Dysthymia is mild but has more long-lasting symptoms than major depression. Dysthymia is also known as persistent depression disorder because it is continuous and long-term. There is no exact cause of dysthymia but biological differences, brain chemistry, life events, and inherited traits can play a role. It has been demonstrated that those with depression don’t have any family history of this disorder and those with a family history of depression don’t struggle with this disorder.
Some noticeable symptoms of dysthymia:
Loss of enjoyment of regular activities
Sadness or depressed mood
Lack of motivation
Tiredness
Sleep problems
Problems with decision-making or concentration
Restlessness and impatient
Low self-esteem
Overeating or eating very little
Suicidal thoughts
Substance misuse
Relationship difficulties
School or work hardships
Some ways to help prevent dysthymia:
Reach out to friends and family
Seek medical professional help
Work on reducing stress
Be patient
Be kind to yourself
Practice self-care
Don’t self-medicate
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Postpartum depression is a vulnerable time for a woman’s health. Many women are experiencing mood changes and are expected to have an amazing transition into motherhood. However, many women struggle with mental health issues after giving birth. It’s important to spread awareness and show support to the women who are struggling with postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression symptoms start to occur four to six weeks after giving birth and can gradually decrease as time goes on. Nonetheless, depression can reoccur within three years after pregnancy or giving birth. Some common symptoms of postpartum depression can be intrusive, unwanted thoughts and postpartum rage.
Here are some ways to help someone you know or who is struggling with postpartum depression:
Seek help from a licensed mental health professional
Look for a community to help you in both emotional and practical ways
Practice mindfulness and relaxation therapy
Use positive affirmations and be more kind to yourself
Practice skin-to-skin care which can help with reducing the stress hormone cortisol
Avoid alcohol or recreational drug use
Eat healthy
Prioritize rest for yourself
Gaining more knowledge about postpartum depression
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) refers to a decline in neurocognitive function from a patient’s baseline functioning that occurs in individuals who undergo surgical processes and are put under anesthesia. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction complicates a patient’s central nervous system, delaying their neurocognitive recovery process as a whole. Individuals who endure POCD typically experience issues with their attention span, memory, learning, perception, executive functioning, and motor skills. POCD is not to be confused with postoperative delirium; while postoperative delirium is an acute state of neurocognitive functioning lasting approximately 1-3 days post-surgery, POCD typically persists longer, lasting weeks, months, or in some cases, years.
While POCD is not yet a formal psychiatric diagnosis, it is characterized by the DSM-5 as a mild neurological disorder, falling under the cognitive impairment classification. POCD occurs in roughly 10-54% of patients within the first few weeks of surgery.
A variety of risk factors for POCD have been identified, including advanced age, severity of the surgery being performed, type and amount of anesthesia being used, electrolyte imbalance, and pre-existing conditions (such as dementia and diabetes). These factors are examples of factors that would put a patient at higher risk for suffering from POCD after his or her surgery.
Although no specific treatment exists for postoperative cognitive dysfunction, different treatment methods have proven to reduce the effects of the condition. These methods include, but are not limited to:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Biologically active substances
Surgical techniques and anesthesia best suited to fit the specific patient being operated on
Improving a person’s cognitive functioning prior to surgery
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
Major depressive disorder is a condition that affects many individuals. Major depressive disorder can range from being clinically mild and short-lasting to recurring over and over again, to being highly chronic and treatment-resistant. Depression is known to run in families indicating that there are genetic factors. It can be a combination of life experiences and environment. Genetics plays a mild role in depression. Also, families with certain genetic patterns lived eight years shorter than average. As depression may range from transient to debilitating it is expected that many different sets of genetic alterations are involved. Some genes are associated with weight and body, neuron development, and brain inflammation and another group is associated with proteins that tell the immune system which cells are friendly and which are not. This means that our genetics can not only influence our physical characteristics but also how our brain functions and our immune system interacts and identifies with different cells in the body. Your environment can modify the genetic factors that play a role in depression.
If you are concerned about a strong history of depression in the family and are scared about it affecting you or your future children a study suggests that even with a high tendency for depression, psychotherapy or behavioral activation therapy can reduce it. Individuals need to understand the life-changing impact their environment can have on their mental health. Our emotions are generated by our thinking which may serve as an influence on our behaviors. You may have had genetic roots of depression, a difficult upbringing, or a terrible tragedy that has currently occurred but if you change your thinking then your emotions will change as well.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Remember that episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit where Sarah Hyland gave us an Oscar-worthy performance as a genius prep school student, Jennifer Banks, who attacked her roommate because of their academic rivalry? During the trial, the defense was able to prove diminished capacity on Jennifer’s behalf, meaning that Jennifer’s impaired mental state at the time of the crime prevented her from fully controlling her violent actions. Jennifer, who had been taking a form of modafinil that allowed her to stay awake for six consecutive days before she committed her crime, was suffering from sleep deprivation psychosis. Because the defense was able to prove this, she was able to plead guilty to her crime on a lesser charge and was only sentenced to seven years in prison at the conclusion of the episode.
