Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

THE FINAL SHOT

August 28th, 2015

This week a disgruntled, seemingly troubled man decided to exact his revenge on his former employer by committing murder on television. He made his own “reality tv” show.

35054347_sThe recent murder of the two journalists by their former co-worker raises many questions and more concerns as this epidemic of exhibitionism seems to grow. The shooting yesterday has many tragic aspects, but one cannot deny the exhibitionistic quality of it. The shooter recorded it and got on television for committing murder. He planned the whole thing!

We live in an age of self-obsessed exhibitionism. That can be seen on all the social media outlets. Constant pictures, comments, thoughts, fantasies and even capital crime are shared with the world without a filter. And then we have all the mainstream media giving it 24-hour coverage. While this shooting is a very tragic story that can be discussed from many different perspectives i.e. mental illness, gun control, personal and national grief, and other psychosocial viewpoints, we must take particular form of this act also as an outgrowth of a culture in which showing off has become common place. This killer got his own show.

Mental illness certainly can cause gun violence. But a psychiatric diagnosis cannot predict that someone will choose violence or become a shooter. If that were true, this would be a much easier problem to solve. Here are some facts we know about mass murderers. We know that the typical profile of a mass murderer is that of a single male who is somewhat isolated, maybe depressed, and possibly feeling revengeful after a rejection perceived as an irreparable destruction to his life. Losing a job could certainly fit within those parameters.

The availability of guns is a common part of the discussion and, although I personally prefer better gun control laws, I still have not seen direct evidence of gun availability as a whole causing these heinous acts by individuals. We have learned a lot by studying the individuals that have committed these crimes, but not enough to accurately identify a potential mass murderer.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

PLUMPED UP LIPS AND BIGGER BUTTS –TEENS ARE DRIVING PLASTIC SURGERY

August 26th, 2015

“THE CELEBRITY DRIVE FOR PERFECTION IS TRICKLING DOWN TO THE MASSES, AND EVEN TEENAGERS ARE GETTING PLASTIC SURGERY IN RECORD NUMBERS.” New York Post, August 23, 2015

31493346_sEighteen-year-old, Kylie Jenner has heads turning.  She is one of the top ten most followed people on Instagram with over 33 million followers, and she is the number one most viewed person on Snapchat.  So when Kylie Jenner admits to having plastic surgery – teenagers listen and want it too!

Although Jenner has only admitted to plastic surgery for her lips, there is speculation that she has done other surgeries including on her breasts and butt. With the social media following she commands, Kylie Jenner is a marketing machine. If Kylie uses it most likely so will the rest of young America. One simple Tweet or Facebook post from Kylie and millions listen.  She is a trendsetter.

So this week in the New York Post it was not a surprise to see that teenagers are behind the spike in plastic surgeries. In 2013, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 18,000 teen’s ages 13 to 19 got a form of Botox.

According to the article, “The 2014 Annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Survey blamed “the rise of the selfie,” and there may be something to that.”

Look, there may be something to that. Many people aren’t into selfies or for that matter being in pictures at all. But this is a whole new generation. A young generation that photographs everything and posts it immediately for the world to see. With that comes much self-examination of one’s physical attributes and the need to make them better, or as many say to “correct” them.

So what should parents do when their teen wants plastic surgery?

Parents should think long and hard before giving the okay for plastic surgery and so should the surgeons. Unfortunately, they often do not. Surgery is a major decision with some physical risks, even serious ones. But on a psychological level surgery can also be risky. What I mean is that the motives for surgery can often be low self-esteem or anxiety about identity. Surgery will not cure that. As a matter of fact having surgery can often make these issues worse as they hold out the illusion that there are quick cures (in a quick cure culture) and the disappointment reactions are often disastrous. What’s worse is that the teenager misses out on learning that working on personal problems is a more difficult task but a more rewarding avenue to feeling better. Our society has moved more and more towards superficial cures for almost everything. Old fashioned hard work, slower but more rewarding efforts and a slow build-up of lasting self-esteem still outrank the quickie interventions. Just ask any drug addict who went for a quick cure for the pain that was being suffered and I think it will be obvious that there is no short cut.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE AND THE EMPTY NEST

August 25th, 2015

43660028_sEach year about two million students go to college. Certainly attending college has real benefits: a typical college graduate earns from a half million to one million dollars more in their lives than students who don’t go to college. Despite the enormous expense of college, parents often see it as the most important investment they are going to make in their children’s lives. It is an enormous investment, but its success doesn’t depend on the prestige of the institution. A teen can be just as successful going to a state university as an Ivy League school.

