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religion-is-a-mental-illness · 11 months

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By: Laura Funk... God

Published: Mar 8, 2022

There’s a certain type of girl or woman who reaches for the transgender or nonbinary identity label. We’ve all seen this girl, parented this girl, and some of us like me ARE this person. This is the type of girl I refer to as The Archetypal FTM or more appropriately The Sensitive, Quirky, Artistic Weird Girl.

This is not an exhaustive list of every FTM, or a perfect encapsulation of every single person who adopts a trans or nonbinary label, but this is an archetype I have lived as, and studied from my time in the trans and detrans communities, and from speaking with parents and mentoring teenagers. This archetype is who I’ve seen most attracted to the trans and nonbinary role, and they’re all too similar in their traits for it to be a coincidence.

Note: Many of these Archetypal FTM characteristics also describe girls and women on the Autism Spectrum. It is common knowledge in clinics, research, and community, that many young FTMS are diagnosed with, or suspected to have autism. It stands to reason that much of FTM culture is actually integrated autistic culture, or general neurodivergent culture, as many psychological issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar, BPD, and PTSD are comorbid diagnosis in this population.

It can be tricky to find the right diagnosis or label for the presenting symptoms or traits in populations with complex divergences from social norms, which is why many of these girls and women adopt multiple, often abstract, gender identity labels, including those based in autism or mental health disorders to describe themselves.

Some, like myself, view many of these labels or diagnosis as unnecessary to understanding the human condition, which is why I prefer to encapsulate a multitude of clustering human experiences under the handy label of “archetype” and have broken down this archetype into its 4 main categories.

Note: For the purpose of this essay, “archetype” is defined as:

“A very typical example of a certain person or thing.”

I have defined the 4 main categories here from Miriam Webster as:

Sensitive:

“Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.”

And/or:

“(Of a person or a person's behavior) having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings.”

Quirky:

“Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits.”

(Also refer to; offbeat, eccentric, unique- in a generally positive manner of association.)

Artistic:

“Having or revealing natural creative skill.”

Weird:

“Very strange; bizarre.”

(Also refer to; unusual manifestation, in a generally negative, unhealthy, or damaging manner of association.)

Archetypal FTM Traits:

Sensitive: “Queer/Trans/Nonbinary” = Sensitive

“Quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences.”

And/or:

“(Of a person or a person's behavior) having or displaying a quick and delicate appreciation of others' feelings.”

Intellectual Overexcitability (highly cerebral and living largely in thought and mind vs. body)

Sensory Processing Issues (physiologically sensitive to stimulus like touch, texture, sound and can become overwhelmed)

Idealistic (can see many interconnected threads of thought which could create a potential ideal outcome or situation)

Empathetic and compassionate (feeling the emotions of others and being cognitively understanding to those in distress because they can relate)

High Neuroticism (sensitivity to negative emotions-shame, sadness, anger, self-doubt)

Internalizes (retreats into self due to absorbing too much of outside environment)

Self-Doubt (constant overanalyzing leads to rumination around failings of self)

Anxiety (general and social)

Depression (nervous system shut down due to sensory overwhelm and emotional flooding and burnout)

Learned Helplessness (may underachieve due to overwhelm of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and develop complex of being a failure)

Resists Change (due to overwhelm of thought and feeling, resists changes and struggles to adapt; requires more patience and time to make decisions or act)

Sexual/Sensual/Asexual (may be either hypersexual and enjoy self-stimulation/use masturbation to release energy or self-soothe (including fixations with online porn), or become overwhelmed with sexual feelings and shut down and detach from sensual feelings in body)

Spiritual/Religious/Cult Inclinations (may be interested in alternative spiritual, religious, or lifestyle beliefs or trends that can even manifest as cults. Research indicates that intelligent and vulnerable people may be open to cult-thinking)

Note: Many of these traits describe a Highly Sensitive Person or HSP. This is a theory and researched type of person who is physiologically more sensitive to thought, feeling, and sensation, due to biological reasons. Their nervous systems are more reactive to the internal and external environments, creating both pros and cons for the individual which may manifest as developmental divergences. The theory finds that highly sensitive people in a compatible and nurturing environment to their sensitivities, will thrive and do better than the average person, but in an incompatible or harmful environment to their sensitivities, will regress and do worse than the average person, and be more suspectable to mental health conditions and developing trauma-based disorders like PTSD.

Quirky: “Queer/Trans/Nonbinary” = Quirky

“Characterized by peculiar or unexpected traits.”

(Also refer to; offbeat, eccentric, unique- in a generally positive manner of association.)

Highly Intelligent/Gifted/Bright (intellectual giftedness can create developmental quirks of deeply developed thought but lacks in experience or deficits in other areas like emotion regulation)

Witty and Clever (verbose and adept at forming connections verbally and in thought in a unique manner)

Good Sense of Humor (can be a bit awkward, and offbeat with humor and mannerisms)

Precocious (may have lopsided maturation processes such as gaining interest in abstract thought, psychology, philosophy, etc. but lack of fundamental executive functioning or social skills)

Obsessed With Labels (labels, diagnosis, definitions, language, lists, goals, etc. are attempts to understand abstract concepts, order chaos of thoughts and feelings)

May Be Naïve (due to overwhelm with stimulus, may self-isolate, avoid, or shelter self and become developmentally stunted, or may seek advanced experiences due to intellectual giftedness, but lack the other appropriate skills to navigate situations)

Has Special Interests (a deep love and obsession with a particular concept, thing, or person going beyond typical levels of regard or fixation)

Social Justice-Minded (desires radical social change for the less fortunate and possesses an open mind towards social justice ideology and action)

Passionate (when in a good mood, tends to be enthusiastic about special interests and can become deeply involved in doing them or sharing them with others)

Relates to Animals/Nature/Objects/Concepts More than People (more easily relates to non-sentient human creatures like animals, characters, objects, or even abstract concepts than other people due to difficulty fitting in and the ability to form unusual connections or find unique meanings. Yes, anime, Disney, and rats are a thing for FTMS…)

Artistic: “Queer/Trans/Nonbinary” = Artistic

“Having or revealing natural creative skill.”

High Openness to Experience (this is the major personality dimension measuring creativity and divergent thought, experience, and behavior, or openness to it)

Independent Thinkers (due to high openness to experience trait, perspective is often unique, or unique opinions are sought out and adopted from others)

Divergent Thinking (“A thought process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It typically occurs in a spontaneous, free-flowing, "non-linear" manner…”)

Self-Expressive (frequently releases thoughts and feelings through journaling, poetry, writing, art, bogging, or through videos or other methods)

Extraverted Self-Expression (often prioritizes expressing one’s personality through bold or unique clothing, fashion, hairstyle, piercings, tattoos, nicknames, etc. Often will be DYI or handmade, or be more open to alternative forms of aesthetic expression)

Highly Creative (often does art or creative activities like drawing, painting, crafting, writing, singing, playing music, etc.)

Has Rich Fantasy Life (known for having a vivid imagination and ability to get lost in thought, daydreams, grandiose plans for future, and combining unique ideas together for imagined projects in a creative way)

Nonstable Identity (the downside to high openness to experience; having connections to many different things and creating ever-shifting personas or views of self that makes it difficult to maintain a grounded sense of self)

Jack of All Trades, Master of None (another downside to profound creativity; trouble actually “doing” things or taking action to bring tangible work into completion due to multitude of thought threads at once, or juggling priorities. Can strongly overlap with ADHD traits)

Weird: “Queer/Trans/Nonbinary” = Weird

“Very strange; bizarre.”

(Also refer to; unusual manifestation, in a generally negative, unhealthy, or damaging manner of association.)

Feel “Weird” In Negative Sense (views self as different in a bad way, feels lacking in something others have, may resent “normies”, feel alienated and shameful)

Individualistic (while this may be a positive trait, this type of person may also suffer by not going along with the crowd, refusing to see other’s perspectives, have rigid thinking and be stubborn to change behavior to coexist with others, and struggle to find connection or community, worsening resilience to mental health issues)

Can Be Lonely (often isolated from groups, feels alienated from peers, may try out different social tribes but not feel belonging to any, or may fixate on belonging with 1 particular social group or attachment figure which can be harmful to them)

Very Online (although since the 2020 pandemic and technological shifts many more people are living online, this archetype still is more likely than average to spend time cultivating an online life due to socialization troubles, sensory overwhelm in outside or interpersonal situations, and isolation due to depression, anxiety, and other disorders. The internet use can create further social deficits and mental health struggles due to lack of proper socialization, intimacy, physical movement, exposure to the natural world, and increase sensitivity which manifests these issues cyclically. )

Insecure Attachments (may feel insecure, anxious, or avoidant about forming close relationships with others, develop more shallow online relationships, belong to unhealthy or abusive online groups or friendship cliques, or have no close attachments to family or friends)

Rumination (tends to circle over negative thoughts, memories of the past, or fears of the future in repeated cycles which damage rational thinking and positive regard for self and life, often exacerbating into suicidal ideation)

Obsessional Fixations (when special interests or passions bring disappointment or fail, or there is distress in life, intellectual capacities turn into intense negative rumination over solutions or fantasies of escape. These may manifest as self-harm or destructive behavior such as magical-thinking fantasies)

Cognitive Distortions (black and white, rigid thinking that cannot be challenged even when unhealthy or destructive, generalizations from one smaller event projected onto all other events/the entire world, catastrophizing thoughts of the worst possible scenario, difficulty maintaining rational sense of orderliness)

Low Self-Confidence (core belief of shame and unworthiness due to being, or perceived as being, rejected by others, feeling alienated, sensitive, and highly emotional, or reactive to pain)

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS is an endocrine disorder which affects menstruation, fertility, emotion regulation, etc. and yes, sensitivity. Although the correlation is currently unclear, from my observation, many archetypal FTMS have PCOS, and that PCOS may contribute to high-sensitivity, body image issues, feeling more masculine and less connected to the female body, mood fluctuations, and is correlated with depression, anxiety, and shame.)

