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Background:The current paper includes a systematic search of the literature, a detailed presentation of the results, and a grading of treatment options in terms of efficacy and tolerability/safety. Material and Methods: The PRISMA method was used in the literature search with the combination of the words ‘bipolar,’ ‘manic,’ ‘mania,’ ‘manic depression,’ and ‘manic depressive’ with ‘randomized,’ and ‘algorithms’ with ‘mania,’ ‘manic,’ ‘bipolar,’ ‘manic-depressive,’ or ‘manic depression.’ Relevant web pages and review articles were also reviewed. Results: The current report is based on the analysis of 57 guideline papers and 531 published papers related to RCTs, reviews, posthoc, or meta-analysis papers to March 25, 2016. The specific treatment options for acute mania, mixed episodes, acute bipolar depression, maintenance phase, psychotic and mixed features, anxiety, and rapid cycling were evaluated with regards to efficacy. Existing treatment guidelines were also reviewed. Finally, Tables reflecting efficacy and recommendation levels were created that led to the development of a precise algorithm that still has to prove its feasibility in everyday clinical practice. Conclusions: A systematic literature search was conducted on the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder to identify all relevant random controlled trials pertaining to all aspects of bipolar disorder and graded the data according to a predetermined method to develop a precise treatment algorithm for management of various phases of bipolar disorder. It is important to note that the some of the recommendations in the treatment algorithm were based on the secondary outcome data from posthoc analyses.

Background:The current paper includes a systematic search of the literature, a detailed presentation of the results, and a grading of treatment options in terms of efficacy and tolerability/safety. Material and Methods: The PRISMA method was used in the literature search with the combination of the words ‘bipolar,’ ‘manic,’ ‘mania,’ ‘manic depression,’ and ‘manic depressive’ with ‘randomized,’ and ‘algorithms’ with ‘mania,’ ‘manic,’ ‘bipolar,’ ‘manic-depressive,’ or ‘manic depression.’ Relevant web pages and review articles were also reviewed. Results: The current report is based on the analysis of 57 guideline papers and 531 published papers related to RCTs, reviews, posthoc, or meta-analysis papers to March 25, 2016. The specific treatment options for acute mania, mixed episodes, acute bipolar depression, maintenance phase, psychotic and mixed features, anxiety, and rapid cycling were evaluated with regards to efficacy. Existing treatment guidelines were also reviewed. Finally, Tables reflecting efficacy and recommendation levels were created that led to the development of a precise algorithm that still has to prove its feasibility in everyday clinical practice. Conclusions: A systematic literature search was conducted on the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder to identify all relevant random controlled trials pertaining to all aspects of bipolar disorder and graded the data according to a predetermined method to develop a precise treatment algorithm for management of various phases of bipolar disorder. It is important to note that the some of the recommendations in the treatment algorithm were based on the secondary outcome data from posthoc analyses.

Drawing on E. Goffman's concepts of face and strategic interaction, the authors define a tease as a playful provocation in which one person comments on something relevant to the target. This approach encompasses the diverse behaviors labeled teasing, clarifies previous ambiguities, differentiates teasing from related practices, and suggests how teasing can lead to hostile or affiliative outcomes. The authors then integrate studies of the content of teasing. Studies indicate that norm violations and conflict prompt teasing. With development, children tease in playful ways, particularly around the ages of 11 and 12 years, and understand and enjoy teasing more. Finally, consistent with hypotheses concerning contextual variation in face concerns, teasing is more frequent and hostile when initiated by high-status and familiar others and men, although gender differences are smaller than assumed. The authors conclude by discussing how teasing varies according to individual differences and culture.
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"Kids Yoga with Numbers masterfully engages children in a challenging yoga routine! Children count to twenty with auditory, visual, and kinesthetic stimulation to maximize the learning experience. Each number in this 27 minute DVD is introduced with a corresponding yoga pose that develops strength, balance and flexibility! This innovative approach to number identification helps children get familiar with number succession and symbols as they hear counting repetitions while they repeat the fish pose two times or hold the tree pose for five seconds. Recommended for children 3 years old and up. Yoga with numbers delivers a truly physical and cerebral experience that boosts confidence and encourages mental focus."--Pkg. back cover.

