Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) is a mood disorder, which means that the symptoms are disturbances or abnormalities of mood. Major depression is a more common illness, the symptoms of which are mainly those of 'low' mood. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of both serious mania and depression. The person's mood swings from excessively 'high' and irritable, to sad and hopeless, and then back again, with periods of normal mood in between. Different from normal mood states of happiness and sadness, symptoms of manic-depressive illness can be severe and life threatening. However, because many artists, musicians and writers have suffered from bipolar illness, the effect of the illness has sometimes been trivialized, and regarded in some way as beneficial for artistic creativity. In fact, for those afflicted with the illness, it is extremely distressing and disruptive.

Bipolar disorder is the third most common mood disorder after major depression and dysthymic disorder. It affects about 1% of adults during their lifetime. Symptoms typically begin during adolescence or early adulthood, and continue to recur throughout life. Men and women are equally likely to develop this disabling illness. The consequences of the illness can be devastating, and may include marital break-ups, unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse. Bipolar illness is often complicated by co-occurring alcohol or substance abuse. Without effective treatment, bipolar illness leads to suicide in nearly 20% of cases.

Effective treatments are available that greatly reduce the suffering caused by bipolar disorder, and can usually prevent its devastating complications. However, bipolar disorder is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. People with bipolar disorder may suffer needlessly without proper treatment, for years or even decades. Also, many patients do not respond to at least one drug, and many show no response to several. This means that combination treatment is often the rule because a combination of different drugs with different methods of action can be more effective without increasing the risk of side effects. Lithium is still the most used drug overall in mania, but mood stabilizing, anticonvultants are also widely used.

Fifteen Styles of Distorted Thinking

1). Filtering- You take the negative details and magnify them while filtering out all positive aspects of a situation.

2). Polarized Thinking- Things are black or white, good or bad. You have to be perfect or you're a failure. There is no middle ground.

3). Over-generalization- You come to a general conclusion based on a single incident or piece of evidence. If something bad happens once, you expect it to happen over and over again.

4). Mind Reading- Without their saying so, you know what people are feeling and why they act the way they do. In particular, you are able to divine how people are feeling toward you.

5). Catastrophizing- You expect disaster. you notice or hear about a problem and start, "What ifs? What if tragedy strikes? What if it happens to you?"

6). Personalization- Thinking everything people do or say is some kind of reaction to you. You also compare yourself to others, trying to determine who's smarter, better looking, etc. . .

7). Control Fallacies- If you feel externally controlled, you see yourself as helpless, a victim of fate. The fallacy of internal control has you responsible for the pain and happiness of everyone around you.

8). Fallacy or Fairness- You feel resentful because you think you know what's fair but other people won't agree with you.

9). Blaming- You hold other people responsible for your pain, or take the other track and blame yourself for every problem or reversal.

10). Shoulds- You have a list a ironclad rules about how you and other people should act. People who break the rules, angers you and you feel guilty if you violate the rules.

11). Emotional Reasoning- You believe that what you feel must be true automatically. If you feel stupid and boring, then you must be stupid and boring.

12).Fallacy of Change- You expect that other people will change to suit you if you just pressure or cajole them enough. You need to change people because your hopes for happiness seem to depend entirely on them.

13). Global Labeling- You generalize one or two qualities into a negative global judgment.

14). Being Right- You are continually on trial to prove that your opinions and actions are correct. Being wrong is unthinkable and you will go to any length to demonstrate your rightness.

15). Heaven's Reward Fallacy- You expect all your sacrifices and self-denial to pay off, as if there were someone keeping score. You feel bitter when the reward doesn't come.

Are you the primary caregiver of someone with physical or mental challenges? Perhaps you're responsible for a spouse with dementia or the single parent of young children? Whatever the case, it's no easy task to be responsible for someone else's life around the clock.

You may see yourself as healthy, and not in need of any particular support. However, if you want to stay that way, make a plan now on how you will relieve stress and fulfill your own needs. Taking care of yourself is even more important when someone else depends on you.

Every human being has needs--physical, emotional, and spiritual. Any caregiver will tell you how easy it is to become stressed trying to meet the needs of those who depend on you. If you don' take care of yourself, you may find yourself experiencing high blood pressure or other stress-related ailments like headaches, back problems, or weight gain. One medical journal reported caregivers have as much as a 63% higher mortality rate than the general population.

