When asked, Most individuals find themselves locked in the ‘mad, sad, glad’ triad and really struggle to identify and feel many other feelings. Take a moment now & think to yourself, What am I feeling? When was the last time you really sat to think about how you were feeling & how those feelings occurred in your body.

See the feelings wheel: The Emotion Wheel: What It Is and How to Use It (positivepsychology.com)

The Tao of Fully Feeling incorporates reclaiming our feelings by focusing on ourselves & what we have control over. It also allows us to center ourselves in the fullness & richness of our feelings without numbing. It can often be a long journey back to our own feelings but the value is tremendous. We can help guide you here at STA. There are many things that block our ability to feel; being too busy, substances, over eating, compulsively worrying about others problems, etc.. Sound familiar?

We often get stuck in ‘fight or flight’ instead of living in a fully mindful place. We get trapped in blame and the hustle & bustle of keeping up with everyone else instead of taking time to fall into mindfulness practices such as yoga, meditation, journaling, recovery meetings, walking in nature. When we are not able to sit fully in our feelings, We are also unable to set boundaries, communicate our truth to others and also to fully live in the vessel of our bodies.

If you’d like to read more, please find the attached article: Pete Walker, M.A. Psychotherapy (pete-walker.com)

If you or someone you know is looking to learn about feeling more fully, please reach out today. We have many individual & group therapists and we look forward to helping you!

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Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and results in a decline in cognitive function, memory, and behavior. It is often associated with aging and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. There are several types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. In this article, we will explore the biochemistry of

Dementia is primarily caused by the degeneration of neurons in the brain. The brain consists of billions of neurons that communicate with each other through chemical and electrical signals. These signals are transmitted through structures called synapses, which are the points of communication between neurons.

In dementia, the synapses between neurons break down, leading to a decline in cognitive function and memory loss. This breakdown is caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins, such as amyloid-beta and tau proteins, in the brain. These proteins clump together to form plaques and tangles, which interfere with the functioning of neurons.

Research has shown that these proteins disrupt the signaling pathways in the brain, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to detoxify them. This imbalance leads to damage to cellular components, including lipids, proteins, and DNA.

In addition to protein accumulation, research has also linked other factors to the development of dementia. These include genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

Causes of Dementia:

Genetic factors:

Several genetic factors have been identified as contributing to the development of dementia. The most well-known of these is the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, which is involved in the metabolism of lipids in the brain. The APOE gene has several variants, with the APOE4 variant being associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Lifestyle choices:

Lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, can also contribute to the development of dementia. A diet high in saturated fats and sugar has been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to have a protective effect.

Regular exercise has also been shown to have a protective effect on the brain. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which promotes the growth of new neurons and synapses.

Environmental factors:

Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and pollution, have also been linked to the development of dementia. Exposure to lead, for example, has been shown to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is caused by several factors, including the accumulation of abnormal proteins, genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Understanding the biochemistry of dementia is important in developing effective treatments and preventative measures. While there is no cure for dementia, lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance abuse, addiction, self-harming tendencies, suicidal behavior, chronic mental illness like depression, anxiety, delusional episodes, etc., neurological diseases like Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, brain trauma, cognitive deficiency, or undergoing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 or The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services which can greatly help you with holistic mind-body healing.

References:

Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). What is Dementia? Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia

Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). Causes and Risk Factors. Retrieved from https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/causes-and-risk-factors

Butterfield, D. A., & Perluigi, M. (2021). Oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease brain: New insights from redox proteomics. European Journal of Pharmacology, 173858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173858

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Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intense headache accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. It affects approximately 12% of the global population, making it one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide.

Causes of Migraine:

The exact cause of migraine is not yet known, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine attack include:

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger a migraine attack.

Food and Drink: Some foods such as chocolate, cheese, and caffeine can trigger a migraine attack. Alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, can also trigger an attack.

Environmental Factors: Changes in weather conditions, loud noises, and bright lights can trigger a migraine attack.

Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can trigger a migraine attack.

Genetics: A family history of migraines increases the likelihood of developing migraines.

The Biochemistry of Migraine:

Migraine is characterized by a series of events that occur in the brain, known as the migraine cascade. The cascade involves a complex interplay of several biochemical pathways, including neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and ion channels.

