Exercise and Mental Health: A Guide

Exercise and physical activity has long been recognized as key contributors to physical , but their effects on mental health are just as important. Exercise plays a role in managing stress and improving mood. Read on to learn how physical exercise can benefit your mental health and

How Exercise Affects the Brain: The Behind the Connection

Exercise is known to have a range of physical health benefits, but did you know that it can also have significant effects on your mental health?

Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce stress and , improve your mood, and even lead to improved cognitive functioning. So, how does exercise improve mental health?

The science behind the connection is complex and still being studied, but there are some key factors that help explain the effects.

The release of hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine is key to understanding the relationship between exercise and mental health. Endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormone, are released during physical exercise and help to relieve stress, reduce pain, and give a sense of euphoria. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many cognitive processes, including sleep and mood. Regular exercise can help increase the production of serotonin in the brain, leading to improved mood and better sleep quality. Lastly, dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward-seeking ; exercise has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain, giving us a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

These hormones play a critical role in how exercise helps mental health; by releasing endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine during exercise, we experience a range of positive mental health benefits that extend past the duration of the workout. Exercise can also increase oxygen flow to the brain, leading to improved concentration and cognitive functioning. Additionally, it helps to reduce stress hormones like cortisol which can lead to decreased stress levels and improved mental well-being.

The answer to “does exercise improve mental health?”, is a resounding yes. Not only can moderate exercise help to improve our mood and reduce stress levels, but it can also lead to increased cognitive functioning and improved overall mental health. Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is an easy way to promote your mental well-being.

Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health

Physical activity has long been suggested for physical health and . However, exercise is also important for an individual’s mental health. It can help to improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of , anxiety, and stress. Exercise also has the potential to improve mood, self-esteem, sleep, and concentration. But how does exercise improve mental health? 

Physical activity helps to boost endorphins, the hormones that make us feel good. When it comes to mental health, exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activity can reduce cortisol levels, which in turn helps to decrease stress. Exercise can also be a form of distraction from troubling thoughts or stressful situations, allowing us to refocus our energy on something positive. Additionally, exercise can be an outlet for frustration or anger that may otherwise manifest itself in negative ways. Incorporating physical activity into daily life is a great way to start building healthier habits that can benefit us long-term. 

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Types of Exercises for Mental Wellness

From running to weightlifting, stretching to yoga, there are a variety of activities that can help improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

  • Cardiovascular activities: cardiovascular exercises, such as running or biking, can help you burn off stress and anxiety, as well as boost endorphin levels. 
  • Strength training: Strength training, such as lifting weights, cluster sets, drop sets, or doing bodyweight exercises, can help increase serotonin levels and reduce symptoms of depression.
  • Yoga and meditation: Yoga is a great way to reduce stress levels and practice mindfulness, while stretching can help improve circulation and ease muscle tension. 

No matter what kind of exercise you choose, it’s important to find something that works for you. Regular exercise can help you manage stress levels and feel better mentally, so find an activity that you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.

Incorporating Exercise into Daily Life

Physical activity and moderate exercise are important parts of a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce stress, increase endorphins, and promote relaxation. Exercise can also help combat symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve overall mood, and enhance cognitive functioning. 

When it comes to incorporating exercise into daily life, the most important thing to keep in mind is that any physical activity is better than nothing. This can be as simple as going for a short walk or jog, playing with your dog in the park, or taking a yoga class. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, but even 10-15 minutes of exercise can have positive effects.

Exercise and Social Connection: How Physical Activity Fosters Positive

Exercise is not only beneficial for physical health, but it can also have a tremendous impact on mental health. As stated early, research has shown that regular physical activity has a positive effect on cognitive function, mood, and mental well-being…but it can also foster social connections and interactions.

Physical activity provides an opportunity for people to socialize with peers and form meaningful relationships. When we are socially connected to other people, our sense of self-worth increases, which can help alleviate depression and anxiety. Working out with a partner or community also gives us something to look forward to, fitness accountability, and the support and encouragement of friends or family can be very beneficial in keeping us motivated.

Being active with friends or family can also provide a distraction from worrying thoughts and bring us into the present moment. It helps us break out of negative thought patterns and encourages .

Furthermore, exercise encourages collaboration and competition, which can be beneficial for mental health. Working together with a team to reach a goal gives us a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while competing against others helps to develop a healthy sense of self-confidence.

