#self diagnosing is t helping I need to be peer reviewed

[theguardianace]

autism website in your professional opinion do you think I have autism

#self diagnosing is t helping I need to be peer reviewed #by someone who isn’t my mom

[bluewatsons]

Patrick W. Corrigan, Where Is the Evidence Supporting Public Service Announcements to Eliminate Mental Illness Stigma?, 63 Psych Services 79 (2012)

Abstract

Advocates and social marketers have used substantial resources to develop public service announcements (PSAs) as a lead strategy in public education and awareness campaigns meant to eliminate stigma associated with mental illness. Evaluations of PSAs are needed to determine whether this is a good investment. The author notes that very few studies have been reported in the peer-reviewed medical and psychological research literature addressing this question. Reports of government contractors suggest that PSAs have some effect as measured by population penetration, but such data provide no meaningful evidence about the impact of PSAs, such as real-world change in prejudicial attitudes and discriminatory behaviors. The author considers reasons for the limited impact of PSAs and proposes that social marketing campaigns could enhance their impact by targeting local groups.

Most advocates agree: life opportunities of people with serious mental illnesses are egregiously impeded by stigmatizing attitudes toward and beliefs about mental illness. For example, stigma undermines vocational goals when employers share these beliefs and attitudes and hinders the search for independent housing when landlords do so.

Advocacy groups have embraced a variety of strategies to erase stigma. Prominent among them are public service announcements (PSAs), issue-focused advertisements featured in television, radio, print, outdoor, online, mobile, and other media. Typically, these are developed as part of a broader public service campaign, a multilevel program designed to tackle stigmatizing attitudes and discriminatory behavior. Some PSA campaigns require significant financial investments. They are comprehensive, multimedia campaigns sponsored by well-established nonprofit organizations or national governments; such campaigns have been undertaken in many industrialized English-speaking countries, including Canada, Australia, England, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United States. Funding these campaigns encumbers resources that might be used for other public health communication efforts. Thus these programs need to be evaluated to inform ongoing PSA development. In this Open Forum, I briefly describe PSAs and then summarize evidence on their influence. PSAs are then framed in terms of broader social marketing principles, which lead to recommendations for ongoing research and development.

Addressing the stigma of serious mental illness

Stigma has been described in terms of prejudice (agreement with stereotypic beliefs leading to hostile emotional responses, such as fear and anger) and discrimination (the behavioral consequence of prejudice, which leads to social distance and the loss of opportunity, such as a good job or nice place to live) (1). For more than a century in the United States, there has been opposition to prejudice and discrimination associated with serious mental illness, with consumer groups having the most organized and strident voice. In 1908 Clifford Beers, founder of the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America), wrote A Mind That Found Itself, a summary of his experiences in psychiatric hospitals of the era, where he encountered the abuse that was characteristic of the system (2). In 1977, Judi Chamberlin wrote On Our Own, widely recognized as the consumer manifesto for personal empowerment and against stigma (3). Advocacy against stigma's pernicious effects has soared in the past decade with the energy and resources of professional groups (for example, the American Psychiatric Association and the World Psychiatric Association), advocacy groups (for example, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America), pharmaceutical companies (for example, Eli Lilly), and government bodies (for example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA] and the National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH]).

In the social psychology literature, programs meant to eliminate the stigma of mental illness have been described as educational or contact based (4). Educational programs provide information as a way to challenge prejudice and discrimination. Some research has supported this hypothesis (5–7), although other studies suggest that effects of education are relatively short lived (8). Stigma is further diminished when members of the general public have direct contact with people with mental illness who are able to hold jobs or live as good neighbors in the community. Research shows that members of the community who meet and interact with people with mental illness as part of antistigma programs are less likely to show prejudicial attitudes and some proxies of discriminatory behavior (8–10). Although some PSAs fall neatly into these categories, many combine education and contact; for example, some PSAs feature a person who, in the process of telling his or her story, shares important facts about the illness.

Examples of PSAs

After the 1999 White House Conference on Mental Health, the U.S. government seems to have actively pursued antistigma campaigns in a systematic way. As a result, Tipper Gore and Alma Powell formed the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign in 2001. Among its materials were PSAs featuring adolescents forthrightly discussing their experience with major depression. The advertisements targeted teens with age-appropriate music and graphics and were distributed to teen-friendly media outlets such as MTV.

SAMHSA has been a major force in antistigma efforts. In 2004, SAMHSA started the Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated With Mental Health (www.promoteacceptance.samhsa.gov), a project designed to counter prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illness by sharing information and by providing technical assistance to help organizations design and implement antistigma initiatives. SAMHSA partnered with the Ad Council to develop a campaign—“What a Difference a Friend Makes”—designed to encourage young adults to step up and support friends living with mental health problems. The PSAs launched nationally in December 2006 and incorporated television, radio, outdoor, print, and Web elements, including a print brochure and new Web site. In an especially poignant television PSA in the campaign, two young men are sitting next to each other in a darkened room playing a computer game (www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov/site.asp?nav=nav00&content=6_0_media). They are seemingly frozen, not pushing the buttons on their controllers, and they appear uncomfortable, stealing sidelong looks at each other. Voice-over: “It can be a little awkward when your friend tells you he's been diagnosed with a mental illness. But what's even more awkward is if you're not there for him, he's less likely to recover.” One of the young men then says, “I'm here to help, man. Whatever it takes.” The PSA fades to the URL for the Web site (www.whatadifference.org).

This campaign is actually SAMHSA's second antistigma campaign with PSAs; the first was called the Elimination of Barriers Initiative (EBI) a three-year pilot project begun in eight states in 2003. One of its PSAs featured a scene with “regular people” (a storeowner, a mother of two, and an honor student) with a voice-over that stated that all the people shown have “recovered from a mental illness.” It ended with the phone number of the National Mental Health Information Clearinghouse and its Internet address.

