newsletter february 2012

`xÇàtÄ [xtÄà{ TááÉv|tà|ÉÇ Éy fÉâà{ãxáà YÄÉÜ|wt

Support Groups:

• Here for Life

1st Tuesday every Month

7:00 PM

• Veterans

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:30PM

• Depression

Thursday

10:30AM - Noon

February 2012

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida would like to

Thank those dedicated, foresighted founders and dynamic volunteers

whose energetic efforts and activities that have resulted in our 55

years of service to the community.

A small group, concerned over the lack of mental health resources in

our community, met for the first time in January 1957.

The twenty-nine Charter members had a dream… a dream of

adequate and affordable mental health services for citizens of all

ages. In order to reach their goal, it would necessitate educating

the public about mental health. It would mean taking on the role of

advocates and it would require an all out effort to gain support and

involvement of others in the community.

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet

needs and develops culturally sensitive services and programs to

improve the lives of those facing the many challenges of today’s

world in our community. We pride ourselves on being the “link”

for mental health and mental wellness.

““““We’re Making A Difference”We’re Making A Difference”We’re Making A Difference”We’re Making A Difference”

Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years

of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!

55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of

providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services

throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout

SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL

Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957

Coming Events:

♦ February 11, 2012

Putting Children First

♦February 24th, 2012

Monarch Therapy

Open House 4-8PM

♦ February 25, 2012


♦ March 3, 2012

Diversity Festival

♦ March 10, 2012


♦ March 24, 2012


Mental Health Matters

February 2012


Attention Deficit Disorder also called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is common.

It is caused by a relative absence of the neurotransmitter dopamine in certain pathways in the front part of the brain.

This neurochemical defect can be demonstrated using PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) technology.

ADD/ADHD is genetic. If a parent has it, it is likely that one or more children will have it. If a child has it, it is very likely that a

brother or sister will also have it. Most patients with ADD/ADHD are never diagnosed. They go through their entire life without

ever being diagnosed. Most of them are quite successful.

They succeed in spite of real problems with concentration. Most have figured out ways to counter the concentration defect.

For some, the effort they expend to overcome the difficulty concentrating can be exhausting. The key to the correct diagnosis of

ADD/ADHD is recognition of a defect in concentration first appearing before age 10. Patients do not have to be hyperactive or

impulsive to have the diagnosis.

The crucial element in making the diagnosis is the concentration problem first appearing before age 10 years.

Diagnosis:

Though all patients are required to have the concentration element for the diagnosis, hyperactivity and impulsivity components

may or may not be present in the early school years. Even if hyperactivity and impulsivity are present in childhood, they may

disappear in adulthood.

Hyperactivity causes children to be unable to sit still for more than a few minutes. It causes them to fidget, spontaneously get up

during class, move about, touch things, etc. The impulsive component causes children to blurt out answers in class without waiting

their turn and to have great difficulty standing in line. In clinical practice there is no blood test, CT scan or other physiologic test to make the diagnosis. Paper and pencil lists of symptoms can be useful but the essential characteristic is concentration difficulty starting before the age of ten. Treatment: Only a few treatments have shown significant, enduring benefit. The effective treatments are stimulants. They correct

the deficiency of dopamine in the frontal areas of the brain for a period of hours. Non stimulant medications (Strattera and

Wellbutrin) can be somewhat useful. However, in general they are not very effective. They take weeks to exert their modest

influence. Talking treatments and behavioral strategies can be supportive and somewhat helpful but in general do not provide

robust benefit that lasts. Drug companies continually modify stimulant medications 1) to obtain new patents and 2) generate

large profits.

In general, these time release stimulants are no better than the original generic stimulants methylphenidate (Ritalin) and

amphetamine salts (Adderall). These expensive agents may save a child a trip to visit the school nurse for his/her dose of

medication. On the other hand, the time-release preparation may not fit the child’s needs! If 20% of the medication

releases early when the child needs 35% for good effect he may spend his time during a math test starring into space instead of focusing on his work. My preference is to use the short acting stimulants dosed to meet the child or adult’s specific needs morning, noon and if necessary late afternoon. Stimulants can decrease appetite. For this reason they are best dosed during or after a meal. Stimulants can also interfere with sleep. Taking a dose early enough in the afternoon can preserve sleep. The effects of undiagnosed, untreated or inadequately treated ADD/ADHD can be devastating. Children who are capable of A’s and scholarships to college may not finish high school or may opt for a technical curriculum not because of a preference for the subject but because of inability to perform academically. Adults with untreated ADD/ADHD may show a higher inci-dence of job changes, divorce, under employment, etc. If you or someone you know has had concentration difficulties starting before age 10, consider that ADD/ADHD may be present. Concentration problems first appearing later in life are gener-

ally caused by other conditions (depression in children and adults and depression and dementia in the elderly).