The Mindfulness Based Flourishing Program (MBFP) is an online 8-week intervention developed for enhancing wellbeing with the use of mindfulness practices, through targeting a range of positive variables. The efficacy of the MBFP has been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial, and in order to further establish it as an intervention with widespread application, cross-cultural validation is warranted. The current study was conducted with the primary aim of testing the validity of the MBFP with a Hong Kong Chinese population, as well as verifying its positive effects. A randomized wait-list controlled design was adopted with 115 participants (92 females, mean age = 31.50). Intervention outcomes were compared between Hong Kong Chinese and British participants. Five positive variables were examined (self-compassion, meaning in life, positive and negative emotions, gratitude, and mindfulness), and measures were taken pre- and post-intervention. Significant gains in wellbeing measures were observed in both the Hong Kong Chinese and the British experimental groups. Levels of wellbeing post-intervention were also higher for the two experimental groups as compared to their control counterparts. The current study provides preliminary evidence for the MBFP’s cross-cultural validity, and strengthens previous claims for its efficacy as a new, accessible alternative for enhancing wellbeing.

Psychological distress is common in patients with diabetes. Little is known about the impact of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a non-traditional, cognitive behavioural intervention designed to improve stress management skills, in patients with diabetes. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the impact of MBSR training on mood states in 25 individuals with diabetes. All participants completed the Profile of Mood States Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and following eight weeks of MBSR. Overall psychological distress measured by the total mood score (TMS) and six subscales - including tension/anxiety, depression/dejection, anger/hostility, fatigue/inertia, confusion/bewilderment and vigour/activity - were assessed. Overall mood, measured by the TMS, as well as all subscale mood measurements improved significantly from baseline following MBSR training. Compared to population means, those with diabetes had higher distress at baseline and similar levels of distress following MBSR training. The primary reason participants reported for enrolling in the MBSR course was to improve stress management skills. It was concluded that MBSR training is a promising, group-based intervention that can be used to decrease psychological distress in individuals with diabetes who perceive a need for training in stress management.

Objectives: Mindfulness training may help seniors successfully manage the physical and psychological challenges of aging in a manner that reduces distress and promotes vitality. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to evaluate the impact of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training on mood states in older adults. Methods: The authors identified 141 older adults (>60 years) who completed MBSR training. All participants completed the Profile of Mood States-Short Form (POMS-SF) at baseline and following 8 weeks of MBSR. Using paired t tests, the authors evaluated changes in mood following training in MBSR. In a subset analysis, the authors further examined the impact of MBSR training in individuals with the highest scores on depression and anxiety. Primary reasons cited for MBSR enrollment are also reported. Results: Overall emotional distress and all sub-scale mood measurements improved significantly following MBSR training. MBSR training resulted in >50% reduction in the number of older people reporting clinically significant depression and anxiety. Most enrolled in MBSR training to improve stress management skills. Discussion: MBSR training is a promising, group-based intervention for decreasing psychological distress in older adults. Larger randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm study findings.

Over the past decade, there has been an increasing interest in meditation as a mind-body approach, given its potential to alleviate emotional distress and promote improved well being in a variety of populations. The overall purpose of this review is to provide the practicing rheumatologist with an overview of mindfulness and how it can be applied to Western medical treatment plans to enhance both the medical and psychological care of patients.

The inclusion of social and emotional learning (SEL) curricula in preschools may help prevent emotional and behavioral problems. This study evaluated the effects of a SEL curriculum, "Strong Start Pre-K," on the social and emotional competence of 52 preschool students using a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design. Teachers rated students' emotional regulation, internalizing behaviors, and the quality of the student-teacher relationship. Results indicated a significant decrease of internalizing behaviors and more improvement in the student-teacher relationship in the treatment conditions. Results also supported the use of the optional booster lessons contained in the curriculum. Treatment integrity and social validity ratings of "Strong Start Pre-K" were high. Limitations and implications of this study are addressed.