First of all, pay attention to your body's signals. If you experience changes in appetite, sleep habits, or mood, don't write it off as unimportant. These type of signals are physical manifestations of your emotional state. While you may not want to admit you are tired and resentful of your situation, your body will let it be known. Make changes accordingly, if possible. If that is not possible, talk about your situation with a friend to let off steam. It is also a good idea to search out a support group. People with similar circumstances may have solutions you haven't thought of. Also, think about starting a blog about your experiences. You'll connect with others in a similar circumstance.

Some other tips that contribute to wellness are:

* Learn to meditate. It lowers the blood pressure, increases the oxygen level, and calms the mind.
* Practice yoga as a form of exercise. It strengthens and stretches muscles.
* Schedule times to do things you enjoy like see a film, take a bubble bath, or get a massage..
* Listen to music.
* Light aromatic candles. Scented candles help set the mood for meditation.

Case studies on bipolar disorder have yielded surprising information about a condition that can have a chaotic effect on everyday life. Clinical evaluation helps scientists to see how the illness develops, how it progresses, and how it affects mind and body.

Because this condition affects so many people, information on bipolar disorder obtained via clinical trials is invaluable. The insights gained have helped patients to lead productive lives.

Case studies on bipolar disorder help researchers to evaluate reliability of diagnostic procedures, the efficacy of different medications, effectiveness of combined treatments, psychotherapeutic methods and how behavioral interventions may help, and successfulness of preventative approaches.

Current information on bipolar disorder reveals that certain physical conditions and a number of psychiatric disorders present with symptoms that could be mistaken for manic depression. Additionally, other psychiatric illnesses can occur concomitantly or in conjunction with manic-depressive symptoms.

Because it is difficult to diagnose manic-depressive illness, a complete physical exam needs to be undertaken to first rule out other factors that may be contributing to fluctuating moods. For example, case studies on bipolar disorder have revealed, surprisingly, that people with upper neck injuries may exhibit mood disturbances.

Psychiatric evaluation will take into account family history, to establish a possible hereditary link. Current information on bipolar disorder tells us that, if a family has a history of depression or manic depression, this can be an indication that the patient may be contending with an illness that has genetic underpinnings.

Once physical factors have been ruled out and if no other psychiatric illness accounts for symptoms—if these have been persistent and have caused impairment in areas of functioning—then a patient may be diagnosed with the condition.

Case studies on bipolar disorder have revealed a wide range and variation in symptoms, depending upon whether a person is experiencing a depressive or manic episode. Even before diagnosis, however, what we know is that typically a person with undiagnosed manic depression may have a charismatic, outgoing personality, approaching life with zest and energy, but he or she experiences wide mood swings.

Hypomania is not as severe as full-blown mania and information on bipolar disorder has revealed that this condition is more common. It is not accompanied by the hallucinations and delusions seen in acute mania. Three classic symptoms of hypomania are a euphoric but unstable mood, where an individual seems elated but can be easily distracted; increased motor activity, fidgeting and hyperactivity; and speech that is rapid or seems pressured.

Case studies on bipolar disorder have shown that a patient in a manic state feels euphoric and expansive, but can become easily irritated and has little emotional control. The individual may have been making elaborate plans, calling friends at all hours, engaging in spending sprees or inappropriate sexual encounters, or activities took a bizarre twist: strange dressing and excessive makeup; intrusive behavior: stopping strangers on the street and advising them.

We have learned much about how a depressive episode affects someone. Information on bipolar disorder has given us a glimpse into a world seemingly colored by grey, when overwhelming inertia and feelings of hopeless can make even getting out of bed seem impossible; where sadness and negativity are almost inescapable. Suicide is an ever-present risk, but more so as depression begins to lift. Increased emotional resolve may give the person the strength to carry out plans.

A connection also has been discovered between nutrient deficiencies and anxiety, depression, and mood fluctuation. In fact, case studies on bipolar disorder confirm that nutrient deficiencies are implicated in manic-depressive illness.

Modern supplements utilize specific neuronutrients that target chemical imbalances: omega 3 fatty acids, which stabilize mood; SAMe, which renders significant antidepressant effects; folic acid and B12, which help the brain to manufacture serotonin and other chemical messengers, and trace amounts of lithium, known to stabilize mood. Information on bipolar disorder is ongoing and greater understanding about the role deficiencies play helps in planning treatment.

It is always important to obtain qualified advice because case studies on bipolar disorder show that certain substances could trigger mania. Thankfully, treatments can restore and balance mood, helping an individual to get back on track.

