Monthly Archives: May 2023

Is the standard safe? Informed decisions about newborn vaccinations.

A controversial health concern I come across often in my practice as an RN is the decision whether or not to vaccinate newborns when they are first born. Many parents independently research the dangers of vaccinations and base their opinions and decisions off an article that they come across online, without determining the accuracy of the article. Often times, we form an opinion based off of what others are doing so whether it is a current trend to choose not to vaccinate or the opinion of a loved one, we are influenced by that. Despite many studies and years of parents vaccinating their babies with no issues, there are still parents that have strong feelings against vaccinating their children.

 

When a baby is born there are three standard vaccinations that are given to newborns, Hepatitis B, Vitamin K, and erythromycin eye ointment.

The reason the hepatitis B vaccine is standard for al babies is because mothers can unintentionally be a carrier of hepatitis B and pass it along to their newborns, the first dose is given within 24 hours of birth. Mothers chose not to give this vaccine, reason being because they know for a fact, they don’t have hepatitis B and they won’t let their baby be around anyone with hepatitis B or dirty needles. The issue with this is that they could have hepatitis B and not know it, or that someone that comes in contact with the newborn could have it and not be showing any symptoms.

 

Vitamin K is a necessary shot for newborns because most babies are

born without any vitamin K. Vitamin K is a clotting factor necessary to prevent hemorrhaging in newborns. The reasoning behind parents refusing this for their children, is that they fear their child could be potentially allergic, they think it is unnecessary in uncomplicated births, they also fear that this could be toxic to their newborn. Although complications from the vitamin K shot are extremely rare, and the benefits outweigh the risks parents still chose to decline the shot, the shot has been standard for newborns since 1961.

 

Erythromycin eye ointment has been used for newborns since the 1800’s. This practice started as a way to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum, and illness that can cause blindness in newborns. Often times parents reasoning for declining the eye ointment is because they fear their newborn will b

e irritated from it or develop chemical conjunctivitis another reason parents sometimes decline is because they know they do not have an STI. The reason this eye ointment is given is to protect the baby’s eyes from STI’s but other common bacteria as well.

When it comes to vaccinations, do what you think is right, but make sure yo

u are making an informed decision with you child’s best interest in mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, February 25). Baby vaccines at birth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/by

-age/newborn-birth.html#:~:text=Hepatitis%20B%20(HepB)&text=Mothers%20can%20unknowingly%20pass%20the,within%2024%20hours%20of%20birth.&text=If%20you%20have%20hepatitis%20B,within%2012%20hours%20of%20birth.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, January 1). Protect babies from life-threatening bleeding – talk to expectant parents about the benefits of the vitamin K shot for newborns. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/vitamink/vitamin-k-fact-sheet-

hcp.html#:~:text=Although%20the%20Vitamin%20K%20shot,and%20misperceptions%20about%20its%20safety.

Dekker, R. (2021, October 25). Evidence on erythromycin eye ointment for newborns. Evidence Based Birth®. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/is-erythromycin-eye-ointment-always-necessary-for-newborns/

Hallas, Donna; 1Altman, Susan; 2Mandel, Elizabeth; 3Fletcher, Jason4. (2023, March 27). Vaccine hesitancy in prenatal women and mothers of newborns: Results of an interventional study. EBSCO host. https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.neit.edu/ehost/detail/detail?vid=3

&sid=7419518a-7253-4069-bc7d-842c5fb687e4%40redis&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#AN=162025119&db=ccm

Loyal, J., Weiss, T. R., Cheng, J. H., Kair, L. R., & Colson, E. (2019). Refusal of vitamin K by parents of newborns: A qualitative study. Academic pediatrics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7028442/#:~:text=Why%20parents%20refuse%20IM%20vitamin,belief%20that%20it%20is%20unnecessary.

Ramirez, C. A., Garner, C. D., & Whale, T. H. (2021, January 1). Neonatal vitamin K refusal increasing. InfantRisk Center. https://www.infantrisk.com/content/neonatal-vitamin-k-refusal-increasing#:~:text=During%20cases%20of%20late%2Donset,they%20have%20a%20brain%20bleed.&text=One%20study%20found%20that%20the,uncomplicated%20births%20of%20healthy%20infants.

The Ketogenic Diet: A Fad or the Key to Weight Loss?

If you’ve looked into dieting in the past few years, chances are you’ve heard or seen information promoting the keto diet. Though keto has been around for decades, an increased interest lately has people talking. Go to any grocery store and you may find keto products lining the shelves. Some people swear by it, dedicating their eating habits fully to a ketogenic lifestyle. Then there are some who claim that keto is a miracle diet, fixing all sorts of diseases and illnesses. But what exactly does the keto diet entail? Is it worth all the hype? Let’s take a deeper look into the world of the ketogenic diet!

What is the keto diet?

Dr Mike does a great job in the following video at introducing exactly what the keto diet is. He provides an unbiased review and at the end gives his own opinion of the effectiveness of keto.

To recap:

  • The ketogenic diet consists of eating 75% fat, 20% protein, and 5% carbs.
  • Ketosis refers to a state in which your body is relying on fat rather than carbohydrates for fuel. Being in ketosis can be easily interrupted by consuming foods containing sugar or drinking alcohol, so having cheat days like other diets is not really an option.
  • Keto can help people lose significant amounts of weight and treat conditions like childhood epilepsy and childhood epilepsy
  • Keto can lead to brain fog, flu like symptoms, hair loss, kidney issues, vitamin deficiencies

The table below shows some of the reasons why people may or may not try keto:

People interested in the keto diet must begin their journey by weighing the pros and cons. For some, treating their health condition is worth the risk.  

Dr. Mike alluded to the fact that some people claim their health conditions can be greatly improved by following the ketogenic diet. Is this true?

Here are some videos showing “miraculous” stories of people following keto and their results.

Myth 1: The Keto Diet cures mental illness

A psychiatrist from McLean, the number one ranked psychiatric hospital in the country, discusses in this video a patient who claims that the keto diet cured her of her schizophrenia.

