Tyrosine is essential to regulating mood, helping prevent depression and helping the body cope with the effects of physical or psychological stress. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of Tyrosine.

Also Known As:L-Tyrosine

• Overview
• Uses
• Dietary Sources
• Available Forms
• How to Take It
• Precautions
• Possible Interactions
• Supporting Research

Overview

Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid that is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. As a building block for several important brain chemicals, tyrosine is needed to make epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, all of which work to regulate mood. Deficiencies in tyrosine, therefore, have been associated with depression. Tyrosine also aids in the production of melanin (pigment responsible for hair and skin color) and in the function of organs in the body responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thryroid, and pituitary glands. Tyrosine is also involved in the synthesis of enkephalins, substances that have pain-relieving effects in the body.

Low levels of tyrosine have been associated with low blood pressure, low body temperature, and an under active thyroid. This does not mean, however, that taking tyrosine supplements will avoid these particular circumstances.

Because tyrosine binds unstable molecules (called free radicals) that can potentially cause damage to the cells and tissues, it is considered a mild antioxidant. Thus, tyrosine may be useful for people who have been exposed to harmful chemicals (such as from smoking) and radiation.

 

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Tyrosine Uses

Phenylketonuria
This serious condition occurs in people who cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, which leads to brain damage including mental retardation. The treatment is dietary restriction of phenylalanine. Given that tyrosine is made from phenylalanine, restriction of this latter amino acid leads to deficiency of tyrosine. Many experts, therefore, advocate supplementing the diet with tyrosine-enriched protein. Results of studies, however, regarding whether this is necessary or effective have been mixed. In the case of phenylketonuria, your health care provider will determine if you need a tyrosine-enriched diet and how much tyrosine is required.

Tyrosine for Stress
Human and animal research suggests that tyrosine acts as an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to and cope with the effects of physical or psychological stress by minimizing the symptoms brought on by stress. This is primarily due to the fact that tyrosine is a building block for norepinephine and epinephrine, the body's two main stress-related hormones. Taken ahead of time, tyrosine allows some people to avoid typical bodily reactions and feelings from stressful situations like surgery, emotional upset, and sleep deprivation.

Drug Detoxification
Tyrosine appears to be a successful addition to conventional treatment for cocaine abuse and withdrawal. It may be used in conjunction with tryptophan and imipramine (an antidepressant). Some individuals using tyrosine have also reported successful withdrawal from caffeine and nicotine.

Tyrosine for depression
Tyrosine levels are occasionally low in depressed patients. A number of studies conducted in the 1970s showed encouraging results regarding the use of tyrosine to ease symptoms of depression, especially when used together with another supplement known as 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). In one study from 1990, however, tyrosine failed to demonstrate any anti-depressant activity. More studies are needed in order to draw firm conclusions about the use of tyrosine to help treat mild to moderate depression.

Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition characterized by irregular depigmentation (white patches) of skin. Given that tyrosine is involved in making melanin, it has been proposed that tyrosine may be a valuable aid in treating vitiligo. This theory has not been tested, however. Phenylalanine, which in turn makes tyrosine, has been used successfully in combination with ultraviolet radiation therapy for darkening the whitened areas in those with vitiligo.

Other
Some athletes claim that tyrosine helps their performance. However, there is no proof that this claim is true or safe.

Similarly, serotonin levels may be altered in women who have premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Because tyrosine stimulates the production of serotonin, some experts speculate that L-tyrosine supplements may improve serotonin levels and decrease PMS symptoms. This theory has yet to be proven.

Finally, in the mid 1980s some researchers speculated that tyrosine may be useful for treating Parkinson's because this amino acid can increase dopamine levels. (Diminished dopamine levels cause the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.) However, this has never been proven and there is a question about how well oral tyrosine can get into the brain. There are, however, some medications for Parkinson's currently under investigation that incorporate tyrosine along with other chemicals.

 

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Tyrosine Dietary Sources

Tyrosine, which is produced in the body from phenylalanine, is found in soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds.

 

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Tyrosine Available Forms

Tyrosine is also available as a dietary supplement, in capsule or tablet form.

 

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How to Take Tyrosine

Tyrosine supplements should be taken at least 30 minutes before meals, divided into three daily doses. They should also be taken with a multivitamin-mineral complex because vitamins B6, B9 (folate), and copper help convert L-tyrosine into important brain chemicals.

Pediatric

There is no specific dietary recommendation for tyrosine. If laboratory tests reveal that a child has an amino acid imbalance that requires treatment, the appropriate healthcare provider will direct care accordingly.

Adult

A nutritionist or healthcare provider knowledgeable about dietary supplements can prescribe the appropriate dose of this supplement. The dose most commonly recommended is 500 to 1,000 mg three times per day (before each of the three meals).

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Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Those who suffer from migraine headaches should avoid tyrosine, as it can trigger migraine headaches and gastrointestinal upset.