Neurotransmitters: The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. During a migraine attack, the levels of 5-HT are reduced, leading to changes in blood vessel tone, inflammation, and pain. Triptans, a class of drugs used to treat migraines, work by binding to 5-HT receptors and increasing 5-HT levels, thereby reversing the cascade.

Neuropeptides: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has also been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. CGRP is released from trigeminal nerve fibers during a migraine attack, leading to vasodilation, inflammation, and pain. Monoclonal antibodies that target CGRP or its receptor have been developed as a new class of migraine treatments.

Ion Channels: Ion channels are proteins that allow the flow of ions in and out of cells. Two ion channels, the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) and the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, have been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. VGCCs play a key role in the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, while TRP channels are involved in pain and temperature sensation. Drugs that target VGCCs and TRP channels are being investigated as potential migraine treatments.

Medications for Migraine:

There are several medications available to treat migraine, and they work in different ways. The choice of medication depends on the severity and frequency of migraine attacks.

Acute medications: These are medications taken at the onset of a migraine attack to relieve pain and other symptoms. Examples of acute medications include triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. A new form of medication named (ZAVZPRET nasal spray, CGRP receptor antagonist) by Pfizer has just received FDA approval.

Preventive medications: These are medications taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. Examples of preventive medications include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antidepressants.

Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections can be used to prevent chronic migraines in people who have not responded to other treatments.

Relief from Migraine:

There are several non-medical ways to relieve the symptoms of migraine. These include:

Relaxation techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and relieve the symptoms of migraine.

Ice packs: Placing an ice pack on the head can help to reduce the pain and discomfort of a migraine attack.

Avoiding triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain foods and drinks, environmental factors, and stress can help to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

Functional medicine: Holistic mind-body health techniques have not only been shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of migraine attacks but also frequency of such attacks. Call us for a detailed conversation with our intake professionals and book an appointment with our holistic mind-body Functional Medicine experts.

Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help to prevent migraine attacks.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While the exact cause of migraine is not yet known, there are several factors that can trigger a migraine attack. Medications, relaxation techniques, ice packs, and avoiding triggers are some of the ways to relieve the symptoms of migraine. If you suffer from frequent or severe migraine attacks, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with migraines, substance abuse, addiction, self-harming tendencies, suicidal behavior, chronic mental illness like depression, anxiety, delusional episodes, etc., neurological diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, brain trauma, cognitive deficiency, or undergoing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 or The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services which can greatly help you with holistic mind-body healing.

References:

Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., & Diamond, M. (2007). Migraine: epidemiology, impact, and risk factors for progression. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 47(1), 7-15.

Dodick, D. W. (2018). A review of migraine triggers: potential pitfalls for clinical practice. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 58(2), 338-348.

Marmura, M. J., & Silberstein, S. D. (2015). Complementary and alternative treatment for migraine. Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 21(4), 1018-1031.

Goadsby, P. J., Holland, P. R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C., & Akerman, S. (2017). Pathophysiology of migraine: a disorder of sensory processing. Physiological Reviews, 97(2), 553-622.

Edvinsson, L. (2019). The trigeminovascular pathway: role of CGRP and CGRP receptors in migraine. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 59(S2), 25-43.

Giniatullin, R., & Nistri, A. (2018). Desensitization of TRPV1 channels by capsaicin in sensory neurons requires a key extracellular cysteine residue. Pain, 159(9), 1815-1824.

Tfelt-Hansen, P., & Olesen, J. (2019). Possible targets and future pharmacological treatment of migraine.

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The Neurobiology of PTSD

The neurobiology of PTSD is complex and involves a number of different systems in the brain. The amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are three key areas that have been implicated in the development and maintenance of PTSD symptoms.

The amygdala is responsible for the processing of emotional stimuli and is thought to play a central role in the development of fear and anxiety responses. In individuals with PTSD, the amygdala appears to be overactive, leading to an exaggerated fear response to stimuli that are not actually threatening.

The hippocampus is involved in the formation of memories, particularly memories related to spatial and contextual information. In individuals with PTSD, the hippocampus appears to be smaller in volume, potentially leading to difficulties in processing and integrating traumatic memories.

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for higher-order cognitive processes such as decision-making and emotion regulation. In individuals with PTSD, the prefrontal cortex appears to be less active, potentially contributing to difficulties in regulating emotional responses to trauma-related stimuli.