Another PSA, the most recent when this Open Forum was written, received support from SAMHSA and NIMH. It was released on October 21, 2009, and features film star Glenn Close (bringchange2mind.com). Set in a large train station, pairs of actors wear light-colored T-shirts, half of them labeled in blue print with a mental illness. Each is partnered with another person labeled as a loved one. For example, one man's shirt says “schizophrenia,” and next to him in a similar shirt is “mom.” Another man wears a shirt with “bipolar,” and paired with him is “better half.” Glenn Close's shirt reads “sister,” and standing next to her is real-life sister Jessie with “bipolar” on her shirt. There are definite benefits to this kind of PSA. Close's star power, for example, has had notable effects, as evidenced by the news coverage and online activity created by the PSA.

Evaluating PSAs

Evidence is needed to determine the influence of PSAs, but a search for published studies is a bit disconcerting. There are few on the evaluation of U.S. PSA efforts in the traditional research literature—for example, in searches using via PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and PubMed. In fact, no studies on the effects of PSAs were found in such searches. SAMHSA contractors collect data, but their reports are typically not peer reviewed. General considerations about PSAs from authors in the public health field provide some interesting guidelines. For example, they assess PSAs on the basis of penetration and impact (11,12). Penetration is the extent to which a targeted population is made aware of and otherwise informed about mental illness stigma. Impact is the degree to which penetration leads to important change in prejudice and discrimination.

Penetration might be viewed as a function of recall and recognition memory: can individuals remember seeing or hearing a specific PSA? Consider this self-test of a PSA's effects. Ask how many people in a group of acquaintances recall seeing the Glenn Close PSA, “Change a Mind.” The Ad Council does not measure recall of its advertising per se, but it provided a report with recognition scores for the tracking survey on the campaign “What a Difference a Friend Makes.” An online tracking survey found that 31% of a sample of young adults age 18 to 25 recognized any PSA from the campaign in March 2008, and 28% recognized any PSA in May 2009.

Impact is more difficult to assess. One approach is to examine visits to Web sites listed at the end of many PSAs; this is based on the rationale that viewers are seeking further information to learn more about stigma and to work against it. The Ad Council reported Web site traffic for the “What a Difference” campaign from its launch in December 2006 through September 2008, with a monthly median of 64,098 visits. From the first month of the campaign to September 2007, Web site visits increased to a high of 102,416. Average time spent on the Web site was almost eight minutes.

Findings were a bit different for PSAs from EBI (13). During its eight-month campaign that began in November 2004, monthly visits to the site almost tripled, from 2,743 to 7,627—a highly significant increase. The effect size, however, is quite small. U.S. Census data as of July 2008 reported 124 million residents in the eight pilot states, which means that .000061% of people in these states visited the Web site. Of additional concern, however, was the finding that 88% of visitors exited the Web site in less than one minute; less than 30% of visitors returned to the site in the subsequent months.

Measuring Web site visits is a limited indicator of impact. It does not show whether learning from the Web site leads to any important change: whether employers are hiring more people with mental illness or landlords are more likely to rent property to them. In some ways, addressing the stigma of mental illness is more difficult than targeting the more discrete health goals of other PSAs. The goal of antismoking PSAs is to stop cigarette smoking, and the goal of breast cancer PSAs to persuade more women to get tested. What more or less is sought in the mental illness stigma PSAs? Some social critics have argued that PSAs targeting nebulous social justice goals might lead to “slacktivism” (14). This term refers to feel-good measures that require minimal effort in support of a social cause and that have little meaningful effect other than yielding self-satisfaction. Examples include signing Internet petitions, wearing awareness ribbons for a social justice cause, or joining a Facebook advocacy group. Concern about mental illness stigma may fall into this category. People use their “electronic voice” to express a concern that translates to little effort for real change.

Consistent with the health examples above are PSA efforts that are designed to guide people in need of psychiatric services to seek treatments. A Web site included in such a campaign might be a clearinghouse for this purpose. Unfortunately, data on this kind of impact are absent from the literature.

In sum, research on PSAs is mostly lacking, provides moderate support for penetration at best, and fails to show meaningful impact at this time.

Social marketing for targeted and local change

Who should be the target of antistigma campaigns? For many PSAs, targets are samples of the entire population (for example, all TV viewers in the United States). This can be contrasted with a strategy for narrower, targeted antistigma efforts. Targets are important when they play a power role vis-à-vis people with a psychiatric disability; such targets might include employers, landlords, legislators, educators, and health care providers (15–17). Some employers, for example, agree with the statement, “People with serious mental illness are not able to do real work,” and therefore they do not interview people with mental illness for job openings. Prejudice and discrimination specific to this targeted group provide a good base for a social marketing campaign. For example, a goal of an effort aimed at employers would be to replace myths with contact—“Most people with serious mental illness can work a regular job, especially with legal accommodations.”

Effective stigma change is not only targeted but also local. Antistigma programs are likely to be more effective when they target a power group living or working in a relevant and accessible community. For example, although targeting employers as a group to change prejudice and discrimination may be beneficial, challenging the prejudice of employers working in the Greater Lawn neighborhood of Chicago (a largely African-American area, with residents of low socioeconomic status) is even more potent. Describing a community in terms of diversity (for example, by race-ethnicity and socioeconomic status), economic opportunity (availability of jobs), and resources (availability of mental health or educational programs) will significantly advance corresponding antistigma programs.

