Bipolar Disorder - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Bipolar disorder, also known as Manic-Depression or Manic-Depressive-Illness, is a mental illness characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). This condition is divided into two main sub-types: Bipolar I disorder, with the presence of at least one manic episode; and Bipolar II disorder, with at least one episode of depression and at least one hypomanic episode. In addition, some people have rapid cycling bipolar disorder, with four or more mood swings within twelve months; and mixed state bipolar disorder, in which symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously. The cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, but a variety of biochemical, genetic and environmental factors are known to trigger this condition.

Bipolar disorder is a long term condition that requires life-long treatment, even during periods of remission. The Ayurvedic treatment of this condition is aimed at treating the presenting symptoms and preventing recurrence of the condition. In order to treat the manic phase of this condition, medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus) and Kushmand (Benincasa hispida) are used. A special procedure called 'Shirodhara' is also quite useful in reducing agitation, aggression and sleeplessness.

To treat the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Vacha, Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shilajit (Purified bitumen), Tankan (Purified borax) and Makardhwaj are used. In order to prevent recurrence of this condition, medicines like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki, Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vacha, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Suvarna-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna -Parpati are used in small doses for prolonged periods.

It is important to adapt a healthy life style; and avoid self medication and known conditions which can precipitate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Family therapy, group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help in considerably reducing symptoms of this condition. Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in severe emotional, legal and financial problems and can even result in suicide. Regular treatment and supervision by a Psychiatrist is therefore very important in this condition.

Discover the Benefits of Famous Inspirational Quotes

The benefits of famous inspirational quotes may be unknown to most of us. Indeed, many of us may just browse through them on the Internet as a source of cheap, available entertainment to while away those few annoying minutes until heading out to lunch. However, the real benefit of famous inspirational quotes is for those times when we are feeling low, after an accident, some bad news, or our favorite team being dumped out of the play-offs!

Whether to console, motivate, or to trigger memories, these quotes can help in all situations. Many feeling sorry for themselves have been urged on to fight the tribulations by such sentiments from George Patton as, "Success is how high you bounce when you hit rock bottom". Whether disappointed at work, or at home, turning to such words of wisdom can provide inner strength.

Whilst some famous inspirational quotes are indeed from equally famous people, this does not have to be the case. Perhaps you yourself have thought of a phrase that urges you on? Write it down somewhere you can see it every day. Another benefit that famous inspirational quotes can have is to give something to others. Think of quotes that have helped you. Are there any that you can relay to colleagues, friends or family, to help them gain strength at a sense of purpose?

Or maybe you could use them to just get a laugh, raise a smile, or let them see the lighter side of life. Many a person has had their mood lightened. "Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm", after all, as Winston Churchill wittily remarked having lost the general election after his triumphant success in the Great War.

Whatever the occasion, a famous inspirational quote will be waiting for you. Just take some time to have a look and open your mind.

Psychology Of Women - Part I - Self-Attribution, Cognitive Distortions, And Depression

Purpose of this article

The overall purposes of this and future articles under development are to enhance women's psychological strengths to cope with the stresses and pressures in their daily lives. This article in particular is to create awareness especially in women, to understand depression from a multifaceted perspective, with "Self-Attribution, Cognitive Distortions and Depression" being the first perspective examined in this current study. The expectant outcome is the hope that women's coping knowledge and abilities will be enhanced, through a more scientific (researched based) and empirical understanding and awareness.

Women and Depression

The author would like to begin the discussion of this present topic: "Psychology of Women: Self-Attribution, Cognitive Distortions and Depression", with two questions. 1) How can depression be described in a brief manner? 2) Is depression a universal and common experience?

To answer the first question, the author refers to Sharf (2000) who considered the mild "signs of depression" as including: "sadness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, social withdrawal, and loss of sleep, appetite, sexual desire, or interest in activities". He considered the severe" signs of depression" as displaying "slow speech, difficulty in sitting still, inattention to personal appearance, and pervasive feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, as well as suicidal thoughts and feelings".

The answer to the second question, the author refers to Evans & Tait (1991) who when answering their own question, as to whether depression was a universal experience, quoted Seligman (1975), who described depression as the 'common cold of abnormal behavior'. Evans & Tait (1991) believed that, Seligman's description was to draw attention to the fact that we all experience it occasionally. So, while depression can be experienced either mildly or severely, depression is definitely both universal and common. And it is an especially a common experience among women.

