DEPRESSION/EXERCISE
Eight moderately depressed patients were begun on a running
program, under the supervision of a "running therapist," rather
than a psychotherapist. The three-times-a-week sessions began with
stretching exercises, followed by 30 to 45 minutes of walking and
running and then finished off with more stretching exercises.
Within three weeks six of the eight patients recovered and remained
so as long as the sessions continued. Another patient was well in
the 16th week. She had never run, and hadn't begun walking until
the sixth week. The eighth patient neither improved nor worsened
during the program. The authors believe that many other forms of
physical activity would produce the same results. (The Physician
and Sportsmedicine, 6(12)49-56, December, 1978) Copyright Phylis Austin
CIMETIDINE(TAGAMET)/MENTAL PROBLEMS
Tagamet, frequently prescribed for peptic ulcer disease, may be
associated with manic behavior and previously has been reported to
cause temporary mental confusion in some patients. Two patients
given Tagamet for two to three months became agitated, hyperactive
and euphoric (having an excessive sense of well-being). Symptoms
resolved five days after discontinuing the use of the Tagamet. One
of the patients was again given Tagamet with return of the mental
symptoms. (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 44:267-268, 1983) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/KIDNEY STONES
Stress increases the risk of kidney stones according to a recent
study. Potassium and magnesium, known to inhibit stone formation,
are decreased during times of stress, while uric acid and inorganic
phosphorus, known to promote kidney stones, are increased. (Urology
International 39:159-164, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
AGORAPHOBIA/HYPERVENTILATION
Hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing) may induce acute
agoraphobic (fear of going outside) symptoms. Some researchers
have effectively treated agoraphobia by training subjects to
breathe normally when exposed to a stressful situation. (The Lancet
2:655, September 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
DRUGS/PSYCHOSES
Antibiotics, blood pressure medications, sleep aids, cold
preparations, anti-Parkinson medications, ulcer medications, even
aspirin and caffeine are known to be capable of inducing psychoses.
Many of these drugs are available over-the-counter, and are
erroneously considered not dangerous. (Journal of the American
Osteopathic Association 83(6)412-418, February 1984) Before taking
any drug one should become thoroughly familiar with its toxicology,
side effects, delayed effects years after taking it, its full
metabolic impact, and its addicting and dependency tendencies. Copyright Phylis Austin
DECONGESTANTS/HALLUCINATIONS
Several reports of hallucinations in children after the use of
decongestants have recently appeared in the medical literature.
Actifed was particularly mentioned. (British Medical Journal
288:1688, 1984) Hallucinations indicate an unwanted influence on
the brain. Copyright Phylis Austin
MENTAL EXERCISE/MENTAL ABILITY
A Pennsylvania State University study suggests that people in their
40's and 50's who live active lives and maintain flexible attitudes
are more likely to retain their mental abilities into old age.
About 3,00 persons were surveyed every seven years over a period of
years in this study. Patients who led active lives showed no
significant reduction in word recognition and use, ability to solve
problems and adjust to strange situations or in spatial
orientation. The authors of the study report that leisure
activities that use problem-solving skills can assist in keeping
the mental abilities sharp. (Geriatrics 40(2)30-31, February, 1985)
Bible study is known to be the most effective method to strengthen
the intellect. Gardening requires problem solving skills and
additionally takes one out-of-doors where negative air ions and
fresh air can quicken the circulation and encourage alertness. Copyright Phylis Austin
MENTAL DEVELOPMENT/SMOKING MOTHERS
Infants of mothers who smoked during pregnancy show higher rates of
hyperactivity, shorter attention spans, and lower scores on reading
and spelling tests than did children whose mothers did not smoke
during the pregnancy. (Obstetrics and Gynecology 64(5)601-607,
November 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
GLUTAMINE/MENTAL SYMPTOMS
Two men taking L-glutamine, an amino acid sold in health food
stores, developed manic behavior (excitement unstable attention,
increased activity). Symptoms disappeared after the glutamine use
was stopped. Glutamine is sold as a cognitive (relating to the
process of knowing) aid and brain stimulant. (American Journal of
Psychiatry 141:1302-1303, 1984) No nutrient known is without
side-effects in overdosage. Some can be lethal. It is wisest to
confine oneself to food, air, water, exercise, rest, self-control,
sunshine, and trust in God as one's agencies for promoting
learning, memory and optimum health. Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS VITAMINS
The Center for Science in the Public Interest cautions that
high-dose vitamin preparations promoted for people who are under
stress are ineffective and state that there is no proof that stress
increases the need for vitamins. They refer to the promotion of
vitamins for this purpose as a "giant fraud." (American Medical
News, May 10, 1985, p. 41) Copyright Phylis Austin
STEROIDS/MENTAL CHANGES
Patients given steroids may suffer from mental changes including
dementia and psychosis. Poor memory, lack of attention and
concentration, decreased mental and occupational efficiency were
improved after the steroids were discontinued. Some of the patients
reported in the study were initially believed to have Alzheimer's
disease. (American Journal of Psychiatry 141:369-372, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/MENTAL ABILITY
Elderly people may experience an improvement in short-term memory,
problem solving ability and concentration with a regular physical
exercise program. (Geriatrics 41(3)24, March, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
CODEINE/ACETAMINOPHEN/HALLUCINATIONS
A 20-year-old student given a medication containing codeine and
acetaminophen for a sore throat developed paranoid symptoms and
hallucinations. His mental symptoms cleared after the medication
was discontinued. (Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology
7:193-194, March-April, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
DEPRESSION/FOOD ALLERGY
A 58-year-old female with a ten year history of recurrent
depression with numerous hospitalizations with antidepressant and
electroconvulsive treatment, improved on an allergen free diet.