In summary, moderate physical activity does more than just improve physical health; it is an effective way to create social connections and improve mental health. Exercise boosts self-confidence, releases endorphins, provides a distraction from negative thoughts, and encourages collaboration and competition. Regular physical activity can make a significant difference in how we feel, both mentally and physically.

Exercise with Chuze 

Making physical activity a priority will benefit not only your physical and mental health but also your overall well-being. Whether you’re just starting out as a way to improve mental wellness or looking to take your workout to the next level, Chuze fitness has something for everyone. We offer a variety of IChuze classes and activities designed to help you get the most out of your workout. Whether you’re looking to build strength and endurance, de-stress after a long day, or just have fun while getting fit, our fitness classes are designed to keep you motivated and give you the tools you need to reach your fitness goals. Find a gym near you and experience the benefits of exercise for yourself!

Ani2 | Exercise and Mental Health: A Guide | Maintaining good mental health is essential for overall well-being, and exercise can play a significant role in promoting mental wellness. The connection between exercise and mental health has been widely recognized, with numerous studies highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on psychological well-being. | Wellcare World | psychologyReviewed By:

Ani is the Vice President of Fitness at Chuze Fitness and oversees the group fitness and team training departments. She’s had a 25+ year career in club management, personal training, group exercise and instructor training. Ani lives with her husband and son in San Diego, CA and loves hot yoga, snowboarding and all things wellness.

Sources:

  1. Health. “Exercise and Mental Health.” Vic.gov.au, 2017, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health.
  2. Preiato, Daniel. “Exercise and the Brain: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 31 Jan. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/depression/exercise#The-bottom-line.
  3. Sharma, Ashish. “Exercise for Mental Health.” The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, vol. 8, no. 2, Apr. 2006, https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v08n0208a 
  4. “Evidence Synthesized: Exercise Promotes Mental Health.” Psychology Today, 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/202302/evidence-synthesized-exercise-promotes-mental-health#:~:text=Researchers%20combined%20thousands%20of%20studies,yielded%20greater%20improvements%20in%20symptoms.

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Has It Become Harder to Connect With College Students?

2023 06 17 10 42 44 | Has It Become Harder to Connect With College Students? | In an era marked by technological advancements and evolving social dynamics, connecting with college students has become an increasingly complex endeavor. | Wellcare World | psychology

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Overcoming Challenges: Professors’ Struggles to Connect with Students in the Era of Remote Learning and AI Advances

Many professors are struggling to connect with their students these days. First the pandemic forced emergency remote learning, where professors had fewer avenues to see and interact with students the way they were used to doing in person. Then the sudden rise of ChatGPT late last year has left many professors wondering if the work students are submitting flows from their own minds or was written by an AI bot.

“I see so many people so hungry for connection with students,” says Bonni Stachowiak,

-dean of teaching and learning at Vanguard University of Southern California and host of the weekly podcast Teaching in Higher Ed (and columnist for EdSurge).

When we talked to Stachowiak for the EdSurge Podcast at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, her advice on how college professors could adapt to the sudden move to online became one of our most popular episodes ever. It’s now three years later, and we decided to check back in with this teaching expert to learn what she sees as the biggest challenges at this moment.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts, or use the player on this page. Or read a partial transcript below, lightly edited for clarity.

EdSurge: Last year at this time, the big topic was the metaverse. That was when Facebook changed its name to Meta and lots of folks were wondering if all kinds of sectors would be moving to new virtual reality spaces. But I don’t hear much about that these days, especially not in education. What does it mean that that didn’t take off in education?

Bonni Stachowiak: Last week we watched the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference … and they released their … augmented reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro.

But they were very particular as marketers, they emphasized that as you’re wearing this thing, you are also still able to quickly be present where you are. What that tells me is that their research has shown them how much we wish to still be able to be present. … They very much intentionally wanted to position themselves away from the metaverse, which is kind of like you’re in this whole world off by yourselves.

Some have said that the pandemic was a bit of a wake-up call for many professors of the challenges their students were facing, and that going online forced many to rethink their teaching practices. How much do you think teaching has really changed at colleges?

My sense is that the most egregious things [by professors] that really did not use the fundamental tools we ought to be using, that there’s now greater accountability.

