Dr. Keith Ablow Explains The Effect Of Eating Disorders

According to studies, it has been projected that around 30 million individuals living in the United States are severely affected by overeating and unhealthy eating habits. However, when it comes to seeking awareness of unhealthy eating practices, most of us ignore it. And the fact is that it can have a lethal impact on your mental health.

Some common myths associated with eating disorders

Dr. Keith Ablow explains that eating disorders are not something that you voluntarily choose. An eating disorder has a considerable impact on mental wellness as well as the physical well being of an individual. Anybody can develop an eating disorder. Sometimes, it can be very serious and fatal. This disorder can severely affect a person’s eating habits and trigger various other physical diseases.

But with effective therapy sessions, eating disorders can be effectively treated and a person can experience a healthy well being. In case you are facing eating disorders, it is best that you visit a psychotherapist as soon as possible and seek medical attention as this disorder is 100% treatable.

Dr. Ablow tells us that we tend to blame our partners, parents, and spouses for developing an eating disorder. The exact reason for developing this attitude is not known, but all eating disorders are a potential result of sociocultural, psychological, and biological issues.

Who should worry?

Different people will experience different types and intensities of eating disorders. However, there are people who are more prone to this ailment. Below is a list that tells who is at risk of developing an eating disorder.

• A habit of consuming alcohol
• Genetics of obesity
• Perfectionism
• Depression and anxiety
• Problems in expressing emotions
• Sexual abuse
• Physical abuse
• Excessive aggression
• Excessive dieting
• Social media’s unrealistic depiction of having a perfect body
• Low confidence
• Low self-esteem

What are the warning signs?

The warning signs of eating disorders are mentioned below:

• Fear of becoming obese
• Urge to go to the washroom immediately after eating
• Checking weight again and again
• Gastric problems
• Lethargy
• Fatigue and dizziness
• Irritable mood
• Constant mood swings
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Bradycardia

What are the different types of eating disorders? There are a variety of types pertaining to eating disorders. These are mentioned below:

• Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
• Bulimia Nervosa (BN)
• Binge Eating Disorder (BED)

Dr.Keith Ablow Psychiatrist , MD, is one of the most renowned psychiatrists in the United States. With immense experience and knowledge, Dr. Ablow has treated numerous patients and helped them in living a normal life. It is very important to address the issues that a person is facing. People suffering from eating disorders can be exposed to the dangers of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and can also indulge in self-harming and suicide. But with proper psychotherapy sessions, this problem can be treated completely.

Keith Ablow, MD counsels and coaches individuals across the United States and around the world in-person, via Skype or by telephone.  Contact him by emailing info@keithablow.com or calling 978-462-1125.

 

Dr. Keith Ablow Explains The Psychological Effects Of Alcohol Misuse

A glass of red wine or a chilled beer is a common way of ending a stressful and tiring day. But crossing the limits of alcohol consumption can make you prone to various diseases and alcohol misuse. There is a fine line between consuming just the right amount and crossing that line. But how do you know that you have fallen prey to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Dr. Keith Ablow, a prominent psychologist states that having one drink a day is justifiable. But consuming more than that crosses the border line of drinking in “moderation”. One drink makes for:

• 5 ounces wine
• 12 ounces of beer
• 1.5 ounces liquor
  

Another aspect of drinking is to ascertain the quantity of drink that you consume on an average for a week. Heavy drinking in women accounts for approximately seven drinks per week. For men, it can range between 14-16 drinks per week.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Heavy or risky drinking can be a potential sign of a medical disorder known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). It is a chronic ailment that has lethal effects on the nervous system in the human body. Various studies project that around 18 million people in the United States have this disorder. Having this disease can also be because of genetics.

What are the psychological effects of AUD?

While anyone can fall prey to this serious psychological disorder, there are various factors that determine the severity of the psychological impact. These are:

• The age of the individual
• The quantity of alcohol being consumed
• Genetics of the person
• Overall health status of the individual

Based on these factors, the psychological effects of alcohol abuse can be categorized under two main categories, namely:

1. Short-term effects
   1. Memory loss
   2. Problems in focussing
   3. Blurry vision
   4. Reflex issues
   5. Instant stress reduction
   6. Reduction in inhibitions
2. Long-term effects
   1. Increased substance use
   2. Increased dependency
   3. Problems in learning
   4. Interruption on brain enhancement
   5. Increased alcohol dependency
   6. Major depression and nervousness

What are the symptoms of having AUD? The symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder can be stated as follows:

• The urge to consume alcohol again and again
• Consuming alcohol in risky situations
• Recurring negative thoughts
• Continuing to drink even if health problems persist
• Lack of control on alcohol consumption
• Refraining from doing important activities because of alcohol consumption

Dr. Keith Ablow MD, one of America’s leading psychiatrists has a multi-city private practice that treats adults and adolescents. He states that there are certain ways of treating AUD. With effective psychotherapy, you can understand the cons of indulging into such practices and refrain from depending on alcohol for solutions. Dr. Ablow has helped in healing numerous patients across the United States, Asia, and Europe.