Let’s talk about sleep deprivation psychosis from a clinical standpoint. On the show, it is mentioned that being awake for 17 hours is similar to having a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05% – that’s legally impaired in the state of Utah, even though the federal limit is 0.08%. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health corroborates this finding, adding that being awake for 24 hours is the equivalent of having a BAC of 0.10%. Now, imagine Jennifer’s psychological state after being awake for 144 hours without a minute of sleep, running off of a stimulant drug designed to block dopamine receptors and consequently increase the body’s overall levels of dopamine. It’s no wonder that her memory of the encounter with her roommate was hazy at best.
According to a 2018 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, sleep-loss developments such as hallucinations and perceptual distortions can occur in individuals with no history whatsoever of psychiatric issues. This study essentially found that the more time a person spends awake, the more he or she will progress towards a state of psychosis. Symptoms such as anxiety, disorientation, and depersonalization began after 24 – 48 hours without sleep, evolving into disordered thinking and complex hallucinations after 48 – 90 hours without sleep. Once a person reached the 72 hour-mark without sleep, the study claimed, his or her psychological state resembled that of toxic delirium or acute psychosis.
If an individual is experiencing insomnia, anxiety, depression, or any other conditions that can lead to a deficiency in proper sleep, he or she should seek help immediately. A wide variety of intervention methods and medications are available to help gradually regulate an individual’s sleep-wake cycle and prevent cognitive impairment resulting from sleep deprivation. Make sure to speak with a mental health professional to see what options are available to you.
If you or someone you know is struggling with sleep, anxiety, or mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
References:
Davis, C. (Writer). (2009). Hothouse (Season 10, Episode 12). [TV series episode]. In D. Wolf (Executive producer), Law & order: Special victims unit. Hulu. https://hulu.com
Waters, F., Chiu, V., Atkinson, A., & Blom, J.D. (2018). Severe sleep deprivation causes hallucinations and a gradual progression toward psychosis with increasing time awake. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 303. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00303
It can be difficult for anyone to learn when their anxiety takes over. Anxiety can make it difficult to focus and pay attention. An individual’s anxiety takes over concentrating on other things other than learning. An example of this is if someone’s loved one is feeling sick they can be worried about them instead of focusing on what they are supposed to learn. When people feel stressed their body goes into “fight or flight” mode. Anxiety makes memory difficult since people tend to “freeze” when feeling anxious. When this happens it is tough for individuals to process new information. When people are in these “fight or flight” modes they tend to make bad decisions such as worrying about other things which can slow down their learning and memory. Anxiety can also hold back creativity. They might be worried about what others will think about their ideas which might result in their holding back and sticking with an ordinary idea.
Ways parents can help children
Get help as soon as possible. Parents can talk to their child’s teacher to learn ways to help their child. Consult a child psychologist who can recommend ways to help reduce their anxiety and improve their learning.
Parents can talk to their children about what causes their anxiety. They can teach them ways to calm down before going to school. This topic should be discussed daily with children so that each day it can become easier for them to control their anxiety.
Parents can do academic learning at home that way the child will be in a comfortable setting and will be able to improve. The parent can work on academic subjects with their child at home so that they can learn since their anxiety makes it difficult for them to learn in a school setting. The parent can get help from the teacher so they know what they have to learn.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (202) 368 3700 or (212) 722 1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Stress: Does Job Stress Contribute to Mental Illness
By Josette DeFranco
Work stress is not often addressed. We tend to take on many tasks, leading to feeling overwhelmed physically and mentally. For some, work is a routine and many find working under stress helps them concentrate. On the other hand, some people don’t work as much and try to maintain a slower pace. In either circumstance, work can cause severe stress. Stress in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and burnout. It is important to note how our body feels so we can find signs earlier that our mental and physical health needs a break.
Some negative effects of stress in the workplace manifest in various ways such as a lack of motivation, reduced job satisfaction, physical and mental health problems, and interpersonal conflicts. If you notice you are feeling more fatigue, irritability, or apathy it may be best to give yourself a break. Job stress can lead to some mental illnesses like depression and anxiety. Stress prepares your body for a defensive action, like an alarm for the brain. It impacts your nervous system releasing hormones that help sharpen your senses and tense your muscles. You may have heard of something called the “flight or fight response.” This is important because it helps you defend against situations your body finds threatening. If stressful situations go without being addressed it will keep your body in a state of activation. Some ways to help alleviate job stress are to ensure that the workload is in line with workers’ capabilities and resources, allow yourself to take a break, create boundaries, provide opportunities for social interactions among workers, and establish work schedules that accommodate your responsibilities outside the job.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome in which a person exhibits repetitive, involuntary muscle movements. This syndrome directly affects the central nervous system and is typically seen in patients who are prescribed antipsychotic drugs, usually for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Tardive dyskinesia is chronic, with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition mandating that symptoms must persist for at least a month after an individual discontinues his or her medication in order to be officially diagnosed.
