Alternative Psychology-Part 1, with Cathy Meadows, was originally broadcast on January 8, 2010. To listen, go to:
http://www.americanfreedomradio.com/archive/Truth_Brigade_32k_010810.mp3
ALTERNATIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Cathy Meadows
M.A., Clinical Psychology
C-Mead Consulting
Relationship and Crisis Consultations by Phone
707-720-7137
As we advance into this new paradigm of enlightenment, we are evolving regarding the ways in which we diagnose and treat mental illness. However, advancement sometimes comes in the guise of old, tried-and-true methods of ages past. Health treatments must be dynamic and allow for changes in order to usher in optimal benefits. There is always a resistance to change within any field due in part to financial and political concerns, but these resistances fade in time as knowledge and wisdom reaches critical mass and tips the balance towards the future. In the 1960's and 1970's, for example, there was a general aversion to health foods like granola, soy, soybeans, and natural fiber due in large part to the negative propaganda that branded that culture who endorsed a "back to nature" approach. Now, the sons of the farmers who once ridiculed the 1960's/'70's culture are profiting from their own commercial crops of soy and whole foods, due to ground-breaking scientific research and popular demand.
The same appears to be true within the field of psychology. Notions that were once considered blasphemous or out-dated just a few short years ago, are now being tested for accuracy and application within the field, and are summoning a re-emergence that is running parallel with new and exciting research, not the least of which is quantum theory. At one time, the very idea that anyone could change their general environment and perceptions with mere prayer and meditation was considered, at the very least useless, and in some cases, insane. For example, magical thinking is still listed in the, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (used by mental health practitioners), as one aspect of psychosis. Magical thinking is a belief that prayer, meditation, postive thinking, etc., has an effect on one's environment. "Magical thinking" is inherent in most religious and spiritual belief systems, from traditional beliefs to ancient spiritual beliefs, however it is often excluded as an element of psychosis when it is associated with traditional and common religious beliefs. The following is Wikipedia's definition of magical thinking.
"In anthropology, psychology, and cognitive science, magical thinking is causal reasoning that often includes such ideas as the ability of the mind to affect the physical world... Associative thinking may be brought into play, as well as the power of magical symbols [like]... synchronicity. Since, in both theory and practice, magic does not conform to modern canons of causality, it is therefore appropriate to ask if it is rational to practice or believe in magic. For most theorists, these questions turn on the matter of the practitioner’s thought processes, intentions, and the efficacy of their practice."
With regards to "magical thinking," we now have research into quantum physics, particularly the "double slit experiment," which shows that our expectations do effect our environment, and our expectations are formed by the types of repetitive thinking that occurs in meditation, prayer, and positive thinking, which eventually goes on to form our expectations.
Also, there are other lesser known schools of psychology that promote the concepts of ancient, spiritual beliefs, and the wholeness of individuals, but they have been moved to the back burner in favor of the more traditional schools of psychology. For example, dream interpretation and religion/spirituality is the essence of Jungian Psychology, and reclaiming lost, ignored, or blocked parts of our psyche is the essense of Gestalt Psychology. While these schools of Psychology are taught in universities, they are usually not given the respect that they deserve, nor are they used in counseling sessions very much.
Now, it appears that the doors of traditional psychological treatments and diagnoses are being kicked open with regards to these and other even newer ideas and concepts of mental health. The more accepted and traditional School of Behavioral Psychology has it's place and is an important tool, but in order for it to be fully implemented other practices and ideas which incorporate the inner workings of the individual have to be considered.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Your Sanity
Vitamins are important for your mental health because they help to synthesize Omega-3 fatty acids, which are derived from fish, leafy greens, flax, brazil nuts, and many other foods.
Our brains are 60% structural fat that is composed mainly of Omega-3 fatty acids, however the American diet is largely devoid of this type of fat. 40% of Americans have very low levels of Omega 3, and 20% of Americans have levels so low that it can't be detected in blood tests.
A Purdue University study showed that kids low in Omega-3 essential fatty acids are significantly more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders, and to display behavioral problems. Omega-3 deficiencies have also been tied to dyslexia, violence, depression, memory problems, weight gain, cancer, heart disease, eczema, allergies, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and many other conditions. Over 2,000 scientific studies have demonstrated the wide range of problems associated with Omega-3 deficiencies.
Vitamins for Treating Schizophrenia
1. Folic Acid
Folic acid deficiency occurs in 10 to 30% of hospitalized psychiatric patients. [1] In addition to psychosis, the deficiency is associated with depression, confusion, disorientation and dementia as well as with neurological symptoms such as numbness, stiffness, spasticity and weakness, both with and without muscular atrophy.
