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Elliott</b>, Ph.D.&nbsp;</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is also a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, depression, and personality disorders. He presents nationally and internationally on new developments in the assessment and therapy of emotional disorders.</p> <p><b>Laura L. Smith, Ph.D.</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cognitive therapy and mental health issues to national and international audiences.</p> <P><B><b data-author-id=\"9101\">Laura L. Smith</b>, PhD, </B>is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Mexico Psychological Association. She presents workshops and classes on cognitive therapy and mental health issues for national and international audiences.</P></p>","authors":[{"authorId":9100,"name":"Charles H. Elliott","slug":"charles-h-elliott","description":" <p><b>Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D.&nbsp;</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist and a Founding Fellow in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He is also a member of the faculty at Fielding Graduate University. He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, anger, depression, and personality disorders. He presents nationally and internationally on new developments in the assessment and therapy of emotional disorders.</p> <p><b>Laura L. Smith, Ph.D.</b> (Corrales, New Mexico) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of adults and children with obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as personality disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and learning disorders. She is often asked to provide consultations to attorneys, school districts, and governmental agencies. She presents workshops on cognitive therapy and mental health issues to national and international audiences.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9100"}},{"authorId":9101,"name":"Laura L. Smith","slug":"laura-l-smith","description":" <P><B>Laura L. Smith, PhD, </B>is a clinical psychologist and former President of the New Mexico Psychological Association. She presents workshops and classes on cognitive therapy and mental health issues for national and international audiences.</P> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9101"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119903147&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6356fd0ead052\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119903147&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6356fd0eada59\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":191926,"title":"Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD","slug":"defining-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191926"}},{"articleId":191927,"title":"The Many Forms of OCD","slug":"the-many-forms-of-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191927"}},{"articleId":191921,"title":"Tips for Living with OCD","slug":"tips-for-living-with-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191921"}}],"content":[{"title":"Defining OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>People with OCD have recurring <i>obsessions</i> — intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are disturbing and cause distress. OCD sufferers also have <i>compulsions </i>— actions or words they use to reduce the distress brought on by their obsessive worries. Compulsions can include repetitive prayers, counting, touching things in certain ways, checking, and arranging items in special symmetrical ways.</p>\n<p>Other features of OCD include:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Obsessions are unwanted and generally inconsistent with the sufferer’s morals and values.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD significantly interferes with daily life.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD sufferers attempt to suppress distressing thoughts but can’t.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The thoughts are coming from inside, not being broadcast by space aliens.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The compulsions must be done “correctly,” or they must be repeated.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The compulsions don’t really make a lot of sense.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD sufferers usually know that their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable, but can’t stop them.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"The many forms of OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>OCD can be categorized in quite a few ways, and no clear consensus exists among professionals. However, the following list shows some of the most common forms that this strange disorder takes:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Contamination:</b> Fears of dirt, germs, and various kinds of toxins. Contamination worries frequently lead to excessive focus on cleanliness and hand-washing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Doubting and</b> <b>checking:</b> Fears of having caused harm to one’s house or someone else through negligence. Doubting and Checking OCD often leads to compulsive checking of locks, appliances, and possible victims.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Inappropriate thoughts:</b> Fears of acting extremely inappropriately by engaging in shameful acts, or displeasing God. This type of OCD often causes people to engage in various rituals in order to stop them from losing control.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Symmetry:</b> Discomfort with asymmetry and having things out of place. Symmetry concerns lead to a compulsive need to have everything arranged “just so.”</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Superstitions:</b> Obsessional fears about unlucky numbers, anything related to death, and specific words. Superstitious OCD leads to avoidance of these superstitions or attempts to neutralize their effects.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">Various forms of OCD sometimes overlap and co-occur. If you have several of them, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your treatment won’t succeed.</p>\n"},{"title":"Tips for living with OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you live with OCD, you may feel frustrated, isolated, and just plain strange. Keep the following facts in mind, or on a card to carry with you, as you go about your daily life:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">OCD obsessions and compulsions do not define who you are; you are not your OCD.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Seeking reassurance when you have obsessional worries only makes things worse. Try to avoid asking other people whether everything will be okay. Instead, wait a while and see how things turn out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Overcoming OCD requires you to work hard and accept a little discomfort. Remember that your tolerance for discomfort will increase slowly over time.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Changing compulsions in some important way (such as washing your hands differently or arranging things in a new way) helps prepare you to overcome the compulsions. When you change your compulsions, they won’t feel as satisfying, but that’s actually a good thing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Every time you hold off a compulsion, you are taking a step toward overcoming your OCD. Even waiting just 15 or 20 minutes is an accomplishment.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t forget that unpleasant feelings always lessen if you give them enough time.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t try to suppress your obsessive thoughts. Just remind yourself that they are merely coming from the OCD part of your mind.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reward yourself whenever you take a step forward — do something special, take a break from work, or eat a piece of chocolate.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>OCD affects both your emotional and physical health. Many people are so consumed by their OCD that they fail to live a healthy lifestyle in other ways. The following tips can remind you to take care of yourself.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Get regular exercise.</td>\n<td>Join a self-help group.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Get enough sleep.</td>\n<td>Have patience.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Eat a healthy diet.</td>\n<td>Treat yourself with kindness and compassion.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Don’t isolate yourself.</td>\n<td>Get professional help if your efforts stall.</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Consider getting support from some friends or family.</td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208937},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-12T19:31:49+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:36+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"PTSD","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34065"},"slug":"ptsd","categoryId":34065}],"title":"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"post-traumatic stress disorder for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"post-traumatic-stress-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn to recognize symptoms of PTSD, how to gain relief, and how to diagnose if your medication is working as it should be.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) give medical professionals clues to help make proper diagnosis of the disabling condition. The right medications, a good attitude, and positive affirmations can help to relieve the overwhelming signs of PTSD.","description":"Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) give medical professionals clues to help make proper diagnosis of the disabling condition. The right medications, a good attitude, and positive affirmations can help to relieve the overwhelming signs of PTSD.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10604,"name":"Mark Goulston","slug":"mark-goulston","description":" <p><b>Mark Goulston, MD,</b> an expert on PTSD, suicide prevention, and violence intervention, maintains a private clinical practice. He has taught or lectured at UCLA, USC, and Fortune 500 companies and has trained FBI and police hostage negotiators. 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","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10604"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3885a5e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ptsd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780470049228&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b388651e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":196591,"title":"Symptoms That May Signal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"symptoms-that-may-signal-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196591"}},{"articleId":196590,"title":"How to Relieve Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"how-to-relieve-signs-of-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196590"}},{"articleId":196588,"title":"Truths to Embrace when Recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder","slug":"truths-to-embrace-when-recovering-from-post-traumatic-stress-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196588"}},{"articleId":196589,"title":"Is Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Medicine Working?","slug":"is-your-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-medicine-working","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ptsd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196589"}}],"content":[{"title":"Symptoms that may signal post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re battling with the idea that you are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there are signs that you — and your medical professional — can look for. Here’s an overview of symptoms that may point to a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Intrusive thoughts, emotions, or images: </b>These may include vivid nightmares and/or flashbacks in which you feel as if the event is occurring all over again.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoidance and/or numbing:</b> For instance, you may avoid people or things that remind you of your trauma, feel emotionally detached from the people around you, or block out parts of your traumatic experience.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hyperarousal:</b> Hyperarousal means being on red alert all the time, being jumpy or easily startled, having panic attacks, being very irritable, and/or being unable to sleep.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>You may also experience symptoms including body aches and pains, depression or other mental disorders, or problems with drugs or alcohol. If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek medical help — because if you <i>do</i> have PTSD, there’s help and hope!</p>\n"},{"title":"How to relieve signs of post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You can work to get your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms under control — and calm the signs of distress when they intensify — by taking some of these quick and easy stress-busting steps:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Starting with your feet and working upward, tense each part of your body for a few seconds and then relax it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visualize a wonderful, relaxing place — for instance, a deserted beach or a cozy chair by the fireplace — and go there in your mind. If you become distracted, think about a parent, sibling, friend, teacher or other person who was there for you during a tough time and imagine that person saying to you, “Hang in there. You can get through this. You can handle this.” Then, gently bring your attention back to your mental paradise.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Think of three big or little things you’re grateful for in your life — for example, your best friend, your cat, or even your favorite CD.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Give your confidence a boost by thinking of something important you’ve learned, accomplished, or overcome, such as learning how to create a Web site, running your first 5K race, or passing a hard class in school.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. If you find yourself getting distracted or not being able to keep going, imagine a close friend or family member rooting you on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use an anchor — an object you can touch or look at, such as a ring or a photo, that reminds you of a happy place or time or of a person you love. Think of the place you went to when you were growing up to calm yourself down — was it your room? Your yard? A park? A long drive in a car? The beach?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Distract yourself — read a book, clean out a closet, plant some tomatoes, or exercise your creative interests. Better yet, watch a funny movie (because laughter really is good medicine).</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Truths to embrace when recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may hit some rough patches on the road to recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Sometimes, setbacks stem from low expectations of yourself and negative self-talk. Here are some statements that can point you toward the positive side when your spirits are low.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Persevering through this time and continuing with my healing is courageous.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Setbacks are just bumps in the road — I <i>can</i> get past them and continue my journey.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Taking care of myself is important for me and for my loved ones.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The stronger I become over time, the easier my road to recovery will be. The beginning of this journey is the hardest part.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">I’m doing my best each day, and I don’t need to be perfect.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">I have supportive people in my life who will help me overcome this problem.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Just because I feel afraid doesn’t mean I’m in any danger.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Often when I feel afraid, it’s because I haven&#8217;t processed my emotional trauma, putting it behind me, and moving on. After I do this, I’ll be less afraid. I can look forward to that time in the future, even if I’m afraid today.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Is your post-traumatic stress disorder medicine working?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Medications prescribed to help to manage symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) work to differing degrees among patients. Here are some of the ways you can tell if your doctor-ordered medicine is relieving common signs of PTSD:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You begin to fall asleep more easily and begin to sleep through the night (if sleep has been a problem for you).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You start to get your appetite back.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You find it easier to do the daily activities that you didn’t have the energy or motivation to do before.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You look forward to each day instead of dreading it, and you feel more hopeful.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You start wanting to be around people instead of wanting to avoid them.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You’re able to bounce back from little annoyances instead of crumbling when they happen.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You’re less jumpy when you hear loud noises.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">You can handle being in situations that used to freak you out.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>While you’re looking for the positive effects of your medication, you also need to take notice of any negative reactions, such as a poor interaction with another med you’re taking. The med might not be working for you at all, or the dosage may require adjustment to deliver better results.</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If your sleeping, eating, or mood doesn’t improve at all after you’ve taken an adequate dosage for a period of ten days to two weeks, you may need a higher dosage or another med.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para Tip\">Non-psychiatric doctors are often hesitant to prescribe the necessary amount, because psychiatric meds aren’t their specialty. So if you think you may need a higher dosage, consult a psychiatrist.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you feel one or more of the many nonspecific side effects listed in your medication’s instructions for more than three days, you may need a lower dosage or another drug.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you have abnormal laboratory tests — such as blood count abnormalities, liver function tests, or a kidney function test — you probably need another medication.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If you develop allergic reactions, such as skin conditions or difficulty breathing, you probably need a different med.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">If several professionals are treating your PTSD, other mental disorders, and/or substance abuse issues, be sure that each professional knows about every medication you’re taking.