Her symptoms included depression, lack of energy, skin problems,
headache and painful urination. A dietary review revealed a high
dairy-product consumption. These foods were removed from her diet,
and after three days of worsening of her headache and depression
(withdrawal period) she had a marked improvement in her symptoms.
Because her symptoms were not entirely cleared further
experimentation was done, and eventually beef was also eliminated.
With these dietary changes she improved still more. She was
followed over a 12-month period with good results, except when she
accidently consumed either beef or dairy products. Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/PROSTATITIS
Donald Rudnick, a California physician, writes that approximately
15 percent of his patient visits are for "prostatitis." He feels
that one common factor in all of these patients is stress, and that
symptoms respond best when the patient is relieved of his stress.
He also reports that most of those who suffer from prostatitis are
heavy smokers, spicy food users, and heavy caffeine users.
Eliminating these foods, all known to irritate the lining of the
urinary tract, is often helpful. He feels that prostatitis is a
"disease of the person and not simply an inflammation of the
prostate...." (Urology 26(3)320-321, September 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (MSG)/BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN
OFFSPRING
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common food additive, when given to
pregnant laboratory animals produced behavioral changes in the
offspring. (International Journal of Neuroscience 23:117-126, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin
COLD WET SHEET PACK/MENTAL ILLNESS
A Baltimore, Maryland physician reports the successful treatment of
self-destructive behavior over a five year period. She experienced
visual and auditory hallucinations, and made repeated attempts at
suicide. At 15 years of age, she was admitted to the Sheppard and
Enoch Pratt Hospital with a diagnosis of severe depression and
paranoid schizophrenia. She had been treated with various therapies
and medications, with continued self-destructive behavior.
Treatment was begun with the application of cold wet sheets twice
a day, for two hours duration. This course was continued for three
months and followed with three months of once a day treatments.
Over the course of treatment psychotic symptoms decreased and she
gained better control over her self-destructive behavior and
interpersonal relationships improved.
The patient felt that wet sheet packs were the key factor in her
improvement. (Hospital and Community Psychiatry 37(3)287-288,
March, 1986) For instructions on how to prepare a sheet pack see
HOME REMEDIES: HYDROTHERAPY, MASSAGE, CHARCOAL, AND OTHER SIMPLE
TREATMENTS by Thrash and Thrash. Copyright Phylis Austin
HEADACHES/CEPHALGIA FUGAX
Question: I have headaches which come on suddenly and last only a
few seconds. It is a sharp pain which sometimes occurs several
times a day. My doctor examined me and diagnosed it as momentary
headache but did not give me any medication for it. Should I see
another physician?
Answer: From your description we would conclude that you are
suffering from cephalgia fugax, also called momentary headache or
ice-pick headache. History is usually sufficient for a diagnosis,
but physical examination should rule out any associated
neurological abnormality.
A recent review of the literature reveals that patients describe
the pain as shooting, darting, stabbing, or sharp. In most patients
the pain lasts less than a minute, and it never lasts more than
five minutes. Cephalgia fugax may occur several times a day or
only occasionally. Some patients report an associated shimmering of
vision or lightheadedness with the attack. The pain typically
occurs in the temple or around the eye region, or in both sides of
the head.