A focus on targeted and local antistigma programs might diminish the influence of population-focused PSAs. One of the strengths of the Glenn Close PSA, for example, was that tens of millions of people viewed it during the final months of 2009. Breadth of PSA penetration is narrowed when targeted goals are addressed. Instead of distributing population-focused PSAs to all radio and television media in a market, approaches that target employers might use social marketing plans in venues that are rich in business owners and employers. Service groups such as Rotary International, for example, may be excellent venues for targeting employers. PSAs by themselves may seem cold and distant in such a relatively intimate setting as a Rotary meeting. In these situations, actual contact with a person with mental illness may have the best impact.

Future directions

Given these findings, I propose three directions for future consideration. First, funders of public service and PSA campaigns clearly need to include support of evaluation efforts not only to examine penetration but also to determine whether the PSA yields any tangible positive impact. Second, the PSA campaigns described here are in some ways an anachronism; fewer and fewer people are using television and radio as major sources of the media (18,19). Many Americans, especially younger people, rely on a variety of online resources, including social networking and relatively instant information via Twitter. At this point, however, no systematized or widespread strategies have emerged to address Internet phenomena. Third, population-based approaches to stigma change need to be balanced with more targeted and local efforts. Social marketing efforts should be developed for individual power groups, so that employers will interview and hire more people with mental illness and landlords will rent to them. Funds may need to be diverted from PSA development to advance these kinds of programs. Considerations such as these will help advocates partner with funders to develop programs that have the greatest impact on stigma and that create more opportunities for people with mental illness.

References

Corrigan P : On the Stigma of Mental Illness: Practical Strategies for Research and Social Change. Washington, DC, American Psychological Association, 2005

Beers C: A Mind That Found Itself. Oxford, England, Longmans, 1908

Chamberlin J: On Our Own. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1977

Corrigan P , Penn D : Lessons from social psychology on discrediting psychiatric stigma. America Psychologist 54:765–776, 1999

Corrigan P , River L , Lundin R , et al.: Three strategies for changing attributions about severe mental illness. Schizophrenia Bulletin 27:187–195, 2001

Keane M : Contemporary beliefs about mental illness among medical students: implications for education and practice. Academic Psychiatry 14:172–177, 1990

Penn DG , K , Daily T , Spaulding W : Dispelling the stigma of schizophrenia: what sort of information is best? Schizophrenia Bulletin 20:567–578, 1994

Corrigan P , Rowan D , Green A , et al.: Challenging two mental illness stigmas: personal responsibility and dangerousness. Schizophrenia Bulletin 28:293–309, 2002

Pinfold V , Toulmin H , Thornicroft G , et al.: Reducing psychiatric stigma and discrimination: evaluation of educational interventions in UK secondary schools. British Journal of Psychiatry 182:342–346, 2003

Schulze B , Richter-Werling M , Matschinger H , et al.: Crazy? So what! Effects of a school project on students' attitudes towards people with schizophrenia. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 107:142–150, 2003

DeJong W , Wolf R , Austin S : US federally funded television public service announcements (PSAs) to prevent HIV/AIDS: a content analysis. Journal of Health Communication 6:249–263, 2001

Goldman L , Glantz S : Evaluation of antismoking advertising campaigns. JAMA 279:772–777, 1998

Bell J , Colangelo A , Pillen M: Final Report of the Evaluation of the Elimination of Barriers Initiative. Arlington, Va, James Bell, 2005

Feder B : They weren't careful what they hoped for. New York Times, May 29, 2002

Link B , Phelan J : Conceptualizing stigma. Annual Review of Sociology 27:363–385, 2001

Farina A , Felner R : Employment interviewer reactions to former mental patients. Journal of Abnormal Psychology 82:268–272, 1973

Bordieri J , Drehmer D : Hiring decisions for disabled workers: looking at the cause. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 16:197–208, 1986

Brandtzaeg P , Lüders M , Skjetne J : Too many Facebook “friends”? Content sharing and sociability versus the need for privacy in social network sites. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction 26:1006–1030, 2010

Vasalou A , Joinson A , Courvoisier D : Cultural differences, experience with social networks and the nature of “true commitment” in Facebook. International Journal of Human Computer Studies 68:719–728, 2010

#stigma #mental illness #public service announcements #media #campaigns #destigmatization

[tiny-personal-university-thing]

How I Went From Academic Probation to the Dean’s List in One Semester

Introduction

So if you haven’t read it and want to understand the full story, I recommend reading this post right here (x) Long story short, while yes, I did have very poor physical and mental health that contributed to my academic probation, I also could have been more organized and overall a better student, and maybe I would have not had the best grades - but still maintained “good standing.” My first two semesters were rough. Then I took two semesters off. When I came back this semester, I was determined to succeed and essentially, I learned how to be the best college student I could be. Albeit, this was also after I regained control over my health. Nonetheless, let’s get into it!

I took some time off from school 

First of all, what helped me the most was taking two semesters off. I won’t lie to any of you. I took this time to see pain management doctors, receive treatment for my 6 bulged discs that contributed to my chronic pain, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and re-learned how to live my life, I got my anxiety disorder under control, and I worked 40+ hours a week serving and bartending to become more financially independent - which helped my anxiety. During this time I also learned to be honest with my support system (advisors, close friends, and family), which also contributed to my success this semester.

I forced myself to use a planner religiously (for about a month) until it became an unbreakable habit

I forced myself to use a planner religiously (about a month) until it became an unbreakable habit. Planners are the biggest tool when becoming more organized. During syllabus week, I took my dad’s advice and wrote down every due date, even if it was TBA. This allowed me to be “ahead of the curve.” I am not taken by surprise by any assignments now. 

Using my planner, I create artificial due dates for myself that are a day or two before the actual, posted due date. This ensures that my assignments are turned in early, or if something goes wrong in submitting them (if online) then I can make my professor/instructor aware of the issue beforehand so that something can be done. Write: “Have X turned in by today!” 

