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straightuptreatment98 · 6 months

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Uncovering Serenity in the City of Angels: Managing Anxiety in Los Angeles

Nestled within the vibrant heart of Southern California, Los Angeles shines with its opulence and allure. Yet, behind the glittering facade, many denizens grapple with the veiled struggle of anxiety disorders. Fortuitously, the city also hosts a multitude of adept anxiety connoisseurs and therapists who proffer efficacious remedies for those in need. In the ensuing discourse, we shall embark on an expedition through the realm of anxiety treatment in Los Angeles, with a specific emphasis on the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) for adults.

Experts in Anxiety Alleviation in Los Angeles

Residing in the whirlwind epicenter of Los Angeles can be intoxicating, yet concurrently, it can exacerbate sentiments of unease and tension. Gratefully, Los Angeles houses a plethora of anxiety virtuosos who can extend their professional counsel and succor to those grappling with sundry forms of anxiety disorders.

Should you find yourself ensnared by the clutches of anxiety, it becomes imperative to reach out to an anxiety specialist in Los Angeles. These virtuosos wield the acumen and erudition requisite for aiding you in the management and surmounting of anxiety maladies, spanning generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, and the enigma of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Therapists Specializing in Anxiety in Los Angeles

Los Angeles harbors a vast network of anxiety therapists who are ardently devoted to assisting individuals in reclaiming dominion over their lives and discovering respite from the challenges posed by anxiety. These therapists are extensively trained and endowed with proficiency in an array of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, encompassing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response inhibition (ERI), and mindfulness-infused techniques.

Prospective beneficiaries of anxiety therapy in Los Angeles can anticipate a bespoke and compassionate approach tailored to their distinctive exigencies and circumstances. These therapists are adroit in aiding clients in the cultivation of stratagems and instruments for the efficacious management of their anxiety. Whether one confronts specific phobias, paroxysms of panic, or the pall of generalized anxiety, these adept practitioners can proffer guidance and support along the odyssey to bolstered mental well-being.

Catering to Adult OCD Management in Los Angeles

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) constitutes a notably onerous strain of anxiety necessitating specialized intervention. Gratefully, Los Angeles proffers a profusion of establishments and experts specializing in the management of OCD among adults.

OCD management frequently entails a fusion of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response inhibition (ERI). In the realm of CBT, individuals engage in collaborative endeavors with therapists to unmask and challenge the irrational ruminations propelling their obsessions and compulsions. ERI, conversely, encompasses gradual immersion in anxiety-provoking scenarios sans acquiescence to compulsive rituals, thereby facilitating the gradual desensitization of individuals to their anxieties.

Los Angeles-centric OCD management centers provide a secure and nurturing milieu wherein individuals can access the care and remedies requisite for the efficacious management of their condition. Typically, these programs incorporate a medley of individual therapeutic sessions and group therapy, proffering a holistic approach to OCD oversight.

Conclusion

Within the sprawling urban expanse of Los Angeles, anxiety afflictions can exact a substantial toll upon individuals. Nevertheless, the city is also the abode of a cornucopia of exceedingly qualified anxiety savants and therapists, resolutely committed to guiding residents toward the reclamation of their mental well-being. Whether one seeks respite from generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or the complex labyrinth of OCD, Los Angeles affords a spectrum of options to meet diverse requisites.

Should you or a beloved acquaintance grapple with the specter of anxiety, don't hesitate to seek solace from the anxiety virtuosos and therapists of Los Angeles. With their sage counsel and unwavering support, you can discover the avenue to a more jubilant and gratifying existence, even amid the bustling realm of the City of Angels.

#therapists of Los Angeles #anxiety therapy in Los Angeles

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ameliawilson0245 · 10 months

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Breaking Free from Anxiety: Innovative Treatment Solutions in Irvine

Introduction: Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting their daily lives, relationships, and overall well-being. Irvine, located in Orange County, California, is known for its commitment to providing innovative healthcare solutions. In this article, we will explore the various innovative treatment options available in Irvine for individuals struggling with anxiety. These treatment approaches are designed to effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms, promote emotional well-being, and empower individuals to break free from the grip of anxiety.

Understanding Anxiety: Anxiety is characterized by persistent and excessive worry, fear, and apprehension about everyday situations. It can manifest as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias. Symptoms may include restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and physical manifestations such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

Innovative Treatment Solutions in Irvine: Irvine offers a range of innovative treatment options for individuals seeking relief from anxiety. These treatment approaches aim to address anxiety from multiple angles, focusing on personalized care and holistic well-being. Therapy-Based Approaches: a. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and evidence-based therapy for anxiety treatment in irvine. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. CBT helps individuals develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, and cultivate a more balanced perspective on their fears and worries. Therapists in Irvine specialize in providing CBT for anxiety disorders.

b. Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is particularly effective for individuals with specific phobias or panic disorder. It involves gradually exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and supportive environment. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to manage their anxiety and reduce their fear response. Therapists in Irvine offer exposure therapy as part of comprehensive anxiety treatment. READ MORE - How do you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual with chronic pain? Medication-Based Approaches: a. Antidepressant Medications: Certain antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. These medications help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, alleviating symptoms of anxiety. Psychiatrists in Irvine can prescribe and monitor the use of antidepressant medications.

b. Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that provide short-term relief for acute anxiety symptoms. They work by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce anxiety. However, due to their potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms, benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for short periods and as a last resort when other treatments have not been effective. Psychiatrists in Irvine carefully evaluate and monitor the use of benzodiazepines.