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-12T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209525},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:57:59+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-23T20:39:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:29+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Autism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34059"},"slug":"autism","categoryId":34059}],"title":"Understanding Autism For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"understanding autism for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"understanding-autism-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how to communicate with a person who has autism, make sure they get the most from their education, and ensure they are properly prepared for emergencies.","description":"As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how to communicate with a person who has autism, make sure they get the most from their education, and ensure they are properly prepared for emergencies.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9967,"name":"Stephen Shore","slug":"stephen-shore","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9967"}},{"authorId":9968,"name":"Linda G. Rastelli","slug":"linda-g-rastelli","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9968"}},{"authorId":9969,"name":"Temple Grandin","slug":"temple-grandin","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9969"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34059,"title":"Autism","slug":"autism","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34059"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}},{"articleId":194834,"title":"How to Communicate with a Person with Autism","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194834"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}},{"articleId":194835,"title":"Acronyms Associated with Autism","slug":"acronyms-associated-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194835"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282648,"slug":"understanding-autism-for-dummies","isbn":"9780764525476","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764525476-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764525476/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/understanding-autism-for-dummies-cover-9780764525476-201x255.jpg","width":201,"height":255},"title":"Understanding Autism For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<b data-author-id=\"9967\">Stephen M. Shore</b> received a regressive autism diagnosis at age 18 months, became nonverbal, and was deemed “too sick” to be treated on an outpatient basis. Today, he’s finishing a doctoral degree focused on helping people with autism lead fulfilling and productive lives. When not teaching college-level courses in special education and teaching children with autism how to play musical instruments, he consults and presents on autism-related issues internationally. Some topics of particular interest to him include comparative approaches for helping people with autism, education, and disaster preparedness for people with disabilities. He also focuses on challenges faced by adults in terms of self-advocacy, disclosure, post-secondary education, employment, interdependent living, and relationships.<br> Stephen holds bachelor degrees in music and accounting and information systems from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He also holds a masters degree in music education and is on the cusp of finishing his doctorate in education from Boston University. Although he seems to spend most of his time traveling in airplanes (Boeing 747-400 preferred), he resides in Brookline, Massachusetts, with his wife on the rare occasions when he’s home. <p><b data-author-id=\"9968\">Linda G. Rastelli</b> is an award-winning journalist, instructional designer, and author with 20 years of experience in writing and designing instruction for health, education, and business topics. In her career, she has focused on making complex and technical information understandable to the layperson. Although she has covered subjects ranging from financial ratio analysis to educational reform, her most challenging inquiry to date — an undertaking that has made her other projects look like finger painting in comparison — has been autism.<br> Linda holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Delaware and a masters degree from Columbia University. She lives on the New Jersey coast with her husband and her cat, who have reached a blissful state of detente. She hopes to keep her day job.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9967,"name":"Stephen Shore","slug":"stephen-shore","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9967"}},{"authorId":9968,"name":"Linda G. Rastelli","slug":"linda-g-rastelli","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9968"}},{"authorId":9969,"name":"Temple Grandin","slug":"temple-grandin","description":" <p><b>Stephen M. Shore, EdD,</b> who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.</p> <p><b>Linda G. Rastelli, MA,</b> is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9969"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;autism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764525476&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3207596\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;autism&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764525476&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3208017\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":194836,"title":"Autism Intervention Questions to Ask","slug":"autism-intervention-questions-to-ask","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194836"}},{"articleId":194835,"title":"Acronyms Associated with Autism","slug":"acronyms-associated-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194835"}},{"articleId":194870,"title":"Helpful Autism Web Sites","slug":"helpful-autism-web-sites","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194870"}},{"articleId":194834,"title":"How to Communicate with a Person with Autism","slug":"how-to-communicate-with-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194834"}},{"articleId":194871,"title":"Getting the Most from Your Autistic Child's Educational Experience","slug":"getting-the-most-from-your-autistic-childs-educational-experience","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194871"}},{"articleId":194869,"title":"How to Prepare for Emergencies with an Autistic Loved One","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-emergencies-with-an-autistic-loved-one","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194869"}},{"articleId":194868,"title":"Sample Emergency ID Card for a Person with Autism","slug":"sample-emergency-id-card-for-a-person-with-autism","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","autism"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/194868"}}],"content":[{"title":"Questions to ask about autism interventions","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Many “entrepreneurs” are only too happy to accept your money for their “miracle cures” or interventions for your loved one with autism. Keep your eyes open, and ask these questions to help you decide whether the intervention is genuine and effective:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What evidence supports the intervention’s effectiveness? Is the evidence <i>independent</i> research or just case studies? What’s the success rate of the intervention? Are there side effects or interactions?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Who else is offering the intervention, and how is yours better?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What other interventions are available? Can they be combined?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">What’s the total cost? Will my health insurance or a government program cover the cost, or is it tax deductible?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Can I speak with other people who have tried this already?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">How will the treatment help, specifically? How can I measure progress? What timeframe does the treatment call for?</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Acronyms associated with autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">As with every other condition, autism has its own set of acronyms that it pays to become familiar with. The following table helps you translate some of the acronyms you’ll see and hear over and over during your life as a caregiver of or a person with autism.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Acronym</th>\n<th>What It Stands For</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ABA</td>\n<td>Applied behavioral analysis</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>AS</td>\n<td>Asperger syndrome</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ASD</td>\n<td>Autism spectrum disorder</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BIP</td>\n<td>Behavior intervention plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>BMP</td>\n<td>Behavior management plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ESY</td>\n<td>Extended school year</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FAPE</td>\n<td>Free and appropriate public education</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>FERPA</td>\n<td>Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IDEA</td>\n<td>Individuals with Disabilities Education Act</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IEP</td>\n<td>Individualized education program</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IFSP</td>\n<td>Individualized family service plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>IPP</td>\n<td>Individual program plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ISP</td>\n<td>Individual service plan</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>LRE</td>\n<td>Least restrictive environment</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>NT</td>\n<td>Neurotypical</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"Helpful autism website","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">If you have autism or are caring for someone with autism, you can find resources, information, and legal support online. The links in the following list can help open new vistas of aid and support:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.autism-resources.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autism Resources</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.autism-society.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Autism Society</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.wrightslaw.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wrightslaw</a></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to communicate with a person who has autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Communication is one of the biggest challenges for people with autism. To engage in conversation with someone with autism, you need to shift your expectations and perhaps your style of communication a bit. The tips in the following list can help you understand and be understood by a person with autism:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Speak slowly and clearly, and don’t expect an immediate response.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be gentle, persistent, and patient. Don’t rush the person.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Provide direct instruction in social rules. Teach an emotional vocabulary.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Keep your communications simple. Don’t overwhelm.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t force eye contact or touch.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Encourage special interests, but teach give-and-take in conversation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Demonstrate behaviors, allowing time for observation and reflection.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pay attention to non-verbal signals.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Ensuring your child gets the most out of their educational system","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">Your child with autism can thrive in school. To ensure that happens, you may need to be more involved in the educational process than parents whose children don&#8217;t have autism. However, the rewards of that extra investment can really pay off for you and your child.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">The following tips can guide you and your child’s teachers to a good educational experience:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Insist on specific and measurable goals for your child’s IEP (individualized education program). Involve your child in the process.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Develop strong relationships with educational professionals. Keep it friendly, not adversarial.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Stay informed about educational laws, your district’s policies, and your child’s progress. Know your options.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Visit your child’s classroom to confirm that it’s an effective learning environment. It should have distinct areas for different subjects, comfortable lighting, good ventilation, appropriate noise level, and right-sized furniture, and the teacher should be approachable and fair.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Support your child at home by reinforcing what educators are teaching at school. Develop your child’s strengths; don’t just remediate.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If possible, make sure your child gets at least 25 hours a week of early intervention before age 3.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to prepare for emergencies with an autistic loved one","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">For many people with autism any disruption of their routine is overwhelming. We know that a serious emergency situation is enough to throw anyone off-balance. So, if you have a loved one with autism, it pays to prepare as best you can before an emergency arises. Use the following tips to prepare your autistic loved one and your whole family:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Consider attaching an identification sticker to the door or window of an autistic person’s home to prepare a person coming in to help.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create or purchase a medical alert tag, bracelet, or other notification that identifies a person with autism.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Network with relatives, friends, and others to establish a web of contacts for assistance if needed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Register the person on the autism spectrum with the community 911 service as a person with a disability.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Have an evacuation plan, and review and practice it frequently with the person on the autism spectrum.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Project a sense of calm. People with autism often sense and reflect your emotion.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Learn more about emergency preparedness on the following sites:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"https://www.ready.gov/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ready.gov</a></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Red Cross</a></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Making an emergency ID card for a person with autism","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p class=\"SortTitle\">If you have autism or you care for a person with autism, making an emergency ID card is a good idea. If you make a card for someone else, educate the person with autism to keep it on hand to share with people in confusing situations, such as when they’re approached by a uniformed person or when they have difficulty interacting with others they don’t know.</p>\n<p>The front side of wallet-size card should give the name of the person with autism and two or three contact names and numbers. The next paragraph would be a good one to copy:</p>\n<p>My name is ___________________ and I have autism, which causes me to behave in unexpected ways. Please contact one of the people listed here: (List names and phone numbers for two or three people.)</p>\n<p>On the back of the card, you can include information on autism and offer tips for dealing with the person who has autism. Here are some ideas:</p>\n<table>\n<caption><strong>Autism Information</strong></caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>I may:</th>\n<th>Please help by:</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not understand what you say</td>\n<td>Not shouting</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Appear deaf</td>\n<td>Speaking slowly and softly</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Suddenly dart away</td>\n<td>Using concrete terms</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Have difficulty speaking</td>\n<td>Giving me time to respond</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Flap my hands or rock</td>\n<td>Explaining before doing</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Not understand legal issues</td>\n<td>Employing visual aids for communication when possible</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Be overly sensitive to shiny objects, sounds, touch, or<br />\nsmells</td>\n<td>Making no sudden movements and</p>\n<p>Warning me first if you must touch me</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Feel free to print out this page and use it to design your own emergency card.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-23T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209360},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:46:41+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-23T19:58:11+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:29+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"OCD","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34064"},"slug":"ocd","categoryId":34064}],"title":"Managing OCD with CBT For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"managing ocd with cbt for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"managing-ocd-with-cbt-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a highly distressing and disabling psychiatric problem. It’s characterized by unwanted recurrent, intrusive thoughts,","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a highly distressing and disabling psychiatric problem. It’s characterized by unwanted recurrent, intrusive thoughts, impulses or images that cause marked distress.\r\n\r\nOCD is also characterized by compulsions — (often repeated) behaviors and/or mental acts in response to obsessions aimed at reducing distress or doubt or preventing harm to self or others.\r\n\r\nPeople with OCD often may also avoid triggers for their OCD or fears to avoid the distress of obsessions and the distress and time consumed by compulsions. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based psychological treatment of choice for OCD.","description":"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a highly distressing and disabling psychiatric problem. It’s characterized by unwanted recurrent, intrusive thoughts, impulses or images that cause marked distress.\r\n\r\nOCD is also characterized by compulsions — (often repeated) behaviors and/or mental acts in response to obsessions aimed at reducing distress or doubt or preventing harm to self or others.\r\n\r\nPeople with OCD often may also avoid triggers for their OCD or fears to avoid the distress of obsessions and the distress and time consumed by compulsions. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based psychological treatment of choice for OCD.