In Review of the 4 Categories

All of these traits are part of the human condition. Every person in existence falls somewhere on the spectrum of these characteristics or behaviors, and none on their own imply belonging to this archetype. However, when observably clustered together, these traits are indicative of certain types of personalities.

Many of these traits, especially the “weird” traits, are vulnerabilities to developing disorders like depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, CPTSD, etc. They may stand alone as regular human traits, or increase in severity in the form of a disorder which can be diagnosed as interfering with common functioning. I’ve purposefully left gender out of these traits to showcase the traits in a raw configuration, but one can easily see how gender identities, sexual characteristics, sex roles, cultural roles, and contemporary phenomena can manifest within these traits, and this sort of person. This archetype is more sensitive and vulnerable to developing symptoms of gender dysphoria, or a belief in it.

Gender Identity = Personality

The most important thing to note about this archetype is that each of the 4 categories (Sensitive, Quirky, Artistic, Weird) can be synonymous with “Queer, Trans, or Nonbinary” because “Gender” = “Personality.”

It really can be that simple. Young people (especially overthinking and highly open to experience ones) often confuse personality traits and types with corresponding gender identities.

For many of these girls, substituting any of these personality descriptions, especially Quirky can describe their individuality the same or even more accurately than does whatever gender identity label they’re using. Young people might not realize it, but gender expression (how you play with femininity, masculinity, and androgyny in fashion and expression) is a form of creativity that is associated with the trait Openness to Experience. In personality psychology, the BIG 5 Personality Spectrums are Openness to Experience, Consciousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism, with each big trait divided into 7 sub traits. The archetypal girl who identifies as trans is likely to present with High Openness to Experience (creativity), low Extraversion (High Introversion), and High Neuroticism (negative emotion and views on oneself.)

Although the Big 5 is the most accurate representation of personality in psychology, other ways of showing this archetype could be in the Enneagram--Type 4 which is also based on archetypes. Type 4 is the archetype known as The Artist/The Individualist/The Romantic. Each Type has 2 “wings” on either side (other Types that correspond.) Type 4 Artists can lean towards Type 3 The Performer, or Type 5 The Investigator. One can see how either, or both of these types may arise from this archetype.

If a Type 4 Artist leans towards the wing of Type 3—The Performer, this is called The Aristocrat. We tend to see a more flamboyant and expressive, loud, attention-grabbing personality and behavior (think Madonna.) This may explain some of the histrionic and narcissistic conduct we see from queer or young people, and riled up social justice activists.

If a Type 4 Artist leans towards Type 5—The Investigator, we see a person who needs to balance out their intense emotional and creative energy, with a high dose of intellectual and psychologically reflective energy. This manifestation is called “The Bohemian” (think Bob Dylan) and can be seen in the more introverted and isolated, cerebral, and heavily online trans and nonbinary people who are not as outwardly flamboyant about their gender identity, but who on one one may still exert the same positions.

Type 4— Individualist people, are notorious for being the most sensitive, emotionally deep, and if uncontrolled, the most emotionally volatile of all personality types. They are also the most creative and artistic personalities. Enneagram Type 4 traits overlap extensively with this archetypal FTM and those in general who identify as some form of queer/trans, or nonbinary.

When these traits cluster in particular amalgamations deemed harmful, these everyday human personality aspects can arise to the level of a disorder which requires treatment. Although there is a large western cultural push towards medicalization for adverse mental health symptoms, many forms of distress can be reduced, managed, or relieved through addressing the underlying harmful manifestations of traits, by understanding the interplay or both nature, and nurture’s relationship to these traits. Simply put; treat a person holistically by having awareness of the characteristics and manifestations of the human condition, and you often do not require medications or medical interventions.

If gender identity = personality, then those with the highest traits of creativity, openness, and neuroticism, will be likely to think that they have a queer/trans/nonbinary personality.

Androgyny and fluid gender expression are also linked with creativity.

Since this archetype loves identity labels, there may also be utility in understanding these girls using the Myers-Briggs or MBTI personality inventory and the corresponding INFJ profile—the supposed rarest personality type of all. INFJ standing for Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judging is known archetypally as The Advocate or The Counselor. These people can often feel like walking-contradictions due to their complex natures.

While The Enneagram and MBTI are more archetypal shorthand and not as scientifically based like The Big 5 Personality Spectrum, viewing these types of girls through alternative lenses than mental disorders, conditions, and pathologies can be a healthier and more holistic route to understanding, empathizing, and helping these girls and young women to thrive in authenticity and see their self-value.

Struggles for This Archetype

Growing up as a sensitive, quirky, artistic, weird girl is often a difficult or even traumatic experience. As kids and teens these girls tend not to flourish because they:

Are so sensitive (emotionally and sensorially) that the outside world is an intimidating, overwhelming and confusing place they’d rather not participate in.

Retreat too heavily into their inner worlds and/or online to escape from the outside chaos.

Are both developmentally delayed and advanced in conflicting ways which inhibit typical growth alongside peers.

Have social difficulties and struggle with relationships and outer-world integration.

Are offbeat, so it’s challenging to find others to connect with at the same wavelength.

May be vulnerable to intense group-think or cults once they finally find a community to relate to due prolonged isolation and attachment voids.

Are still learning to deal with their heavy emotions and are often depressed, anxious, and ashamed.

Are insecure about their place in the world because they are idealistic and want to make a big difference, but feel overwhelmed, and self-doubting.

Have not yet embraced their personality strengths, and only focus on perceived flaws or weaknesses (which may be irrationally heightened due to idealism and analytical comparison to others.)

Have confusion making decisions, choosing career paths, and activities which work for them due to divergent thought and jack of all trades behaviors.

Might have developed mental health issues that are distracting from, and impeding, their gifts from being recognized or grown to fruition.

Are too focused on specific labels and diagnosis with a fixed mindset vs. learning about, growing into, and transcending the limitations of their human personalities.

Are avoidantly focused on outside issues and social justice concerns, or codependency in relationships as a distraction from their inner problems or fears.

May be underdeveloped in resiliency, perfectionistic, and give up easily; lacking motivation and an internal locus of control to overcome fear and develop courage.

May lack self-competency to progress in life, and end up feeling stuck in endless loops of intense thoughts, emotions, fears, and self-destructive or suicidal behavior.

Why Personality is Confused with Gender Identity

All these concerns are uniquely human, and experienced by everyone, especially teenagers and young adults, but for this type of girl/woman, even “light” or “basic” tasks can be extra difficult due to added layers of intensity and depth of emotions, thoughts, weirdness, and identity fluidity which needs to be managed, maintained, and healthily integrated. Setting other issues like social conditioning, misogyny, sexual trauma, or politics aside for the sake of examining these raw traits, is it any wonder that masses of teen girls and young women are mentally opting out of having to exist this way?

The question is not “why are all these girls identifying as trans/queer/nonbinary?” The question is why wouldn’t they?

Why wouldn’t a girl like this be not only exorbitantly confused about their identity and how they fit and track within the world, but also desire any pathway out of the burden of Being. The chaos and physiological rollercoaster of Being Like That. (Again, taking away the compounding variables of misogyny, media, politics, and social roles.)

Existence is toil enough, but add hyper-awareness, hyper-criticism, hyper-fixation, hyper-emotion, and being even slightly, or highly eccentric, with few tangible, and connected embodied experiences that don’t involve online interaction or prescriptive doctrines of What Truth Is from fellow disembodied, emotionally unstable, cerebral, and naïve young people, or unnuanced critiques from ignorant or immature adults in the media, and it becomes obvious why rapid adoption of gender identity labels as anything other than “girl” are happening.

Most people do not want to be the Weird Girl. It’s far more appealing to be the Queer Enby, or The Trans Boy. But look underneath these labels and see what’s there, the inner quirky, sensitive, artistic, weird girl. Being queer/trans/nonbinary seems like the perfect way to contend with every concern because socially and politically, these gender labels carry massive weight, social prestige, and meaning, that teens and young people are not mature enough to fully understand, but latch onto with fervor.