Complementary and Holistic Approaches: a. Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), offer innovative approaches to anxiety treatment. These techniques help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness, develop self-compassion, and reduce reactivity to anxious thoughts and sensations. Irvine provides resources, including mindfulness-based therapy programs and mindfulness classes, to support individuals in their anxiety management journey.

b. Yoga and Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as yoga or other forms of exercise, has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being. Irvine offers numerous fitness centers, yoga studios, and recreational spaces where individuals can participate in classes and activities tailored to anxiety management. READ M0RE - Exploring the Process of Ketamine Infusion Therapy for OCD Treatment

Conclusion: Innovative treatment options in Irvine provide individuals struggling with anxiety the opportunity to break free from its grip and regain control of their lives. Therapyapproaches, such as CBT and exposure therapy, offer effective strategies for identifying and challenging anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors. Medication-based approaches, including antidepressants and, in specific cases, short-term use of benzodiazepines, can provide relief from acute anxiety symptoms. Complementary and holistic approaches, such as mindfulness-based therapies and engaging in regular exercise, offer additional tools for anxiety management and overall well-being.

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fgiprinc · 2 years

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Brand New Day Raises Flag About Challenges to Accessing Mental Health Treatment

In conjunction with National Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Brand New Day, a California Medicare health plan, is raising the flag that those in need of mental health services oftentimes aren’t receiving care they need because they can’t gain the access to the system. Roadblocks include inadequate or no health insurance; lack of transportation; policymakers who don’t understand the full impact when the disease goes untreated; lack of government funding; limited number of mental health care providers; and treatment that doesn’t take into account the cultural nuances associated with Asian, African-American, Hispanic, Native American, LGBTQ and other minority communities. James Pratty, M.D., Medical Director of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health for Brand New Day, says these barriers are particularly problematic given that approximately 20% of American adults face mental health challenges whether it’s depression, anxiety disorders (i.e., general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorders, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or schizophrenia. “While most of those with mental health issues only have mild forms of the disease(s) and receive adequate treatment, there are far too many who are falling through the cracks,” says Pratty, who notes that Brand New Day offers the Harmony program that is dedicated to treating those with mental illness. “We have to consider that the absence of treatment not only impacts the individual but society as a whole, especially when you consider the ramifications such as an increase in unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, suicide and unnecessary disability.” Brand New Day works with independent brokers throughout the state and can arrange for an in-person appointment for those wanting to review the plans in their area. Brand New Day is a subsidiary of Bright HealthCare and Bright Health Group, (NYSE: BHG). For more information about the Brand New Day Medicare Advantage plans, call (866) 255-4795 and visit www.BNDHMO.com.

#health #california #San Diego #los angeles #Orange County #San Fransico

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anxietytreatmentcentersofca-blog · 3 years

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Since March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic started spreading, the magnitude of population reporting anxiety or depression grew exponentially. It has always been a common experience to face anxiety in different walks of life. Anything from finances, job interviews, social gatherings, and other personal vulnerabilities tend to evoke anxiety at times.

These are normal feelings and vanish in some time. However, for some people these experiences can be more than a momentary restlessness, especially in challenging times like COVID-19 or during other personal or professional crisis.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans experienced more symptoms of anxiety disorder during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. According to a survey, around 40.9 percent respondents reported at least one behavioral health condition, such as symptoms of a trauma-and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) associated with the pandemic (26.3 percent) and symptoms of anxiety disorder (30.9 percent). In addition, 13.3 percent of respondents reported to have started or increased substance use to cope with COVID-19 related stress or emotions.

#anxiety #Social Anxiety Treatment Centers California #anxiety treatment centers California #panic disorders treatment in california #Social anxiety treatment california #phobia treatment programs in california #anxiety treatment centers in california #inpatient anxiety treatment centers #anxiety treatment centers #anxiety treatment california #anxiety treatment