Dr. Keith Ablow Talks About The Symptoms and Self-Care Tips For OCD

It is a misconception that people suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder like things super clean and organized wherever they go. However, this is not the case. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition that can have devastating effects on the real life of an individual.

It is a mental illness that revolves around a repetitive obsession for validation, chain thoughts, and distressing reactions. According to reports furnished by the World Health Organization in the year 2001, OCD topped the list of the most prevalent diseases. The reports also projected that OCD was placed at the fourth rank after substance abuse, major depression, and certain phobias.

Dr.Keith Ablow states that OCD can have a series of reasons attached with it. It indeed has a great impact on the personal life, work, and social life of an individual.

Symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The symptoms of OCD can be classified into two categories, namely:

1. Obsessions: We all become obsessed with something or the other in our routine life. It is a completely healthy practice, but losing your mind over some obsession is unhealthy. An individual suffering from OCD experiences excessive overthinking and get anxious that encourages them to indulge in unhealthy practices to stop thinking and worrying. The symptoms are as follows:

1. Chain thoughts
2. Over thinking
3. Continuous feeling of fear and doubt
4. Major anxiety and nervousness

2. Compulsions: Compulsion is a behavioural problem. When a person experiences OCD compulsion he/she feels the need to perform a particular behaviour like a compulsion. On repeating a particular type of behaviour, the person feels relieved and comfortable. Although, it is only a temporary solution. The symptoms of OCD are as follows:

1. Cleaning and washing vigorously
2. Checking things again and again
3. Following a strict diet
4. Asking for reassurance and validation again and again
5. orderliness

Self-Care tips

Dr. Keith Ablow suggests the following self-care tips if suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Take medicines properly
• Follow your prescriptions
• Do not seclude yourself from socializing
• Practice meditation and calming techniques

Dr. Keith Ablow MD is one of the leading adolescent and adult psychiatry experts across America. Dr. Ablow has treated thousands of patients and helped them live a healthy life.

Keith Ablow Comments on Drinking in America

One of Keith Ablow’s main points about drinking in America is that, “A significant portion of our population wants to not be present for significant portions of every single week.”

 

 

Drinking is one of the most popular activities in the country. Everywhere you go, there are alcoholic beverages being served. Every weekend and even on some weekdays there are specials all over the place to get cheap drinks for happy hour. The United States of America is one of the heavier drinking countries in the world by the numbers, but there could be negative effects from all of the alcohol consumption. According to Keith Ablow, “The magnitude of this intoxication—resulting in frequently and dramatically altered states of consciousness for tens of millions of Americans—is no different than if we were to learn that a quarter of our young people were snorting half-a-gram of cocaine more than once-a-week or injecting heroin on that schedule.”

Controlling a drinking habit can be difficult. If you have been drinking all of your adult life it can be hard to stop having a drink with your favorite meal, a glass of wine with your dinner, a beer during the game, or any other time you typically enjoy an alcoholic beverage. It takes a little bit of practice but anyone can learn to reduce their drinking, and this could help society become a little bit better overall.

As Psychiatrist Keith Ablow puts it, “The fact that we are doing this as a culture is the single most ominous psychological trend we have ever faced. I am not exaggerating. Unchecked, it will literally create an absentee nation.”

You may or may not agree with Keith, but the fact of the matter is people in this country do love drinking. There is definitely a chance that the negative aspects of a nation of drinkers outweigh the benefits. Only time will tell what the true effect of drinking is on the country. While drinking might be a fun activity in many different situations, it might not always be the best choice psychologically. Drinking at sporting events, after work, with dinner, with family or friends at home is always going to have an appeal. The trick is being honest and knowing when enough is enough. There can be too much of any good thing, alcohol is no exception. The psychological effects of drinking too much or too often might be damaging in the long run.

Keith Ablow, MD counsels and coaches individuals across the United States and around the world in-person, via Skype or by telephone.  Contact him by emailing info@keithablow.com or calling 978-462-1125.

How To Deal With Relationship Anxiety: Top 3 Tips By Dr. Keith Ablow

“Anxiety is the greatest relationship killer. It is a feeling that makes you feel as if you are drowning and every other person is watching. You feel that a person is holding your hand, but only to strangulate you with the panic.”

It is a prevalent notion where a person is made to believe that the problem lies in the thinking of oneself. However, that is not always the case. At times, the root cause of the problem is the relationship itself. 

Dr. Keith Ablow, an eminent psychologist tells that a toxic relationship can really make you anxious. It can certainly tear your relationship apart, worsen it, and make you feel like it is the end of the world. 

Most of us believe that our anxiety is the reason behind the troubles in our relationship, but that is not the case. Sometimes a toxic and degrading relationship can make us feel mentally disturbed and nervous, escalating the problems even more. 

Below mentioned are certain things that you must consider if you’re suffering from relationship anxiety.

1. It is common to feel anxious in a relationship: You might feel anxious when your partner doesn’t communicate with you. You might get the feeling of emptiness that certainly promotes nervousness and anxiety levels. However, getting this feeling is completely normal. But if the problem persists, it is best to go for marriage/relationship counselling.  

