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Showing posts with label Trauma CEUs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trauma CEUs. Show all posts

September 04, 2019

Excess body fat increases the risk of depression

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=10nfww56ZgfKbuL7uHtsc5plbYUQ6rg92

A new study from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark, shows that ten kilograms of extra body fat increases the risk of depression by seventeen percent.

For more on this and other mental health topics, please see our course list atContinuing Education for MFTs, LMFTs, and Psychologists 

Carrying ten kilograms of excess body fat increases the risk of depression by seventeen per cent. The more fat, the greater the probability of developing depression. This is the main conclusion of a new study carried out by researchers from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.

"Our study also indicated that the location of the fat on the body makes no difference to the risk of depression. This suggests that it is the psychological consequences of being overweight or obese which lead to the increased risk of depression, and not the direct biological effect of the fat. If the opposite was true we would have seen that fat located centrally on the body increased the risk the most, as it has the most damaging effect in biological terms," says the study's last author Dr. Søren Dinesen Østergaard. 

He is professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University and affiliated with the Department of Affective Disorders at Aarhus University Hospital. 

Prior studies in the field have predominantly used Body Mass Index (BMI) to measure obesity. BMI is calculated solely on the basis of body weight and height and is therefore a fairly crude measure, that does not, for example, take build and muscle mass into account.

"BMI is an inaccurate way of measuring overweight and obesity. Many elite athletes with a large muscle mass and a low body fat mass will have a BMI above 25, which is classified as overweight according to the common definition. This obviously doesn't make much sense. Therefore, one of the strengths of our study is that we've been able to zoom in and look at the specific relationship between the amount of body fat and the risk of depression," explains Dr. Østergaard.

In the study, which has been published in the journal Translational Psychiatry, the researchers have analysed data from two large genetic data sets: the UK Biobank, which contains data on the correlation between genetic variants and physical measurements (including body fat mass distributed around parts of the body); and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, which contains information on the correlation between genetic variants and depression.

Dr. Østergaard also highlights his research group's choice of the 'Mendelian randomization' method as the main reason why the study was successful. He also emphasises that the findings are particularly significant in light of the fact that almost 40 per cent of the world's adult population is overweight. 

"In addition to the known physical consequences of obesity such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, there is also a significant and now well-documented psychological component, which needs to be dealt with as well. This is yet another argument for resolving the obesity epidemic," he says, before emphasising that it is important to have a balanced approach to the issue: 

"As it appears to be the psychological consequences of obesity, such as a negative body image and low self-esteem that is the main driving force behind the increased risk of depression, society's efforts to combat obesity must not stigmatise, as this will probably increase the risk of depression even further. It is important to bear this in mind so we can avoid doing more harm than good in the effort to curb the obesity epidemic," says Dr. Østergaard. 

FACTS ABOUT MENDELIAN RANDOMIZATION:

Mendelian randomization (named after the Austrian monk Gregor Mendel, who was the father of modern genetics) is a method which in recent years has helped researchers to overcome a major challenge associated with observational studies - namely that of making causal inference. In observational studies researchers often find correlations between two conditions - e.g. between obesity and depression - where it is difficult, or rather impossible, to determine whether there is indeed a causal effect going from obesity to depression - or vice versa. Mendelian randomization may solve this challenge.

Mendelian randomization can be described as nature's version of the randomised controlled trials that are carried out when testing whether a new drug has the desired (causal) effect in the treatment of a disease. In the clinical trials of drugs, lots are drawn to determine whether individual participants will receive the active drug or a placebo, without them knowing which treatment they have been assigned to. Instead, Mendelian randomization takes advantage of the fact that a completely natural randomization takes place during the formation of the sex cells (egg cells and sperm cells), which represent the origin of all human beings. When sex cells are formed, the parents' genetic variants - including those that give rise to increased body fat- are randomly distributed. Therefore, some individuals will have received many of these variants and others less. In the study in question, the researchers have utilised this natural and random source of variation to determine whether people who have received many genetic variants for increased body fat have an increased risk of suffering depression.