Total amount of tyrosine taken in one day should never exceed 12,000 mg.

 

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Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use tyrosine supplements without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Antidepressant medications, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Tyrosine may cause a severe increase in blood pressure in people taking MAOIs (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, and selegiline). This severe increase in blood pressure (also called "hypertensive crisis") can lead to a heart attack or stroke. For this reason, individuals taking MAOIs should foods and supplements containing tyrosine.

Appetite suppressant Medications
In a rat study, L-tyrosine increased the appetite-suppressant effects of phenylpropanolamine, ephedrine, and amphetamine. More research is needed to determine whether L-tyrosine produces similar results in humans.

Morphine
Although the application for humans is unclear, animal studies suggest that tyrosine increases the pain-relieving effects of morphine.

Levodopa

Tyrosine should not be taken at the same time as levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease because levodopa may interfere with the absorption of tyrosine.

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Supporting Research

Awad AG. Diet and drug interactions in the treatment of mental illness - a review. Can J Psychiatry. 1984;29:609-613.

Camacho F, Mazuecos J. Treatment of vitiligo with oral and topical phenylalanine: 6 years of experience. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:216-217

Chakraborty DP, Roy S, Chakroborty AK. Vitiligo, psoralen, and meanogenesis: some observations and understanding. Pigment Cell Res. 1996;9(3):107-116.

Chiaroni P, Azorin JM, Bovier P, et al. A multivariate analysis of red blood cell membrane transports and plasma levels of L-tyrosine and L-tryptophan in depressed patients before treatment and after clinical improvement. Neuropsychobiology. 1990;23(1):1-7.

Deijen JB, Orlebeke JF. Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress. Brain Res Bull. 1994;33(3):319-323.

Fernstrom JD. Can nutrient supplements modify brain function? Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;71(6 Suppl):1669S-1675S.

Fugh-Berman A, Cott JM. Dietary supplements and natural products as psychotherapeutic agents. Psychosom Med. 1999;61:712-728.

Gelenberg AJ, Wojcik JD, Falk WE, et al. Tyrosine for depression: a double-blind trial. J Affect Disord. 1990;19:125-132.

Growdon JH, Melamed E, Logue M, et al. Effects of oral L-tyrosine administration on CSF tyrosine and homovanillic acid levels in patients with Parkinson's disease. Life Sci. 1982;30:827-832,

Hull KM, Maher TJ. L-Tyrosine potentiates the anorexia induced by mixed-acting sympathomimetic drugs in hyperphagic rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1990;255(2):403-409.

Hull KM, Tolland DE, Maher TJ. L-tyrosine potentiation of opioid-induced analgesia utilizing the hot-plate test. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1994;269(3):1190-1195.

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Kelly GS. Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress. Altern Med Rev. 1999;4940;249-265.

Kirschmann GJ and Kirschmann JD. Nutrition Almanac, 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill;1966:304.

Koch R. Tyrosine supplementation for phenylketonuria treatment. Am J Clin Nutr. 1996;64(6):974-975.

Menkes DB, Coates DC, Fawcett JP. Acute tryptophan depletion aggravates premenstrual syndrome. J Affect Disord. 1994;3291):37-44.

Meyers S. Use of neurotransmitter precursors for treatment of depression. Altern Med Rev. 2000;5(1):64-71.

Neri DF, Wiegmann D, Stanny RR, Shappell SA, McCardie A, McKay DL. The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness. Aviat Space Environ Med. 1995;66(4):313-319.

Parry BL. The role of central serotonergic dysfunction in the aetiology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: therapeutic implications. CNS Drugs. 2001;15(4):277-285.

Pizzorno JE and Murray MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine, Vol 2. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1999:1049-1059.

Poustie VJ, Rutherford P. Tyrosine supplementation for phenylketonuria. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001507.

Riederer P. L-Dopa competes with tyrosine and tryptophan for human brain uptake. Nutr Metab. 1980;24(6):417-423.

Smith ML, Hanley WB, Clarke JT, et al. Randomised controlled trial of tyrosine supplementation on neuropsychological performance in phenylketonuria. Arch Dis Child. 1998;78(2):116-121.

van Spronsen FJ, van Rijn M, Bekhof J, Koch R, Smit PG. Phenylketonuria: tyrosine supplementation in phenylalanine-restricted diets. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001;73(2):153-157.

Wagenmakers AJ. Amino acid supplements to improve athletic performance. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 1999;2(6):539-544.

Yehuda S. Possible anti-Parkinson properties of N-(alpha-linolenoyl) tyrosine. A new molecule. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002;72(1-2):7-11.

 

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The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.