Do your best to also not only stay “on top of” assignments, but also ahead of them. It is better to work ahead and have nothing to do (or due) for the remainder of the week than to be overwhelmed by copious amounts of work and studying.

I took pride in my work

I took pride in my work/notes, and set out to create work/notes that would impress peers (if they saw my work) or impress my professor upon grading my assignments. I specifically set out to “wow” people with what I was creating. This lead me to the studyblr community specifically with my notes.

I emailed my professors literally all the time

I emailed my professors consistently. Even if I had a question that could have waited until the next class - I emailed my professors. They were able to learn my names, and my grades are awesome because of it.

I participated in class 

I participated in class. Not only do I sit in the front of the class because I can’t see (ya girl isn’t good about wearing her glasses) but I also do this because professors “teach to the T” This basically means that professors teach mostly to students who sit in the front row, and students that sit down the aisles. So imagine a classroom, and imagine which desks would make a T-shape. That’s where you want to sit. I also make sure to contribute to class discussions. When you sit up front, you are less inclined to be on your phone or doing miscellaneous things on your laptop. Your eyes will be drawn to your professor, you will feel more compelled to answer their questions, and you will pay better attention. With this being said, I was always the student that had to sit in front because I can’t see, but I was also always the teacher’s pet.

I purchased cool/cute study supplies that made me want to study

Buy materials that make you want to take notes with them. I really like Five Star notebooks. I also really like taking notes with Crayola SuperTips. Create notes that are easy for you to review later. 

Which brings me to my next tip: actually review those notes later. 

Tried and true study apps like Quizlet saved my semester

I utilize study-apps like Quizlet. I know that there are many out there; however, I prefer the tried and true method of good ole Quizlet.

Pay your advisor a visit. They do not judge you!

I make appointments to see my advisors regularly. Advisors can help you if anything begins to go awry. I also made an appointment with the same advisors, so that I didn’t have to re-explain my situation. They never judged me. They can provide you with materials and resources for any issue you’re having. I am always blown away every time I meet with my advisors because they know their jobs so well. 

I sat my butt down and did my work

I didn’t exactly “time block” study time because that doesn’t really work for me. However, when I had time after work or whenever - I sat down at my desk and made time for assignments. I highly recommend the Pomodoro Technique. You set a timer for 15-25 minutes, focus on your work during that time, and then take a 5-10 minute break before continuing. Usually, you will find that you either just want to go ahead and finish up or that you definitely needed a break. 

I created a study space that I love. It is really miscellaneous and not at all what you see on the majority of studyblrs, but it works for me. I love my desk! 

Buy some expos and a white board in addition to using your planner

I use a white board in addition to my planner to write down upcoming dates for the next week/entire month. I use a different color for each class as well as miscellaneous things I need to get done. When I have completed something, I just erase it. 

Treat yo self

I congratulated myself for little victories. 96 on a test? Ice cream for you tonight, babes. 

Figure yourself out as a scholar

I learned how and where I studied best. My two spots are in the library or at my desk in my room. I also seem to study best with someone else around me, like when my boyfriend is playing his video games - that is the perfect time for me to study. Do you study best with zero distractions, or do you like to work with some music on? Do you like background noise from the TV or completely silent? Are you a night owl or a morning bird? Figure out those things first. You can’t force yourself to study at a time when it doesn’t work for you. For example, I am a night owl so I know that evening - night is the best time for me to get to work. 

I learned what ritual worked best for me. Having a cup of coffee while I do my make up, and then ensuring that I was out at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus was scheduled to come, and making sure that I got on the bus that came no later than 30 minutes before my class. Know your routine. What routine works for you? 

The obvious

Go to class. Easiest one. Attendance policies can be brutal. Get to know yours. Sometimes professors also say things in class that gives those who attended the upper hand in some way. 

I started this studyblr! Knowing I wanted to create content here kept me driven to take notes when I didn’t always want to. 

I was honest with myself 

I was honest with myself for my short comings. AP classes in high school were beneficial in many ways, but they really taught me how to underachieve my way to success. I hardly ever studied for anything and bs’ed so many essays, but it worked and I got really good grades. That doesn’t really work in college. 

Non-curriculum based 

I learned to say no. 

I learned to cut people who did not fully support me out of my life. 

I cleaned my apartment and room every weekend. It’s much easier to study when everything is clean.

I made time to go to the grocery store every week. It’s much easier to learn and function when you are well fed. 

I did my best to get some sleep. Your brain needs rest to function its best.

I know it hurts, but check those grades frequently. It isn’t like a credit score, it won’t lower every time you check it

I checked all of my grades at least once a week. I know it can be anxiety-inducing, but you have to know where you are in your classes, especially when April rolls around and you might realize you need to put in a little more work.

I became a point whore

I became a point whore. I took advantage of every extra credit opportunity. Every single one. 

The golden rule

I made up a golden rule: Do not cram for any exam. To do this, I always started studying once my professor mentioned the test OUTSIDE of the syllabus. If you have dropped the ball and the test is a week out - create a study plan. 

Believe in yourself

Lastly, I believed in myself. You cannot do this if you do not believe that you can.

Remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. Start shouldering the burden now by forging good habits. Be honest with yourself. Lastly - dreams don’t work unless you do. I had a lot going on with my health that lead to my grades being terri - yeah they were terrible. But I still was honest about my shortcomings. 

Happy studying, realistic students!

