Such people have a tendency to depend on drugs or alcohol for the feelings of power and confidence generated by these substances. Similarly, people suffering from borderline personality disorder depend on drugs to take the edge off their impulses and anger.
• Genetic: According to emerging evidence, long term addiction could be the result of inherent genetic traits. Tests conducted in this field suggest that drug addicts may be wired differently. They are unable to derive sufficient pleasure from everyday events and therefore become victims of the power of drugs.
• Environment: Man is a social being. Life is all about copying and adapting to situations around us. Research shows that even those who do not suffer from the above predisposing conditions can become addicts if they are in an environment where they are constantly exposed to drugs and alcohol. A stressful environment where drugs are readily available for use could be the first step towards a lifelong addiction. This means that just about anybody can develop addiction under favorable circumstances.

In most people, drug dependency, substance abuse and alcoholism begins in adolescence. Whether this develops into an addiction depends on several factors. However, even though there are strong genetic, environmental and psychological factors contributing to addiction, the most overriding of all seems to be the power of choice – rather, the lack of will to make the right choice.

Researchers at the Columbia University studied the relationship between happiness and heart health and found that positive emotions produced ‘heart-protective outcomes’. Quite predictably, the study showed that unhappy people ran a higher risk of developing heart attacks or chronic chest pains (almost 20%+).

Another study published in the European Heart Journal monitored a group of civil servants in the UK over a span of several years and found that those who enjoyed their lives in assorted domains like work, family, sex and self, had reduced risk of coronary heart disease, both in the cases of men and women.

Although it has long been recognized that anxiety and stress trigger heart diseases, the definite association between positive emotions and heart health is something new. According to experts, the reduced risk may be due to several factors. People who are happy tend to practice better lifestyle behaviors. They sleep better and have less stress in life.

The above findings have led to the possibility of innovative treatment systems for cardiovascular patients. One approach being actively considered by experts is known as behavioral activation, and it involves helping patients do more of that activity which brings them joy. Experts, however, point out that much research is required in this field and the clinical significance of the association between happiness and the heart will only be established once it has been proven that increasing the positive effect can bring down the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It must be noted that behavior modification is only one aspect of controlling heart diseases. Patients can lower their risks significantly through healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, eating healthy food and regular exercise.

Some benefits of massage
Massage has various benefits for everyone. These are the major ones:

Improved lymphatic flow and detoxification
The lymphatic system helps return waste products to the blood and thus purge them from the body. When lymphatic flow is increases through regular massage, this process is increased and speeded up. The removing of potential toxins and bacteria helps cleanse the body and makes it healthier.

Furthermore, the increased blood flow also enables the body to better absorb the nutrients that it does need. This can even improve healing since increased blood flow brings more beneficial oxygen and nutrients that will reach the organs.

Increased flexibility and lower muscle tension
People often spend a lot of time sitting behind computers and TV screens while performing repetitive activities without proper exercise. This causes muscles to tighten and leads to various back, joint, shoulder, neck and other problems. Even when people do stretches and exercise, it is frequently not enough to counteract these problems, particularly as they age. Regular massage will help reduce tension while increasing flexibility and mobility.

There are added benefits of increased mobility to include decreased muscle cramps and spasms.

Feel good effect
The feel-good effects of massage go past the pleasurable feelings of the massage itself. Just as physical activities such as running can produce endorphins, chemicals that reduce pain and give the person a natural feeling of well being, so can massage.

Lower blood pressure
Heart disease and strokes are the biggest killers in much of the world, and massage can help reduce them by lowering blood pressure. Over time, by lowering stress levels and increasing blood flow, blood pressure can be significantly reduced.

Improved breathing
By reducing muscle tension throughout the body, regular massage also relaxes the respiratory system and thus makes breathing more efficient. Breathing becomes deeper and more effective with more relaxed muscles as well as better blood flow.

Improved posture
When muscles are tense or sore, the body positions the muscles to reduce pain. Unfortunately, this leads to bad posture that will make muscle pain even worse over time. Regular massage can break this vicious cycle by eliminating tension and pain while keeping muscles relaxed. Good posture can thus be maintained much more easily.

Other benefits
Other known benefits of massage include better sleep and less fatigue.

Getting Regular Massage
Massage is obviously not something people can do for themselves and needs to be performed regularly for its full benefits. For those who can afford it, visiting a massager is the best option, but this is beyond the financial reach of most people.

Massage chairs have advanced greatly in recent years and the better ones ones now offer most of the benefits a human massager can bring. However, good massage chairs cost thousands of dollars. For those who can make the investment, this is still much cheaper than hiring someone to do the job, and the health benefits one can offer over time should pay off handsomely. It will also save the time of having to travel to a massager.

Another option for those who have a regular partner is to learn massage and give them to each other. From online videos, books to DVDs, there are lots of ways to learn basic techniques from home if need be.

Whatever the method used, everyone should do what is necessary to get the benefits of regular massage. They are too numerous to pass up!

Here are some natural stress busters that can help you:

Take some time out
Sometimes, taking a short breather from stressful situations can make a big difference. Of course, it may not always be possible to put some distance between you and a stressful situation, but you can try to do this as much as possible. This can help you channel your thoughts towards a more balanced frame of mind and keep stress at bay. It is never possible to control everything in one’s life so it is best to just let some things go. We only have one shot at life as far as we know so why not make the best of it?

Visualize
One good activity to do when taking some time out is to visualize. Envisioning a favorite or an ideal place can do a lot to put a mind at ease. Try to mentally hear, smell and see as much of that place as possible.

Meditate
While this word conjures up images from hippies to monks in the minds of some people, meditation does not have to be thought of as anything more than relaxation techniques. It is simply a way to focus all your thoughts on one particular thing and exclude everything else. Taking the focus away from the source of stress can be helpful in resolving the problem. There are various meditation techniques, and everyone needs to find the way that works best for them.

Exercise Regularly
Exercise releases endorphins into your system, and they can be wonderful stress busters that can give you a natural feeling of well-being without having to resort to medication. Regular exercise can keep your blood pressure under control and help you cope with the adrenaline released during the periods of stress better.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep
A good night’s rest has an unmatched therapeutic value. It can help you get rid of the day’s stress and make you feel rejuvenated and able to face the next day cheerfully. You should try to relax your body and mind before going to bed in order to achieve this.

Learn to control your reactions
The very same event can cause vastly different reactions and stress levels in different people. Obviously, those who do not become so stressed out have better ways of handling problems. When faced with different problems, visualize possible solutions as calm manner before taking any action. There is never a problem so bad that it could not be worse!

Think good thoughts
At the end of every day or when feeling stressed, take some time to think of the positive things in life. Some good can always be found. Concentrating on those things will make you feel better about life in general. Science has shown that mental attitude and what we choose to dwell on has a lot to do with the levels of stress and happiness in our lives.

With a combination of these stress-busting techniques, you should be on your way to a calmer frame of mind, and the results are bound to show up both at home and at work.