As your child leaves for college this fall, there are some anxieties that you and your teen will go through. Even if it is a local school that your teen attends while living at home, it still represents a major, if not final, separation children make from their parents.

For parents who were actively involved in their teen’s life, this is a difficult time. The “empty nest syndrome” is a scary thought. As a parent, you will no longer play the role of primary caretaker or be the major figure in your child’s life. Parents who live through their children vicariously will have a more difficult transition. There is a fear of becoming unimportant in their child’s life. Many parents who have focused most of their lives on their children have avoided attending to other things such as their marriage, a career and their health. This is a great time for parent’s to reconnect with one another, pursue new (or return to) hobbies and activities, get into an exercise class, or return to work or make a career change.

Parents who worry that they will suddenly become unimportant in the lives of their new college student will soon find out that this is far from the case. This is not only because of the financial support most parents offer, but because of the help that this now “young adult” will need through any number of social, academic, and personal challenges that come along with teenagers transitioning to adulthood.

When your child leaves for college, encourage them to have reasonable expectations and to be prepared for new challenges. Many teens feel great anxiety when going off to college, even if they hide it. Many parents also fear the separation. For parents take this opportunity to enrich other areas of your life. It can be a very rewarding time. Remember, though, your child will still need you! As much as the everyday has changed you are transitioning into a whole new relationship with your child. Embrace it – the best may be yet to come!

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

VICTIMS OF CHILDHOOD BULLYING & THE IMPACT ON THEM AS ADULTS

August 24th, 2015

42851807_sI have counseled plenty of children over the years who have been the victims of childhood bullying. Now, a new study says that childhood bullying has effects that last long into adulthood. I came across an article this week in MedicalNewsToday.com that says, “Research is now attempting to understand why victims of childhood bullying are at risk of poorer outcomes in adulthood, not only for psychological health, but also physical health, cognitive functioning and quality of life.”

Bullying comes in many forms, but intimidation, teasing and the threat of violence are often involved. The article in MedicalNewsToday.com references studies by the US Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) that said that the most common types of bullying are verbal and social:

  • Name calling – 44.2% of cases
  • Teasing – 43.3%
  • Spreading rumors or lies – 36.3%
  • Pushing or shoving – 32.4%
  • Hitting, slapping or kicking – 29.2%
  • Leaving out – 28.5%
  • Threatening – 27.4%
  • Stealing belongings – 27.3%
  • Sexual comments or gestures – 23.7%
  • Email or blogging – 9.9%

In children, it has been shown that persistent bullying can lead to depression and anxiety. These disorders are often why parents finally call me. The bullying itself may go away with intervention from parents and school administrators, but the scars are deep and can last a lifetime.

In a study in the UK in 2014, “researchers found, at age 50, participants who had been bullied when they were children were more likely to be in poorer physical and psychological health and have worse cognitive functioning than people who had not been bullied.”

The study also said that “Victims of bullying were also found to be more likely to be unemployed, earn less and have lower educational levels than people who had not been bullied. They were also less likely to be in a relationship or have good social support. People who had been bullied were more likely to report lower quality of life and life satisfaction than their peers who had not been bullied.”

In working with children of bullying, I find that many of these kids suffer from severe anxiety with features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and often, suicidal ideation. These children may find that they will need to seek counseling for an extended period to learn to handle their anxiety and depression. Psychotherapy is the treatment of choice and, in some cases, medication is necessary. These children also may find that they will need to seek counseling throughout their life to learn to handle their anxiety and depression. For many, lifestyle changes and talking about their childhood experiences with bullying will help. Sadly in some cases medication will be necessary. The sooner a child begins to deal with their bullying the better the outcome.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

ANGRY KIDS! WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO?

August 18th, 2015

42400720_sAngry children are difficult for parents to deal with, and yet many parents don’t contact a specialist for help until a child’s problems are pretty well entrenched. Why? Because despite the fact most of us approach the major challenge of being a parent with no on-the-job training, we tend to consider ourselves experts. Who knows our children better than we do, after all? Also, because we have the notion that the difficult job of raising a child is supposed to come naturally, many of us think that seeking help is a weakness or shortcoming. Another reason is just simply that many of us wait until we feel our backs are against the wall before taking what we think of as drastic measures.

I have dealt with many angry children over the past 30 years, and I have counseled their parents on how to deal with their child’s anger. Uncovering the pain behind a child’s anger may not be easy but my job as a child psychiatrist is to help you and your child to pinpoint the cause of the anger.