I’ll give you an example. In this day and age students need to be able to see where they stand in a class. They should not go through an entire 16-week semester and wonder what their grade is going to be because they’ve gotten no feedback. There’s no grade book, there’s no assignments. I certainly have been aware that there would be faculty who literally, you turn in one midterm, you turn in a final or maybe a paper, and students do not have any idea whether you passed or failed the class. So that’s the kind of stuff, I’m just seeing way, way less of that.

At the very minimum universities around the world are claiming their values, naming them and making attempts to try to better the experiences for historically marginalized populations in those spaces.

Are we having a great awakening? No. There definitely continues to be those who say, ‘I’d just like to go back to again, back to normal.’

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned in the last year of doing your podcast on college teaching?

It comes back to some fundamental questions. So many episodes that I’ve done recently are about artificial intelligence, and so many are about and these challenges. Yet those things have existed. Why do those issues feel so overwhelming to us? That’s been there all along, a sense of and wanting to show up in our work in caring ways, though also wanting to challenge [students].

I got to speak to Sarah Rose Cavanagh. She recently released a book “Mind Over Monsters” about youth mental , and it’s part memoir and part research, and she talks about ‘compassionate challenge.’ And I thought there’s really no better way than that to explain my sense of mission in teaching. I like to have it be challenging.

To hear the entire conversation, listen to the episode.

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Therapy Dogs Contribute In Human Physical And Mental Health

chewy fGxiRXr2oZg unsplash | Therapy Dogs Contribute In Human Physical And Mental Health | Therapy dogs play a significant role in improving the physical and mental health of humans. | Wellcare World | psychology

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The Healing Power of Dogs: Enhancing Physical and Mental

Therapy dogs can positively impact human physical and . Therapy dogs, also known as comfort dogs, provide emotional support to individuals who may benefit from their calming presence, such as patients in hospitals, individuals with mental conditions, and children with special needs.

Studies have shown that interaction with therapy dogs can lower stress and levels, reduce symptoms of , and improve physical symptoms such as lower blood pressure.

However, keep in mind that therapy dogs are not a substitute for professional medical treatment, and people should always consult with a healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

How Therapy Dogs are Helpful?

Reducing stress and anxiety: Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) and increase oxytocin levels (a hormone associated with feelings of happiness and calmness).

Improving mood:

Therapy dogs can provide comfort and emotional support, helping to reduce feelings of depression and loneliness.

Alleviating physical symptoms:

Studies have shown that interaction with therapy dogs can lower blood pressure, relieve pain, and improve cardiovascular health.

Enhancing social skills and :

Therapy dogs can provide a non-threatening and supportive environment for individuals with social anxiety or communication difficulties, helping to improve their social skills and confidence.

Encouraging :

 Therapy dogs can motivate individuals to engage in physical activity, such as taking walks or playing games.

It’s important to note that therapy dogs should be properly trained and certified, and their presence should be coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure the safety and well-being of both the patient and the therapy dog.

Study and Proof

An example of how therapy dogs contribute to human physical and mental health is in a hospital setting. A therapy dog might visit patients who are recovering from surgery or dealing with a chronic illness. The presence of the therapy dog can help reduce stress and anxiety levels in these patients, improve their mood, and provide comfort and emotional support. This, in turn, can lead to physical benefits such as lower blood pressure, reduced pain levels, and improved cardiovascular health.

For example, a study conducted at a children’s hospital found that when therapy dogs were brought in to visit children undergoing cancer treatment, the children reported lower levels of anxiety, less pain, and improved mood compared to when they did not interact with the therapy dogs.

These benefits demonstrate how therapy dogs can make a significant positive impact on physical and mental health, especially in challenging and stressful situations such as hospital stays.

How to get Therapy Dog?

Here are a few tips on selecting the therapy dog for you:

  • Determine if a therapy dog is right for you and your lifestyle.
  • Choose a breed that is well-suited for therapy work and has a temperament that fits your needs.
  • Obtain a dog that is healthy and has a calm demeanor.
  • Get the dog trained and certified as a therapy dog.
  • This usually involves completing a training program and passing a test.
  • Find therapy organizations in your area that use therapy dogs and express your interest in volunteering.

Will Therapy Dog be Worth It?

