Friday, March 23, 2007

can it be that it was all so simple then or has time re-written every line?


I was reading in the New York Times magazine section a couple of weeks back that Neuroimaging technology is breaking new and exciting grounds. Daniel Langleben at the Uninversity of Pennsylvania has developed the Guilty Knowledge test. He is using f.M.R.I machines to compare the brain activity of liars and truth tellers. Langeleben found that certain areas of the brain lighted up when people lied. But this is just the beginning. Michael Gazzaniga, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara proposes that within 10 years, neuroscientists will be able to show that there are neurological differences(again in f.M.R.I imaging) when people testify about their own previous acts and when they testify to something they just witnessed or heard. And no, this is not the end, there is more mind-blowing news (pan intended): A little further down the road neuroimaging technology would be able to read neuronal firings and translate them into voice, text or movies. Yes, you got it; science is catching up with science fiction.

The article focused on the legal ramifications of this technology. But, I am a psychologist who through the years treated many survivors of childhood abuse. I empathized with their pain, joined them in their anger and rage and questioned along with them the validity of memories too painful to accept without feeling that your soul has been stained and your trust in humanity shattered for ever. Not to mention worrying about the possibility of attorneys and families suing me for “implanting” memories (as if trauma memories were bean of tomato seeds).

So, the questions that have “haunted” me ever since I read this article were: If we had the chance to “see” our childhood would we take it? If we could watch our lives moment by vivid moment and had uncontroversial proof of the mistakes or atrocities perpetrated on us or by us how many of us will be brave enough or foolish enough to do so? How do we love, forgive and live with ourselves and our families without the merciful help of repression, denial and editing of the past? Could it be that as the song says:
Memories, may be beautiful and yet
what’s too painful to remember
we simply choose to forget

Would the truth set us free or deliver us deeper into the pit of depression and madness?

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

As a way of an introduction

One of the giants in the field of psychology once said that “our patients teach and heal us.” So, after twelve years of sitting across from the therapy couch and patiently listening to people, I believe I have learned enough to begin to share it with whoever wants to learn and heal too.

I’d like to use this space to share information that has changed my life, life stories that have touched my heart, jokes and anecdotes that have lit up not only my days but also the darkest corners of my being. I’d also like to extend an invitation to new voices, fresh opinions, more life stories.

Like a new parent, I have all sort of dreams about my “creation” but I am trying to put any preconceived notions away and allow this “newborn” to manifest its hidden potentials freely, to surprise and challenge me with every new step .

Come and join me in what I hope it will be an interesting journey.

Dr. Urban

Women and depression


Women and Depression
Sometimes it seems that the World is laying on our shoulders


Today’s woman often finds herself having to wear different hats all at the same time: A wife, a homemaker, a mother, an employee, a professional, a businesswoman. Superman has retired only to pass the baton to the SUPERMOM! No wonder drug companies are making billions selling antidepressants.

One out of five Americans are suffering from depression with the majority of them being women.

Research has shown that some forms of depression are due to a chemical imbalance. It has also shown that all forms of depression are triggered by life stressors such as separation, divorce, death, going to college, work, etc.

Many women experience intense depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum depression is often caused by hormonal changes after birth. However, if there are other stressful factors in the woman’s life such as marital/family problems or history of depression or anxiety, post partum depression can become a serious and long lasting problem with serious repercussions for the whole family.

Depression is not anyone’s fault and it is not weakness. It is an illness that needs professional help by a qualified mental health professional often in corporation with your physician.