Yet being trans-identified can be a distraction from developing resiliency or a truly well-rounded personality or lifestyle that would better utilize this archetype’s gifts and skills. As young adults, they may struggle to have confidence and thrive. Years of ruminating on being different or having identity confusion can worsen insecurity and build defensiveness. They can be narcissistic or emotionally immature for the same reasons, as seen in viral Tiktok videos of teens and young women with disturbing mental health issues, and trendy rants on social justice and queer issues.

These easily-mockable neon-haired, tattooed, pierced, disruptive, punkish, flamboyant, obnoxious, volatile, irrational, and unhinged young girls, are in my estimation, perfectly fitting the archetype of the sensitive, quirky, artistic, weird girl. They are unfortunate and tragic reminders of how this archetype can manifest if not cultivated healthily.

Their capacity for empathy and idealism turns into jaded disappointment at the world and themselves. Although there also may be higher rates of abuse or trauma for this group, it can be harrowing just being a sensitive nonconformist who is beaten down routinely while going through puberty. This can be worsened if the girl has a sense of always feeling blamed by family or society for being “mentally ill”, aka falling under the shorthand of “weird.” They may defensively subvert this insecurity into aggrandizing of mental health disorders, use ironic humor to cope, or have an obsession with normalization of legitimate psychological or physical health issues like the DSD, anorexia, BPD, NPD, trans acceptance (body-modification and cosmetic surgery promotions), and fat positivity movements.

Take this example; before I called myself Funk God, I had a blog URL under “Depression Jesus”… The subversion of “bad funks into good funks” is like both, but while Depression Jesus embodies shallow nihilism and self-loathing focused on shame and self-hate, Funk God embodies embracing one’s quirks, and a full integration of the pros and cons of existing as this archetype, including all the chaos, positive, and negative. under Being Funky.

Hope for the Sensitive, Quirky, Artistic, Weird Girl

I bear some optimistic news from my years of toiling as the sensitive, quirky, artistic weird girl, and from research and observation of the archetypal population; not all big emotions or psychological struggles are mental illnesses. Mental disorders describe traits and symptoms of normal human issues which arise into disruptive levels that need treatment, but disorders are still representative of the human condition and existence we all have the capacity to experience.

The archetypal FTM would benefit from hearing this because these girls are highly intelligent, and have the makings of future independent thinkers and successful adults, if they could grow into more competent and secure young women. They could make amazing assets in any field, especially as teachers, artists, writers, and healers, once they’ve matured and became grounded. Once they start speaking out and using their own voices instead of pleasing others, or insecurely defending their differences to those who don’t understand, they will find pride in how useful and important their unique traits are.

Part of how I’ve realized this archetype, is studying not only trans and nonbinary movement culture, but also the detransiton movement. Gorwing numbers of detrans women who share their experiences often note identical traits or behaviors to the list I compiled, describing the reasons they thought they were trans or nonbinary. Every story is similar; all fall under the archetypal FTM outline, and mothers of trans-identified daughters, and women of older generations, agree that this list describes their experiences of which they all believe would have appeared as “gender dysphoria”, or manifested as a gender-identity, had they been born in today’s culture which possess the technology and nihilism to promote body-modification, and medicalization of non-conformities.

Studying detrans women’s stories gives hope to the sensitive, quirky, artistic, weird girls because many detransitioners epitomize a radical version of the archetype (often with added traumas) but show an even clearer evolution from Insecurity and Confusion to Bold Growth and Strength in oneself.

Many are writing, teaching, practicing psychology, or embracing the arts to find, and grow into, authentic versions of a higher self on this confusing planet. We can see the same trends across currently identified queer/trans and non-binary women who fit this archetype, but with the remaining ideology, black and white thinking, uncontrolled neuroticism, people-pleasing, or misguided anarchism/social justice, and general immaturity intact. That isn’t to say detransitioners can’t struggle with these behaviors, but coming out the other side of ideology, identity crisis and a mixed bag of traumas and disorders, is a humbling experience which cracks open the psyche to elevate more nuanced and critical thoughts with less cognitive dissonance.

It is no wonder, then, that detransitioners are often praised for being “articulate”, “wise” and “insightful”; we are often the same archetype of girls who were born to be this way, and are now realizing it having it had a rude awakening of the complexities of reality, of our own shortcomings, and how we took the wrong turn on the path towards transcendence and self-actualization. As an upside to all that is happening with the trans and nonbinary movements in harming people, there will at least, be a countercultural movement of quirky, sensitive, artistic, weird young women gaining courage and speaking fluently on their experiences and sharing wisdom with others to help bring awareness to the nuances of the human condition, and to those most vulnerable to be led down destructive roads.

It is at worst abusive, neglectful, and traumatic, and at best a disfavor and limitation to these sensitive, artistic, quirky, weird girls to pass off their complex and deep thoughts, feelings, and personalities with a “gender identity” and affirm them as being the opposite sex, or being untethered to a sex at all, instead of teaching and encouraging them to embrace themselves as they are so they may begin to practice acceptance and nonjudgement, and evolve into the spectacularly funky women they could become. If there’s one thing I hope to achieve through spreading the gospel of funk, it’s to let young girls and women know that it’s not only okay to be funky, but you can even become a god at it if you lean into your sensitive, quirky, artistic, weirdness ;)

To learn more about this archetype, watch this video essay I recorded as an in-depth breakdown of the Sensitive, Quirky, Artistic, Weird Girl.

Let unique girls be unique girls.

Instead of lying to them by telling them they're not girls, because girls can't be unique.

Or that there's something wrong with them and they need to be medically "fixed."

"Unique" - sensitive, quirky, artistic, weird - is not a medical condition.

#Laura Funk God #detrans #detransition #queer theory #gender ideology #gender identity #sensitive #quirky #artistic #weird #nonbinary #trans identity #religion is a mental illness

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mightyflamethrower · 7 months

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SARAH WEAVER

SOCIAL ISSUES REPORTER

October 06, 20238:36 PM ET

A “tidal wave” of detransitioners have sued their doctors over the transitions they received as minors, with many more to come, lawyers told the Daily Caller.

The law firm Campbell Miller Payne was established in 2023 by lawyers Jordan Campbell, Ron Miller, Josh Payne, and Daniel Sepulveda. The lawyers represent detransitioners in a number of high-profile cases, including Prisha Mosely and Soren Aldaco. Despite the newness of the firm, Campbell tells the Caller that they “average about one potential new client a week.”

“And that’s barely having gotten off the ground.”

“I think, frankly, we’re at the front end of a tidal wave coming the other direction,” Campbell told the Caller, “which is part of the reason I was willing to put my career on the line and go after this.”

Aldaco sued her medical providers for performing a botched mastectomy which left her “nipples literally peeling off of her chest” in July. Mosley alleges that a doctor concluded she was undergoing a “gender identity crisis” after one visit to the emergency room regarding an episode of self-harm, despite multiple comorbidities, such as an eating disorder and depression.

The stories of detransitioners such as Aldaco and Mosley lay out a pattern of alleged medical neglect carried out by doctors who are reportedly too quick to diagnose patients with underlying mental disorders or a history of abuse with gender dysphoria. Patients are often fast-tracked, even at a young age, to irreversible sex change procedures such as cross-sex hormones, genital surgeries, and mastectomies.

“It’s just such flagrant violations of every possible standard of care, from a legal perspective of liability,” Campbell said. “So their stories are powerful because they’re the truth about what’s actually happening.”

Campbell Miller Payne was formed in 2023 by lawyers who were drawn to the stories of detransitioners they were seeing on Reddit and in the media.

“I found myself throwing my hands up and saying well somebody needs to do something I guess. And I felt like, very candidly, like God was saying, ‘hey, that’s why I showed you all this stuff.’ So I got the idea to start a firm, the only firm as I’m aware of, in the country to just represent these people.”

After recruiting Ron Miller to his legal venture, Campbell met with Daniel Sepulveda, a former NFL star with the Pittsburgh Steelers who received a law degree after retiring from the sport. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Rob Gronkowski Gives Outright Hilarious ‘No’ After Question On Men In Women’s Sports)

“I just wanted to catch up with an old buddy,” Campbell explained. “So we got on the phone and I said, ‘Well, it’s interesting, here’s what I’m going to be doing.’ And he said, ‘Well I want to hear more.’ So w e talk a couple more times and he flies in later that week to meet the team and by the end of the week, he said, ‘Okay, I’m.’ And that’s how we came together.”

“I was very eager to jump all over it because it takes every criterion that I was evaluating for what God might have for me next,” Sepulveda said, “an opportunity to work with people I really enjoy working with, on a cause that had a ton of purpose and meaning behind it.”