Contact a mental health professional. Let them explain the specific criteria that identify ADD/ADHD and recommend treatment.

References:

Cooper WO, Habel LA et al, ADHD Drugs and Serious Cardiovascular Events… N Engl J Med. 2011, Nov 17; 365(20):1896-904.

Levin, A, Stimulant Treatment Doesn’t Appear to Raise Drug-Abuse Risk, Psychiatric News Dec 17,2010, V45 #24 pg 5-5

Wolfe J, Parental Behavior Training Reduces ADHD Symptoms. Psychiatric News Dec 16, 2011, V45 #24 10-33.

Geller B, Zimmerman B, et al; DSMIV Mania Symptoms….Compared to ADHD…; Focus 2004; 2:586-595.

By Dr. Daniel A. Deutschman

Attention Deficit? Has concentration been a problem since before age 10?Attention Deficit? Has concentration been a problem since before age 10?

February 2012


Gollee’s TipGollee’s Tip What is Conduct Disorder? Conduct disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in children and adolescents in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated. The child or adolescent usually exhibits these behavior patterns in a variety of settings—at home, at school, and in social situations—and they cause significant impairment in his or her social, academic, and family functioning.

What are the signs and symptoms of Conduct Disorder? Behaviors characteristic of conduct disorder include: • Aggressive behavior that causes or threatens harm to other people or animals, such as bullying or intimidating others, often initiating physical fights, or being physically cruel to animals. • Non-aggressive conduct that causes property loss or damage, such as fire-setting or the deliberate destruction

of others’ property. • Deceitfulness or theft, such as breaking into someone’s house or car, or lying or “conning” others.

Serious rule violations, such as staying out at

night when prohibited, running away from home overnight, or often being truant from school. Many

youth with conduct disorder may have trouble feeling and expressing empathy or remorse and reading social cues. These youth often misinterpret the actions of oth-ers as being hostile or aggressive and respond by esca-lating the situation into conflict. Conduct disorder may also be associated with other difficulties such as sub-stance use, risk-taking behavior, school problems, and physical injury from

accidents or fights.

If you have about a

child’s concerns about

his/her behavior or

emotions, contact a

mental health profes-

sional at school, your

community mental health center, or

MHASWFL at

261-5405.

February 2012


Classes for parents who are going

through a divorce.

Putting Children First is a four hour, court mandated, educational support group for parents who are

about to embark on divorce. The program recognizes that loving, caring parents may lose sight of how

deeply their children may be affected by their decision to obtain a divorce. The thought is that if parents

are more informed about the pitfalls of families in divorce, they may be more responsive to their

children’s needs during this time.

Some of the topics that are covered during the session include, co-parenting, dealing with children’s

anger, dealing with an unhappy spouse, etc.

The idea is to facilitate a discussion within the group that will put all parents on a more positive level

with their children and the spouses they are divorcing.

The goal is to empower the parents and to stress how important it is to share with their children that

the divorce is not their fault. The hope is that these parents will walk away from the class with better

knowledge and, therefore; create a better atmosphere for themselves and their children during a

difficult time.

For children, as well as adults, there is no pain more awful than being left or forced to leave someone you

love.

For more information please call our offices (239) 261-5405 or visit our web-site www.mhaswfl.org.


Mind Your StressMind Your Stress----On the JobOn the Job

Most of us have felt “stressed out” at one time or another. When this

feeling persists day after day, stress becomes chronic. Chronic stress

can take a toll on our careers, on our quality of life and on our

bodies, making us susceptible to a host of illnesses. In fact, what

many of us don’t realize—and what medical researchers are

confirming in study after study—is that our stress levels are directly

linked to our physical well-being. Seventy-five percent of our visits

to the doctor’s office concern stress-related ailments.

Common Sources of Stress For many of us, stress is at an all-time high level. Some common sources of stress include financial worries,

concerns about job security, heavy workloads and responsibility, job burnout, personality conflicts at work,

the demands of work and family, troubled relationships, as well as caregiving for a sick loved one or an aging

parent.

How Stress Affects Us at Work We all know that stress affects us at work. In fact, one in four people say they’ve missed work due to work-

related stress. When we are under chronic stress, we often have trouble meeting deadlines, concentrating and

making decisions. Our productivity and performance decrease as our stress levels increase. We also may be-

come easily irritated and overwhelmed, and have relationship problems with colleagues. Many people who are

over-stressed at work are unable to leave their job-related issues behind at night or they feel immobilized on

the job. Stress can also mean more headaches, backaches and colds—and more sick days.