#studyblr #studyspo #studygram #college #realistic students #realistic student #realistic studyblr #realistic studyspo #tips for college #college tips #student tips #school tips #student motivation #how to get good grades #study #student #student story #motivation #school work #university #studyblr community #pre law #lawblr #lots of tags #hang in there #save the semester #study techniques

[mariebenz]

Study Results Show How to Help Vets with Signature Injury of Recent Wars

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Mahncke Henry Mahncke, PhD Chief Executive Officer Posit Science Dr. Mahncke earned his PhD at UCSF in the lab where lifelong brain plasticity as discovered. At the request of his academic mentor, he currently leads a global team of more than 400 brain scientists engaged in designing, testing, refining, and validating the computerized brain exercises found in the BrainHQ app from Posit Science, where he serves as CEO. This week, MedicalResearch.com interviews Dr. Mahncke about a new study, with breakthrough results for service members and Veterans grappling with the signature injury of recent wars. MedicalResearch.com: What makes this study newsworthy? Response: As the last troops come home from Afghanistan, the battle is not over for many who served and continue to grapple with the signature injury of recent conflicts — mild Traumatic Brain Injury (or mTBI). Typically, such injures were caused by blasts or concussions, and they’ve been diagnosed in more than 300,000 service members. Most recover within a couple days or weeks, but for many — some estimate fifteen percent — physical, psychological, emotional, and cognitive problems persist for years. Such injuries often go untreated, because treatments focus on in-person, customized, cognitive rehabilitation, which can be helpful, but is costly, time-consuming, requires travel for treatment, and relies on the craft and expertise of the healthcare provider. Up until now, there’s been no effective intervention that’s highly-scalable and that can be delivered remotely. This study showed that remotely-administered BrainHQ computerized exercises improved overall cognitive performance in a population with very persistent cognitive issues. On average, patients in this study had cognitive issues for more than seven years. That means we finally have a tool shown effective in a gold-standard study that practitioners can employ in treating this large and underserved population, who sacrificed so much to serve our nation. MedicalResearch.com: Who funded and ran the study? How was it designed?

Response: The US Department of Defense funded the BRAVE study with a research grant from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program to examine the use of a brain-plasticity-based cognitive training program (BrainHQ) as an intervention for service members and Veterans suffering from cognitive impairment following mTBI. The study was conducted through a nationwide network of five military and Veterans’ medical centers (NICoE/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda; Schofield Barracks/Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu; Baylor/Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston; Yale/VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven; and Harvard/VA Boston Healthcare System in Boston); with Posit Science in San Francisco serving as the study coordination center. In terms of design, this was a multi-year, multi-site, prospective, parallel-armed, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, with an active control group. It’s a gold-standard design. BRAVE enrolled 83 participants with a history of mTBI and diagnosed with cognitive impairment, and randomized subjects into a treatment group (BrainHQ) and an active control group (computer games). Both activities were plausibly expected to have some positive impact due to their demands on cognitive realms, such as attention, memory, and reasoning. Each group self-administered training in their own homes, with telephone supervision from trained coaches, and were asked to train for one hour per day, five days per week, for twelve weeks. Comprehensive cognitive assessments were performed before training, after training, and after a twelve-week, no-training, follow-up period. MedicalResearch.com: Who was in the study? Response: Participants had an average age of 33 years and were 81% male. Before training, they showed meaningful cognitive impairment, testing about 2 standard deviations below normal scores on the ANAM (a standardized cognitive test used by the military to screen for cognitive impairment). Typically, they had been deployed to combat areas and, on average, had their most recent mTBI more than seven years earlier. Across a standardized set of emotional and psychological health measures (including depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, and cognitive symptoms), participants scored in the mild-moderate impairment range. On the whole, these participants were representative of service members with a history of mTBI who seek treatment for their cognitive issues so they can re-integrate with, and contribute to, society. MedicalResearch.com: What did the study show?

Response: The BrainHQ group had a statistically and clinically significant improvement on overall cognitive function compared to the computer games group, and this benefit persisted for at least twelve weeks after training ended. Cognitive function improvements were nearly four times larger in the BrainHQ group than the computer games group, as measured immediately following training, and nearly five times larger when measured again 12 weeks later (with no further training). Twice the percentage in the BrainHQ group showed reliable improvements compared to the computer games group – with 77% in the intervention group experiencing clinically significant change compared to 38% in the active control; and with 37% in the intervention group experiencing a full standard deviation of change compared to 18% in the active control. On average, participants in the BrainHQ group improved on the cognitive performance composite measure by 24 percentile ranks – as though they went from the 50th percentile to the 74th percentile. While results on the primary cognitive measure were significant, analysis of functional and self-report measures did not show significant between group differences. However, on many measures both groups showed improvement, suggesting general benefits of cognitive engagement and study inclusion. MedicalResearch.com: What are the implications?  Response: Treatment of mTBI is complex, and patients typically manifest distinctive sets of physical, mental, emotional and cognitive symptoms that require individualized courses of treatment. This trial provides significant evidence that this specific form of self-administered brain-plasticity-based cognitive training can be incorporated as part of an evidence-based treatment plan to improve cognitive function in people with cognitive symptoms following mTBI. This is the first broadly-applicable and highly-scalable approach in mTBI shown effective in a randomized controlled trial. This is the first such approach applicable even in remote location – meaning that trained clinicians who currently can only see patients in-person once or twice a week can extend their reach and supervise patients over the internet doing daily brain training anywhere in country – or in the world. This means that any service member or Veteran in need of help could have the opportunity to receive evidence-based treatment, remotely supervised by a trained clinician. MedicalResearch.com: When will this be widely available as a treatment for service members with mTBI?

