Meteoropathy

Extreme Hot/Cold temperatures can cause Mental and Physical pain. They also affect how meds work. The best results are achieved by the right Combination of agonist and antagonist compounds under the circumstances.

Pain is always unpleasant, let’s not sugarcoat it, whether physical or emotional.
The neurodivergent may be more aware of Emotional Pain, whereas I believe in one pain alone.
Possibly, it can be exacerbated.
Weather is just one of the triggers that affects everyone.

Meteoropathy is not a diagnosis, it’s a condition related to weather changes that cause physical and mental illness in general. Related diagnoses range from Arthritis to Agoraphobia, in the initial stages. 

Arthritis is the tension of muscles in order to generate heat, mainly in the head, neck and shoulders. The downside is that muscle-tension causes inflammation and pain at nerve endings. Humidity is responsible to similar symptoms in hot weather.

Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces, not necessarily a meteoropathy, though it can be exacerbated accordingly. 
This is the Mental component, nobody wants to go out in freezing or scorching temperatures.

The stereotype is that Dopamine works better in cold environments, Opioids in hot weather.
Unfortunately, idiosyncrasies are common.
Latest research shows improved efficacy of agonist and antagonist medications taken in conjunction.

The Autonomous Nervous System is virtually our worst enemy if not modulated by the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems.
The agonist and antagonist pharmacological models work in synergy with the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems.

The myth of increasing the specific medication when ineffective is being challenged. We all have a ‘breaking point’, after which additional dosage is either expelled from the body by the Immune System, or accounts for overdose, unproductive and potentially fatal.

The winning strategy is abating the antagonists.
Freezing temperatures release dopamine in conjunction with melatonin, the notorious Sleep Hormone, pushing us into hibernation mode, therefore inhibiting dopamine, worst scenario for ADHD First Responders… the more dopaminergics we assume, the more melatonin is released!

Neural modulation makes the difference. 
GABA is a modulating neurotransmitter with the potential of blocking melatonin and dopamine in excess.
GABA is a natural, harmless chemical, acting on antagonistic signals by never depleting essential chemicals, available over the counter and my first choice.
Acetylcholine is another potent neuromodulator and main neurotransmitter present at all body s nerve endings. It comes in the form of Anticholinergic supplements.
Antihistamines are also effective for allergic reactions. 
Opioids are strong tranquilizers and painkillers, they give optimal protection in combination with stimulants. They are controlled substances, therefore require a prescription.
Our bodies react differently under the same circumstances.
Many factors are associated to Winter low-mood. Generally speaking, Light, Darkness, Cold climate. However, symptoms can vary individually.

With Winter and the shortest days of the year, comes punctually the dreaded ‘Hibernation-mode’.
This term summarizes the whole Winter symptomatology. Nobody is exempt, though in different ways, either positively or negatively.

Statistics show a significant number of individuals who dread Hot Weather.
It is scientifically proven that the Cold stimulates dopamine, good news for ADHDers and Emergency workers, to mention some.

Now, nobody is comfortable with Freezing temperatures, henceforth our Sympathetic Nervous System responds by releasing extra Melatonin from the Pineal Gland even in conditions of daylight, putting us in Hibernation-mode in order to warm up the body.

Melatonin is the Sleep-hormone normally released at night.
Problem is, the sun sets in late afternoon during Winter months, well before the end of the average Working Day, around 4pm globally.

Dopamine and Melatonin become antagonists in nature, one making us alerted, the other sleepy, no-doubt perfect for stay-at-home individuals with insomnia.
This group accounts for Winter lovers.

Altogether, I still favour Winter as a First Responder with ADHD. 
Sweltering Summers deplete me of dopamine fast through hyperhydrosis.
It goes without saying that Mild temperatures are ideal for all, a thing of the Past when we had 4 seasons. Nowadays, we only have Winter and Summer, putting tremendous pressure on the body.

Melatonin synthesis is oversimplified as the ‘sleep hormone released at night.’
In reality, it is one of the most complex mechanisms.
To start with, it is questionable whether Melatonin acts at hormone or neurotransmitter level, since it’s a byproduct of Serotonin.
Other neurotransmitters and pinealocytes are envolved, primarily Norepinephrine and GABA, typically antagonists: the former a trigger, the latter a modulator.
The Pineal gland receives and conveys messages to the SCN-Suprachiasmatic Nucleus-by Photoreception, the processing of Light and Darkness at retinal level: in the absence of Light, norepinephrine signals the SCN to release Melatonin, in the presence of Light the SCN secretes GABA which inhibits the release of Melatonin.