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centerforhavening · 5 years

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Congratulations to Jennifer Duke on becoming a Certified Havening Techniques®️ Practitioner. ~message from Jennifer~ In my work with individuals and couples, I have found Havening to be a very effective and efficient protocol. I truly endeavor to find the most effective tools to use with my clients and Havening is one of the most effective tools I have encountered. Havening has helped my clients to cut through some very difficult symptoms that were considered difficult or formidable and confounding by mental health treatment-as-usual techniques and hospital standards. Having worked 10 years in a hospital outpatient program, I have witnessed conditions and symptoms that often were considered impossible to treat. Although Havening doesn’t solve every issue, and doesn’t work super fast with every symptom, sometimes Havening cuts through difficult mood and thought challenges more easily than anything I have ever seen, including EMDR. I am truly a fan of Havening. I have even witnessed reduction of symptoms in the areas of self harm and auditory hallucinations. And, Havening also is a valuable tool to address mood symptoms of depression and anxiety. I don’t think Havening works for everyone and I don’t think it solves every concern, but it is a tool that I am so grateful to have found. By the way, it also works well with people who are living life on their own terms and want to make their best life even better. Clients can find me in private practice in Pasadena California. Areas of specialization: Anxiety, Fear of flying, Panic attacks, Phobias, Addictions, Anger management, Eating disorders, Exam nerves, Low self-confidence, Low self-esteem, Obsessions and compulsions, Pain management, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Public speaking, Relationship issues, Relaxation, Sexual issues, Insomnia, Sports performance, Stress, Adolescents, Grief, Interview Nerves, medically diagnosed illnesses and disease, Self-Belief, Self-Development, Shyness, Belief Creation, Empowerment #havening #haveningtechniques #haveningCalifornia https://havening.org/directory/grid/view/details/14/698-Jennifer-Duke https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu-4SlZlndi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e378qwt3pown

#havening #haveningtechniques #haveningcalifornia

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latestmarketresearch · 4 years

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Global Virtual Reality Market Size, Type, Regions, and Major Companies Application To 2023

JUNE 04, 2020: The adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) in industries like automotive, medical, aerospace and defense, gaming, retail, education, and entertainment are being driven by its benefits in training, conferencing, and communication. In India, the rate of adoption of innovative VR applications such as a head-up display and head-mounted display is rising, leading to generation of considerable funding. In 2013, the Indian VR market generated funds worth INR 7.04 Bn, while in 2017 the market had generated funds worth INR 122.44 Bn, thus rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 104.24% for that period.

To Request A Sample Copy Of This Report @: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/virtual-reality-market-in-india-2018-2023/request-sample

Key growth drivers of the market:

• The Indian government has initiated several development programs, which are supporting the VR market. Also, organizations like IDG Ventures India (IDGVI) and Axilor Ventures are participating in the development of the VR market in India with the help of investments through Frontier Tech Innovators Program. As a result, various kinds of VR equipment have become easily accessible and affordable for Indians, thus driving the growth of the market.

• VR has recently found extensive usage in India in the fields of military, telecommunications, entertainment, and medicine for training, developing easy mobile application, designing games, and enabling easy surgery simulation, phobia treatment, and robotic surgery. Increasing use of VR applications in different industries is driving growth of the market across India.

Key deterrents to the growth of the market:

Although the Indian VR market operates with the help of several large, small, domestic and international enterprises, the technological infrastructure of the country lags behind that of the advanced economies like China, the United States of America (U.S.A), and Japan. Also, the Indian parents are often not ready to let their children use VR applications extensively through games, movies, or other forms of entertainment, or even education for they fear that it might develop addiction among kids. As a result, use of VR applications in India is limited to specific play stations at supermarkets, or in the form of headgears sold with smartphones.

Companies covered:

• IndiaNIC Infotech Limited

• Juego Studio Private Limited

• Meraki Virtual Reality Studio

• Merxius Software Private Limited

• Quy Technology Private Limited

• SmartVizx Private Limited

• Tata Elixsi

• Xenium Digital Private Limited

• Yudiz Solution Private Limited

• Zatun

To Browse Full Research Report @: https://www.radiantinsights.com/research/virtual-reality-market-in-india-2018-2023

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Executive summary

Chapter 2: Socio-economic indicators

Chapter 3: Introduction

3.1. Virtual reality market - definition and structure

Chapter 4: Global virtual reality market

4.1. Market overview

4.2. Market size and growth forecast - value-wise (2017-2023e)

4.3. Country-wise virtual reality implementation (2018)

• China

• France

• USA

• UK

• Nordics (Sweden, Norway, Finland)

• Germany

4.4. Virtual reality deployment split (2018)

• Experimenters

• Implementers

Chapter 5: Virtual reality market in India

5.1. Market overview

5.2. Virtual reality market funding scenario (2013-2017)

5.3. Key trends of the market

5.5. Virtual reality market applications

• Automotive

• Medical

• Aerospace and defense

• Others

5.6. Virtual reality business hubs in India - city-wise concentration of start-ups (2017)

Chapter 6: Key growth drivers of the market

Chapter 7: Key deterrents to the growth of the market

Chapter 8: Competitive landscape

8.1. Porter’s five forces analysis

8.2. IndiaNIC Infotech Limited

• Corporate information

• Business description

• Products and services

• Key people

Continued……………..

