ANXIETY DISORDERS: IS YOUR NERBYOS KILLING YOU?

ANXIETY DISORDERS: IS YOUR NERBYOS KILLING YOU?
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-clinical psychologist-life coach

“Nerbyos” is a tagalog word which apparently comes from the English word “nervous.” When pinoys say that a person has “nerbyos,” it usually means that that person is suffering from a mental or emotional condition. For psychologists and psychiatrists however, the term “nerbyos” specifically refers to the psychiatric condition known as anxiety disorder.


Pinoys believe that “nerbyos” is caused by a “bara sa ugat (i.e., blockage in the nerves or nerve conduction).” To some degree, that belief is true because research has found out that there is a disturbance in the flow of brain chemicals (e.g., adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, etc.) through the nerve cells.

NORMAL VERSUS ABNORMAL ANXIETY


Anxiety is a normal experience in life. Anxiety tells us that we have to prepare for an impending problem, stressful situation, or crisis.

Anxiety however becomes abnormal when it is:
* too intense
* too prolonged
* recurrent
* experienced for no apparent reason
* triggered by minimal or insignificant stimulus
* a disturbance to our daily life.

CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDER

Caffeine, uppers (like shabu, cocaine, heroin, ecstacy, etc.), bad trips from marijuana, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and some medical illnesses may cause anxiety.

Emotional baggage and stress are psychological reasons to feel anxious.

Research also indicates that anxiety disorders may be transmitted through the genes.

WHAT DOES AN ANXIETY ATTACK FEEL LIKE?

Imagine downing 3-4 cups of brewed coffee all at one take. How would you feel?

Imagine standing at the ledge of a 50-foor building. How would you feel?

 Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

* restlessness or uneasiness (pagkabalisa, di mapakali)

* palpitations or pounding heartbeat (kabog ng dibdib)

* hyperventilation or shortness of breath (kapos sa paghinga)

* fainting, dizziness, light-headedness (parang mahihimatay, pagkahilo, pagkalutang)

* cold spells (panlalamig ng katawan)

*digestive problems (acid reflux, GERD, LBM)

* tremors and numbness (pangiginig, pagmamanhid)

* body weakening (parang nauupos na kandila)

* feelings of going crazy, of having a serious illness, of dying, or of losing self-control


Can you imagine the agony of having to intensely experience all these symptoms all at one time, or all the time?

WHICH TYPE OF ANXIETY DISORDER DO YOU HAVE?

Anxiety disorders come in different forms:


1. Panic Disorder: Intense anxiety attacks that recur frequently.

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Anxiety and worrying throughout the day, every day.

3. Simple Phobia: Intense anxiety when expose to feared objects or situations.

4. Social Phobia: Intense anxiety when around people or when interacting with people.

5. Agoraphobia: Intense anxiety in situations wherein the person feels trapped or unable to get help.

6. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Intense anxiety when separated from a person who is a source of safety and security.

7. Selective mutism: Failure to talk in selected anxiety-provoking situations.

SO HOW ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS TREATED?

Anxiety disorders are best treated by medication, talk therapy, wellness therapies, and stress management techniques.

Regarding medications, I avoid giving tranquilizers like Valium, Rivotril, or Xanor because they are habit-forming and may cause depression. The better option is taking an anti-depressant because they are relatively safe and non-habit forming.The important thing though is for the patient to find the “right” medication, one that is “hiyang” to him or her. The right medication is one that

(1) has no side effects and

(2) which significantly reduces or obliterates the anxiety symptoms within 2-3 weeks.

If the medication produces side effects, it obviously has to be changed.

HELP AND HOPE FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY ATTACKS

From my clinical experience, 99% of all my patients experience significant improvement or total recovery within 2-3 weeks of finding the right medication. Hope is real if you just reach out for professional help! And the faster you get help, the more quickly you’ll recover!

Visit randydellosa.com or randydellosa.net for the compassionate and competent help you need!

DO YOU HAVE MAJOR DEPRESSION?

DEPRESSED KA BA, O "EMO" LANG?
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-clinical psychologist-life coach

Everyday of my working life, I meet people who are clinically depressed. I've found out that many depressed people don't actually know that they're depressed. They just know that they're not their usual selves and they feel that something is wrong with them.