Neurotransmitters and PTSD

In addition to structural changes in the brain, the neurotransmitter systems involved in regulating mood and anxiety are also thought to play a role in the development of PTSD. The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine have all been implicated in PTSD.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and is often targeted by antidepressant medications. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have lower levels of serotonin compared to healthy controls.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward processing and motivation. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD may have altered dopamine function, potentially contributing to symptoms such as anhedonia.

Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the stress response. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD have higher levels of norepinephrine compared to healthy controls.

Managing PTSD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD (1). CBT for PTSD typically involves exposure therapy, in which the individual is gradually exposed to the traumatic event and learns to cope with their emotions in a safe environment.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that involves using eye movements to help process traumatic memories. EMDR has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. The exact mechanism of action of EMDR is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to help reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories.

Pharmacotherapy

Pharmacotherapy involves the use of medications to treat PTSD symptoms. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD. Other medications, such as antipsychotics and anticonvulsants, may also be used to treat specific symptoms of PTSD, such as hyperarousal or nightmares.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) refers to therapies and practices that are not typically part of conventional medical treatment. CAM therapies that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of PTSD include yoga, meditation, and acupuncture. While the exact mechanism of action of these therapies is not fully understood, they may help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Future Directions

While our understanding of the biochemistry of PTSD is still evolving, it is clear that multiple systems are involved in the disorder. As a result, future treatments may need to be multimodal and target multiple pathways simultaneously. For example, medications that target both serotonin and norepinephrine have shown promise in the treatment of PTSD. Additionally, therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy may help to normalize activity in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, respectively.

PTSD is a complex disorder that involves multiple systems in the brain. While our understanding of the biochemistry of the disorder is still evolving, it is clear that multiple neurotransmitter systems are involved in the development and maintenance of symptoms. Future treatments for PTSD may need to be multimodal and target multiple pathways simultaneously to effectively treat the disorder.

References:

Koenen KC, Ratanatharathorn A, Ng L, McLaughlin KA, Bromet EJ, Stein DJ, et al. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychol Med. 2017;47(13):2260-74.

Shin LM, Rauch SL, Pitman RK. Amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampal function in PTSD. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2006;1071:67-79.

Smith ME. Bilateral hippocampal volume

Bisson JI, Roberts NP, Andrew M, Cooper R, Lewis C. Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;12:CD003388.

Cusack K, Jonas DE, Forneris CA, Wines C, Sonis J, Middleton JC, et al. Psychological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev. 2016;43:128-41.

Stein DJ, Ipser JC, Seedat S. Pharmacotherapy for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;1:CD002795.

Niles BL, Mori DL, Polizzi C, Pless Kaiser A, Weinstein ES. A systematic review of randomized trials of mind-body interventions for PTSD. J Clin Psychol. 2018;74(9):1485-5

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What is the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, is a complex and vital part of our nervous system. It is responsible for regulating various physiological functions, including digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, among others. It extends from the brainstem, through the neck, chest, and abdomen, and is one of the largest nerves in the body.

Functions of the vagus nerve:

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions, including:

Digestion: The vagus nerve stimulates the production of digestive juices in the stomach, helps move food through the intestines, and regulates bowel movements.

Heart rate: The vagus nerve regulates the heart rate by slowing it down when necessary, such as during rest or sleep.

Respiratory rate: The vagus nerve helps regulate our breathing rate, ensuring that we take in the right amount of oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

Immune system: The vagus nerve helps regulate the immune system by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Implications of the vagus nerve for mental health:

Research has shown that the vagus nerve has significant implications for our mental health. The nerve is involved in regulating the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response. It is also involved in the regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps us relax and recover from stress.

Anxiety and depression: Studies have shown that stimulation of the vagus nerve can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for depression and epilepsy.

PTSD: Research has also shown that the vagus nerve may play a role in the development and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). VNS has been shown to improve symptoms of PTSD in some patients.

Chronic stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact the function of the vagus nerve, leading to a range of health problems. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, activities such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help improve vagal tone, leading to better health outcomes.

The vagus nerve is a vital part of our nervous system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. Research has shown that the vagus nerve has significant implications for our mental health, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic stress. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, activities such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help improve vagal tone, leading to better health outcomes.