To See More Reports of This Category by Radiant Insights: https://latestmarkettrends.news.blog/

About Radiant Insights: Radiant Insights is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. It assist and facilitate organizations and individuals procure market research reports, helping them in the decision making process. The Organization has a comprehensive collection of reports, covering over 40 key industries and a host of micro markets. In addition to over extensive database of reports, experienced research coordinators also offer a host of ancillary services such as, research partnerships/ tie-ups and customized research solutions.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Radiant Insights, Inc

Contact Person: Michelle Thoras

Email:

[email protected]

Phone: (415) 349-0054

Address: 201 Spear St #1100, Suite #3036

City: San Francisco

State: California

Country: United States

#virtualreality

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leviathangourmet · 6 years

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As long as she can remember, Annabelle Charbit has loathed “stuff.” She hated birthdays because birthdays meant gifts. And gifts meant finding a way to toss them.

At 5 years old, Charbit would sneak toys into her younger brother’s room. By age 10, she was stashing her belongings in alleys around her London neighborhood. At 13, she discovered charity stores, smuggling bags past her parents and out the door.

Living on her own in her twenties, Charbit, now 41, continued her spartan ways, eschewing even lamps. “I would be in semi-darkness,” she says.

Currently a neuroscience researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, Charbit was obsessively decluttering before the word really existed in popular culture. Google Ngram, which charts the use of certain words in book titles, shows that “declutter” first came into use in the 1970s, its popularity shooting up through the ’80s, ’90s, and the first decade of the 21st century. According to Oxford University Press, the term was only added to the 20-volume Oxford English Dictionary in June 2015. Today, women’s magazines routinely urge readers to purge; personal organizers offer to coach clients in their pursuit of minimalist perfection; earlier this year, Marie Kondo’s book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which promises to help people achieve “the unique magic of a tidy home,” became a bestseller. But for some people, the cultural embrace of decluttering can provide cover for more problematic behavior.

“Do we just assume that decluttering is a good thing because it’s the opposite of hoarding?” says Vivien Diller, a psychologist in New York who has worked with patients like Charbit who compulsively rid themselves of their possessions. “Being organized and throwing things out and being efficient is applauded in our society because it is productive. But you take somebody who cannot tolerate mess or cannot sit still without cleaning or throwing things out, and we’re talking about a symptom.”

Both cleaning and decluttering can become a problem when they’re driven by obsessive thoughts.

Unlike hoarding, which was officially reclassified as a disorder in 2013, compulsive decluttering doesn’t appear as its own entry in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM); instead, it’s typically considered a manifestation of obsessive-compulsive disorder. “I see it all the time. People rarely come into my office because they have a problem with being too efficient or wanting to declutter,” Diller says, but the problem usually makes itself known in other ways: “They’re not sleeping at night and they’re feeling jittery and irritable … they’ll sit in my office and straighten my pillows. They’re not comfortable until everything is in order.”

Scientists still aren’t sure exactly what causes OCD, which is typically treated with therapy and medication. What they do know is that the condition causes sufferers to lock onto distressing thoughts (obsession), generating anxiety that can only be soothed by performing a particular act (compulsion). “By doing the ritual, you get temporary relief, and then that cements you into doing the ritual,” says Michael Jenike, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the founder of the OCD treatment program at Massachusetts General Hospital. “So you do it again and again.”

Diller’s compulsive-decluttering patients, she says, sometimes describe “this tightness in their chest if they see things that should be thrown out,” one that can be eased only by getting rid of the offending objects.

“Any behavior can technically become a problem when it starts having an obsessive and compulsive nature. Even [otherwise] healthy behavior,” says Jennifer Baumgartner, a clinical psychologist in the Washington, D.C. area who has worked with patients who suffer from obsessive-compulsive cleaning. Both cleaning and decluttering can be positive behaviors, she says, but become a problem when they’re driven by obsessive thoughts.

One day in 2010, Charbit, then a neuroscience graduate student at University College London, Googled “the opposite of hoarding” and “clutter phobia.” She was in the process of writing a novel about a woman who suffers from the same compulsions as Charbit herself (the novel, A Life Lived Ridiculously, was published in 2012) and wasn’t sure how to describe her character’s symptoms—there’s no official term for compulsive decluttering. “I was a grown adult, fully medicated, with plenty of insight … but with no name for [the behavior],” says Charbit, who began taking medication for OCD at age 18. Her search led her to an article on “obsessive-compulsive spartanism,” she recalls. Clicking it open, she immediately recognized her own experience.

For Charbit, the thoughts began within seconds of waking up each day. “You have a few seconds of peace,” she says. “Then it all comes flooding: The anxiety, the dread … It's that constant nagging. You never reach a point where you're satisfied.” Even now, after years of treatment, “I would rather throw something out and buy it again than keep it.” The medication helps, she says, but it hasn’t stopped her from discarding and re-buying a food processor three times. “And don’t even tell me to recount how many books I tossed, only to go to Amazon and repurchase them.”

The cultural embrace of decluttering makes it harder for those who do it compulsively to seek help.

The author Helen Barbour, who blogs at The Reluctant Perfectionist and wrote The A to Z of Normal, a novel about OCD, believes the cultural embrace of decluttering makes it harder for those who do it compulsively to seek help. “[People] see my tidy home and sigh about the fact that theirs is a dump,” says Barbour, who was diagnosed with OCD in 1995. “What they don’t realize is how long it has taken me to order everything with millimeter precision, or the anxiety I feel at things being even slightly out of position.” Barbour lives alone, in part, she says, because her long-term partner is “the king of stuff.”