There is no known treatment. Follow-up of patients over a
four-and-a-half year period have revealed no associated
abnormalities. Probably the biggest danger to the patient comes
from unnecessary lab studies performed to diagnosed it. Be thankful
your physician was able to recognize your problem and you were
spared non-essential tests. Copyright Phylis Austin
INSECTICIDES ON SKIN/MENTAL CHANGES
A 30-year-old man who applied DEET (N,N-iethyl-M-toluamide) an
insect repellant, then spent time in a lightbulb heated box
developed mental symptoms including incoherence and sedation.
Symptoms progressed with repeated exposures leading to
aggressiveness, hyperactive, rapid speech, flight of ideas, and
grandiose delusions. Symptoms cleared when DEET exposure was
discontinued. (Clinical Toxicology 24(5)4299-439, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
VEGAN DIET/MENTAL STATUS/LIVER DISEASE
A study carried out in Sweden revealed that a vegan (animal-product
free) diet improved the mental status in a group of patients
suffering from cirrhosis of the liver. These patients were given
a vegan diet for one week, after which psychological tests were
carried out, and compared with tests given after one week of a
meat-containing diet. The researchers feel that a longer trial on
an animal protein-free diet may show greater mental improvement.
Other studies have revealed that patients on an animal protein-free
diet handle protein more efficiently despite their liver disease
(Clinical Nutrition 6:169-174, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/MENTAL FUNCTION/ELDERLY
Elderly people who are physically fit have higher fluid
intelligence scores than sedentary peers. An Ontario, Canada study
revealed that a 45-minute exercise period improved mental and
cognitive (perception) function. Even light exercise was sufficient
to induce this improvement. (Journal of American Geriatric Society
36:29-33, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
GLUTEN/SCHIZOPHRENIA
Numerous studies have suggested a relationship between gluten
intake and schizophrenia. Two Texas physicians report that a man
placed on a gluten-free diet to treat his celiac disease showed
marked improvement in his mental symptoms. (Gastroenterology and
Endoscopy News 38(4)9, April, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
HEADACHE/DEPRESSION/HIGH VOLTAGE WIRES
Several recent studies have suggested that high voltage lines may be associated with various
health problems. A study from Britain shows a relationship between overhead high voltage
lines and headaches and depressive episodes. A seven-year study carried out by the New
York State Power Line Project suggested that power lines may adversely affect adult
learning, and several researchers are investigating a possible connection between power line
exposure and cancer. (The Practitioner 232:435-436, April 22, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
ANXIETY/ANGER/ACNE
A study from the department of psychology of the University of
South Florida in Tampa suggests that anger and anxiety may
contribute to acne. (Journal of American Academy of Dermatology
18:325-33, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/BLOOD
German researchers have conducted experiments that indicate that
stress from "blood-curdling" experiences does indeed lead to
thicker blood. They drew blood samples from 10 volunteers before,
during, and after they watched a frightening movie. Blood drawn
during the movie was thicker. The investigators feel that thicker
blood might reduce blood flow and cause a stroke or heart attack.
(Heartbeat 1(4)4, Fall, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
CONSTIPATION/BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
A study from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of
Massachusetts reported that constipation or encopresis (stool
retention) may induce childhood behavior disorders. They observed
that in the group of children whose constipation was treated there
was improvement in the child's self-esteem, moods, anxiety and
irritability levels. (Pediatric Research 25(4 Pt. 2)11A, April,
1989) Copyright Phylis Austin
CHILDHOOD DEPRESSION
Elizabeth C. Hamill, Director of the Northern California Homeschool
Association in Berkeley, California, writes that there may be an
association between childhood depression and compulsory school
attendance. She has worked with a number of parents who report
that their child developed depression, school phobia, low self-
esteem and social withdrawal after starting school. Many of these
children are not developmentally ready for school, despite their
chronological age. The parents who took their children out of
school and began instructing them at home report that their
children showed improvement, and became "cheerful, enthusiastic
learners." (Science News 136(13)195, 203, September 23, 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin
TELEVISION/CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
The adverse effects of television on a child's mental health and
social development were pointed out in a study done at Yale
University. While working with troubled children the researchers
observed that many children suffering from nightmares were
frightened of reports they had seen on news programs, detective
stories, and especially in cartoons. Young children are unable to
separate reality from fiction, and are disturbed that the same
things might happen to them or members of their family.
