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DavidBransfordMD More on Asperger Girls 05-05-2013
Aspergers – will the term actually be dropped for Autistic Spectrum Disorder? If one accepts the about to be released DSM-5, it will.
However, I will continue to utilize the term clinically and am not along in refusing to adopt this “so called” improvement from DSM IV-R
The Mental Health/Psychiatry Blogs have been ever so busy with concerns about diagnostic inflation and misinformation from the proposed DSM-5
For example-> 1boringoldman.com has had a global impact, for example
And Experts such as Dr Allen Frances MD and Temple Grandin PhD
Dr Allan Frances MD Psychiatrist and principle developer of DSM IV
10 Minutes with Temple Grandin PhD in an interview in Minnespolis 2010
As for Aspie Girls is extremely important, due to the fact that the diagnosis is so often overlooked. A young adult Aspie Maya has done an excellent job of posting videos on YouTube about her life, leading to the the launch of her new album…………very skilled musician.
So examples from Maya can teach us so much !
So many more, including her meeting with Aspie expert Tony Attwood PhD
Aspergers in Females is so often overlooked and there is so much we can learn from brilliant young students such as Maya.
Too Many Clinicians seem to be afraid of the concept and it leads to unnecessary suffering for so many children and young adults
These individuals need the opportunity for empowerment and not pathology
Neuroscience Journalist for the NYTs – Amy Harmon – has been addressing the challenges of relationships with Asperger Couples and just released an eBook on it…Asperger Love at a cost of less than $4.00. Excellent Work, Amy – I still learn from Jack & Kirsten from your research with them. Thank You and your Literary Awards are so well deserved !
NYT Video from Amy Harmon on Jack and Kirsten – so informative !
————————————————————————So do not be afraid to continue addressing the unique needs of individual needs of people with Asperger’s If one falls on the spectrum and is allowed to withdraw completely with only their video games, day after day, they are bound to develop depression, anger, and increased risk of anger – directed both inward and outward.
“Whistle Past the Graveyard, if it helps. But emphasize the need to encourage social interactions and not allow social isolation.
I am not posting Laura Marling as an Aspie, but her lyrics seem most appropriate. Such a gifted, shy, singer/songwriter !
DavidBransfordMD Psychiatrist – More on Music, Mental Health, Medicine, and Miscellany
The Prolonged Winter Weather seems to have been most challenging on our residents of the North Woods!
Today, 4-27-2013, a major warm up began, with sunshine, snow melt, and people outside being active once again !
With Penguins in the South Pole area and Polar Bears in North Pole ??
The woods are awake for the season, and people – including kids – are leaving their video games, movies, and actually spending time out in the sunshine. I moved up here from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St Paul 30 years ago and this is the longest period of cold and snow thus far that I have witnessed.
Such a relief to come out of hibernation. (8-)
In the field of Psychiatry, there will be those children and adolescents that will still try and spend as much time as possible with their indoor video games, isolated from peers, caught up in their own worlds. In May 2013, the term Asperger will officially be retired, as will Pervasive Developmental Disorder–due to the recommended implication of the DSM-5. I am not alone in refusing to retire that nomenclature. Placing the children in the “pigeon hole” of Autistic Spectrum Disorder is unacceptable for me. Temple Grandin PhD has some great new videos on YouTube well worth viewing, pointing out the incredible variation with “Aspies” and the need to avoid “Name and Conquer” and emphasis so strongly individual treatment approached….with rules for parent, major changes in the schools and teaching paradigm shifts. I meet with many Aspies – males and females – and so many are not receiving proper treatment.
This photo was parh home !
As can be seen in the above picture of the Burrowing Owls, the conditions are so variable and too often mistaken for Oppositional Defiant Disorders. Disruptive Disorders, and severe Anxiety Disorders.
Please search YouTube for Temple Grandin’s videos, as well as Tony Attwood from Down Under…No need to buy expensive videos nor books…there is so much out there via Internet !
As for older (late teen/young adults with Asperbers, Hat Tip to award winning columnist Amy Harmon and her-book on Love and Relationships for this unique group of people. “Asperger Love” Great video on YouTube of interview with NYT award winning journalist Amy Harmon…Kindle download for less than $4.00) And Amy’s research led me to the great videos and books from John Elder Robinson – Jack’s father – and his newest book “Raising Cubby” A father-son true life adventure. John Elder Robinson also has high functioning Asperger’s – with other great book such as “Look Me In The Eyes” His interviews are also on YouTube and extremely informative !
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As for the Music Section, unrelated to Aspergers, The UK has a music, singer/songwriter that is so extremely gifted. Now 23, her fourth album will be launched the end of May. She is so very skilled as a songwriter, singer, with her acoustic guitar. Just wrote the soundtrack for “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare……With her strong background influence of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Neil Young. I expect to hear a great deal more about this gifted Laura Marley!