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There are so many things that society and we as individuals can do to help prevent the spread of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Described here are just some of them.

being.aware

Awareness plays a big role in eating disorders prevention in that many parents and teachers don't even know the first signs of an eating disorder. Things like the "blues" and going on a "diet" seem trivial and just a phase to someone, while for the person it can be the beginnings of chronic depression and anorexia/bulimia. Blowing such things off as minor phases tells the person that their problems aren't that big, don't matter, and that they themselves don't have to worry about them. This only aggravates the eating disorder even more and will cause the person to go into denial about their issues.

spreading.awareness

Awareness about anorexia and bulimia needs to be spread to middle, high school, and college campuses. Unfortunately, sometimes eating disorders just end up being glamorized and seen as a quick way to lose weight, and also something that people can control, so it is very important that while spreading awareness it is made clear just how easily these demons smash dreams and ruin the lives of those suffering, along with the pain it causes for the families and friends of those suffering.

the.mask

Another aspect of eating disorders prevention is to know that just because someone looks "fine" on the outside doesn't mean that they are fine on the inside. Eating disorder sufferers often trivialize their problems and lie because they feel that they would only be a burden to others if they shared their pain. Because many sufferers wear a mask of happiness, parents and teachers are easily fooled into thinking that the child is fine. Realize that this is just a mask, and that is all it will ever be. It is not the person's true feelings. The person may claim that they are fine when you ask them what is wrong, but don't take this as the truth. Inside they are depressed and tortured by their feelings, and they need someone to talk to and listen to them without getting angry, criticizing their emotions, telling them to ignore their feelings, or responding back with just "not having time" for their problems. Delve deeper into his or her's problems and make sure that when they say they are "fine," that it is just not another mask or the eating disorder trying to throw you off. Keep track of your student or child's self-esteem as well. Let them know that they are doing a good job, that you are proud of them, or that they have accomplished a lot, but don't make your comments solely or mostly based around food. This can lead a person to believe that their worth is associated with food.

the.power.of.listening

Listening is extremely important. When someone comes to you either asking for help or just to let you know that something is not right, make sure you listen. To stop an eating disorder from forming in the beginning you must listen and talk with your child or friend regardless of how trivial the problem seems to you. Remember that even though the issue may not seem that important to you, it can be causing a huge impact on another person's life.

If your child comes to you about a problem in school, please just spare 5 minutes of your time; sit and just listen. For example, say your child comes home from school and lets you know that kids are bullying them or making fun of them. Most parents would blow this issue off as just regular "kid stuff" that they do at that age, but to the child this can really hurt them. Instead of criticizing your child or turning them away because you think this problem is "so small," listen and let him or her know that you are here for them if they want to talk, and if the abuse from the other children continues be sure to go down to the school and have a talk with the administrators. I know that for me I was constantly made fun of and told I was fat, ugly, etc., by other children in school. I was too scared to tell anyone about this because I knew the teachers could care less and my parents had problems of their own, so I shoved bit after bit of food down my throat to comfort the pain I was feeling. Then I spit it all back up to numb the world away. What seems like minor comments or teasing to you can really damage the self-esteem and worth of another.

Listening is also very important in relation to not just school and friends, but of course family problems. Eating disorder sufferers have often grown up in a household where true feelings could not be expressed. They have been told to not be a bother with their feelings because mommy is sick or the father has a drinking problem, and the child cannot bring up their own issues. However, the whole idea that as long as the problem is "out of sight, it's out of mind" is wrong. Since the child can't bring up their emotions and feelings, they instead go to food or reject it in order to deal with the pain and chaos. By not letting a person express their issues at an early age, before an eating disorder, you are also teaching them that having feelings are "wrong" and that they are unacceptable - that it is not ok to feel.

When we wore a heart of stone we wandered to the sea
Hoping to find some comfort there yearning to feel free
And we were mesmerized by the lull of the night
and the smells that filled the air
And we laid us down on sandy ground
it was cold but we didn't care-Sarah McLachlan

"casual".dieting

Realize, also, that if you, as a parent or close family member, are dieting constantly that your child will inevitably pick up these habit patterns as well. If your child or a friend says that they have gone on a diet, it is important that you watch that their 'diet' doesn't get out of control. Purging or not eating is never an acceptable way to lose weight and will only endanger their health and yours as well. Always remember that eating disorders spawn from emotional problems inside of the person, and cannot be solved through "dieting."

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To better understand how you can prevent and look out for an eating disorder in a friend, your child, a student, or a patient if you are a doctor, I have added some comments that my friends have been gracious enough to let me print here in cyberspace. Each one of them suffers from an eating disorder.

One comment from a sufferer shows just how easily it is to be caught into the trap of an eating disorder:

"I thought I could control this, I thought it was my control. Because I couldn't see myself right I believed that my feelings about myself were actual facts, so I kept on losing weight. I was always regarded as the 'perfect' child. No one thought that I could possibly have an eating disorder, not perfect little Veronica. I didn't tell anyone about my problem with food for fear that they would think I was a psycho or hate me for having this problem, or just problems in general. For that I've been in and out of hospitals and I've ruined my life. It was only until my third hospitalization that I realized just how much I was truly out of control, and just how much the eating disorder was. It's too bad I couldn't have just realized this about 3 years ago. Maybe it wouldn't have been so hard to recover then."

