Fairbanks Psychiatric & Neurological Clinic APC

09/02/2022

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves that typically results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in the affected area. Neuropathies frequently start in your hands and feet, but other parts of your body can be affected too.

Neuropathy, often called peripheral neuropathy, indicates a problem within the peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system. Think of the two systems working together this way: Your central nervous system is the central station. It is the control center, the hub from which all trains come and go. Your peripheral nervous system are the tracks that connect to the central station. The tracks (the network of nerves) allow the trains (information signals) to travel to and from the central station (your brain and spinal cord).

Neuropathy results when nerve cells, called neurons, are damaged or destroyed. This disrupts the way the neurons communicate with each other and with the brain. Neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy) or nerve type, a combination of nerves in a limited area (multifocal neuropathy) or many peripheral nerves throughout the body (polyneuropathy).

What types of peripheral nerves are there and what do they do?
The peripheral nervous system is made up of three types of nerves, each with an important role in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.

Sensory nerves carry messages from your five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch) through your spinal cord to your brain. For example, a sensory nerve would communicate to your brain information about objects you hold in your hand, like pain, temperature, and texture.
Motor nerves travel in the opposite direction of sensory nerves. They carry messages from your brain to your muscles. They tell your muscles how and when to contract to produce movement. For example, to move your hand away from something hot.
Autonomic nerves are responsible for body functions that occur outside of your direct control, such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, bladder control and s*xual arousal. The autonomic nerves are constantly monitoring and responding to external stresses and bodily needs. For instance, when you exercise, your body temperatures increases. The autonomic nervous system triggers sweating to prevent your body's temperature from rising too high.
The type of symptoms you feel depend on the type of nerve that is damaged.

What does neuropathy feel like?

If you have neuropathy, the most commonly described feelings are sensations of numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), and weakness in the area of the body affected. Other sensations include sharp, lightening-like pain; or a burning, throbbing or stabbing pain.

How common is neuropathy? Who gets neuropathy?

Neuropathy is very common. It is estimated that about 25% to 30% of Americans will be affected by neuropathy. The condition affects people of all ages; however, older people are at increased risk. About 8% of adults over 65 years of age report some degree of neuropathy. Other than age, in the United States some of the more common risk factors for neuropathy include diabetes, metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes), and heavy alcohol use. People in certain professions, such as those that require repetitive motions, have a greater chance of developing mononeuropathies from trauma or compression of nerves.

Among other commonly cited statistics, neuropathy is present in:

60% to 70% of people with diabetes.
30% to 40% of people who receive chemotherapy to treat cancer.
30% of people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How quickly does neuropathy develop?
Some peripheral neuropathies develop slowly – over months to years – while others develop more rapidly and continue to get worse. There are over 100 types of neuropathies and each type can develop differently. The way your condition progresses and how quickly your symptoms start can vary greatly depending on the type of nerve or nerves damaged, and the underlying cause of the condition.

06/27/2022

Sally Caldwell Counselor, LPC-S, MAC, SEP

I enjoy working with school age children and junior youth, including children with complex conditions. Common issues are self regulating their emotions, communicating effectively, and regaining hope in confusing and often scary world conditions. Children progress in therapy through self expression in play and art, and they learn to deal with school, social and play ground, and home challenges using mindfulness stress reduction and thought restructuring strategies. Parents are the most important influence on a child's well being. I can help parents develop more effective communication and supportive and disciplinary strategies.
I have over 22 years of clinical experience working with children, junior youth, and parents. This includes lots of clinical training in Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Theraplay from National clinical child training centers. Clinic hours are late afternoon and evening and one morning, good for parent sessions while children are in school.
Current conditions present complex challenges. I am a parent of three adult children, an adoptive and past foster parent. We have never had more challenging times for families. My goal is to help parents and their children and junior youth repair discord in the parent/child relationship and secure a lasting bond during troubling times.

06/02/2022

Imagine!

06/02/2022

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition involving persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. While autism is considered a lifelong disorder, the degree of impairment in functioning because of these challenges varies between individuals with autism.

Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Early signs of this disorder can be noticed by parents/caregivers or pediatricians before a child reaches one year of age. However, symptoms typically become more consistently visible by the time a child is 2 or 3 years old. In some cases, the functional impairment related to autism may be mild and not apparent until the child starts school, after which their deficits may be pronounced when amongst their peers.