Whether or not getting a therapy dog is worth it depends on several factors, including your personal situation and the role you hope the dog will play in your life. Here are a few benefits of therapy dogs:

Emotional support:

Therapy dogs can provide emotional comfort and support to those who are struggling with mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Physical health benefits:

Spending time with a therapy dog has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and boost overall mood.

Improved social skills:

Therapy dogs can help children and adults with social anxiety develop more comfortable and confident social skills.

Increased activity level: Owning a therapy dog can encourage you to be more active and physically engaged, which can improve overall health.

Therapy Dogs are Not Guide Dogs

No, therapy dogs are not typically trained as guide dogs to assist individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Guide dogs are specifically trained to help people navigate their environment, including crossing streets, avoiding obstacles, and locating specific destinations.

Therapy dogs, on the other hand, are trained to provide comfort, emotional support, and companionship to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster relief sites. While therapy dogs may be used to assist individuals with mobility or physical disabilities, their primary role is not to guide or lead individuals, but to provide emotional support and comfort.

Stay Connected with Doglime to Understand More About Dogs.

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Day # 135: Borderline Personality Disorder Part 1

Introduction to

Today we will continue our current theme of cluster B personality disorders as we discuss borderline personality disorder. Borderline PD is a topic of considerable clinical and research interest. In order to do this topic justice we will split the content into three separate days. Today’s post will cover an introduction, diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathogenesis, assessment, and clinical pearls. The next two posts will be dedicated exclusively to treatment considerations.

“Living with borderline personality disorder is like having emotional burns in a world where others only have paper cuts.” – Kiera Van Gelder

In this series on Borderline Personality Disorder (), we explore the complex nature of this mental condition, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by , intense and unstable , impulsive , and a distorted self-image.

Part 1 of this series will delve into the diagnostic criteria of BPD, providing an overview of the key symptoms and behavioral patterns associated with the disorder. We will explore the challenges faced by individuals living with BPD and the impact it has on their daily lives, relationships, and overall .

Today’s Content Level: All levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

Introduction 1

  • Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have a lifelong pattern of unstable moods (affects), behaviors and interpersonal functioning.
  • They are often impulsive, have a poorly formed self-, and fear abandonment in their relationships. They commonly have a pattern of dysfunctional/unstable relationships throughout their life.
  • The term “borderline” was first introduced in the early 1900s by psychiatrists to describe individuals with significantly unstable mood and behaviors and who were thought to be on the borderline of neurosis and psychosis. BPD is also sometimes called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD).
  • Common traits/symptoms may include being -> impulsive, moody, unstable, “empty“, intense, labile, irritable, angry, vulnerable, and have a tendency to unravel when stressed (paranoia, dissociate, self-harm, or become suicidal).

Diagnostic Criteria 2

  • The diagnosis of BPD requires a pervasive pattern of impulsivity and unstable relationships, moods, behaviors, and self-image beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.
  • 5 of the following must also be present: Mnemonic “DESPAIRER
  • Disturbance of identity– unstable self-image
  • Emotional– unstable mood/affect
  • Suicidal behavior– recurrent suicidal threats, suicidal attempts, or self-harm/mutilation
  • Paranoia or dissociative sx– transient when under stress
  • Abandonment (fear of)- frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment
  • Impulsive– in ≥ 2 potentially harmful ways (spending, sexual activity, substance use, binge eating, etc.)
  • Relationships– unstable, intense interpersonal relationships (e.g., extreme love–hate relationships)
  • Emptiness – chronic feelings of emptiness
  • Rage (inappropriate) – difficulty controlling anger