A male victim recalls how his eating disorder, bulimia, started and how it progressed:

"We had to do a report in health class on eating disorders and I learned that you could lose some kind of weight by puking up what you ate (bulimia, binging and purging). I totally forgot about the medical problems that you get from it, which was what our whole reports were about. I just started doing it. I was caught once by a family member, but they figured that it was no big deal and when my folks found out that I was doing it everyday, they didn't really do anything. I figured they just didn't give a damn about me and I got even worse. The thing is, I never thought I'd be this bad. I thought I could start and stop, but I was so stupid in thinking that 'cause this is an addiction. I should've listened to what my other friend (who also has an ED) had told me in the beginning, but I was too hell-bent on doing my own thing and now I'm stuck with this without a clue as to how to stop."

"I wanted to be liked, that's all I wanted. I guess instead of getting other people to like me, I should have gotten myself to like me. Only, I didn't have a 'me'. I never knew what I liked or what I wanted to do, or what I should be. I just went with what others thought was best because I was too afraid to have a difference of opinion and cause conflict. I thought others would think that I was stupid for what I may like. When the eating disorder came along, I thought that that was finally 'me'. I was a starver, a bag of bones. The ED told me that if I just lost more and more weight that with each fallen pound, someone would finally like me. But with each pound lost, I started feeling worse and worse. I did get more attention, but then it got out of control and my friends and family went away because my obsession caused me to be depressed and isolate myself.
I haven't recovered yet. I've been to treatment and I've had doctors tell me I'm going to have to be hospitalized or I'll die, but I just can't stop. Who am I without the anorexia?"

As I've said so many times, recovery IS always possible. When an eating disorder does form there is no need to blame yourself or those around you - the most important thing is to work towards recovery. I only made this page in hopes that as a parent, friend, or teacher you can look within yourself and at others and be able to recognize someone that is on the verge of developing a full-blown eating disorder. Eating disorders prevention truly is the key.

next: The Truth on Laxatives, etc.
~ all peace, love and hope articles
~ eating disorders library
~ all articles on eating disorders

Electroacupuncture may reduce symptoms of depression. Massage decreases stress hormone levels, feelings of anxiety. Aromatherapy as a supplemental treatment for depression.

Two randomized, controlled, clinical trials suggest that electroacupuncture may reduce symptoms of depression as effectively as amitryptiline (Elavil), a tricyclic antidepressant medication. Electroacupuncture involves the application of a small electrical current through acupuncture needles. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective for people with mild depression and for those with depression related to a chronic medical illness. Further research is warranted in this area.

Massage and Physical Therapy As Treatments for Depression

Studies of formerly depressed adolescent mothers, children hospitalized for depression, and women with eating disorders, suggest that massage decreases stress hormone levels, feelings of anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Giving massage may also be beneficial for people who are depressed. Elderly volunteers with depression showed notable improvement in their symptoms when they massaged infants.

Aromatherapy, or the use of essential oils in massage therapy, may also be of value as a supplemental treatment for depression. Theoretically, the smells of the oils elicit positive emotions through the limbic system (the area of the brain responsible for memories and emotions). However, the benefits of aromatherapy appear to be related to the relaxation effects of the treatment as well as to the recipient's belief that the treatment will be beneficial. Essential oils used during massage for depression are quite varied and include:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Orange (Citrus aurantium)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Lemon (Citrus limonis)
Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Source: NIH

next: Alternative Approaches to Mental Health Treatment
~ depression library articles
~ all articles on depression

women and sex

From infancy, the predominant social message our society sends to males is that real men don't show emotions. Sex, anger, and humor are the only exceptions.

Men are to be tough and strong. Otherwise, how could society convince its young men to fight wars and slay dragons?

Men grow up to pride themselves on being unemotional, logical thinkers. So it should come as no surprise that men have difficulty identifying, sharing, understanding, and working with their feelings. Ask a man how he is feeling. He will almost always say, "Fine." Is this irritating to a woman? You bet it is! Did the man deliberately seek to irritate his woman? Of course not.

The man probably doesn't even know how he's feeling. Since he has been taught to ignore his feelings his entire life, how would he even have a clue as to what he is feeling as an adult man?

But men are allowed to be sexual. In fact, sex, anger, and humor are the only emotions our society allows "real men" to have. For most men, then, sex is the only arena in which they feel safe being openly emotional. In addition:

• Sexual activity solidifies their feeling of masculinity
• Sexual acceptance is necessary in order for them to feel emotional acceptance.
• Sex is connection.

Sex (and lots of it) is not only encouraged in males, it is even considered a necessary proof of masculinity.