Gender differences in depression

Why is mental illness (depression) more common among women? Weiten & Lloyd (2006) in asserting that women were "twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders...", also quoted Rosenfield (1999) to explain the "gender difference in mental illness" (depression). According to Rosenfield (1999), women seem to direct their "negative, hostile, anxious feelings and conflicts" inwards against their self, while, men direct them outwards - either against another person or against the society. In short, under the influence of mental illness like depression, women seem to want hurt themselves, while men seem to want to hurt others. Why is this so? The author would answer this question in a future article entitled: "Psychology of Women: Self-Identity", as the scope of this article is limited to the examination of "Self-Attribution and Depression".

Self-Attribution, Cognitive Distortions, and Depression

The author would emphasis again, that self-attribution is one of the perspectives through which one can understand depression, which is multifaceted in nature. Therefore, women should not attribute everything in their lives to self-attribution, neither is depression all the time due to negative self- attribution. But all negative self-attributions, involves some sort of cognitive distortions. The author would like to next describe the inter-link between cognitive distortions, self-attribution and depression. To begin with, who initially developed the self-attribution theory? And what is the self-attribution theory?

Self Attribution Theory

Fritz Heider (1958), Edward Jones (1965), Keith Davis (1965) and Harold Kelley (1967), who were all social psychologists, were responsible for the initial development of self-attribution theory. What is self-attribution? Based on the studies of Heider (1958); Jones (1965) Davis (1965) and Kelly (1967), self-attribution can be understood as the cognitive perception of persons in attributing the causes of behavior (theirs or others) or events to three dimensions of: 1) internal or external; 2) stable or unstable and 3) controllable or uncontrollable.

Internal refers to the location of a cause of behavior or event to oneself, whether it is disposition, trait or personality of a person. External refers to the location of a cause of behavior or event to external (outside the disposition, trait or personality of a person) behaviors, events, luck, or chance. Stable refers to a permanent or an unalterable state of being in a person or condition in a situation. Unstable refers to impermanent or an alterable state of being in a person or condition in a situation. Controllable refers to having power over someone or something, to change or alter the state of being in a person or a condition in a situation. Uncontrollable refers to having no power over someone or something, to change or alter the state of being in a person or a condition in a situation. Based on these three dimensions, there are multiple combinations of cognitive perceptions of self-attribution. The following examples are meant to be fictitious demonstrative scenarios in relation to two combinations of cognitive perceptions of self-attribution.

1. Self- attribution: internal, stable, uncontrollable

Event: Mr. A has an affair with Ms. B.

Mrs. A's Response according to first combination of cognitive perceptions of self-attribution.: Mrs. A would blame herself (internal) for her husband's infidelity. She views (subjective) her physical and sexual deficits in comparison to Ms. B as an unalterable handicap (stable). Thus, based on her physical and sexual deficit causes that could not satisfy Mr. A, Mrs. A would view her husband's actions as naturally predictable (uncontrollable). What would be the impact on Mrs. A? The answer is obvious, depression (Riso et. al, 2003). How can Mrs. A prevent her depression from being long termed or chronic? The answer lies in the second scenario.

2. Self- attribution: external, unstable, controllable

Event: Mr. A has an affair with Ms. B.

Mrs. A's Response according to second combination of cognitive perceptions of self-attribution: Mrs. A would blame Ms. B. and her husband (external) for their infidelity. Why accept the blame for a perpetrator of a wrong doing? Why not locate the blame where it is due? She would view (objectively) her physical and sexual deficits to satisfy Mr. A, in comparison to Ms. B as alterable (unstable), untrue or as unjustified. Physical and sexual deficits are very subjective. What is considered beautiful and sexy, in one culture and to one individual, may not be the same with another. There is always an opportunity to enhance one's beauty and sexuality. Anyway a woman must be reminder that in infidelity, spouses for the purpose of rationalizations may look for deficits even when there is none.

Why volunteer to give reasons for the rationalizations of an unfaithful spouse? Thus, she would view her husband's actions as inexcusable (controllable). Mr. A has control over his decisions and actions in his affair with Ms. B, for if there is none, Ms. B can be possibly accused for rape. Was Mr. A raped by Ms. B? What would be the impact on Mrs. A? The answer is obvious, there might be an initial depression, but it will not be long term or chronic, especially, if Mrs. A opens herself to marital counseling. Next, the author would like to discuss about the cognitive distortions found in the foregoing first combination of cognitive perceptions of self-attribution.