BBC on Laura Marling and “As You Like It”
Click url to read interview from BBC and Laura Marling -
Ghosts – one of Laura’s early songs on her first album which is very popular in UK, as can
be seen in her rather large audience of many thousands of fans.
Saying Goodbye To Snow – not just in England, but in Minnesota as well !
David Bransford MD MENTAL HEALTH and MUSIC 03-24-2013
Several weeks ago, I attempted to address the issue of “Stage Fright” – often with some of the most experienced and talented artists. Lots of diverse and insightful feedback. This led to more resources regarding Music and the Brain. I had no idea how advanced the science has become, utilizing Music as a Treatment Modality. TEDMED presentations have been most enlightening. I will post some related to the Science and of Henry, as a clinical example. I will also post some youtube videos of interviews with famous performers with histories of Depression, Substance Abuse, and related themes…No data of Psychiatric Medications. I spend far too much time on those issues on Twitter and FB
The Power of Music as therapy – iPod Magic !
The science research in healing the brain, after major injuries, including strokes
Leonard Cohen discloses his lifelong battle with Manic-Depression (Bipolar)
Interview with Judy Collins about Leonard Cohen–her Alcoholism.
Judy Collins discusses the suicide of her son
Judy Collins was a musical child prodigy…I believe the young singer/songwriter from UK is also – as evidenced by one of her early hits “My Manic and I” She just turned 23–this performance at age 18,
with now Grammy 2013 Album winner Marcus Mumford of Mumford and Sons as her drummer.
I expect to hear much more fro this young artist..4th album out in May 2013
Laura Marling on tour in the States – great support from her parents and sisters.
Laura Marling’s father introduced her to guitar when she was about 3 yrs old
Songwriting was natural—talking/performing much more challenging dlb
DavidBransfordMD Stage Fright – Is It Considered A Psychiatric Disorder ?
Shy Musicians, Shy Actors, Shy Public Servants – per DSM-5, Do they have Psychiatric illnesses? Should terms such as Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder be utilized ? If so, should they receive treatment ? Are they eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits ? How common is this “disorder” ? Garrison Keillor has addressed “Shy People” for decades, giving them status and recognition.
For people with significant Panic Attacks and other Anxiety Disorders, the symptoms are truly disabling and destructive of their “quality of life” So simply knowing how common these symptoms can be, I will post some Google information, followed by some favorite YouTube videos – with many clips from an extremely gifted singer/songwriter- with her interviews and public performances that I would find most terrifying-as I view the size of the fans in attendance. But first a url from About.com on famous musicians with stage fright Social Anxiety Disorder or just Shy Musicians ?
Now for some examples from YouTube of my current favorite UK up and coming singer/songwriter who states she is very shy and is developing her own unique techniques to permit her to perform in public venues…….some examples with Laura Marling performing in front of many thousands of fans.
After viewing Laura’s interview, I was most amazed at the size of her audience. How could one not be neurous?
Yet Another Laura Marling video from the same Festival.
And one more, showcasing a darker, more intense Laura Marling
I could continue with so many other examples, but will cease rambling for now and hope for interesting comments and feedback re: “Stage Fright” I do not believe it is an illness !
David Bransford MD “Rehab” – What The Experts Are Finding – Searching for Science
Having trained as part of my Psychiatry Residency in the Minneapolis-St Paul area, “chemical dependency treatments followed the “Minnesota Model” in the mid 1970s, with 28 day inpatient -12 Step Models for Adult Alcoholics, Methadone maintenance for Heroine Addiction, and some very prolonged inpatient hospitalizations for adolescents. For my training, it began at the Minneapolis Veterans Hospital with young adults my own age, returning from Viet Nam – with Poly Drug Dependencies and narcotics the most troublesome to treat. It was the Age of Aquarius – as well – with a very colorful time-with influences from Haight-Ashbury—Woodstock-like outdoor concerts in Wisconsin-and then by early 1970s – indoor Rock Fests in St Paul – usually at the old St Paul Civic Center (Elton John – Halloween 1974, as one of many superstars to perform) The Promoters were under a great of pressure to keep the fans under control. As had been learned from the earlier Wisconsin Outdoor Concerts. Street Drugs were a major concern. That is how many of us in medical school and residency programs became involved…Hired as First Responders by the promoters, We combined with U of Wisconsin staff and were in charge of talking people down from “Bad Trips”, triage work for those having taken narcotics and alcohol, PCP aggresions, physical fights, —-bottom line for us was to keep people alive– and for the promoters…not losing their permits for future concerts.