 

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next: Men Relate Through Sex

A Primer on Depression and Bipolar Disorder

II. MOOD DISORDERS AS PHYSICAL ILLNESSES

D. Suicide

No discussion of severe depression is complete without a mention of suicide. Let us first ask "Why do people suicide? Why do they want to die?". Many studies of this question have been made through interviews of people who have attempted suicide, but failed (or were "rescued"), and people who intended to commit suicide, but found a compelling reason not to. The very clear answer that emerges is that people who suicide do not actually want to die, but rather have reached a point where their present life is unendurable any longer, and they see no way to change it.

Under these circumstances suicide is viewed as the lesser of two evils: a quick, clean, relatively painless death in the face of death by a slow, grim, grinding misery. Let me emphasize again that suicide cannot be viewed as a "positive" act fulfilling a "death wish'', but rather as a final, abject, act of despair and defeat. There are hundreds of known cases where a suicide failed either because what the victim did didn't work (it is actually not very easy to kill oneself painlessly!) or because someone else intervened in time; almost always the person who made the attempt will say "Thank God. I'm glad it didn't work; maybe I still have a chance."

I remember lying on the Kona beach of Hawaii in the first week of January 1988, thinking "Hey! This is pretty nice! I'm really glad my plan to shoot myself two years ago didn't work out! I would have missed this!" And now I quietly, but happily, observe the anniversary of that event every year.

Of course, severe depression fits the description given above perfectly. If depression becomes severe enough, for long enough, there comes the day when anyone will think "I can't stand this any longer. And I'm not going to get over it ever. I'm a failure at everything, and I'm a drag on my family and friends. There is really only one sensible way out." If this line of thinking is followed to its logical conclusion it represents certain death. It also represents a terrible defeat both for the victim, and for society, because in the case of depression, in particular, there is a good chance that his/her life can be improved, with treatment, at least to the point where it is no longer unendurable.

For this reason, when a depressed person starts talking about suicide, he/she should be considered to be in a medical emergency, and medical intervention is urgent! If you ever find yourself considering suicide, and you don't have a regular doctor, and you don't know how to get help, call the crisis line in your community; almost all communities have one; if one doesn't exist, then when all else fails call 911. But get help. Fast! The same applies if you are in the person's family or are a friend.

One of the first lines of defense against suicide is the crisis line. The dedicated people who man those lines lead a difficult life. They know that they are fighting to save someone's life, often when that person is unable or unwilling to provide straight answers to questions and may even be fighting against the process of rescue. This is a difficult job and a terrible responsibility.

We should all remember crisis line workers as people who routinely perform "above and beyond the call of duty". There is no question that these services save many lives every year. The service provided by a crisis line isn't just superficial talking with the caller, trying to reassure him/her. If the caller is talking suicide, the person taking the call will try to make an assessment of how acute the emergency is: is the caller just feeling very bad, and needs to talk about it, or is he/she ready to do the act now? The methods vary from place to place, but in our community the caller will be asked a series of questions, each probing the next higher level of emergency. It goes something like this:

1. Do you have a plan for how you will kill yourself? If the caller doesn't even have a plan, then it is unlikely that the emergency is extreme. Clearly he/she still needs help, but maybe not this very minute.
2. Do you have the means to carry out your plan? That is, do you have the gun, the pills, the garage you can close and run your car in, the bridge to jump off ... whatever. If the means exist, then the plan can be executed. The next thing to establish is whether it will be executed.
3. Do you know how to use the means you have selected? That is, do you know how to load the gun and pull the trigger, do you know how many pills are lethal, and so on. If you don't, then the plan is less likely to work; but if you do, we have a crisis.
4. Do you have the will to do it? Some people can get everything ready, but at the last moment can't bear to think of themselves covered with blood, crumpled and broken, or whatever.
5. Is there anything that can change your mind? Sometimes people attach "contingencies" to the plan of death: e.g. if some loss can be recovered (girlfriend, husband, job, etc.) Or sometimes they won't carry out their plan until some other event occurs (e.g. ailing parent dies). The existence of such a condition buys time: time to get help to the caller.
6. Are you ready to do it now? This is the bottom line. If the conversation has gotten this far, the crisis is extreme, and help should be on the way. This will often be a police car and an ambulance. The person answering the call now has two tasks: (a) keeping the caller talking, no matter what, and (b) telling him/her that help is on the way, describing what will happen when it gets there so that the caller won't panic and pull the trigger when someone knocks on the door.

There is more to it than this, but this gives the flavor. As you can see, crisis line operators lead a stressful life, and they feel the loss keenly when the procedure ``fails'' (or was it the caller?), and help doesn't get there in time. The gift they give to humanity through their compassion is incalculable.