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34064,"title":"OCD","slug":"ocd","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34064"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208937,"title":"Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"obsessive-compulsive-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208937"}},{"articleId":191926,"title":"Defining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD","slug":"defining-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-or-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191926"}},{"articleId":191927,"title":"The Many Forms of OCD","slug":"the-many-forms-of-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191927"}},{"articleId":191921,"title":"Tips for Living with OCD","slug":"tips-for-living-with-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/191921"}},{"articleId":138480,"title":"Exposure and Response Prevention Exercises for Managing OCD","slug":"exposure-and-response-prevention-erp-examples-for-managing-ocd","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","ocd"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/138480"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b31ed7da\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;ocd&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b31ee151\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":138478,"title":"Building a Profile of Your OCD","slug":"building-a-profile-of-your-ocd","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/138478"}},{"articleId":138476,"title":"Managing OCD with CBT: Putting ‘Pulling Yourself Together’ into Perspective","slug":"managing-ocd-with-cbt-putting-pulling-yourself-together-into-perspective","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/138476"}},{"articleId":138477,"title":"Acquiring Anti-OCD Attitudes and Action","slug":"acquiring-anti-ocd-attitudes-and-action","categoryList":[],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/138477"}}],"content":[{"title":"Building a profile of your OCD","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Just like any other problem, addressing your OCD is far more productive if you define the problem well. Here are some of the key elements of OCD to look for and target for change:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your main fears, intrusive thoughts, images, impulses or doubts</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Situations, people, objects, or activities you avoid because of your fears or obsessions</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Compulsions you carry out in your mind or in your behavior in response to your obsessions</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ways in which you and/or others may have adjusted to or accommodated your OCD, so you can try to get by in the short term</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ways in which you may practice perfectionism, black-and-white thinking, or the need for things to be just so or feel right</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ways in which you tend to take significantly more responsibility than average for causing or preventing harm</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ways in which you may be intolerant of uncertainty</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The meaning you attach to the unwanted thoughts and images that enter your mind</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">The importance you place on responding &#8220;appropriately&#8221; to an unwanted thought, image, doubt, or impulse, rather than simply dismissing it</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ways in which you attempt to control or get rid of the unwanted thoughts or images that enter your mind</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">When you’ve defined the problem a bit more clearly, you can start to think about how you can turn things on their head and start to chip away at the mechanisms that perpetuate your OCD.</p>\n"},{"title":"Putting 'pulling yourself together' into perspective","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Before you can begin to manage your OCD with cognitive behavioral therapy, you first need to understand a few things about OCD. Research indicates that OCD is a problem connected to a number of different aspects your psychology:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your emotional system, including fear, guilt, shame, disgust, and depression</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your memories</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your habit system; all too soon, avoidance and compulsions become second nature</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your mind’s natural tendency to err on the safe side to protect you from harm</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your natural instinct to protect the people you care about or see as vulnerable</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your natural human tendency to seek relief from discomfort. When your behavior produces a reduction in discomfort, even if only in the short-term, that action is reinforced (and therefore more likely to be repeated).</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Tip\">This psychological mooring is why you can’t simply &#8220;pull yourself together.&#8221; Your mind has a nasty problem you need to help it recover from. So, be kind, appropriately firm, and persistent as you help rehabilitate your mind and get it fit and flexible again.</p>\n"},{"title":"Acquiring anti-OCD attitudes and action","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>OCD’s maintenance mechanisms have deep roots in your mind, which is why it tends to be a long-lasting problem, unless you make a considerable effort to break free.</p>\n<p>It’s like asserting yourself against a bully ― you have to be forceful and deliberate. That’s why you need to devise a plan that is actively anti-OCD to free yourself from its grip. Here are some tips:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reduce and (most importantly) stop yourself from using the compulsions that you carry out physically and in your mind (called <i>response prevention</i>).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Deliberately face your fears and/or the triggers for your unwanted mental events — thoughts, images, impulses and doubts. Doing so helps you overcome your fears as you become more used to them and also gives you an opportunity to practice responding differently.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Understand that, literally, no one has control over the thoughts that pop into their head and that thoughts and images can just as easily reflect something that you don’t want to do as something that you do want to do.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reinterpret your unwanted mental events as normal. Yes, even yours. Even that one.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Recognize that if a thought of disaster has occurred to you, you don’t have to take responsibility for preventing it from happening. Letting thoughts of catastrophe pass without checking or taking precautions is normal, not irresponsible.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Know that the thoughts that pass through your mind mean as much about you as a cloud passing in the sky does. Some are nice, some nasty, and some in between. Judging yourself on the basis of your thoughts is like judging the planet Earth on the basis of a cloud that you’re looking at. Yes, the cloud is a product (is part of) the planet, but it hardly gives you a good understanding of the nature of the place.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Allow any unwanted mental events, emotions, or bodily sensations to pass of their own accord without engaging with them (for example, trying to stop, change, replace or get rid of them).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Restore confidence in your mind. Put trust back into the aspects of your mind that you may have come to mistrust: your morality, your memory, your judgment, and so on.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Reclaim your lost hobbies, interests, activities, and relationships, and fill the void left behind as your OCD reduces.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Remember\">These steps have helped countless people with OCD before you. Stick with them, and they can work for you, too.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"One year","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-03-23T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207395},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:00:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-03-07T20:27:08+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:21+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"},"slug":"codependency","categoryId":34062}],"title":"Women and Codependency","strippedTitle":"women and codependency","slug":"women-and-codependency","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Codependency affects a disproportionate number of women. Learn more about the myriad causes of this dilemma.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Although men can and do fall victim to codependency, women comprise the majority of codependents. There are many reasons in many categories: biological, developmental, political, cultural, religion, and societal.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Biological:</b> While both women and men are biologically wired for relationships, under stress, men tend to prepare for action, while women’s hormones prepare them to make sure their relationships are healthy and intact.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Developmental (gender identity): </b>Generally, girls are more dependent upon and emotionally involved with their parents. Loss of a relationship may be their biggest stressor. They tend to be more accepting of parental values, and a separation that threatens the emotional attachment with their parents creates anxiety. Thus, autonomy is their biggest challenge. Males tend to have a drive to separate from their mothers and identify with their fathers in order to establish their male identities. For males, intimacy can be a challenge.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Political: </b>Universally, women have been subordinated to men and marginalized from access to equal money, rights, and power. Oppression for generations has made women more compliant. This continues today. They’re traumatized by physical and sexual abuse far more than men, which, among other serious medical issues, lowers their self-esteem.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cultural: </b>In most cultures, girls are more restricted and have less opportunity for autonomy. Both hormones and societal norms encourage adolescent boys to be more rebellious and autonomous. They’re given more freedom and are willing to struggle for it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Religion: </b>Many patriarchal religions view women in a subservient role to men and advocate that women defer to their husbands, brothers, and other men. Women have less freedom and rights, and may have less access to education or positions of authority.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Societal: </b>Women suffer from low self-esteem and depression far more than men. It’s not clear whether this is a cause, by-product, or concurrent with codependency; however, societal attitudes are a contributing cause.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A Dove study found that over 40 percent of women are unhappy with their looks, and over two-thirds suffer low confidence about their bodies. Many blamed the airbrushed, ideal models for setting unrealistic, unattainable standards. Unfortunately, it starts in childhood. Seven in ten girls are dissatisfied with their looks, and a large number practice self-destructive behavior.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Although men can and do fall victim to codependency, women comprise the majority of codependents. There are many reasons in many categories: biological, developmental, political, cultural, religion, and societal.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Biological:</b> While both women and men are biologically wired for relationships, under stress, men tend to prepare for action, while women’s hormones prepare them to make sure their relationships are healthy and intact.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Developmental (gender identity): </b>Generally, girls are more dependent upon and emotionally involved with their parents. Loss of a relationship may be their biggest stressor. They tend to be more accepting of parental values, and a separation that threatens the emotional attachment with their parents creates anxiety. Thus, autonomy is their biggest challenge. Males tend to have a drive to separate from their mothers and identify with their fathers in order to establish their male identities. For males, intimacy can be a challenge.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Political: </b>Universally, women have been subordinated to men and marginalized from access to equal money, rights, and power. Oppression for generations has made women more compliant. This continues today. They’re traumatized by physical and sexual abuse far more than men, which, among other serious medical issues, lowers their self-esteem.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cultural: </b>In most cultures, girls are more restricted and have less opportunity for autonomy. Both hormones and societal norms encourage adolescent boys to be more rebellious and autonomous. They’re given more freedom and are willing to struggle for it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Religion: </b>Many patriarchal religions view women in a subservient role to men and advocate that women defer to their husbands, brothers, and other men. Women have less freedom and rights, and may have less access to education or positions of authority.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Societal: </b>Women suffer from low self-esteem and depression far more than men. It’s not clear whether this is a cause, by-product, or concurrent with codependency; however, societal attitudes are a contributing cause.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">A Dove study found that over 40 percent of women are unhappy with their looks, and over two-thirds suffer low confidence about their bodies. Many blamed the airbrushed, ideal models for setting unrealistic, unattainable standards. Unfortunately, it starts in childhood. Seven in ten girls are dissatisfied with their looks, and a large number practice self-destructive behavior.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. 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Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She's a sought-after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. 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Then you can develop and follow a treatment plan, which usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, self-help, and support from a network of understanding and committed friends and family members. This Cheat Sheet can help you get up to speed on the basics of bipolar disorder in a hurry.","description":"To manage bipolar disorder effectively, you first need to know what it is. Then you can develop and follow a treatment plan, which usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, self-help, and support from a network of understanding and committed friends and family members. This Cheat Sheet can help you get up to speed on the basics of bipolar disorder in a hurry.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his 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Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages?and their loved ones?to manage bipolar disorder. <b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[{"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","slug":"for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind","collectionId":287563}],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = 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Disorder?","slug":"what-is-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/140991"}},{"articleId":140992,"title":"Treating the Brain: Bipolar Medications","slug":"treating-the-brain-bipolar-medications","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/140992"}},{"articleId":140990,"title":"Maintaining Mood Stability in Bipolar Disorder","slug":"maintaining-mood-stability-in-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/140990"}},{"articleId":140993,"title":"10 Things You Can Do to Help a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder","slug":"10-things-you-can-do-to-help-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/140993"}}],"content":[{"title":"What is bipolar disorder?","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Bipolar disorder is a physical illness that affects the brain. A bipolar diagnosis requires at least one episode of <i>mania</i> (wired thinking and behaviors that negatively affect one&#8217;s ability to function) or <i>hypomania</i> (a less severe form of mania), and the disorder typically includes episodes of depression that alternate with the mania or hypomania. Your specific diagnosis depends on your symptoms.</p>\n<h2>Bipolar disorder diagnostic categories</h2>\n<p>In the United States, doctors refer to the <i>Diagnostic and</i> <i>Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders</i><i>, </i><i>Fifth Edition</i> <i>(DSM</i><i>-5</i><i>),</i> which provides several different categories for bipolar disorder:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Bipolar I:</b> The classic form of bipolar disorder involves clear-cut manic episodes, usually alternating with periods of major depression and <i>euthymic</i> (even-mood) periods. A single manic episode, even without depression, is sufficient for a bipolar I diagnosis.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Bipolar II: </b>People with bipolar II experience depressive episodes that alternate with hypomanic episodes. If mania enters the picture, the diagnosis changes to bipolar I.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cyclothymic disorder: </b>Multiple depressive and hypomanic episodes over the course of at least two years (or one year in children and adolescents) that are severe enough to disrupt life but not extreme enough, in intensity or duration, to warrant a diagnosis of bipolar I or II characterize this form of bipolar.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Substance/medication-induced bipolar disorder:</b> Bipolar symptoms can be attributed to intoxication or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol or medication side effects.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Bipolar and related disorder due to another medical condition: </b>Bipolar symptoms can be attributed to another medical condition, such as <i>hyperthyroidism</i> (overactive thyroid).</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Other specified bipolar and related disorder:</b> Introduced in <i>DSM-5,</i> this diagnosis enables doctors to diagnose bipolar disorder when symptoms characteristic of bipolar disorder significantly impair normal function or cause considerable distress, but don&#8217;t quite meet the full diagnostic criteria for the other bipolar diagnostic classes.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Unspecified bipolar disorder: </b>This form of bipolar involves variations of cycling moods that resemble manic or depressive episodes and interfere with daily routines but don&#8217;t fulfill the complete diagnostic requirements for the other classifications of bipolar disorder in this list. This diagnosis is used instead of <i>other specified bipolar and related disorder</i> when a doctor, for whatever reason, doesn&#8217;t want to go into detail about why the criteria for a specific bipolar diagnosis hasn&#8217;t been met — for example, in emergency room settings.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Bipolar disorder specifiers</h2>\n<p>The <i>DSM</i><i>-5</i> provides <i>specifiers</i> that enable doctors to more fully describe the person&#8217;s condition:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Current or most recent episode: </b>Manic, hypomanic, or depressed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Severity of illness: </b>Mild, moderate, or severe.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Presence or absence of psychosis: </b>Delusional thinking, paranoia, or hallucinations that may accompany depression or mania.