Adjustment Disorder, 3

Treatment for Adjustment Disorders usually does not involve medication—but it typically does require clinical treatment in order to deal effectively with the symptoms. That may be one reason fore the name: the individual is having difficulty "adjusting" to dealing with a stressor or knowing how to cope effectively. It is also important to realize that the symptoms of AD differ in children and adolescents when compared with those of adults and elderly individuals. As far as I know there is no one “best” treatment for AD, because each person’s response to his or her perceived stressor differs. So, what can be done? First, identify the individual’s stressor(s). Second, find a good counselor who is knowledgeable about adjustment disorders. Contract for some sessions to get help in avoiding the stressor, if possible. If not, then obtain help in building skills to better deal with the stressor that cannot be avoided, including working on a healthier emotional response, and identifying a support system to assist the person in coping more successfully. Sometimes joining a “group” for a period of time can also be beneficial. More tomorrow.

Adjustment Disorder, 2

Adjustment Disorder involves a maladaptive response to a perceived stressor. Because the individual’s psychological reaction to the perceived stressor creates the disorder, treatment involves the individual  verbalizing the stressful event or stressor. This is important because the brain tends to only deal with something that it can identify, label, and describe. Once this occurs, the stressor can be dealt with—especially if the situation can be eliminated, reframed, or workable strategies developed. One retrospective study of 72 adolescents with a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder, concluded that disappointment in relationships with a family member or friend of the opposite sex was the primary stressor. You may want to discuss this with your healthcare provider so steps can be taken to help you recover, if a diagnosis of AD is, in fact, made.

Adjustment Disorder

A friend of mine recently said I have an Adjustment Disorder. Is there such a thing? Am I losing my mind or going psychotic? Yes, Adjustment Disorder or AD (not to be confused with Alzheimer’s Disease) is a short-term, stress-related condition. A subthreshold disorder, it is not considered a psychotic condition. Symptoms tend to present themselves within about three months after the event occurs or the stressor is identified. AD is time-limited, meaning that symptoms may disappear when and if the stressor disappears or when the person develops a workable strategy to deal with the stressor. To others looking on, it appears that the person with AD is reacting way too intensely to the event or stimuli or appears to be disproportionately overwhelmed by the situation. More tomorrow.

New Year 2020

It’s the first of the year and all through the house,

Excitement is high—again there’s no mouse!

Except for the mouse that runs my laptop—

So quiet you really can hear a pin drop.

My stocking once hung from the mantle with care,

Is back in its box—the fireplace bare.

The sun shining brightly has dispelled the fog,

A very good thing as it looked like eggnog!

Another good meal is about to be served,

From all the left-overs we reserved.

The reheated dishes from holiday fare

Account for the wonderful smells in the air.

Despite fires and floods it’s been a good year,

A lot’s been accomplished with friends I hold dear.

Life is uncertain, there’s no guarantee,

This ahead in this fresh New Year—

Make quality time for those you hold dear.

In the end you may save yourself many a tear . . .

Brain & Daydreams

Einstein is often quoted about his belief in daydreaming. For example, he lived his daydreams in music. Many of his ideas reportedly came from daydreaming or his “thought xperiences.” I agree that imagination is more important than just knowing a bunch of facts. As Einstein pointed out, logic can get you from point A to point B, while imagination will take you everywhere. There are indications that other personages appear to have similar perspectives.

-     Deepak Chopra: Daydream, imagine, and reflect. t’s the source of infinite creativity.

-     Neil Gaiman: You get ideas from daydreaming . . .The only difference between writers and other people is we notice when we're doing it.

-     Students of scripture may recall the phrase that you are as you think in your heart. That’s daydreaming.

Let 2020 be the year you learn how to daydream effectively (if you don't already do so) and give yourself permission to do it . . .

Sleep and Holidays

Sleep and Holidays As you know, holiday seasons change the usually routine for most people. This often means “LESS SLEEP” than usual, and a tendency toward lower quality goods and sometimes even less water intake. Studies of top-level athletes have shown that these three strategies: Sufficient intake of water, choice of high-quality foods, and adequate sleep can help you stay younger and healthier for longer. As one person put it: “You may or may not be an Olympic gold medalist, Super Bowl champion, or French Open winner, but lessons from top-tier athletes can help you achieve better performance and improve your health.” Build these strategies into your Longevity Lifestyle because it Matters.

Sleep Habits

According to the CDC, healthy sleep duration in adults can be promoted by sleep health education and behavior changes, including: -       Setting a pattern of going to bed at the same time each night and rising at the same time each morning -       Ensuring that the bedroom environment is quiet, dark, relaxing, and neither too hot nor too cold -       Turning off or removing televisions, computers, mobile devices, and all distracting or light-emitting electronic devices from the bedroom -       Avoiding large meals or late-evening meals, nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime. Studies have shown that difficulty falling or staying asleep can usually be resolved with improved sleep habits or psychological or behavioral therapies. If this has not been your style, you might want to implement it now and in the New Year.