Well, here's the checklist I use to assess whether a person has depression or not. To consider yourself as clinically depressed, you must have at least 5 of the following symptoms:

* Feelings of sadness, irritability, or anger
* Loss of motivation, initiative, interest, or enjoyment
* Changes in your sleep pattern
* Changes in your appetite
* Changes in your energy level
* Poor self-esteem, self-confidence, or self-image
* Overthinking, especially of negative thoughts, worries, concerns
* Poor focus or concentration
* Wishing that God would take you, or having thoughts of hurting/killing yourself

Simplistically speaking, if you are clinically depressed, it means that there is a serotonin imbalance in your brain that is causing your depression. Thus, you need a serotonin balancer (a.k.a. antidepressant) to balance your serotonin.

The good news is that with the right antidepressant at the right dosage, depressed people recover quickly within 2-3 weeks. The "right" antidepressant is one that is should make you happy, energetic, and productive within 2-3 weeks and should not give you any unwanted side effects. Otherwise, the antidepressant should be changed.

Aside from antidepressant medication, you will also benefit from talk therapy, wellness therapies (acupuncture, hypnotherapy, EFT, supplements, massage, etc.), and stress management techniques.

So. if you are clinically depressed, don't dilly dally. Seek professional help NOW! Remember that with the right treatment, you'll feel much better within just 2-3 weeks.

Oh, and by the way, kahit "emo" ka lang ay clinically depressed ka rin!

Good vibes, fellow Flips, and be happy! :D Sincerely yours, Mahatma Randhi :D

UNDERSTANDING ADHD

UNDERSTANDING ADHD
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-psychologist-life coach

Some months ago, a Pinoy actor named Albie Casino announced in a press conference that he had ADHD. He explained that due to his ADHD, it became difficult and stressful for him to interact with others.

What is this ADHD anyway, which Albie Casino claimed he has?

ADHD DEFINED

ADHD is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. "Attention deficit" here doesn't mean "kulang sila sa pansin." "Attention Deficit" in ADHD means "short attention span."

It is a brain disorder caused by problems with the brain chemicals, nerve pathways, brain structure, and brain functioning.

It is strongly genetic in origin.

TYPES OF ADHD AND THEIR SYMPTOMS

When a person has ADHD, it will commonly manifest in 3 ways:

(1) Inattentive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* lumilipad ang isip
* kalat ang isip
* hindi makapag-concentrate
* madaling ma-distract
* pagiging makakalimutin
* burara sa gamit
* madalas ma-misplace ang kagamitan

(2a) Hyperactive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* di mapakali
* makulit, maharot, malikot
* pasaway, palaaway
* sobrang bibo at aktibo
* "hyper" rin ang bibig- madaldal at maingay
* computer/gaming addiction (since the games give them the illusion of being physically active
* pagamit ng alcohol, weed, or "uppers" para mabawasan ang kanilang excess energy (Surprisingly. uppers like shabu may cause a paradoxical effect and cause relaxation for them.)

(2b) Impulsive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* padalos-dalos ang ginagawa o sinasabi
* di makapaghintay, demanding
* madaling mairita o magalit

(3) Combined Type - "all of the above."

These symptoms of ADHD continue throughout adulthood.

TREATMENT FOR ADHD

The good news about ADHD is that it can be managed by:
* Anti-ADHD medicine and natural supplements
* Behavioral management therapy
* Dietary changes, sports, and an active lifestyle
* Individual and family counseling
* Wellness therapies (such as acupuncture, yoga, and massage)

ALL IS NOT LOST FOR THOSE WITH ADHD

Remember that Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, John F. Kennedy, Justin Timberlake, Walt Disney, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, and even Albert Einstein all became successful people despite their struggles with ADHD.

If you are interested in ADHD support groups, seminars, or workshops, the AD/HD Society of the Philippines is always ready to assist you. You can visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdsociety/.

WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WANT TO HAVE?

WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WANT TO HAVE?
By Randy Dellosa, parapsychologist

I’ve been an X-Men fan since I was a little kid, hence, watching X-Men Apocalypse was such a treat! Of all X-Men mutants, none have inspired me more than Professor Xavier.

ATENEO PARAPSYCHOLOGY CLUB

My chance to develop telepathic powers like his came in high school at the Ateneo. Some schoolmates and I established the Ateneo Parapsychology Society wherein I served as its first president. Under the guidance of Jesuit Fr. Francisco Perez, we were exposed to paranormal stuff such as telekinesis, spoon-bending, levitation, fire-starting, etc.

THE PINEAL GLAND

Eventually, I learned that the emergence of paranormal powers (a.k.a. psychic abilities) resulted from development of the pineal gland found at the center of the brain. That gland is known to be the “seat of the soul.”