Barbour also found a supportive community online when she wrote a blog postabout her compulsive decluttering last February. “Sorting and rearranging helps a little,” she wrote, “and getting rid of just one or two things can also temporarily alleviate the feeling.” Commenters responded with their own experiences: “I get a physical sensation as though I’m being crushed when I have too many things around me,” one wrote. “To say I hate clutter is an understatement … it literally feels like gears grinding in my head,” said another.

Lesley Turner, a 58-year-old woman from Wales, can relate. “I have to do these things,” she says, “or my head is in turmoil.” In 2013, she and her daughter Tuesday, now 25, appeared on the U.K. reality show Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, in which people who suffer from compulsive decluttering clean the homes of people with hoarding disorder. Lesley says that the show’s producers pitched it to her and her daughter, both of whom suffer from OCD, as a chance to “push our boundaries,” but both women were dismayed with the episode that ultimately aired. “It made it look like a nice, fun, quirky thing to have, not the serious, completely life-consuming illness that it is,” Tuesday says. Earlier this year, after Lesley told the British newspaper Metro that the experience left them “traumatized,” the advocacy-organization OCD U.K. released a statementcondemning the show and calling for its boycott.

All pathologies have a spectrum from normal to symptomatic, Diller says, and decluttering is no exception. Barbour considers herself on the “mild end of the spectrum.” Charbit, now married and the mother of a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, says she’s able to cope with her family’s possessions by “creating little compartments in my life [that] are exactly as I want them to be,” like her closet: “I always, at any one time, have just three pairs of shoes,” she says. “One pair of sneakers, one pair of flats, and one pair of sandals.”

The Turners, who refuse to allow anyone in their house—“I just want my big, clean, sterile home,” Lesley says—are more severe cases. Lesley is currently taking medication; Tuesday is on a waiting list for OCD group therapy. Both women hope their TV experience will at the very least increase public awareness of their particular form of OCD.

“I think when you see someone who’s a hoarder,” Tuesday says, “you see that there’s [a disorder]. Whereas if they saw our house, they would see that there’s nothing in there; it’s really, really clean. And I think people would just think that it was a nice, clean house.”

#obsessive compulsive disorder #ocd #mental illness #hoarder #hoarding #article #psychology #ref #anxiety #long post #text post

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immedtech · 7 years

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How virtual experiences induce real-world adrenaline

Image: pixabay

2017-01-30 21:18:09 UTC

Brought to you by the All-New Toyota C-HR

There are seemingly endless possibilities for the future of virtual reality, from immersive entertainment experiences to films that make you feel as if you’re driving in the front seat right alongside your favourite movie star.

These futuristic visions are heart-thumping for more than the sheer wow-factor. They’re so exciting, in fact, that producers and technologists behind VR experiences face a vexing conundrum: The primary appeal of VR is its hyper-realism — it injects viewers directly into impossible-seeming scenarios — but what about when the scenes get a little too real? What’s the effect on the body and brain?

"VR heavily depends on visual dominance, which means that your mind believes what it sees over the other senses," says Thomas B. Talbot, the principal medical expert for the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies. Because of this factor – the technical term is ecological validity – virtual reality is especially powerful.

The physical and psychological implications of a VR experience are valid considerations, and scientists and directors/editors/producers of VR take them seriously. Particularly for viewers with certain health conditions, special care must be taken to ensure that a VR experience doesn’t unnecessarily trigger an unwanted reaction.

"Things like scares or falls might seem much more realistic in VR."

Below, we dig into the biological science behind VR and how the professionals in charge of building these experiences take such factors into account.

The role of biological science

There are a few basic scientific elements to take into consideration when producing a VR experience, Talbot explains.

"Nearly all of VR is heavily entwined with neurobiology and human factors research," he says. In order to craft a safe experience, "one really needs to understand human perception and how it works on a biological level."

Talbot lists a few questions that must be asked in the research phase: How do people see details? How do we perceive scenes? What are the mechanisms that make sounds appear to come from specific locations in space? How is balance affected?

Various technologies and monitoring systems are often used in VR testing to mitigate the most common, mild adverse effects — dizziness, nausea, etc.

Image: pixabay

"Use of heart rate is mostly done in research settings to detect variations that show stress effects, but otherwise VR makes use of motion detection, user actions and lots of neurobiological principles to make the VR technology seem real to the user," Talbot explains.

Mitigating risk while delivering thrills

VR-induced nausea or dizziness is a real concern, writes tech journalist Scott Stein, who suggests that some developers are mitigating this by designing games to provide a sense of enclosure — a cockpit or a helmet seems to ameliorate nausea, at least partially. This sensation is a close relative to "simulator sickness," Stein explains, which has long been an issue for pilots during flight simulator training programs.

More serious issues may arise for VR users with heart conditions, anxiety or who experience seizures. In these cases, consulting a doctor before immersing in a VR world is highly encouraged. This is not, however, wildly different than consulting a doctor before riding a particularly intense roller coaster or engaging in any kind of adrenaline-pumping activity.