Even if we do not currently know someone afflicted with sudden memory loss chances are we will as those around us age. Most struggle with what to do when they find themselves in that situation. Here are some suggestions on how to address it when it happens.

While accidents, stress, trauma and other factors can affect memory, most of the issues we face with memory have to do with aging. Often it is first noticed by a sudden loss of short term memory, an inability to remember things that just happened. It may be that the person keeps asking the same question in a conversation because they cannot recall having asked it already or they begin to have trouble finishing tasks because they do not remember what they were doing. This can be difficult for both the person suffering from sudden memory loss as well as their loved ones.

There are many things to consider when this happens to someone you love. You will need to encourage that person to see a doctor who can evaluate the sudden loss of short term memory and determine what factors may be contributing to it. They can also help you assess whether that person can still take care of themselves or has reached a stage that requires assisted care or 24 hour help. Knowing where the person is at medically is important in determining next steps.

In general though there are things you do to help the person. First and perhaps one of the more important things. Be patient and respectful. You will need to remind yourself that they are not doing this on purpose and it is probably even more frustrating for them than for you. Showing frustration around that person will probably unsettle them which will make the symptoms of sudden memory loss worse. Also, remember that they are still the person you love and as a human being you need to help them maintain some dignity and respect. Many people suffering from issues like this fear losing control of their lives and being treated like a child. Treat them like an adult as much as possible while working around their illness.

Next, help them order their world so it require less of their memory. People with sudden memory loss may need reminder notes for things or instructions written out for them and placed around the house for things they have trouble remembering. Dry erase boards by doors and telephones can be helpful in leaving phone numbers, messages or reminders. Also, getting them a phone with speed dial buttons and programing them for frequently used numbers or family members can help as well.

People with sudden loss of short term memory may also need help focusing during tasks or conversations. Distractions like music or a TV while talking or doing a task can hinder the recall process. Distractions have a significantly greater impact for someone dealing with memory issues than they are for healthy adults so try to help remove distractions when you can.

Offer to share meals with them. Not only can you have good family time, but sometimes people with sudden memory loss forget to eat or don't always eat well if they can't focus to prepare meals. A healthy diet is critical for maintaining good brain function, so anything you can do to help them eat less fat, more Omega 3 fatty acids as well as fruits and veggies is important and may help slow the loss of memory. You might also encourage them to take a natural supplement that is geared toward brain support and enhancing memory. Many folks have found those helpful in combating the memory loss.

Finally, know your limits. There is only so much a loved one can do to help someone afflicted with something as serious as a sudden loss of short term memory. Recognize when you need to get outside help or when you need to ask another relative to take over for awhile and give you a break. It is not uncommon for loved ones to suffer burn out trying to do too much to take care of an aging relative. Above all, keep loving them...no matter what changes they may go through they are still your family.

An extreme traumatic event is an event that a person may experience, see, or learn about and that causes intense fear, helplessness, and horror.

The event involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or threats of harm to oneself or to others.

For example, a person may be:

Physically attacked, as in cases of domestic violence or rape.

Injured in a serious car, plane, or train accident.

Hurt or traumatized by a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, flood, or tornado.

Told about the sudden, unexpected death of a loved one.

In some people, an extreme traumatic event may lead to a condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

The acute stress of a traumatic event causes chemical reactions in the brain as well as physical symptoms. Some people who experience these symptoms may develop PTSD. Some examples of situations that may be associated with PTSD include:

A woman who survived a terrible car accident three years ago, hears an ambulance siren in the distance. She shakes uncontrollably, her heart starts pounding rapidly, and her palms sweat, because it reminds her of the sounds she heard during her terrifying experience.

A man who was mugged and severely beaten on a darkened street is "extremely jumpy" and avoids leaving his home, especially at night, for fear he will be mugged or assaulted again.

Two years have passed since a woman lost her home and everything in it during a flash flood. But she still has nightmares about floods, and she has severe problems falling asleep and staying asleep whenever overnight rain is in the weather forecast.

In the past, many people believed that only soldiers or other people who had been in a war could get PTSD. Because of that, years ago, PTSD was commonly called "combat fatigue" or "shell shock." But, based on new research, doctors and other health care professionals are learning that all kinds of people from different backgrounds can have traumatic experiences that can — and sometimes do — lead to PTSD.