2. Keep your worries separate: Refrain from mixing your personal worries with your professional worries. You will end up complicating the whole situation and ruining your personal relationships. 

3. Communicate: This is the best method of bridging the gap between you and your spouse. Communicate everything about your anxiety. Let your partner understand what you feel about the relationship. A couple can take guided steps through therapy to make a relationship work. 

Dr. Keith Ablow Psychiatrist has decades of experience in giving marriage and relationship counselling to couples who are experiencing problems in their relationship. His therapy sessions can be taken via Skype or telephonically, or via personal sessions.

Having Marriage Issues? Try Dr. Keith Ablow’s 5-Step Plan

A person holds on to so many things in life. A storm of emotions, pain, and sorrow, can make a person stressed and frustrated. This has a great impact on the relationships as well. You might not even know when your relationships start to suffer because of these problems.

Dr. Keith Ablow Psychiatrist, who has decades of experience in successfully providing marriage counselling and inducing new life into relationships tells that channeling the frustration on relationships, irrespective of the reason is not a healthy practice. Two people who are in a relationship should work together constructively to make things work and allow their marriage to bloom and flourish.

Two people, who are in a relationship and are facing problems in keeping up with their marriage must understand that clinging onto the problems will only worsen the situation. Thus, it is important to focus on the positives, and let go off the negatives.

Below mentioned are the top 5 tips that Dr. Keith Ablow suggests for a successful marriage.

1. Delete the three A’s: The key to a healthy marriage is to delete the three A’s that can break a marriage. Namely Aggression, Affairs, and Addictions. This is the reason why most of the marriages don’t work out. The key to a happy marriage is to develop a loving attitude towards your spouse and acknowledge their efforts.

2. Spend more time together: Many times couples don’t understand the fact that it is very important to spend quality time with their partner. Dr. Ablow suggests that a couple should spend as much time as possible with each other to understand where they are lacking and make their marriage work. They should refrain from arguing with each other and understand each other’s perspectives.

3. Try to understand each others perspective: Clashes happen in every relationship. It is also a healthy practice to some extent. But regularly arguing can certainly cause your marriage to fail, even if you do not want that. Respect your partner's point of view and listen to them carefully. If you have any opinion, resolve it.  

Keith Ablow MD suggests that if even after trying these tips, you are still facing problems in your marriage, then you must go for couple’s therapy.

How Is CBT Helpful In Reducing Alcohol Dependence?

Alcoholism is a serious disease that affects millions of people across the globe. According to studies conducted by the National Institute of Health, alcoholism has affected around 18 Million U.S. adults last year. Alcoholism is accountable for the maximum number of deaths every year.  

Alcohol use disorder is also known as colloquially or alcoholism. Mostly people with 18-25 age group are the victims of alcohol abuse. Dr. Keith Ablow, a renowned psychiatrist states that the youth is in serious danger of alcohol abuse. Over consumption of alcohol leads to the development of major health diseases like liver damage and cancer, and mishaps such as car accidents, black-outs, and fall-outs.  

Alcoholism is a disease that can be effectively cured with the help of certain therapies.

Treating alcoholism with the help of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most practiced approach.

It is an effective method of helping a person develop a positive lifestyle and focus on health improvement. This area of psychotherapy can be performed either individually or in groups.

How will the CBT plan be conducted?

During the course of the cognitive behavioural therapy treatment, the psychotherapist will help the client with the following:  

• Ascertaining the actual emotional trigger points
• Drawing a plan to increase engagement in non-drug consumption plans
• Avoiding events that involve drugs or alcohol intake

How does a CBT program affect the patients behaviour?

A person who is affected with alcoholism and is undergoing CBT therapy, can develop the following behavioural changes:

• Increasing engagement in low-risk non-drug activities
• Drafting a non-risk program
• Avoiding situations that involve substance abuse
• Understanding the basics of relapse
• Adopting healthier eating habits
• Learning to fight this situation
• Reluctance to consume alcohol again

What approaches does CBT follow?

Below mentioned are the three approaches that the CBT program follows to cure alcoholism and reduce substance abuse.

1. Mirror modeling approach: In this approach, a person is treated by showing examples of individuals who have successfully overcome alcoholism with CBT. This serves as a motivational factor and encourages the affected person to avoid alcohol consumption. Under this approach, it is essential to select an anonymous sponsor. The sponsor will guide the patient through the 12 steps of overcoming alcoholism. This is known as modeling.

2. Classical conditioning approach: Sometimes, a particular event can trigger the craving for alcohol consumption. The classical conditioning approach helps in understanding such events and avoiding the urge to develop the habits of alcoholism again. Patients are taught to develop this attitude and avoid such situations for speedy recovery.

3. Operant conditioning approach: After the situations that trigger alcoholism in a person are ascertained, strategies are devised that help overcome this disease. A patient fighting with alcoholism is motivated at every step of recovery to lead a better and positive life. A proper diet plan is provided that the patient has to follow to improve his health.

Dr. Keith Ablow Psychiatrist holds decades of experience in treating patients suffering from alcohol abuse. He is one of America’s leading psychiatry experts and has helped many people treat alcoholism.