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gorgonashouse · 1 year

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Females And Autism / Aspergers: A Checklist

Lynda Lim Abstract Multiple FemalesLynda Lim "Multiple Females"

This list is meant as a springboard for discussion and more awareness into the female experience with autism.

By Samantha Craft

Females with Autism: An Unofficial List

Section A: Deep Thinkers

A deep thinker

A prolific writer drawn to poetry

*Highly intelligent

Sees things at multiple levels, including her own thinking processes

Analyzes existence, the meaning of life, and everything, continually

Serious and matter-of-fact in nature

Doesn’t take things for granted

Doesn’t simplify

Everything is complex

Often gets lost in own thoughts and “checks out” (blank stare)

Section B: Innocent

Naïve

Honest

Experiences trouble with lying

Finds it difficult to understand manipulation and disloyalty

Finds it difficult to understand vindictive behavior and retaliation

Easily fooled and conned

Feelings of confusion and being overwhelmed

Feelings of being misplaced and/or from another planet

Feelings of isolation

Abused or taken advantage of as a child but didn’t think to tell anyone

Section C: Escape and Friendship

Survives overwhelming emotions and senses by escaping in thought or action

Escapes regularly through fixations, obsessions, and over-interest in subjects

Escapes routinely through imagination, fantasy, and daydreaming

Escapes through mental processing

Escapes through the rhythm of words

Philosophizes, continually

Had imaginary friends in youth

Imitates people on television or in movies

Treated friends as “pawns” in youth; e.g., friends were “students” “consumers” “members”

Makes friends with older or younger females more so than friends her age (often in young adulthood)

Imitates friends or peers in style, dress, attitude, interests, and manner (sometimes speech)

Obsessively collects and organizes objects

Mastered imitation

Escapes by playing the same music over and over

Escapes through a relationship (imagined or real)

Numbers bring ease (could be numbers associated with patterns, calculations, lists, time and/or personification)

Escapes through counting, categorizing, organizing, rearranging

Escapes into other rooms at parties

Cannot relax or rest without many thoughts

Everything has a purpose

Section D: Comorbid Attributes

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Sensory Issues (sight, sound, texture, smells, taste) (might have Synthesia)

Generalized Anxiety

Sense of pending danger or doom

Feelings of polar extremes (depressed/over-joyed; inconsiderate/over-sensitive)

Poor muscle tone, double-jointed, and/or lack in coordination (may have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and/or Hypotonia and/or POTS syndrome)

Eating disorders, food obsessions, and/or worry about what is eaten

Irritable bowel and/or intestinal issues

Chronic fatigue and/or immune challenges

Misdiagnosed or diagnosed with a mental illness

Experiences multiple physical symptoms, perhaps labeled “hypochondriac”

Questions place in the world

Often drops small objects

Wonders who she is and what is expected of her

Searches for right and wrong

Since puberty has had bouts of depression (may have PMDD)

Flicks/rubs fingernails, picks scalp/skin, flaps hands, rubs hands together, tucks hands under or between legs, keeps closed fists, paces in circles, and/or clears throat often

Section E: Social Interaction

Friends have ended friendship suddenly (without female with AS understanding why) and/or difficult time making friends

Tendency to overshare

Spills intimate details to strangers

Raised hand too much in class or didn’t participate in class

Little impulse control with speaking when younger

Monopolizes conversation at times

Brings subject back to self

Comes across at times as narcissistic and controlling (is not narcissistic)

Shares in order to reach out

Often sounds eager and over-zealous or apathetic and disinterested

Holds a lot of thoughts, ideas, and feelings inside

Feels as if she is attempting to communicate “correctly”

Obsesses about the potentiality of a relationship with someone, particularly a love interest or feasible new friendship

Confused by the rules of accurate eye contact, tone of voice, proximity of body, body stance, and posture in conversation

Conversation are often exhausting

Questions the actions and behaviors of self and others, continually

Feels as if missing a conversation “gene” or thought-filter

Trained self in social interactions through readings and studying of other people

Visualizes and practices how she will act around others

Practices/rehearses in mind what she will say to another before entering the room

Difficulty filtering out background noise when talking to others

Has a continuous dialogue in mind that tells her what to say and how to act when in a social situation

Sense of humor sometimes seems quirky, odd, inappropriate, or different from others

As a child it was hard to know when it was her turn to talk

Finds norms of conversation confusing

Finds unwritten and unspoken rules difficult to grasp, remember, and apply

Section F: Finds Refuge when Alone

Feels extreme relief when she doesn’t have to go anywhere, talk to anyone, answer calls, or leave the house but at the same time will often harbor guilt for “hibernating” and not doing “what everyone else is doing”

One visitor at the home may be perceived as a threat (this can even be a familiar family member)

Knowing logically a house visitor is not a threat, but that doesn’t relieve the anxiety

Feelings of dread about upcoming events and appointments on the calendar

Knowing she has to leave the house causes anxiety from the moment she wakes up

All the steps involved in leaving the house are overwhelming and exhausting to think about

She prepares herself mentally for outings, excursions, meetings, and appointments, often days before a scheduled event

OCD tendencies when it comes to concepts of time, being on time, tracking time, recording time, and managing time (could be carried over to money, as well)

Questions next steps and movements, continually

Sometimes feels as if she is on stage being watched and/or a sense of always having to act out the “right” steps, even when she is home alone

Telling self the “right” words and/or positive self-talk (CBT) doesn’t typically alleviate anxiety. CBT may cause increased feelings of inadequacy.

Knowing she is staying home all day brings great peace of mind

Requires a large amount of down time or alone time

Feels guilty after spending a lot of time on a special interest

Uncomfortable in public locker rooms, bathrooms, and/or dressing rooms

Dislikes being in a crowded mall, crowded gym, and/or crowded theater

Section G: Sensitive

Sensitive to sounds, textures, temperature, and/or smells when trying to sleep

Adjusts bedclothes, bedding, and/or environment in an attempt to find comfort

Dreams are anxiety-ridden, vivid, complex, and/or precognitive in nature

Highly intuitive to others’ feelings

Highly empathetic, sometimes to the point of confusion

Takes criticism to heart

Longs to be seen, heard, and understood

Questions if she is a “normal” person

Highly susceptible to outsiders’ viewpoints and opinions

At times adapts her view of life or actions based on others’ opinions or words

Recognizes own limitations in many areas daily, if not hourly

Becomes hurt when others question or doubt her work

Views many things as an extension of self

Fears others opinions, criticism, and judgment

Dislikes words and events that hurt animals and people

Collects or rescues animals (often in childhood)

Huge compassion for suffering (sometimes for inanimate objects/personification)

Sensitive to substances (environmental toxins, foods, alcohol, medication, hormones, etc.)

Tries to help, offers unsolicited advice, or formalizes plans of action

Questions life purpose and how to be a “better” person

Seeks to understand abilities, skills, and/or gifts

Section H: Sense of Self

Feels trapped between wanting to be herself and wanting to fit in

Imitates others without realizing it

Suppresses true wishes (often in young adulthood)

Exhibits codependent behaviors (often in young adulthood)

Adapts self in order to avoid ridicule

Rejects social norms and/or questions social norms

Feelings of extreme isolation

Feeling good about self takes a lot of effort and work

Switches preferences based on environment and other people

Switches behavior based on environment and other people

Didn’t care about her hygiene, clothes, and appearance before teenage years and/or before someone else pointed these out to her

“Freaks out” but doesn’t know why until later

Young sounding voice

Trouble recognizing what she looks like and/or has occurrences of slight prosopagnosia (difficulty recognizing or remembering faces)

Feels significantly younger on the inside than on the outside (perpetually twelve)

Section I: Confusion

Had a hard time learning that others are not always honest

Feelings seem confusing, illogical, and unpredictable (self’s and others’)

Confuses appointment times, numbers, and/or dates

Expects that by acting a certain way certain results can be achieved, but realizes in dealing with emotions, those results don’t always manifest

Spoke frankly and literally in youth

Jokes go over the head

Confused when others ostracize, shun, belittle, trick, and betray

Trouble identifying feelings unless they are extreme

Trouble with emotions of hate and dislike

Feels sorry for someone who has persecuted or hurt her

Personal feelings of anger, outrage, deep love, fear, giddiness, and anticipation seem to be easier to identify than emotions of joy, satisfaction, calmness, and serenity

Difficulty recognizing how extreme emotions (outrage, deep love) will affect her and challenges transferring what has been learned about emotions from one situation to the next

Situations and conversations sometimes perceived as black or white

The middle spectrum of outcomes, events, and emotions is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood (all or nothing mentality)

A small fight might signal the end of a relationship or collapse of world

A small compliment might boost her into a state of bliss

Section J: Words, Numbers, and Patterns

Likes to know word origins and/or origin of historical facts/root cause and foundation

Confused when there is more than one meaning (or spelling) to a word

High interest in songs and song lyrics

Notices patterns frequently

Remembers things in visual pictures

Remembers exact details about someone’s life

Has a remarkable memory for certain details

Writes or creates to relieve anxiety

Has certain “feelings” or emotions towards words and/or numbers

Words and/or numbers bring a sense of comfort and peace, akin to a friendship

(Optional) Executive Functioning & Motor Skills This area isn’t always as evident as other areas

Simple tasks can cause extreme hardship

Learning to drive a car or rounding the corner in a hallway can be troublesome

New places offer their own set of challenges

Anything that requires a reasonable amount of steps, dexterity, or know-how can rouse a sense of panic

The thought of repairing, fixing, or locating something can cause anxiety

Mundane tasks are avoided

Cleaning self and home may seem insurmountable

Many questions come to mind when setting about to do a task

Might leave the house with mismatched socks, shirt buttoned incorrectly, and/or have dyslexia and/or dysgraphia

A trip to the grocery store can be overwhelming

Trouble copying dance steps, aerobic moves, or direction in a sports gym class

Has a hard time finding certain objects in the house but remembers with exact clarity where other objects are; not being able to locate something or thinking about locating something can cause feelings of intense anxiety (object permanence challenges), even with something as simple as opening an envelope

This unofficial checklist can be copied for therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, professors, teachers, and relatives, if Samantha Craft’s name and contact information remain on the print out. This list was created in 2012 and updated in May, 2016.