Many children in the United States watch television for five or
six hours a day. That is more time than they spend in any single
activity other than sleep. Obviously television viewing has a
pronounced effect on their development. Children who watch a lot
of television are more aggressive than non-viewers, and show
decreased reading ability, lower levels of imagination, short
attention spans, and higher levels of restlessness, and even
hyperactivity.
Children who begin watching television at a young age may not
want to learn to read, and may prefer television watching to
reading, as it requires less effort on their part. (Developmental
and Behavioral Pediatrics 10(5)259-261, October 1989) Copyright Phylis Austin
MEDITATION/DEPERSONALIZATION
Individuals who practice the type of meditation designed to alter
their consciousness may suffer depersonalization (loss of one's own
reality or a loss of his own identity in relation to others around
him) and derealization (change in one's perception of his
environment) during meditation. (Psychiatry 53:158-168, May 1990)
Editorial Note: In contrast, the meditation upon heavenly themes
which Heaven recommends, brings us into a more complete
understanding of who God is, who we are, and what our mission is. Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE/ANXIETY
Caffeine may induce anxiety in sensitive individuals. (Postgraduate
Medicine Journal 66(Suppl 2)S18-24, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
URINARY STRESS INCONTINENCE/VAGINAL CONES
An exercise program using cones has been shown helpful in the
treatment of urinary stress incontinence. Pelvic floor exercises
have enabled many women to avoid surgery for stress incontinence,
but many women find the exercises difficult to carry out properly.
The use of cones has been shown helpful for these women. The cones
are inserted into the vagina, and women are instructed to contract
the muscles to retain the cone for 15 minutes at a time, twice a
day. (Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and
Gynecology 30:157-160, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
BORON/MENTAL ALERTNESS
A study from the United States Department of Agriculture's Human
Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota suggests
that we should eat an apple or broccoli instead of grabbing a cup
of coffee when we want to be mentally alert. Boron has recently
been discovered to be a brain stimulant. Thirteen women were
placed on a boron-free diet, eliminating all fruits and permitting
only a few vegetables. After six months every woman in the group
demonstrated brain wave changes similar to those seen during
periods of drowsiness. The researchers do not recommend the use of
boron supplements as they may disrupt the body's mineral balance.
A diet emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables should provide
adequate boron. (Longevity, September 1990, p. 19) Copyright Phylis Austin
ZINC/BONE MARROW DEPRESSION/ SIDEROBLASTIC ANEMIA
Excessive zinc intake may lower copper levels in the body, and lead
to bone marrow depression and anemia. (Journal of the American
Medical Association 264(11)1441-1443, September 19, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
FLUORESCENT LIGHT/AGORAPHOBIA
Women who suffer from agoraphobia (a fear of open or public places)
developed a faster heart rate and abnormal visual effects when
exposed to fluorescent lighting. The non- agoraphobic women
exposed to fluorescent light reported more miscellaneous symptoms
while under the fluorescent lights. (Psychological Medicine
20(3)591-596, August 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
FATS/SCHIZOPHRENIA
A study done by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations revealed that countries whose people obtained their fats
from animal foods had less favorable outcomes in schizophrenic
cases than those who used vegetable fats. This study suggests that
diet may influence the course of schizophrenia. The authors call
for a study evaluating a low-fat diet which contains adequate
amounts of essential fatty acids in schizophrenics. (Acta
Psychiatrica Scandinavica 78:587-596, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
FEAR/OVEREATING
If you are trying to lose weight avoid frightening movies and
television programs. A study from the University of Health
Sciences-Chicago Medical School revealed that fright caused people
to overeat. The study revealed that frightening movies caused
people to eat more popcorn, while travelogues did not stimulate
eating. (Journal of Abnormal Psychology 99(3)317-320, August 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE/DIABETES
Laboratory animals divided into two groups, with one group kept in
a room with high environmental temperature and the other group in
an area of low environmental temperature revealed that the animals
in high temperature areas were less likely to developed Type 1
(insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. A study comparing the
average temperatures of several countries and their diabetes
mellitus rate confirmed that this also holds true in human beings.