While keto has been shown to help the symptoms of mental illnesses, there is no evidence to support that a diet can cure them completely. According to Sarnyai & Palmer (2020), a study conducted with 5 different people showed a reduction in symptoms while on the keto diet. Once they stopped eating keto, the symptoms returned full force. The video about Rita and her schizophrenia cure may not be fiction after all, but again, the symptoms surrounding the mental illness were reduced and not eliminated. Her schizophrenia was well managed with her change in lifestyle and keto could help others suffering from similar conditions find some relief with the proper education.

Myth 2: The Keto Diet can cure chronic diseases

The next video is one you may have seen on daytime television. Dr. Oz focuses an episode of his show on keto, and Montel Williams guest stars to tell his story.

Unlike the first video, Dr. Oz does present some accurate facts about keto; however Montel Williams is an isolated case. There is no evidence to support the claim that keto is a cure all for conditions like multiple sclerosis or a stroke, and Williams also does not discuss any other treatments he has tried or is currently utilizing. There is evidence however that supports the fact that keto can improve the progressive symptoms of MS and greatly improve patients’ quality of life. Barney (2022) discusses a recent study in which 65 participants were asked to start a ketogenic diet. Those that stuck to the diet for a full six months reported drastic differences in their level of fatigue, mood, and immune system. Having a healthy lifestyle can absolutely help manage health conditions, but to say that a diet will fix chronic conditions is extremely misleading.

What is the verdict?

The keto diet can be a great tool when needing to lose a significant amount of weight or treating symptoms of health conditions. However, people interested must use caution when deciding whether to make a huge lifestyle change. In the short term for people looking to maximize weight loss keto may be a great option. As with any diet it is best to consult your doctor before making drastic changes that could potentially affect your health.

 

References:

Barney, J. (2022, March 2). Ketogenic diet shows major benefits for multiple sclerosis. UVA Today. https://news.virginia.edu/content/ketogenic-diet-shows-major-benefits-multiple-sclerosis

Ferriss, T. (2022, November 14). The story of Doris: The ketogenic diet for treating schizophrenia: Dr. Chris Palmer, MD. YouTube. https://youtu.be/CSGXYg9_fZ4

Oz, D. (2019, January 7). The benefits of the Keto Diet and how it helped Montel Williams. YouTube. https://youtu.be/qZztBWPIQJo

Sarnyai, Z., & Palmer, C. M. (2020). Ketogenic Therapy in Serious Mental Illness: Emerging Evidence. The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology, 23(7), 434–439. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyaa036

Varshavski, M. (2018, June 17). Doctor Mike on diets: Ketogenic diet: Diet review. YouTube. https://youtu.be/AsLGoU7eQsM

COVID-19 Medical Misinformation Led a Pandemic of its Own

COVID-19 has plagued the internet for three years now. We have heard it all. Do you remember seeing customers in grocery markets wearing trash bags, gloves, masks (of all creative kinds), and goggles? I sure do! In the last three years, we have come a long way from trash bags and googles. One thing that continues to “plague” our feed on social media and certain broadcast stations is medical misinformation.

Medical misinformation in relation to COVID-19 continues to be big problem. With the misinformation spreading rapidly through the internet, it has led to mistrust in the medical community. Like with all, misinformation spreads faster than the correct information. Medical misinformation stems from improper communication.

 

COVID-19 medical misinformation has led a pandemic of it’s own. “COVID fatigue” has led to mistrust in the the medical field. The dangers of misinformation has led to serious harm and death. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, information was spread that fruits and vegetables should be bathed in bleach prior to ingestion. Poison control lines were overwhelmed with people calling in after ingesting bleach. “Curable treatments” also rapidly spread across the internet. These treatments were in fact NOT curable and some led to serious side effects.

Once vaccinations came to light, rumors quickly spread about the dangers of the vaccinations. One conspiracy theory was that the government had created a vaccine to microchip everyone who received it. Some, like myself, laughed at this theory. To my surprise, many believed that microchips were in the vaccinations.

 

What we do know about the pandemic is that the cases of COVID-19 have drastically decreased due to compliance in vaccinations and proper treatment. Antiviral medications like intravenous remdesivir have been given in the hospital to lessen the symptoms of COVID for those who were very ill. Oral Paxalovid has also been given to those who have covid to also lessen the symptoms of COVID. In 2023, the cases have been less severe and the numbers of those who have been affected are much lower. Hospitals have seen such a decrease in COVID that many healthcare facilities are lifting the mask mandate as of April 2023 in Rhode Island in particular.

Medical misinformation will continue to spread faster than factual information. It is crucial that each and every one of us stays informed and looks into the source that the information is coming from. COVID is a prime example of medical misinformation. The misinformation truly led a pandemic of its’ own.

Resources

Hsu, T. (2023). As covid-19 continues to spread, so does misinformation about it. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/28/technology/covid-misinformation-online.html

Love, J., M.D., Blumenberg, J., M.D., & Horowitz, Z., M.D. (2020). The parallel pandemic: medical misinformation and covid-19. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 35(8), 2436-2436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05897-w

Nelson, T. M.D., Kagan, N. B.S., Critchlow C. B.S., et al. (2020). The danger of misinformation in the covid-19 crisis. Missouri Medicine. 117(6), 510-512. PMID: 33311767

Zimmerman, T., Shiroma, A., Fleischmann, K., et al. (2023). Misinformation and covid-19 vaccine hesitancy. Elsevier. 41(1), 136-144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.11.014

Mental Illness Stigma

Stigma

False beliefs that what someone is going through is not real

examples of mental illness stigma

  • It comes from the devil
  • caused by trauma or illness
  • brain damage
  • “Its all in your head”
  • genetic disorder

 

Reducing Stigma

What it really is

  • being unable to cope
  • seeing the world differently than others
  • not being able to function related to crippling anxiety
  • could be a chemical imbalance of the brain
  • obsessive thoughts that are intrusive

What is Mental Illness? • NAMI Greenville

Treatment

Then                                                                     Vs                                                           NOW

Then:

  • blood letting- releasing of blood from the body to get rid of the ” infection”
  • tranquilizers
  • locking the “crazy people” in asylums together

NOW:

  • Medications
  • therapy
  • group therapy

Stigma causes those who suffer from mental illness to not seek treatment due to the fact they do not want to be made fun of for having “issues”.