THE RESEARCH RESULT - MORE INFORMATION

Genetic epidemiological study utilising data from the UK Biobank (with information on the association between genetic variants and fat mass based on a study of 330,000 people) and the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (with information on the association between genetic variants and depression based on a study of 135,000 people with depression and 345,000 control subjects).

The research group comprises Maria S. Speed, Oskar H. Jefsen, Anders D. Børglum, Doug Speed and Søren D. Østergaard - all from Aarhus University.

February 24, 2010

Trauma and PTSD Continuing Ed

Supporting the Survivor

A guide to understanding the impact of violent trauma on your loved ones and how you can help them

for more information on this topic, visit website below
Trauma and PTSD ceus, mft ceu, lcsw ceu, lpc ceuIn the United States, your odds of falling victim to violence at some point in your lifetime are high. Even if you don’t encounter violence directly, chances are that you know someone who has or will experience trauma. While a victim copes with the direct impact of trauma, those close to the victim also struggle in the aftermath. What do I say? What do I do? Why does my loved one seem so distant?

This brochure is intended to help you begin to understand what happens to many victims of violent crime and what you might do to help them along the healing process.

How Does Trauma Affect Survivors?
Victims of violence often face a wide range of struggles. They often question what has happened or what they may have done to cause or prevent it. Many wonder how they will heal and why they cannot connect with their loved ones as they once did. It is also common for survivors to feel anger or frustration as they ponder whether they will ever feel “normal” again. While every survivor’s experience is unique, violent trauma is almost always a life-changing experience that can affect everything from one’s ability to sleep to his or her ability to concentrate at work.

Understanding the nature and impact of trauma can be key to helping your loved one. Many survivors find themselves in unfamiliar and distressing psychological territory. It is common for them to endure intense feelings of isolation, insecurity, and fear, and their most treasured relationships often suffer as a result. Trauma can also lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which may include both substance abuse and mental health problems.

Violent Trauma, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Concerns
Many victims turn to alcohol or other substances in an attempt to get some relief from their emotional turmoil and suffering. All trauma survivors manage their experiences in different ways. However, substance abuse is not only ineffective in healing from trauma, but it also can present a host of additional problems that make the healing process even more difficult.

Violence is also a widely recognized catalyst for mental health concerns such as PTSD, a condition that can be caused by experiencing or observing virtually any kind of deep emotional or physical trauma. Millions of people in the United States suffer from PTSD, resulting from many different types of trauma—from enduring years of domestic violence to a single violent attack that lasts but a few seconds. PTSD is characterized by both emotional and physical suffering; many afflicted by it find themselves unintentionally revisiting their trauma through flashbacks or nightmares. PTSD can make a survivor feel isolated, disconnected, and “different” from other people, and it can even begin to affect the most routine activities of everyday life. Psychologists and counselors with experience in treating trauma survivors can be very helpful in working through PTSD, and there are prescription drugs available to help ease PTSD symptoms. PTSD is a potentially serious condition that should not be taken lightly.

According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the most effective way to combat trauma, substance abuse, and mental health problems is through an integrated, holistic approach, taking into account how each individual problem affects the others. To begin, it can be helpful for a survivor to share experiences and concerns with a service provider who can assist in developing a plan to address these struggles comprehensively.

Many wonder how they will heal and why they cannot connect with their loved ones as they once did.

What Can I Do to Help My Loved One?
Since each individual’s experience is unique, there is no one-size-fits-all remedy for victimized loved ones. For those who care about a person who has experienced a violent trauma, finding ways to be helpful and maintaining a healthy relationship can be challenging. Following are some tips to help your loved one who has been victimized.

Listen . Talking about the experience, when the survivor is ready, will help acknowledge and validate what has happened to him or her and can reduce stress and feelings of isolation. Let your loved one take the lead, and try not to jump in with too many comments or questions right away.

Research . If the victim wants more information, would like to report a crime, or has other questions, you can help find answers and resources.