TELEKINESIS

Back then, the psychic ability I was most interested in developing was telekinesis. Telekinesis is the ability to move objects through mental power or by the projection of bio-energy. Do I believe that telekinesis is possible? Of course, I do. Not only have I actually witnessed people with remarkable telekinetic abilities, I myself have been successful in doing some little telekinetic experiments of my own.

HOW TO MOVE OBJECTS TELEKINETICALLY

The basic telekinetic experiment is to try to move light and tiny objects placed inside a closed jar so that it is not moved by wind or temperature.

Telekinesis is actually easy to do. With mental intention, you simply create an energy field between the palms of your hands, and as soon as the energy field is strongly and thickly felt, you use it to move the object inside the jar.

People who can create a very strong energy field are able to move objects in a jar even from a distance.

Some scientists explain that the energy field consists of a cloud of “biophotons” (or "energy particles") emitted from the palms which become dense enough to move objects.

After all these years, I've remained an amateur with regards to my telekinetic abilities. Well, that's because it takes practice, practice, and more practice to develop one’s telekinetic skills and the truth is, I’ve been quite lazy.

USING PARANORMAL ABILITIES FOR A NOBLE PURPOSE

At this time in my life, I am more interested in using my energy to facilitate healing in people. This is called “energy healing” and it comes in the form of Reiki, Quantum Touch, or Medical Qigong Therapy. Personally, I develop my energy healing abilities by doing Qigong meditation and exercises (similar to Taichi).

Psychic abilities remind us that life is mysterious and more so, our minds. If it becomes your choice to develop your psychic abilities, make sure to use it for spiritual purposes and for the benefit of all mankind.

And thus, to end this article, allow me to use my psychic abilities to make a prediction about your future:

You will experience a pleasant surprise today It may be a small quiet surprise or a big dramatic one. But whatever kind of surprise it is, it's a surprise that will surely make you happy and grateful!

Yours truly, Mahatma Randhi :D

Suicidal Tarsiers Need Psychiatric Help,Too!

SUICIDAL TARSIERS NEED PSYCHIATRIC HELP, TOO!
by Randy Dellosa (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, life coach)

If tarsiers were rough and tough and rude and crude, they would probably be called "Dutartiers" in honor of President Duterte. But unfortunately, tarsiers are a far cry from Digong. The cute and cuddly tarsiers are weak and meek little critters that need all the protection they can get.

In human captivitiy, tarsiers live for only 2 years or shorter. But when they are placed in ideal environmental conditions, tarsiers can live a maximum of 25 years. Only one tarsier is known to have lived up to 900 long years and it's name is Yoda. Yoda may have been a master at controlling "The Force," but he miserably failed at grammar. Even on his deathbed, Yoda's grammar sucked as his dying words were "Sick have I become."

TARSIER TRIVIA

Here are some psychological trivia about tarsiers that might interest you:

1) Tarsiers are loners. 

If tarsiers could be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, it would be a "schizoid personality disorder." Schizoid personalities are characterized as 'loners."

Tarsiers are very schizoid, that is, they are very solitary and introverted creatures. In fact, each tarsier will need at least 1 large hectare of personal space, away from any other tarsier.

They are allergic to being touched and dislike the blinding flashes of light from cameras.

2) Tarsiers have murderous sexual behaviors. 

If a female tarsier intruded into the territory of a male tarsier, the female tarsier could get killed if it was considered unattractive (or “fugly”) by the male tarsier. Wow, talk about high standards!

3) Tarsiers can get depressed and suicidal.

Tarsiers have very low tolerance to stress. In human captivity, they get stressed, anxious, and depressed. When their stress gets too much to handle, tarsiers go emo and commit suicide by cracking their skulls open through head-banging.

LET'S PROTECT THIS ENDANGERED SPECIES FROM GETTING EXTINCT!

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation gives us the following tips on how we can help preserve the tarsiers:

- Don't keep tarsiers as pets.
- Don't buy captured tarsiers in the pet market.
- Report cases of hunting, killing or smuggling of tarsiers.
- Do not patronize outlets displaying illegally-acquired tarsiers.
- Donate to organizations which support tarsier research and conservation.

THERE ARE 1000 REMAINING TARSIERS IN THE PHILIPPINES!

The tarsiers need us to survive. Let us participate in protecting them, so like Yoda, they can have the opportunity to live up to the ripe old happy age of 900 years!

Dear friends, may The Force be strong in all of us! Perhaps speaking like Yoda is the true secret to mastering The Force. If you're interested, visit the following Yoda translator app at: http://funtranslations.com/yoda

Good vibes, everyone! - Mahatma Randhi :D

Personality Test: Would You Rather Live by the Beach or in a Mountain?