Samantha Craft

Disclaimer: This is my opinion and based on my experience after 12 years of researching about autism and being officially diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. It is not meant to replace the DSM-V Autism Spectrum Disorder definition nor is this list meant to serve as an official diagnostic tool. Hundreds of women have used this list in conjunction with the DSM-IV or DSM-V and a professional mental health professional’s guidance. It is also based on 4.5 years of communicating almost daily with those that are diagnosed with autism and some that believe themselves to be on the spectrum. It is not all inclusive. Some will fit into categories and not be autistic/Asperian. This is meant as a springboard for discussion and more awareness into the female experience with autism.

This is an unofficial checklist created by an adult female with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) who has a son with Asperger’s Syndrome. Samantha Craft has a Masters Degree in Education. Samantha Craft does not hold a doctorate in Psychiatry or Psychology. She has a life-credential as a result of being a female with Asperger’s Syndrome and being a parent of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome. She has created this list in an effort to assist health professionals in recognizing Asperger’s Syndrome in females—for in-depth information regarding females with AS refer to Craft’s book Everyday Aspergers.

#personal #autismo en mujeres #asperger femenino #autismo femenino #autistic girl #espectro autista #autista #samantha craft #mi maldita existencia entera

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traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors · 2 years

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i don't know where it comes from, maybe it's a trauma thing because I've been tested for adhd multiple times negative, but I hate routines. I get bored so easily and it is the worst feeling I really... You know that "famous" study they did where they found out that, if you leave men alone in a room with nothing but an electroshocker, they will shock themselves? That's so 100% me. I get all negative emotions at once, I explode, when I am bored at my core. And that doesn't happen when I don't have anything to do. But when I do the same things everyday. I have 5 hobbies and 1000 started projects but I work on them almost every day and at one point, they bore me. Like the famous "I have nothing to wear" though your wardrobe is full of stuff you usually love. Then I explode. Which is horrible, I have experienced mental health issues of all kind but that one is the worst.

It is... manageable, sometimes I explode, ok. But the issue is with stuff that... has to be repetitive. Like eating. Standing up, going to sleep. I hear my stomach grumble from hunger and I almost explode "eating again. Oh I am so bored of eating, I just can't stand it now" so I skip meals. Or, it is 3am at the moment and I can't sleep because I am so annoyed of all the sleeping. Every evening it's the same, laying down, eyes closed, blabla, I am bored of it.

What the is wrong with me? Am I unique in this (please tell me I'm not) and how can I, at least the "must" stuff, make it more bearable? Will this go away with therapy or will I be cursed with it forever?

Hi anon,

You're definitely not alone. I think it's easy to find our necessary routines mundane and excruciatingly boring, even in thing like eating and getting changed. I at least feel that way as well, not entirely understanding or respecting my needs as a human being because of how constant and repetitive they are.

I also just want to say that this isn't inherently an ADHD symptom. As someone who resonates with what you're saying, I have many diagnoses but ADHD is not one of them. Of course disorders vary in how they present in others, but symptoms are also often comorbid with other disorders or problems more towards the root. You may have other symptoms of ADHD that could potentially qualify for a diagnosis which is valid as long as you feel that would help you, but just know that this isn't an ADHD-exclusive experience.

I'm not sure how helpful my advice may be but I have two things: one thing you could try is to change up the structure of your routine, spice it up in some way. Do something exciting, something that you know isn't boring to you. Focus on the excitement from that activity and reminisce once the activity completes. My other suggestion is slightly similar, but it's essentially to put some interest into the things you find painfully boring, whether that's asking a friend to help you choose between two outfits or planning fun meals in advance. These suggestions may not completely cure your "explosions" but hopefully, if they resonate with you, they could help make your daily chores a bit more bearable.

I'm sorry I couldn't help more, but I wish you the absolute best and we're here if you need anything.

-Bun

#mod bun #trauma talks

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lisalicharles · 19 days

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Unveiling Real-World Insights: The Significance of RWE Studies in Healthcare

Real-world evidence (RWE) studies have emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare research, offering insights into the real-world outcomes of medical interventions outside the controlled settings of clinical trials. Unlike traditional clinical trials that are conducted under strict protocols and controlled conditions, RWE studies analyze data from routine clinical practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of how treatments perform in everyday patient populations.

The significance of RWE studies lies in their ability to complement and expand upon the findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which are considered the gold standard in evaluating the efficacy and safety of medical interventions. While RCTs provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of treatments under idealized conditions, they may not fully capture the complexities and nuances of real-world patient populations and clinical practice.

RWE studies, on the other hand, leverage data from electronic health records (EHRs), claims databases, disease registries, and other sources to examine the outcomes associated with specific treatments in diverse patient populations. By analyzing data from large cohorts of patients over extended periods, RWE studies offer insights into the long-term effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of treatments in real-world clinical settings.

One of the key advantages of RWE studies is their ability to provide insights into patient populations that are typically underrepresented or excluded from traditional clinical trials. This includes patients with multiple comorbidities, older adults, individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those with varying levels of treatment adherence. By including these populations, RWE studies offer a more comprehensive understanding of how treatments perform in diverse real-world settings.

RWE studies are particularly valuable in assessing the comparative effectiveness of different treatment options and informing healthcare decision-making. By comparing outcomes between patients receiving different treatments in routine clinical practice, RWE studies help identify which interventions are most effective in achieving desired outcomes and improving patient outcomes.

Furthermore, RWE studies can provide insights into the safety profile of treatments by monitoring adverse events, drug interactions, and long-term outcomes in real-world settings. This real-time monitoring allows healthcare providers to identify potential safety concerns and make informed decisions regarding treatment selection and management.

In addition to informing clinical practice, RWE studies play a vital role in supporting regulatory decision-making and health policy development. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) increasingly rely on RWE to supplement traditional clinical trial data in the evaluation of new drugs and medical devices. RWE studies can provide valuable insights into post-market surveillance, risk assessment, and label expansion for approved treatments.

Despite their numerous benefits, RWE studies also present certain challenges and limitations. These include potential biases in data collection, incomplete or inaccurate documentation in EHRs, challenges in establishing causality, and variability in treatment protocols and clinical practices across different healthcare settings. Addressing these challenges requires careful study design, rigorous data analysis methodologies, and collaboration among stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem.

In conclusion, RWE studies represent a valuable and increasingly utilized approach in healthcare research, offering insights into the real-world effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of medical interventions. By complementing traditional clinical trial data with real-world evidence, RWE studies provide a more comprehensive understanding of how treatments perform in diverse patient populations and clinical settings. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, RWE studies will play an increasingly important role in informing clinical practice, regulatory decision-making, and health policy development.

#The real world studies

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multiplicity-positivity · 11 months

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I'm wondering and I honestly need an opinion here: Why do I feel SO endlessly sad and incomplete whenever I think I might NOT be a system?

It even seems a little morally wrong, I'm afraid I end up subconsciously faking it because of that feeling :(

Any suggestions why I feel this way and what to do to improve?

Whenever I "believe" that I'm a system, that feeling stops and becomes a VERY great joy, but I also have very few traces that I might be a system and most of them can be explained, in some way, by BPD. I feel like this feeling is the only thing keeps me questioning myself, so I want to know what it could be :,D

Hey, so we don’t know you personally, and there could be a ton of different factors as to why you feel this way! Off the top of our head though, we can think of a few potential reasons:

1) The community.

The plural community isn’t exactly tight-knit, but it’s pretty active and uplifting, from our experience! There’s a broad variety of systems with different experiences, sharing their stories and building connections with others who they can relate to. If a singlet were to immerse themselves in plural spaces and surround themselves with plural culture online, it makes sense that they might start to wonder if they themselves are a system, or wish they could be a system so that they can belong to the community.