What can you do?

  • be supportive, help those who need it
  • listen
  • watch for the warning signs
  • reach out to those in need

references

Biswas-Dierner, R., & Dierer, E. (2019). Chapter 13 History of mental Illness . In Noba Textbook Series: Psychology (pp. 244–256). essay, Diener Education Fund. 

Cripps, L., & Deyell Hood, C. (2020). Recovery and mental health: Exploring the basic characteristics of living well with mental illness. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 54(2). https://doi.org/10.18666/trj-2020-v54-i2-9948 

da Silva, A. G., Baldaçara, L., Cavalcante, D. A., Fasanella, N. A., & Palha, A. P. (2020). The impact of mental illness stigma on psychiatric emergencies. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00573 

DuPont-Reyes, M. J., Villatoro, A. P., Phelan, J. C., Painter, K., & Link, B. G. (2020). Adolescent views of mental illness stigma: An intersectional lens. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 90(2), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000425 

Managing Gestational Diabetes with Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications

Gestational Diabetes
Can it really be managed with diet and exercise?

 

 

Through media, television and word of mouth from families, friends, coworkers and more, many moms may have false information on what gestational diabetes actually is and what it will look like. Any atypical diagnosis in pregnancy can cause increased stress for a mom. It is important for moms to have current and accurate information to better help prevent and manage gestational diabetes as well as secondary outcomes

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

  • Also known as GDM
  • A form of high blood sugar that usually resolves after delivery
  • Body makes too little insulin during pregnancy

How will elevated blood sugars affect my baby and I?

For Me

  • Increased risk of GDM with future pregnancies
  • Increased risk of developing diabetes
  • Increased risk of elevated blood pressure
  • Increased risk of delivery complications requiring c-section

For My Baby

  • Preterm birth
  • Larger birth weight, complicating delivery
  • Low blood sugar at birth
  • Difficulty breathing at birth
  • Increased risk of developing diabetes 

Fact or Fiction?

  • My mom had gestational diabetes so I will too: Fiction!
    • Having family members with GDM can put you at an increased risk for development but it is not a guarantee 
  • I have gestational diabetes, I have to cut back on sweets: Fact!
    • You do not need to eliminate sweets completely but it is recommended to limit intake to keep blood sugars within normal limits
  • I have GDM, I have to have insulin now: Fiction!
    • Not all moms with GDM require insulin. Most GDM pregnancies can be managed with monitoring sugar levels and adjusting diets. Exercise also helps to regular blood sugar levels
  • I have GDM, I will have to poke myself every day: Fact!
    • GDM is monitored by checking your blood sugar 4 times daily. The instrument, called a lancet, has a tiny needle that pokes the top layer of the skin on your finger. It causes minimal discomfort and only omits a few small drops of blood.
  • I had GDM with my previous pregnancy so I will have it this time too: Fiction!
    • GDM in previous pregnancies put you at an increase risk but it is not guarantee. Diet, exercise and starting weight play a large role in GDM.
  • I will be able to feel that I have GDM: yes and no!
    • Elevated blood sugars may cause you to feel more thirsty, sleepy or hungry. You may notice you need to urinate more often or cuts aren’t healing as fast. You may also notice your vision changes. These are all side effects of elevated blood sugars and typically resolve once levels are managed 

Prevention

Many women may believe GDM is inevitable if themselves or family members have had it in the past but this is not the case. Diet and exercise play a large role in preventing gestational diabetes, primary care providers, women’s health providers as well as nutritionists and fitness providers can all help you achieve better lifestyle goals

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle
  • Eat healthy foods
  • High fiber, low fat, low calorie foods
  • Increased fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Limits sweets 
  • Avoid sedentary lifestyle
  • Regular exercise, try to aim for 30  minutes of exercise most days
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid smoking
  • Avoid alcohol

Management

GDM is manageable, small choices can lead to big results. Take these steps to better manage your blood sugar levels and aid in maintaining a healthy lifestyle 

  • Check blood sugars regularly during pregnancy – 4 times daily. Let provider know of elevated readings.
  • Stay to a meal schedule, eat around the same time every day
  • 3 meals and an AM and PM snack
  • Breakfast is important – one starch and a protein to help balance hormone and blood sugar levels
  • Choose water or 1 cup of milk over juice or soda
  • Avoid sweets or added sugars
  • Decrease but do not cut carbs as they help to regulate blood sugar levels
  •  Maintain healthy weight during pregnancy and gain wait only as recommended – do not aim to loose weight
  • Exercise daily, 30 minutes or as tolerated
  • Short walks after meals will help decreased blood sugar levels naturally
  • Take a vitamin D supplement or get plenty of sunshine
  • Consider a magnesium supplement or increase magnesium rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds)

Diet for Gestational Diabetes by Verywell

Follow-up Care

After delivery all moms will have a follow up blood glucose test done. GDM puts moms at an increased risk of developing diabetes but with increased exercise, smart food choices and living a healthy lifestyle, this risk greatly decreases. 

Media, television and friendly conversations are all easy/accessible ways to get information but they aren’t always the most accurate. Healthcare providers have the most up-to-date information available and your team has your individual history and needs in mind. Keep your providers updated and ask questions when you are confused or unsure. Doctors, nurses and supportive staff will be with you every step of the way from diagnosis, management and follow-up gestational diabetes care!