Although most people who experience an extreme traumatic event will not develop PTSD, as many as 1 out of 13 Americans will get PTSD at some point during their lives. Slightly more than 1 out of 10 women in the U.S. will get PTSD. The good news is that, in many cases, PTSD can be treated successfully.

Women May Get PTSD More Often Than Men

Most of the available studies provide evidence that women get PTSD more often than men after being exposed to a traumatic event. In these studies, women appear to be about twice as likely as men to eventually get PTSD. One possible explanation for this difference is that women and men usually experience very different types of traumatic events.

For example, one study showed that women may be more likely to be:

Raped, sexually molested, neglected by parents during childhood, and physically abused during childhood.

In short, some doctors believe that women may have a higher prevalence of PTSD because the types of traumatic events that they experience are more likely to be associated with personal violence (such as rape and sexual molestation) than the events that men usually report.

Also, the types of traumatic events that women experience often tend to happen repeatedly, especially in childhood.

Help is available for PTSD, and should be sought. It is something which can be controlled, by learned experiences and practices. Even though it takes a lot of work to be able to handle PTSD, you will feel like a newborn person ready to once again face the world.

Anxiety is a common feeling for most people at some point or another. When fear, nervousness or worry become a chronic problem, however, they can progress into a more serious anxiety disorder.

While anxiety starts in the mind, it can lead to physical symptoms as well. Increased heartrate, stomach problems and headaches are all physical symptoms that can be related to anxiety.

When a person faces an event or situation that causes stress or fear, they experience a response known as "fight or flight." This response has been part of our instincts since the earliest man. One of the results of this response - and anxiety in general - is a depression of the immune system. If the anxiety is more serious, it can lead to an ongoing suppression of the immune system which can increase the chance of infection, disease and sickness.

Along with anxiety, phobias and panic attacks can also result in similar symptoms. And unfortunately, when these things progress beyond the average day-to-day stresses that we all deal with, they can become unmanageable.

People suffering from anxiety and panic disorders often worry about when their next attack will occur. This can lead to more stress and anxiety, resulting in an ongoing cycle.

There are a number of treatments that are used to treat anxiety disorders. These include medications, therapy and alternative methods such as Aromatherapy and supplement regimes.

There is no single best treatment - everyone will respond to different methods, or in many cases a combination of more than one. If you think you may be suffering from anxiety or stress, the best course of action is to visit your doctor to get a thorough diagnosis.

They can help you determine what is causing the problem as well as the best treatment method for your particular case. The earlier you can seek medical advice the better, because the longer the problem is left untreated, the more serious it will become.

Bipolar drug treatments have come a long way. Lithium was rediscovered in the 1940s—when, it was noticed, hamsters being treated for gout, calmed down. Later, lithium was tested on humans for treating mania and was approved for use in the 1970s.

Then came the discovery that brain activity in seizure disorders and mania was similar. As a drug treatment for bipolar, the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid came to the fore in the 1960s and was used in the 1980s to treat manic depression.

For milder symptoms, a bipolar drug such as lithium or valproate may bring relief; sometimes a benzodiazepine (an anti-anxiety drug) such as Ativan may be administered.

Different drugs have become available for the various stages and different phases of manic-depressive illness. In modern drug treatment for bipolar, it is not uncommon for 80% of patients to take more than two drugs—a combination that is often more beneficial.

Most doctors will prescribe a bipolar drug such as lithium or the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal). Caution is required when using antidepressants because they can trigger a manic episode or rapid cycling; however, if symptoms are severe, it may be more important to bring them under control. In such cases, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as Prozac or Zoloft will be prescribed.

To prevent the return of depression, most doctors will combine an antidepressant but with an antipsychotic to stabilize mood. In drug treatment for bipolar, the combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine has been found to be particularly effective.

A patient suffering from severe mania or a mixed mood state will usually be treated with lithium or valproate (Depakote). Often, another bipolar drug is included, such as olanzapine; others drugs such as risperidone, ziprasidone, quetiapine or aripiprazole are also used.

Newer drugs such as Effexor, Remeron, or Wellbutrin are also called on in drug treatment for bipolar. Newer medications may present fewer side effects.

The main objective in treating symptoms of manic-depressive illness is to bring about a regulation of mood. A bipolar drug will be used to stabilize mood and is often the first treatment objective.

Ongoing research has shown that certain natural substances also have a powerful impact on the brain and its chemical messengers and that these substances act in the same fashion as drug treatment for bipolar, balancing and restoring cognitive functioning.

