Risky Living:

Chronic Anxiety May Predict Heart Trouble

     There is some new evidence proving the old adage that too much anxiety can give you a heart attack.

     According to research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, chronic anxiety increases the risk that an older man may have a heart attack. Previous research has shown that high stress may raise one’s risk of heart problems, this is the first study linking anxiety to similar outcomes. The research shows that the raised risk is not related to anger, hostility, depression, or having a type A personality.

     The study included data on 735 men over an average of 12 years. Results suggested that the risk of heart attack among those with chronic anxiety was between 30 and 40 percent higher than those without the condition. Researchers suggest that highly anxious individuals ought to be aware of this increased risk and take steps to control their physiological risk factors.

     Meanwhile, another study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that high levels of stress following the 9/11 terrorist attacks also increased the risk of heart problems in people with no prior history of difficulty.

     The research references the fact that stress over time can increase one’s risk of heart disease, and showed that cardiovascular ailments were on the rise during the three years following the 2001 attacks. With data on 2,729 adults across the country, the researchers learned that even mild post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reactions put people at risk for heart problems years after the attacks.

     Specifically, the study showed that prior to the attacks, 21.5 percent of those surveyed had heart problems, while 30.5 percent had them three years afterward. Further, those with acute stress responses to the attacks suffered a 53 percent increased incidence of heart issues over three years after.

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THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT: Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, M.S., LGPC, Certified Imago Therapist

     Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin is striving to live the Imago Relationship paradigm.

     Not content to simply teach the methods of mirroring, validation, and empathy to the couples he counsels, Slatkin also applies the techniques in his marriage and in his parenting.

     “I’m working on integrating the relational work and dealing with the real-life challenges that come up in raising a family,” he explains. “We do the mirroring, like when my daughter doesn’t want to go to sleep. We validate her feelings, rather than tell her what she should feel.”

     Reflecting on the Imago theory, Slatkin notes that he works to be aware of how his own behavior – as a husband, parent, or friend – may reflect his own unmet needs. “I’m working to integrate it in all levels of my life. It’s not just something I do because I’m a therapist and I work with clients and then I come home and stop. I realize the importance of it in my own relationship – I see the differences when I do it and when I don’t – and we’re constantly striving to grow as a couple and as a family and really achieving a sense of emotional well-being,” he says.

     Slatkin first learned about Imago when he and his wife used it early in their marriage and the counselor suggested that he consider becoming trained as an Imago therapist. “I got my masters in counseling, but I wasn’t necessarily planning on doing it full time. But then I learned about Imago and thought it would be helpful, as a rabbi, in working with couples,” he says. “I do know what it’s like to be on the other side, to be in the client’s seat. I know how hard it can be, but I also know the possibilities and how it can really change a relationship.”

     Slatkin was drawn to PC&CC for its collegial atmosphere. “It’s a good, supportive, positive environment. We grow together and have growth opportunities as therapists and as a community. I think it’s important to have that kind of support and be able to help each other with cases,” he says.

     Today Slatkin counsels singles and married couples using the Imago theory. He also is working with Harville Hendrix to adapt the theory for the Jewish community, including reformatting the Couplehood As a Spiritual Path program for synagogues. Sitting as the dean of Shidduch University, an educational body offering Jewish singles information about finding a strong marital match, Slatkin also aims to spread the relational approach. He also is a regular contributor to the Where What When magazine for Jewish families, and Kallah Magazine for Jewish brides.

Slatkin works in PC&CC’s Ellicott City office and may be reached at (202) 449-3789 ext 706. He also operates websites at www.jewishmarriagecounseling.com and www.baltimoremarriagecounseling.com.

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REFERRAL CORNER: Is My Child in Trouble?

     With overmedication of children a rising phenomenon in the U.S., many parents find themselves wondering if and when their children’s behavior actually might require outside intervention. “Conduct Disorder” is a category counselors use to describe patterns of repetitive behaviors in which a child violates social norms or the rights of others.

     According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), factors contributing to conduct disorder range from brain damage to school failure and traumatic life experiences. AACAP recommends that children be screened for conduct disorder if they exhibit the following behaviors:

-Aggression to people and animals

-Destruction of property

-Deceitfulness, lying or stealing

-Serious violation of rules (runs away from home, is truant from school)

     Children with conduct disorder often have pre-existing conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or learning disabilities. AACAP advises that children with conduct disorder who do not receive treatment may be unable to adapt to adulthood and find difficulty holding jobs and having relationships. Still, treatment is often demanding due to the child’s fear and distrust of adults.

     Treatment plans often include behavior therapy, psychotherapy, anger management, and special education. Medications also can be prescribed to assist with impulse problems and depression. AACAP notes that successful treatment plans include help from a variety of sources such as psychiatrists, teachers, family members and counselors.

Information from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s Facts for Families “Conduct Disorder” fact sheet.

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RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH: Teaching Empathy

     PC&CC’s Rebecca Sears is constantly working to teach her own teenaged daughter about the relational model of connection. At holiday time, Sears began to think about how to apply this aim to gift-giving. “In a time when kids already have more than enough, I was considering a gift with lasting meaning,” she recalls. When she learned of a project connecting Sri Lankan tsunami survivors with sponsoring penpals in the U.S., Sears decided that “adopting” two sisters was a great way to remember the connections between people around the world. “Her stocking was filled with stationery and overseas stamps. While I hope this gift had meaning for her, I know I felt better not just filling the season with overspending and overindulgence!” Sears remarked. Looking for ways to combine family celebrations with remembrances of those less fortunate is an effective way for parents to help their children stay grounded, she adds.

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PC&CC EVENT CALENDAR

- April 26-27 "Getting the Love You Want, A Workshop For Couples." This workshop is for you if...

You want to enrich a good relationship,

You are beginning a relationship you want to keep

You are struggling with the relationship you have and want to resolve painful conflicts,

You are near breakup and want to decide if the relationship can be saved.

     Past attendees have described the experience as powerful, deeply spiritual, inspiring, and fun. The two-day course offers the equivalent of 6 months in couples counseling work.

Click here for more information.