References

Björk Javanshiri, A., Calling, S., & Modig, S. (2023). Follow-up and screening for type-2 diabetes mellitus in women with previous gestational diabetes in primary care. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 41(1), 98–103. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1080/02813432.2023.2182632 

Brady, V., & Goering, L. (2022). Gestational diabetes. American Nurse Today, 17(9), 8–11.  https://web-s-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.neit.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10&sid=4998aa2d-a639-48c8-bbfe-bade7d14a30f%40redis

Igwesi-Chidobe, C. N., Okechi, P. C., Emmanuel, G. N., & Ozumba, B. C. (2022). Community-based non-pharmacological interventions for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 1–37. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1186/s12905-022-02038-9 

Ren, X., Jin, J., Chen, Y., & Jin, J. (2022). Research on the Effect of Nursing Methods for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Comprehensive Nursing Intervention. Computational & Mathematical Methods in Medicine, 1–10. https://doi-org.ezproxy.neit.edu/10.1155/2022/2396658 

Can Lupus Be Cured Naturally? Examining the Evidence

Photo credit: Slideshow Bruce on Visualhunt.com

Faking a Smile

Is anyone really prepared for the struggles that come from hearing the words YOU have a chronic diagnosis?

For years I have watched loved one’s struggle with the what can feel like crushing walls of pain. Inescapable and unavoidable are the challenges that may come…In this blog I want to talk about LUPUS.

Often a diagnosis of lupus is tagged with common phrases such as:

“incurable”
“lupus is a form of cancer”
“men don’t get lupus”
“you can’t get pregnant if you have lupus”

Doktorinternet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Is there TRUTH to these statements???

One particular skill that I have noticed for individuals living with a chronic diagnosis such as lupus is that they develop BIG protective mechanisms to hide what they are truly feeling. This may sound strange BUT I have witnessed many times the down playing of symptoms due to reasons such as:

“I’m FED UP of talking about it”
“I FEAR the challenges of being given unwanted advice”
“I find it VERY difficult talking about my lupus when the other person really has no clue
I feel and won’t every completely understand my struggles”

So where do people turn when faced with these internal struggles???

Media can be used as a helpful resource but it can also lead individuals down unhealthy roads or worse yet pull them away from treatments that are proven effective. This blog seeks to examine PERSONAL TESTIMONIES of individuals that have been diagnosed with lupus and attest to being CURED! The choice rests solely on the individual and how they decide to treat their diagnosis.

YOU be the JUDGE! Remember….Always access the information fully and make the best decision for yourself!

Understanding Lupus:

Mikael Häggström.When using this image in external works, it may be cited as:Häggström, Mikael (2014). “Medical gallery of Mikael Häggström 2014”. WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.008. ISSN 2002-4436. Public Domain.orBy Mikael Häggström, used with permission., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 FDA Approved Lupus Treatments:

Anti-Inflammatory medications (used for internal/external inflammation)
Corticosteroid cream (used for skin rashes)
Methotraxate (Cancer drug used for lupus)

So now that we have some facts about lupus let’s look at the world of media….

Are these testimonials FACT or FICTION?

#1 Lupus CURED with Prayer

“Boy Completely Healed from Lupus without Medicine” (2016), details a father’s journey with his 8-year-old son diagnosed with lupus. The father proclaims the power of prayer and faith in God in his son’s miraculous healing. Blood tests confirmed what was already evident to the naked eye. This boy who had increasingly worsening symptoms began to see his symptoms disappear completely over the course of 3 days! After watching this YouTube video multiple times, it was clear to see the conviction and passion while listening to the father’s words describing his son’s journey. I sought to find evidence-based research to confirm this story or debunk it.

Results: FICTION

  • Researcher Richard Sarnat claims to have “witnessed a sheer number of MIRACULOUS HEALINGS” (2016)
  • Study only utilized 1 participant
  • Currently there are no other case study on the use of prayer

Continued research needs to be conducted however in my opinion these particular testimonies speak loudly to faith in God and healing through prayer! A future including additional research as it relates to these claims will certainly be a game changer to see!

#2 Lupus HEALED after using Ayurvedic Treatments

 

Rachel Winard proclaims Ayurveda healed her from taking medications for her lupus (Wizard, 2018). After a cycle of 15 doctors and years of treatments using conventional methods, she found herself in India working with a doctor on a “natural treatment” for lupus. These intense months of self-testing the research concluded with her returning to the New York feeling the best in her life since being diagnosed. Blood tests came back normal with zero signs of lupus.

What is Ayurveda?

  • Originated in India more than 5,000 years ago
  • Oldest continuously practiced healthcare system in the world
  • Addresses the body, mind, and spirit through holistic approaches

Ayurveda Lifestyle Changes Include 

  • Consuming a Raw Diet of vegetables
  • Avoidance from all forms of refined sugar, fruits, nuts
  • Practicing Yoga & Meditation
  • Exercising Regularly

Results: FICTION

Research shows Ayurveda is beneficial in relieving many of the symptoms of lupus (V.S et al.). Challenges currently exist when using Ayurveda methods and current healthcare warning exist pointing individuals towards working with their doctor while using this method of treatment for lupus.

Potential Dangers of using Ayurveda Treatments (Paudyal et al., 2019):

  • Exposure to harmful amounts of heavy metals
  • Decreased blood flow to the heart
  • Depression
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased Gastric Acid

#3 REVERSAL of Lupus using Plant-Based Nutrition

Dr. Brooke Goldner (Goldner, MD, 2019) claims to have healed her lupus diagnosis with the use of a plant-based diet within 3 months!

Symptoms Dr. Goldman claims disappeared after using a Plant-based Diet

  • Migraines
  • Random Joint Pain
  • Skin Rashes
  • Unexplained Fevers
  • Fatigue
  • Hair Loss
  • Sun/Light Sensitivity

6 Steps to Healing with Dr. Goldman’s Plant-based Diet (Goldner, MD, 2019)

  • Add What You are Missing
  • Start IMMEDIATELY
  • Celebrate Every Win
  • Focus on Your Why
  • Find a Supportive Community
  • Social Media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Results: FICTION

Research found by (Knippenberg et al., 2022) examined plant-based diets. The data showed promising results in managing lupus symptoms. Yet, unfortunately, and seen multiple times throughout this blog….there needs to be more conclusive studies before a “cure” can be confirmed.

