Short Memory, Long Memory

Do you find sometimes that you have a ‘short memory’ for the really good things that have happened in your life – and a longer memory for the not so happy times? 

There have actually been scientific studies that help explain this  - that much or our memory for the ‘bad times’ is neurologically based. Boston College psychologist Elizabeth Kensinger and her colleagues published a study in 2007 that showed how this phenomenon occurs.  The outcomes of her research showed that when the remembered event was aversive, the negative events were remembered in much greater detail and with more accuracy than for positive, pleasurable events (for example, September 11 terrorists attacks).

In the study, the use of  Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), studies  demonstrated increased cellular activity in emotion-processing regions of the brain at the time that a negative event was experienced.

Kensinger  suggests that recognizing the effects of remembering a negative event at much greater detail and accuracy may at some point protect us from harm - by guiding our choices and allowing us to plan for similar future (negative) events.  This is especially true if we consider an evolutionary framework, where attention to potentially threatening information was key to survival.

What negative, frightening or threatening memories do you have?   And to counter those memories, what positive, supportive and good memories do you keep?  If you are struggling with the negative, use these scientific findings to give yourself a break! Acknowledge the negative, the details, the specifics and realize that they present themselves to you with more clarity because your brain is doing what it knows to do!  And ask for help –  seek out therapy -  if your memories are keeping your from experiencing joy in your life and your relationships.  

Melatonin for Sleep

If your child or adolescent is not getting enough sleep, you may notice that there are increased emotional outbursts, trouble with cognitive tasks like schoolwork and behavioral difficulties, including having difficulty with keeping on task, failure to remain alert and focused or for some, even increased agitation and anxiety.  A study in 2003 (Gruber & Raviv) determined that lack of needed sleep for one hour per day for three days may lead to significant neurobehavioral problems.  Numerous researchers have presented evidence that there is indeed a relationship between sleep problems, neuro-developmental problems, psychiatric conditions and non psychiatric conditions among children and adults. Once the pattern is set, the sleep disorder and the co-morbid conditions actually serve to support both problems. 

The prevalence of sleep problems in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) are greater than in the typical population. Sleep issues and problems come up frequently in discussions with parents, many whom express dismay and sheer exhaustion from trying to manage.  Sometimes, the family physician may recommend anti anxiety drugs or other pharmaceutical prescription and non-prescription remedies, but most of the time these fall short in truly making a difference and helping the child establish good sleep patterns and restful sleep.  Recently, researchers have begun to address and realize that melatonin therapy may be a successful and practical help.

Melatonin is a  naturally occurring hormone (derived from serotonin) that is both endocrine (enters the bloodstream from a pineal gland) and paracrine (signaling cell phenomenon, as from the retina when light is low, when the signal is "time to sleep"). Melatonin has also been labeled an antioxidant, anti-aging agent, immunoregulator, and an  anti-depressant .  As a supplement, it is available over the counter in pill/capsule form.

What researchers are finding is that some individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may have lower than normal levels of melatonin. A 2008 study found that unaffected parents of children with ASD also have lower melatonin levels.  Multiple small studies have demonstrated that 2 to 10 mg of melatonin may benefit children with ASD who have trouble falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep.  It’s important to note that at this time, no official guidelines exist for the use of melatonin in children with ASD.  If you want to read  more about melatonin, here is one credible website http://nccam.nih.gov/health/sleep/ataglance.htm.   You may also want to check with your child’s physician, as many are knowledgeable about the possible benefits of Melatonin