A Proper Diagnosis of Dyslexia

Posted By Bartt Iccles
Categoirzed Under: Mental Health
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by Bart Icles

Before we get down to the business of determining the dyslexia diagnosis, it is important to know the nature of the condition first. Dyslexia is actually a learning disability wherein the afflicted patient would have difficulty when it comes to spelling, writing, and reading. A popular misconception here is that dyslexia is a mental illness, but this is not the case at all. There are actually a lot of dyslexics that are quite intelligent and have forged extremely successful careers. Albert Einstein is one of the smartest dyslexics the world has ever known. In tinsel town, another famous dyslexic is actually Tom Cruise.

Years ago, coming up with an appropriate dyslexia diagnosis was not really possible. This is because people back then were not really aware about this disability. In fact, it was only just recently that more information about the condition has been obtained. This is quite an unfortunate fact because a lot of dyslexics back then had to suffer unnecessarily. A lot of dyslexics back then had to suffer years and years of embarrassment and humiliation, and this took quite a toll on their confidence and esteem. Fortunately, it is never too late for the condition to be diagnosed by the means of screening and diagnostic testing.

The first ever dyslexia diagnosis was given out within just the last ten years. This was the time when the condition was even given a name. Screenings and tests are now used to diagnose the condition. What actually happens here is that the patients are assisted in identifying the symptoms that they are suffering, the severity of the symptoms, and ultimately, the treatment that they need. Dyslexics no longer have to suffer the symptoms on their own because the proper diagnosis is at hand, and readily available treatment is here as well.

If you suspect that you have a family member who just might be suffering from the condition, then do not wait too long to obtain the appropriate dyslexia diagnosis. As soon as you notice symptoms of the condition, such as difficulties in spelling, writing, reading, counting numbers, sequencing items, transferring information, getting and following instructions, as well as confusion in terms of direction when it comes to letters that can be reversed. Examples of these letters would be b and d. The manifestation of any of these symptoms should warrant an evaluation be done right away.

Proper treatment of the condition is indeed possible ” good news to all dyslexics all over the world.

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What is ADD and ADHD?

Posted By Charlie Reese
Categoirzed Under: Mental Health
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by Charlie Reese

There are many millions of youngsters which are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or alternatively, with Attention Deficit Hyperactive (AAHD) every year. These disorders are quite similar in symptoms, with the main difference between ADD and ADHD is in the degree of behavioral impairment. Basically, ADHD is distinguished by a more acute level of hyperactivity.

The ADD patient suffers primarily from a lack of focus, prone to a lack of organization, with problems in concentration. The ADD patient may continually lose things and avoid tasks requiring focus.

A straightforward diagnosis of ADD would likely not include behaviors of impatience, fidgeting excessively while sitting in a chair or burning 5000 calories a day running around the house, which are behaviors characterizing ADHD.

So the main difference between ADD and ADHD is that, with ADHD, the patient has most symptoms of ADD, plus those pertaining to physical hyperactivity.

It should be noted that some cases of misdiagnoses of ADD or ADHD have been reported, where ultimately the child is found to have bipolar disorder, as some of the characteristics are similar. You’d be smart to discuss this possibility with your physician, to be sure you’ve covered all the bases. Another fact to store away: long term studies of psychological treatment for both ADD and ADHD have proven ineffective.

If a condition of difficulties with attention and/or hyperactivity exists in a child, physicians usually recommend that the situation be monitored for at least six months to be sure it is not a self-resolving issue. The differences between ADD and ADHD notwithstanding, the six month monitoring applies.

Allergies and dietary changes are implicated in many cases of ADD and ADHD alike. So it may be wise to test for allergies and try elimination techniques in detecting dietary problems, especially during this initial six month monitoring. You may be able to increase your child’s ability to focus and be able to manage quite well, without the use of medications.

Some physicians recommend starting the day with a meal high in protein, which has been found to have a beneficial effect with some kids. Sugar should be restricted, as it’s implicated in worsening of ADD and ADHD symptoms. Ask your physician to test for lactose intolerance, which can complicate the management of symptoms.

While caffeine is a natural stimulant, it has instead, a calming effect on ADD and ADHD patients. Just three quarters of a cup of coffee contains about the equivalent of stimulant as is found in an average dose of Ritalin, a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical.

On the herbal front, Gingko Biloba berries have been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese medicine as an aid to focus and concentration problems. Talk to a qualified herbalist about this possibility.

When you look over the difference between ADD and ADHD and the behaviors which characterize both, you’ll note that a child’s personality can influence rowdy behavior or impatience. Children also go through various stages of development and different times and to different degrees than others. So when you’re considering the difference between ADD and ADHD, consider also if your child’s behavior is actually not normal. Some kids are fidgety and have a harder time concentrating than their peers, but they grow out of it.

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Critical Drug and Alcohol Addiction Advice and Information

Posted By C-P
Categoirzed Under: Mental Health
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by C-P

Having struggled through my own alcoholism and drug addiction, I know what a horrible place it is to be. The sense of shame and guilt you feel almost makes you feel like a sub-standard human being sometimes. And that can be a really lonely and isolated place …

The big problem with alcoholism or drug addiction is the fact that even though the medical community do now generally regard them as a certifiable disease - many people still don’t ‘buy′ into that fact. It’s not like saying you have cancer for example, where you’ll generally be well-received, supported and encouraged.

By admitting to an addiction, many people will think you’re simply weak, have no self control and have serious issues. That’s why I reckon denial is such a massive issue for so many alcoholics and drug addicts - because admitting that kind of problem almost means you’re admitting you’re weak and a failure.