Reassure . As strange as it may sound, survivors often question whether an incident was their fault or what they could have done to prevent the crime against them. They may need to hear that it was not their fault and be assured that they are not alone.

Empower . Following trauma, victims can feel as though much of their lives is beyond their control. Aiding them in maintaining routines can be helpful, as can offering survivors options or possible solutions.

Be patient . Every journey through the healing process is unique. Try to understand that it will take time, and do what you can to be supportive. The healing process has no pre-determined timeline.

Ask . Your loved one may need help with any number of things or have questions on many different topics. Even a favor as mundane as running a few errands or taking the dog for a walk can be a big help, so consider lending a hand.

January 29, 2010

Disaster/Trauma PTSD

Disaster/Trauma
Browse and Read Publications

For more information
on PTSD click here


A Guide to Managing Stress in Crisis Response Professionals (SMA05-4113)
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Crisis response workers and managers—which include first responders, public health workers, construction workers, transportation workers, utilities workers, and volunteers—are unique in that they are repeatedly exposed to extraordinarily stressful events. This easy-to-use pocket guide focuses on general principles of stress management and offers simple, practical strategies that can be incorporated into the daily routine of managers and workers. It also provides a concise orientation to the signs and symptoms of stress.


After a Disaster: Self-Care Tips for Dealing With Stress (KEN01-0097)
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Covers things to remember when trying to understand disaster events, signs that adults need stress management assistance, and ways to ease stress.


After a Disaster: What Teens Can Do (KEN01-0092)
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Provides information for teens to help understand some of their reactions as well as others, to the terrorist events. Suggestions are also provided to help ease the unfamiliar feelings related to the event.


Anniversary Reactions to a Traumatic Event: The Recovery Process Continues (NMH02-0140)
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Anxiety Disorders (KEN98-0045)
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Center for Mental Health Services Division of Prevention Traumatic Stress and Special Programs Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Services Branch (KEN95-0011)
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Communicating in a Crisis: Risk Communication Guidelines for Public Officials (SMA02-3641)
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Cómo ayudar a los niños a enfrentar el miedo y la ansiedad (KEN01-0099)
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Creating Trauma Services for Women With Co-occurring Disorders (NMH03-0157)
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Many women with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders and histories of trauma are parents who value their roles as mothers and bring skills to the task. Treatment for these women can be optimized by acknowledging their roles as parents and incorporating this reality into service design and delivery.


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Developing Cultural Competence in Disaster Mental Health Programs (SMA03-3828)
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Designed to supplement information already available through CMHS, SAMHSA, and other sources, Developing Cultural Competence in Disaster Mental Health Programs highlights important common issues relating to cultural competence and to disaster mental health. Disaster mental health providers and workers can use and adapt the guidelines set forth in this document to meet the unique characteristics of individuals and communities affected directly or indirectly by a full range of natural and human-made disasters.


Disaster Counseling (KEN01-0096)
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Disaster counseling involves both listening and guiding. Survivors typically benefit from both talking about their disaster experiences and being assisted with problem-solving and referral to resources. The following section provides "nuts-and-bolts" suggestions for workers.


Disaster Mental Health: Crisis Counseling Programs for the Rural Community (SMA99-3378)
Booklet
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Field Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters (ADM90-0537)
Booklet
For mental health workers and other human service providers who assist survivors following a disaster. This pocket reference provides the basics of disaster mental health, with numerous specific and practical suggestions for workers.


Helping Children Cope with Fear and Anxiety (CA-BKMARKR02)
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Helping Your Child With: Anxiety Disorders (CA-0007)
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This fact sheet defines anxiety disorders, identifies warning signs, discusses risk factors, describes types of help available, and suggests what parents or other caregivers can do. 1997. 3 pp.


How Families Can Help Children Cope With Fear and Anxiety (CA-0022)
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This reproducible drop-in article provides tips for parents to keep the lines of communication with their children open and alerts parents and other caregivers to common signs of fear and anxiety. 2002. 1 p.