Did you know that one in four people report they’ve missed work as a

result of work-related stress?

How Stress Affects Our Health and Wellness Almost half of us suffer physically due to stress. Chronic stress can affect the body in a number of ways: It

weakens the immune system, which can cause fatigue and make us more susceptible to colds and flus. It can

also trigger a variety of ailments from gum disease to osteoporosis; cause premature aging; and lead to life-

threatening illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Strategies for Managing Stress Whether the stress originates at the office or at home—or a little of both—we

take it with us wherever we go. The good news is that we now know that caring

for our minds as well as our bodies can keep us healthier, happier and more

productive in all aspects of life. Here are some strategies you can use to better

manage stress. These tips may seem like common sense, but few of us apply

them to our daily lives. They will help if you use them.

February 2012

• Treat your body right. Eating right and exercising can increase your tolerance to stress.

• Set realistic goals. Do what’s possible and carry on.

• Set and re-set your priorities. Take care of important and difficult tasks first, and eliminate unessential

tasks.

• Take one task at a time. Divide large projects into smaller tasks, and make “to do” lists.

• Take five. Taking a short break can help slow down your mind long enough to improve your ability to deal

with stress later.

• Learn to relax or meditate. Studies show that just 10 to 20 minutes of quiet reflection or meditation a day

can bring relief from chronic stress and increase your tolerance to it.

• Give yourself a break. No one is perfect. Striving to be the best in everything will lead to worry, anxiety

and failure.

• Learn to say “no.” Slow down and be honest about what you can comfortably do.

• Be flexible. Make allowances for other people’s opinions and be prepared to compromise.

• Avoid excessive competition. Excessive competition can be dangerous emotionally and physically—not

to mention damaging to your job.

• Go easy on criticism. You may expect too much of yourself or others.

Try not to feel let down or frustrated when your expectations aren’t met.

• Manage your anger. Retreat before you lose control. Allow time for you both to cool down. You’ll both

be better equipped to handle the problem constructively later.

• Be honest with colleagues. Make it plain you feel you’re in a bind. Chances are others feel the same.

Don’t just complain—make practical suggestions for improvement.

• Talk it out with a loved one.

Talking it out can help you see things more clearly, release negative feelings and get emotional support.

Did you know that chronic stress can:

• Double your heart attack risk?

• Increase your likelihood of developing serious illnesses like diabetes and cancer?

When to Seek Help If you experience some or all of these signs of stress, and they persist, it may be time to seek help.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—taking care of yourself is a sign of strength.

• Constantly overwhelmed

• Strained relationships

• Poor work performance

• Overly emotional

• “Little things” set you off frequently

• Insomnia

• Fatigue

• Headaches and backaches

• Rise in blood pressure


The Story of Our Symbol The Story of Our Symbol -- The Mental Health BellThe Mental Health Bell Cast from shackles which bound them, this bell shall ring out hope for the mentally ill and victory over mental illness.

—Inscription on Mental Health Bell

During the early days of mental health treatment, asylums often restrained people who had mental illnesses

with iron chains and shackles around their ankles and wrists. With better understanding and treatments,

this cruel practice eventually stopped.

Today, the Mental Health Bell rings out hope for

improving mental health and achieving victory over

mental illnesses.

Maryland Gov. Theodore McKeldin and Mrs. A. Felix DuPont in

1953 pour the metal made from melted chains used to restrain people

with mental illnesses to create the Mental Health Bell.

February 2012

Thank you for supporting The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida! The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida celebrating 55 years of serve to the community dedicated to helping all achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our more than 55 years of educating and advocacy , we touch the lives of many in our community—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; & delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services. Without your help, over a half century of service to those in need would not have been possible. Please Make Your Tax Deductible Donation Now to Help Continue Our Work! The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and develops culturally

sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those facing the many challenges of to-

day’s world in our community. We pride ourselves on being the “link” for mental health and

mental wellness.

“ We Are Making A Difference”“ We Are Making A Difference”“ We Are Making A Difference”“ We Are Making A Difference”

Donate Now to Continue Our WorkDonate Now to Continue Our Work

55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of

providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services

throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL throughout SWFL

To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education,

Prevention, and Support

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and

develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those

facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community.

If you are interested in becoming a member, e-mail us at [email protected] Or Simply fill out the application and mail a check

payable to MHASWFL or donate online using a credit card. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue

our work. If you have any questions about Membership please contact our office by phone at (239) 261-5405

or mail The Mental Association of Southwest Florida 2335 Tamaimi Trail N, Ste 404, Naples FL 34103.

February 2012 Mental Health Matters

newsletter february 2012

Health & Medicine