Response: BrainHQ has been used in dozens of military and Veterans’ facilities for cognitive rehabilitation, under the supervision of healthcare professionals; however, that has not made it broadly available to service members and Veterans. With the publication of these results, Posit Science, the maker of BrainHQ, has indicated it intends to work with clinicians, payors, and regulators to make this widely available, as quickly as possible. MedicalResearch.com: What was most surprising about the study? Response: I suppose for many practitioners and policymakers it will be a surprise that these brain exercises can drive this kind of change — even when administered remotely. To me — and probably to the relatively modest number of scientists closely following studies of BrainHQ — these results were not surprising. After all, a very convincing case (based on prior studies) had to be made to win the highly competitive CDMRP grant that funded the study. Back then, there were dozens of peer-reviewed studies of BrainHQ; now, there are hundreds. Even though it is well known among brain scientists that running a study among brain-injured patients can be challenging and time-consuming, I was somewhat surprised how long it took to complete this study. However, I suppose what is most surprising to me — after spending years and millions of dollars to get to this result, which addresses a large unmet need of our military and Veteran is t — is that an even longer, steeper road lies ahead in getting this evidence-based solution into the hands of those it can help. I very much welcome the support we seem to be getting from policymakers, since the announcement of the results, and am resolute in my resolve to work with like-minded supporters of our troops to make this widely available. Citation: Henry W Mahncke, Joseph DeGutis, Harvey Levin, Mary R Newsome, Morris D Bell, Chad Grills, Louis M French, Katherine W Sullivan, Sarah-Jane Kim, Annika Rose, Catherine Stasio, Michael M Merzenich, A randomized clinical trial of plasticity-based cognitive training in mild traumatic brain injury, Brain, 2021;, awab202, https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab202 The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website. Read the full article

#braininjury #mentalhealth #@medresearchnews #BrainHQ #concussion #DeptVetAffairs #TBI

[joellbarham85]

Alcohol Rehab Delray - Transformations Treatment Center

How Long Is Alcohol Detox In Rehab

Table of ContentsWhat To Expect In Alcohol RehabWhat To Say To Someone In Alcohol RehabHow Long Do Alcoholics Stay In RehabWhat Is The Cost Of Rehab For AlcoholismDoes Medicare Cover Alcohol RehabHow Many Alcoholics Stay Sober After RehabHow Long Is Inpatient Alcohol Rehab

Treatment options for alcoholism vary and the “right” choice depends on the individual and your specific needs. Whichever path you choose, you can overcome this debilitating but common disorder. Start the road to recovery.

Alcohol addiction is the most common type of addiction, and it’s also one of the most difficult to overcome. But recovery is possible with dedication and the right resources. People can achieve the benefits of quitting alcohol in different ways. Those with mild alcohol problems may be able to recover with the help of support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or a primary care physician.

Alcohol addiction is a brain disease that disrupts the way you think and how you feel. Rehab provides a safe setting to overcome withdrawal. It helps you understand why cravings and triggers lead to relapse. It also teaches you how to overcome those challenges. After receiving rehab from a quality treatment center, you’ll be prepared to live in sobriety.

Can An Alcoholic Recover Without Rehab

About 1. 1 million people went to rehab for alcohol, and an additional 1. 1 million went to rehab for alcohol and use of another drug. The survey revealed that 14 million people who needed treatment for an alcohol problem in 2016 didn’t receive it. how to quit drinking alcohol without rehab. It can be difficult to determine whether you have a drinking problem and whether you need rehab.

Admissions coordinators at rehab facilities can help you determine whether you need treatment at an inpatient facility or an outpatient facility. You can talk to an admissions coordinator or find an alcohol rehab center near you by calling a hotline for alcoholism. The admissions coordinator will help you determine the cost and duration of rehab.

Outpatient treatment may continue for several months. Day 0 Assessment and diagnosis Days 0–3 Supervised detox Days 3–28 Inpatient or residential rehab Days 28–90 Outpatient counseling and therapy Days 90+ Support group attendance and therapy as needed Once you enter rehab, addiction treatment specialists will help you develop an individualized treatment plan.

Do I Need Rehab For Alcohol

Evaluating the severity of your drinking problem can help you determine if you need rehab for alcohol addiction. Drinking more than intended Unable to stop drinking Can’t stop thinking about alcohol Alcohol causing work or family problems Increased tolerance to alcohol The DSM-5 uses 11 criteria, including those listed above, to diagnose alcoholism - therapy.

The first phase of treatment is an assessment. Nurses or therapists will assess the severity of your alcohol use disorder by using questionnaires or by talking to you about your history. They may also perform a physical exam and run blood tests to check for other medical issues.

Therapists will help you determine whether you need a treatment plan that includes integrated mental health care. You’ll also be evaluated for other types of drug addiction. If you’re addicted to alcohol and another drug, your treatment plan will be tailored to address your primary substance of abuse and any other substances that you’re addicted to.

How Long Do You Stay In Rehab For Alcohol

People who have mild alcohol use disorders and don’t experience withdrawal when they quit drinking may be able to recover with the help of support groups or a doctor. People with moderate or severe alcohol use disorders need rehab. If you experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms — sweating, restlessness, clammy skin, anxiety, tremors or headaches — when you quit drinking, rehab can help you detox.

Detox doesn’t cure addiction or help you live without alcohol. It prepares you for treatment so you can learn to avoid relapse and stay sober. Many alcoholics show up for rehab under the influence. If they don’t drink before rehab, they’ll experience withdrawal. The first step during detox is to keep the person safe while they sober up, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

But you’ll also enter withdrawal. Withdrawal is the worst part of the rehab experience. It usually begins between six and 24 hours after the last drink, according to SAMHSA. The length of alcohol detox varies based on the severity of a person’s addiction. Withdrawal is the worst part of the rehab experience, but it is necessary to recover from addiction.

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What Is Alcohol Rehab Like

It’s dangerous to detox on your own because alcohol withdrawal can cause hallucinations, seizures, delirium tremens symptoms and other life-threatening symptoms. Rehab centers keep you safe by treating those symptoms. During detox, treatment facilities can also offer foods that are rich in nutrients such as lean red meats or pasta.