The U of MN Medical Crew withdrew in the late 70s when it become apparent more harm was coming from the Security Guards than the drug and alcohol abuse. Without Medical backup, the large, poorly controlled concerts were not granted permits. I could continue for hours with the dynamics of the concerts, the drugs, the violence; but I think more important is to review our “CD” treatment programs and some very important changes brought to my attention by experts I greatly respect via my Twitter Feed. Recall in the field of Medicine,”First Do No Harm” is our primary rule. Yet I still work with individuals that were traumatized by inpatient adolescent hospital based “evaluation and treatment programs. These now young adults show signs of severe PTSD, brought on by being placed in treatment centers..signed in by the courts or by a parent…..usual ‘drug of choice’ – “cannabis”
How to find best drug treatment for teens
Maia on what really goes on in Rehab 2-15-2013 Most Recent Update from Maia of Time.com
Lots of Rage in these young adults and adolscents
Thank you so much to Maia and Dirk Hanson for their expertise — both very accessible Twitter
Both with many scientific books, articles, and online presence @maiasz @Dirk57
David Bransford MD —- More On Music Instead Of Meds —- Before the Grammys
Insider Look at the Workings of BigPharma CEOs
Sir Ken Robinson, PhD continues to consult, lecture, write, and even tweet. In the realm of the Education Revolution, I always find him inspiring, insightful, and entertaining. Thanks to YouTube ->
In the many treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, and group homes where I have consulted since about 1968, I more often than not am told by students that classes are “boring” – a waste of time – too easy or too difficult. The few exceptions seem to be in the Charter Schools that inspire the students and allow them to pursue their own innate creativity Most mentioned in Minnesota, the past decade has been Studio Four in St Paul, MN Studio Four – a Public Charter School for at risk students
At Studio Four, students want to be at school! Many want access after hours and weekends! How rare is that?
There are alternatives to specialized Charter School, but they seem to expensive and exclusive— such as the incredible Interlochen Arts Academy near Traverse City, Michigan
For those many not able to attend Interlochen, many of today’s musical talents – through their own skills, support from a parent, and innate talents dropped out of public schools early and devoted time and talent to pursuing their own passions.
Just a few examples of singer/songwriters I have great faith in their continued growth and success. Both these singer/songwriters dropped out of school early–lived very rural, and said to be very shy. Brandi Carlile was never willing to be put on Ritalin – thank goodness- in an effort to make school more interesting. Had she done so, I believe it may well have suppressed her creativity The Pacific Northwest would have possibly missed out on so much talent. As for Laura Marling – 10 years younger than Brandi and from a very small town in England — a very similar story (no pun intended using the “Story”
AT readers (8-)
Brandi Carlile “Hard Way Home” Bear Creek Album Columbia available iTunes, AMZ,etc
Now, Will Laura Marling meet up with similar success in the years ahead ?
I believe the potential for success is there for LM
BC – hope to meet up with you at Interlochen this summer again….all of us ATers eager for you summer schedule release !
David Bransford MD On The Eve of Ground Hog Day 02-02-2013
It has been a bitter cold week up here near the Mississippi Headwaters. With Wind Chill and subzero temps even during the daylight, most denizens I know stay indoors and are preparing for the Superbowl on Sunday ! Outdoor winter sports are often not pursued in these arctic conditions- aside from ice fishing and some snowmobiling. Sled Dog Teams seem to be in their element, but mushers and handlers seem to prefer the very cold temps. Overall, it seems most adults prefer being inside at this phase of winter. Outdoor winter sports will pick up considerably by late February, all thru March, and first half of April. Ground Hog day is a great time to view the classic movie, but 6 more weeks of winter weather is a certainty here. The large inland lakes do not give up their ice until the third week in April – so Warm coats, boots, gloves, etc will continue to be used for the next several months.
Staying active with Winter Sports and pastime Outdoors helps so much !
Pyr Pup and Bonding
So tomorrow that classic movie of Bill Murray’s Ground Hog Day will be watched as is our tradition.
A Fancy Dinner, of course (Fresh shrimp or Spam, I would guess) Then the Movie
David Bransford MD On “Medical Marketing” and Bad Science
Have been reading Dr Ben Goldacre’s book “Bad Science” and finding it brilliant.
Also go to YouTube and listen to Ben’s presentations–very enlightening !
Before posting one of Dr Goldacre’s most recent TED talks, I will post from YouTube some recent medication ads
The ingredient is the exact same as Ambien – a prescription hypnotic just cited by FDA with warning to reduce recommended dosage by one half. Then there are the non-prescription medical devices to enhance sleep
Now please give a listen to Dr Ben Goldacre’s presentation.
Bad Medicine by Ben Goldacre MD will hopefully be required reading in all med schools
Dealing with our Winter Snowfall before the Plows Come Through.
David Bransford MD Google Search – Head Bangers in Music– Origin?
Does Head Banging cause long term Brain Damage — like in the NFL or Soccer Players ?? Here’s what I found
so far, thanks to You Tube videos————–
Not so obvious, but definitely ‘Bangin” after 1st 4 minutes by lead singer Jim James
Remember the Broadway Musical “Hair” ? Or Sampson and Delilah ? Elvis getting drafted and his haircut ?
PBS Special on this musical genius Cab Calloway PBS Sketches
Thanls to Henry for remembering Cab Callaway