Neuroleptic drugs, also known as antipsychotics, are the most common inducers of tardive dyskinesia. Antipsychotics are often prescribed to patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in order to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These drugs successfully work by blocking receptors in the nervous system – specifically D2 dopamine receptors in the midbrain and forebrain – and consequently lowering dopamine levels within an individual. This is crucial for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia because overactivity of dopamine in the brain can alter brain chemistry, leading to many of the psychotic symptoms associated with these disorders. Thus, antipsychotic medications are able to help assuage some of these symptoms by regulating an individual’s dopamine levels.
Like most medications, neuroleptic drugs have the potential for negative side effects. A person who has been taking neuroleptic drugs for an extended period of time may start experiencing abnormal involuntary movements, contractions, tics, tremors, and restlessness. All of these actions, in the context of long-term antipsychotic use, encompass tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms occur as the result of dopamine receptors having been blocked for too long; blockade of these receptors prevents fluid communication between nerve cells, resulting in a lack of stable movements in an individual.
If an individual finds that he or she is experiencing medication-induced tardive dyskinesia, he or she should consider talking to a doctor about stopping or switching the current medication that is causing it. Additionally, deep brain stimulation can also be utilized as a solution. This procedure employs a neurostimulating device that sends electrical signals into the brain to stimulate the blocked dopamine receptors and encourage movement.
Tardive dyskinesia should not be disregarded, as there are plenty of methods of intervention that can help reduce symptoms within an individual and make the condition more manageable. Make sure to consult with a healthcare provider about a treatment plan if you or a loved one is experiencing this condition.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
Caretaker: How to Take Care of Yourself When Taking Care of a Loved One
By: Josette DeFranco
Participating in caregiving can come with a lot of stress and responsibility. Many individuals believe that they have to handle it all on their own which can lead to exhaustion and anxiety. Family caregivers at any age have reported that they experience a terrible sleep schedule, poor eating habits, failure to stay active, and failure to make medical appointments for themselves. If you are experiencing this, it is okay to let go of the load you are carrying and know that you are not alone. Caregiving can be an emotional roller coaster that may trigger the same hormonal and neural mechanisms that cause stress chemistry. However, it is noted that those who are caregiving for a loved one find this a rewarding experience.
Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself:
Prioritize sleep
Eat well
Acknowledge your feelings
Set boundaries
Take on fewer tasks
Ask for help
Practice Mindfulness
Treat yourself
Let go of guilt
Be honest with yourself
Here is a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish. To take care of others you have to take care of yourself first. Caring for you is the most important tip because we can’t share our assistance if we lack it in ourselves. Be kind to yourself. You may tell yourself “I never do anything right” or “There’s no way I can find time for myself.” Our brains are a reflection of us meaning your brain will start to believe what you are saying. Instead, try positive affirmations like “I am doing a good job at taking care of my parents” or “I will take at least 15 minutes for myself each day.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/
It’s barely 1 P.M. during the work day and you’re already dozing off at your desk, wondering how on Earth you’ll stay awake for the next few hours. To any observer, you might appear as yet another lazy employee “sleeping on the job.” However, no one knows about the preceding circumstances leading up to your lapse in energy, and no one except you knows about the tossing and turning you experienced the night before that, ultimately, led to yet another sleepless night.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which an individual has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. The disorder becomes chronic when these habits persist, becoming a regular pattern in the individual’s daily life. According to a 2024 survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, roughly 12% of adults in the United States self-reported being diagnosed with chronic insomnia. This statistic does not account for any currently undiagnosed cases of chronic insomnia in the United States, or for diagnosed cases that survey participants chose not to self-report. While one might speculate that a sleepless night resulting from insomnia may just cause general drowsiness and prompt a few yawns the following day, the effects of insomnia, specifically on workplace productivity, far exceed this assumption.
Insomnia can cause a severe deficit in workplace productivity, with sleep deprivation yielding a significant decline in job performance. Individuals who suffer from chronic insomnia report experiencing impaired thinking, emotional emptiness, and slowed physical reactions during their workday, as well as extreme fatigue that causes delays and errors in work assignments and tasks.
A wide range of resources are available to treat insomnia. Some of these include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Can help reduce anxiety about not being able to sleep
Relaxation/meditation therapy: Can help train you to relax your body and fall asleep more easily
Stimulus control therapy: Can help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and eliminate potential distractions encountered when falling asleep
Medication: Prescription medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help sedate the central nervous system and relax the body, making it easier to fall asleep
If you or someone you know is struggling with insomnia or trouble sleeping, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
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