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Children may experience brief eating problems, as may adults. It is only when a problem is prolonged and affects their behavior that action should be taken, as it can have serious implications for their health. Although there are some factors that seem to trigger eating disorders, it is impossible to predict which children it will affect. Some will refuse to eat at all, while others will 'binge' on food only to force vomiting later on. It is seen most in teenage and young adult women, although an increasing degree of eating disorder is now recognized in young men as well. There is no distinction between ethnicities or social backgrounds. Although showing itself as an obsession with body image, weight and eating, it may be due to an underlying problem with issues over which children have little control, such as sexual persuasion, chronic disease, family strife or school pressure.

Symptoms

• Continual weight-checking or examination in a mirror
• Irrational fear of gaining weight or looking overweight
• Binge eating followed by forced vomiting and fasting
• Laxative and water-tablet abuse without any apparent need
• Compulsive exercise such as gymnastics, jogging or cycling
• Secret eating with the same kind of food, especially cakes or sweet food
• Hoarding secret supplies of food
• Poor insight into real body image with a constant perception of being grossly overweight

Causes

• Lack of self-esteem
• Bullying
• Peer, parental and social pressure to diet
• Depression and anxiety are linked but it can be difficult to tell which came first
• Solvent, alcohol or drug abuse is also linked
• Media promotion of 'slim is beautiful'
• Child abuse

Prevention

Never put children on a diet unless medically advised to do so (see obesity in children). Be prepared to talk through their concerns and show them ways to cope with them. Aim for containing the problem if it has already taken place, then move on to improve things. Being judgmental will make things worse.

Complications

Eating disorders can be life-threatening or can damage the physical and mental development of the person concerned. Tragically, suicide is also higher in children with eating disorders.

Self care

• Expert medical help is needed but parents can help, particularly by being supportive.
• Avoid talk of diets and weight loss.
• Be honest about your own feelings without being angry.
• Avoid unloading your worries on the child and, in a way, reversing roles.
• Life must go on, so try not to allow the eating disorder to disrupt the family's everyday activities.
• Involve the child in planning the next day's meal.

Action

• Contact your health visitor, or see your doctor. 

next: Eating Disorders Rise Among All Children
~ eating disorders library
~ all articles on eating disorders

Learn how to help a child or an adult friend or family member deal with the death of a loved one and how to support someone in their grief.

• How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?
• How can I help an adult friend or family member deal with the death of a loved one?
• How can I deal with the death of a loved one?

How can I help a child deal with the death of a loved one?

Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed. Adults may not view a child behavior as grief as it is often demonstrated in behavioral patterns which we misunderstand and do not appear to us to be grief such as "moody," "cranky," or "withdrawn." When a death occurs children need to be surrounded by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding. This may be a tall order to expect of the adults who are experiencing their own grief and upset. Caring adults can guide children through this time when the child is experiencing feelings for which they have no words and thus can not identify. In a very real way, this time can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first task is to create an atmosphere in which the child's thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and gatherings which are comfortable for them. First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a grandparent's funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children will probably have short attention spans and may need to leave a service or gathering before the adults are ready. Many families provide a non-family attendant to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Forced participation can be harmful. Children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.

How can I help an adult friend or family member deal with the death of a loved one?

Someone you know may be experiencing grief - perhaps the loss of a loved one, perhaps another type of loss - and you want to help. The fear of making things worse may encourage you to do nothing. Yet you do not wish to appear to be uncaring. Remember that it is better to try to do something, inadequate as you may feel, than to do nothing at all. Don't attempt to sooth or stifle the emotions of the griever. Tears and anger are an important part of the healing process. Grief is not a sign of weakness. It is the result of a strong relationship and deserves the honor of strong emotion. When supporting someone in their grief the most important thing is to simply listen. Grief is a very confusing process, expressions of logic are lost on the griever. The question "tell me how you are feeling" followed by a patient and attentive ear will seem like a major blessing to the grief stricken. Be present, reveal your caring, listen. Your desire is to assist your friend down the path of healing. They will find their own way down that path, but they need a helping hand, an assurance that they are not entirely alone on their journey. It does not matter that you do not understand the details, your presence is enough. Risk a visit, it need not be long. The mourner may need time to be alone but will surely appreciate the effort you made to visit. Do some act of kindness. There are always ways to help. Run errands, answer the phone, prepare meals, mow the lawn, care for the children, shop for groceries, meet incoming planes or provide lodging for out of town relatives. The smallest good deed is better than the grandest good intention.

How can I deal with the death of a loved one?

Bereavement is a powerful, life-changing experience that most people find overwhelming the first time. Although grief is a natural process of human life, most of us are not inherently able to manage it alone. At the same time, others are often unable to provide aid or insight because of discomfort with the situation and the desire to avoid making things worse. The following passage explains how some of our "normal" assumptions about grief may make it more difficult to deal with.

Five Assumptions That May Complicate

1. Life prepares us for loss. More is learned about loss through experience than through preparation. Living may not provide preparation for survival. Handling grief resulting from the death of a loved one is a process that takes hard work. The fortunate experience of a happy life may not have built a complete foundation for handling loss. Healing is built through perseverance, support and understanding. The bereaved need others: Find others who are empathetic.