Researchers have observed that laboratory animals and humans
consume less food when temperatures are high; they theorize that
this reduced food intake may responsible for the reduced incidence
of diabetes mellitus. (Diabetologica 33:635-637, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
EATING DISORDERS/INFERTILITY
Women with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
nervosa, may suffer infertility. (American Journal of Obstetrics
and Gynecology 163:1196-9, 1990) Anyone undergoing evaluation for
infertility should consider this possibility before expensive tests
are undertaken. Copyright Phylis Austin
MATERNAL STRESS/FETAL GENITAL SYSTEM
The male offspring of rats exposed to stress during pregnancy were
observed to have abnormalities of the genital system. The stress
was felt to suppress the gonadal secretions, which interfered with
sexual differentiation. (Physiology and Behavior 20: 193-195,
1978) Copyright Phylis Austin
PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS/YOUNG PEOPLE
Psychotropic drugs are drugs which alter moods, and include such
drugs as anti-depressants, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers.
A study from the Adolescent Unit, of Southampton Rotational
Training Scheme, raises questions about the use of psychotropic
drugs in children and adolescents. A survey of drug prescriptions
revealed that 73 percent of a group of general practitioners and 68
percent of child psychiatrists had prescribed at least one
psychotropic drug to children under 17 years of age. Even more
alarming was the fact that these drugs are given for such minor
problems as bedwetting. (British Medical Journal 302:217-8,
January 26, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
AUDITORY HALLUCINATIONS ("HEARING THINGS")
Nineteen of twenty chronic schizophrenics had partial or complete
relief of auditory hallucinations with the use of an ear plug,
counting under their breath, or listening to a cassette player.
The patients in the study were instructed to use the treatment
whenever they heard voices. The cassette player seemed most
effective, with 14 patients in the group reporting immediate
benefit from the use of the recorder. (British Medical Journal
302:327, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
SLOW PHYSICAL MATURATION/DECREASED BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS
Young people who mature slowly are less likely to indulge in risky
health behaviors. Adolescents who begin puberty later than their
peers are less likely to become involved in sexual activity,
alcohol or drug abuse. (Pediatric Research 29(4 Pt 2)5A, April
1991) The slower maturation allows mental and social factors to
develop along with the physical. Copyright Phylis Austin
LIFE STRESSES/COMMON COLD
Undesirable life events may predispose to the development of a
common cold. The researchers observed about a four day lag between
the stressful life events and the development of the cold.
(British Journal of Medical Psychology 64:35-44, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
RELIGION/MENTAL HEALTH
Psychiatrists who have active spiritual lives consider prayer and
Bible study more effective treatment for many mental problems than
drugs. (American Journal of Psychiatry 148:90-95, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/MENTAL PERFORMANCE
People who participate in regular physical exercise scored better
on mental performance tests, including such things as cognitive
ability, memory, and reasoning. (The Physician and Sportsmedicine
19(4)22, April 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE
As women age many suffer stress urinary incontinence (the
involuntary loss of urine with activities such as sneezing,
coughing or straining). Various surgical procedures have been
recommended and a wide assortment of medications have been
evaluated in the control of this distressing problem.
Eleven of twelve women had complete resolution of their stress
urinary incontinence with the use of an ordinary contraceptive
diaphragm.
Because wearing a diaphragm constantly increases the risk of
urinary tract infection the researchers designed a special
doughnut-like ring to permit urine to flow freely. (Urology
37(2)119-122, February 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
SUGAR/CAFFEINE/DEPRESSION/ANXIETY/FATIGUE
A caffeine-free and refined sucrose-free diet may improve symptoms
such as depression, anxiety and fatigue in sensitive individuals.
(Biological Psychiatry 29(7)679-692, April 1, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
EMOTIONAL EATING/WEIGHT CONTROL
Some individuals eat in response to emotional arousal. These people
were shown to have higher body mass indices than those who did not
eat in response to emotions. When emotional eaters learned other
responses they lost more weight than those who did not control
emotional eating. (Appetite 15:151-157, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/CHILDHOOD DIABETES
Children in the 5-9 year old group who are exposed to severe stress
are at increased risk of developing childhood type I (Insulin-
dependent) diabetes mellitus. (Diabetiologica 34:579-583, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE/EATING DISORDERS
Some symptoms of eating disorders may be due to the intake of
caffeine. Patients who consume large amounts of caffeine are more
likely to binge eat. The caffeine may produce anxiety, which the
bingers attempt to relieve with food. (Hospital and Community
Psychiatry 42(2)313-315, March 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTENSION IN ELDERLY/MENTAL CHANGES
Long lasting high blood pressure may lead to brain damage,
according to a study from Netherlands. The white matter of the
brain is damaged, resulting in decreased mental ability. (Internal
Medicine World Report Geriatric Medicine News and Reports 1(1),
March 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
MENTAL ACTIVITY/ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
Elderly people who are mentally active may be less affected by
memory loss with Alzheimer's disease, according to a report from
psychologists from San Diego, California. Autopsy studies of the
brain of Alzheimer patients showed decreased numbers of synapses in
the brain of patients with the most severe mental symptoms. The
neurophysiologists feel that the number of synapses in the brain is
a measure of the degree of health-- more synapses mean better
health. The number of synapses increase as mental activity
increases. (Longevity, March, 1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR/MUSIC TELEVISION
Aggressive behavior in a psychiatric ward was decreased 37 percent
following the removal of music television (MTV) from the wards.