Of course in your mind then its far better to believe your alcohol and drug abuse is under control - because of course you don’t want to admit to being a ‘failure,’ or at least have others think that of you. There’s a huge stigma attached to being seen as an addict - and who wants that? - so it’s about mental self-preservation at the end of the day as much as anything.

That’s why knowing what your options are and where you can turn to for help are so important. You don’t have to worry about the whole world finding out, there is excellent help available that will protect your privacy and dignity.

As with any disease or illness - the worst possible thing you could do - is to do nothing at all. Because the longer you leave an addiction, the worse it will get. And it’s a fact that applies to you whether you’re sitting there reading this as the person who has the drug/alcohol problem - or whether you’re a family member or friend of one.

You may even only think that at this stage you’re only dealing with the problem of alcohol abuse or drug abuse - rather than fully developed alcoholism or drug addiction - and that the problem is still under control. Don’t be fooled because often it’s already far worse than you think.

So even whether or not you’re entirely sure that you or someone you care about actually suffers from an addiction to drugs or alcohol - make sure that you educate yourself sufficiently to know and understand what you’re dealing with, and to the various forms of help that is available. There is just too much at stake not to - if you consider the number of people that die each year from their addictions.

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Relaxation Music And Meditation

Posted By Edward Crivello
Categoirzed Under: Mental Health
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by Edward Crivello

There are several uses for relaxation music. Some enjoy relaxation music while eating dinner at home, or while going for a walk with the headphones on. Others prefer to listen to relaxation music while they are receiving a massage or practicing yoga, or about to fall asleep.

There are so many types of relaxation music that is difficult for some of us to make a decision about what type of relaxation music works best for us. However, there are reasons why some types of relaxation music are more relaxing than others.

While different types of relaxation music have more pronounced effectiveness than other types, nevertheless there is a specific type of relaxation music that stands out from the rest in the relaxation or meditation music genre. I am speaking about relaxation music that not includes soothing music or nature sounds, but brainwave altering binaural beats or isochronic tones as well.

Simply by listening to relaxation music embedded with either isochronic tones or binaural beats your brainwaves can be changed in such a way that you actually experience the benefits of the accompanying brainwave state that the binaural beats or isochronic tones help induce in you.

For example: Normally when we are awake and active during the day our brainwaves are at a beta brainwave level. If someone were to measure our brainwaves with an EEG device they would find that beta waves are the dominant frequency during busy anxious thinking. But if you listen to a relaxation cd or mp3 that is embedded with, for example, binaural beats that are programmed with a frequency of 7.83 hz, then your mind will fall from an active beta level of 22 hz to a very relaxed borderline alpha/theta level of 7.83 hz. Meditation accomplishes this, but it takes a lot more practice.

If you don’t have the time nor the inclination to meditate, then relaxation music embedded with either binaural beats or isochronic tones will give you the same relaxing states of consciousness as does meditation. The difference is this type of relaxation music will bring you to a relaxed state much faster than meditation.

It is worth noting that binaural beats and isochronic tones without some kind of soothing music mixed in can be kind of dull to listen to (although some brainwave enthusiasts prefer plain binaural beats or isochronic tones rather than music backed versions.)

People also have different tastes in music, and it comes down to matter of personal preference. But when it comes to binaural beats and isochronic tones it is more about therapy - a complete mental makeover. It all ties in with training one’s brain, and improving one’s life, by regularly listening to cd’s or mp3’s embedded with binaural beats or isochronic tones. This is very similar to what regular meditation accomplishes, but much faster.

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What Role Hope and Faith Play When You Are Depressed?

Posted By Dr. Arturo Ovies
Categoirzed Under: Depression
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by Dr. Arturo Ovies

Hope and depression. They seem to be opposite but it is possible to have hope that you will overcome depression.

Lets rephrase that, it is imperative that you maintain hope about your future and that you will get better.

I know from experience, I have dealt with depression my entire life. Once thing I found out is that, although is quite difficult and sometimes impossible to have hope or aspirations while you are depressed, it is the only gift you can give yourself. Please don’t despair.

Hope, don’t lose it and don’t allow anybody to take it away from you. Hang on to it as your life saver.

Hope is what saved me and kept me alive. Even during my darkest moments, although excruciating at times, I learned that the hope of getting better and enjoying a full life was the main reason for me to keep living and therefore fighting to get better.

If you are a religious person, pray and keep faith. Spirituality has helped millions of people to overcome difficulties, including illnesses.

Speak to a priest, pastor, spiritual counselor, a doctor or a close friend. The main thing is not to close yourself up to the world. Please allow me to give you an advice here. Withdrawing is a “safe” place when depressed, but in the long run it makes the road to recovery slower and painful. It took me years to get this.

I know, speaking of your problems is not easy, especially if you are a parent, spouse or the main provider in your family. Our culture has created the wrong belief that mental illness is something you can just brush up and move on.

How many times we’ve heard, “you are just depressed, get over”. If everything were as easy as that. But you and I now how painful it is to live with the cloud of depression hanging over our heads.

How blurry everything looks when depressed and how the feelings of hopelessness and helplessness don’t go away no matter how hard we try. This is where hope and faith come in.

Although impossible to comprehend, don’t try to find explanations as to why are you depressed and why is this happening to you. That is a road to nowhere, instead focus your attention and efforts on getting better and overcome this terrible mental illness.

There is a way out of depression and you are not alone. I am here for you because I know what it is to be depressed and how lonely one feels.

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