<p>Serinity Young provides in-depth reviews of Rob Linrothe, ed., <em>Holy Madness: Portraits of Tantric Siddhas</em> and Glenn Mullin, <em>The Flying Mystics of Tibetan Buddhism</em>. (Steven Weinberger 2007-12-16)</p>

<p>In this chapter from the book <em>Psychology and Buddhism: From Individual to Global Community</em>, the author discusses recent trends in society of attributing the causes of suffering and behavior to external, purely biological causes, while ignoring the role of subjectivity, the mind, meaning, personal responsibility and intentions. As a working psychologist and psychotherapist, the author finds this recent trend troubling. The author suggests Buddhism has an alternative approach to understanding the mind and behavior which looks at suffering in terms of both mental and physical causes. The author outlines the Buddhist view of suffering (or dukkha in Sanskrit), in a larger effort of seeking out a science of subjectivity. (Zach Rowinski 2005-01-02)</p>

Following E. Goffman's (1967) face threat analysis of social interaction, it was hypothesized that the aggressive, playful content of teasing would vary according to social status and relational satisfaction, personality, role as teaser or target, and gender. These 4 hypotheses were tested in analyses of the teasing among fraternity members (Study 1) and romantic couples (Study 2). Consistent with a face threat analysis of teasing, low-status fraternity members and satisfied romantic partners teased in more prosocial ways, defined by reduced face threat and increased redressive action. Some findings indicate that disagreeable individuals teased in less prosocial ways, consistent with studies of bullying. Targets reported more negative emotion than teasers. Although female and male romantic partners teased each other in similar ways, women found being the target of teasing more aversive, consistent with previous speculation.
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Forest bathing has beneficial effects on human health via showering of forest aerosols as well as physical relaxation. Terpenes that consist of multiple isoprene units are the largest class of organic compounds produced by various plants, and one of the major components of forest aerosols. Traditionally, terpene-containing plant oil has been used to treat various diseases without knowing the exact functions or the mechanisms of action of the individual bioactive compounds. This review categorizes various terpenes easily obtained from forests according to their anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, or neuroprotective activities. Moreover, potential action mechanisms of the individual terpenes and their effects on such processes, which are described in various in vivo and in vitro systems, are discussed. In conclusion, the studies that show the biological effectiveness of terpenes support the benefits of forest bathing and propose a potential use of terpenes as chemotherapeutic agents for treating various human diseases.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness meditation has become increasingly popular over the last few years, due in part to the increase in mobile apps incorporating the practice. Although studies have demonstrated the potential of mindfulness meditation to positively impact health, little has been uncovered about what predicts engagement in mindfulness meditation. Understanding the predictors of mindfulness meditation may help practitioners and phone app developers improve intervention strategies and app experience.OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to determine factors predicting mindfulness meditation mobile app use. METHODS: The sample consisted of 85 undergraduate students with no prior mindfulness meditation experience. During their first laboratory visit, participants completed tasks to measure their executive functioning and a survey to measure Theory of Planned Behavior constructs about mindfulness meditation. Over the following 2 weeks, participants logged the days and minutes that they practiced mindfulness meditation using a phone app. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic factors, participant subjective norms (beta=14.51, P=.001) and intentions (beta=36.12, P=.001) were predictive of the number of minutes practicing mindfulness. Participant executive functioning did not predict mindfulness meditation practice, nor did it moderate the link between intentions and mindfulness meditation practice. Participant attitudes (beta=0.44, P<.001) and perceived control (beta=0.42, P=.002) were positively associated with intentions to practice mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that among college student populations, the Theory of Planned Behavior may be useful in predicting the use of mindfulness meditation phone apps. However, participant executive functioning was not a predictor or moderator of mindfulness practice, and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory may be less useful for explaining mindfulness meditation behaviors using phone apps over a short period of time among college students. The results have implications for public health professionals, suggesting that a focus on subjective norms and intentions may promote mindfulness meditation practice using phone apps.