On the flip side, there are a variety of health conditions for which VR has been found to be an effective treatment — at least when combined with traditional therapies — such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as other anxiety disorders and phobias.

What it ultimately comes down to is a bit of common sense on the user’s side, as well as some creative solutions by the design and research teams developing the experiences. Talbot suggests that as the technology improves and becomes more common, our brains may simply adjust.

Image: pixabay

"One of the earliest films shown in a movie theater was of a train moving towards a camera — the audience panicked as if the train were going to crash in the theater. So, what this means is that people will probably get used to VR to some degree," he says, citing the fact that displays are constantly improving with wider fields of view and fast image refreshes that may cut down on disorientation, dizziness or eye strain.

David Cohen-Tanugi, founder of the MIT-spinout EMBR Labs, suggests that there’s still innumerable exciting possibilities for truly immersive experiences with the world of VR; we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface.

"Thermal sensations have a profound effect on the way we perceive and interact with the people around us," he says. "For example, how comforting is a hug without warmth? Science has shown that the commonly used expressions ‘warm smile’ or ‘cold ‘shoulder’ are more than just comfortable language. They reflect that humans experience social interactions with thermal undertones."

Cohen-Tanugi adds that the next step toward "completely immersive virtual environments" is focusing on multisensory elements that transcend sight and sound.

Designing VR

Aron Hjartarson, the executive creative director for Framestore VR, an award-winning digital studio that specializes in VR experiences, says that there are a few things that can be done from a creative perspective to create a realistic user experience.

"The science part of this is largely in the hands of the hardware manufacturers," he says. "For our part, when we have worked with scientists [on the creative side], they have been reluctant to make any sweeping statements about the laws of the medium. They need longer term research."

Hjartarson explains that within a virtual reality world, there are three axes — the X, Y and Z. Within these, there are varying “degrees of freedom”: rotational, translational and scaling.

In Hjartarson’s experience, rotational is the element that can be slightly nauseating. To mitigate this, he says his creative team generally tries to give the user the most amount of perceived control over rotational elements as possible.

"If we have to [mess with rotational elements], we provide the user with an enclosed space or with some kind of artificial horizon. This way, your mind tells you that even though your environment is rotating around you, you feel grounded in a sense," he explains.

"The freedom that the medium provides compared to everything else we usually do is so immense."

In general, Hjartarson finds the medium exceptionally creatively liberating.

"The freedom that the medium provides compared to everything else we usually do is so immense," he says, citing that a 360-degree context means there’s a lot more room for flexibility and in a way, honesty. You can’t hide much in VR – so it requires extremely detail-oriented design. Talented editors are part of the key to an ultimately seamless experience.

VR presents a world of nearly unlimited possibilities; as the technology continues to improve and developers learn how to mitigate the physical challenges, it’s thrilling to think about what the future for the medium may hold.

"In a way, you're completely exposed. It’s a cool feeling," says Hjartarson. "And a cool context in which to Awork."

Watch next: This VR paint studio allows you to collaborate live with anyone in the world

Let's block ads! (Why?)

- Repost from: mashable Post

#ITlive #How virtual experiences induce real-world adrenaline

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poop4u · 5 years

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CBD Oil for Dogs

#poop4u #dogs

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CBD dispensaries have popped up in many states all over the country in people’s hunt for wellness. But CBD oil can also be used to help dogs with anxiety and other issues. What is CBD and how does it work? And, will it give your dog the munchies? First, let’s define some of the terms that can be confusing.

“Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid — a naturally occurring compound found in both hemp and cannabis (cannabis is also referred to as marijuana),” says Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California.

Hemp and marijuana are “Both members of the Cannabis sativa plant and share similarities but have very distinct differences due to each plant’s biological structure,” says Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Consider that a rice cake and rice pudding are from the same plant but quite different.

“CBD is one of hundreds of compounds found in cannabis. It is the most prevalent compound in hemp, a special strain of cannabis that has only trace amounts of THC, the substance in medical and recreational strains of hemp that is associated with psychoactive effects,” says Joey DiFrancesco, CEO and founder of LolaHemp in New York City. This is crucial because THC can be toxic to pets. (For more THC specifics, see “Why the Farm Bill Matters” on page 38.) “CBD is non-psychoactive,” Joey adds. It won’t get your dog high in any way.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same plant, but CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves and stalk of the hemp plant, while hemp oil comes from the seeds of industrialized hemp plant.

Hemp oil is a nutritional supplement full of nutrients that can be used in cooking and for moisturizing — like in soaps or lotions. It has a variety of other manufacturing uses, such as making plastic and as a bio-diesel fuel.

CBD oil is a supplement used for medicinal purposes, like treating various conditions, such as inflammation and anxiety, among others.

Help for anxiety

Many owners report benefits to using CBD oil for dogs, and CBD oil has been recommended to assist with many ailments that plague our furry friends, including anxiety.