With school having started for many children already and many others heading back in the next couple of weeks parents may begin to see even more outbursts of anger followed by that dreaded call from the school. Shortly after the school year begins, a teacher calls to tell you that your son is behaving badly and doing poorly on his work or your daughter is obnoxious and creating trouble when she gets together with her friends.

Anger manifests itself in many different ways. For a seven-year-old it is a panic attack before school every day and with a teenager it is excessive moodiness. What seemed to just be a normal part of your child’s personality has now taken on pathological proportions; your son was always shy, but now he has no social contacts whatsoever; your worrier, who has always been concerned with details and planning, seems suddenly terrified to touch anything in the house; your child who has always been somewhat of a troublemaker at school is now in trouble with the law and is a substance abuser. This is scary stuff!

So what’s a parent to do? Calling your pediatrician or a child psychiatrist is a good place to start – and the sooner, the better. As much as I wish it were otherwise — a problem caught early is more easily solved, and the pain and damage involved is decidedly less — I’m afraid that is simply human nature.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING. WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO?

August 13th, 2015

42076391_sAs the new school year gets under way, many parents are planning the annual “back-to-school” shopping. What used to be a day of buying a few new clothes and some nice folders and notebooks has now turned into a mad-dash to get everything on the school list and the latest Abercrombie or Hollister jeans! Oh, and it also comes with some pretty high-expectations from kids who want the latest IPhone and IPad, too.

So, what’s a parent to do? Well, the first thing is to get your stress under control. A new school year can be a stress on you and your wallet. To make it easier start by planning your shopping. Whether online or in a store having a plan always makes it easier. Secondly, temper your child’s expectations by discussing the budget with them and letting them know what is or isn’t on YOUR list for back-to-school. Most important is for you to deal with your guilty feelings about not being able to buy your kids everything they want. In today’s child-centered world, parents often are guilted into buying things against their better judgement. So here are some ideas for back-to-school shopping!

  • Before you go shopping take an afternoon or evening with your child to look at what you already have and make a list of what needs to be replaced. If you have more than one child, see if you can get the kids to swap some of their reusable supplies and clothes with each other. Suggest that they do this with friends too!
  • With middle school children and teenagers, you can have them do the research online or in magazines on what they want for school. Give them a budget. Have them make a list that includes the prices. Make sure they understand that the budget includes the school supply list and then come the extras. This is a great opportunity for teaching the value of a dollar.
  • Help children choose. If they are having trouble choosing between items have them think about what it is they need and what they really want. Even if you can afford more or they have their money, it is still good to teach about needs and wants.

The important thing is to make back-to-school shopping an enjoyable experience for all of you! Remember, school shopping is almost as much fun for kids as the holidays (almost!).

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

August 6th, 2015
123RF

123RF

A new study published in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences is saying that dispelling the myths about vaccines has much less effect on changing opinions about the need for vaccinations than emphasizing the dangers posed by serious diseases.

I have blogged before on the importance of vaccinating your children. In April this year I told you about Tara Hill, a Canadian mom of seven children who didn’t believe in vaccinating. That is until all of her children contracted pertussis, better known as whooping cough.

She penned “Learning the Hard Way: My Journey from AntiVaxx to Science” while in quarantine with her children and posted it on TheScientificParent.org. After a recent measles outbreak, Hill had begun to vaccinate her children. The oldest three were partially vaccinated, but the youngest had not had any vaccines when they caught whooping cough.

I would be interested in Hill’s response to this new study led by graduate student Zachary Horne. Horne recruited a sample group of 315 parents and non-parents. The first thing he did was to measure their pre-existing attitudes towards vaccines. According to the TIME article, “The subjects were asked to respond on a six-point scale, from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree,’ to five statements that included, ‘The risks of side effects outweighs any potential benefits of vaccines’ and ‘I plan to vaccinate my children.’”

The article went on to say that “All of the subjects were then divided into three groups: One group was given material to read about the latest research showing that autism and vaccines are in no way related. The second group was given a paragraph to read written in the voice of a mother describing what it was like when her child contracted measles; three pictures of children with measles, mumps and rubella; and written warnings about the importance of vaccinating children. The third group, serving as a control, read material on an unrelated science topic.”

The conclusion of the study seemed to show that more of the participants were affected by the showing of the dangers of contracting diseases like measles, mumps or smallpox rather than by telling. Something I’m not surprised to hear. Horne recommends that “show-don’t-tell” may be effective counseling with new parents.

Click here to read the TIME on the study.  Questions?  Email me at drpaul@henrypaulmd.com

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.