Objective: To examine whether metacognitive psychological skills, acquired in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), are also present in patients receiving medication treatments for prevention of depressive relapse and whether these skills mediate MBCT's effectiveness. Method: This study, embedded within a randomized efficacy trial of MBCT, was the first to examine changes in mindfulness and decentering during 6–8 months of antidepressant treatment and then during an 18-month maintenance phase in which patients discontinued medication and received MBCT, continued on antidepressants, or were switched to a placebo. In total, 84 patients (mean age = 44 years, 58% female) were randomized to 1 of these 3 prevention conditions. In addition to symptom variables, changes in mindfulness, rumination, and decentering were assessed during the phases of the study. Results: Pharmacological treatment of acute depression was associated with reductions in scores for rumination and increased wider experiences. During the maintenance phase, only patients receiving MBCT showed significant increases in the ability to monitor and observe thoughts and feelings as measured by the Wider Experiences (p < .01) and Decentering (p < .01) subscales of the Experiences Questionnaire and by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale. In addition, changes in Wider Experiences (p < .05) and Curiosity (p < .01) predicted lower Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores at 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: An increased capacity for decentering and curiosity may be fostered during MBCT and may underlie its effectiveness. With practice, patients can learn to counter habitual avoidance tendencies and to regulate dysphoric affect in ways that support recovery.

: The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness of a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for treating insomnia symptoms in patients with anxiety disorder. Nineteen patients with anxiety disorder were assigned to an 8-week MBCT clinical trial. Participants showed significant improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Z = -3.46, p = 0.00), Penn State WorryQuestionnaire (Z = 3.83, p = 0.00), Ruminative Response Scale (Z = 3.83, p = 0.00), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Z = 3.73, p = 0.00), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores (Z = 3.06, p = 0.00) at the end of the 8-week program as compared with baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline Penn State Worry Questionnaire scores were associated with baseline Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. These findings suggest that MBCT can be effective at relieving insomnia symptoms by reducing worry associated sleep disturbances in patients with anxiety disorder. However, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

The introductory article to this special edition of "School Psychology International," "Using Children's Literature to Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning," describes the need for a broader base of support for children's mental health needs. Both nationally and internationally, the limited number of mental health professionals demands alternative options for the delivery of mental health services. Schools are recommended as one proposed venue for providing these services to children and youth. As such, teachers need easy-to-use basic information about mental health resources that are viable, yet rely on minimal professional support and supervision. One option is bibliotherapy, using books and stories to support social emotional needs. From the mental health perspective of both prevention and intervention, bibliotherapy is proposed not just as a professional's therapeutic tool, but also as a layman's resource to address students' basic social emotional needs. We offer resources from a website that includes basic bibliotherapy lesson plans, posters, activities, and video clips--all centered on the five foundational competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). This website [http://education.byu.edu/sociallearning] is geared to educators and mental health professionals who work with elementary school children, ages 5-11.

The concept of self-actualization is a complex one that is widely used in humanistic psychology. Maslow (1968) developed the concept of self-actualization to represent a positive ideal of mental health. It has been suggested that leisure experiences can contribute to the development of self-actualization in an individual. This suggestion has been made most often about outdoor recreation such as wilderness use (e.g., Scott 1974). The purpose of the present study is to provide an empirical test of the prediction that wilderness users are more self-actualized than non-users and that frequent wilderness users are more self-actualized than occasional users. Data were collected from a random sample of 503 adults in Illinois and 222 wilderness users. Wilderness use and attitudes were related to a measure of self-actualization. Wilderness users were found to be more self-actualized than non-users and potential users were more self-actualized than potential non-users. Self-actualization was also found to be positively related to wilderness attitudes. However, frequent wilderness users were no more self-actualized than occasional wilderness users. Wilderness may be used by some individuals as a self-actualizing experience. However, it was concluded that for representative groups of people the relationship between wilderness use and self-actualization is very weak.

The purpose of this paper is to describe benefits of yoga and to provide practitioners multiple ways to implement yoga into classroom settings and home environments for young children with Down syndrome (DS). Yoga can be introduced into many settings to enhance motor development as a physical activity warm up or cool down, a behavior management technique, and/or an innovative way to get children with DS moving. There are various techniques to integrate yoga into adapted physical education classes, early intervention or preschool classroom, as well as home-based settings. Fun activities to incorporate yoga include yoga stories and songs, picture cards, yoga with technology, playing yoga games, and involving families. Practical applications and multiple references help as a starting point for educators and care givers to introduce the practice of yoga for young children with DS. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR

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