References:

“The Vagus Nerve: A Comprehensive Review of Functional Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Advanced Imaging.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 11, 2017, p. 1., doi:10.3389/fnins.2017.00519.

“The role of the vagus nerve in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.” Biological Psychiatry, vol. 79, no. 4, 2016, pp. 266-277., doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.03.025.

“The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Stress.” Neuroendocrinology, vol. 100, no. 4, 2015, pp. 346-354, 2015

Howland RH. Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. 2014 Jun;1(2):64-73. doi: 10.1007/s40473-014-0010-5. PMID: 24834378; PMCID: PMC4017164.

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Functional foods are foods or food products perceived to optimize the health and well-being of humans through the prevention, reduction, or management of chronic disease and other conditions. Growing scientific evidence attributes these benefits to bioactive compounds found within functional foods. Bioactive compounds are defined as ingredients that provide changes in health status, other than what is necessary to meet basic human nutritional needs.

Also known as nutraceuticals, functional foods exist as supplements meant to be consumed in conjunction with a well-balanced diet. Conversely, they exist as whole food sources such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and other fiber-rich plants. A number of bioactive compounds have been identified and researched. Examples include minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols.

While the official term was first coined in Japan during the 1980s, the application of functional foods dates back thousands of years.4 With growing popularity in recent years, the functional food market size was valued at $177.77 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $267.92 billion by 2027.

Benefits of Functional Foods

In 2018, more than half (51.8%) of adults in the United States suffered from at least 1 chronic disease and 27.2% had more than two.6 With the prevalence of chronic disease, consumers are proactively looking to food and nutrition to support and optimize health. Research suggests that consistent intake of functional foods is associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases.

While not an exhaustive list, this includes cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity.1,7

Some functional foods are believed to facilitate hormone regulation and insulin sensitivity. A comparative study evaluated the effects of cinnamon, ginger and metformin in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Results illustrate that cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced insulin resistance indicator, HOMA-IR scores, while ginger was found to decrease follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. There was no difference observed in reducing HOMA-IR between cinnamon and metformin, a common prescription for

the treatment of PCOS and high blood sugar. These findings suggest the efficacy of functional foods in improving insulin sensitivity and hormone status through diet.

Incorporating Functional Foods in Your Diet

The effectiveness of supplements is greatly dependent on the quality of overall dietary patterns. However, incorporating more functional foods through diet is a lot easier than you think. In fact, it’s likely that many of these foods already make up a portion of your diet, since bioactive compounds are found in commonly eaten plant-foods as well as animal products. Consider the tips below to reap the benefits:

1. Fill at least half of your plate with fiber-rich plant foods

Plant foods, like fruits and vegetables, are rich in bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals. Naturally, fruits and vegetables are made up of different nutrients and bioactive compounds. By incorporating plant foods more regularly, you optimize your intake of health-promoting nutrients from a variety of sources.

2. Choose a variety of foods

Fruits and vegetables, considered carbohydrates, may provide significant sources of

bioactive compounds, but variety from all food groups is key. Choose a variety of foods from different food groups, including nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, grains, dairy and animal protein.

3. Build satisfying, balanced meals

Structure meals in a way that includes all three macronutrients:

– Fiber-rich carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables & grains

– High quality protein sources, such as lean chicken, turkey or legumes

– Healthy fat sources such as olive oil, avocado, nuts & seeds

Nutrients from different food groups may work together synergistically, enhancing the

digestion and absorption of nutrients to be used by the human body. This meal structure also helps keep blood sugar levels stable and promotes satiation to keep you feeling fuller between meals.

If you are struggling to get to the bottom of your health concerns and are ready for a root cause approach to finally feel your best, contact The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 or Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services and set up an appointment with our Functional Nutrition Dietitian.

Here are some examples of Functional foods and their health benefits:

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Daria Piazza, MS, RD; The Functional Medicine Centers (FxMed Centers)

References:

1. Elmaliklis I-N, Liveri A, Ntelis B, Paraskeva K, Goulis I, Koutelidakis AE. Increased

Functional Foods’ Consumption and Mediterranean Diet Adherence May Have a

Protective Effect in the Appearance of Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Case–Control Study.

Medicines. 2019; 6(2):50.

2. Weaver CM. Bioactive foods and ingredients for health. Adv Nutr. 2014;5(3):306S-11S.

Published 2014 May 14.