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Course of illness: </b>Active (with or without psychosis), in partial remission, or in full remission.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With anxious distress: </b>If symptoms include anxiety.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With mixed features: </b>For example, mania with symptoms of depression, such as guilt, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts; or depression with symptoms of mania, such as physical agitation and racing thoughts.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With rapid cycling: </b>Four or more mood episodes in a 12-month period.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With melancholic features: </b>Extreme depression.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With atypical features: </b>Symptoms that used to be considered less typical of depression but are now recognized as frequent features of depression.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With mood-congruent psychotic features: </b>Hallucinations or delusions that reflect the mood — for example, delusions of grandiosity and power during a manic episode or delusions of guilt and hurting other people during depressed periods.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With catatonia: </b>A state of minimal responsiveness to the environment and abnormal movement.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With peripartum onset: </b>The bipolar mood episode occurs any time during pregnancy or in the four weeks after delivery.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>With seasonal pattern: </b>Mood episodes follow a pattern corresponding to the seasons or specific times of year.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">If left untreated, bipolar disorder (and other mental health disorders) could become so severe that a person suffering from them might experience thoughts of self-harm. If this is happening to you or a loved one, call the <a href=\"https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a> at <strong>(800) 273-8255</strong>, or your local suicide prevention hotline.</p>\n"},{"title":"Treating the brain: bipolar medications","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The primary treatment for bipolar disorder is medication with the goal of restoring normal brain function. The following classes of medications are often used in treating bipolar disorder and related conditions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Antimanics: </b>Medications that target mania include lithium; certain anticonvulsants, such as valproate (Depakote); and certain newer or atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa). Antimanics are often referred to as <i>mood stabilizers,</i> even though very few of them — namely, lithium and some of the atypical antipsychotics — reduce symptoms of both mania and depression.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Antidepressants: </b>Medications that target depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), and bupropion (Wellbutrin). Antidepressants must be used carefully in bipolar depression because they can be less effective or even trigger manic symptoms in some people. Lithium, the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal), and certain atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), also have antidepressant effects, typically without the risks of triggering mania.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Antipsychotics: </b>Antipsychotics were originally developed to help treat schizophrenia, but they&#8217;re often useful in treating psychosis that sometimes accompanies acute mania or depression. Many of the newer antipsychotics are also used to treat acute mania and bipolar depression, and some are used for treatment-resistant unipolar depression, but they&#8217;re still referred to as <i>antipsychotics.</i></p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Maintenance/prevention medications:</b> These are medications that are continued after an acute mood episode to reduce the likelihood that another mood cycle will occur. Lithium is the most common medicine used for this, but certain anticonvulsants such as lamotrigine (Lamictal) and some atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) can be used this way as well.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Antianxiety medications: </b>Antianxiety medications (sometimes called <i>anxiolytics</i>, pronounced ang-zy-oh-lit-ics) include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). Some medications in this category may also be used as sedatives. Antianxiety medications aren&#8217;t used to treat the bipolar disorder itself but to help with the commonly co-occurring symptoms of anxiety or agitation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Sedatives: </b>Because sleeplessness often accompanies mania or depression and may exacerbate it, doctors often prescribe sedatives (sleep aids), such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zaleplon (Sonata). These aren&#8217;t used to treat bipolar symptoms, but rather to help manage sleep issues that often affect people with bipolar and that can complicate the illness.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Other treatments, including light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS), target the biology of the brain. These therapies, like medication, are designed to treat the brain in order to alter thinking, mood, and behavior.</p>\n<p>In addition to the above, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), mindfulness training, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), seek to change thinking, mood, and behavior in order to improve brain function.</p>\n"},{"title":"Maintaining mood stability in bipolar disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>The overall treatment plan that a person with bipolar disorder should follow to achieve and maintain mood stability is fairly straightforward. Follow this treatment plan:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Take your medications as prescribed, even when you&#8217;re feeling well, and consult your doctor before making any medication changes.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Establish routines that ensure a regular sleep-wake schedule. Lack of quality sleep is related to mood instability and is often a warning sign of an impending mood episode.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Ingest healthy stuff and avoid the bad stuff, including alcohol and marijuana, which may interfere with medications and/or disrupt mood regulation.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Exercise. Even a relaxing 30-minute walk or 1 to 5 minutes of intensive exercise a few times a week can help health and mood.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Monitor your moods and seek help sooner rather than later. Early intervention can prevent major mood meltdowns.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"10 things you can do to help a loved one with bipolar disorder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If a loved one has bipolar disorder, you&#8217;re probably wondering what you can do to help. Although your loved one ultimately decides what your level of involvement will be, the two of you may want to consider the following ways you can help:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Get educated.</b> Knowing what your loved one is dealing with leads to understanding and empathy, which are essential to becoming an effective support person.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Establish a structured schedule.</b> Daily routines, especially consistent sleep-wake cycles, are important for mood stability and are much easier to maintain in a supportive, structured household.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Tone down the volume and emotions.</b> Intense emotional reactions, in particular criticism and hostility, may contribute to mood instability, so try to maintain a relatively calm atmosphere.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Avoid the four big communication no-nos.</b> Criticism, blame, judgment, and demands are likely to drive a wedge between you and your loved one. Ban those from your interactions.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hone your communication skills.</b> How you say something is often as important as what you say when talking with others. Establish a receptive forum by using effective communication techniques.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Establish expectations and responses.</b> Define expectations clearly and be specific about what is unacceptable. Be sure everyone is aware of outcomes if expectations aren&#8217;t met or unacceptable situations occur. Respond consistently without criticism, blame, judgment, or demand.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Become a problem solver.</b> When conflict arises, approach the issue as a mutual problem to be solved together instead of as a disagreement in which one person is right and the other is wrong. Work together to find ways to meet everyone&#8217;s needs.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Reschedule when discussion becomes unproductive.</b> Take a timeout when discussion begins to heat up and then return to the negotiating table when emotions have cooled.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take care of yourself.</b> One of the burdens that your loved one with bipolar carries is seeing how miserable it makes you. Feeling sorry for yourself is natural and understandable, but try as much as possible to focus on more pleasant aspects of your life, such as friends, hobbies, and managing your own well-being.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Have fun together.</b> At times, bipolar disorder may be your life, but it doesn&#8217;t always have to be. When symptoms subside, make it a point to have some enjoyable times together.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Ask your loved one for specific ways you can help, such as sitting in on doctor visits, assuming management of the family finances, or even cooking or doing the laundry. You don&#8217;t want to do everything for them; daily chores provide routine and a sense of accomplishment. But try to ease the burden, especially during times of mood instability.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-06-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207449},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:00:50+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-29T17:38:24+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:58+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"},"slug":"codependency","categoryId":34062}],"title":"The Spectrum of Codependency","strippedTitle":"the spectrum of codependency","slug":"the-spectrum-of-codependency","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Maybe you’re wondering whether you’re codependent. It may be hard to tell at first, because, unless you’re already in recovery, denial is a symptom of codepende","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Maybe you’re wondering whether you’re codependent. It may be hard to tell at first, because, unless you’re already in recovery, denial is a symptom of codependency. Whether or not you identify as codependent, you can still benefit from alleviating any symptoms you recognize. You will function better in your life. Recovery helps you to be authentic, feel good about yourself, and have more honest, open, and intimate relationships.\r\n\r\nLike most things, codependency varies on a scale from minimal to severe. When you’re under stress, symptoms flare. Some individuals show only slight symptoms, while others have all of the typical characteristics Some traits and examples may sound foreign, while you can relate to others. The severity of codependency varies depending on a number of things, such as the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your genetics</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your culture, including your religious beliefs</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your family’s dynamics</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your experience of trauma</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your role models</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your addictions or use of drugs</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Intimate relationships you may have or had with addicts</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you’re codependent, generally symptoms show up to some extent in all your relationships and in intimate ones to a greater degree. Or codependency may affect your interaction with only one person — a spouse or romantic partner, a parent, sibling, or child, or someone at work.\r\n\r\nCodependency may not affect you as much at work if you’ve had effective role models or learned interpersonal skills that help you manage. Maybe you weren’t having a problem until a particular relationship, boss, or work environment triggered you. One explanation may be that the parent has a difficult personality or the child has special needs, and the couple has adjusted to their roles and to one another, but avoids intimacy.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">The spectrum of codependency is illustrated here. The horizontal vector shows how opposite codependent personality traits can manifest in a relationship. Individuals may reverse roles. For example, you may be the pursuer in one relationship and a distancer in another, or flip back and forth in the same relationship.</p>\r\nIn an alcoholic marriage, the sober spouse may scold and blame the irresponsible, needy alcoholic, who behaves like a victim. Then their roles switch, and the alcoholic dominates and controls his or her partner. Sometimes the spouse who acts needy or “crazy” gets well, and the self-sufficient, invulnerable partner breaks down.\r\n\r\nBoth the disease and recovery exist on a scale represented by the vertical vector here. Codependent behavior and symptoms improve with recovery, described at the top, but if you don’t take steps to change, they become worse in the late stage, indicated at the bottom.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 460px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"460\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/471662.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: By Darlene Lancer]\" width=\"460\" height=\"400\" /> © Darlene Lancer[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">As you get better acquainted with the symptoms and characteristics of codependents, you may see yourself. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of having codependency, instead focus on the patterns and behaviors you want to change. If you’re committed to change, it really doesn’t matter whether or not you consider yourself a codependent. However, it’s important to realize that codependency won’t get better or go away by itself. Support is essential, because you won’t be able to make permanent changes on your own.</p>","description":"Maybe you’re wondering whether you’re codependent. It may be hard to tell at first, because, unless you’re already in recovery, denial is a symptom of codependency. Whether or not you identify as codependent, you can still benefit from alleviating any symptoms you recognize. You will function better in your life. Recovery helps you to be authentic, feel good about yourself, and have more honest, open, and intimate relationships.\r\n\r\nLike most things, codependency varies on a scale from minimal to severe. When you’re under stress, symptoms flare. Some individuals show only slight symptoms, while others have all of the typical characteristics Some traits and examples may sound foreign, while you can relate to others. The severity of codependency varies depending on a number of things, such as the following:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your genetics</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your culture, including your religious beliefs</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your family’s dynamics</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your experience of trauma</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your role models</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Your addictions or use of drugs</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Intimate relationships you may have or had with addicts</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIf you’re codependent, generally symptoms show up to some extent in all your relationships and in intimate ones to a greater degree. Or codependency may affect your interaction with only one person — a spouse or romantic partner, a parent, sibling, or child, or someone at work.\r\n\r\nCodependency may not affect you as much at work if you’ve had effective role models or learned interpersonal skills that help you manage. Maybe you weren’t having a problem until a particular relationship, boss, or work environment triggered you. One explanation may be that the parent has a difficult personality or the child has special needs, and the couple has adjusted to their roles and to one another, but avoids intimacy.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">The spectrum of codependency is illustrated here. The horizontal vector shows how opposite codependent personality traits can manifest in a relationship. Individuals may reverse roles. For example, you may be the pursuer in one relationship and a distancer in another, or flip back and forth in the same relationship.</p>\r\nIn an alcoholic marriage, the sober spouse may scold and blame the irresponsible, needy alcoholic, who behaves like a victim. Then their roles switch, and the alcoholic dominates and controls his or her partner. Sometimes the spouse who acts needy or “crazy” gets well, and the self-sufficient, invulnerable partner breaks down.\r\n\r\nBoth the disease and recovery exist on a scale represented by the vertical vector here. Codependent behavior and symptoms improve with recovery, described at the top, but if you don’t take steps to change, they become worse in the late stage, indicated at the bottom.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 460px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"460\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/471662.image0.jpg\" alt=\"[Credit: By Darlene Lancer]\" width=\"460\" height=\"400\" /> © Darlene Lancer[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCredit\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">As you get better acquainted with the symptoms and characteristics of codependents, you may see yourself. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of having codependency, instead focus on the patterns and behaviors you want to change. If you’re committed to change, it really doesn’t matter whether or not you consider yourself a codependent. However, it’s important to realize that codependency won’t get better or go away by itself. Support is essential, because you won’t be able to make permanent changes on your own.