(Hospital and Community Psychiatry 43(2)173-175, February, 1992)
We can't help but wonder if MTV helped to put these young people in
the psychiatric ward. Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE INTAKE DURING PREGNANCY/INFANT BEHAVIOR
Infants of mothers who consumed high levels of caffeine during
pregnancy spend more time in rapid eye movement sleep than those of
low caffeine consumption. They were also more likely to have lower
birth weight. Studies of laboratory animals suggest that caffeine
intake during pregnancy causes abnormalities in brain development,
and changes in the body's method of handling cholesterol and zinc.
Caffeine is known to cross the placental barrier. (American Journal
of Obstetrics and Gynecology 168(4)1105-1102, April 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/INFERTILITY
Approximately fifteen percent of couples are infertile, and about
half of all conceptions abort for reasons that are not yet clear.
A recent study showed that psychosocial stress in some women
contributes significantly to infertility. (Fertility and Sterility
59(3)685-689, March 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
PRENATAL SMOKE EXPOSURE/MENTAL ABILITY
Infants whose mothers smoke or who are exposed to the smoke of
others may suffer a decrease in their spatial information
processing abilities. (Teratology 47(5)462-463, May 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
WORK THERAPY/SCHIZOPHRENIA
A work program decreases the number of hospital days required for
schizophrenic patients, according to a study from Connecticut. A
group of schizophrenic patients on a structured work program were
compared with a non-working group. They working group spent fewer
days in mental hospitals, and had fewer symptoms than the non-
workers. The authors observed that the benefits from the work
program disappear when the work program is discontinued. They feel
that work therapy is beneficial in the treatment of schizophrenia.
(Schizophrenia Research) 9(2,3)93, April 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
MASSAGE/DEPRESSION
Massage therapy may be very helpful for children and teenagers who
are suffering from depression. Fifty-two hospitalized adolescents
were given thirty minute back rubs, one a day for five days. The
massaged adolescents had lower anxiety scores than the non-massaged
control group. (Massage (46)93, November-December 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
UTEROVAGINAL PROLAPSE/URINARY STRESS
INCONTINENCE/CONSTIPATION
Women who have a history of constipation during young adulthood are
at increased risk of uterovaginal prolapse, and perhaps urinary
stress incontinence in later life. Childbirth-associated trauma has
also been identified as a risk factor, but these researchers feel
that constipation may be a more important factor. (British Journal
of Obstetrics and Gynecology 101:147-152, February, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIETING/MENTAL ALERTNESS
Young women on weight-reduction diets demonstrated slowed reaction
times, poorer memories, and slower information processing than non-
dieters, according to a study from the Institute of Food Research.
(Your Health, June 1, 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/CHILDREN
School, music lessons, swimming lessons, art classes, team sports,
church activities.... Parents often involve their children in so
many activities that the child becomes overstressed. Parents who
try to make up for having little time to spend with their children
may not realize that the child might prefer to just stay at home
and play with his own toys. The overactivity brought on by too
many activities may cause sleep problems, behavior disorders,
whining, clinginess, withdrawal from others, diarrhea or
constipation, or agitation. Parents need time to be by themselves
and unwind--they should provide this same time for their children.