2. Family and friends will understand. If a spouse dies children lose a parent, a sibling loses a sibling, a parent loses a child and a friend loses a friend. Only one loses a spouse. Each response is different according to the relationship. Family and friends may not be capable of understanding each other thoroughly. Consider the story of Job's grief in the Bible. Job's wife did not understand his grief. His friends did their best work the first week when they just sat and did not speak. It was when they began to share their judgements of Job and his life that they complicated Job's grief. Allowance must be made so that grief may be experienced and processed over time. The bereaved need others: Find others who are accepting.

3. The bereaved should be finished with their grief within one year or something is wrong. During the first year the bereaved will experience one of everything for the first time alone: anniversaries, birthdays, occasions, etc. Therefore grief will last for at least one year. The cliche, "the healing hands of time," does not go far enough to explain what must take place. The key to handling grief is in what work is done over time. It takes time and work to decide what to do and where to go with the new and changed life that is left behind. The bereaved need others: Find others who are patient.

4. Along with the end of grief's pain comes the end of the memories. At times, the bereaved may embrace the pain of grief believing it is all they have left. The lingering close bond to the deceased is sometimes thought to maintain the memories while, in fact, just the opposite is true. In learning to let go and live a new and changed life memories tend to come back more clearly. Growth and healing comes in learning to enjoy memories. The bereaved need others: Find new friends and interests.

5. The bereaved should grieve alone. After the funeral service is over the bereaved may find themselves alone. They may feel as though they are going crazy, painfully uncertain in their world of thoughts and emotions. The bereaved begin to feel normal again when the experience is shared with others who have lost a loved one. Then, in reaching out, the focus of life becomes forward. The bereaved need others: Find others who are experienced.

Provided courtesy of Jack Redden, CCE, M.A., President; John Redden, M.S., Vice President, Cemetery-Mortuary Consultants Inc., Memphis, Tennessee

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Coaxing an alcoholic to get help can be a challenge. An alcoholic can't be forced to get help except under certain circumstances, such as a traffic violation or arrest that results in court-ordered treatment. But you don't have to wait for someone to "hit rock bottom" to act.

Many alcoholism treatment specialists suggest the following steps to help an alcoholic get treatment:

Stop all "cover ups." Family members often make excuses to others or try to protect the alcoholic from the results of his or her drinking. It is important to stop covering for the alcoholic so that he or she experiences the full consequences of drinking.

Time your intervention. The best time to talk to the drinker is shortly after an alcohol-related problem has occurred--like a serious family argument or an accident. Choose a time when he or she is sober, both of you are fairly calm, and you have a chance to talk in private.

Be specific. Tell the family member that you are worried about his or her drinking. Use examples of the ways in which the drinking has caused problems, including the most recent incident.

State the results. Explain to the drinker what you will do if he or she doesn't go for help--not to punish the drinker, but to protect yourself from his or her problems. What you say may range from refusing to go with the person to any social activity where alcohol will be served, to moving out of the house. Do not make any threats you are not prepared to carry out.

Get help. Gather information in advance about addiction treatment options in your community. If the person is willing to get help, call immediately for an appointment with a treatment counselor. Offer to go with the family member on the first visit to a treatment program and/or an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Call on a friend. If the family member still refuses to get help, ask a friend to talk with him or her using the steps just described. A friend who is a recovering alcoholic may be particularly persuasive, but any person who is caring and nonjudgmental may help. The intervention of more than one person, more than one time, is often necessary to coax an alcoholic to seek help.

Find strength in numbers. With the help of a health care professional, some families join with other relatives and friends to confront an alcoholic as a group. This approach should only be tried under the guidance of a health care professional who is experienced in this kind of group intervention.

Get support. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Support groups offered in most communities include Al-Anon, which holds regular meetings for spouses and other significant adults in an alcoholic's life, and Alateen, which is geared to children of alcoholics. These groups help family members understand that they are not responsible for an alcoholic's drinking and that they need to take steps to take care of themselves, regardless of whether the alcoholic family member chooses to get help.

You can call the National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for information about treatment programs in your local community and to speak to someone about an alcohol problem.

Sources:

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - National Institute of Health.

Depression can be especially cruel in that it doesn't affect just the depressed person, but everyone around them, too. Someone who is depressed can be very difficult and draining to deal with. What makes this so cruel is, that as a depressed person's relationships become strained--to the point where others actively avoid having anything to do with them. This further contributes to a worsening self-image and makes the person feel even more isolated, intensifying the depression.

(If you're getting the idea that depression is an exceedingly heinous illness, preventing those it afflicts from finding treatment, and plunging them into ever-deeper isolation, then you understand just how horrid this illness is. No other disease, physical or mental, reinforces and feeds itself, as depression does.)