This video was certainly encouraging at the very least! I look forward to the additional research studies in the future which may lead to turning this myth into a FACT!

So we’ve reached the end of my discussion on lupus. When I started this blog, I was still determining where the end of the road would lead me. I found myself VERY hopeful at moments in finding a cure for lupus. So often, the vast scariness that swirls around a new diagnosis or one you’ve been dealing with for a lifetime begins to weigh you down. I hope the conversation will continue toward looking for a lupus cure. The evidence was the strongest with following a plant-based diet, and perhaps one day, the final keys will be turned towards unlocking a cure!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, June 28). Lupus in women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/women.htm#:~:text=Lupus%20is%20most%20common%20in,risk%20of%20other%20health%20problems.

Goldner, Dr. B. (2021, December 20). Goodbye lupus: Reversing autoimmune disease with plant-based eating with dr. Brooke Goldner. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVJmbAaCeUQ&t=303s

Goldner, MD, B. (2019). Six Week Raw Vegan Nutrition Protocol rapidly reverses lupus nephritis: A case series. International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.22230/ijdrp.2019v1n1a47

Knippenberg, A., Robinson, G. A., Wincup, C., Ciurtin, C., Jury, E. C., & Kalea, A. Z. (2022). Plant-based dietary changes may improve symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus, 31(1), 65–76. https://doi.org/10.1177/09612033211063795

Paudyal, B., Thapa, A., Sigdel, K. R., Adhikari, S., & Basnyat, B. (2019). Adverse events with Ayurvedic medicines- possible adulteration and some inherent toxicities. Wellcome Open Research, 4, 23. https://doi.org/10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15096.2

Sarnat, R. (2019). Miraculous healing and long-term medical remission of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – the role of divinity within the future of medicine. Journal of Yoga and Physiotherapy, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.19080/jyp.2019.07.555711

V.S, D. A. R., Shenoy, D. S. R., & K.A, D. S. N. (n.d.). An insight to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) through ayurveda. JETIR. https://www.jetir.org/view?paper=JETIR2212264

Wizard, R. (2018, April 24). Rachel Winard on lupus and ayurveda: How she healed. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fokxDKsEOI

YouTube. (2016a, March 4). So what now what. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvuF-Y3SpSg

YouTube. (2016b, November 22). Boy completely healed from lupus without medicine. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNgaW7ID0AM&t=96s

 

 

 

The Media’s Betrayal Versus the Truth About Schizophrenia

 

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects behaviors, thought patterns, and emotional state (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Although it is not one of the most common mental illnesses, it does affect approximately 24 million people worldwide (World Health Organization, 2022). The stigma that surrounds Schizophrenia is widespread and severe due to misinformation in the media. Those diagnosed with Schizophrena’s relationships are negatively impacted by stigmas and they are often socially excluded (World Health Organization, 2022). This plays a factor in decreased access to healthcare, housing, proper education, and employment which in turn lowers the individual’s quality of life and chances of effectively treating the diagnosis. 

 

Media Myths

The misinformation spread throughout the media can scare those who are at-risk or already have the diagnosis along with their family members. There is fear, stigma, and propaganda due to producers and authors not researching in depth the truth of the diagnosis and its symptoms before releasing this information to the public.  

Movie Myth Number 1 

The movie Me, Myself, and Irene (2000) misrepresents schizophrenia viewing the diagnosis as a split personality disorder. In the trailer it states “…diagnosed you with having split personality, a schizo.” It displays an inaccurate view and stigma around schizophrenia, making those who are diagnosed with schizophrenia seem dangerous and violent. This movie depicts two characters, Charlie and Hank. Charlie is viewed as a kind and non-confrontational father, while Hank is viewed as an aggressive confrontational maniac. He is seen in the trailer driving into buildings, tricking someone into having intercourse, and fighting with his opposite personality. The end of the movie portrays that Charlie’s Schizophrenia is cured by his self-control and because of a woman he fell in love with, not actual treatment.  

Facts 

The website titled Schizophrenia posted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is a credible and current source of information for the diagnosis and treatment of Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is not a split personality disorder or Dissociate Identity Disorder. Although some symptoms may be similar, the difference is that a split personality disorder involves two or more present distinct personalities that every so often take control over the person (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023). Most people with Schizophrenia are also not usually violent and are more likely to be harmed by others. If left untreated, the risk can be greater for self-harm or violence towards others (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023).  

By: Jamie

Having a good support system is important for treatment, but it does not cure the illness alone. Effective treatment options include: 

  • Antipsychotic medication 
  • Psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral skills training 
  • Coordinated specialty care (CSC) programs is a program focused on recovery for early stages of Schizophrenia 
  • Education and support  
  • Assertive community treatment (ACT) is aimed for patients in the community at-risk for homelessness or several hospitalizations 
  • Facilitated assisted living 
  • Supported housing 
  • Supported employment 

Proper Media Portrayal 

The movie A Beautiful Mind published by Universal Pictures, accurately portrays the symptoms of Schizophrenia, unlike the movie Me, Myself, and Irene (2000) which depicts Schizophrenia as a multiple personality disorder. It is based on a real-life story of a man named John Nash diagnosed with paranoid Schizophrenia. Nash experiences auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as delusions of being drafted by the government to be a code breaker which he becomes obsessed with (Howard, 2001). Nash is also seen throughout the movie lacking social and emotional awareness, he struggles with dealing with and expressing these emotions (Howard, 2001). Due to this struggle of real-life perceptions, it makes it difficult for Nash to express concern in an appropriate way. His wife seeks help for Nash through medication and therapy treatment. In the end Nash faces these delusions and realizes that they are not real life. This movie properly portrayed the onset of symptoms, grandiose delusions, lack of emotion, treatment, and how schizophrenia can impact someone’s life (Howard, 2001). It shows that this diagnosis can be overcome and provides hope to viewers. The one part of the movie depicted wrong was that Nash did not experience visual hallucinations, but nonetheless they were accurately portrayed. 