Many singlets do become plural later in life, through consciously creating their system, having a spiritual awakening, or simply viewing their sense of self through a different lense. And we honestly think that a singlet immersing themselves into plural life might cause them to be drawn towards creating a system, or believing they already are one.

2) The framework.

For some people the concept of being multiple, having more than one presence in their own mind, is reassuring, hopeful, and beneficial for their mental health. It may help ease depression or chronic feelings of loneliness. For these folks, even if they did not develop a dissociative disorder as a child, they may still choose to create a system. In our master post we have some resources on different types of plurality.

We know someone personally (our wife!) who created a willomate because the plurality framework worked for her and helped her to better deal with issues of loneliness and self-hatred. It’s been an amazing journey for her, and her willomate is such a delight! 💖

3) Symptoms of something else.

There are many symptoms of different mental illnesses that may look like plurality or systemhood at first glance. DPDR, identity confusion, weak sense of self, depression, anxiety, amnesia, racing thoughts, intrusive thoughts, and all sorts of other potential symptoms of dissociative disorders can manifest in different mental illnesses too. Some people may think that plurality best explains their symptoms, when they’re actually dealing with something completely different (like a personality disorder, a non-dissociative trauma disorder, mood disorder, or comorbidities of multiple disorders).

In plural spaces, we do admit there is a big rush to convince people they are plural at all costs. For vulnerable people who are dealing with a serious mental illness, this culture of “radical acceptance all the time with no exceptions” may convince them that they’re plural a bit prematurely. It ties back into our first point; someone may be lonely/dealing with mental illness, they stumble into the plural community, they are convinced that they are plural by their peers, and as a result, they’re unable to receive treatment for the mental illness that is actually at the root of their troubles.

4) Maybe you really are plural.

In the end, only you can decide for yourself whether or not you’re a system. Our master post (hyperlinked in our second point) has plenty of resources for questioning systems. If you truly think you may be plural, we recommend checking out those resources, preferably beginning with the CDD-specific ones. Doing lots and lots of research is essential to learning more about plurality and ultimately discovering if you are plural.

Remember, you don’t have to be a system in order to be loved, cherished, and respected for who you are. And even if you realize you’re not a system, you’re still welcome here on our blog. This space is system-focused, but respectful singlets will always be welcome here.

We are not a medical professional, a therapist, or a mental health worker. We don’t know you better than you know yourself. These are just our thoughts - you can do with them what you’d like. Regardless, we hope this response will be somewhat beneficial for you.

💫 Parker, 🖋 Cecil, and 🐢 Kip

#questioning system #plural community #plural framework #mental illness

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onlinetherapysession · 2 months

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. Assessing ADHD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. This article provides an in-depth understanding of ADHD assessment, covering its significance, process, challenges, and interventions.

Introduction to ADHD Assessment

ADHD assessment is a comprehensive process aimed at evaluating symptoms, behaviours, and functional impairments associated with the disorder. It involves gathering information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, caregivers, and the individual themselves. Assessment is the first step towards understanding and addressing the challenges posed by ADHD.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD manifests through various symptoms, which can be categorized into three core domains: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, and being easily distracted. Hyperactivity symptoms involve excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and difficulty engaging in quiet activities. Impulsivity symptoms include acting without forethought, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting for one's turn.

Types of ADHD

ADHD can present in different ways, leading to three main subtypes: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation, which includes symptoms from both categories. Understanding the specific subtype is crucial for tailoring interventions effectively.

The ADHD Assessment Process

The assessment process typically begins with an initial evaluation by a healthcare professional, which may include a medical history review and physical examination. Psychological assessments, such as standardized tests and behavioural questionnaires, are often employed to gather comprehensive data. Additionally, input from parents, teachers, and caregivers through interviews and observations provides valuable insights into the individual's behaviour across different settings.

Tools Used in ADHD Assessment

Various tools are utilized in ADHD assessment to gather relevant information and assess symptom severity. Rating scales, such as the ADHD Rating Scale-5 (ADHD-RS-5) and Conners' Rating Scales, help quantify symptoms and track changes over time. Behavioural questionnaires provide insights into specific behaviours and functional impairments, while cognitive tests assess cognitive functioning and potential comorbidities.

Role of Parents and Teachers in Assessment

Parents and teachers play pivotal roles in ADHD assessment by providing detailed information about the individual's behaviour and functioning in different environments. Their input helps corroborate clinical observations and ensures a comprehensive understanding of the individual's difficulties and strengths.

Importance of Early Detection and Intervention

Early detection and intervention are critical in mitigating the long-term impact of ADHD on academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. Timely assessment allows for tailored interventions that address the individual's specific needs and promote positive outcomes.

Treatment Options for ADHD

Treatment options for ADHD encompass pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Medications such as stimulants and non-stimulants are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms. Behavioural therapy, including cognitive-behavioural interventions and social skills training, helps individuals develop coping strategies and improve self-regulation. Parent training programs educate caregivers about effective behaviour management techniques and promote positive parent-child interactions.

Supportive Strategies for Individuals with ADHD

In addition to formal interventions, supportive strategies can enhance the well-being of individuals with questionnaires for ADHD. Classroom accommodations, such as preferential seating and extended time for assignments, accommodate learning difficulties. Time management techniques, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps and using visual schedules, help individuals stay organized. Establishing structured routines and clear expectations fosters predictability and reduces anxiety.

Lifestyle Modifications for ADHD Management

In addition to formal interventions, lifestyle modifications play a vital role in managing ADHD symptoms. A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants supports brain health. Regular exercise promotes dopamine release and enhances mood regulation. Prioritizing sufficient sleep fosters cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Navigating ADHD Assessment as an Adult

While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, many individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Navigating ADHD assessment as an adult presents unique challenges, including difficulties in self-awareness and accessing appropriate resources. Seeking professional guidance and support is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

Conclusion

ADHD assessment is a crucial step in understanding and addressing the challenges associated with the disorder. By employing comprehensive evaluation methods and involving stakeholders, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of individuals with ADHD. Early detection, timely intervention, and ongoing support contribute to improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

#recognizing bipolar #ADHD Assessment #Questionnaire for ADHD

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lovehealgrow · 2 months

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Undiagnosed ADHD Can Lead to Depression

ADHD is a disorder that is very misunderstood. While there is a popular stereotype that this condition affects kids– mostly boys– and is identified by hyperactivity and impulsivity, the reality is that ADHD encompasses much more. In addition to the hyperactive type, there is also inattentive and combined type ADHD. Historically under-diagnosed in girls, many adult women are realizing that they have been living with undiagnosed ADHD for decades.

Undiagnosed ADHD is a major challenge with a lot of negative repercussions. It can lead to burnout, issues at work, and other mental health issues, including depression. Today, we’re going to explore the link between undiagnosed ADHD and depression.

Overlooking ADHD

ADHD is often associated with difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, the manifestation of ADHD can be diverse and may not always align with common stereotypes. In some cases, people with ADHD may struggle with internal restlessness, difficulty organizing tasks, or sustaining focus on activities that do not immediately captivate their interest. Unfortunately, this variation can contribute to underdiagnosis, especially in adults. After all, if people think that the only symptoms of ADHD are related to hyperactivity, the inattentive type doesn’t look familiar. These people are often accused of being lazy, but ADHD isn’t laziness; the inability to focus is not a choice or a character flaw. It’s a complicated condition involving multiple imbalances in the brain.

Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to a myriad of challenges. Individuals may face repeated setbacks in academic or professional settings, strained relationships due to communication difficulties, and a pervasive sense of frustration or inadequacy. Over time, the cumulative impact of these challenges can take a toll on mental well-being, potentially paving the way for the onset of depression.

ADHD and Depression

Undiagnosed and unmanaged ADHD can be a significant risk factor for the development of depression. The constant struggle to meet societal expectations and the internalized frustration from repeated difficulties can create a breeding ground for negative thoughts and emotions. The feeling of being misunderstood or incapable despite genuine efforts can be emotionally draining, contributing to a sense of hopelessness that characterizes depression.

Additionally, ADHD often has comorbidities, which means that it coexists with other conditions, indicating a tendency for its presence alongside related issues. Individuals with ADHD may possess a predisposition that makes them more susceptible to experiencing depression and anxiety. Any mental health disorder left undiagnosed and untreated is prone to exacerbation, escalating symptoms, and potentially instigating additional complications such as depression and anxiety.

ADHD’s symptoms also can contribute to new or worsening depression. It can prompt individuals to engage in risky behavior, culminating in unintended repercussions like financial challenges, work-related issues, and difficulties in relationships and family dynamics. Those with ADHD typically exhibit higher levels of impulsivity compared to their peers. As individuals with ADHD may act without a full grasp of the potential consequences, challenges can accumulate, eventually overwhelming them and leading to the development of anxiety and depression.

