Brain and Breakfast

My mother keeps harping on breakfast; says I really need to eat it. But I don’t feel like eating in the morning and what difference does it make anyway?

You might want to listen up. Prevailing wisdom has been that a failure to eat breakfast can result in a 40 percent loss of energy by noon. That’s not all. In a study from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), researchers found that men who regularly skipped breakfast had a 27 percent higher risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease than those who did eat a morning meal. Non-breakfast-eaters were generally hungrier later in the day and ate more food at night, perhaps contributing to metabolic changes and heart disease. The scientists analyzed food questionnaire data and health outcomes from 1992-2008 on 26,902 male health professionals, ages 45-82. During the study, 1,572 of the men had cardiac events. Even after accounting for diet, physical activity, smoking, and other lifestyle factors, the association between skipping breakfast and heart disease persisted. More tomorrow.

Brain & Violence

I don’t know if violence is increasing or the media is doing more broadcasting about it. I sure seem to hear more about it and wish I understood what is happening. Any ideas?

There are likely a combination of factors that play into violence, including epigenetics, cellular memory, addictive behaviors related to mind-altering substances, the impact of electronics, the violence seen in many movies and TV programs, and so on. Your question did remind me of a quote attributed to Howard Bloom that may have a bearing on it and does provide some “food for thought.”

“One generation’s metaphors become another generation’s realities. A generation without violence needs violent metaphors to exercise the animals in the brain—the instinctual equipment that is languishing unused in the cerebral storehouse. So, in the 1970s and 1980s, bands like AC/DC wrote songs like ‘shoot to kill.’ These songs entertain a generation to which real bloodshed is mere fantasy. But the next generation imprints on the metaphors and turns them into realities. So, in the 90s we have mass shootings by kids who take the previous generation’s fantasies as blueprints for action.”

Adjustment Disorders, 4

The pathology of Adjustment Disorders has not been clearly defined. What does seem to be clear is that stress appears to be the underlying contributor. In treating Adjustment Disorders, part of the approach must take into consideration the individual and his or her response to the perceived stressor(s). For example: male or female (as each responds to stressors somewhat differently); present age as symptoms differ in children and teens as compared with adults and the elderly, whether anxiety, depression, and hopelessness also exist concurrently; the living situation or work situation (depending on the stressor’s origin); whether there is any concurrent physical or mental disorders; and the willingness of the person to work with the counselor and make changes as needed.  

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 . . .