Most rehab centers don’t start alcohol counseling and therapy until after withdrawal. People usually can’t focus and learn during detox. They may attend support group meetings to receive encouragement and inspiration. The most intense stage of alcohol withdrawal usually lasts one to three days. After that time period, most patients begin therapy.

Medication-assisted treatment may begin during inpatient therapy. The Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved medications for use during alcohol detox, but it has approved three medications for alcoholism.

How Long Does Rehab Take Alcohol

Acamprosate (Campral) Reduces cravings and some prolonged symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Naltrexone (Revia) Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol. The medications aid patients during recovery, but they don’t cure addiction. They are most effective when combined with therapy, according to SAMHSA. Are you struggling with alcoholism? Take the first step and start your recovery today.

How Long Is Alcohol Rehab Stay

But it isn’t the only reason. Most people who struggle with alcohol drink for reasons that aren’t obvious. They may have a history of trauma, abuse or pain. therapy. They may self-medicate negative feelings or emotions with alcohol. People who grow up around the substance or begin drinking at a young age may think drinking is normal.

It helps you understand that alcohol doesn’t have to be a part of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy Dialectical behavioral therapy Contingency management Motivational enhancement It’s important for alcoholics to receive therapy in a residential setting after detox. Outpatient therapy can help people who have a strong support system and safe living environment.

Can You Drink Alcohol After Drug Rehab

Most rehab centers introduce people to support groups during rehab. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most famous and popular support group for people with alcohol problems. Many rehab centers hold AA meetings in the facility. Some centers walk patients through the 12 Steps of AA or other 12-step programs. Twelve-step facilitation therapy can increase a person’s likelihood to access support groups after rehab, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Group therapy helps people learn from peers, realize that they aren’t the only ones struggling with alcohol and form support systems to rely on after rehab. Inpatient facilities also offer supplemental therapies to aid recovery from alcoholism. Different forms of therapy may be appropriate for different types of patients. Animal-assisted therapy can help individuals who are skeptical about addiction treatment build stronger relationships with their therapists.

Yoga and meditation can help patients relieve stress and improve concentration. It may also help improve self-awareness, which can reduce the risk of alcohol relapse, according to a 2013 review published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine. Other forms of supplemental therapies for drinking problems, including art therapy, music therapy and acupuncture, may be beneficial for some people.

Should I Go To Rehab For Alcohol

Treatment programs that last at least 90 days are usually more effective, according to NIDA. However, insurance doesn’t always cover multiple months of residential treatment. More than 15 million people in the United States had an alcohol use disorder in 2016. Outpatient rehab is the best option for people who continue treatment after inpatient rehab.

It’s a less intensive phase of treatment. During outpatient treatment, you’ll talk about ways to avoid alcohol and triggers. You’ll create strategies for overcoming cravings. After practicing those strategies in the real world, you’ll discuss what you learned with your therapist. You’ll determine what worked, what didn’t work and discuss new ways of approaching situations (what is outpatient alcohol rehab).

Many people attend 12-step programs or other support group meetings between outpatient therapy appointments. How Carly Found Sobriety Carly’s blog about her battle with alcoholism helps others overcome the disease and find their epic selves. The final phase of recovery from alcoholism is indefinite. Rehab may officially end when you leave your last therapy appointment, but many people in recovery stay connected with their rehab provider for months after treatment.

Transformations Treatment Center 14000 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 FV9H+MC Delray Beach, Florida https://www.transformationstreatment.center/delray-beach-fl/ Alcohol Rehab in Delray Beach Find Transformations on Google Maps More Information: https://transformationstreatment1.blogspot.com/2020/11/alcohol-rehab-delray-transformations.html

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from https://transformationstreatment1.blogspot.com/2020/11/alcohol-rehab-delray-transformations.html

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[funnythingshere0-blog]

I'm W. Garth Callaghan, 'Napkin Notes Dad,' and This Is How I Parent

New Post has been published on http://funnythingshere.xyz/im-w-garth-callaghan-napkin-notes-dad-and-this-is-how-i-parent/

I'm W. Garth Callaghan, 'Napkin Notes Dad,' and This Is How I Parent

Photo: Napkin Notes Dad

Ever since his daughter Emma was in elementary school, W. Garth Callaghan would jot down inspirational quotes and bits of dad wisdom onto napkins and slip the notes into her lunchbox. It became their special thing, their way to connect. He wanted to make sure Emma could read a note from her father every single school day until graduation—even if was no longer around to write them.

Callaghan has been diagnosed with cancer five times since 2011. He believed that these napkin notes might eventually be the only thing Emma would have left of him. He wrote the memoir Napkin Notes: Make Lunch Meaningful, Life Will Follow, which Reese Witherspoon is adapting into a film. As he prepares to send Emma off to college this fall, Callaghan reflects on how he parents.

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Name: W. Garth Callaghan Location: Richmond, Virginia Job: Napkin Notes Dad and author Family: Wife Lissa and daughter Emma (18)

Tell us how Napkin Notes began.

When Emma was younger, I worked in a typical office setting, and missed eight to ten hours of her day. I wanted to connect with her more than my schedule allowed, so I started writing napkin notes and sticking them into her lunch when she was in kindergarten. Sometimes I’d pop in a cookie or a piece of candy to make her lunch special. I wasn’t sure what mattered to her, the note or the treat.

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When Emma was in 2nd or 3rd grade, I was in the kitchen prepping her lunch while sipping my morning cup of coffee. I hadn’t yet written a note. Emma scooped up her lunch bag, peered in, stomped over to me, and asked, “Napkin note?” That’s when I knew it mattered to her, and I committed to putting a note into each lunch.