Teenagers and Adults - Is Depression a Chemical Reaction?

Brain doctors agree: The 15 million U.S. adults who are battling major depression are suffering from a real medical illness. Studies point to a shortage of the brain chemicals serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that ferry messages between nerve cells. Doctors have no test to determine which ones are lacking, but there are drug therapies available to boost them.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Serotonin is made from amino acid tryptophan; it regulates mood and appetite. SSRIs such as Paxil and Zoloft raise serotonin in the gaps between brain cells to normal levels, and for some patients, this helps lift their mood.

Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) As a key message sender for those nerves that command your body without input from your brain, norepinephrine controls your response to ultrastressful situations. Low brain levels of it have been linked to depression-related symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, sleeping too much, agitation, and trouble concentrating. SNRIs such as Effexor and Cymbalta work by blocking brain cells from removing both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) TCAs, such as amitriptyline and imipramine, are the modern-day precursors to SSRIs and SNRIs. They're just as effective but they act more broadly in preventing the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, so they may not be tolerated as well.

Studies suggest that for some people, they may take longer to kick in; can cause weight gain, drowsiness, or low blood pressure; and may even affect heart rhythm.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, the oldest class of antidepressants, deactivate a protein called MAO-A that deplets neurotransmitters. The side effects of these drugs are nasty, but research into how MAO-A works may help develop new therapies. In a study published late last year in the Archives of General Psychiatry, researchers at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that depressed patients lose neurotransmitters at different rates based on the number of monoamine transporters found on the surface of their brain cells and elevated MAO-A.

These findings help explain why patients with more transporters have more severe symptoms, says study leader Jeffrey Meyer, M.D., Ph.D. "We now have a more precise disease model for developing more effective and targeted treatments."

As Doctors and Psychiatrists continue to study, and find new drugs and chemicals to combat depression there is a common lesson in all these studies. Our brains have immense control over our entire body, psychology, and well-being. Where studies fail in grasping is the absolute control an individual has over their mind and thoughts. Studies are performed on a subject with symptoms receiving a dosage of medication and measuring results.

The studies fail in creating a mental shift in order for the individual to create new levels of Serotonin in their brain. Studies are paperwork; the human mind and individual are capable of anything they choose. A mind can create a vision or dream, and then create a life through that mindset. You have the complete power to be great and create a dream-infused life today.

Tips for Personal Development and Goal Setting

The decision to make a concerted effort to improve yourself through personal development is a good one. Many people have improved their lives and have become success stories with the use of self help information.

It is important that you know that you must be truly dedicated to your pursuit of a happier, healthier and more successful life if you really expect a personal development regimen to work. Check out these personal growth and development tips and once you begin to implement them, you will be on your way to becoming a better and more successful you.

Decide What You Want
Before you can start working on becoming a personal success, you must know who it is that you want to be in life. Wisdom for success: It is important that you think about the personality traits of people who you feel are heroes or deserving of being emulated. You should take some time and write down the traits that they have and you would like to recreate. You can even go to some success secrets websites and read an inspirational message or two in order to motivate yourself and become inspired.

Construct a Plan
You need to construct a well thought out plan in order to succeed. You should use an inspirational saying that is appropriate for each of your individual goals and read it often. Think of this plan as a roadmap to finding the success for which you have been searching.

You will need to make a separate plan for each of the things that you want to achieve in your personal growth journey. Separate plans are necessary as your goals might not directly affect each other hence; you will need to be going in a variety of directions in order to see your plans to fruition.

Setting Your Goals
Proper goal setting is of the utmost importance. All too many people set their goals unrealistically such as finding the love of their lives in three months or losing one hundred pounds in a year. Wisdom for success: The goals that you set, must be truly attainable or your will be setting yourself up for failure.

Although the ending goals that you set should be high, you must create smaller goals or milestones to help you stay on the right track. These small milestones will help you to see that you are actually making headway and getting closer to your final goals. It is important that you continue reading the motivating quotes that you have chosen for your goals.

Many people seek to find a new inspirational message daily. They do this so that they do not get bored reading the same old inspiring quote over and over again. Fresh motivational quotes can keep you determined to succeed in your quest for becoming a better and happier you.