Omega 3 fatty acids are gaining increasing recognition because of the role they play in stabilization of mood. Studies are showing an efficacy with omega 3 that is on par with or exceeding results obtained with conventional medications; calcium and magnesium regulate nerve impulses and contribute to neurotransmitter production; SAMe is known to render significant antidepressant effects; and folic acid and B12 help the brain to manufacture serotonin and other chemical messengers. Each of these substances acts in a similar fashion as does a bipolar drug.

New studies have shown that when supplements are taken in tandem with drug treatment for bipolar, better results are obtained. Some patients have been able to decrease dosages of medications and in milder cases have been able to discontinue their use.

Newer treatments offer hope to those living with manic-depressive symptoms. It is always important to obtain appropriate direction from a qualified professional when undertaking any remedy or using a substance that acts in the same fashion as a bipolar drug.

Last holiday season you swore you'd never put yourself through all that stress and craziness again. Well, here's your chance to make good on that promise. The following are my favorite holiday stress tips, excerpted from my new book, "400 Ways to Stop Stress Now...and Forever!"

Develop a gift ear.

Constantly coming up with fresh and innovative gifts for the holidays can be an exasperating challenge. Try this. Always a keep a sharp ear open. In the course of casual conversation, people unwittingly reveal needs and yearnings that can trigger incredibly on-target gift ideas. You just have to train yourself to "hear" them. When you do, write them down immediately since it's likely you'll forget. Don't be a perpetually stumped gift giver. Turn on your gift radar starting today. Why make yourself crazy?

Start your holiday shopping early.

You'll be able to do it in a more leisurely, composed manner. Stores will be less crowded. Selections will be at their fullest. Pre-holiday sales will save you money. And sales clerks may even be pleasant. Put it off and you risk that last-minute insanity of overcrowded stores, traffic jams and mile-away parking; frantic searches for hot items long sold out; agonizingly long checkout lines; and dealing with overwhelmed, under-trained Christmas help. Who needs that, on top of all your other stress? Even if you're not yet in a holiday mood, fake it. Start shopping, get it done. And actually enjoy the holiday season. Why make yourself crazy?

Look for that secret cashier.

Somewhere in the store there's a little-used cash register, service desk or courtesy desk that will also ring up your purchases. You just have to find it. People naturally drift toward the busiest lines. Take a moment to seek out that alternative checkout. You might be surprisingly rewarded. Why make yourself crazy?

Let the store assemble it.

It's tempting to think you can save a few bucks assembling that gas barbecue, play set or bicycle yourself. (Or maybe you just love irksome, time-consuming tasks.) Save yourself the anguish. Let someone who can practically do it in his sleep assemble it. Faster, better and cheaper in the long run. And you won't suffer the despair of learning at 1 a.m. on Christmas morning that a key part is missing, or you put it together backwards. Why make yourself crazy?

Put the holidays back into focus.

At the height of the holiday season, when your stress level is peaking, you're totally crazed, blowing through money, wondering if you're missing the point entirely...do this. Give a gift to someone you don't even know. Maybe it's a child or family you read about in the local paper who's undergoing a severe hardship. Maybe it's a charity gift drive for the down and forgotten. Make the effort to go out and shop for that present. As you're doing so, perhaps concerned about the time and money you're spending, imagine the person on the other end opening it, who has to celebrate their Christmas in this way. Who may not be getting any other gift but yours. Or none at all, if you weren't doing this. Compare that with the Christmas you and your family will enjoy. It's a sobering thought. Let it influence your generosity. Let it temper your excesses.

Short term memory problems can significantly impact learning new information or retaining new events in a person's life. The ability to function in the present and future can be drastically altered if a person has severe limitations in short term memory. The question is what, if anything, can be done to help a person with short term memory loss.

How you get short term memory loss can vary greatly. For some it is due to aging. For others it could be the side effect of various drugs that they are using. Head injury, stress and depression also reduce short term recall and cognitive functions. Stroke can damage sections of the brain involved in memory as well.

Extreme short term memory loss is usually the result of head trauma or a progressive disease like Alzheimer's or dementia. There have also been cases where radical brain surgery has removed the ability of a patient to hold information in short term memory, but those cases are rare.

Studies on memory and learning show that short term memory problems can be a factor in a person's ability to learn new things. Short term memory is usually the starting place for processing information, events ,etc. into our long term memory storage. If a person has issues utilizing short term memory then they will often have problems with learning facts, names, figures, etc.

