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Help With Psychology Question

 
 
dlowan
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 06:34 pm
patiodog wrote:
I'm also much of the mind (with no evidence to support me) that many of the apparent chemical imbalances that are observed aren't genetic in origin, but are the product of very deep conditioning. There's a nugget of truth, I think, to the old cliche that people and their dogs come to look alike; that is, I think they adopt each others mannerisms, subtle reactions to stimuli that the animal inherits sympathetically from its adoptive master.

Not that that could possibly be of any help to eoguy. Prolly belongs on your "emperor's new clothes" thread, rabbit...


There is PLENTY of evidence to support you, Patio!

Like much of the infant mental health/trauma research!!!!

Poor attachment, neglectand trauma, have, we think, permanent effects on the developing brain - just as a start!!

here are a few links:

http://www.childtrauma.org/ctamaterials/default.asp

http://www.childtrauma.org/

Kiddies are my area, and this is work we are deeply engaged with the therapeutic implications thereof.
0 Replies
 
SCoates
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 06:36 pm
dlowan wrote:


Sometimes, medication allows therapy. Therapy can affect physiology.

And no - I am certainly not a "therapy fixes everything" person, Scoates. But CBT for anxiety is so well demonstrated, that neglecting it is foolish.


It didn't mean for it to sound like I was labelling you. Smile I'm actually really interested in your opinions. I've think I've been subject to too many uneducated opinions from your viewpoint, and I'm realising my perspective was not as objective as I'd thought.
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dlowan
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 06:43 pm
SCoates wrote:
Anxiety and depression can act like acid on the brain. While removing the acid is a great start, the brain cannot always restructure itself. That is specifically what appropriate medications are designed to do. They aren't "happy drugs," they slowly rebuild what was physically broken down.


No, of course they are not "happy drugs". And I am not, of course, opposed to their proper use. I wonder if national differences are coming into this discussion, Scoates? Here - (and even more in the USA) anti-depressants are prescribed like lollies. Even on groups - like adolescents and children - where there is good evidence that they do little good, and increasing evidence that some do real harm.

In either country, believe me, there is little chance that someone will be unmedicated! Though, to be fair, here at least, family doctors may well prescribe sub-therapeutic dosages of anti-depressants to folk for years.

However, there is increasing evidence that psycho-therapy IS effective (as is exercise) in changing the brain chemistry. Some studies suggest for many it is AS effective. As, of course, are placebos.... Many anti-depressants are, I understand, only a little more effective than placebos.

In this, I have not looked at the data myself, to be true - I rely on my psychiatrist colleagues, who do keep up - pressed as they are to prescribe by many clients.


Anyhoo - I do not want to get intoa pills/no pills debate. I do not have an either/or attitude.

I simply believe a good assessment needs to be done - by someone who is conversant in ALL the options.
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SCoates
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 06:43 pm
Re: Help With Psychology Question
Miller wrote:


I would call this "social anxiety" and I would add that your friend, for some reason, has a poor opinion of himself. He needs to build up his confidence and if the "social anxiety" continues, he can receive an Rx for a medication to ease his anxious feelings. Cool



I would like to point out that you can have excellent self-esteem and still suffer none-the-less from social anxiety.
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dlowan
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 06:56 pm
SCoates wrote:
dlowan wrote:


Sometimes, medication allows therapy. Therapy can affect physiology.

And no - I am certainly not a "therapy fixes everything" person, Scoates. But CBT for anxiety is so well demonstrated, that neglecting it is foolish.


It didn't mean for it to sound like I was labelling you. Smile I'm actually really interested in your opinions. I've think I've been subject to too many uneducated opinions from your viewpoint, and I'm realising my perspective was not as objective as I'd thought.



So - we wuv each other, then????

Laughing
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SCoates
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 07:01 pm
I feel a group hug coming on!
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dlowan
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 07:17 pm
Shocked
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eoguy
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 10:54 pm
I've spoken to him in the past about this issue and he is strongly against the medication route -- and I can't say I blame him. In fact he says he'd rather just not acknowledge the problem at this point than have doctors feeding him pills.

As for the other opinions, they point me in several interesting directions --some that kind of bother me and others that I find fascinating. I guess what's so annoying about it all is that there isn't an easy answer. The situation is extremely complicated, it seems, and I don't understand enough to be going into any more detail. As far as I know there isn't any traumatic experiences from his childhood, but I do know that he can recall having these feelings of fear at a younger age, especially towards his father.

What troubles me the most is that he has a lot of potential. Now I know everyone says this, but it's true. He has impeccable communication skills, a knack for analysis. Right now he's studying at university, though he fears that the state he lives in lacks the promise of a prosperous future -- even with a degree. That's all combined with his lack of self-esteem along this mental anguish and fearfulness he experiences.

I'll explore the links you're sent me. Thanks for all of this advice, it has been an excellent starting point.
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SCoates
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 10:55 pm
Is he against talking to a professional? Time will change his oppinion, but he may waste many years.
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fresco
 
  1  
Reply Wed 30 Jun, 2004 11:33 pm
eoguy

A piece of esoteric wisdom for your friend:

People tend only to be interested in themselves !
When we have conversations or swap anecdotes whose thoughts do we come away with ?....usually our own ! Nobody but "you" is interested in that "little you" and most people are "little me's" most of the time.

This could perhaps form one basis for a simple meditational practice.
0 Replies
 
dlowan
 
  1  
Reply Thu 1 Jul, 2004 12:47 am
You're welcome, eoguy.

usually, at the very least, understanding what is happening is very useful to folk.

I hope your friend educates himself - sometimes, over time, this can do it.
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