Establishing Connections

Several common themes emerge when exploring the connection between undiagnosed ADHD and depression:

Impaired Self-Esteem

Individuals with undiagnosed ADHD may internalize societal expectations and perceive their struggles as personal failures. This negative self-perception can erode self-esteem, a key factor in the development and maintenance of depression.

Chronic Stress

The chronic stress associated with managing ADHD symptoms without proper support can lead to an overactive stress response system. This prolonged activation of stress pathways is implicated in the development of depression.

Social Isolation

Communication difficulties and challenges in maintaining relationships can contribute to social isolation. The lack of a supportive social network can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and contribute to depressive symptoms.

Recognizing the Signs

Understanding the signs of both ADHD and depression is crucial for early intervention. Common symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD may include:

Inattention to details and frequent mistakes

Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play

Forgetfulness in daily activities

Impulsivity and difficulty waiting turns

Restlessness and difficulty staying seated

Frequent mood swings

Coupled with these, signs of depression can include:

Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness

Changes in appetite or weight

Sleep disturbances

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Thoughts of self harm, death, or suicidal ideation

Finding Help

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial. A comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional can determine whether ADHD, depression, or both may be contributing to the challenges faced. A multidisciplinary approach involving therapy, medication, and support can be effective in managing these conditions.

Your friends, family, and community can also go a long way towards helping you with the challenges of the ADHD and depression combo. Creating an open dialogue and fostering understanding within communities can encourage individuals to seek help without fear of judgment. It helps to destigmatize these mental health challenges. The journey toward mental well-being is a shared one, and support from friends, family, and professionals can make a significant difference.

Recognizing the relationship between undiagnosed ADHD and depression is a crucial step towards getting the mental health support you need. If you or someone you know is navigating these challenges, please consider reaching out to the therapy teamhere at Love Heal Grow. Together, we can contribute to a more compassionate and understanding community and help you on you journey towards mental wellness.

#Adhd #Depression

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topperfecthome · 2 months

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Topiramate for Weight Loss: An Effective Option for Managing Obesity

The clinical usage of topiramate for weight loss, highlighting its mechanism of action, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Readers will gain insights into how topiramate can be a valuable tool in managing obesity and achieving sustainable weight loss goals.

Introduction:

Addressing the global epidemic of obesity requires a multi-faceted approach, with a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, physical activity, and sometimes pharmacological interventions. Topiramate, a medication primarily used for managing epilepsy and migraines, has shown promise in assisting with weight loss in certain individuals. This article explores the clinical aspects of utilizing topiramate as a potential treatment option for weight loss.

Mechanism of Action:

Topiramate works through multiple mechanisms to contribute to weight loss. It is believed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which play a role in regulating appetite and satiety. By modifying these neurotransmitter levels, topiramate helps in reducing food intake and increasing feelings of fullness, ultimately leading to a decrease in overall caloric consumption.

Effectiveness in Weight Loss:

Clinical studies have shown that topiramate can lead to significant weight loss in certain individuals. When used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, topiramate has been found to enhance weight loss outcomes. Furthermore, its efficacy in promoting weight loss has been demonstrated in patients with obesity and related comorbidities, making it a valuable option for individuals struggling to lose weight through conventional methods alone.

Side Effects and Considerations:

While topiramate can be effective in promoting weight loss, it is important to consider potential side effects that may arise with its use. Common side effects of topiramate include cognitive difficulties, mood changes, tingling sensations, and potential kidney stone formation. These side effects may vary in severity and can impact individual tolerance to the medication. Therefore, careful monitoring and regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are essential when using topiramate for weight loss.

Optimizing Topiramate Use for Weight Loss:

To maximize the benefits of topiramate for weight loss, it is crucial to follow a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs. This includes regular consultations with a healthcare provider to monitor progress, adjust dosages as needed, and address any emerging side effects. Additionally, incorporating healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behavioral modifications can enhance the effectiveness of topiramate in promoting sustainable weight loss.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, topiramate emerges as a promising option for individuals seeking effective weight loss solutions, particularly those with obesity and related health conditions. By understanding its mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and optimal usage strategies, healthcare providers can effectively integrate topiramate into comprehensive weight management plans. As with any pharmacological intervention, careful consideration of individual needs and close monitoring are essential in harnessing the benefits of topiramate for weight loss.

#i wish i was weightless #i need to be weightless #weight loss #loss weight #burnfat #healthylifestyle #fitness #healthcare #i wanna lose weight #i will be weightless

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sleepcenterbd24 · 3 months

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Sleep Apnea and Stroke Risk: Understanding the Connection

Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, has been linked to an increased risk of stroke. At Sleep Center, we recognize the importance of understanding the connection between sleep apnea and stroke risk to protect the health and well-being of our patients.

Understanding Sleep Apnea:

Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur multiple times per hour and disrupt normal sleep patterns, leading to fragmented sleep and decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

The Link Between Sleep Apnea and Stroke Risk:

Research has shown that individuals with sleep apnea are at an increased risk of stroke compared to those without the sleep disorder. The mechanisms underlying this association are multifactorial and may include factors such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and endothelial dysfunction, all of which are common comorbidities of sleep apnea and risk factors for stroke.

Impact of Sleep Apnea on Hypertension:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for both sleep apnea and stroke. The recurrent episodes of apnea and arousal from sleep associated with sleep apnea can lead to spikes in blood pressure levels during the night, contributing to the development or exacerbation of hypertension over time.

Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease:

Sleep apnea is also associated with other cardiovascular risk factors, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure, all of which can increase the risk of stroke. The intermittent drops in oxygen levels and disruptions in sleep patterns characteristic of sleep apnea can strain the cardiovascular system and contribute to the development of these conditions.

Reducing Stroke Risk Through Sleep Apnea Management:

Managing sleep apnea is essential for reducing the risk of stroke and protecting overall health. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the primary treatment for sleep apnea and has been shown to improve blood pressure control, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and potentially lower the risk of stroke in individuals with sleep apnea.

Conclusion:

Sleep apnea is a significant risk factor for stroke, but timely diagnosis and effective management can help reduce this risk and improve overall health outcomes. By recognizing the link between sleep apnea and stroke risk and prioritizing comprehensive evaluation and treatment of sleep apnea, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being. At Sleep Center, we're committed to supporting our patients in achieving better sleep and reducing their risk of stroke.

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businessresearchreportss · 3 months

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Challenges and Opportunities in Recruiting Participants for PKD Clinical Trials Market

Recruiting participants for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) clinical trials poses several challenges but also presents opportunities for innovative strategies to overcome these obstacles.

Buy Full Report for More Regional Insights into the Polycystic Kidney Disease Clinical Trials Market, Download a Free Sample Report

Here's an overview of the challenges and opportunities in recruiting participants for PKD clinical trials:

Challenges:

Limited Patient Awareness: Many PKD patients may not be aware of clinical trial opportunities due to limited access to information, lack of awareness about research initiatives, or misconceptions about clinical trials.

Small Patient Population: PKD is a relatively rare disease, which can make it challenging to identify and recruit a sufficient number of eligible participants for clinical trials, particularly for studies with specific inclusion criteria.

Heterogeneity of Disease Presentation: PKD manifests with considerable variability in disease severity, age of onset, and clinical manifestations, making it challenging to recruit homogeneous patient cohorts for clinical trials.

Geographical Dispersal: PKD patients may be dispersed across different geographic regions, which can pose logistical challenges for trial recruitment, particularly for multicenter studies requiring extensive travel or site visits.

Comorbidities and Disease Burden: PKD patients may have multiple comorbidities and complex healthcare needs, which can affect their willingness and ability to participate in clinical trials, particularly if trial protocols are perceived as burdensome or intrusive.

Clinical Trial Design Complexity: The design and requirements of PKD clinical trials, such as randomization, blinding, and long-term follow-up, may be perceived as complex or daunting by patients, leading to reluctance to participate.

Stigma and Fear of Participation: Some PKD patients may experience stigma related to their disease or have concerns about the safety, efficacy, or potential side effects of investigational treatments, leading to reluctance or hesitancy to participate in clinical trials.

Opportunities:

Patient Education and Empowerment: Empowering PKD patients with accurate information about clinical trials, their potential benefits, risks, and rights as participants can help increase awareness and participation rates.

Patient Advocacy and Support Groups: Collaborating with patient advocacy organizations and support groups dedicated to PKD can facilitate patient outreach, education, and engagement, providing a trusted source of information and support for potential trial participants.

Multidisciplinary Care Teams: Involving multidisciplinary care teams, including nephrologists, genetic counselors, nurses, and patient navigators, in trial recruitment efforts can enhance patient engagement, communication, and support throughout the trial process.

Digital Health Technologies: Leveraging digital health technologies, including online platforms, social media, patient registries, and mobile health apps, can facilitate patient identification, recruitment, and retention for PKD clinical trials, particularly among younger and tech-savvy patient populations.