Diagnosing short term memory problems can be tricky. It usually involves both physical and psychological testing to determine the root cause. How you get short term memory loss is important in how it is treated of if treatment is even possible.

Obviously if the root cause for the short term memory problems a person faces are due to drug side effects or stress then changing the drugs or reducing the stress will probably bring an improvement in recall and a boost in learning.

If the root causes is injury or trauma then usually only time and letting the body heal itself will determine if any ability to recall is recovered or maintained. Learning new things will probably be a struggle during this process until the brain adjusts and is able to either heal or adapt to the damage...assuming it is not too severe.

Extreme short term memory loss will usually inhibit the learning process permanently. There are some prescription drugs that can help with recall issues caused by Alzheimer's or dementia, but they often have troubling side effects of their own. Certain natural supplements containing things like Ginkgo, Ginseng, huperzine A as well as B complex vitamins have shown some promising results in recent studies. In fact some studies directed toward natural remedies and Alzheimer's treatment determined that some supplements geared for memory protection and enhancement worked as well as prescription drugs in certain patients, but without similar side effects.

The studies also indicated that supplements can help with the issue of how you get short term memory loss. They noted that use of certain herbals can help stimulate neurotransmitter production as well as the protection of those brain chemicals from age related decline. Herbals have also demonstrated an ability to maintain memory function and protect nerve cells from damage due to free radicals as well as helping the brain adjust to stress without reducing function.

For those who's short term memory problems stem from injury or trauma using memory aids such as writing things down or using repetition can help compensate for reduced recall, provided that the person retains at least some function. This may help people continue to learn and retain information while injured, but requires more time making the learning process slower than normal.

Depending on the cause of the recall issue, there is hope for some that learning can continue. The brain is a mysterious organ though and much more is still needing to be discovered about how it works. Continuing research on brain function and remedies for memory loss are helping bridge that gap, but it is still a long road.

While a panic attack can be frightening, there are some tips for panic attacks that can reduce the severity and frequency of the most common symptoms experienced during an attack. For many people, these symptoms include a racing heart, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, trembling and hyperventilation. In some cases, the symptoms can be so severe individuals experiencing a panic attack may feel as though they are actually dying.

While there are many different ways to deal with the symptoms related with panic attacks and possibly even avoid some attacks before they get started, some of the best tips for panic attacks involve planning when you are not experiencing an attack. Read on for more suggestions regarding how you can cope with panic attacks.

Tips for Panic Attacks

Start a notebook of messages that can help to calm you when you begin to feel panicky. Have the notebook located in a convenient location so that you do not have to search for it if you begin to feel a panic attack coming on.

Develop a list of the most common fears you experience during a panic attack. Write a list of thoughts to challenge those fears. For example, if you feel notice that you frequently feel as though you may be dying in a panic attack, write that down on your list when you are not experiencing an attack. Counter it with a message telling yourself that this is just a temporary feeling, you are not really dying and it will pass. Reading these messages can help to reduce the severity of your fears during an attack, which can make the attack worse.

Take the time to learn and practice breathing exercises during times when you are not experiencing an attack. The simple act of practicing deep and slow breathing can have a calming effect on the body and reduce the symptoms experienced.

Stock up on essence oils that can have a calming effect. Lavender essence oil is wonderful for this purpose. Store some in a dark bottle and keep it handy for those times when you feel panicked. You may even wish to keep a bottle to carry with you. Try inhaling it when you feel a panic attack coming on. Other essential oils that can have a calming effect include marjoram, and frankincense.

Talking to someone when you feel a panic attack coming on can also help to reduce the symptoms associated with an attack. Try preparing a list of people that you feel comfortable talking with during an attack and keep it with you at all times. Make sure you also list telephone numbers as well as it may be difficult to remember even familiar numbers when you feel panicked.

Music can also be very soothing and a great way to deal with a panic attack. Consider keeping a mixed CD of your favorite soothing tunes both in your car and at home to listen to when you feel an attack coming on.

Does gender affect short term memory? The debate over whether there really is any difference between men and women when it comes to our brains has raged for some time. While there are similarities, science has been uncovering some real differences as well. The question is do those difference apply to memory?

