Author: Kathy Marshack

There’s a lot of speculation about possible causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder. One such speculation pointed to thimerosal-containing vaccines. According to a new study from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), there is no increased risk of autism after receiving a vaccination as an infant or while in the womb – around 20 studies found no such link.

With this new information, CDC Director of Immunization Safety and study researcher Frank DeStefano, says that the focus should be to look for other possible causes. To read more about these findings, read CDC Study Shows No Vaccine, Autism Link. 

With an estimated 1 in 110 children in the United States now being diagnosed with ASD, it can be disconcerting not having a clear reason why these numbers are rising. As a psychologist, even though unsure of the cause, I focus on how to cope with living with ASD or living with someone with ASD. If you are in a relationship with someone with a high-functioning form of autism or Asperger Syndrome, you may be striving to understand how this disorder impacts you and your relationship. My book, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge?, emphasizes the importance of fully understanding Asperger Syndrome and then taking a close look at how it impacts their lives. Without insight and tolerance gained from understanding, many spouses end up feeling misunderstood, frustrated, isolated and unloved.

I am also writing a new book about co-parenting with an Asperger partner. Click here to download a free sample chapter of Parenting with a Spouse or Partner with Asperger Syndrome: Out of Sight, Out of Mind.

 

About 17 million Americans are estimated to develop depression each year. In one large survey, 8.6% of adults over the age of 18 reported having a mental health problem for at least two weeks. However, the incidence may be even higher since many people fail to seek help for depression. One reason may be because they are not alert of the signs of depression. Many feel think that depression is exhibited only by emotional problems, but that is not the only sign. Physical ailments can be linked to depression. (It is important to note that depression symptoms vary from person to person.)

Here are a just few physical symptoms that could be linked to depression problems: 

• Headaches
• Digestive Problems
• Muscle or Joint Pain
• Dizzy Spells
• Change in Appetite
• Problems Sleeping
• Exhaustion

Visit The National Institute of Mental Health for a full list of signs and symptoms of depression.

 

If you can relate to the symptoms listed above, I advise you to seek professional help to see if you can determine what is causing your symptoms. And remember that depression is treatable. For more information on treating depression, visit Overcoming Depression on my website. It is also important to understand the mind and body connection. Visit Holistic Health Consciousness for a more detail explanation.

High Divorce Rates for Parents Raising a Child with Autism

Thursday, September 02, 2010

If
you have been diagnosed with Adult ADHD, studies show you are more likely to
also suffer from depression than adults without ADHD. Depression could be
rooted in a variety of different factors, but sometimes it’s because you are
frustrated by living with ADHD. Someone may slip into depression because they
have just recently been diagnosed or maybe they are tired of being perceived as
lazy, flighty, or unsuccessful. Regardless of the reasons, depression can hit
very hard.

It is important if you have Adult ADHD that you get proper therapy with or
without symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy
is especially helpful for people with ADHD who also deal with
depression and anxiety. It can also help adults deal with the frustration and
anger they feel because their ADHD was never addressed in childhood. In
addition, psychotherapists can help improve social skills and the ability to
deal with ADHD-unfriendly situations. A specific type of psychotherapy
is called Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy which has proven to be highly beneficial.

In addition to your psychotherapy treatments, you can also try meditation,
exercise, or a hobby when you are feeling depressed. Remember that both ADHD
and depression are treatable. Visit my website for more information about Adult ADHD and Depression.

Can
marriage contribute to your health? According to recent studies, the answer is
YES! Recent studies from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University came
to the conclusion that those who are married or in long-term relationships have
lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

University of Chicago professor Dario Maestripieri stated “These results
suggest that single and unpaired individuals are more responsive to
psychological stress than married individuals, a finding consistent with a
growing body of evidence showing that marriage and social support can buffer
against stress.” For more details on this study, read Marriage
Lowers Stress Hormones.

It is no easy task to maintain a strong and healthy marriage, but it can be
done! It takes hard work, dedication, and the proper tools to make a marriage
work. You might also need to seek the guidance of a marriage counselor
for help. Don’t delay because unfortunately unresolved problems in marriage can
have a very negative impact on your health. I encourage
you to visit my website – Maintaining
a Strong Marriage – where you will learn nine critical
psychological tasks that must be applied to keep a lasting and
happy marriage.