Epidemiology/Pathogenesis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

  • Prevalence: Estimates vary in the general US population from 0.5-6% with a median of 1.5%. It is the most common personality disorder in clinical populations and are seen in all types of clinic settings. They account for ~10% of psychiatric outpatients, ~20% of psychiatric inpatients, and ~6% of patients presenting to family medicine, despite a community prevalence of ~1.5%.
  • Gender: ~2:1 female to male ratio.
  • As with all personality disorders, the dominant theory suggest BPD develops from a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
  • Genetics and Pathophysiology: BPD is more heritable than other personality disorders (65-75% per twin studies compared to 40-60%). Elevated risk if family history of borderline PD, antisocial PD, substance use disorders, and major depressive disorders. No specific genes have been demonstrated as causative, however a number of studies are examining polymorphisms in the serotonin promoter region, COMT allele, and MOA tandem repeats. Additionally, research has suggested increased cortisol and reactivity of the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal), low oxytocin (associated with increased social sensitivity and distrust), low opioids (associated with increased sensitivity to rejection and abandonment), and high vasopressin (associated with increased anger). Imaging studies have suggested prefrontal and frontolimbic dysfunction correlating with poor emotion control.
  • Trauma: Much higher rates of childhood neglect and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse than the general population and to other personality disorders. This is believed to be one of the most important risk factors for BPD. Childhood trauma can disrupt the development of healthy/secure attachments, emotion regulation, identity formation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Course/Prognosis: High rates of social, functional, and occupational impairment and high use of treatment services. >75% of patients attempt suicide, often with frequent attempts and self-injurious behaviors. ~10% eventually die by suicide. It is commonly believed that patients with BPD are highly treatment-resistant, however a majority of patients will no longer meet criteria over time even without consistent long-term treatment. Some studies suggests that 10% remit after 6 months, 25% in 1 year, 45% in 2 years, and 85% in 10 years. Patients have a high incidence of major depressive episodes.

Clinical Pearls 8, 9

  • History: Borderline PD begins by early adulthood. The diagnosis is usually made before the age of 40 when patients are attempting to make occupational, marital, and other choices and are unable to deal with the normal stages of the life cycle. Individuals will have a pervasive pattern of instability in their mood, impulse control, and interpersonal functioning. Patients often self-present when triggered by an interpersonal conflict such as a fight or breakup with a partner.
  • Unstable mood: Pattern of intense, reactive, and quickly changing moods. Changes in mood typically last only a few hours or up to a few days and include irritability, , dysphoria, desperation, and anger. Patients may experience short-lived dissociative or psychotic episodes (“micro-psychotic episodes”) that occur in response to a stressor and are fleeting and more circumscribed than those seen true psychotic disorders.
  • Unstable self-image: Despite their flurry of changing affects, they often complain about chronic feelings of emptiness or boredom. They may say they feel detached and they do not know themself. They express a lack of a consistent sense of identity. When pressed, they often complain about how depressed they usually feel.
  • Unstable relationships: Pattern of tumultuous relationships. Relationships may begin with intense attachments and end with the slightest conflicts. They may rapidly shift between idealizing or devaluing the other person. They may feel both dependent and hostile towards their relationships, and may express significant anger or aggression towards them. They often find it difficult being alone, often feel abandoned, and they prefer a frantic search for companionship, no matter how unsatisfactory.
  • Unstable behaviors: They often have a history of self-injury, such as cutting, and chronic suicidal ideations. Contrast this with a major depressive disorder when suicidal ideations are more episodic. Episodes of self-harm may be a way to elicit help from others, to express anger, or to numb themselves to overwhelming affects. They may also engage in other impulsive behaviors such as reckless driving, excessive spending, bing-eating, substance use, or risky sexual behaviors. To assuage loneliness, if only for brief periods, they may accept a stranger as a friend or behave promiscuously.
  • Mental status exam: Patients frequently appear to be in a state of crisis and mood swings are common. Patients can be argumentative at one moment, depressed the next, and later complain of having no feelings. On the other hand they may have a mood-affect incongruence—they can look neutral or even cheerful when discussing morbid content. They commonly use the defense mechanism of splitting—they view others and themselves as all good or all bad. This may play out in your appointments in the way they view your or other providers as either nurturing attachment figures or as hateful figures who threaten them with abandonment whenever they feel dependent. Shifts of allegiance from one person or group to another are frequent. Another defense mechanism that may be seen is called projective identification. In this defense mechanism, intolerable aspects of the self are projected onto another; the other person is induced to play the projected role, and the two persons act in unison. Therapists must be aware of this process so they can act neutrally toward such patients.
  • Optional personality questionnaires: Several scales and structured interviews to assess BPD are available though rarely used within clinical practice. Examples include the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD), Minnesota Borderline Personality Disorder Scale (MBPD), Zanarini Rating Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder, Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Of note, mood disorder questionnaires frequently misdiagnose BPD as bipolar disorder.
  • Differential diagnosis: Consider and rule out substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, and other personality disorders. Borderline PD often co-occurs with mood disorders and when criteria for both are met, both may be diagnosed. In contrast to the episodic nature of mania/hypomania, mood swings experienced in borderline PD are rapid, brief, moment-to-moment reactions to triggers. Borderline PD and PTSD also have an overlap of certain symptoms and, as stated previously, there is a strong correlation between childhood trauma and development of borderline PD. This is sometimes called “complex PTSD“. Also consider other personality disorders in the differential diagnosis, particularly other cluster B disorders (antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic).