3. Allied Market Research. Functional Food Market to reach $267.92 bn, globally, by 2027

at 6.7% CAGR: Allied Market Research. PR Newswire.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/functional-food-market-to-reach-267-92-bnglobally-

by-2027-at-6-7-cagr-allied-market-research-301125025.html. Published

September 7, 2020. Accessed January 25, 2023.

4. Hasler CM. Functional foods: benefits, concerns and challenges-a position paper from

the american council on science and health. J Nutr. 2002;132(12):3772-3781.

5. Konstantinidi M, Koutelidakis AE. Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds: A

Review of Its Possible Role on Weight Management and Obesity’s Metabolic

Consequences. Medicines. 2019; 6(3):94.

6. Boersma P, Black LI, Ward BW. Prevalence of Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US

Adults, 2018. Prev Chronic Dis. 2020;17:E106. Published 2020 Sep 17.

7. Koutelidakis, A.; Dimou, C. The effects of functional food and bioactive compounds on

biomarkers of cardiovascular diseases. In Functional Foods Textbook, 1st ed.;

Martirosyan, D., Ed.; Functional Food Center: Dallas, TX, USA, 2016; pp. 89–117.

8. Dastgheib M, Barati-Boldaji R, Bahrampour N, et al. A comparison of the effects of

cinnamon, ginger, and metformin consumption on metabolic health, anthropometric

indices, and sexual hormone levels in women with poly cystic ovary syndrome: A

randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1071515.

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One of the first and hardest hit economic casualties of the pandemic was the global pharmaceutical industry. Most pharmaceutical industries depend on predetermined projections to produce drugs and essential drug ingredients to meet client demands. However, the excessive demand during the COVID-19 emergency depleted existing product inventories and raw materials. Moreover, globalization of the drug manufacturing process contributed to disruption in production and shipping as lockdowns, export/travel bans, and understaffing severely paralyzed the flow. In addition, many governments around the world were unwilling to export raw materials and medications to conserve the supplies available for treating their citizens.

For instance, The United States is heavily dependent on India, China, and Europe for API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) and finished pharmaceutical products. However, India refrained from exporting 26 drugs and 13 APIs (for antivirals, antihypertensives, and antibiotics) during the start of the pandemic to conserve supply for its citizens. The USA also heavily relies on China for APIs, and since the emergence of COVID in Wuhan, China had also drastically reduced its pharmaceutical exports to the US because of travel bans, lockdowns, understaffing, and shortage of raw materials. This caused an overwhelming dearth of drug supply in the US market, as evident from the FDA drug shortage report for 2019-2020.

Besides excessive demands and restrictions imposed by foreign governments, a few other factors also largely contributed to the disruption in the US pharmaceutical supply chain during the pandemic. Delayed regulatory oversight by the FDA and inadequate supply chain planning and management played an enormous role in the disruption. Postponement of FDA drug inspection and all inspections of scheduled foreign manufacturing plants affected medications that required special quality assurance procedures. For instance, intravenous drugs must undergo weeks of sterility testing before they receive approval. A such delay caused inevitable disruptions in the supply chain and hence the shortage of essential drugs in the US market.

In addition to the regulatory oversight by the FDA, inadequate supply chain planning and management immensely hurt the pharmaceutical supply chain during the pandemic. The algorithms used by pharmaceutical wholesalers were not equipped to handle a global health crisis. The wholesalers use these algorithms to sell their supplies to retail pharmacies, hospitals, etc., and oversight on account of a health crisis had been largely overlooked before the pandemic. In addition, a lack of report of their inventories to the FDA and a lack of redistribution of the supplies to locations of higher demand due to contractual obligations resulted in a further worsened meltdown.

Dependency on foreign raw and finished products and a miscalculated oversight of the FDA and pharmaceutical wholesalers were the most dominant reasons why the supply chain management failed miserably to address the burgeoning needs during the pandemic. Since then, congress and the FDA have taken several steps to ensure that such a meltdown could be avoided in the future. The CARES act passed in March 2020 requires the manufacturers to follow new reporting requirements, develop a risk management plan, and make amendments to the Medicare part D plans to address future disruptions. FDA has also renewed its guidance on production and regulatory policies to accelerate supply chain issues during a shortage. Although FDA has limited ability to enforce such regulations, they have implemented a plan to manufacture the bulk of the APIs and finished drug products in the US itself. Undeniably, this will have a lasting impact on pharmaceutical supply chain management for years to come.

