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STUDENT DIGITAL NEWSLETTER ALAGAPPA INSTITUTIONS

Robert A. Raschke, MD

Microscopic Characteristics the primary site determines symptoms juvenile rheumatoid arthritis purchase amoxicillin 650mg, to a large degree treatment dynamics amoxicillin 1000 mg on line, the histologic appearance of the metastatic focus medications lexapro cheap amoxicillin 500 mg fast delivery. Unequivocal epithelial features such as acinar formation medications high blood pressure generic 1000mg amoxicillin, papillae with epithelial lining, or keratin pearl formation indicate that the lesion is not primary in bone; furthermore, based on both the pattern and certain histochemical properties, a likely primary site can be suggested. For example, the presence of epithelial mucins within tumor cell vacuoles suggests lung, gastrointestinal tract, or pancreas, among others, as possible primary sites. This tumor is associated with cortical destruction, hypervascularization, and a soft tissue component. Metastatic hypernephromas typically require embolization before surgical resection in an attempt to prevent excessive intraoperative bleeding. Immunohistochemical studies, as for thyroglobulin or prostate-specific acid phosphatase, offer an additional means of tumor identification. Treatment Treatment considerations for patients with metastatic skeletal disease differ from those for patients with primary bone neoplasms. The main goals of treatment are relief of bone pain, prevention of fracture, continued ambulation, and avoidance of cord compression from metastatic vertebral disease. The treatment for each patient must be highly individualized, but there are certain guidelines: 1. Lesions of the lower extremity often require prophylactic fixation to avoid fracture. If multiple sites are involved, the lower extremity (especially the hips) should be treated early to permit ambulation. Endoprosthetic replacement is preferred for the hip in lieu of nail or plate fixation. Perioperative antibiotics are required because of the increased risk of infection. Hematologic parameters should be carefully evaluated before, during, and after surgery because of the increased risk of bleeding in cancer patients (coagulopathy). Benign Bone Tumors Benign bone tumors are more common than malignant bone tumors and usually occur during childhood or adolescence. Some can be treated successfully by simple curettage (intralesional procedure), whereas others require extensive resection (marginal or wide). In general, the preoperative staging studies are extremely accurate, and the plain radiographs often suggest the correct diagnosis. This reconstruction method enable early weight-bearing and mobilization of the patient. Solitary and Multiple Osteochondromas (Exostosis) Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumor. They are characteristically sessile or pedunculated, arising from the cortex of a long tubular bone adjacent to the epiphyseal plate. Osteochondromas are usually solitary except in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis. As this is a less common location for osteochondroma to arise, differential diagnosis must also include malignant neoplasms. Osteochondromas are the most common benign bone tumors, although approximately 1%­2% will undergo malignant transformation. Proximal osteochondromas, especially around the pelvis and the hip, are more likely, when compared with distal lesions, to undergo malignant transformation. Tumors of the Musculoskeletal System 145 Osteochondromas grow along with the individual until skeletal maturity is reached; growth of an osteochondroma during adolescence, therefore, does not signify malignancy. Pain is not a sign of malignancy in children or adolescents, although in an adult it is a significant warning sign. Pain in a child may be caused by a local bursitis, mechanical irritation of adjacent muscles, or a pathologic fracture. Between 1% and 2% of solitary osteochondromas undergo malignant transformation; patients with multiple hereditary exostosis are at a higher (5%­25%) risk. Malignant tumors arising from a benign osteochondroma are usually low-grade chondrosarcomas. Proximal osteochondromas are at a higher risk to undergo malignant transformation than are distal lesions. In general, surgical removal is recommended only for symptomatic osteochondromas or for those arising along the axial skeleton and pelvic and shoulder girdle. These lesions are often difficult to diagnose radiographically and histologically. In general, lesions of the pelvis, femur, and ribs are at higher risk than are more-distal sites. Enchondromas of the hands and feet, irrespective of pathologic findings, are benign, whereas cartilage tumors of the pelvic or shoulder girdle are often malignant, despite a benign-appearing histologic appearance. Bone scintigraphy is not helpful in differentiating a low-grade chondrosarcoma from an active enchondroma. Age is an important indicator of possible malignancy; enchondromas rarely undergo malignant transformation before skeletal maturity. Painful, benignappearing, proximal enchondromas in an adult are often malignant, despite the histologic findings. The correlation of symptoms, plain radiographs, and histologic findings is crucial in assessing an individual cartilage tumor. Curettage of enchondromas, with or without bone graft, in a child is usually curative. In an adult, curettage has a significant rate of local recurrence; resection or curettage combined with cryosurgery has a high success rate. Microscopic Characteristics When chondroid lesions are under evaluation, histologic features must be correlated with both radiographic changes and the clinical setting. Kellar-Graney may be variable cellularity, but the chondrocytes tend to remain small and uniform. Nuclear atypia is minimal, and occasional binucleate forms are not inconsistent with the diagnosis of a benign lesion. Correlating with the gross fi ndings, foci of calcification, and endochondral ossification can be observed. Features such as marked nuclear atypia, mitotic activity, myxoid degeneration of matrix, and multiple cells in individual lacunae should raise a strong suspicion of chondrosarcoma. Chondroblastoma, Osteoblastoma, and Osteoid Osteoma Chondroblastoma and osteoblastoma are characterized by immature but benign chondroid and osteoid production, respectively. Both may undergo malignant transformation in rare cases, and osteoblastoma can metastasize. Osteoid osteomas are small (less than 1 cm), painful, bone-forming tumors that are always benign. Although osteoblastomas may be found in any bone, the spine and skull account for 50% of all reported cases. Clinical correlation of age, site, and histologic findings often points to the correct diagnosis. Chondroblastomas and osteoblastomas are aggressive benign lesions with a high recurrence rate following simple curettage. Local control can be obtained by primary resection; however, routine resection cannot be recommended for tumors adjacent to a joint. Cryosurgery has avoided the need for resection and extensive reconstruction in select patients. Osteoid osteomas are extremely painful (equivalent to a severe toothache) and well localized. The response to salicylates is dramatic, occurring in 20 to 30 minutes with a minimal dose of one or two tablets of regular-strength aspirin. This pain pattern may exist for 6 to 9 months before the appropriate diagnosis is considered. Occasionally, the pain precedes the appearance of radiographic abnormalities and therefore leads to multiple incorrect diagnoses, including neuroses. The most common anatomic sites are the femur and tibia, although any bone, including the skull, spine, and small bones of the hands 4. Osteoid osteomas are small (less than 1 cm), characteristically painful, and usually found in young patients.