If there are any gender short term memory differences it may come down to a discussion in both brain function and brain construction variances between the two sexes. Many of the recent studies done show that men and women do indeed process things in different ways and with different parts of their brains. Some of this has been linked to the effect reproductive hormones like Testosterone and Estrogen have on brain development. It seems that these hormones have different effects on how brain cells are created and function.

Additionally, researchers have discovered that men tend to have a greater number of neurons in the outer brain than women do, while women tend to have more of the material between neurons that are involved in the connections and processes that communicate between neurons. While this may not be directly related to memory ability during a person's lifetime, it seems to make a difference in how age related issues like dementia affect the person.

Since dementia affects a person by essentially killing off neurons, the difference in neuron quantity between the sexes could explain why dementia related issues tend to more severely affect women then men. The fact that men have more neurons to spare could mean that diseases which kill off neurons at roughly the same rate between men and women would impact women to a greater extent because the operations of the brain are shared between fewer cells and the loss of those cells would therefore impact brain function more. More work needs to be done in this area.

Some other studies on how does gender affect short term memory seem to indicate that women have slightly better ability then men when it comes to using short term memory to recall facts and words. Women often score higher then men on verbal tests so it is not completely surprising that they might have better word and fact memory on average. Conversely, men seemed to be better at spatial and function oriented memory tasks then women. So it seems that part of the answer to memory differences boils down to what is it that the person is being asked to remember.

Gender short term memory differences also seemed to be impacted by the "genderness" of what is the subject of memory. As common sense might tells us and some studies have observed, men and women tend to have better recall of items that have general appeal to that particular sex and less recall if the item seemed to apply to the other gender. This is most likely a result of concentration and time than it is due to biology. People tend to remember better the things that interest them and with which they spend a greater amount of time considering.

So the question of how does gender affect short term memory seems to be more complicated than a yes or no answer. Science has identified some real differences both in function and in biology for the brains of each sex. It also seems that since each sex has different perspectives and interests that those things which are the focus of a particular gender also impact how memory is used.

Stress is a common problem - everyone deals with it to some extent in the normal course of their life. Small amounts of stress can even be positive things. It can put your body and mind into a more productive state, helping you get through the task at hand.

If stress continues long term, however, it can lead to a number of more serious problems which can continue to escalate if not addressed.

One of the difficulties with managing stress is that as it becomes more severe, it becomes more and more difficult to deal with it. This can lead to a cyclical problem, where more stress is caused by not being able to manage the current stress properly. This can lead to becoming burned out and tired, simply making it even more hard to handle.

Different people have different ways of dealing with stress and anxiety and some people have a higher tolerance than others. Some of the most common triggers for stress are financial problems, medical problems, and family issues.

Some of the warning signs of stress include the following:

* Constant feelings of worry
* Fatigue or lack of energy
* Depression
* Chest pain
* Difficulty breathing
* Dizziness or lightheadedness
* Nausea and stomach pain

There are a number of treatments for stress. A person with any of the above symptoms should consult with their doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They will often conduct an interview with you to try to determine what underlying issues are causing the stress.

Often, simply identifying the issues can have a positive effect on stress. Once the problem is identified, the doctor can help to lay out the most effective treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication or alternative treatments.

The benefit of exercise on the body has been talked about for years, but what needs more discussion is the mental benefits of exercise. The brain needs exercise in order to combat aging, function properly and keep mood positive. Here's why.

The effect of exercise on the brain is profound. Several studies of exercise and mental health have observed large differences in memory ability, critical thinking skills, balanced mood and increased learning potential in the subjects who were on a physical exercise routine compared with the subject of the studies that were not. The difference was not minor. What was interesting is that the gap was even wider for studies done on people over 60. Those who did not exercise had a significant drop in mental health and brain function as opposed to those who maintained an active lifestyle.

The mental benefits of exercise begin with increased blood flow to the brain. The brain requires large amounts of oxygen and glucose to fuel the organ and maintain proper function. Decreases in blood flow either due to a sedentary lifestyle or old age is a major factor in mental decline.

Exercise and mental health are also connected by the effect exercise has on neurotransmitters. Studies done measuring the effect of exercise on neurotransmitters revealed that increased activity aided the body in producing higher levels of various brain chemicals necessary for function, mood improvement and memory. Exercise increases endorphins, which affect mood and decrease pain as well as increases aceytlcholine, which supports memory and mental processing in addition to voluntary muscle movement.

Exercise and mental health experts also noticed that exercise levels also impacted the number of pathways through the body for acetylcholine. This directly effects the ability of the chemical to work within the body.