Once You Succeed
Very time that you complete a milestone or attain one of the personal growth goals that you have set for yourself, you should have a little reward. You could treat yourself to a shave at the barber shop or pamper yourself with a manicure and pedicure. The rewards don't have to be expensive. They should simply be something that you would enjoy and be a special treat for working so hard and doing so well.

It is important that you constantly add new goals to your plan. Considering that life is a constantly changing thing, you will need to change with it. This is done much easier if you continue goal setting throughout your life. You will be a better person because of it.

Simple Advice For Small Businesses in Tough Times

Here's a survival guide for small business with a list of things you need to concentrate on in tough economic times.....

1. First attitude .... be strong do not look like you are about to hang yourself

2. Perseverance .... be prepared to stay the distance

3. Opportunity cast your net around .... use successful contacts to garner extra business they after all should be happy with you

4. Weigh your options .... carefully consider anything you do before you do it so you do not spend unnecessarily

5. Use your network .... more than ever before ask people for business

6. Do not be afraid to ask for business .... get you attitude right about getting business

7. Negotiate with creditors .... give better payment terms to reduce costs

8. Negotiate with debtors .... give better payment terms to reduce costs

9. Cutting costs .... cut all unnecessary costs and get quotes on all costs to see if you can shave ask current suppliers to give you a better deal

10. Sharing the burden making people responsible .... get your staff working to save their jobs they must contribute

11. Buy in from staff .... get them using their contacts too

12. Do your homework better than ever before .... go and relook at everything you do with your staff have planning sessions you will be surprised what they know and where to save

13. Do not take unnecessary risks and think quick rich

14. Stick to basics

15. Stick to knitting

16. Plan your business and keep everyone informed especially your banker

17. Downgrade where possible

18. Image is not important survival is

This is indeed a shake-out time. As Jack Welsh says: "During uncertain times we weed out the weak players and the strong ones widen the gap".

This is a time to work on making your business better - not to dig in. You are obviously taking this proactive step. This means making the business more lean, but mostly focusing more on your customers and making sure you address their wants and needs. Focus on looking at your business through their eyes.

Be very efficient in your advertising, look at it as an investment - don't do anything unless it shows an adequate return. That means you have to test and measure - ask your customers how they learned about your company. Invest more in advertizing that works. Try different ads and test which one works best. Internet based businesses tend to focus only on internet marketing - try also doing it the old-fashioned way - many good prospects haven't yet become 100% digital.

Ask your existing customers how you can better serve them - many will give you valuable insights. Follow-up with customers - collect their contact information and send them newsletters including special loyalty offers.

The idea is to outsmart your competition so you can survive when they can't and then thrive when the economy recovers.

PMDD and Bipolar Disorder - Are They Linked?

If you know anything about PMDD you will know that it comes with some extreme moods and extreme changes in moods which puts many people thinking about bipolar disorder. Some PMDD sufferers may even think they might have bipolar disorder which is a scary thought as well. But do PMDD and bipolar disorder have any real proven links or is it just a few similarities that make these conditions seem like they could have links?

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition which is also known as manic depressive because the highs and lows a person feels with this disorder is on the extreme ends. For a time they can be extremely depressed, low, and even suicidal. However, they can very quickly change to a state of extreme highs which is the manic state. They can go with very little sleep for many days and seem full of energy and ideas. This is almost as bad sometimes because it wears them and everyone else out and they take more risks and do not have a balanced life during any phase.

What is PMDD

PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a disorder that effects your moods as well, but also many other psychological and physical symptoms. With PMDD the mood regulators in the brain are not working as they should, but this only happens during the last week of your menstrual cycle when your hormones are completely out of balance. This can lead to depression and anger and anxiety. It can also make you sleep less, or more, and change your appetite and many other things. This stops very soon after you start to bleed however.

As you can see the conditions only really intersect with the low moods. Bipolar has no exact trigger for changing these moods like PMDD does, and PMDD does not have the extreme highs that manic depressives do.

Knowing this, PMDD and Bipolar disorder are not strongly linked except for malfunctions in the brain chemistry that regulates mood. While bipolar disorder is very difficult to treat, PMDD is not as bad because the root causes of this problem are hormonal and we can balance our hormones using natural methods and lifestyle changes.