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Although the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions is extremely popular, there are only a handful publications that shine a light on whether it is possible to enhance the probability of a resolution’s success by administering information and exercises on effective goal setting. In a study (Randomized Controlled Trial, RCT) that contained 1066 participants, the most popular resolutions were related to bringing holistic changes to physical health, eating habits, interpersonal relationships, academic or career growth and weight loss. Hence, they were divided into three groups: Active control, Some support and Extended support. After a year, 55% of the participants considered themselves to be successful in achieving the goals they set a year ago. However, the data elucidated a much greater detail on why these subjects succeeded.

The study found that subjects that had “approach-oriented goals”, where they broke down the details of how and what steps were needed to be taken to achieve their resolutions performed much better than subjects with “avoidance-oriented goals” (58.9% vs. 47.1%). The study found that compartmentalization played a significant role in achieving the goals they set for themselves. Additionally, groups that received support and information with exercises for effective goal setting were more successful. Furthermore, the study also found that New Year’s resolutions have lasting effects on both physical and mental health for years to come by.

What really worked for these participants was the fact they used a method called SMART goal setting system. In 1981, George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham came up with this idea that objectives that were Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely would often succeed. Even neurologically speaking, the region in the brain (prefrontal cortex) which is responsible for willpower, is mostly busy with what neuroscientists call “the cognitive load”. A few credible works of qualitative research suggests that the prefrontal cortex is so overtaxed with cognitive responsibilities that any adverse information that undervalues willpower will often subconsciously make an individual give up on their goals that require strong motivation. Believe it or not, willpower requires quite a bit of energy. Starving the brain of glucose even for a few hours can have drastic change on behavior as many studies suggest. Many researchers argue that all these have a lot to do with how prefrontal cortex evolved. For many the question still remains: could that be the reason why weight loss and getting in shape is so difficult for some people?

Nonetheless, science confirms that breaking down your goals into small achievable and realistic goals, depending on a psychological training or mental exercise, and receiving as much professional support and information as possible, all helps you in making your New Year’s goal a tangible reality!

If you or anyone you know have been struggling with motivation, physical or mental health issues, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 or The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services.

References:

Aghera A, Emery M, Bounds R, Bush C, Stansfield RB, Gillett B, Santen SA. A Randomized Trial of SMART Goal Enhanced Debriefing after Simulation to Promote Educational Actions. West J Emerg Med. 2018 Jan;19(1):112-120. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2017.11.36524. Epub 2017 Dec 21. PMID: 29383065; PMCID: PMC5785177.

Friedman NP, Robbins TW. The role of prefrontal cortex in cognitive control and executive function. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2022 Jan;47(1):72-89. doi: 10.1038/s41386-021-01132-0. Epub 2021 Aug 18. PMID: 34408280; PMCID: PMC8617292.

Larimer ME, Palmer RS, Marlatt GA. Relapse prevention. An overview of Marlatt’s cognitive-behavioral model. Alcohol Res Health. 1999;23(2):151-60. PMID: 10890810; PMCID: PMC6760427.

Norcross JC, Mrykalo MS, Blagys MD. Auld lang syne: success predictors, change processes, and self-reported outcomes of New Year’s resolvers and nonresolvers. J Clin Psychol. 2002 Apr;58(4):397-405. doi: 10.1002/jclp.1151. PMID: 11920693.

Oscarsson M, Carlbring P, Andersson G, Rozental A. A large-scale experiment on New Year’s resolutions: Approach-oriented goals are more successful than avoidance-oriented goals. PLoS One. 2020 Dec 9;15(12):e0234097. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234097. PMID: 33296385; PMCID: PMC7725288.

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Humans are social creatures, and we require human connections to thrive, learn and operate efficiently daily. Social networking is undeniably crucial to keeping our mental health in check. However, the quality and the quantity of these relationships make all the difference.

According to The Displaced Behavior Theory, people who spend more time in activities that involve sedentary behavior often use less time for face-to-face interactions. Social Media use itself is a sedentary behavior that makes people less likely to interact with each other in person or face-to-face.