Specific mechanisms by which folate deficiency may be implicated are starting to be identified. Folic acid may be an essential cofactor in the conversion of the omega-6 fatty acids to prostaglandins, [3] and early evidence suggests that impaired prostaglandin metabolism may provoke a schizophrenic picture.
Also, hyperhomocysteinemia due to an inborn error of folate metabolism may present as a schizophrenic syndrome sometimes accompanied by neurological signs. Case reports suggest that folic acid supplementation, usually along with either vitamin B6 [4] or vitamin B12, [5] appears to be effective.
A Warning: For schizophrenics, supplementation with as little as 3 mg of folic acid daily can cause an exacerbation of psychotic behavior if blood folate levels become elevated.
2. Niacin
Although the consensus of mainstream academicians is that niacin therapy is ineffective, [10] Hoffer notes that niacin is primarily effective for early and acute schizophrenics, while it is ineffective -- especially when given alone -- for the chronic schizophrenics who were included in the negative trials. [11] In any case, the possibility of adverse side-effects from high-dosage niacin supplementation must be considered.
Patients with sub-clinical pellagra, who may develop perceptual changes and neurasthenia, could be mistakenly labeled as schizophrenic, yet would clearly benefit from niacin. [12] Blood niacin levels would help to identify such cases. Whether other sub-groups who present with schizophrenic syndromes would benefit from niacin therapy remains unknown.
3. Vitamin B6
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the activated form of the vitamin, is important for normal brain function. In fact, isoniazid, an antituberculous drug which antagonizes vitamin B6 activity, produces a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms that remit with B6 supplementation.
A few open trials of supplementation with the vitamin have reported good results. Perhaps the most interesting concerned a group of women who presented with paranoid ideation, emotional lability, irritability, depression and fatigue. The patients were taking oral contraceptives, drugs which may foster depletion of the vitamin.
Following pyridoxine supplementation, three-quarters of the group improved.
The lack of placebo-controlled studies, and the failure of published studies to ascertain vitamin B6 nutriture at baseline, makes it impossible to reach a conclusion about the efficacy of the vitamin in treating schizophrenia.
4. Vitamin C
There appears to be an inverse correlation between ascorbic acid intake and the risk of schizophrenia. [15] Even when the dietary vitamin C intake is adequate for normals, schizophrenics may have depressed plasma levels and may demonstrate a greatly reduced urinary excretion of ascorbic acid after an ascorbic acid load, [16,17] suggesting that the utilization of vitamin C in schizophrenics may be enhanced.
Results of an animal study suggest that vitamin C may block the behavioral response to dopamine and enhance the effects of neuroleptic drugs. [18] Supplementation with high doses produced improvement in mood and paranoid ideation in a randomized double-blind study, results that have been confirmed in subsequent open trials.
For example, 21 long-term hospitalized patients who were taking the neuroleptics (even though they were ineffective) were started on ascorbic acid supplements for at least one month. Two of the patients showed a favorable response on 2 grams daily. One of them, who had been floridly psychotic, went into a full remission within 2 weeks. Ten of the non-responders were then raised to 6 grams daily. Within one month, 4 of them showed progress. All responders subsequently. maintained their progress.
Doctor Werbach cautions that the nutritional treatment of illness should be supervised by physicians or practitioners whose training prepares them to recognize serious illness and to integrate nutritional interventions safely into the treatment plan.
ORTHOMOLECULAR VITAMIN CURES
Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids may be a factor in mental illnesses, U.S. researchers suggest.
The study, published in Behavioral Neuroscience, named two omega-3 fatty acids -- docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid -- as key to maintaining a nervous system capable of avoiding sensory overload.
The researchers suggest low omega-3 may be linked to the information-processing problems found in people with afflictions of the nervous system including schizophrenia and bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders.
Instead of fluoride based anti-psychotics, these courageous fellows relied on nutritional supplementation and effectively treated thousands of people diagnosed as schizophrenic.
And to make it all the more respectable, numerous scientific reports were issued on this care that came to be known as orthomolecular medicine.