The SCN is permanently connected to the earthly 24 hrs day-cycle, thus determining the body s Circadian Rhythm regardless to light or darkness. 
People living at the Earth s poles know it all too well: Winters have permanent darkness, Summers permanent light. The pressure on the body and mind is extreme however, the body recognizes Noon and Midnight either in Winter or Summer.

The best remedy for Seasonal affective disorders is following the natural Circadian-Rhythm as strictly as possible.

Melatonin and GABA supplements are available over-the-counter and helpful for each season.


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Reset vs Rewire

Replacing negative emotions with Self-care.

Rewiring works by Associations.
I’ve been talking extensively about Brain-Rewiring and how the therapy is being updated to Brain-Resetting.

Whilst sharing the same goals, Resetting works on Self-denial of the Past.
I support traditional Rewiring in that regard.
I’m not fond of any kind of pseudoscience, especially since it is strongly linked to New Age practitioners.

However, I’m not here to make judgements, yet staying up to date with Research.
Research is my view of pseudoscience in the expectation that it will qualify for approved Clinical Trials in the near term.

I came across an article recently, on how Associations work on Brain Rewiring.

So it summarizes: “Memories are stored permanently. Aggressive procedures, e.g. ECT, numb memories, they don’t erase them. The outcome is poor, with general amnesia as side-effect. Deactivated memories are reactivated by reliving a similar traumatic event.”

There is little literature on how Reset therapy claims to erase memories.
Not to mention the ethical implications.

Clinical Association works by associating bad memories with positive ones through an object, a song, a poem…
A lengthy therapy by all means, normally carried out in a group setting by licensed psychologists.
The first successful stories are coming to light.

Antidepressants can complement by abating synaptic resistance.
I will follow further developments in real time.

‘Self’ is a multifaceted concept.
The implications are either positive or negative.
In its most derogatory way, it is combined with Selfishness.
In its most emphatic way, with Self-esteem.

Both concepts would seem reminiscent of Me, Me, Me, the basic fundamental of Narcissism.
Narcissism is not to be confused with Self-care.
There are many references in the Bible about Self-care.
The following are the most popular:
“Love your neighbor as yourself “
“You cannot love your neighbor if you hate yourself“
“Wash your face often if you look tired”….

Jesus wants us to take care of ourselves.
“Self-denial” is often misunderstood as lack of Self-care.
What Jesus meant by “deny yourself and follow Me” is  “Use your talents for the needy”.  
God given Talents are part of Self-care.

Self-care is not only aesthetically pleasing, though spiritual too.
Rest best emphasizes Spiritual-care.
We can’t help our neighbor if we are tired.
Fatigue prevents Self-esteem.
In turn, we boost Self-esteem by Reward.

The whole wordy puzzle comes down to the popular  “give and take” saying, legitimately so, at the condition that Taking must not be directly addressed, we will receive Reward, oftentimes without noticing.

Expectation is hypocritical.
Taking alone, narcissistic.

Again, ‘thought-associating’ comes into play.
Imagine the amount of wonders that could materialize from transforming Narcissism into Altruism…
Clinical Narcissism-NPD-craves Reward.
It is not true that Narcissists lack empathy, they want to be rewarded first and foremost. They don’t want to compromise, the harsh side where  ‘thought-association’ works in due time.

‘Thought-association’ is the process of replacing negative emotions with pleasant feelings.
Everything but an easy and fast therapy, although proving successful.

Stimulant dopaminergic therapy is most effective in the initial phase, dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for Reward and kicks in from the first dose.
The next phase is ‘associating’ dopamine to real-life Unexpected Reward, the final stage of Self-renewal.

We can now talk of real altruistic ‘Give and Take’.
Everyone is unique as in the therapeutic timings.
What s for sure is the worthiness of the effort, it worked for my ADHD.
There’s nothing more addictive than helping our neighbor.


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Trauma in Autism

Autism is highly popularized these days between the rich and famous. Don’t be fooled, ASD, former Asperger Syndrome, is not Autism, though generically listed on the  ‘Functional Autistic Spectrum’.

