Trichotillomania is classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM-IV; however, some consider it self-injury, a tic, or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. When someone suffers from trichotillomania they experience urges to pull out their hair; this can be hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or any body hair. Generally sufferers experience tension building with a desire to pull that is relieved once they have pulled the hair out. Pulling tends to increase during times of high stress and may disappear entirely during times of low stress. Pulling can result in bald patches or complete absence of hair in certain areas of the body. In some cases sufferers are also driven to bite the bulb at the root of the hair, chew on, or even swallow hair.

The research conducted at the University of Minnesota was a double-blind study, involving 50 people for a period of 12 weeks. The experimental group was given N-Acetylcysteine, an amino acid often found in health food supplements. (N-Acetylcsteine is also knows as N-acetyl cysteine or NAC.) They were started at a dose of 1200mg daily for six weeks; this dose was increased to 2400mg per day for the following six weeks. The control group was given a placebo.

At the end of the study, 56% of the experiment group reported feeling “much or very much improved,” while only 16% of the control group reported the same. A significant reduction in symptoms was noted after only 9 weeks.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

OTC Treatment for Trichotillomania

Improving physical energy habits, including sleep, diet, and exercise, is often the first line of attack against the most common mental health concerns of anxiety and depression. Often, counselors must address such topics as part of a treatment plan when a client experiences the common side effect of weight gain as a result of taking medications to fight depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic symptoms, etc. In some cases, anti-depressant medication may be an optional tool to allow a client the extra boost needed to do the therapeutic work that can bring him or her out of that depression.

Bipolar disorder, on the other hand, is a disorder that has a negative prognosis unless the client regularly takes the medication prescribed. Another concern is that many of these medications require titration to start and terminate the medication and cannot be simply stopped if the client is not satisfied with the side effects. To best serve my clients, I must be able to help them meet their goals, feel better about themselves, and comply with medication management when needed.

If you find yourself troubled by weight gain as a side effect of medication, there are several things that you can do to fight this side effect and still utilize medication management as part of your treatment. Talk to your doctor about the weight gain. You may be able to consider other medication options or dosages; however, any change in medication may require special instructions from your physician. Consider the possibility that in your improved mood, you may have regained a healthy appetite, or there may be other factors contributing to your weight gain. Talk to your therapist about your concerns and what other strategies you can employ. Try something new to help you increase activity, decrease calories, and/or make healthier food choices.

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Why Nutrition and Exercise are Essential to Mental Health

First, the rats experienced the sugar high. The same feel-good rush drug addicts crave (due to the release or increase in the neurotransmitter in the brain)

Next comes withdrawal. Anxiety, chattering teeth, desire for isolation, refusal to participate in everyday activities. (Symptoms of sugar deprivation closely mimic withdrawal symptoms people experience when drugs, tobacco, and alcohol are withheld.)

Some people are capable of consuming a sweet every now and then or even once a day without experiencing a deep craving for one the rest of the day (or for a few days). However, for many people, this is not the case. These “sugar-holics” can try a few of these tips to help curb their cravings.

1. Try not to eat sweets first thing in the morning. People that do have a much harder time controlling their sweet tooth the rest of the day.
2. Eating protein and vegetables in the mornings has shown to help to minimize cravings for sweets for the rest of the day.
3. Minimize temptation, do not purchase candy, baked goods, or any other sweets when grocery shopping. If you don’t put them in your house, you’re less likely to eat them (because you will have to get back out of the comfort of your own home to buy it).
4. If you can’t avoid temptation, purchase individually packaged candies. This way you know how much your taking in (you will see the wrappers, versus sticking your hand into an entire bag full).

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Sugar as Addictive as Cocaine and Heroin?