Archive for October, 2011
Neurobiological Research
Thursday, October 27th, 2011In Ken’s treatment,the beta blocker propanolol was prescribed to cut down on sympathetic nervous system overarousal and anxiety. Propanolol reduced Ken’s anxiety enough so that we could begin psychotherapy. Thereafter, therapeutic gains allowed us to reserve its use just for temporary exacerbations of anxiety as new issues arose. Individual
responses are […]
Traumatic Memories
Tuesday, October 25th, 2011PTSD is a chronic and very disabling condition that does not yield simply to psychopharmacologic treatment. As an integrative psychiatrist, I use medications with my psychiatric patients primarily when their symptoms are so severe as to interfere significantly with psychotherapy as well as with day to day coping in response […]
Cronic Overarousal of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Thursday, October 20th, 2011By measuring levels of stress hormones secreted into the blood by sympathetic stimulation of the adrenal glands (chiefly epinephrine and cortisol), it has been possible to document the chronic overarousal of the sympathetic nervous system in PTSD and correlate it by brain imaging techniques with the reactivation of intrinsic traumatic […]
Neurobiological Treatment
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011The basic intervention strategy in the Physical dimension involves psychopharmacologic management of PTSD by minimizing symptoms through blocking or reducing the overactivity of the amygdala, the nucleus of brain cells that mediates the fight or flight reaction in response to a perceived threat. The classes of anxiolytic (antianxiety) agents prescribed […]
A Case of Dissociative Identity Disorder -continued
Thursday, October 13th, 2011Connie speaks of the spiritual insights she is receiving now as she ponders the religions of the world. She feels God is conversing with her directly, but she is thoughtful and reticent rather than grandiose or fanatical about her insights. Connie’s manner of speaking indicates a genuine and grounded spiritual […]
A Case of Dissociative Identity Disorder -continued
Tuesday, October 11th, 2011Connie is more open to spirit now. She has a close encounter with a raven that indicates positive change and evokes healing gifts as well. She is now called upon to do spiritual healing in her church group. Connie expresses faith that by divine guidance things will be put in her […]
A Case of Dissociative Identity Disorder -continued
Thursday, October 6th, 2011We reach a point at which Connie can’t see me more than every six weeks because of her training schedule. The healing process moves along just fine nonetheless. Connie’s church group offers an anger management class that helps her to integrate her rage, with the result that Christina, the last of […]
Sixth Guideline
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011Trust the Healing Process to Guide You in Responding Effectively to Each Situation as It Arises so You Can Remain Curious and Open to Whatever Happens Next.
The wind is steady, the course is set and we have found just the right angle of the sail to catch the wind so that […]