“The most common conditions that relate to anxiety include location and separation anxiety, as well as noise phobias,” says Annie Chrysler, CBD specialist and product manager with SpaRoom based in Cleveland, Ohio. “For example, CBD oil can provide noticeable relief to dogs who demonstrate car ride anxiety or who experience anxiety when visiting the veterinarian’s office. CBD oil can also provide noticeable relief for dogs who have noise sensitivities such as fireworks and thunderstorms.”

Amanda Howland, co-founder and CTO of ElleVet Sciences in Portland, Maine, explains further. “Pain and anxiety are so interrelated in dogs that we wanted to have both a profound anti-anxiety effect and an extremely effective pain management effect, to help the pet feel better in every way.”

Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado, says in her experience CBD is consistently effective for treating dogs with mild to moderate anxiety. “For severe generalized anxiety, I have more success with drugs like Prozac,” she adds.

So how does it work? It’s based on science; the same science that explains how CBD works with man and man’s best friend, who have some biology in common. That’s because all mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS.)

Jillian Dutson, marketing and advertising manager with Pet Releaf, based in Littleton, Colorado, explains. “When your dog consumes CBD, his ECS is activated. The ECS works as a two-way communication system with various systems in the body such as the immune, nervous and digestive systems just to name a few. This two-way communication allows these parts of the body to speak to one another to help them function at optimal levels of health.”

And there’s more to it: “Although further studies are needed, initial findings show that CBD binds to a number of endocannabinoid receptors,” says Lauren Brychell, marketing coordinator with cbdMD in Charlotte, North Carolina. “These receptors regulate everything from inflammation to pain perception, and CBD has shown the ability to potentially raise dopamine levels and improve mood while reducing symptoms of anxiety.”

Speaking of studies, “Most of the research done on cannabidiol, indeed cannabis writ large, has taken place outside of veterinary research, which is not uncommon, as vet research typically lags behind human medicine,” Joey says.

More benefits and dosage

There are many common uses for CBD oil in dogs, other than anxiety. “I use CBD for dogs with seizures, arthritis, cancer, pain, chronic inflammation and allergies,” Dr. Krause says.

Joey, too, cites success in using CBD for the Big C. It can “Shrink tumors in several types of cancer both because it appears to have antitumorigenic properties of its own and because it appears to enhance the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents.”

CBD oil has also been used to treat the following ailments:

Sleep issues

Vomiting and nausea

Muscle spasms

Glaucoma

Digestive issues and appetite loss

Skin conditions

As with any supplement or medication, getting the correct dose is crucial. Many of the manufacturers state dosing suggestions should be determined based on each dog’s individual stats and condition. Some suggest generic guidelines as a starting point: 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day; Dr. Krause recommends 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily for anxiety.

Of course, always get input from your dog’s vet on any treatment. “First, many symptoms that CBD may help with can be an indication of a deeper and more serious medical problem that needs to be treated,” Joey says. “Second, CBD oil can interfere with the metabolization of other drugs (in a similar way that grapefruit does). Third, the answer to dosing questions is dependent on what condition is being addressed.”

And don’t assume you and Fido are in for a quick fix. “While some dog owners may notice an immediate difference in their pet, we suggest waiting two to three weeks to see the full effects,” Lauren says.

Giving to your dog

Whatever the dosage, you have a couple of options on how to administer CBD oil: topically or ingested. But which is better?

“The answer ultimately depends on the individual dog,” Annie says. “More commonly, topical application can provide a more localized sense of relief, such as pain relief in the hips and legs. Ingesting can provide a broader sense relief, such as separation anxiety relief.”

Angela Ardolino, founder and CEO of CBD Dog Health in Tampa, Florida, lists other conditions that lend themselves to direct applications. “It has incredible benefits for skin issues, including allergies, hot spots, bug bites, skin tumors, warts and cysts when applied topically,” she says.

If you do decide to go the oral route you have more choices here, too. According to Angela, “The best way to administer CBD is to lift the dog’s lip and administer it right onto the gums (it is absorbed through capillaries in the gums).” Putting it under the tongue is also common. CBD oil can be mixed in with your dog’s food or treats made with CBD oil.

It may come down to what your dog — and wallet — prefer. “The oils and treats that I use in the practice have the same hemp extract in both,” Dr. Krause says. “The oil is more cost effective.”

Why the Farm Bill Matters

In December 2018, President Trump signed the much anticipated 2018 Farm Bill into law. Whether you’ve got a city dog or a country dog this is something that can affect dog owners everywhere regarding CBD. In short, the Farm Bill officially legalizes cultivating and producing industrial hemp and removing the crop from the federal list of controlled substances.

That last part may also free up your veterinarian to be able to discuss CBD oil more in depth with you. The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration named cannabis and cannabinoid products as Schedule I controlled substances, with no accepted medical use. That hindered veterinarians’ ability to administer or prescribe them. Some vets opted not to talk about CBD as a treatment because of these restrictions.

“Now that the Farm Bill has passed, I believe this will not be an issue moving forward,” says Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado. “Hemp is legal at a federal level, and each state will decide how they want to regulate hemp. If a state declares hemp illegal, it may limit the veterinarian’s ability to prescribe or discuss hemp/CBD.”