Social communication deficits may include1:

• Decreased sharing of interests with others

• Difficulty appreciating their own & others' emotions

• Aversion to maintaining eye contact

• Lack of proficiency with use of non-verbal gestures

• Stilted or scripted speech

• Interpreting abstract ideas literally

• Difficulty making friends or keeping them

Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors may include1:

• Inflexibility of behavior, extreme difficulty coping with change

• Being overly focused on niche subjects to the exclusion of others

• Expecting others to be equally interested in those subjects

• Difficulty tolerating changes in routine and new experiences

• Sensory hypersensitivity, e.g., aversion to loud noises

• Stereotypical movements such as hand flapping, rocking, spinning

• Arranging things, often toys, in a very particular manner
Parent/caregiver/teacher concerns about the child's behavior should lead to a specialized evaluation by a developmental pediatrician, pediatric psychologist, child neurologist and/or a child & adolescent psychiatrist. This evaluation involves interviewing the parent/caregiver, observing, and interacting with the child in a structured manner, and sometimes conducting additional tests to rule out other disorders. In some ambiguous cases, the diagnosis of autism may be deferred, but otherwise an early diagnosis can greatly improve a child's functioning by providing the family early access to supportive resources in the community.
The first step is seeking an evaluation. Most parents start with their pediatrician who is checking on developmental milestones. If your child is under the age of 3 years, you can obtain an evaluation through your local early intervention system. (Learn more about early intervention and find local contact information.) If your child is over the age of 3, you can get an evaluation through your local school (even if your child does not go there). Contact your local school's preschool special education team to request an evaluation. (Learn more about requesting an evaluation.)

Risk Factors

The current science suggests that several genetic factors may increase the risk of autism in a complex manner. Having certain specific genetic conditions such as Fragile X Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis has been identified as conferring a particularly increased risk for being diagnosed with autism. Certain medications, such as valproic acid and thalidomide, when taken during pregnancy, have been linked with a higher risk of autism as well.(2) Having a sibling with autism also increases the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with autism. Parents being older at the time of pregnancy is additionally linked with greater risk of autism. Vaccines on the other hand have not been shown to increase the likelihood of an autism diagnosis, and race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status does not seem to have a link either. Male children tend to be diagnosed with autism more often than those assigned female s*x at birth, albeit this ratio is changing over time.

Treatment

While there is no "cure" for autism, there are several effective interventions that can improve a child's functioning:
Applied behavioral analysis: It involves systematic study of the child's functional challenges, which is used to create a structured behavioral plan for improving their adaptive skills and decreasing inappropriate behavior

• Social skills training: Done in group or individual settings, this intervention helps children with autism improve their ability to navigate social situations

• Speech & language therapy: It can improve the child's speech patterns and understanding of language

• Occupational therapy: This address adaptive skills deficits with activities of daily living, as well as problems with handwriting

• Parent management training: Parents learn effective ways of responding to problematic behavior and encouraging appropriate behavior in their child. Parent support groups help parents cope with the stressors of raising a child with autism

• Special education services: Under an Individual Education Plan provided by their school, which accommodates for their social communication deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors, children with autism can achieve their fullest potential academically. This includes special day classes for very young children to address language, social, and life skills.

• Treating co-occurring conditions: Children with autism experience insomnia, anxiety, and depression more often than peers without autism. They also more often have ADHD. Children with autism may have intellectual disability and this needs to be addressed. The impact of these conditions can be reduced with the proper services, which include all of the above, in addition psychotherapy and/or medication treatment

• Medication: A child psychiatrist can evaluate for co-morbid depression, anxiety, and impulsivity. If appropriate medications can be helpful. For example, autism-related irritability can be reduced by medications such as aripiprazole and risperidone (the two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for irritability associated with autism), prescribed judiciously by a knowledgeable clinician in collaboration with the child's parents.
Several complementary and alternative interventions involving special diets and supplements have been tried over the years by parents/caregivers seeking ways to help their child with autism function better. To date compelling evidence has not been found to clearly recommend any such specific interventions. Research into these types of interventions continues, and parents/caregivers interested in them should discuss them with their child's treating clinician.
Additional information can be found in the Expert Q&A and Resources sections.
Tips For Parents:

• Learn as much as possible about autism spectrum disorder

• Provide consistent structure and routine

• Connect with other parents of children with autism

• Seek professional help for specific concerns

• Take time for yourself and other family members

Having a child with autism affects the whole family. It can be stressful, time-consuming and expensive. Paying attention to the physical and emotional health of the whole family is important. Many national and local advocacy organizations provide information, resources and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.