How to Deal with Grief (KEN01-0104)
Brochure
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Major Depression in Children and Adolescents (CA-0011)
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Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism, A Field Guide (SMA05-4025)
Booklet


Mood Disorders (KEN98-0049)
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Older Adults (KEN01-0094)
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Provides suggestions for older adults attempting to understand the recent terrorist events.


Psychosocial Issues for Children and Adolescents in Disasters (ADM86-1070R)
Booklet
The materials discussed in this booklet will give crisis response workers essential information about the impact of disasters on individuals, how the trauma associated with such events impacts children, the unique world of children, and the diversity of family structures in which children reside.


Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters (SMA99-3323)
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This guide to caring for the elderly who survive disasters defines “elderly” and describes what makes older adults vulnerable to disasters. Covers the nature of disasters and human responses to them. Includes a list of resources and a glossary of terms. 1999. 68 pp.


Reaction of Children to a Disaster (KEN01-0101)
Fact Sheet
This fact sheet, which is broken down by age, describes the ways in which children react to a disaster and what adults can do to help.


Recovering Your Mental Health: Dealing With the Effects of Trauma - A Self-Help Guide (SMA-3717)
Booklet
This is one of seven mental health self-help booklets. It focuses on helping individuals cope with traumatic events and makes suggestions of how they can take charge of their own recovery. It also provides a list of additional resources.


Responding to the Needs of People With Serious and Persistent Mental Illness in Times of Major Disasters (SMA96-3077)
Booklet
This manual addresses the need for specialized strategies to ensure that persons with serious mental illness who experience disasters receive services. Designed for State and local mental health administrators, planners, and care providers, it presents practical suggestions for disaster preparedness. Discusses the basic principles of disaster recovery programs and community support systems. 1996. 65 pp.


Self-Care Tips for Emergency & Disaster Response Workers (KEN01-0098)
Fact Sheet
Provides suggestions for those who are at the scene. It outlines facts, indicators of stress, and stress management strategies.


Stress Prevention and Management Approaches For Rescue Workers in the Aftermath of Terrorist Acts (KEN01-0112)
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This fact sheet provides information for rescue workers on recovering from working at the site of terrorist acts. It also provides a hotline for more information.


Suicide Prevention: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline wallet card (Spanish) (SVP05-0126SP)
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Señales de Suicidio


Suicide Prevention: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When It Seems Like Tthere Is No Hope, There Is Help. (SVP06-0141)
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Tips for Survivors of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life (NMH02-0139)
Fact Sheet
The Long-term Impact of a Traumatic Event: What to Expect in Your Personal, Family, Work, and Financial Life cites examples of personal uncertainties, family relationship changes, work disruptions, and financial worries that may contribute to the long-term impact of a traumatic event. Also includes tips on how to survive the road to recovery from a traumatic event.


Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers (KEN01-0091)
Fact Sheet
Offers tips to parents on how to talk to children about the terrorist events.


Tips for Talking to Children After a Disaster: A Guide for Parents and Teachers (KEN01-0093)
Brochure
Explains how preschool age, early childhood, and adolescent children may respond to the terrorist events.


Tips for Talking to Children in Trauma: Interventions at Home for Preschoolers to Adolescents (NMH02-0138)
Fact Sheet
Age-specific Interventions at Home for Children in Trauma: From Preschool to Adolescence suggests activities arranged by age group to help children share recovery feelings and experiences at home. Includes activities for preschoolers, elementary age children, and pre-adolescents and adolescents.


Tips for Teachers in Time of Disaster: Taking Care of Yourselves and Each Other (KEN01-0103)
Fact Sheet
Teachers directly deal with children's reactions to disaster. They may also be impacted by the disaster. It is extremely important to recognize for them to recognize that, like children, they are under particular stress and vulnerable to "burnout". This facts sheet provides helpful hints on how to stay mentally healthy.


Training Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters (SMA96-0538)
Pamphlet
This training manual explains how survivors respond to and recover from disasters and highlights the importance of tailoring disaster response to individual communities and populations. Intended for use by instructors, it describes effective interventions for responding to disasters and strategies for stress prevention and management among mental health and human service workers.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.