Findings offer new clues into the addicted brain

The Times of India -Psypost

What drives addicts to repeatedly choose drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, overeating, gambling or kleptomania, despite the risks involved?

Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have pinpointed the exact locations in the brain where calculations are made that can result in addictive and compulsive behavior.

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Do you think that compulsive overeating is the same as other addictions?

Using a Holistic Approach to Treat Clients with Complex Co-Occurring Disorders

By Guy Oberwise, LCSW, Mood Disorders Coordinator at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, Ill. Guy is also a primary therapist and Clinical Training Coordinator at TK.

April 1, 2011

Complex co-occurring disorders- three or more diagnosable addictions or disorders-occur regularly in clients, causing them continued struggle with finding a meaningful life. This article will discuss how to effectively treat those clients that come to our offices, hospitals or residential treatment centers with complex co-occurring disorders.

It is imperative for treatment professionals to understand how to holistically treat clients who have complex co-occurring disorders. These types of clients, for example, have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, substance dependence, major depression, impulse control (self harm behaviors) and post traumatic stress disorder and/or anxiety disorder. They have spent many years trying to live a life battling these mental disorders and addictive diseases. Not until the mid 1980s did programs begin using the terms "co-occurring disorders" and "dual diagnosis" while attempting to treat co-morbid mood, thought and addictive disorders. These more comprehensive approaches address the whole person from a biopsycho-spiritual approach (Stillman-Corbitt, 2009).

As a social work professional, it is essential to arm clients with key recovery tools, allowing them to have hope for the future and an understanding of how to manage these disorders and addictions. "The treatment field is now confronted with an equally daunting challenge: a skyrocketing degree of acuity and complexity seen in outpatient and inpatient settings alike. Individuals presenting for care with a simple history of alcohol dependence and depression are a rare find." (Stillman-Corbitt, 2009)

After over 25 years treating clients in a variety of settings, it was only in the last five years that there was a realization of the importance of treating clients with a holistic approach. There are several key tools available to clients that can provide the recovery structure they will need to lead them on a path of recovery..finish reading article

Why people eat bad food out of habit

The Times of India

A study has revealed why people eat bad food out of habit, and how they can combat mindless eating.

In an ingenious experiment, USC researchers gave people about to enter a movie theatre a bucket of either just-popped, fresh popcorn or stale, week-old popcorn.

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Do you know of any similar examples where people eat food out of habit?

Is anorexia eating you up?

ANURADHA KHER, TNN Times of India

While being treated for severe malnutrition, Simran, 34, presented a four year history of reduced appetite, severe weight loss and avoidance of food.

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What is the strongest factor that impacts anorexia? Is it reduced appetite, avoidance of food...?

Bulimia (Binge-Eating Syndrome)

MedConnect India Psychiatry

description

An eating disorder. It involves bingeing (uncontrolled overeating) and purging (getting rid of unwanted food in the body). Bulimia affects both sexes (women much more than men). It often starts in the teen years.

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Do you think that purging is related to binging or do you think they should be looked at separately?

‘Food addiction’ plays major role in obesity epidemic

The Times of India

Food addiction is a reality in some individuals and should be considered as a major factor while managing the obesity epidemic, according to a new study.

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what can we do to avoid having a food addiction and what can we do to recover from one healthily?

India in grip of obesity epidemic

The Times of India
Kounteya Sinha, TNN

NEW DELHI: India is now in the grip of an obesity epidemic and the trend needs to be immediately arrested by taxing junk food, restricting food ads and making food labelling clearer, according to a study.

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Some research says ED are on the rise, do you think its more obesity related ED's or Anorexia ED's?