Studies have found that social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram act as stressors, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and negative feelings. Additionally, studies have also found that frequent social media use can be directly correlated with greater symptoms of psychopathology. Since many young adolescents resort to social media to discuss their problems or find emotional relief when dealing with a difficult problem, it alters their psychological paradigm. They break away from essential meaningful personal interactions that could have a positive impact on their lives and instead start developing an attachment to a public space where other people’s validations, opinions, and suggestions start to have actual meaning for them. Most of the time, this kind of attachment can be extremely harmful to the emotional maturity and development of a young adolescent.

Studies have also found the four domains of social media: activity, time spent, investment, and addiction; all to be correlated with depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. In fact, passive social media use (reading posts) has been directly associated with depression. Almost all credible studies conducted on social media have concluded that it is directly or indirectly responsible for exacerbating anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

The problem is social media lies in the way it is structured to affect human behavior. Social media programs are the reward center of the brain for excessive dopamine-seeking behavior. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects our mood, behavior, and sleep pattern and is even responsible for addictive behavior. Studies have found that compulsive users of social media tend to isolate and constantly chase their reward system/dopamine loop: spending most of their time within these platforms, ignoring real-life relationships, or even school/work responsibilities. There are claims that social media platforms often focus on the amount of time spent on a certain post, image, or video content and the algorithm is designed to show similar content that floods the brain with dopamine. Additionally, studies have found that using social media to scroll by posts and not going deeper into ideas decreases the span of attention and focus among individuals.

Social media has also been found to physically alter brain structure in both adults and adolescents. A publication by researchers at the University of North Carolina found that habitually seeking and checking social media feeds alter the amygdala significantly, which has been directly correlated with teenagers being more sensitive toward social situations. It was also found that their cognitive abilities, focus, and attention spans were significantly lower than teenagers who did not spend much time on social media. Additionally, distinct brain scans from studies show that such dopamine-seeking behavior alters neural networking and has significant negative impacts on emotions and memory. In fact, studies have also found that the frequency of social media visits and time spent has a direct connection with suicidal behavior and suicidal tendencies among teenagers.

Hence, it is imperative to cut down screen time and avoid excessive social media use to attain better mental health.

if you or anyone you know is suffering from mental illness, neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol addiction, brain trauma, cognitive deficiency, or undergoing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 or The Functional Medicine Center for Personalized Care, LLC (www.FxMedCenters.com) at 201-880-8247 for our Integrative Mind-Body Health services which can greatly help you with holistic mind-body healing.

References:

Firth J, Torous J, Stubbs B, Firth JA, Steiner GZ, Smith L, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Gleeson J, Vancampfort D, Armitage CJ, Sarris J. The “online brain”: how the Internet may be changing our cognition. World Psychiatry. 2019 Jun;18(2):119-129. doi: 10.1002/wps.20617. PMID: 31059635; PMCID: PMC6502424.

Holmgren HG, Coyne SM. Can’t stop scrolling!: pathological use of social networking sites in emerging adulthood. Addict Res Theory 2017;25:375‐82.

Karim F, Oyewande AA, Abdalla LF, Chaudhry Ehsanullah R, Khan S. SM Use and Its Connection to Mental Health: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2020 Jun 15;12(6):e8627. doi: 10.7759/cureus.8627. PMID: 32685296; PMCID: PMC7364393.

Maza MT, Fox KA, Kwon S, et al. Association of Habitual Checking Behaviors on SM With Longitudinal Functional Brain Development. JAMA Pediatr. Published online January 03, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4924

Twenge JM, Joiner TE, Rogers ML et al. Increases in depressive symptoms, suicide‐related outcomes, and suicide rates among U.S. adolescents after 2010 and links to increased new media screen time. Clin Psychol Sci 2017;6:3‐17.

The post Impact of Social Media on mental health: How social media changes the brain and negatively affects our mental well-being first appeared on Specialized Therapy.

The post Impact of Social Media on mental health: How social media changes the brain and negatively affects our mental well-being appeared first on Specialized Therapy.

Many works of credible research suggest that people with NPD are highly prone to substance abuse, mood disorders, anxiety, and bouts of violent behavior. Several core features of NPD contribute to these comorbidities, and they are shame, helplessness, self-directed anger, higher admiration of self, and impulsivity. Individuals with NPD are also at significantly high risk of multiple suicidal attempts using violent means and violent assault on people with close relationships with the individual.