Hi friends! Personality test time for you:

Given the chance, would you rather live (1) by the beach, or (2) in a mountain? Think about it for a moment.

Before I give you the meaning of your choice, patalastas muna. ("Patalastas" is an ancient tagalog word meaning "TV commercial.") Let me tell you how some famous hills and mountains (a.k.a. "earth boobs" as President D might call them) originated.

Let's start off with Mount Mayon. Mayon Volcano has a tragic love story behind it: In olden times, there was this beautiful Bicolana princess named Magayon ("Maggy" or "Magz" for short) who had 2 suitors- one was her secret crush-slash-BFF, and the other was an annoying stalker. Well, it turned out that this annoying stalker had violent tendencies and had both of them murdered in cold blood. Miss Magz was quickly buried, and then, for some strange paranormal reason, her grave turned into a mound (like the mound of anay) which grew and grew until it became the Mayon Volcano we now know.

Next, the Chocolate Hills. The Chocolate Hills originated from the relationship of 2 giants who were frenemies. These frenemies got into a fight and were literally and viciously mud-slinging at each other. After exhausting themselves, they kissed and made up and became friends again. Ecstatic and excited about their revived friendship, they immediately left the area without even thinking of cleaning up. Apparently, they weren't eco-friendly creatures. The mud-slinging mess they left behind transformed into the cute little chocolate hills which we now visit during vacations.

As for Batanes, the group of islands were made from volcanic eruptions and geologic forces. It's amazing how the violent forces of nature produced the majestic rolling hills of Batanes.

So back to our personality test.

Whether you believe in it or not, research says that if you prefer to live by the beach, you are most likely an extrovert. On the other hand, if you prefer to live in the mountains, then you are most likely an introvert. Makes sense, really. People hang out at the beach to party, and escape to the mountains for their hideaway. Now if you like both beach and mountain, you probably are an "ambivert" - one who can enjoy being by oneself or with others. :D

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/ampp3d/beach-mountain-your-personality-decides-5297227

Good vibes, people of the Philippines! :D - Sincerely, Mahatma Randhi :D

Presidentiables on the Psychiatrist’s Couch

 

Six years ago, at the peak of his electoral campaign, Noynoy Aquino found himself tagged as “Noynoy Abnoy” after gossip circulated that he suffered from an alleged mental illness in his teenage years.  Even Miriam Santiago, in her presidential bid 24 years ago, was not spared from a smear campaign taunting her with nicknames such as "Brenda (short for 'brain damage')," "Kring ( short for 'kringkring')" and "Tillie (short for 'tililing'). ”

Presidentiables as neurotics

Personally, I don’t believe that we have to single out Noynoy or Miriam for having an alleged psychological abnormality.  My premise is that ALL presidential wannabes, to some degree, are psychologically abnormal.  Think about this:  It’s difficult enough for anyone to manage one’s own personal, relational, household, and work affairs, so why would anyone even aspire to shoulder the gargantuan task of managing the affairs of an entire nation? 

It implies the presence of a deep psychological void, need, egotism, or compulsion to want to be president of the land.  So whatever you call it- whether it be a messianic complex, Machiavellian complex, Icarus complex, or whatever complex, one certainly has to be neurotic to be a presidentiable.     

Now when I say “psychologically abnormal” or “neurotic,”  I do not mean those terms in a condescending way.  Psychological abnormality, statistically speaking, simply refers to having a mentality which is unlike most people’s.  As for neurosis, it refers to exaggerated traits in one’s personality or character.  

Psychological abnormality and neurosis are technically neutral, and are therefore neither good nor bad.  They are what makes each of us unique individuals.  Psychological abnormality and neurosis, however, turn people into sinners or saints depending on whether they affect others in bad or good ways.  

Common personality disorders among presidentiables

Since psychiatrists and clinical psychologists like me are concerned with human life problems, we do not focus on all types of neuroses but more on the problematic ones.  These problematic neuroses are psychiatrially termed as ‘personality disorders.’  In the case of the presidentiables (of both past and current elections), I have observed 4 personality disorders that are commonly found among them.  They are as follows: 