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9253"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34062,"title":"Codependency","slug":"codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":208345,"title":"Codependency For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"codependency-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208345"}},{"articleId":177227,"title":"Determining If You’re Codependent","slug":"determining-if-youre-codependent","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177227"}},{"articleId":177226,"title":"Getting Help for Your Codependency","slug":"getting-help-for-your-codependency","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177226"}},{"articleId":177200,"title":"Reducing Stress through Relaxation","slug":"reducing-stress-through-relaxation","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177200"}},{"articleId":177183,"title":"Turning the Focus onto Yourself","slug":"turning-the-focus-onto-yourself","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177183"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208345,"title":"Codependency For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"codependency-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208345"}},{"articleId":177227,"title":"Determining If You’re Codependent","slug":"determining-if-youre-codependent","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177227"}},{"articleId":177226,"title":"Getting Help for Your Codependency","slug":"getting-help-for-your-codependency","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177226"}},{"articleId":177200,"title":"Reducing Stress through Relaxation","slug":"reducing-stress-through-relaxation","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177200"}},{"articleId":177183,"title":"Turning the Focus onto Yourself","slug":"turning-the-focus-onto-yourself","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177183"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282090,"slug":"codependency-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781118982082","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118982088-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/codependency-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781118982082-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Codependency For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9253\">Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She's a sought-after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9253"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;codependency&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118982082&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b12c39b2\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;codependency&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118982082&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b12c446f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-29T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":144336},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:13:49+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-29T17:33:32+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:58+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"},"slug":"bipolar","categoryId":34060}],"title":"Brain Structure and Function of Those with Bipolar Disorder","strippedTitle":"brain structure and function of those with bipolar disorder","slug":"brain-structure-and-function-of-those-with-bipolar-disorder","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"To understand bipolar disorder in the brain, it's important to know the different parts of the brain and how its cells communicate.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas.\r\n\r\nHere is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Dissecting the brain</h2>\r\nLooking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the <i>cerebral hemispheres</i> (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the <i>cerebellum</i> (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the <i>brain stem</i> (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498793.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The human brain from the outside looking in. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" /> The human brain from the outside looking in <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]</div>\r\nWhen you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions.\r\n\r\nSeveral of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the <i>prefrontal cortex</i> and the <i>anterior cingulate cortex.</i> Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.\r\n\r\n \r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498794.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the human brain. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"268\" /> Inside the human brain <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain</h2>\r\nNow that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral hemispheres:</b> The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>frontal lobe</i> is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>parietal lobe</i> is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>temporal lobe</i> is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>occipital lobe</i> is the center for processing visual stimuli.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebellum:</b> The <i>cerebellum</i> appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brain stem:</b> The <i>brain stem</i> manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral cortex:</b> The <i>cerebral cortex</i> is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Prefrontal cortex:</b> The <i>prefrontal cortex</i> is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hippocampus:</b> The <i>hippocampus</i> is located in the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> and is especially important in learning and memory.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thalamus:</b> The <i>thalamus</i> is a structure that sits below the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hypothalamus:</b> The <i>hypothalamus</i> is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of <i>circadian rhythms</i> — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Amygdala:</b> The <i>amygdala,</i> another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Limbic system:</b> The term <i>limbic system</i> is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Anterior cingulate cortex:</b> The <i>anterior cingulate cortex</i> is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Viewing the brain under a microscope</h2>\r\nThe brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the <i>cortex,</i> often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the <i>myelin sheath.</i>\r\n\r\nWithin the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb <i>cerebrospinal fluid.</i> This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream.\r\n\r\nAnother important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia<i>.</i>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Neurons</i> form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Glial cells,</i> once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe gray matter of the cortex includes the <i>cell bodies</i> (central section) and <i>dendrites</i> (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the <i>axons</i> (another type of connecting end) of neurons.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Understanding how brain cells communicate</h2>\r\nNeurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the <i>synapse —</i> the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498795.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"294\" /> Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell.\r\n\r\nAfter a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called <i>reuptake.</i> In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as <i>neurotransmitters.</i>\r\n\r\nNervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called <i>neuropeptides</i> communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons.\r\n\r\nDisruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. <i>Intracellular</i> (within-cell) communication may also play a role.","description":"Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas.\r\n\r\nHere is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Dissecting the brain</h2>\r\nLooking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the <i>cerebral hemispheres</i> (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the <i>cerebellum</i> (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the <i>brain stem</i> (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe.\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498793.image0.jpg\" alt=\"The human brain from the outside looking in. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"301\" /> The human brain from the outside looking in <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]</div>\r\nWhen you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions.\r\n\r\nSeveral of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the <i>prefrontal cortex</i> and the <i>anterior cingulate cortex.</i> Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala.\r\n\r\n \r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498794.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Inside the human brain. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"268\" /> Inside the human brain <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\"></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain</h2>\r\nNow that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral hemispheres:</b> The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>frontal lobe</i> is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>parietal lobe</i> is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>temporal lobe</i> is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The <i>occipital lobe</i> is the center for processing visual stimuli.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nAll of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebellum:</b> The <i>cerebellum</i> appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Brain stem:</b> The <i>brain stem</i> manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Cerebral cortex:</b> The <i>cerebral cortex</i> is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Prefrontal cortex:</b> The <i>prefrontal cortex</i> is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hippocampus:</b> The <i>hippocampus</i> is located in the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> and is especially important in learning and memory.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Thalamus:</b> The <i>thalamus</i> is a structure that sits below the cortex <i>(subcortical)</i> that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Hypothalamus:</b> The <i>hypothalamus</i> is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of <i>circadian rhythms</i> — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Amygdala:</b> The <i>amygdala,</i> another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Limbic system:</b> The term <i>limbic system</i> is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Anterior cingulate cortex:</b> The <i>anterior cingulate cortex</i> is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Viewing the brain under a microscope</h2>\r\nThe brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the <i>cortex,</i> often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the <i>myelin sheath.</i>\r\n\r\nWithin the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb <i>cerebrospinal fluid.</i> This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream.\r\n\r\nAnother important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia<i>.</i>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Neurons</i> form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i>Glial cells,</i> once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThe gray matter of the cortex includes the <i>cell bodies</i> (central section) and <i>dendrites</i> (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the <i>axons</i> (another type of connecting end) of neurons.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Understanding how brain cells communicate</h2>\r\nNeurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the <i>synapse —</i> the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"535\"]<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/498795.image2.jpg\" alt=\"Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters. [Credit: Illustration by Kathryn Born, MA]\" width=\"535\" height=\"294\" /> Cell-to-cell communication via neurotransmitters <br />© Kathryn Born, MA[/caption]Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell.\r\n\r\nAfter a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called <i>reuptake.</i> In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as <i>neurotransmitters.</i>\r\n\r\nNervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called <i>neuropeptides</i> communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons.\r\n\r\nDisruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. <i>Intracellular</i> (within-cell) communication may also play a role.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34060,"title":"Bipolar","slug":"bipolar","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34060"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Dissecting the brain","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Viewing the brain under a microscope","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Understanding how brain cells communicate","target":"#tab4"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Name Brand versus Generic Medications for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Bipolar Disorder: Chart Your Moods, Sleep, and Energy Levels","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder: 7 Key Principles","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":207449,"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207449"}},{"articleId":141013,"title":"Name Brand versus Generic Medications for Bipolar Disorder","slug":"name-brand-versus-generic-medications-for-bipolar-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141013"}},{"articleId":141012,"title":"Bipolar Disorder: Chart Your Moods, Sleep, and Energy Levels","slug":"chart-your-moods-sleep-and-energy-levels","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141012"}},{"articleId":141014,"title":"The Difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder","slug":"the-difference-between-bipolar-disorder-and-borderline-personality-disorder","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141014"}},{"articleId":141002,"title":"Helping a Loved One with Bipolar Disorder: 7 Key Principles","slug":"helping-a-loved-one-with-bipolar-disorder-7-key-principles","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141002"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282000,"slug":"bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119121862","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","bipolar"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119121868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119121868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119121868-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119121868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119121868/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/bipolar-disorder-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119121862-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Bipolar Disorder For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9016\">Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages?and their loved ones?to manage bipolar disorder. <b data-author-id=\"9017\">Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9016,"name":"Candida Fink","slug":"candida-fink","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9016"}},{"authorId":9017,"name":"Joe Kraynak","slug":"joe-kraynak","description":" <p><b>Candida Fink, MD</b> is a psychiatrist, board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, who specializes in working with people of all ages&mdash;and their loved ones&mdash;to manage bipolar disorder.</p> <p><b>Joe Kraynak</b> is a professional writer who deals with bipolar in his family.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9017"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;bipolar&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119121862&quot;]}]\" 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id=\"du-slot-63221b12b11bf\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-29T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":139236},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:01:09+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-12-28T16:58:34+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:58+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"},"slug":"codependency","categoryId":34062}],"title":"The Codependency Debate","strippedTitle":"the codependency debate","slug":"the-codependency-debate","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Is the concept of codependency helpful, or is it a false diagnosis that makes people feel bad about their need for strong connections?","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The controversy around codependency is divided into two camps — for and against. At one end are mental health professionals who advocate that codependency is a widespread and treatable disease. On the other is an array of critics of codependency, who argue that it’s merely a social or cultural phenomenon, is over-diagnosed, or is an aspect of relationships that doesn’t need to change.\r\n\r\nThose in the “against” camp state that it’s natural to need and depend upon others. They claim that you only really thrive in an intimate relationship and believe that the codependency movement has hurt people and relationships by encouraging too much independence and a false sense of self-sufficiency, which can pose health risks associated with isolation.\r\n\r\nOther naysayers disparage the construct of codependency as being merely an outgrowth of Western ideals of individualism and independence, which have harmed people by diminishing their need for connection to others.\r\n\r\nFeminists also criticized the concept of codependency as sexist and pejorative against women, stating that women are traditionally nurturers and historically have been in a nondominant role due to economic, political, and cultural reasons. Investment in their relationships and partners isn’t a disorder, but has been necessary for self-preservation. Still others quarrel with Twelve Step programs (used for addiction recovery), in general, saying that they promote dependency on a group and a victim mentality.\r\n\r\nCommittees have lobbied for codependency to be recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, which would allow insurance coverage for treatment. A major obstacle is the lack of consensus about the definition of codependency and diagnostic criteria. For insurance purposes, clinicians usually diagnose patients with anxiety or depression, which are symptoms of codependency.\r\n\r\nHere are some things to think about, to help put the naysayers’ points in ­perspective:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Codependency’s detractors are correct to claim that people are meant to need, love, and care for others. Yet, when you look at codependent relationships up close, you discover that many of the benefits of healthy, intimate relationships elude codependents due to their dysfunctional patterns of interacting.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Instead of feeling supported and enhanced by relationships, the symptoms and consequences of codependency provoke anxiety in relationships and cause pain. Codependents complain of feeling lonely and unhappy <i>in</i> their relationships.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Similarly, a “false sense of self-sufficiency” is part of codependency. Codependents ignore their needs and depend upon others and frequently self-sacrifice to an unhealthy degree. They care for others in a way that leads to control, resentment, and conflict. The concept of codependency isn’t to blame for the increase in divorce, loneliness, and unhappiness. <i>Codependency itself limits our ability to have satisfactory intimate relationships.</i></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some recovering codependents choose to leave an abusive or painful relationship as an act of self-preservation. Remaining in such a relationship may also pose health risks from the chronic stress. Separation doesn’t have to lead to isolation. It’s untreated codependency that can cause people to isolate. In contrast, recovery helps individuals cope with loneliness in healthy ways by reaching out to others.