The general consensus is that all Mental Illness originates from Anxiety, although Genetics are increasingly entertained.

That said, Trauma still tops the charts in Anxiety.

Trauma can be subconscious, since it can occur as early as birth.
PTSD is typically diagnosed in adulthood as result.

The fact of the matter is that the cause of Autism is not yet fully understood.
The traumatic environmental theory is subjective.
Every autistic is different. Showcase analysis is the most accurate way of studying the condition.

Could Autism have a correlation with Trauma?
Possibly. I firmly believe it s an illness whatsoever.

There’s no such thing like ´high-functioning autism´, a Personality Disorder referred to as ASD to date.

Autism is an individual dysfunctional medical diagnosis.

Let’s stop pretending.

Brain Circuits form fully at gestation. Autistics have defective brain circuitry.
Genes are inherited and the most accredited cause of Autism to date.
Once defective genes are discovered, brain circuits are already formed in the fetus.

Gene therapy will hopefully become the most promising treatment.

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Genetics

Genetic engineering accounts for future research although public information is deliberately scarce to date.

It is no secret that Genetics are the new frontier of medicine.
We have now the technology to engineering genes, virtually meaning no more need for medication.

Defective brain circuits form in the womb.
Mental illness starts developing at birth, defective brain circuits pave the way.

The pharmacological approach still remains the first choice in psychiatry.

Genetics are a somewhat secretive branch of medicine.

What do we know so far for certain?

Enzymes and hormones control brain circuits that can be modified by genetic engineering and surgery.
Mental patients are still wary.
Psychosurgery is not talked about openly.

Stereotaxic techniques and CT scanning are the benchmarks of psychosurgery, the updated version of craniotomy, put it bluntly, where delicate instruments are inserted and guided in the brain through a minuscule hole in the skull.
The goal is modifying disabling circuits, if not destroying them altogether.
Psychosurgery is still in the experimental stage and performed only as last resort.

Medical ethics, religious beliefs, sociology, are just some of the many implications: is it correct to alter one’s personality if we are made to the image of God?

More clarity is needed in psychiatry.

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Amino Acids in Neurogenesis

Neuroscience is a fast-paced field. Like all medical disciplines to date, it is still primarily symptomatic oriented. Stimulants are being increasingly studied in Brain-signaling, rather than the initial precursors of all Signals, the Amino acids.

Amino acids are organic molecules virtually omnipresent in every living organism, the building blocks of life.

In the human body, they tend to bind in short chains named Peptides.
When Peptides contain at least 20 amino acids, they form Proteins. 
Proteins are longer chains of amino acids also called Polypeptides.
A protein can have a structure of up to two Polypeptides.

In Mental Health, Proteins are outdated subjects of study.

Modafinil is the primary compound associated to protein synthesis to date, not yet understood after 30 years. 
Coincidentally, this medication is somewhat ghosted, despite its effectiveness at cellular level. 
Every biological process starts at cellular level. 
Proteins play a crucial role in cellular development and Signal Processing, although pharmacology looks at the more remunerative symptomatic mechanisms of action.

Current stimulants target the manufacturing of dopamine and norepinephrine in ADHD and Narcolepsy. 
They don’t target failing Brain Signaling, the root-cause of Executive Dysfunction.

Although the mechanism of action is ‘supposedly’ not understood 30 years later, Modafinil showed promising results with boosting Neural Transportation Pathways  responsible for carrying signals from the Cerebellum to the Cerebrum by Proteinic  synthesis.
For non-known reasons, research was archived and the compound is available as a non-specific source of evidence, therefore deemed unsafe and not promoted openly by professionals.

It is known that Tryptophan and Tyrosine are the precursors of Serotonin and Dopamine, respectively, the two main humoral neurotransmitters.
There is no medication targeting these proteins, other than over the counter’ supplements.
Research is bound towards Neurotransmission at Synaptic level only.
Signaling deficiency is not taken into consideration by pharmaceuticals.

What we supposedly don’t know is whether dysfunctional Neurotransmission is a Signal-disorder or a Re-uptake dysfunction.
Money will tell.

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Rethinking Autism/ADHD

Are Autism and ADHD of genetic origin or the result of bad parenting?