Nutrients Most Commonly Used For Schizophrenia and Schizo-Affective Disorders (under medical supervision):
* Vitamin B-3
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin B-6
* Zinc
* Vitamin B complex
* Selenium
Mood Disorders: Anxiety, Bipolar or Depression -
The following nutrients are helpful in controlling mood disorders (under medical supervision):
* Niacinamide
* B complex
* Vitamin C
* Folic acid
* Vitamin D
* Vitamin B-6
* Zinc citrate
* Essential fatty acids
http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/1/4/6.pdf
http://www.encognitive.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34712755/ns/health-mental_health/
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfmSection=About_Treatments_and_Supports&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7952
http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/cognitive.htm
http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/alternative-treatments/alternative-approaches-to-mental-health-treatment/menu-id-68/
http://www.americanfreedomradio.com/archive/Truth_Brigade_32k_010810.mp3
ALTERNATIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Cathy Meadows
M.A., Clinical Psychology
C-Mead Consulting
Relationship and Crisis Consultations by Phone
707-720-7137
As we advance into this new paradigm of enlightenment, we are evolving regarding the ways in which we diagnose and treat mental illness. However, advancement sometimes comes in the guise of old, tried-and-true methods of ages past. Health treatments must be dynamic and allow for changes in order to usher in optimal benefits. There is always a resistance to change within any field due in part to financial and political concerns, but these resistances fade in time as knowledge and wisdom reaches critical mass and tips the balance towards the future. In the 1960's and 1970's, for example, there was a general aversion to health foods like granola, soy, soybeans, and natural fiber due in large part to the negative propaganda that branded that culture who endorsed a "back to nature" approach. Now, the sons of the farmers who once ridiculed the 1960's/'70's culture are profiting from their own commercial crops of soy and whole foods, due to ground-breaking scientific research and popular demand.
The same appears to be true within the field of psychology. Notions that were once considered blasphemous or out-dated just a few short years ago, are now being tested for accuracy and application within the field, and are summoning a re-emergence that is running parallel with new and exciting research, not the least of which is quantum theory. At one time, the very idea that anyone could change their general environment and perceptions with mere prayer and meditation was considered, at the very least useless, and in some cases, insane. For example, magical thinking is still listed in the, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (used by mental health practitioners), as one aspect of psychosis. Magical thinking is a belief that prayer, meditation, postive thinking, etc., has an effect on one's environment. "Magical thinking" is inherent in most religious and spiritual belief systems, from traditional beliefs to ancient spiritual beliefs, however it is often excluded as an element of psychosis when it is associated with traditional and common religious beliefs. The following is Wikipedia's definition of magical thinking.
"In anthropology, psychology, and cognitive science, magical thinking is causal reasoning that often includes such ideas as the ability of the mind to affect the physical world... Associative thinking may be brought into play, as well as the power of magical symbols [like]... synchronicity. Since, in both theory and practice, magic does not conform to modern canons of causality, it is therefore appropriate to ask if it is rational to practice or believe in magic. For most theorists, these questions turn on the matter of the practitioner’s thought processes, intentions, and the efficacy of their practice."
With regards to "magical thinking," we now have research into quantum physics, particularly the "double slit experiment," which shows that our expectations do effect our environment, and our expectations are formed by the types of repetitive thinking that occurs in meditation, prayer, and positive thinking, which eventually goes on to form our expectations.
Also, there are other lesser known schools of psychology that promote the concepts of ancient, spiritual beliefs, and the wholeness of individuals, but they have been moved to the back burner in favor of the more traditional schools of psychology. For example, dream interpretation and religion/spirituality is the essence of Jungian Psychology, and reclaiming lost, ignored, or blocked parts of our psyche is the essense of Gestalt Psychology. While these schools of Psychology are taught in universities, they are usually not given the respect that they deserve, nor are they used in counseling sessions very much.
Now, it appears that the doors of traditional psychological treatments and diagnoses are being kicked open with regards to these and other even newer ideas and concepts of mental health. The more accepted and traditional School of Behavioral Psychology has it's place and is an important tool, but in order for it to be fully implemented other practices and ideas which incorporate the inner workings of the individual have to be considered.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Your Sanity
Vitamins are important for your mental health because they help to synthesize Omega-3 fatty acids, which are derived from fish, leafy greens, flax, brazil nuts, and many other foods.
Our brains are 60% structural fat that is composed mainly of Omega-3 fatty acids, however the American diet is largely devoid of this type of fat. 40% of Americans have very low levels of Omega 3, and 20% of Americans have levels so low that it can't be detected in blood tests.
A Purdue University study showed that kids low in Omega-3 essential fatty acids are significantly more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders, and to display behavioral problems. Omega-3 deficiencies have also been tied to dyslexia, violence, depression, memory problems, weight gain, cancer, heart disease, eczema, allergies, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, diabetes, and many other conditions. Over 2,000 scientific studies have demonstrated the wide range of problems associated with Omega-3 deficiencies.
Vitamins for Treating Schizophrenia
1. Folic Acid
Folic acid deficiency occurs in 10 to 30% of hospitalized psychiatric patients. [1] In addition to psychosis, the deficiency is associated with depression, confusion, disorientation and dementia as well as with neurological symptoms such as numbness, stiffness, spasticity and weakness, both with and without muscular atrophy.
Specific mechanisms by which folate deficiency may be implicated are starting to be identified. Folic acid may be an essential cofactor in the conversion of the omega-6 fatty acids to prostaglandins, [3] and early evidence suggests that impaired prostaglandin metabolism may provoke a schizophrenic picture.