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The goal is to create healthy, nurturing, interdependent relationships. Thus, recovery from codependency doesn’t necessitate ending a relationship to become independent. The aim is to be able to function better and to enjoy more intimacy and independence <i>in</i> your relationships. Calling codependency what it is doesn’t create the problem.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Finally, the term <i>codependency</i> shouldn’t be used to judge people. It arose out of Western socio-political thought and should be considered in a cultural and ethnic context. There may be instances where codependency is adaptive, and change would be disruptive. This poses a problem as American and European ideas spread to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"The controversy around codependency is divided into two camps — for and against. At one end are mental health professionals who advocate that codependency is a widespread and treatable disease. On the other is an array of critics of codependency, who argue that it’s merely a social or cultural phenomenon, is over-diagnosed, or is an aspect of relationships that doesn’t need to change.\r\n\r\nThose in the “against” camp state that it’s natural to need and depend upon others. They claim that you only really thrive in an intimate relationship and believe that the codependency movement has hurt people and relationships by encouraging too much independence and a false sense of self-sufficiency, which can pose health risks associated with isolation.\r\n\r\nOther naysayers disparage the construct of codependency as being merely an outgrowth of Western ideals of individualism and independence, which have harmed people by diminishing their need for connection to others.\r\n\r\nFeminists also criticized the concept of codependency as sexist and pejorative against women, stating that women are traditionally nurturers and historically have been in a nondominant role due to economic, political, and cultural reasons. Investment in their relationships and partners isn’t a disorder, but has been necessary for self-preservation. Still others quarrel with Twelve Step programs (used for addiction recovery), in general, saying that they promote dependency on a group and a victim mentality.\r\n\r\nCommittees have lobbied for codependency to be recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, which would allow insurance coverage for treatment. A major obstacle is the lack of consensus about the definition of codependency and diagnostic criteria. For insurance purposes, clinicians usually diagnose patients with anxiety or depression, which are symptoms of codependency.\r\n\r\nHere are some things to think about, to help put the naysayers’ points in ­perspective:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Codependency’s detractors are correct to claim that people are meant to need, love, and care for others. Yet, when you look at codependent relationships up close, you discover that many of the benefits of healthy, intimate relationships elude codependents due to their dysfunctional patterns of interacting.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Instead of feeling supported and enhanced by relationships, the symptoms and consequences of codependency provoke anxiety in relationships and cause pain. Codependents complain of feeling lonely and unhappy <i>in</i> their relationships.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Similarly, a “false sense of self-sufficiency” is part of codependency. Codependents ignore their needs and depend upon others and frequently self-sacrifice to an unhealthy degree. They care for others in a way that leads to control, resentment, and conflict. The concept of codependency isn’t to blame for the increase in divorce, loneliness, and unhappiness. <i>Codependency itself limits our ability to have satisfactory intimate relationships.</i></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Some recovering codependents choose to leave an abusive or painful relationship as an act of self-preservation. Remaining in such a relationship may also pose health risks from the chronic stress. Separation doesn’t have to lead to isolation. It’s untreated codependency that can cause people to isolate. In contrast, recovery helps individuals cope with loneliness in healthy ways by reaching out to others.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The goal is to create healthy, nurturing, interdependent relationships. Thus, recovery from codependency doesn’t necessitate ending a relationship to become independent. The aim is to be able to function better and to enjoy more intimacy and independence <i>in</i> your relationships. Calling codependency what it is doesn’t create the problem.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Finally, the term <i>codependency</i> shouldn’t be used to judge people. It arose out of Western socio-political thought and should be considered in a cultural and ethnic context. There may be instances where codependency is adaptive, and change would be disruptive. This poses a problem as American and European ideas spread to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9253"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":34062,"title":"Codependency","slug":"codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":208345,"title":"Codependency For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"codependency-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208345"}},{"articleId":177227,"title":"Determining If You’re Codependent","slug":"determining-if-youre-codependent","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177227"}},{"articleId":177226,"title":"Getting Help for Your Codependency","slug":"getting-help-for-your-codependency","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177226"}},{"articleId":177200,"title":"Reducing Stress through Relaxation","slug":"reducing-stress-through-relaxation","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177200"}},{"articleId":177183,"title":"Turning the Focus onto Yourself","slug":"turning-the-focus-onto-yourself","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177183"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":208345,"title":"Codependency For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"codependency-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208345"}},{"articleId":177227,"title":"Determining If You’re Codependent","slug":"determining-if-youre-codependent","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177227"}},{"articleId":177226,"title":"Getting Help for Your Codependency","slug":"getting-help-for-your-codependency","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177226"}},{"articleId":177200,"title":"Reducing Stress through Relaxation","slug":"reducing-stress-through-relaxation","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177200"}},{"articleId":177183,"title":"Turning the Focus onto Yourself","slug":"turning-the-focus-onto-yourself","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/177183"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282090,"slug":"codependency-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781118982082","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","emotional-health-psychology","psychology","diagnoses","codependency"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1118982088-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1118982088/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/codependency-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781118982082-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Codependency For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9253\">Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She's a sought-after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9253"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;codependency&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118982082&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b121f14e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;body-mind-spirit&quot;,&quot;emotional-health-psychology&quot;,&quot;psychology&quot;,&quot;diagnoses&quot;,&quot;codependency&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781118982082&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b121fbaa\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-12-28T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":144381},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T08:00:52+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-07-20T14:59:53+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:27+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34038"},"slug":"body-mind-spirit","categoryId":34038},{"name":"Emotional Health & Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34039"},"slug":"emotional-health-psychology","categoryId":34039},{"name":"Psychology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34053"},"slug":"psychology","categoryId":34053},{"name":"Diagnoses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34057"},"slug":"diagnoses","categoryId":34057},{"name":"Codependency","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/34062"},"slug":"codependency","categoryId":34062}],"title":"Overcome Indecisiveness to Overcome Codependency","strippedTitle":"overcome indecisiveness to overcome codependency","slug":"overcome-indecisiveness-to-overcome-codependency","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn why some people have a tough time making decisions and helpful ways to overcome indecisiveness and codependency.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"A lot of codependents know what other people should do but have a tough time making decisions for themselves, even small ones, like what to order off a menu and what to do with their free time. They may avoid decision-making altogether and practice their addiction, daydream, worry about someone, or ask others their opinions. Trouble with deciding can stem from\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being allowed to make choices in childhood</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Growing up with a controlling or authoritarian parent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being taught how to problem-solve</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not having an internal locus of control</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being aware of your feelings</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wanting to please someone else</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fear of making a mistake and your self-judgment</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fear of disappointment</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">If you grew up in a family with strict rules, or if one parent was controlling, you didn’t have an opportunity to make important decisions nor have the support of parents to help you learn how to discover your feelings about something and weigh alternatives and consequences. Children can quickly learn how to think for themselves.</p>\r\nGood parenting allows them to make age-appropriate decisions. It includes listening and reflecting back to a child their feelings and needs, and brainstorming consequences of different choices. Healthy parenting helps children identify and trust their feelings in order to develop an internal locus of control of what they want and need.\r\n\r\nWhen you don’t know what you feel and you’re not skilled in thinking through the consequences of your actions and probable outcomes, small decisions can feel monumental. Instead, you act without forethought and/or avoid them and develop a passive attitude toward your life. You may get in the habit of looking to others for guidance, and their opinions can become more important than yours. If you’re a pleaser, you won’t want to displease them.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Beware not only of friends who tell you what you should do, but of authority figures as well. Even when you’re paying a professional for advice, explore various options and make sure the action you take is aligned with your values. It may be tempting to ask a psychotherapist to make your decisions. Instead, seek help in thinking through the consequences of your options, which empowers you to make your own decisions and solve your problems.</p>\r\nIn many dysfunctional families, children are punished for making innocent mistakes. In some cases, punishment is severe, arbitrary, and unpredictable. Those fears survive even when you’re no longer living with your parents. That parent still lives inside you as your Critic and won’t allow you to forgive yourself for mistakes.\r\n\r\nPerfectionism and the desire to be infallible can haunt every decision so that you have to research every purchase, rehearse intimate conversations, and avoid new experiences. Another factor is fear of disappointment.\r\n\r\nIn troubled families, parents rarely take the time to comfort children when they’re disappointed. Coping with disappointment is a part of maturity, learned when parents understand and empathize with their children’s feelings.\r\n\r\nHere are some tips in making decisions:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write down all possible options.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write the consequences of each, including your feelings.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To help you, visualize the results and experience how you feel in your body.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Talk over your options with someone you trust who won’t judge you or tell you what to do, but who listens and lets you decide for yourself.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A graph can help you visually compare aspects of different choices. List your options down the left side of the chart and write the elements to consider along the top, such as cost, convenience, time expended, value, and reward. You can add a column for consequences, and rank them from 1 to 10. Factors will vary, depending on the type of decision. Comparing which car to buy would include things like maintenance, comfort, price, depreciation, and mileage. (This technique doesn’t work as well with decisions that are more feeling-based.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDecisions aren’t right or wrong; there are only consequences. Many times you won’t know until you take a risk and make a choice. Give yourself permission to experiment, change your mind, and make mistakes. This is how you grow and get to know yourself and the world.","description":"A lot of codependents know what other people should do but have a tough time making decisions for themselves, even small ones, like what to order off a menu and what to do with their free time. They may avoid decision-making altogether and practice their addiction, daydream, worry about someone, or ask others their opinions. Trouble with deciding can stem from\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being allowed to make choices in childhood</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Growing up with a controlling or authoritarian parent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being taught how to problem-solve</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not having an internal locus of control</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Not being aware of your feelings</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wanting to please someone else</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fear of making a mistake and your self-judgment</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fear of disappointment</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">If you grew up in a family with strict rules, or if one parent was controlling, you didn’t have an opportunity to make important decisions nor have the support of parents to help you learn how to discover your feelings about something and weigh alternatives and consequences. Children can quickly learn how to think for themselves.</p>\r\nGood parenting allows them to make age-appropriate decisions. It includes listening and reflecting back to a child their feelings and needs, and brainstorming consequences of different choices. Healthy parenting helps children identify and trust their feelings in order to develop an internal locus of control of what they want and need.\r\n\r\nWhen you don’t know what you feel and you’re not skilled in thinking through the consequences of your actions and probable outcomes, small decisions can feel monumental. Instead, you act without forethought and/or avoid them and develop a passive attitude toward your life. You may get in the habit of looking to others for guidance, and their opinions can become more important than yours. If you’re a pleaser, you won’t want to displease them.\r\n<p class=\"Warning\">Beware not only of friends who tell you what you should do, but of authority figures as well. Even when you’re paying a professional for advice, explore various options and make sure the action you take is aligned with your values. It may be tempting to ask a psychotherapist to make your decisions. Instead, seek help in thinking through the consequences of your options, which empowers you to make your own decisions and solve your problems.</p>\r\nIn many dysfunctional families, children are punished for making innocent mistakes. In some cases, punishment is severe, arbitrary, and unpredictable. Those fears survive even when you’re no longer living with your parents. That parent still lives inside you as your Critic and won’t allow you to forgive yourself for mistakes.\r\n\r\nPerfectionism and the desire to be infallible can haunt every decision so that you have to research every purchase, rehearse intimate conversations, and avoid new experiences. Another factor is fear of disappointment.\r\n\r\nIn troubled families, parents rarely take the time to comfort children when they’re disappointed. Coping with disappointment is a part of maturity, learned when parents understand and empathize with their children’s feelings.\r\n\r\nHere are some tips in making decisions:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write down all possible options.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Write the consequences of each, including your feelings.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">To help you, visualize the results and experience how you feel in your body.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Talk over your options with someone you trust who won’t judge you or tell you what to do, but who listens and lets you decide for yourself.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A graph can help you visually compare aspects of different choices. List your options down the left side of the chart and write the elements to consider along the top, such as cost, convenience, time expended, value, and reward. You can add a column for consequences, and rank them from 1 to 10. Factors will vary, depending on the type of decision. Comparing which car to buy would include things like maintenance, comfort, price, depreciation, and mileage. (This technique doesn’t work as well with decisions that are more feeling-based.)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nDecisions aren’t right or wrong; there are only consequences. Many times you won’t know until you take a risk and make a choice. Give yourself permission to experiment, change your mind, and make mistakes. This is how you grow and get to know yourself and the world.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9253,"name":"Darlene Lancer","slug":"darlene-lancer","description":" <p><b>Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT,</b> is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in relationships and codependency. Ms. Lancer has counseled individuals and couples for 28 years and coaches internationally. She&#39;s a sought&#45;after speaker to professionals at national conferences and in the media. 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Learn about autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, codependency, and other common mental health conditions. We explain what they are, how they're treated, and where you can find support.