Never like these days, we’re experiencing a fast-paced global transition at the hands of Artificial Intelligence.
♪No one and nothing will help us ♪, used to sing the late visionary artist David Bowie in the 70s… how proving him wrong? No business is exempt.

AI is showing to overtake “HI”, Human Intelligence.
However, the controversy is that Humans created AI, hence I d use the ‘Artificial’ pseudonym with a large grain of salt.
Scientists learned how to make algorithms interact independently, although they create algorithms. The interaction of algorithms produces Intelligence, in other words, it enhances the human mind.
For this reason, I envision a potential future in Mental Health.

Just before the advent of AI, Genetics were the last frontier in Medicine.
Almost mental disorders were attributed to inherited genes.

Nowadays, the approach is switching more toward Development.

Imagine what a microchip inserted in the brain can do…

‘Bonding’ is an old established term in parenting which is having a revival in AI.
Lack of Bonding translates to Parental Neglect. It is gaining momentum as a Developmental Disorder, Autism and ADHD not exempt.

Lack of Bonding has a number of implications, mainly on empathy.
A chain-reaction, lack of Empathy leads to malignant Narcissism, NPD medical.
NPD annihilates Emotions. Lack of emotions affects Memory storage. Impaired Memory is responsible for Learning Disabilities.

The debate over Autism and ADHD as in learning disabilities or neurodiversity seems to never reach a general consensus either medically or socially.
‘Acceptance’ would be the most advocated approach. 
The reality is that we’re headed toward extreme Globalization at the very hands of few World’s tycoons ironically on the Autistic Spectrum themselves.

Shall we assume that Neurodiversity is the norm?
The Neurotypical would qualify as the Outcast.

Hopefully, AI will give us clearer answers.



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Masking

In this digital age, Image speaks more than language. Texting is more popular than verbal communication. Appearance is the reflection of our workplace and personality, the first feature taken into account by recruiters or dating partners. The pressure on Appearing has surpassed verbal exchange, complicating conversations and turning personal hygiene into obsessive rituals.

Social phobia is the new pandemic.
Autistics are not exempt, although their coping mechanism differs from the neurotypical.

We all obsess over appearing, these days, something in common once in awhile between neurodivergent and neurotypical! 
Autists try hard to mask, the neurotypical drain themselves with multiple compulsive daily showers and cosmetology.

Both  are wrong in their own fashion, that is not the definition of Hygiene, yet autists are not dirty, nonetheless.
Excessive showering depletes the skin of protective oils, giving an aging look.
If we shower before bed, it’s unlikely that we are dirty in the morning, unless the bed becomes an additional alternative to the gym, prompting us to yet another extra final rinse.

See, we don’t know anymore how to relax by managing time. The average amount of sleep in the middle-aged group is 4/5 hours per night, of course you look a wreck the following morning! So comes another cold shower to wake us up, though the outcome doesn’t get any better.
A vigorous fresh face-washing has the same awakening effect of a shower, hair looks smoother still, we act out of fear to appear.

Masking works in the short-term, despite exhausting, the treatment of choice for autists.

Body language plays a crucial role until the ultimate decision-making takes its toll, or when the mask-mandate comes to an end, time to reveal our true nature.
The outcome is up to us.
We must select our strongholds and we will give the best appearance.
Autistics are extremely selective, a win-win technique.
Don’t mask, be God’s hero.
We all have weaknesses, Accept yourself.

Masking is always a cause of Regret.
Latest therapy works on reversing Regret to Reset in midlife, based on the stereotype that life starts again at 40.
The biggest commercial scam to date, in my humble opinion.

Why waiting 40 years to lower the Mask?
This new approach is a praise for masking successfully in youth.
These  ‘therapists’ obviously are unaware of the discomfort associated to 40 years of masking.
I bet they are New Agers.
They practically deny Youth by giving Middle-age the ‘Prime of life’ s name.
As a middle aged myself, I can testify that the 40s and 50s are the toughest years. I do look forward to 60 however, not by the declassification of youth.

I can figure out the logic behind it, nevertheless: if you’re in midlife, it’s most likely you received an Autism/ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Plenty of people my generation are diagnosed well in their 40/50 s.
Nowadays, Autism/ADHD are typically detected in the third year of life, ndr.
It is the former group being targeted by Reset therapy.
The theory is, once the damage is done, there’s no way back, but to Reset.
Again, terminology is in constant play. Reset is nothing else than Rewire, just more AIsh conform. I’ll never submit to AI. I’m a human.