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD):  Presidentiables with APD are sociopathic individuals.  They can be charismatic leaders, but underneath their charisma lies a criminally-inclined disposition.  They are con men who engage in deceptive and unlawful behaviors and show no conscience/ remorse for their wrong-doings.  For presidentiables with APD, they are either (1) notorious for graft and corruption, and/or (2) they carry a “bad boy,” "thug," or “macho” image often associated with tough-talk, guns, goons, womanizing, and vices.  Presidentiables with APD have their own warped version of the law based on a poorly developed sense of morality.  They may enforce martial law and practice vigilantism in the belief that the end justifies the means.        
2. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):  Presidentiables with NPD are arrogant, insensitive, and conceited.  They have a strong sense of entitlement and have a strong need to be admired by others.  Because most everyone else is their “underling,” they demand special treatment and blind obedience from them.  When offended, they get enraged and manifest anger management problems.  Since they consider themselves to be special and privileged people, they find it unneccessary to empathize with the feelings and needs of the ordinary person.  Presidentiables with NPD have a “superiority complex.” If they ever do good deeds, it is never out of compassion but a strategy to get admiration from those they help and to force upon them a debt of gratitude.  
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD):  Presidentiables with OCPD are work horses with a perfectionist streak.  They possess high standards and force those standards upon others.  They prioritize productivity and efficiency at the expense of smooth interpersonal relationships.  Hence, they are perceived as rigid, stubborn, and unfeeling.  They are goal-oriented, organized, and meticulous, and expect others to be the same.  They are “control freaks” and cannot tolerate people who are not as smart, productive, and efficient as them.  Because of their extreme devotion to work, presidentiables with OCPD commonly suffer from burn-out, emotional conditions, and stress-related medical illnesses.  As compared to the APD and NPD, OCPD is apparently the least of the 3 evils.
4. Mixed Personality Disorder:  Most presidentiables will actually have a hybrid persona composed of the 3 personality disorders mentioned above, in varying degrees. 

The psychological profile of an ideal presidentiable

In light of these personality disorders, the presidentiable with the best psychological profile should have the least trace of antisocial, narcissistic, and obsessive compulsive traits.  In other words, the ideal presidentiable should be:

• Law-abiding, morally upright, and honest (rather than criminally-inclined)
• Egalitarian, compassionate, and sensitive to the needs of the people (rather than arrogant, conceited, and insensitive)
• Goal-oriented and driven, but also flexible and person-oriented (rather than stubborn, rigid, and unfeeling) 

The elections as a personality test

This you ought to know:  Choosing a presidential bet is like taking a personality test.  Whoever you choose as president is either:

1. A reflection your own personality.  (Ask yourself:  Which traits or attitudes do you share in common with the presidentiable you admire?)  
2. Or, the antithesis/direct opposite of your personality.  (Ask yourself:  Which traits or attitudes do you admire in your presidential bet that are absent or lacking in yourself?)

Your presidential bet could also be a reflection of your parents (parent figure), or the parents you wish you had.  

As for the presidentiable that you detest, they tell something about your personality, too.  Ask yourself these:  

• What traits or attitudes don't you like in that presidentiable? 
• And how much of those traits is actually your own?  

Because truth to tell, what you don't like in others may be the traits you don't like in yourself.  In psychological jargon, this follows the concept known as "projection." That is, we project onto others the despicable traits we have.  Even the Bible mentions that the splinter we notice in another's eye might be a huge log in our own.

Personality is generally stable over time

Thus, in choosing who to vote for, it is best to keep this psychological principle in mind:  The best predictor of how one will be in the future is how he or she has behaved and performed in the past.  Remember that one’s personality- bad traits and character flaws included, remains generally stable and unchanging over time.  Don’t expect the presidentiable to be a better person or leader as president than what he or she currently is. 

So people, let's avoid being emotional and argumentative!  Let's exercise critical thinking!  Let's all vote wisely!

It is said that in a democracy, people get the leaders and government they deserve.  

Knowing that majority of Filipinos are still swayed by paid advertisements, hyped-up promises, manipulated surveys, and bribes, I desperately pray to God Almighty that the presidentiable that wins in 2016 is someone the Philippines DOES NOT deserve!  

(Note 1:  The memes and tables in this blog article

are viral images downloaded from Facebook.)

(Note 2: In this blog article, I carry the perspective of a psychiatrist-

a medical specialist in psychological aberrations. Thus, I chose 

not to elaborate on the presidentiables' strengths and redeeming qualities 

which, needless to say, all of them surely have.)

(Note 3: Please do not ask me for my presidential bet
because I don't want to endorse any.  Currently, even I am at a quandary about 
who to vote. But at this stage of the elections, we don't need to jump the gun.

What's needed is to reflect much and exercise more critical thinking.)

(Note 4: As for the personality disorders, 

sure, I possess some of those traits, too (hopefully, very few traits) . 

Bawal magmalinis. After all, we're all human, aren't we?)