Movie Myth Number 2 

The movie The Visit (2015) portrayed a stigmatized view of schizophrenia. This movie is about two teenagers whose mother had a falling out with their grandparents, so they both had never met them. Their grandparents were acknowledged to have jobs at a psychiatric hospital. When they arrive at the house, they notice their grandparents are acting strangely. The grandchildren find out that the grandparents they are visiting are not their real grandparents, but instead two people who escaped from the psychiatric hospital, killed their real grandparents, and consumed their identities. 

The grandmother is seen:  

  • Crawling around the house 
  • Growling 
  • Trying to strangle herself while having a hallucination 
  • Tries to persuade the granddaughter to get into the oven  
  • Attacks grandchildren in psychotic episode 
  • Attempts killing both the grandchildren in their sleep 
  • Naked and scratching at a door 
  • Laughing in a rocking chair staring at the wall stating she laughs to keep the bad spirits inside of her at bay 

It was also found that the fake grandmother killed her own children in a delusional state by drowning them in a pond to grant them eternal life to the aliens prior to her admission. 

The grandfather is seen:  

  • Attacking a man on the street 
  • Attempting suicide with his shot gun 
  • Helping the grandmother hang a woman from a tree 
  • Trying to kill the granddaughter 
  • Tortures the grandson by smudging a dirty diaper across the grandson’s face. 

The fake grandfather was isolated from everyone after admitting to his delusions prior to his admission. He was fired from his job due to seeing white apparitions with yellow eyes following him 

Facts 

This movie not only creates fear around or for those diagnosed with schizophrenia but misrepresents the illness and most of its symptoms. The three categories of Schizophrenia include: 

Psychotic symptoms may come and go or eventually become stable. These symptoms include: 

  • Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, or feeling things that are not there. 
  • Delusions: Strong incorrect beliefs that seem irrational to others. 
  • Thought disorder: Disorganized thoughts and speech. 
  • Movement disorder: Repeating and abnormal body movements. 

Negative can be confused for depression or symptoms of another mental illness. These symptoms include: 

  • Planning and carrying out activities 
  • Difficulty enjoying daily activities 
  • Either avoiding socialization or expressing awkardness 
  • Lack of energy and participating in mostly passive activities 

Cognitive involve difficulties with concentration, attention, and memory. These symptoms include: 

  • Difficulty making decisions due to trouble processing information 
  • Difficulty acting on newly learned information 
  • Decreased attention span 

Proper Media Portrayal 

In the book The Heartland: Finding and Losing Schizophrenia published by Faber & Faber, the author debunks myths and combats stigma around Schizophrenia. Filer discusses real life stories through patient, family, and healthcare provider interviews. Additionally, Filer provides information on misinformation and the impact this has on emotionally, socially, and physically for those affected (Filer, 2019). He also discusses the science and politics regarding diagnosis and treatment. Filer was a former psychiatric nurse and recalls the first time medicating a patient against their will while they were restrained by four other nurses. He states that he immediately acknowledged his contribution to that patients suffering and that from his own experiences with mental health care he can recognize the ethical, clinical, and political complications surrounding it. Filer also mentions many real life case scenarios of patients and their families in this book.  

“… it might be best understood as a kind of psychological adaptation, a coping strategy gone awry or a form of storytelling carried out within the mind as a response to unbearably painful life events” (Filer, 2019). 

This is a quote aimed at those who view Schizophrenia as scary or dangerous, to offer a new perspective on the reasoning behind these symptoms. 

Movie Myth Number 3 

The movie Fisher King (1991) is about a man named Jack who is a talk show host that caused a radio fan to commit murder. Finding out this news he decides to give up on his life until he runs into a homeless man named Parry who states that he is a knight on a sacred quest. Jack decides to help Parry try to get a girl he loves to redeem himself for his past actions. In the trailer itself people state that Parry is “out of his mind” and presents Parry as a seemingly psychotic and uncleanly man who trash picks, displays inappropriate behavior, and makes provocative comments. This trailer ends by the narrator stating, “To find yourself you have to risk it all”, insinuating that Jack risked helping Parry to find himself and that Jack helped cure Parry’s Schizophrenia. Initially, Parry developed Schizophrenia and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after seeing his wife get murdered in a restaurant massacre. This movie leaves out if the disorder is genetic or if he was at risk previously to this incident. This can misinform the public about the correct symptom’s schizophrenia would entail, allow people to believe that having PTSD means also developing schizophrenia, or that schizophrenia can be triggered by a traumatic event which is false. 

Facts 

Schizophrenia is not caused by a singular traumatic event with no other risk factors. The risk factors that contribute to Schizophrenia include:

  • Genetics 
  • Environmental Factors which involves a combination of genetic, environment and life events. 
  • Psychosocial factors involving brain structure and functions  

 

Proper Media Portrayal 

Those diagnosed with Schizophrenia are also able to maintain jobs and live fulfilling lives. The book The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness published by Hachette Go is a memoir about the author Saks life from before and after her diagnosis of Schizophrenia. While struggling with Schizophrenia symptoms and finding proper treatment, she discovers a therapist named Dr. White while attending Yale who effectively treats her with psychoanalysis and medication (Saks, 2020). She goes on to graduate from Yale and becomes an admired professor at University of Southern California, gets married, publishes academic books and articles, attains her tenure, and practices psychoanalysis. This book shows the struggles of those diagnosed with Schizophrenia, proper and improper treatment, and that those diagnosed can still lead a fulfilling and happy life (Saks, 2020)  

References 

  1. Saks, E. R. (2020). The center cannot hold: My journey through madness. Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Books. 
  2. World Health Organization. (2022, January 10). Schizophrenia. World Health Organization. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/schizophrenia 
  3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, May). Schizophrenia. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia 
  4. Howard, R. (2001). A Beautiful Mind. Universal Pictures. 
  5. Filer, N. (2019). The Heartland: Finding and Losing Schizophrenia. Faber & Faber. 