I fully support Rewiring from childhood.
Personality normally keeps evolving until 25, after which, Rewiring becomes obsolete.
It is not clear what Resetting will accomplish.
This kind of therapy claims to turn Youth Regret into Pride, which is starting with the wrong leg. It is long established the association of Pride with Masking.

Acceptance is the first step towards recovery, agreed by all traditional Mental Health Professionals.
That prompts the inevitable question, what’s the difference between Pride and Acceptance?
Pride is always forced upon, a fighting state that can collapse anytime and expose Shame.
Acceptance is Pride without Shame and Arrogance.

Turning Youth Regret into Pride in midlife, is Smacking youth, literally.
As if the first 40 years of life were meaningless, in other words, Denying one s youth.
The message is “Life starts just now. You made it to 40, be proud!”

I agree with living in the Present by Acceptance of the Past, NOT Regret.

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Stuck in time

Benefits of music in Brain-Rewiring.

Music is one of the main markers of time.
We all have a special song in our heart associated with the happiest time of our life.

I thought to myself, a beautiful memory, until I was challenged by a musical programme hosted by a middle-aged musician.

I was very touched, since my music-idol, David Bowie, happens to have died in 2016 with my heart s tracks.

Needless to say, music is my medicine.

The radio guest commented that music is in constant evolution and we must evolve either with dead or active musicians.
Fans tend to identify with an artist and are unable to rewire their brain musically.
It is scientifically proven that music can wire up neuronal circuits.

That has dramatic consequences on the music industry and the consumers:
older generations don’t listen to new bands, in turn, new bands have a hard time building base-listenership with teenagers.

I hear all the time from the middle-aged that today s music means nothing to them.
I put myself in between by acknowledging the painful generational divisions.

That said, what is the solution?
Social Interaction.

We didn’t have these generational issues before the social media bubble.
In the 80/90 s we met people by chance in the parks, pubs… we didn’t care about age but sharing, last but not least, music.

I’ll never forget a vibrant 70 years old Beatles crazy I befriended in London Hyde Park in my 20s! He would tell me about the 60’s and I would enlighten him on Bowie.
Guess what: I developed an interest in 60’ society and he started listening to Bowie.

Those were the days!

Media are destroying us.
We re just starting to understand it.
About time.

R. I.P. Jim

I wish I was Jim in 30 years in England talking about Bowie to young people in the park whilst learning about new bands.

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Autistic Routines

Neuronal displacement is extremely debilitating. Recovery can be timely and requires a significant amount of work and dedication in autism.

Today is sweltering and water is rationed, a foreseeable common scenario for the near future as result of the ongoing global warming.

I feel displaced.
You’re already familiar with the word.

That comports a change in routine.
Bells ringing… I need to adjust.
And here come the migrant neurons into question again.

Back in the day, it was believed that once neuronal circuits were formed during gestation, they couldn’t change anymore in life.
The theory is still entertained by conservative scientists and the benchmark of autism, sadly.

How can evidence be ignored?
Mood-stabilizers and Motion-sickness’ medication are the most promising treatments in Mental Health.

All these compounds target neurons displacement.

I have taken a motion-sickness pill and am using wipes as alternative to showering.
I feel much better.
I ‘ll shower tomorrow.

It is obvious that I’m still wired to showering, though I can ‘adjust’ to temporary challenges with proper medication.

Based on my experience, I believe that brain circuits can be re-wired.

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Brain rewiring

Common symptoms of Neuronal dysfunction. 

Rewiring is a term used by Mental Health professionals to describe neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt to new environments.

OCD-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- is a common feature of autism.

OCD is not an illness in itself but a symptom, specifically an obsession.
It never manifests individually yet hatches to underlying conditions by exacerbating them.
The sufferer is fully aware of their surroundings but unable to control their compulsions, i.e. they know that the door is locked, though they can’t refrain from repeatedly checking.

Rewiring the brain is not easy task.
Most often, sufferers have no options other than facing the challenge forcibly.
My case is very descriptive: I crave to go home despite the fear of change.

Antidepressants help to a varying degree.
Stimulants work better with underlying ADHD.

However, OCD is still treated off-label.

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