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OCD OCD For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 10-24-2022

Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, poses challenges, not the least of which is making sure you don’t let your OCD define you. If OCD is part of your life, make the effort to focus on other health needs as well. Learn about what the disorder is and the many forms it takes so that you can start overcoming the disorder.

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PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-12-2022

Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) give medical professionals clues to help make proper diagnosis of the disabling condition. The right medications, a good attitude, and positive affirmations can help to relieve the overwhelming signs of PTSD.

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Autism Understanding Autism For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-23-2022

As you're learning more about autism, this Cheat Sheet can serve as a handy reference to the related acronyms and helpful websites. It also provides tips on how to communicate with a person who has autism, make sure they get the most from their education, and ensure they are properly prepared for emergencies.

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OCD Managing OCD with CBT For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-23-2022

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be a highly distressing and disabling psychiatric problem. It’s characterized by unwanted recurrent, intrusive thoughts, impulses or images that cause marked distress. OCD is also characterized by compulsions — (often repeated) behaviors and/or mental acts in response to obsessions aimed at reducing distress or doubt or preventing harm to self or others. People with OCD often may also avoid triggers for their OCD or fears to avoid the distress of obsessions and the distress and time consumed by compulsions. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based psychological treatment of choice for OCD.

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Codependency Women and Codependency

Article / Updated 03-07-2022

Although men can and do fall victim to codependency, women comprise the majority of codependents. There are many reasons in many categories: biological, developmental, political, cultural, religion, and societal. Biological: While both women and men are biologically wired for relationships, under stress, men tend to prepare for action, while women’s hormones prepare them to make sure their relationships are healthy and intact. Developmental (gender identity): Generally, girls are more dependent upon and emotionally involved with their parents. Loss of a relationship may be their biggest stressor. They tend to be more accepting of parental values, and a separation that threatens the emotional attachment with their parents creates anxiety. Thus, autonomy is their biggest challenge. Males tend to have a drive to separate from their mothers and identify with their fathers in order to establish their male identities. For males, intimacy can be a challenge. Political: Universally, women have been subordinated to men and marginalized from access to equal money, rights, and power. Oppression for generations has made women more compliant. This continues today. They’re traumatized by physical and sexual abuse far more than men, which, among other serious medical issues, lowers their self-esteem. Cultural: In most cultures, girls are more restricted and have less opportunity for autonomy. Both hormones and societal norms encourage adolescent boys to be more rebellious and autonomous. They’re given more freedom and are willing to struggle for it. Religion: Many patriarchal religions view women in a subservient role to men and advocate that women defer to their husbands, brothers, and other men. Women have less freedom and rights, and may have less access to education or positions of authority. Societal: Women suffer from low self-esteem and depression far more than men. It’s not clear whether this is a cause, by-product, or concurrent with codependency; however, societal attitudes are a contributing cause. A Dove study found that over 40 percent of women are unhappy with their looks, and over two-thirds suffer low confidence about their bodies. Many blamed the airbrushed, ideal models for setting unrealistic, unattainable standards. Unfortunately, it starts in childhood. Seven in ten girls are dissatisfied with their looks, and a large number practice self-destructive behavior.

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Bipolar Bipolar Disorder For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-24-2022

To manage bipolar disorder effectively, you first need to know what it is. Then you can develop and follow a treatment plan, which usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, self-help, and support from a network of understanding and committed friends and family members. This Cheat Sheet can help you get up to speed on the basics of bipolar disorder in a hurry.

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Codependency The Spectrum of Codependency

Article / Updated 12-29-2021

Maybe you’re wondering whether you’re codependent. It may be hard to tell at first, because, unless you’re already in recovery, denial is a symptom of codependency. Whether or not you identify as codependent, you can still benefit from alleviating any symptoms you recognize. You will function better in your life. Recovery helps you to be authentic, feel good about yourself, and have more honest, open, and intimate relationships. Like most things, codependency varies on a scale from minimal to severe. When you’re under stress, symptoms flare. Some individuals show only slight symptoms, while others have all of the typical characteristics Some traits and examples may sound foreign, while you can relate to others. The severity of codependency varies depending on a number of things, such as the following: Your genetics Your culture, including your religious beliefs Your family’s dynamics Your experience of trauma Your role models Your addictions or use of drugs Intimate relationships you may have or had with addicts If you’re codependent, generally symptoms show up to some extent in all your relationships and in intimate ones to a greater degree. Or codependency may affect your interaction with only one person — a spouse or romantic partner, a parent, sibling, or child, or someone at work. Codependency may not affect you as much at work if you’ve had effective role models or learned interpersonal skills that help you manage. Maybe you weren’t having a problem until a particular relationship, boss, or work environment triggered you. One explanation may be that the parent has a difficult personality or the child has special needs, and the couple has adjusted to their roles and to one another, but avoids intimacy. The spectrum of codependency is illustrated here. The horizontal vector shows how opposite codependent personality traits can manifest in a relationship. Individuals may reverse roles. For example, you may be the pursuer in one relationship and a distancer in another, or flip back and forth in the same relationship. In an alcoholic marriage, the sober spouse may scold and blame the irresponsible, needy alcoholic, who behaves like a victim. Then their roles switch, and the alcoholic dominates and controls his or her partner. Sometimes the spouse who acts needy or “crazy” gets well, and the self-sufficient, invulnerable partner breaks down. Both the disease and recovery exist on a scale represented by the vertical vector here. Codependent behavior and symptoms improve with recovery, described at the top, but if you don’t take steps to change, they become worse in the late stage, indicated at the bottom. As you get better acquainted with the symptoms and characteristics of codependents, you may see yourself. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of having codependency, instead focus on the patterns and behaviors you want to change. If you’re committed to change, it really doesn’t matter whether or not you consider yourself a codependent. However, it’s important to realize that codependency won’t get better or go away by itself. Support is essential, because you won’t be able to make permanent changes on your own.