My Adderall is Not Working…

Tick-tok and twitter have both been trending when it comes to the adderall shortage. Many social media users claim that they are not getting their adderall or that the adderall they are being given does not work the same as it usually does, some even claim that they are being given placebo pills instead of adderall. There is one tick-toker that has spoken about the issue more frequently than others, her name is “Dani Berube on Tiktok.” Berube states that the name of her adderall prescription has changed to something else (she does not state the new prescription name) and she states that whatever they gave her is not working as she is unable to focus as finds herself sleeping more which her adderall would not do. 

@daniberube_

This is concerning.. I was FINE on my last script.. #fyp #adhd #adderalshortage #adderaltiktok #adhdmeds #adderaltok #adhdtok #adhdinwomen

♬ original sound – DANI BERUBE

What is really going on?

“News Nation” stats that the now more than ever people are consuming adderall “In 2017 there was 32.2 million adderall prescriptions in the united states, in 2021 there was a total of 41.1 million prescriptions out for adderall in the US” (Adderall Shortage Continues, Some Say Medication Not Working, 2023). This high number of prescriptions is what is currently causing for there to be such a shortage, the demand for adderall has increased and the production of adderall had been capped by the FDA based off of numbers of consumption of previous years (Adderall Shortage Continues, Some Say Medication Not Working) Now more than ever people are being diagnosed with ADHD and being prescribed adderall, “between the years of 2018-2022 the amount of prescriptions for the age group of 22-44 years old has increased to 58%” (Adderall Shortage Continues, Some Say Medication Not Working). Another possible outcome may be that some consumers are being given slow acting prescription doses of adderall to help curve the shortage, this may explain why so many users are feeling sluggish and tired (Adderall Shortage Continues, Some Say Medication Not Working).

So the Adderall Shortage is Real, Now What? The Difference Between Generic and Brand Name Prescriptions. 

While there are many people that agree that this is going on, other sources claim that while there is a shortage of adderall the ingredients are not being changed and that the names on the prescription might just be the generic (non brand name) of the medication. In an article published by the New York Times they cover this topic and point out some other important factors that should be considered when talking about this topic.

Other Factors

The first factor that should be considered is that many people may be experiencing “Tolerance Build up”, some children and teenagers who take Adderall may build up tolerance to the medication over time as they grow into adults and eventually require higher doses (Blum, 2023). The times article also covers on the fact that there is minimal difference in the name brand of adderall but it is not different enough that the patient would be able to feel the difference, This means that, theoretically, obtaining a generic form of Adderall from a different manufacturer could alter how you feel while on the medication. However, the differences between generics are so small that an overwhelming majority of patients wouldn’t feel any change from their previous medication. “It’s not supposed to have drastic differences,” Dr. Dube said. (Blum, 2023). 

Social Media is Great but….

The New York Time article ended like this “People who keep hearing that Adderall doesn’t work anymore may become inherently more skeptical about their medications.

Through online platforms, particularly TikTok, patients with A.D.H.D. have connected with one another over the last few years, Dr. Stutzman said, finding comfort and solidarity. While that has helped many people via support and resources, she said, medical misinformation can also spread through these channels. “I do wonder how much of it is suggestibility — wanting community around a diagnosis,” she said. (Blum, 2023) The truth of the matter is that while social media is a great resource it should never replace your primary care doctor who knows your health better than anyone else.  

 

References:

“Adderall Shortage Continues, Some Say Medication Not Working | Morning in America.” YouTube, YouTube, 16 Mar. 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-IFxRw0Ygc. 

Blum, Dani. “People with A.D.H.D. Claim Adderall Is ‘different’ Now. What’s Going On?” The New York Times, 9 Mar. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/03/09/well/live/adhd-adderall-shortage.html?register=email&auth=register-email. 

“Dani Berube on Tiktok.” TikTok, https://www.tiktok.com/@daniberube_/video/7197924962076724526?lang=en. 

 

Elementor #6520

USING THE INTERNET TO LOSE WEIGHT

Social media and the internet are huge sources for information about weight loss. More and more people rely on social media to research ways they can lose weight fast and effectively. The internet is filled with diets and strategies to get the body that you desire, but can you trust everything you see online?

WHAT ARE SAFE WAYS TO ACHIEVE WEIGHT LOSS?

If you have been searching the internet for ways to lose weight, it is likely that you have come across semaglutide drugs. There are hundreds of documented success stories as well as videos of doctors and therapists recommending its use for weight loss. But is it safe? 

GET INFORMED !!

Social media influence on weight loss can be alarming when people are relying on the information to make decisions about their bodies and health. It is important to understand if the information displayed is credible.

TIK TOK WEIGHT LOSS

Tik tok is a huge platform that users use to promote things like weight loss by using trends and relatable content. Studies show that majority of information on social media platforms regarding weight loss and other medical advice are unreliable. The glorification of weight loss on social media is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. 

Weight loss information is readily available online. Social media is filled with free health advise that should be used with caution. It is important to speak with medical professionals before utilizing strategies such as medications for weight loss. Talking to your doctor about weight concerns and ways to achieve a healthier weight is always the safest option. 

REFERENCES

Chiang, A. L. (2020). Social media and medicine. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 17(5), 256+.

Minadeo, M., & Pope, L. (2022). Weight-normative messaging predominates on TikTok-A qualitative content analysis. PLoS ONE, 17(11), e0267997. 

Shajahan, A., & Pasquetto, I. V. (2022). Countering Medical Misinformation Online and in the Clinic. American Family Physician, 106(2), 124+.

Valizadeh-Haghi, S., Rahmatizadeh, S., Soleimaninejad, A., Mousavi Shirazi, S. F., & Mollaei, P. (2021). Are health websites credible enough for elderly self-education in the most prevalent elderly diseases? BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 21(1), NA. 