Conclusion

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Family Roles: A Form of Method Acting

AVvXsEiKtHTIViK7cXSr09gNFIJ1M wiYCYqcm3Iqxt34VJ67 Dn4OFg8l9NtjRyfporCW qbzsWFROk47GTvWkx vxb1P287Z0PK1cMc0Y6ABfjXDD 28bed2cv7hrYXbosZ0Pfyt boZPljKiE9a BpYxeKyv7CILSJrfp qLuAy FZOxU UCW6vXNK4cz=s320 | Family Roles: A Form of Method Acting | In the realm of psychology, family roles can be seen as a form of method acting within the context of family dynamics. Just as actors take on specific roles and personas to bring characters to life on stage or screen, individuals within a family often adopt and perform certain roles within their familial relationships. | Wellcare World | psychology

The Importance of Verbal in Treating Patients with Personality Disorders

“In with patients with personality disorders, paying attention to their verbal expressions can reveal more about their true selves than their non-verbal cues.”

Introduction:

In teaching psychotherapy techniques to psychiatry residents and interns, I provided advice that diverged from conventional wisdom. Contrary to focusing on non-verbal expressions and body language, I emphasized the significance of paying attention to the words verbalized by patients with personality disorders. This approach was based on the understanding that non-verbal in individuals with personality disorders is purposefully misleading due to their role-playing tendencies.

The Significance of Non-Verbal Communication:

  1. Evolutionary Importance: Non-verbal communication evolved earlier in our species than language, making it a primal representation of our internal states.
  2. Reflecting True Feelings: In general, body language can be more reliable than verbal expressions in determining a person’s true emotions and beliefs.

Understanding Personality Disorders and Role-Playing:

  1. Playing Roles: Individuals with personality disorders often engage in role-playing within their families, assuming specific personas to fulfill various roles.
  2. Acting and False Persona: These individuals develop a false self or persona to effectively play their roles, concealing their true beliefs and emotions.
  3. Purposeful Misrepresentation: To convincingly play their roles, individuals with personality disorders deliberately project misleading body language, giving off impressions that contradict their genuine selves.
  4. Trial and Error: They learn to exhibit the appropriate body language through trial and error, perfecting their acting skills.

The Significance of Verbal Behavior:

  1. Ambiguity in Language: Verbal behavior of individuals with personality disorders can also be misleading, but language presents a peculiarity that therapists can leverage.
  2. Exploring Alternative Interpretations: When patients express ambiguous statements, therapists are advised to consider less obvious interpretations, opening up possibilities for deeper understanding.
  3. Unveiling Subtle Clues: Examining the less apparent meaning behind ambiguous statements can unveil hidden emotions and beliefs that may align with the patient’s true self.

Case Example: Ambiguous Verbal Communication:

  1. Mother’s Criticism: The case of a nurse whose mother yelled, “I can’t believe you talk to doctors that way!” is analyzed.
  2. Tone vs. Words: Although the nurse interpreted her mother’s remark as criticism based on the tone, the words themselves did not contain a value judgment.
  3. Hidden Admiration: Considering the ambiguity, it is speculated that the mother actually admired her outspoken daughter but could not openly acknowledge it.
  4. Vicarious Fulfillment: The nurse’s behavior allowed the mother to experience fulfillment vicariously, contributing to the complexity of their interaction.

Conclusion:

Understanding the dynamics of verbal and non-verbal communication in patients with personality disorders is essential for effective therapy. While non-verbal cues may generally provide valuable insights, the deliberate role-playing tendencies of individuals with personality disorders can render their body language misleading. By carefully attending to verbal expressions and exploring alternative interpretations, therapists can gain deeper insights into their patients’ emotions, beliefs, and underlying motivations. This comprehensive approach enables more nuanced and effective interventions for individuals with personality disorders.

“Understanding the complexity of verbal and non-verbal communication is essential when treating patients with personality disorders and navigating the intricacies of their role-playing tendencies.”

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