Mandar Jadhav, M.D. and Mary Ann Schaepper, M.D., M.Ed, DFAPA
August 2021

05/20/2022

05/20/2022

The Healing Powers of Fresh Air - by Julia Cattani

1. Fresh Air Cleans Out Your Lungs

Breathing in fresh air can replenish your body with positive attributes, while you exhale the processed air. Doing this at the beginning or the end of the day can decompress your body, setting you up for a calmer day or settling the body before bed.

2. Fresh Air Makes You Happy

Stimulating both the physical being and the emotional being, fresh air has the powerful capability to revitalize your emotions, even if you've had a bad day, week, or month. Getting outside and taking deep breaths settles the nervous system and garners peacefulness.

3. Fresh Air Can Create Focus

Around this time of year, it is important to get outside so that you can properly work toward finals. Fresh air will help you focus on your responsibilities and help you ignore distractions. Either taking your studies outdoors or simply taking a long walk before you settle down to do your work will help you zone in on what needs to be completed.

4. Fresh Air Gives You Energy

We thrive off of positive energy sources, and fresh air and sunlight are two of the most important forms of a positive energy source. Fresh air helps you naturally wake up, so starting your morning with a walk can be a great way to start the day if you're trying to stay away from caffeine.

5. You Can't Crash From Fresh Air

Many ways of getting energy leave you exhausted by the end of the day, but fresh air is natural and uplifting. This is one of the major perks of getting outside and breathing fresh air, as it lets your body naturally raise to the energy level it needs to perform throughout the day while also gently relaxing the body at the end of the day to wind down.

Making the effort to get outside every day has made me a more focused and successful student, while it has also improved my every day social lifestyle. If you are going to do anything to better your health and wellbeing, I suggest taking a walk every day.

05/20/2022

Reposting: Hoping that this will reach those who could benefit from this. This program is amazing!

We are excited to share information we have received from one of our pharmaceutical manufacturers at Briviact . Briviact is committed to the epilepsy community. Since 2005 they have awarded $2.8 million to more than 550 recipients through their scholarship program. Providing financial resources to help people living with epilepsy and their families further their education. For more information about the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program please visit their website ucbepilepsyscholarship.com3

05/09/2022

May is National Mental Health Month

Mental Health Month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives.

Over the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and others within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and across the Federal Government, the public health community, and the general public have made efforts to increase the importance of understanding both prevention and treatment of mental health problems. These efforts have significantly improved the outlook for those affected by mental illnesses.

Successful efforts that have raised awareness about the importance of mental health and promoted acceptance, support, prevention and recovery from these mental health conditions include:

The Affordable Care Act expands health insurance coverage to approximately 30 million Americans by 2016, and an estimated 11 million of these newly eligible beneficiaries will have substance abuse and/or mental health service needs.

The Community Mental Health Services Block Grant provides financial assistance to states and territories to carry out state plans to offer comprehensive community-based mental health services and evidence-based practices to adults with serious mental illnesses and children with serious emotional disturbances.

Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 eliminates the practice of unequal health treatment and improves access to much needed mental health and substance use disorder treatment services through more equitable insurance coverage.

The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Su***de Prevention Program facilitates coordination across government agencies and the private sector in the development, implementation, and evaluation of youth su***de prevention and early intervention plans among youth-serving institutions, such as schools, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, primary care, mental health programs, foster care systems, and other organizations.

Mental Health Month gives all of us a valuable opportunity to celebrate the tremendous strides this Nation has made in promoting mental health and increasing the public's knowledge that effective services and support are available.

05/02/2022

What Are the Benefits of Sunlight?

Sunlight and Serotonin

We’re used to hearing about how too much of the sun’s warm rays can be harmful to your skin. But did you know the right balance can have lots of mood-lifting benefits?

Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain. Exposure to sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of a hormone called serotonin. Serotonin is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. At night, darker lighting triggers the brain to make another hormone called melatonin. This hormone is responsible for helping you sleep.

Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of major depression with seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD). This is a form of depression triggered by the changing seasons.

A mood boost isn’t the only reason to get increased amounts of sunlight. There are several health benefits associated with catching moderate amounts of rays.