One of the more interesting of the mental benefits of exercise is how it combats aging. It seems that exercise has a positive effect on nerve cell health and in many ways is directly linked with how long those cells live. Exercise maintains healthy cells and also helps enhance the activity of antioxidants which protect cells from free radical damage, one of the leading causes of cell damage related to the aging process.

Exercise also helps the body reduce the risk of stroke and clotting which can lead to deep vein thrombosis and death. This is important for not only our lives but for reducing the risk of damage to the brain that can result for stroke or clotting. This becomes increasingly important as we age and the circulatory system become more fragile.

One encouraging note in all this is that researchers found that even if a person has been inactive for much of their lives they can still receive the mental benefits of exercise whenever they start. It is important to start as early as you can, but any age will see improvement when they begin to increase exercise. The choice you make in this area can determine the quality of your mental health and how well you can function in later life. Whatever your age, get active.

Bipolar I is a serious disorder that is considered to be the most severe form of an illness that can set the world askew for the person afflicted. It is characterized by one or more manic or mixed episodes and depression may also be part of the picture.

Symptoms are severe enough to disrupt work, impact on relationships, and destroy constructive living patterns. Bipolar type 1 can present a confusing mix of alternating emotions and behaviors.

A person in the grip of mania may have a decreased need for sleep, have an excess of energy (like a running motor that just cannot be shut off), be easily distracted and have racing thoughts. An individual may engage in spending sprees or inappropriate sexual encounters, become delusional, experience hallucinations, and lose touch with reality; thus becoming a danger to himself or others. In this scenario, the condition is called bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features. Hospitalization is often required.

Bipolar I is characterized by what are called mixed episodes, where the person is up and down at the same time. A person in a manic state can become easily irritated or aggressive. Imagine trying to sort through a sea of confusing emotions when you swing from one mood to the other!

A downswing into depression can be crippling, involving withdrawal from normal activities, feelings of despair, uncontrollable crying, anger, appetite changes, and thoughts or attempts at suicide. Inhabiting a world colored by the downside of bipolar type 1 perception can seem like the sun has set and there is nothing to look forward to.

Over the centuries, a pattern has emerged that shows this condition is linked to creativity. Some of the world’s geniuses had the disorder. This creativity—especially in the arts, in music, and in literature, has given the world glimpses into the sublime.

A person with bipolar 1 disorder may be more emotionally reactive. He or she may have greater sensitivity and acuteness. A lack of inhibition related to frontal lobe processes contributes to unconventional forms of expression. In other words, the world is seen through a startling and multi-layered mirror and when creative and artistic expression is vented, the results can be incredible.

If you or someone who know is trying to live with bipolar I, what steps can be taken to lead a life that embraces more balance, where mania is managed and depression reduced?

Treatment is usually initiated with use of a mood stabilizer such as lithium carbonate, valproate sodium, or carbamazepine to control hypomanic or manic episodes. Depressive episodes are treated with an antidepressant but need close monitoring because an antidepressant on its own could accelerate hypomania or mania or rapid cycling in bipolar type 1. Antianxiety or antipsychotic drugs may be used, as well.

Psychotherapy that focuses on cognitive and behavioral or interpersonal issues can be helpful and family involvement is desirable. Education in self-management techniques is invaluable.

Fast Facts About Herbal Remedies

A double-blind trial found that bipolar patients taking 9.6 grams of omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil, showed significant improvement.

Patients taking 5-HTP plus their antidepressant had greater improvement.

Supplemental choline can increase acetylcholine levels, which may affect mood disorders.

The amino acid taurine shows promising results in treating manic depression.

Amino acids, neuronutrients, trace elements of lithium, minerals, herbal extracts—all of these can be combined in a herbal remedy that may be a valuable adjunct to treatment of bipolar 1 disorder.

The brain needs raw materials in the form of nutrients for synthesis of chemical messengers. A brain that is deficient in these nutrient building blocks cannot function efficiently. If you suffer from bipolar I take comfort from the knowledge that there are additional herbal approaches to managing this illness.

As can be seen, bipolar type 1 is a complex illness and a varied treatment approach may present the most benefit. You will have to be patient, in exploring treatments and methods that work best for you.

Bipolar I needs medical management. Naturopaths, nutritionists, and holistic practitioners can also be a valuable resource in determining nutritional approaches when living and coming to terms with this condition.