(Parents, December, 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
MENTAL PATIENTS/CAFFEINE BEVERAGES
After observing that caffeine is capable of inducing acute
psychotic symptoms, a state hospital staff elected to conduct a
trial of eliminating caffeine beverages from the diets of the
inpatients. Almost immediately the staff noticed that the wards
were quieter, and there were fewer problems with insomnia and
agitation. Physical assaults on other persons and property damage
were both decreased. (Hospital and Community Psychiatry 42(1)84-
95, January 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/CROHN'S DISEASE
Some Crohn's disease sufferers have worsening of their symptoms in
reaction to stress. (Journal of Behavioral Medicine 14(1)87, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
MUSIC/ADOLESCENTS/PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION
Adolescents who listen to music with negative themes or lyrics are
more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric problems than are
adolescents who listen to other types of music. Adolescents who
preferred heavy metal music had histories of more dysfunctional
psychosocial behavior. (JCPN 4(1) 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
COFFEE/STRESS
Individuals under stress often drink a lot of coffee. A recent
study from Duke University reveals that stress increases the blood
pressure and adrenalin production, and coffee increases this
effect. As little as two cups of coffee increased the blood
pressure level by 20 percent; adrenalin increased 160 percent.
(Psychosomatic Medicine 52:320-36, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
SUN EXPOSURE/DEPRESSION
A study done in San Diego, California suggests that many depressed
people receive insufficient light exposure to prevent depressive
symptoms. (Biological Psychiatry 35:403-407, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
SPOUSAL ARGUMENTS/IMMUNE SYSTEM
Married couples who indulge in hostile behavior may be damaging
their immune systems. Five of six pituitary and adrenal hormone
levels showed changes from normal, and blood pressure levels
increased following marital conflict. The changes were more marked
in study subjects with the most marked hostility. (Psychosomatic
Medicine 56:41-51, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
MARITAL FIGHTS/IMMUNE SYSTEM
Couples who fight suffer a reduction in their natural killer cell
activity, making it more difficult to fight off tumors and viruses.
Spouses who express high levels of hostility have lower levels of
antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus. (Psychology Today 27(1)9,
January-February 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
ROCK MUSIC/TEENAGE DEPRESSION
A study from Pennsylvania State University reported that students
who listened to the most rock music had the highest levels of
depression scores on psychological tests, reports Valerie N.
Stratton, associate professor of psychology. (USA Today, April 12,
1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING/STRESS MANAGEMENT
Diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing is known to be helpful in
lowering tension levels. Breathing from the abdomen rather than
the upper chest allows the lungs to inflate more extensively,
lowers blood pressure, and slows the heart rate.
Persons who suffer from shortness of breath, sigh frequently, or
hyperventilate may be greatly helped by proper breathing technique.
(Massage (49)96-97, May-June 1994)
To teach yourself abdominal breathing lie on a firm surface, and
place one hand on your abdomen. Concentrate on the upward and
downward movement of your hand as you focus on breathing from the
abdomen instead of the chest. Copyright Phylis Austin
NSAIDS/MENTAL IMPAIRMENT
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause mental impairment in
the elderly. Some of the memory loss reported in elderly people
may be caused by these frequently given medications.
(Arthritis and Rheumatism 37(9 Suppl)S197, September 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
ANXIETY/HEART DISEASE
Anxiety disorders increase the risk of fatal coronary heart disease
and sudden cardiac death. Anxiety disorders include panic
disorders and phobic anxiety. (Circulation 90:2225-2229,
November 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
DEPRESSION/LIGHT/CANCER PATIENTS
Three terminally ill cancer patients had increased energy levels,
improvement in mood, and clearer thought processes during and after
light exposure. The patients were so pleased with the results that
they requested that the light treatments be continued after the
study period. (Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 9:534-536,
1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
CITY LIVING/EATING DISORDERS
Those who live in large cities are more likely to suffer from bulimia nervosa than are those
who live in small towns or the country. It may be that peer pressure to be thin contributes
to this increased incidence. (American Journal of Psychiatry 152(9)1272-1278, September
1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
EXERCISE/DEPRESSION IN AGED
Inactive elderly persons are more likely to be depressed than are those who exercise
regularly. Regular, intensive physical exercise was associated with better overall health and
a meaningful life and satisfaction with life. Other studies have demonstrated improved
cognitive function in exercising elderly. (Age and Aging 24:282-296, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
DEPRESSION/EXERCISE
Regular exercisers are less likely to suffer depression than are non-exercisers. Exercise
is also an effective treatment for depression after it occurs. Low-intensity exercise such as
brisk walking is adequate to produce benefits. (Natural Healing Newsletter 8(88)3, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/MENTAL ALERTNESS IN ELDERLY
A 15-year study from Loma Linda University revealed that elderly individuals with high
caloric intake had lower cognitive function than did those who consumed a diet lower in
calories.
