Cyperchondriacs

Many people are turning to online search engines rather than professionals when they get sick. These web searches usually exaggerate the results, and leave people scared that they are developing a serious, and usually rare, disease. Availability bias occurs, in this case, when very rare medical conditions are believed to be more common than they actually are. Hypochondriasis is actually quite rare (only 5% of the poppulation), but these web searches are causing anxiety in increasingly large numbers. Experts recognize the potential usefulness of these websites, and suggest some tips for reducing anxiety.

• Use trusted, health-focused sites
  
• Be aware of bias
• Don't let repeated searches increase fear
• See a doctor if you cannot stop worrying
  

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100230520&gt1=31036
www.webmd.com

Personality Tests

Jung Typology Test

ENTP
Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving

This test labels me as an inventor, in which sense it seems fairly accurate. The inventor is described as pragmatic, easy-going, and non-conforming, all traits that describe me. This test also says that ENTP personality types like to argue, which I do quite often. I have a lively circle of friends that I am very close with.

As far as the career options go, I would never consider any of these: education, engineering, natural science, or information specialist. These are definitely not my cup of tea. In fact, these are almost my anti-jobs, things to be sure to stay away from.

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes3.asp

Planet Personality - Big Five

Expressive 2.6 (M)

Interpersonal 2.5 (M)

Work 3.2 (M)

Emotional 4.7 (L)

Intellectual 4.1 (H)

This test was also fairly accurate. I enjoy social gatherings and being active. I am good at working in groups, and am creative in my work. I handle pressure well, but my self-acceptance can lead me to "erode my desire to excel".

http://www.planetpersonality.com/cgi-bin/bfi.pl

Explain Your Brain - Attraction

I scored about 50% in each category. My test results basically said that I am apathetic. This test is not valid, however, it was fun to take.

http://explainyourbrain.com/cgi-bin/attraction/attractiontest.pl

Personality Lab - Understand Yourself

Extroversion 40

Agreeableness 47

Conscientiousness 68

Neuroticism 10

Openess to Experience 61

This test said the same things as the other ones. I'm sociable, good-natured, competitive, responsible, calm, and imaginative.

I did find it interesting, however, that both high extroversion and low agreeableness is associated with having more dating partners and smoking.

http://www.personalitylab.org/cgi-bin/ccq_self_process.cgi



EQ Test

Score: 38 Slightly Above Average

This test did was not valid. Half of it did not apply to me, but leaving the answer blank was not an option. It says that I am sensitive, which also does not apply to me.

http://www.ihhp.com/quiz_parse.php

Letter home

Dear Mom,

College is really tough. I miss you so much. I've haven't made too many friends yet, but I met this one girl Lisa that seems cool. Do you think she could be a good friend? The other day when I was studying, she asked me if I could help her in math. She seems so nice, I just couldn't say no. I really hope we can be friends. Yesterday I helped my new room mate move in, and today she suggested we paint the place blue, but i wasn't sure. What do you think? I guess blue would be okay. I'll just wait until Lisa gets back from class, and she can decide. This weekend Lisa invited me to a party, but I don't have anything to wear. I'm not sure if I'll go. I wish you were here to help me do my hair. Maybe Lisa can do it. Do you think curls would look okay? Well, I have to go clean the dorm. Is pine sol okay for floors? Maybe I'll wait until later. Write me soon!

Case Study

Case Study 1:
Amy, age 38, is a worrier. She is restless, irritable and has difficulty concentrating. She worries that she worries so much and isn’t always sure what it is that she is worried about. She can’t let her husband or children leave the house without making them call her regularly to reassure her that they are ok. Her husband is growing weary of her fretting. Her children can’t understand what all the fuss is about. Their impatience with her only makes her worry more.

Diagnosis:
Amy is suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Treatment:
Medication and psychotherapy can help with GAD, especially therapy that teaches the client how to control over symptoms.



http://www.behavenet.com/capsules/disorders/gad.htm
http://allpsych.com/disorders/anxiety/generalizedanxiety.html

Syd Barrett

Roger Keith Barrett, born in Cambridge January 6 1946, was an musician and artist. He did not do much with his artistic talent, but is instead remembered most by his musical accomplishments, especially Pink Floyd. He is called a musical genius by some, and he was the inspiration for the most renowned names of psychedelia.

He left Pink Floyd in 1968 due to speculations of mental illness brought about by heavy drug use. Close friends have said of Barrett that, "If drugs were going, he'd take them by the shovelful". His heavy use of psychedelic drugs acted as a catalyst for his mental breakdown. He developed schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He was diagnosed as incurable.

Syd Barrett was a great musician and it is unfortunate that his heavy drug use led to the end of his musical career. It would have been very difficult being around a person as unpredictable as he was. At one point, he kept his girlfriend under lock and key for three days. I would not appreciate anyone locking me up regardless of how long.

http://www.sydbarrett.net/welcome.htm

http://www.pink-floyd.org/barrett/