Sunlight and Mental Health

Decreased sun exposure has been associated with a drop in your serotonin levels, which can lead to major depression with seasonal pattern. The light-induced effects of serotonin are triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Sunlight cues special areas in the retina, which triggers the release of serotonin. So, you’re more likely to experience this type of depression in the winter time, when the days are shorter.

Due to this connection, one of the main treatments for depression with seasonal pattern is light therapy, also known as phototherapy. You can get a light therapy box to have at home. The light from the box mimics natural sunlight that stimulates the brain to make serotonin and reduces excess melatonin.

Exposure to sunlight can also benefit those with:

Other types of major depression
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Pregnant people with depression
Anxiety-related disorders and panic attacks have also been linked with changing seasons and reduced sunlight.

03/18/2022

17 Ways to Be Kind to Yourself

Below you’ll discover 17 ways to be kind to yourself.

1. Carve Out Some Time For Yourself. Every day carve out some time for yourself and do something that brings you joy. You can draw, journal, write short stories, play a musical instrument, or do anything else that you love to do. Be kind to yourself by giving yourself some “me time” each day.

2. Give Yourself Recognition. Often, we’re quick to acknowledge the achievements of others, but slow to acknowledge our own. That has to stop. Become aware of your own achievements and give yourself recognition.
When you do something you’re proud of, stop for a minute and dwell on it. Praise yourself and relish the achievement. Complement yourself. Pat yourself on the back and say the following: “Kudos to me!”

3. Cultivate Your Inner Advocate. We’re all familiar with the inner critic. It’s that little voice in our heads that’s quick to judge and is always ready with a put down. Well, it’s time for your inner critic to meet your inner advocate.
And who exactly is this inner advocate? It’s another voice in your head: the one that defends you. When your inner critic comes at you with ridicule and scorn, your inner advocate jumps in and presents arguments on your behalf. While your inner critic is against you, your inner advocate is for you.

4. Forgive Yourself. We all mess up. Look at the following:
 Maybe you did something in the past that you’re not proud of.
 Perhaps you failed to stand up for yourself and you let someone else get the better of you.
 You may have missed a great opportunity because you got scared.
 Maybe you failed to follow through on an important goal.
If you’re angry at yourself, you need to show yourself kindness: stop blaming yourself, resolve to do better from now on, and forgive yourself.

5. Take Good Care of Yourself. One of the best ways to show yourself kindness is to take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat fruits and vegetables, and get some form of exercise on a regular basis. In addition, choose a way to release stress, be well groomed, and look after your appearance.

6. Respect Yourself. Self-respect is valuing yourself for who you are, and not allowing others to dictate your value. It’s trusting yourself, thinking for yourself, forming your own opinions, and making your own decisions. In addition, it’s refusing to compare yourself to others.
Finally, self-respect is about keeping your promises to yourself and following through on what you tell yourself that you’re going to do. Be kind to yourself by deeply respecting yourself.
7. Treat Yourself. I’m not advocating shopping therapy, or consumerism. However, if you see something that you really want, treat yourself. If it’s expensive, save up for it. You don’t have to wait for someone else to give it to you as a gift. Give it to yourself. (You get bonus points if you get the shop to wrap it in colorful gift wrap.)

8. Soothe Yourself. Did you have a tough day? Did you get into an argument with a co-worker or a friend? Did you bomb your presentation? Was it one of those days in which everything that could wrong, did go wrong? Be kind to yourself by soothing yourself. Do the following:
 Soak in a hot tub. Add scented bath oil.
 Give yourself a scalp massage. Rub your feet.
 Make yourself some hot cocoa with little marshmallows in it and sit back with a mystery novel.

9. Remind Yourself of Your Good Qualities. Maybe you’re a little heavier than “the ideal body type”, but you have long, lustrous hair. Maybe you’re not great at sports, but you’re an ace at math. Maybe you have a tendency to be melodramatic, but you have a great sense of humor.
Always remind yourself of your good qualities.

10. Tell Yourself, “I Am Enough”. We’ve all had times in our lives when we’ve thought, “I’m not good looking enough, or smart enough, or strong enough to get what I want.” Stop it with the “I’m not enough” self-talk and replace it with the following;
 “I’m enough, just as I am.”
 “I’m worthy.”
 “I deserve to be happy.”
 “I deserve to have everything I want.”