Low educational attainment and the use of psychotropic drugs (drugs which affect mental
function) were also associated with poorer mental function. (American Journal of
Epidemiology 143(12)1181-1190, June 15, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/HEART
Stress, physical or mental, increases the heart rate, blood
pressure, and cardiac output. These changes may cause damage to
the heart in persons susceptible to heart disease, according to
reports from the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute.
(Circulation 94:2402-2409, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
SNORING/SLEEP APNEA/MENTAL CONFUSION/HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Snoring and/or sleep apnea may cause poor mental function in
elderly persons, greatly decreasing their quality of life. A study
of 1400 elderly French citizens revealed that women who suffer
sleep disordered breathing (SDB) are more likely to suffer
depression. Both men and women who suffer SDB and reported daytime
sleepiness had deficits in abstract reasoning ability, poor memory,
and reduced attention span. A few case reports have suggested that
dementia may be reversible when SDB is properly treated.
A number of recent studies suggest that vascular dementia may be
far more common than we have previously suspected; some wonder if
it may not occur as often as does Alzheimer's disease.
Blood flow in the brain is reduced during episodes of SDB.
(Journal of the American Geriatric Society 44:1407-1409, and 1287-
1294, 1996)
Another study concludes that individuals who suffer SDB may have
more difficulty controlling high blood pressure. Antihypertensive
medications seem less effective in persons with SDB. (Journal of
the American Geriatric Society 44:1295-1300, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/MENTAL FUNCTION
A diet high in beta-carotene may aid in the retention of memory
in aging people. A study of over 5,000 people showed that those
who took in less than 0.8 mg of beta-carotene were twice as likely
to suffer memory impairment, disorientation and difficulty solving
problems as were those who consumed 2.1 mg or more per day.
(American Journal of Epidemiology 144:275-280, 1996) Another
reason for a diet high in fruits and vegetables! Note also that
the study subjects obtained their beta-carotene from foods, not
supplements. Copyright Phylis Austin
STRESS/BLOOD CLOTS
Job stress appears to increase the incidence of blood clots,
which may lead to a heart attack. (American Journal of Cardiology
79:72-75, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
PLAYBOY/MEDIA/EATING DISORDERS
Approximately 15 percent of young women are felt to suffer some
type of eating disorder, and the incidence appears to be
increasing. Many feel that the excessively thin women who are
portrayed in the media are encouraging young women to strictly
control their food intake in an effort to be thin. A review of 12
copies of Playboy magazine revealed that 72 percent of the models
were less than the desired body index, suggesting that they were
malnourished. (South African Medical Journal 86(7)838-839, July
1996) Young women who want to be like the models may seriously
impair their future health by consuming an inadequate diet. Copyright Phylis Austin
CAFFEINE/COMBAT STRESS
Caffeine increases physiologic responses, and may increase
stress levels encountered in combat. It is reasonable to conclude
that it would have a similar effect on the stress reactions of
everyday life. Caffeine is the most frequently used psychoactive
substance in the world. It is found in a wide variety of
beverages, and medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.
(Military Medicine 161(4)230-232, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
EARLY MATURITY/SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
Girls are reaching puberty at younger and younger ages. A study
of almost 1,500 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders revealed that
those girls who mature earlier are more likely to suffer emotional
disorders, to have a disturbed body image, to be underachievers in
school, and are more likely to indulge in drinking, smoking, and
early sexual activity. (Journal of the American Academy of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry 36(2)262-266, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
WALKING/MENTAL FUNCTION IN ELDERLY
Elderly cardiac patients with brain atrophy or dementia have
improvement in their mental abilities, including memory, with a
walking program. Those patients who walked the most had less brain
atrophy than non-walkers. (Journal of Internal Medicine 238:423-
428, 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOR/OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
A study of almost 100 boys aged 6 to 12 years of age showed that
those with temper tantrums, anxiety, impulsivity, hyperactivity,
and sleep disorders had lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. They
also had more general health problems, and more learning
disorders.
The boys with low omega-3 fatty acids were also more likely to
report dry skin, excessive thirst, and more frequent urination.
Earlier studies in laboratory animals had demonstrated this symptom
complex in animals with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
(Physiology and Behavior 59(4-5)915-920, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
MATERNAL SMOKING/BEHAVIOR DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have
offspring with behavior disorders according to a recent study from
The Netherlands. These changes were more pronounced in males than
in females. (Archives of Environmental Health 52(4)317-321, July
1997) Copyright Phylis Austin