Also, hyperhomocysteinemia due to an inborn error of folate metabolism may present as a schizophrenic syndrome sometimes accompanied by neurological signs. Case reports suggest that folic acid supplementation, usually along with either vitamin B6 [4] or vitamin B12, [5] appears to be effective.
A Warning: For schizophrenics, supplementation with as little as 3 mg of folic acid daily can cause an exacerbation of psychotic behavior if blood folate levels become elevated.
2. Niacin
Although the consensus of mainstream academicians is that niacin therapy is ineffective, [10] Hoffer notes that niacin is primarily effective for early and acute schizophrenics, while it is ineffective -- especially when given alone -- for the chronic schizophrenics who were included in the negative trials. [11] In any case, the possibility of adverse side-effects from high-dosage niacin supplementation must be considered.
Patients with sub-clinical pellagra, who may develop perceptual changes and neurasthenia, could be mistakenly labeled as schizophrenic, yet would clearly benefit from niacin. [12] Blood niacin levels would help to identify such cases. Whether other sub-groups who present with schizophrenic syndromes would benefit from niacin therapy remains unknown.
3. Vitamin B6
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, the activated form of the vitamin, is important for normal brain function. In fact, isoniazid, an antituberculous drug which antagonizes vitamin B6 activity, produces a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms that remit with B6 supplementation.
A few open trials of supplementation with the vitamin have reported good results. Perhaps the most interesting concerned a group of women who presented with paranoid ideation, emotional lability, irritability, depression and fatigue. The patients were taking oral contraceptives, drugs which may foster depletion of the vitamin.
Following pyridoxine supplementation, three-quarters of the group improved.
The lack of placebo-controlled studies, and the failure of published studies to ascertain vitamin B6 nutriture at baseline, makes it impossible to reach a conclusion about the efficacy of the vitamin in treating schizophrenia.
4. Vitamin C
There appears to be an inverse correlation between ascorbic acid intake and the risk of schizophrenia. [15] Even when the dietary vitamin C intake is adequate for normals, schizophrenics may have depressed plasma levels and may demonstrate a greatly reduced urinary excretion of ascorbic acid after an ascorbic acid load, [16,17] suggesting that the utilization of vitamin C in schizophrenics may be enhanced.
Results of an animal study suggest that vitamin C may block the behavioral response to dopamine and enhance the effects of neuroleptic drugs. [18] Supplementation with high doses produced improvement in mood and paranoid ideation in a randomized double-blind study, results that have been confirmed in subsequent open trials.
For example, 21 long-term hospitalized patients who were taking the neuroleptics (even though they were ineffective) were started on ascorbic acid supplements for at least one month. Two of the patients showed a favorable response on 2 grams daily. One of them, who had been floridly psychotic, went into a full remission within 2 weeks. Ten of the non-responders were then raised to 6 grams daily. Within one month, 4 of them showed progress. All responders subsequently. maintained their progress.
Doctor Werbach cautions that the nutritional treatment of illness should be supervised by physicians or practitioners whose training prepares them to recognize serious illness and to integrate nutritional interventions safely into the treatment plan.
ORTHOMOLECULAR VITAMIN CURES
Deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids may be a factor in mental illnesses, U.S. researchers suggest.
The study, published in Behavioral Neuroscience, named two omega-3 fatty acids -- docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid -- as key to maintaining a nervous system capable of avoiding sensory overload.
The researchers suggest low omega-3 may be linked to the information-processing problems found in people with afflictions of the nervous system including schizophrenia and bipolar, obsessive-compulsive, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders.
Instead of fluoride based anti-psychotics, these courageous fellows relied on nutritional supplementation and effectively treated thousands of people diagnosed as schizophrenic.
And to make it all the more respectable, numerous scientific reports were issued on this care that came to be known as orthomolecular medicine.
Nutrients Most Commonly Used For Schizophrenia and Schizo-Affective Disorders (under medical supervision):
* Vitamin B-3
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin B-6
* Zinc
* Vitamin B complex
* Selenium
Mood Disorders: Anxiety, Bipolar or Depression -
The following nutrients are helpful in controlling mood disorders (under medical supervision):
* Niacinamide
* B complex
* Vitamin C
* Folic acid
* Vitamin D
* Vitamin B-6
* Zinc citrate
* Essential fatty acids
http://schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/1/4/6.pdf
http://www.encognitive.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34712755/ns/health-mental_health/
http://www.nami.org/Template.cfmSection=About_Treatments_and_Supports&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7952
http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/cognitive.htm
http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/alternative-treatments/alternative-approaches-to-mental-health-treatment/menu-id-68/
No comments:
Post a Comment