The Farm Bill will:

Define industrial hemp broadly to cover all parts of the Cannabis plant including seeds, derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, etc. as long as it has a THC level of 0.3 percent or less.

Remove hemp completely from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Make the USDA the sole federal regulatory agency overseeing hemp cultivation.

Authorize and fund hemp research as part of the Supplemental and Alternative Crops program and the Critical Agricultural Materials Act.

Regarding that research, Heidi Hill, Holistic Hound founder and trained homeopath in Berkeley, California, says, “We are thrilled with this victory … This decision will also fund and allow long-overdue research into the many health and wellness benefits of this amazing plant.”

A final look at terminology

Some manufacturers tout CBD isolate while others say full spectrum is better. Here’s the difference and an industry professional’s take on each:

Full spectrum, or whole plant, CBD contains all other cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant, including minute amounts of THC. “[Full spectrum] contains all the beneficial constituents of the whole plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids. These naturally occurring components all work together for enhanced benefit and what is called ‘the entourage effect,’” says Heidi Hill, Holistic Hound founder and trained homeopath in Berkeley, California.

CBD isolate is purified CBD that has been extracted from the marijuana plant and isolated, hence the name, from the other cannabinoids. “Our knowledge about CBD and its benefits are well-established, but we are just beginning to learn about the possible benefits of other compounds in the hemp plant. To claim the benefit of a full spectrum product over CBD itself, is premature,” says Joshua Sosnow, DVM, chief medical officer of CompanionCBD and owner of Arizona practices North Scottsdale Animal Hospital and Desert View Animal Hospital.

Sharing pros and cons

If you have other pets at home with similar conditions, they may also benefit from the same product your dog uses — with different dosages, of course. “There is a big difference in dosing for dogs and cats,” Amanda says. “Cats are not small dogs! The half-life in cats is extremely short, meaning they metabolize it very quickly. We have very specific dosing for dogs and for cats based on science.”

According to Colette Florido, founder and president of CR Pets Thrive in St. Petersburg, Florida, says, “A high-quality CBD product will work equally well for both cats and dogs. The main difference you’ll find between options for cats and dogs is what other flavors are combined with the CBD, knowing that each pet has their preferences.”

Some CBD products for cats come in catnip or fish flavors, while beef or peanut butter flavors are used for dogs.

The most important part about sharing CBD oil is to never share products made for humans with your dog or any other pets. “It is vital to make sure that the oil you are buying is not just a human product with a paw print on the label,” Angela says. “Human products may contain artificial flavoring, like xylitol, that is toxic to dogs.”

Joey gave a flavor-specific example of toxicity. “Wintergreen oil, which is perfectly fine for people and probably won’t bother a dog, is potentially toxic to cats. It is commonly found in CBD products made for people.”

There is much more research to be done on using CBD oil for your dog but hopefully you now know more about how it works and how it might help. And just to confirm: CBD oil won’t give your dog the munchies. If your dog is craving Scooby snacks, it has nothing to do with a supplement.

CBD QAFs

Nope, not FAQs, these are Questions to Ask Frequently when looking for quality CBD for your dog.

Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says, “The most important question is: Are there lab results on this bottle of CBD? If so, what are they testing for?”

“Know where the hemp is grown,” recommends Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado. “U.S. hemp grown organically is preferred. Extraction technique is very important. For cats, I prefer CO2 extraction. This ensures there are no harmful chemical residues. A guaranteed analysis should be available from the manufacturer to quantify the concentration of CBD in each ml.”

Colette Florido, founder and president of CR Pets Thrive in St. Petersburg, Florida, says to “ask to see the company’s certificate of analysis (COA) and lab tests. If the company can’t or won’t [share it], do not buy. It means they don’t test for pesticides, solvents, mold, yeast and E. coli. An ethical CBD company will proudly show you their COA.”

Jillian Dutson, marketing and advertising manager for Pet Releaf, in Littleton, Colorado, suggests you ask these questions when comparing CBD products:

Where is their hemp grown and can they prove it?

If claiming organic, do they have the necessary certifications to verify these claims?

How much CBD is in their products and do they have consistent third-party testings to confirm these amounts?

Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California, adds these:

Does the milligram count on the label reflect the amount of hemp oil or does it include the carrier oil(s)?

Is the company a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) member and are they fully compliant with their packaging and marketing?

“We bought and tested about 20 different products we got from pet stores and online, and out of the 20, none had what was advertised on the label and some had no CBD at all,” said Amanda Howland, co-founder and CTO of ElleVet Sciences in Portland, Maine. “Pet owners need to be careful and research the company.”

About the author:

Elizabeth Anderson Lopez is an award-winning writer based in Lake Forest, California. She and her husband have many pets, including two English Bull Terrier rescues named Dexter and Maybelene. You can contact her at fromconcepttocontent.com.

Learn more about dog health care at dogster.com:

Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dog Seizures: What Causes Them and How Should They be Treated?

7 Means of Dog Anxiety Treatment

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