October 2008

Quote of the Month:

“Courage is a door that can only be opened from the inside.”

~ Terry Neil

In this newsletter:

1) Fast Help: ADHD and Medication
2) Therapist Q&A: Sex Therapy
3) Psychology News In Brief - New staff member added!
4) Programs To Help You: FREE DEPRESSION SCREENING
5) Reading Recommendations

1) Fast Help: ADHD and Medication

ADHD, or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, is a behavior disorder in children and adults. ADHD generally has three types, including Inattentive behavior, Hyperactive/Impulsive behavior, or a combination of the two. Medication is commonly used to treat the symptoms of Hyperactivity and/or Inattentiveness in children (and adults).

However, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo believe that medication shouldn’t be used as often as it currently is for treatment of ADHD in children. For one, researchers aren’t certain about the long-term effects of medication prescribed for ADHD. Also, they state that such medication has been known to stunt growth of children by up to two inches in children who have been prescribed high dosages.

Furthermore, the study emphasizes that, while medication can help with symptoms as “restlessness, fidgeting or impulsiveness in a classroom, they don’t directly address ADHD’s impairments” according to researcher Greg Fabiano, Ph.D. Those impairments often include difficulty with peer, parental and family relationships, as well as difficulty with math and reading.

The study suggests strategies including a self-paced computer math program as well as peer-tutoring, which has demonstrated some success by researchers. These techniques have shown to improve math and reading performance and an improvement in behavior. The study also stresses the importance of teaching behavior modification techniques to children, parents, and teachers. (From Monitor on Psychology, October 2008).

Psychotherapy is a central component in the successful treatment of ADHD as it addresses behavioral modification for the child. Also, parents and teachers can gain supportive coaching from therapists with developing and monitoring behavioral modification programs. As a result, children learn new ways of developing awareness and self-monitoring.

2) Therapist Q&A: Sex Therapy

When is it an important time to consider sex therapy?

It is common for many psychotherapists to see couples who are struggling with sexual problems. Oftentimes, clients are initially most worried about the physiological (or physical) component of their sex lives (or lack thereof) when they present to therapy. While it is very important step to always rule out any medical issues, it is often uncovered during psychotherapy that deeper underlying issues, such as lack of emotional closeness or intimacy in the relationship, are often the root of sexual dissatisfaction. Especially for women, emotional closeness is a stepping stone to physical intimacy. Sometimes, individual as well as relationship issues need to be resolved before emotional intimacy can be achieved. A lack of trust, a past affair, past abuse, conflict in regards to parenting, or any other underlying resentment are examples of issues that, if not addressed or resolved, will be a roadblock to emotional intimacy. In a relationship, it is important to consider the factors that are hindering emotional intimacy or a lack of connectedness. Through therapy, once individuals and couples are able to identify barriers and make a commitment to themselves and each other to resolve those barriers, communication improves, they become closer and most likely enjoy an improvement in their sex lives.

3) Psychology News In Brief

Anti-depressants can impair driving ability, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of North Dakota. The study revealed that drivers on anti-depressants performed worse in the areas of “steering, concentration and scanning”. The study advised that patients be made aware of the negative side effects of anti-depressants. (From Monitor on Psychology, October 2008). As consumers, patients should be advised thoroughly of any negative side effects of medications they are taking. Do not hesitate to ask questions when being prescribed medication.

CPA adds news staff member! CPA is pleased to welcome staff therapist Tara Magaw, MA, LPC to our team. Tara specializes in seeing younger children and has worked extensively with at-risk youths. To read more about Tara and the other services she provides, please see her profile on our website: http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/tara-.htm. Welcome to the team, Tara!

4) Programs To Help You

DEPRESSION SCREENING OFFERED AT CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATES

In honor of National Depression Screening Month, Clinical Psychology Associates is offering complimentary depression screenings. Screenings are completely confidential, private, and are offered at convenient times. Please contact Christine Lerner, LCSW, Programs Coordinator at 262-251-1112 ext. 8 to set up a free consultation.

In addition to the traditional counseling services we provide, at Clinical Psychology Associates we also offer the following:

• Depression Screening
• Anxiety Screening
• Marriage/Relationship Enrichment Program
• Smoking Cessation
• Career Counseling

For information regarding any of these programs or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our programs coordinator, Chris Lerner at lernerc@hotmail.com or 262-251-1112, ext 8. For a full listing of the services we offer, please go to http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/services.htm.

5) Reading Recommendations

CPA Newsletter reader recommendation:

“I read a book called The Dance of Fear (by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D.), and it honestly changed my outlook on fear and anxiety. The main points I took away from the book was that fear/anxiety/stress (whatever you want to call the YUCK stuff) has a job...And, most importantly - IT IS GOOD AT ITS JOB!! Wow what a different perspective I had after reading this!... Changes I made in my life after reading the book included what I think is a very healthy way of managing a stressor. Typically, my first step is recognizing it... I accept it; I acknowledge it. Now I gotta do something to make sure it doesn't get the better of me. The book then taught me, or I guess I interpreted for my use, to sort of make my stress almost like another person. I kind of talk to it....But somehow in making it like another person...I feel it has less power over me. I think it's a great recommendation.”

Staff therapist Ann Griswold, LCSW recommends:

He: Understanding Masculine Psychology; and She: Understanding Feminine Psychology by Robert A. Johnson
These books use Greek Mythology to understand male and female psychology and what it means to be a man or a woman. Great books for understanding oneself or to better understand people of the opposite sex.

We: Understanding the Psychology of Romantic Love by Robert A. Johnson
Discusses the psychology of romantic love through the use of mythology. It is beneficial to first read “He” and “She” (above).

We welcome the titles and authors of any appropriate books you have found to be particularly useful. We may then share them in this newsletter and on our website (your name will be withheld for confidentiality purposes). If you have a book or similar resource you would like to share, please email the title, author, and a brief description to cpa@wi.rr.com.