Community-Based Outreach and Engagement: Engaging with local communities, faith-based organizations, community health centers, and ethnic minority groups can help raise awareness about PKD clinical trials and promote inclusivity and diversity in participant recruitment.

Collaborative Research Networks: Collaborating with academic institutions, healthcare systems, and research networks specializing in PKD can facilitate access to a broader patient population, enhance recruitment efficiency, and enable data sharing and collaboration across multiple sites.

Flexible Trial Designs: Adopting flexible trial designs, such as adaptive trial designs, pragmatic trials, and patient-centered endpoints, can improve trial recruitment and retention by accommodating diverse patient populations and addressing patient preferences and needs.

Incentives and Patient-Centric Benefits: Offering incentives such as travel reimbursement, compensation for time and participation, access to investigational treatments, and patient-centric benefits (e.g., remote monitoring, telehealth visits) can incentivize participation and enhance the overall patient experience in clinical trials.

By addressing these challenges and leveraging these opportunities, researchers, clinicians, and sponsors can improve recruitment rates, enhance trial diversity, and accelerate the development of novel therapies for PKD, ultimately improving outcomes for patients affected by this complex and debilitating condition.

#polycystic kidney disease (PKD) clinical trials market

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afreendmz · 3 months

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Considerations Should be Taken For kidney Issues -Best Nephrologist In Dubai

The aging process can have a significant impact on kidney function, and elderly individuals may experience changes that affect their overall renal health.

One prominent alteration is the gradual decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), the measure of the kidneys’ blood-filtering capacity. This decrease may result in a compromised ability to eliminate waste products and maintain proper electrolyte balance. Additionally, the aging population often faces a reduction in the number of nephrons, the functional units of the kidneys, contributing to an overall decline in renal function over time. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance in monitoring kidney health in the elderly.

Beyond these physiological changes, elderly patients often present with multiple comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, further influencing kidney function. Nephrologists must adopt a comprehensive approach, addressing not only renal issues but also managing these concurrent health concerns. Additionally, alterations in drug metabolism and clearance in the elderly can necessitate careful consideration of medication dosages and potential side effects, underscoring the importance of a personalized and cautious approach to pharmacotherapy.

Dr. Amitabh Kulkarni provides a range of treatment options for kidney stones, and whether surgical removal is necessary depends on various factors. In some cases, kidney stones can be dissolved or fragmented using non-surgical methods. One approach is through medications that aid in breaking down certain types of stones, making them more passable.

Dr. Amitabh Kulkarni is a highly skilled and experienced nephrologist practising in Dubai, and Providing Comprehensive Kidney Care for Over 16 Years and is a Best Nephrologist In Dubai.

The treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Mumbai is multifaceted and aims to slow down the progression of the disease, manage complications, and improve the overall quality of life for affected individuals. The specific approach to treatment may vary based on the underlying cause of CKD, the stage of the disease, and individual patient factors.

Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health, and when they are compromised, it can have significant consequences. If you or a loved one is facing kidney-related health concerns, you’re in the right place. Dr. Amitabh Kulkarni is a highly regarded nephrologist with a wealth of experience in providing exemplary care for kidney patients. Our primary objective is to provide you with invaluable information on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of both acute and chronic kidney diseases.

If you are looking for a kidney specialist in Dubai, also known as a nephrologist, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related conditions.

Kidney health is essential for overall well-being. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, producing hormones that regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production, and balancing the body’s fluids and electrolytes. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including fatigue, swelling, high blood pressure, and bone disease.

The medical management of kidney stones in Dubai involves various approaches aimed at preventing the formation of new stones, relieving symptoms, and addressing the underlying causes. The specific treatment plan may vary depending on the type of kidney stones, their size, and the individual’s medical history.

Are you or a loved one suffering from kidney stones and looking for effective medical management options? Dr. Amitabh Kulkarni, a highly experienced nephrologist in Dubai, is here to provide you with comprehensive insights into the medical management of kidney stones. Kidney stones can be extremely painful and disruptive to daily life, but with the right medical approach, they can be effectively managed.

Dr. Amitabh is a leading nephrologist in Dubai with a proven track record of success in treating patients with kidney disease. He is passionate about providing his patients with the best possible care and is dedicated to improving their quality of life.

#Dramitabdbainephrologist

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borneonashiksblog · 5 months

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Esophageal atresia in Infants and Pregnancy

Esophageal atresia is a congenital disorder in which the esophagus does not develop properly. It is a rare condition that occurs when the esophagus does not develop from the stomach, which means it doesn't have a proper passageway to allow food to move through it. This leads to multiple complications, including difficulty breathing and swallowing food and water.

Children with esophageal atresia are often diagnosed in the first few weeks of life due to the lack of functioning esophagus. Symptoms most commonly include feeding problems, vomiting, weight loss, and apnea Surgical procedures such as a tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube are sometimes required to open up the airway. and allow the child to breath.

What are the Risks & Complications of an Esophageal atresia with a Baby?

The risk of complications for an infant with esophageal atresia include pneumonia, respiratory failure, and sudden death. These complications can also lead to comorbidities such as developmental delays and cognitive impairment. Esophageal atresia is a rare congenital condition in which the esophagus does not connect to the stomach. It is usually associated with other defects, such as an abnormal heart, lungs, or kidneys.

The risk of complications for an infant with esophageal atresia include pneumonia, respiratory failure, and sudden death. There is a syndrome of congenital anomalies associated with esophageal atresia, which includes a heart defect, other abnormalities of the lungs or kidneys, and other anomalies.

There are several different types of esophageal atresia that are defined by the positioning or lack-of-positioning of anatomy. For example:

Patients with Type I are not positioned in the esophagus, they have no heart defect, and they have normal lungs and kidneys.

Type II is positioned in the esophagus but has a heart defect or pulmonary atresia.

Type III is completely lacking all but the cardia of the esophagus. Patients with this type can potentially survive but may require a tracheotomy for air exchange.

Type IV has a complete absence of esophageal tissue, including both the cardia and all distal esophageal segments. These patients are likely to die soon after birth.

The diagnosis for "esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula" is usually done through an ultrasound, which may reveal a fluid-filled tube in the chest that bridges the mouth and lungs and provides a direct connection between the chest cavity and throat. Further diagnostic testing is necessary to determine whether there are any other anatomic abnormalities present, such as cardiac defects or pulmonary atresia.

Pregnancy and the Risk of Esophageal Atresia in Infants-

Esophageal atresia is a rare condition in which the esophagus does not develop properly, causing it to be blocked by the stomach. The risk of this condition increases with every pregnancy, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce this risk. Most importantly, pregnant mothers should not smoke or drink alcohol. Smoking is known to decrease the strength of the muscles and ligaments in the esophagus, which can result in a weaker barrier keeping food and stomach contents from going down into the stomach. This condition can also be caused by medications like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Pregnant women who are on these types of drugs should speak with their doctor about carefully monitoring their use during pregnancy.

Symptoms of esophageal atresia vary from baby to baby and may include: difficulty feeding or swallowing, a cough that does not improve with coughing, excessive spitting up or drooling, and frequent vomiting (even after eating).

What you Need to Know about Treatment Options for an Esophageal Atresia in Infant?

Esophageal Atresia is one of the rarest and most complex congenital heart defects. It can cause serious complications during pregnancy and birth, which could lead to death in the newborn. An Esophageal Atresia occurs when a piece of the esophagus fails to develop properly, usually during development in the first trimester. This condition can be diagnosed by ultrasound or echocardiogram. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct this condition. There are two options for treatment: repair or palliation. Repair means that an infant will have surgery to reroute the esophagus through another part of his body and then reconnect it back with the stomach. Palliation means that an infant will have surgery to make sure he has a normal life expectancy while he waits for his esophagus to grow back on its own over time, which could take up to six months or more depending on how old he is at diagnosis.

The first sign of an Esophageal Atresia occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the lungs. It can be difficult to tell if the child has this condition because it is caused by the intestines and not the heart. Signs that a child may have an Esophageal Atresia include a low weight gain, weakness, lack of appetite, and apnea. Infants are often diagnosed through ultrasound or echocardiogram tests when they are around three months old. If a child is diagnosed with Esophageal Atresia, doctors will perform surgery to remove the blockage. The surgical procedure will create a new opening from the stomach to the esophagus. If it is not discovered in time, this condition can cause pneumonia or death.

When to Contact a Medical Professional about an Esophageal Atresia-

An infant experiencing severe symptoms of an esophageal atresia should be evaluated by a doctor. These include: Severe coughing which sometimes leads to choking, especially when feeding or drinking liquids. This is known as the "choking crisis." Chest x-ray may demonstrate a large airway obstruction that has resulted in severe respiratory distress. There may also be signs of deterioration in the oxygen saturation levels on the chest x-ray. A baby with a severely blocked esophagus may experience difficulty feeding and swallowing, and the baby may develop anemia. In other cases, babies will be able to feed or drink without any problems. . It is still advised that a doctor be consulted if the infant is experiencing severe symptoms.

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