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Bipolar Brain Structure and Function of Those with Bipolar Disorder

Article / Updated 12-29-2021

Pinpointing the location of bipolar disorder in your brain is almost as difficult as finding affordable health insurance. Brain imaging studies have found few consistent changes when looking at large brain structures. They've had much more success looking at changes at the cellular level and, in particular, at functional changes in cells and groups of cells in different brain areas. Here is some basic brain anatomy and physiology that helps explain the research. Dissecting the brain Looking at a whole human brain from the outside, as shown, you see the cerebral hemispheres (the large sections, not labeled in the figure, that comprise most of the brain), the cerebellum (the small ball toward the back of the hemispheres), and the brain stem (a long, thin structure leaving the brain and connecting it to the spinal cord). The cerebral hemispheres are divided into four sections that serve broadly different functions — the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe. When you open the brain up, pulling the two hemispheres apart into two equal parts, and look inside, you see a number of brain structures within the hemispheres. Within the outer layer, researchers have identified a number of cell areas related to different functions. Several of these areas appear frequently in studies of bipolar, including the prefrontal cortex and the anterior cingulate cortex. Below the large outer layer are a number of structures, some of which are quite important in bipolar disorder research, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Exploring the functions of different areas of the brain Now that you have a bird's-eye view of the brain, consider the functions of some of these areas: Cerebral hemispheres: The cerebral hemispheres include most of the thinking and planning parts of the brain as well as areas important to sensory input and learning and memory. The areas are as follows: The frontal lobe is the executive of the brain, serving to coordinate and manage the many functions within the body and brain. The parietal lobe is involved in managing sensory experiences, in addition to playing a role in many other functions. The temporal lobe is involved in smell and auditory sensory input, speech and language, and memory and learning. The occipital lobe is the center for processing visual stimuli. All of these areas perform many other functions, as well, and functions may overlap between areas. Cerebellum: The cerebellum appears to manage the fine-tuning of complex movements and also seems to be involved in regulating thought, language, and mood responses. Brain stem: The brain stem manages basic survival mechanisms, such as breathing and the heartbeat, and is involved in the management of consciousness, alertness, and sleep/wake cycles. Cerebral cortex: The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of brain cells in the hemispheres. It's considered to be the site of higher level thinking, coordinating incoming information and generating movement, actions, and thoughts. It's broken down into a number of smaller areas associated with specific types of function. Prefrontal cortex: The prefrontal cortex is a section of the cerebral cortex that is highly developed and is involved in regulating complex thinking and behavior; it's considered a center of judgment and planning. Hippocampus: The hippocampus is located in the cortex (subcortical) and is especially important in learning and memory. Thalamus: The thalamus is a structure that sits below the cortex (subcortical) that serves as a relay station for sensorimotor input, conveying it to areas of the cortex. It also regulates sleep, consciousness, and levels of alertness. Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is also subcortical and regulates many survival mechanisms such as hunger/thirst and sleep/wake and energy cycles, all components of circadian rhythms — physical, mental, and behavioral patterns that occur in approximately 24-hour cycles. Amygdala: The amygdala, another subcortical area, is a major player in the brain's reaction to emotions. Limbic system: The term limbic system is used to describe a number of brain areas important to emotional function. The list of areas can be different in different textbooks but the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala are considered main components of this system. Anterior cingulate cortex: The anterior cingulate cortex is a part of the cortex that has strong associations between the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system and is thought to play an important role in regulation of strong emotions. Viewing the brain under a microscope The brain has several layers. The outer layer of the brain is called the cortex, often referred to as the gray matter. The layer beneath the cortex is a network of fibers that connect different areas of the brain, often referred to as the white matter. The fibers are protected and insulated by a layer called the myelin sheath. Within the brain is a system of cavities, including spaces called the ventricles, that make, circulate, and then reabsorb cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid serves as a mechanical shock absorber to the brain but also brings nutrients from and filters waste back into the blood stream. Another important component of brain anatomy is comprised of cells that make up all of these structures. Brain cells include neurons and glia. Neurons form the telecommunications system in the brain and body, dictating body functions by generating, sending, and reacting to electrochemical signals. Glial cells, once thought to be just a support network for neurons, play a major role in brain function and in the brain's communications and reaction systems. The gray matter of the cortex includes the cell bodies (central section) and dendrites (one of the connecting ends) of neurons, as well as glial cells. The white matter is made up of the axons (another type of connecting end) of neurons. Understanding how brain cells communicate Neurons communicate with one another in many different ways, but communication occurs primarily across the synapse — the space between neurons or between neurons and other cells, such as a gland or muscle cell. The most common type of communication occurs when one end of the neuron (often the axon, but not always) releases a chemical messenger into the synapse (as shown in the figure below). The next cell (often the dendrite of another neuron) receives the chemical messenger. Receptors on the outside of the second cell latch onto the chemical messenger. Cells have many different types of receptors for all of the chemical messengers; the type of receptor influences how the message is received and processed and how the instructions are transmitted to the second cell. After a chemical messenger occupies the receptor, it can generate many different responses in the receiving cell, depending on the chemical messenger and the receptor type. After the messenger has done its job, it's released from the receptor and then taken back into the first cell, a process called reuptake. In the brain, the chemical messengers are often referred to as neurotransmitters. Nervous system cells communicate in ways beyond the synapse. For example, chemicals called neuropeptides communicate between cells but not across synapses. Of great importance in the current research on bipolar disorder is the communication between glial cells and neurons. Disruptions in these communication systems may be at least as important as problems in neuron-to-neuron transmissions. Intracellular (within-cell) communication may also play a role.

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Codependency The Codependency Debate

Article / Updated 12-28-2021

The controversy around codependency is divided into two camps — for and against. At one end are mental health professionals who advocate that codependency is a widespread and treatable disease. On the other is an array of critics of codependency, who argue that it’s merely a social or cultural phenomenon, is over-diagnosed, or is an aspect of relationships that doesn’t need to change. Those in the “against” camp state that it’s natural to need and depend upon others. They claim that you only really thrive in an intimate relationship and believe that the codependency movement has hurt people and relationships by encouraging too much independence and a false sense of self-sufficiency, which can pose health risks associated with isolation. Other naysayers disparage the construct of codependency as being merely an outgrowth of Western ideals of individualism and independence, which have harmed people by diminishing their need for connection to others. Feminists also criticized the concept of codependency as sexist and pejorative against women, stating that women are traditionally nurturers and historically have been in a nondominant role due to economic, political, and cultural reasons. Investment in their relationships and partners isn’t a disorder, but has been necessary for self-preservation. Still others quarrel with Twelve Step programs (used for addiction recovery), in general, saying that they promote dependency on a group and a victim mentality. Committees have lobbied for codependency to be recognized as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, which would allow insurance coverage for treatment. A major obstacle is the lack of consensus about the definition of codependency and diagnostic criteria. For insurance purposes, clinicians usually diagnose patients with anxiety or depression, which are symptoms of codependency. Here are some things to think about, to help put the naysayers’ points in ­perspective: Codependency’s detractors are correct to claim that people are meant to need, love, and care for others. Yet, when you look at codependent relationships up close, you discover that many of the benefits of healthy, intimate relationships elude codependents due to their dysfunctional patterns of interacting. Instead of feeling supported and enhanced by relationships, the symptoms and consequences of codependency provoke anxiety in relationships and cause pain. Codependents complain of feeling lonely and unhappy in their relationships. Similarly, a “false sense of self-sufficiency” is part of codependency. Codependents ignore their needs and depend upon others and frequently self-sacrifice to an unhealthy degree. They care for others in a way that leads to control, resentment, and conflict. The concept of codependency isn’t to blame for the increase in divorce, loneliness, and unhappiness. Codependency itself limits our ability to have satisfactory intimate relationships. Some recovering codependents choose to leave an abusive or painful relationship as an act of self-preservation. Remaining in such a relationship may also pose health risks from the chronic stress. Separation doesn’t have to lead to isolation. It’s untreated codependency that can cause people to isolate. In contrast, recovery helps individuals cope with loneliness in healthy ways by reaching out to others. The goal is to create healthy, nurturing, interdependent relationships. Thus, recovery from codependency doesn’t necessitate ending a relationship to become independent. The aim is to be able to function better and to enjoy more intimacy and independence in your relationships. Calling codependency what it is doesn’t create the problem. Finally, the term codependency shouldn’t be used to judge people. It arose out of Western socio-political thought and should be considered in a cultural and ethnic context. There may be instances where codependency is adaptive, and change would be disruptive. This poses a problem as American and European ideas spread to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

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Codependency Overcome Indecisiveness to Overcome Codependency

Article / Updated 07-20-2021

A lot of codependents know what other people should do but have a tough time making decisions for themselves, even small ones, like what to order off a menu and what to do with their free time. They may avoid decision-making altogether and practice their addiction, daydream, worry about someone, or ask others their opinions. Trouble with deciding can stem from Not being allowed to make choices in childhood Growing up with a controlling or authoritarian parent Not being taught how to problem-solve Not having an internal locus of control Not being aware of your feelings Wanting to please someone else Fear of making a mistake and your self-judgment Fear of disappointment If you grew up in a family with strict rules, or if one parent was controlling, you didn’t have an opportunity to make important decisions nor have the support of parents to help you learn how to discover your feelings about something and weigh alternatives and consequences. Children can quickly learn how to think for themselves. Good parenting allows them to make age-appropriate decisions. It includes listening and reflecting back to a child their feelings and needs, and brainstorming consequences of different choices. Healthy parenting helps children identify and trust their feelings in order to develop an internal locus of control of what they want and need. When you don’t know what you feel and you’re not skilled in thinking through the consequences of your actions and probable outcomes, small decisions can feel monumental. Instead, you act without forethought and/or avoid them and develop a passive attitude toward your life. You may get in the habit of looking to others for guidance, and their opinions can become more important than yours. If you’re a pleaser, you won’t want to displease them. Beware not only of friends who tell you what you should do, but of authority figures as well. Even when you’re paying a professional for advice, explore various options and make sure the action you take is aligned with your values. It may be tempting to ask a psychotherapist to make your decisions. Instead, seek help in thinking through the consequences of your options, which empowers you to make your own decisions and solve your problems. In many dysfunctional families, children are punished for making innocent mistakes. In some cases, punishment is severe, arbitrary, and unpredictable. Those fears survive even when you’re no longer living with your parents. That parent still lives inside you as your Critic and won’t allow you to forgive yourself for mistakes. Perfectionism and the desire to be infallible can haunt every decision so that you have to research every purchase, rehearse intimate conversations, and avoid new experiences. Another factor is fear of disappointment. In troubled families, parents rarely take the time to comfort children when they’re disappointed. Coping with disappointment is a part of maturity, learned when parents understand and empathize with their children’s feelings. Here are some tips in making decisions: Write down all possible options. Write the consequences of each, including your feelings. To help you, visualize the results and experience how you feel in your body. Talk over your options with someone you trust who won’t judge you or tell you what to do, but who listens and lets you decide for yourself. A graph can help you visually compare aspects of different choices. List your options down the left side of the chart and write the elements to consider along the top, such as cost, convenience, time expended, value, and reward. You can add a column for consequences, and rank them from 1 to 10. Factors will vary, depending on the type of decision. Comparing which car to buy would include things like maintenance, comfort, price, depreciation, and mileage. (This technique doesn’t work as well with decisions that are more feeling-based.) Decisions aren’t right or wrong; there are only consequences. Many times you won’t know until you take a risk and make a choice. Give yourself permission to experiment, change your mind, and make mistakes. This is how you grow and get to know yourself and the world.

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