The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual

Five major psychoanalytic groups have unveiled a new manual that will improve the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders AND convey a greater understanding of how such illness are experienced [1].

The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual is based on current neuroscience and treatment outcome studies that demonstrate the importance of focusing on the full range, whole-person approach in mental health. It provides a framework for improving comprehensive treatment approaches and understanding both the biological and psychological origins of mental health and illness.

The PDM was created to be used in addition to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" and the "International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems". But what is great about this new diagnostic tool is how it will educate professionals about the "texture" and subjective experience of mental health.

The diagnostic framework formulated by the PDM describes:

*Healthy and disordered personality functioning.

*Individual profiles of mental functioning, including patterns of relating, comprehending and expressing feelings, coping with stress and anxiety, observing one's own emotions and behaviors.

*Symptom patterns, including differences in each individual's personal, subjective experience of symptoms.


I am all over this!



Resources
The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual


Footnotes
[1] American Psychoanalytic Association, International Psychoanalytical Association, American Psychological Association Division of Psychoanalysis (39), American Academy of Psychoanalysis, National Membership Committee on Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work.

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Going With Your Gut

Sciencedaily - A University College London study has found that you are more likely to perform well if you do not think too hard and instead trust your instincts.

The research in the journal Current Biology shows that instinctive snap decisions are more reliable than decisions taken using higher-level cognitive processes.

Participants, who were asked to pick the odd one out on a screen covered in over 650 identical symbols including one rotated version of the same symbol, actually performed better when they were given no time at all to linger on the symbols and were forced to rely entirely on their gut intinct.

The study shows an instance when our rational mind is more likely to perform worse than our subconscious.

Hmmmm....I think Homer Simpson would be the outlier for this study.

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Leave a Light On

It's that time of the year when the darkness sets in earlier, and the sun is but a short-lived friend.

While some people can shake the winter doldrums, there are those who become depressed or find their depression deepen during the dark months.

This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Researchers have been able to identify several genes which work in concert with the "Suprachaismatic Nucleus", also known as our body clock, in determining our circadian rhythms.

Light Therapy has been endorsed for many years now for Seasonal Affective Disorder, and many of my patients have found it helpful. Light therapy helps suppress the winter withdrawal hormones, and produces active mood hormones. In essence, it resets the sleep/wake cycle.

I use Light Therapy in addition to the medication I take for depression.

I have my little device next to my computer and click it on and let the bright blue lights wash over me as I blog, surf and answer email. Since using the Light Therapy, I've found myself feeling much better than seasons before. The depression that usually deepens for me in the winter is nowhere to be found.

If you experience depression, it is important to have it professionally diagnosed. Once your diagnosis is validated, talk to your professional about treatments. Talk therapy, medication and their combination have shown the greatest treatment success for depression. Adding Light Therapy may bring even greater results.

Technology is so cool.

Blognote:
For an array of Light Therapy devices click this link:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hpc/002-5555505-4180841?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=light+therapy


The picture above is the model I use ~ A Go-Lite P1 .



Resource
Apollo Health

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