Contrary to Popular Belief, OCD is Not a Personality Trait.

OCD affects 2.5 million adults in the United States alone. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020)

What is OCD, actually?

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a long lasting mental health disorder that is characterized by recurring thoughts and ritualistic or repetitive behaviors (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). These thoughts and behaviors are persistent and can disrupt activities of daily life. OCD is characterized by obsessions, and compulsions which can affect any age, at any point in life. 

What are obsessions? 

The International OCD Foundation explains obsessions to be intrusive and aggressive thoughts or images that can repeat over and over again and are completely out of their control. Someone with OCD does not want these thoughts or images, and can often find them triggering. These obsessions can become so intense that it interferes with their daily lives and brings on emotions such as fear, disgust or overall uneasiness. Many people will experience intrusive thoughts here and there, but what makes it different from OCD is that those without OCD are able to move on much more quickly from the thoughts or images; rather than these obsessive thoughts being a trigger for intense stress or anxiety. 

Obsessions can present themselves in a variety of different ways such as :

  • Fear of coming in contact with contaminated substances (germs, urine, COVID-19, chemicals)
  • Excessive moral or religious concern
  • Fear of being responsible for an extreme accident (house fire, car accident, etc. )
  • Concern for evenness / exactness
  • Extreme desire to conduct something “perfectly”
  • Death or overall existence
  • Unwanted thoughts about sex

What are Compulsions?

Compulsions are repetitive thoughts or actions that are used in an attempt to provide some relief to their obsessions or attempt to rid them entirely, as explained by the International OCD Foundation. These compulsions may provide temporary relief, but without something more concrete to help, those with OCD continue to turn to compulsions for help. Similar to obsessions, compulsions can be time consuming and get in the way of someone’s daily life. 

Common Compulsions include:

  • Hand washing excessively
  • Counting in a specific pattern
  • Checking doors to ensure they are locked
  • Arranging in a very specific way that satisfies you or feels “right”
  • Walking in a predetermined pattern
  • Repeating routine activities 
  • Repeating activities in multiples because it feels “right” or “safe”

How OCD is diagnosed: 

There is no set test that can give a yes or no answer on if someone has OCD. The determination to provide a diagnosis is done by a licensed healthcare provider, therapist, or psychiatrist. This is done after completing a thorough background check of medical and mental history along with any possible symptoms this person may be experiencing. The healthcare provider may use the criteria within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V). This criteria includes daily obsessions/compulsions that take up more than an hour, not related to another health condition or substance, and cause distress in daily life including activities, work, and relationships (OCD, 2022).

How is OCD treated?

Treatments for OCD range person to person, and can include a variety of different treatments. This can include psychosocial therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal, as well as implementation of medications (Serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SRIs). Professionals may also suggest lifestyle changes in an attempt to manage stress and anxiety such as sleep schedule, healthy diet, and building a healthy support system. It is important to note that there is no cure for OCD, only treatments to attempt to minimize symptoms to allow those who live with OCD to their fullest capabilities. 

What OCD isn’t ….

OCD is not…. A self diagnosed disorder

OCD is not an adjective to describe yourself, nor can it be self diagnosed. As mentioned many people tend to say that because of the desire to be organized and getting annoyed at a mark left on a white board that they are “OCD”. Within the video, it displays the act of someone acting as though they have OCD because of some personality traits, but shows a clear disregard of what someone actually diagnosed with OCD may deal with. 

@princessgabz

she be like “i’m just really OCD” as if it’s an adjective bruh 😭😭 #pov #NoNuanceNovember #fypシ

♬ Blue Blood – Heinz Kiessling

 

OCD is not…  a joke

OCD is so often used as an adjective, or noted to be a joking matter. This is done by the general public but also done by massive corporations such as, Target. As seen in this sweater produced by Target just a few years ago referring to OCD as “Obsessive Christmas Disorder” This sweater is assumed to be poking fun of a serious mental health disorder, and comparing it to someone who loves the season of Christmas. The production of this sweater further proves the constant misinterpretation of what OCD is, and how serious it can be. 

OCD is not …. “Perfectionism”:

As seen above, the term “OCD” is often loosely used, and understood as only the idea of being organized, and particular, and some may refer to themselves as a “perfectionist”. As seen in this video, a well known public figure is describing her preference of organization within her kitchen as OCD, or as she calls it KLHO-C-D. She has created a new term of her name combined with OCD because she is very particular when placing items in her pantry. Although she may be very particular, and neat, she is missing so much more to the disorder, and does not fully comprehend the disorder as a whole.

What does this all mean?

OCD is a serious anxiety disorder that should not be taken lightly. It can be debilitating to someone’s daily life, and is not a joking matter. You can help by educating yourself on what OCD really is, and getting a better understanding of the disorder and the many different aspects of it. Think about different ways to describe yourself moving forward in an attempt to remove the phrase “I am so OCD” from the general vocabulary of so many. OCD is no joke, and should not be taken as so. 

For further information on common misconceptions surrounding OCD, and the correct information regarding those areas check out this TED talk!

References:

Khlo-C-D: Cookie Jars. (2015). YouTube. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://youtu.be/UXU2E7BQ7Lg.

McNeal, S. (2015, November 11). People say target is making fun of mental illness with one of

its holiday sweaters. BuzzFeed News. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/stephaniemcneal/target-ocd-sweater

OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder): Symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9490-ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder#:~:text=How%20is%20OCD%20diagnosed%3F,%2DV)%20to%20diagnose%20OCD. 

Posa, G. [@princessgabz]. (2020, November 20). POV I’m the girl with self-diagnosed OCD in class [Video]. Tik Tok.

TED-Ed. (2015). Debunking the myths of Ocd. TED. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://ed.ted.com/lessons/debunking-the-myths-of-ocd-natascha-m-santos. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviors take over. National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved April 29, 2023, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-take-over 

What is OCD?. International OCD Foundation. (2022). https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/