Photo: Napkin Notes Dad

I have been diagnosed with cancer five times. The first diagnosis came out of the blue and turned our world upside down. After my third diagnosis in 2013, I made a promise to write out all of the napkin notes Emma would need up until high school graduation.

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I am by no means perfect, and there were days life just didn’t work in my favor. I have driven a note to school more than a few times. Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to ask the principal, “Can you please get this note into Emma’s lunch bag?”

Take us through your morning routine. What are your best tricks for getting out the door?

I have been taking daily chemo now for well over four years. My chemo brain is strong and I easily forget things. The key to any successful morning is planning, and that starts the night before. I review my schedule as well as the family schedule. I follow the same routine each day so that I am less likely to forget something.

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Once everyone is set, I take a few minutes and write at least 800 words before starting work.

Photo: Courtesy of W. Garth Callaghan

How much outside help do you get as a parent? Who or what can’t you live without?

I’d like to think that we don’t need more help than any other typical family, but I know that my health impacts so much of our lives that it’s impossible to survive alone. Our friends and church family step up to help with carpooling, delivering egg drop soup when I am nauseated, fetching prescriptions or groceries, and even raking our yard. I am happy to say we don’t have to lean on everyone all of the time, but we couldn’t make it without this strong support circle.

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What are the gadgets, apps, charts or tools you rely on?

I am a self-professed geek and love gadgets. I can’t remember everything I need to, so my Google Pixel is never out of my sight. I love the pictures this phone takes! I use Wunderlist for to-dos (chemo brain!) and Evernote for cataloging. I keep all of my medical records on Evernote so they are easily accessible for me at any time. I track health issues with PatientsLikeMe to help others with kidney cancer.

Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?

Being a parent has made me realize that work is important, but not nearly as important as raising the next generation. I work so that I can be the dad who never misses a softball game. There was a time when I traveled quite a bit for work, and I wrote out napkin notes before each trip so Emma always had a note in her lunch.

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What does your evening routine like?

Fatigue is the biggest side effect from my treatment and I really need to wind down after 7 PM. During the school year, we’d often be at the ballfield until late evening and I’d spend my time doing my favorite thing: cheering Emma and her team on. Now that we’re in a permanent off-season, I am an avid reader and try to read a few chapters of something. I am in the middle of Mindset by Carol Dweck. Next up is Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson.

How do you decompress?

I love to play video games. I play any version of Halo on my XBOX One, and I play Star Wars Galaxies on my PC.

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I’d like to say I am also an avid gym-goer, but I am not as good as I should be. My oncologist told me today that I should act as if I am training for a marathon and has motivated me to step up my game.

What’s been your proudest moment as a parent?

A single moment??? I can’t. I just can’t. I am tearing up even remembering all of the moments that I can easily list off. Like …

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… the time when Emma was the incredibly kind and gentle coach playing Buddy Ball with the special needs team.

… the time when an impossible-to-stop hard grounder was hit to Emma at shortstop, and she caught it and effortlessly backhanded it to the third Baseman without even looking where the player was.

… the time when I asked her if it was okay to write a very personal book about our lives and she responded eagerly, “Oh Dad, I want you to write the book!”

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I work so that I can be the dad who never misses a softball game.

What moment are you least proud of?

Emma was about 18 months old and was jumping on her bed. I told her to stop jumping there. Why did I do that? Did it really matter that she was jumping on her bed? I lost my cool and told her if she jumped on the bed, I’d spank her. She stopped, looked me straight in the eye, and jumped some more. What could I do? We sat together in her room, both of us crying and I swatted her bottom once with just enough force to crush my heart.

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What do you want your kid to learn from your example?

I want Emma to know the value of trying and failing, then trying better and failing better.

What are your favorite funny/weird/special family rituals?

We have this weird thing for an overabundance of fall produce. We pick pumpkins at an “All You Can Carry” pumpkin patch and have perfected the art of carrying more pumpkins that we can remotely use, all for $10. (The trick is to load the first layer of pumpkins stem side down.) We also pick our own apples at an orchard in Charlottesville. We pick so many that I have to make two trips to the car! I think our family record was over 70 pounds.

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One very funny, weird thing about us and our dear friends: We sing the diarrhea song together, but only when camping. I don’t think we’ve ever actually had bowel problems out there, but the song is funny to sing around a campfire.

Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?

Rachel Macy Stafford wrote a piece on the most important six words you can say to your child and I took that advice to heart. It changed my perspective immediately and I started to practice it at the very next softball game I attended.

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The six words: “I love to watch you play.”

What’s the hardest part about being a parent?

Learning to fail well in front of your child.

What’s your favorite part of the day?

I know this will be corny, but every part of every day. I have metastatic kidney cancer and the likelihood to become cured is practically zero. Whenever someone asks me how I am doing, I always respond with, “Each day on this side of the grass is a good day” and genuinely mean it.

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How can parents find ways to connect with their kids?

Find the small thing, the ritual, that’ll be just between you and your child. It could be anything! Try flying paper airplanes from the second story window, wearing the same T-shirt to the movies, memorizing a favorite story word-for-word, or learning how to dance in tandem like they do in the movie Big.

Any other wisdom you’d like to share?

Write a note on the napkin. You can use a sticky note or regular paper and put in somewhere safe if you don’t pack a lunch. Last year I wrote about 180 napkin notes for Emma. Five were super successful and were brought back home to be tacked onto the message board in the kitchen or placed on Emma’s dresser.

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I had put this one on her car seat one random morning and it stayed on her dresser all year:

Photo: Napkin Notes Dad

Oh, and your kids absolutely know when you’re looking at your phone during their game/meet/performance. Don’t think you’re fooling them one bit.

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Source: https://offspring.lifehacker.com/im-w-garth-callaghan-napkin-notes-dad-and-this-is-ho-1827618994