Depressed patients must learn to understand how their illness affects other people, and expect that their relationships will not be what they were, for some time. By the same token, those around them must understand that it is not the person, but the illness, which is an inconvenience. The best way for them to be relieved of the stress, is to help the patient toward recovery. This means getting the person into treatment, if he or she isn't already, and remaining supportive--no matter how difficult that may be. (Often the depression causes patients to drive others away, so this can be very daunting, indeed.)

Friends and family must remember that the depression patient did not ask for this illness, it is not a character flaw, and the patient often doesn't have much control over what he or she does. They cannot afford to take the symptoms of depression in someone else, personally.

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G.P.4.o

Margaret wrote to us about G.P.4.o:

"G.P.4.o, is a nutritional formula of vitamins and minerals formulated by Dr. Bruce Woolley, Doctor of Pharmacy, specifically for youths between the ages of 6 and 18 diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The product is intended to help them concentrate longer on a task thereby increasing their performance academically, athletically and socially. The product would supplement the daily diet with nutrition that the youthful body requires to function more effectively." More information is available at www.bodysentials.com/"

Ginko Biloba

We have also had reports of the herb Ginko Biloba helping with the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

We have recently read in the media about some problems with regard to Ginko Biloba. On further checking with others we, would like visitors to note that:

A negative about Ginko Biloba is a problem with anti-clotting. It can interfere with coagulation (whether this is with the platelets or the clotting factors, we cannot say with certainty). It would add to the effect of aspirin or other blood thinners in "thinning" the blood and thus could be dangerous.

Also we received the following references:........

"The effect of platelet-aggregation inhibitors may be enhanced. The case of a spontaneous hyphema after combined intake of a Ginkgo-biloba-containing pharmaceutical and aspirin has been documented" (Schwabe, 1999)."

"Janssens, D. et al. 1995. Protection of hypoxia-induced ATP decrease in endothelial cells by Ginkgo biloba extract and bilobalide. (Biochem Pharmacol 50(7):991-999)."

"Jung, F., C. Mrowietz, H. Kiesewetter, E. Wenzel. 1990. Effect of Gingko Biloba on fluidity of blood and peripheral microcirculation in volunteers. (Arzneimforsch 40(5):589-593)."

We will add more when information becomes available but would suggest to people interested in trying this to seek medical advice from their doctor or advice form a Registered Homeopath to ensure that it will not have adverse reactions with any medication, pharmaceutical or otherwise, they may be taking.

Wayne from South Africa wrote to us saying......

"I would like to let you know that before I was diagnosed with ADD, I took Ginko Biloba and vitamin B complex for a period of four months coupled with aerobic exercises three times a week. I, for the first time, felt great. My concentration and relationships with others was so much for the better and would highly recommend Ginko Biloba, aerorobic excercise, and a good vitamin B complex. It will change your life for the better."

Rolanda wrote......

"I have used it and find the Quest make the only one that has worked for me. I find that it has improved my memory and I am not so scatterbrained. In fact I was able to start studying again because my short term memory was so much better."

Kelvin wrote......

"I've tried taking Ginko. I'm not sure I've noticed any benefit. I would like to try more long term particularly as I suffer from Raynard's Syndrome (poor circulation). However, after a short while I found I needed the toilet far less though didn't feel constipated. Is this an expected side effect? I stopped after about 3 weeks just in case."

Raul wrote......

"I AM A PERSON WHO HAS NEVER BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ADD, but I feel I have it. I lack concentration and am very fidgety and unorganized. This has posed a problem at home and at work. Now that I am starting the police academy in Chicago, I needed something that would help me get through the academy. I have taken ginko biloba plus and so far it has worked. I feel much more attentative. I didn't want medication because it probably could bar me from the academy, so recommend ginka biloba plus. I dont know how long it will work, but it is working..."

This comes from University of Michigan ......

"There have been a number of reported cases of serious and even lethal side effects from herbal products. In addition, some so-called natural remedies were found to contain standard prescription medication. Of specific concern are studies suggesting that up to 30% of herbal patent remedies imported from China having been laced with potent pharmaceuticals such as phenacetin and steroids. Most problems reported occur in herbal remedies imported from Asia, with one study reporting a significant percentage of such remedies containing toxic metals. The following warnings are of particular importance for people with attention-deficit disorders.

• Melatonin. High doses of melatonin have been associated with an increased risk for seizures in children with existing neurologic disorders.
• Gingko. The risk for side effects from gingko appear to be low, but there is an increased risk for bleeding and interaction with anti-clotting medications at high doses.
• Ginseng. There have been contaminated forms of imported ginseng.

It also has been associated with a hypoglycemia and a higher risk for bleeding. In addition, a great number of ginseng products have been found to contain little or no ginseng."

Ed. Note: Please remember, we do not endorse any treatments and strongly advise you to check with your doctor before using, stopping or changing any treatment.

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