People with NPD thrive on chaos. Therefore, it is incredibly important for people with NPD to get diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid any unlikely outcome.

However, a recent study led by University of Chicago Medicine personality disorder specialist and psychiatrist Royce Lee, MD found that increased oxidative stress in the blood is directly related to NPD and interpersonal hypersensitivity.

Oxidative Stress is defined by the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) within the body and the inability of the body to detoxify or completely eradicate these toxic elements from the body. The imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals, or reactive oxygen molecules creates stress on the body because the body has a responsibility to metabolize excessive oxidative chemicals that go to the brain and throughout.

The study titled: “Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorder: Relationship with Oxidative Stress,” published in March in the Journal of Personality Disorders, found that an elevated concentration of 8-OH-DG, which itself is an oxidative stress biomarker was common in people with NPD and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Additionally, the study found that NPD represents a disorder of hypersensitivity. When dealing with interpersonal stress, someone with NPD might appear aloof on the outside. But on the inside, the study results suggest it’s actually hypersensitivity to the environment. That means there could be a possible relationship between oxidative stress and how people act on their emotions.

Although the severity of NPD can be reduced via therapy, there are a few options. Here, we will talk about two such approaches:

Schema therapy

This type of therapy combines elements of several other treatment approaches, including:

Emotion-focused therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Psychoanalysis

Psychodynamic therapy

Attachment theory

Schema therapists offer guidance in identifying and understanding patterns of behavior that develop in childhood when emotional needs go unfulfilled. These patterns, called schemas, can persist throughout life, contributing to unhelpful or harmful coping styles. These coping styles can then prompt specific traits and behaviors, including the arrogance, entitlement, and grandiosity that can characterize a narcissistic personality.

With a therapist’s support, individuals with NPD can learn to counter and heal unhelpful schemas by:

Experiencing and expressing emotions

Examining schemas in the context of personal relationships

Challenging and reframing thought patterns that cause distress

Finding evidence for and against early schemas

Practicing communication and other skills that promote positive growth

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

While DBT was developed from principles of CBT specifically to treat borderline personality disorder, it can help address narcissistic defenses, too.

This approach can help someone with a narcissistic personality learn to:

Identify and regulate emotions

Tolerate uncomfortable or distressing experiences

Navigate interpersonal relationships more effectively

Boost mindfulness skills to better manage unwanted emotions

DBT usually includes group therapy along with individual therapy.

Group sessions offer the chance to practice communication and other interpersonal skills. These sessions can also help the person build empathy for others.

If you or anyone you know should be screened and treated for NPD, please contact Specialized Therapy Associates at 201-488-6678 for our Mental-health related services. Our highly experienced team of mental health specialists are here to help you heal and assist with your mental-health related issues.

References:

Day NJS, Townsend ML, Grenyer BFS. Living with pathological narcissism: a qualitative study. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020 Aug 14;7(1):19. doi: 10.1186/s40479-020-00132-8. Erratum in: Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2022 Jan 22;9(1):5. PMID: 32817795; PMCID: PMC7427292.

Dieckmann E, Behary W. Schematherapie: Ein Ansatz zur Behandlung narzisstischer Persönlichkeitsstörungen [Schema Therapy: An Approach for Treating Narcissistic Personality Disorder]. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2015 Aug;83(8):463-77; quiz 478. German. doi: 10.1055/s-0035-1553484. Epub 2015 Sep 1. PMID: 26327479.

Kacel EL, Ennis N, Pereira DB. Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Clinical Health Psychology Practice: Case Studies of Comorbid Psychological Distress and Life-Limiting Illness. Behav Med. 2017 Jul-Sep;43(3):156-164. doi: 10.1080/08964289.2017.1301875. PMID: 28767013; PMCID: PMC5819598.

Lee RJ, Gozal D, Coccaro EF, Fanning J. Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders: Relationship With Oxidative Stress. J Pers Disord. 2020 Mar;34(Suppl):6-24. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2020.34.supp.6. PMID: 32186978.

Neacsiu AD, Tkachuck MA. Dialectical behavior therapy skills use and emotion dysregulation in personality disorders and psychopathy: a community self-report study. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2016 Jul 20;3:6. doi: 10.1186/s40479-016-0041-5. PMID: 27446589; PMCID: PMC4955139.

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