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Doctor insights on:
Rituals
Rituals (Overview)
OCD (vs. religious practices), rituals are compulsions to perform some act to an unnatural degree, such as tapping a refridge door many times after closing it to "make sure" it stays closed. Avoiding cracks in sidewalks, or arranging things on a desk so that everything has to be parallel and perpendicular can be OCD. Usually this comes with anxiety, which the rituals aim to reduce---but fail.
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Why would people develop sexual fetishes or obsessions?
In behavioral theory: Certain object was associated with intense sexual gratification in the past, which makes the object signify intense sexual gratification in the future. Therefore, the person will likely to be aroused afthe the object is presented. ...Read more
Rituals (Overview)
OCD (vs. religious practices), rituals are compulsions to perform some act to an unnatural degree, such as tapping a refridge door many times after closing it to "make sure" it stays closed. Avoiding cracks in sidewalks, or arranging things on a desk so that everything has to be parallel and perpendicular can be OCD. Usually this comes with anxiety, which the rituals aim to reduce---but fail.
2
Sexual abuse and repressed memories? Are repressed memories real, and how would one know?
Yes and no: There is no single answer to cover every situation. While memories of trauma may surface years later. The problem with old memories is that they can be affected and changed by time, attitudes, other memories, and other events. A competent therapist will help you process trauma, reduce symptoms and increase strengths. The accuracy of old memories is the subject of the repressed memory debate. ...Read more
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3
Excess sleeping and laziness, even after doing regular exercise.. Any remedy for reducing sleep hours?
Find why: Anemic? Depressed? Malnourished from a "pop" diet? Overweight? Sleep apnea? Porphyria? Hypothyroid? Any other symptoms? Dropped libido points to hemochromatosis / pituitary adenoma. Parasomnia such as restless legs? I had a colleague's career almost ruined by that one before it was diagnosed. Carbon monoxide? Early ms? Hypercalcemia? Don't treat the symptoms, man -- find the cause! ...Read more
4
Do ssri's raise stress hormones before reducing them ?
NO: They are serotonin specific receptor site inhibitors and if anythings reduce stress and anxiety ...Read more
5
Are there psychiatric conditions associated w/ abnormally high levels of anger sadness & jealousy.feel like those destroying my life & relationships?
Yes, the symptoms: you mention can cluster together w/in several different diagnoses. A mental health professional can help you sort this out. Work w/it now while you are young and it will make a happier life more possible in the future. Peaceand good health. ...Read more
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What are some less religious family support groups for loved ones with drug addiction?
12 steps: I love 12 step programs - the neutral one is positive anonymous 12 step program - any 12 step program would work. ...Read more
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7
How can someone with alexithymia enhance communication skills?
Namenda (memantine): Although it is off-label, the medication used to treat alzheimer's disease, Namenda (memantine) can help improve verbal functioning in this area. I have personally treated hundreds of autistic (including aspergers) individuals successfully improving their ability to converse, make friends, connect better with others, enhance vocabulary and syntax skills at usual doses. ...Read more
8
Could autism create a criminal personality?
No.: An autistic individual might have difficulty understanding the emotional consequences of their actions, but they are no more likely than anyone else to form an intent to do something they know to be wrong. ...Read more
9
How to differentiate between sexual arousal and anticipatory anxiety?
Anticipatory anxiety: is not specifically sexual in nature. We can have this prior to just about anything we do, especially if we are being evaluated for it. Feeling like we will be judged for sexual "performance" can cause anticipatory anxiety. So, they can be independent of one another or happen together. Focus on the feelings of others and it can help relieve the anxiety. Peace and good health. ...Read more
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Getting over fear of crowds for holiday?
Exposure to crowds: If you need brief treatment of a crowd phobia / near-phobia, you could consult a behavioral therapist to expose you to slowly increasing levels of crowd-related stimuli. They will give you coping skills and will personally support you as well. If you have no time at all, consult your physician about *temporary* anxiolytic pills. Then exposure therapy when you have time. ...Read more
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What are para-suicidal behaviors?
See below: It's rather difficult to define due to various reasons. Usually, para-suicidal behaviors are suicidal gestures with the goal of not dying and/or attempt to destroy a body tissue, but again, without intent of dying. For example, cutting behaviors. Para-suicidal behaviors usually lead to a physical injuries and help should be thought when a person is preoccupied with self-harm. Hope that helps. ...Read more
12
Is any herbal or homeopathic treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder(ocd)?
Classical homeopathy: Ocd is a difficult disorder to treat, even in conventional medicine. However, there are psychiatrists who are well-trained in classical homeopathy and who can help you. Many people who have not responded to conventional medications or who are very sensitive to them, may respond well to homeopathy. You must be sure your homeopath is familiar with ocd and is experienced in treating this problem. ...Read more
13
Is playing video games all day unhealthy?
Yes: One would hope for a more-than-cyber experience of life -- allowing real-time relationships with actual people, with all their challenges and rewards. Playing video games all day leaves no room for this, or for interests outside of video games. One's awareness would be extremely narrow. Also, unless you land a job as a tester of video games, it's hard to imagine earning a living that way. ...Read more
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Does havg a dream career conquer social anxeity disorder?
While having a dream: career can certainly help with work life satisfaction, it does not necessarily mean that symptoms of social anxiety will disappear. Speaking with a therapist could help with social anxiety. ...Read more
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What mental disorder is characterized by lack of emotion or inappropriate emotional response?
Several d/o: Personality disorders/ depression / psychotic disorders / drug and etoh disorders all have a potential component of flattened or inappropriate emotional response. ...Read more
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Will drinking carrot juice surpress autism and improve a person's mental state?
No: Carrot juice has no effect on autism. Whether or not it effects anyone's mental state is a personal issue.If some believes the juice is tastey or otherwise potent, their belief in it can have a positive effect. ...Read more
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With a diagnoses of schizoaffective disorder cause a person to change like sexual desire, motivation, and being social?
That is possible.: If someone had manic symptoms they may have increased libido, interact more with others & be very productive in activities. If someone had depressed symptoms they might have a reduced sex drive, isolate more from others & become less motivated. If the person is psychotic, how they behave may not be predictable. These are generalizations. But a person can change depending on what state they are in. ...Read more
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What are the dangers of eating close to bedtime?
Belly Fire or Fat: Heartburn: if you lay down or "schlump" 2 hours or less before bedtime, you can get acid reflux. The other problem is that your metabolism isn't revved up when you sleep so those bedtime snacks turn into extra pounds around your tummy. ...Read more
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Experiencing myoclonic jerks 1+ yrs awake & asleep- NO other symptoms of neuro disorders, just the jerks. Anxiety suggests symptom of BFS?? worry?
Magnesium can be: helpful. Muscle spasms can be due to low magnesium or imbalance of mag, potassium, calcium. Check w/doc or a natural health professional. Peace and good health. ...Read more
20
How might forgetfulness from multi-infarct dementia interfere with elder safety needs?
Particularly if : Short term memory is effected, the older person may not remember they left the stove on, or may not remember they need to use a walker. ...Read more
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