Syndromes

At times treatment 5 shaving lotion purchase amoxicillin 500mg without a prescription, however symptoms for pregnancy 500 mg amoxicillin, their self-regard may create a sense of entitlement-the feeling that they are special and medications causing hair loss purchase amoxicillin 1000 mg on line, therefore medicine x stanford discount amoxicillin 1000 mg free shipping, entitled to special treatment beyond what is merited by their role or by the conventional social courtesies. The narcissistic personality exhibits a grandiose sense of self-regard, expecting their superior talent, ability, and intelligence to be recognized even in the absence of commensurate performance (see criterion 1). In contrast, the narcissistic style has a healthy sense of selfesteem based on genuine achievements but one that may overestimate inherent talents and endowments. Whereas the disordered individual is preoccupied with fantasies of almost infinite success, power, brilliance, beauty, or accomplishment (see criterion 2), those with the style project confidence rather than omnipotence and have more wellformed plans concerning how their goals can be achieved. Whereas the disordered feels a sense of specialness and affiliates only with others who are likewise special (see criterion 3), the style simply prefers the company of talented others, without feeling a strong contempt for individuals not similarly gifted. Whereas the disordered actively requires admiration and seeks to evoke displays of admiration from others (see criterion 4), the style gracefully accepts compliments and praise without excessive ego inflation. For each of the preceding contrasts, Gerald falls more toward the pathological end of the continuum. Rather than value his ability at the extreme upper end of what realism might afford, Gerald compares himself with Einstein and Salk. In fact, his history argues that he has few actual accomplishments, as he has repeatedly been fired from one company after another. Far from enjoying the company of talented others, Gerald requires that those he associate with be "at the same level" as he. Anyone who runs afoul of his sense of greatness is automatically demeaned as an inferior, someone who lacks in the necessary ability to appraise Gerald appropriately. Whereas the disordered feels entitled to special treatment (see criterion 5), those with the style feel a sense of self-confidence and poise that often enables, rather than eliminates, humility. Whereas the disordered exploit others as a means to their own goals (see criterion 6), those with the style play the strengths of those around them, without making excessive demands of time or effort. Whereas the disordered is unable to empathize with the feelings of others (see criterion 7), those with the style can take distance from their own preoccupations and show sensitivity for others. Whereas the disordered is often envious of those who are more accomplished or successful (see criterion 8), the style is capable of admiring others as role models. Finally, whereas the disordered acts in an arrogant or haughty manner (see criterion 9), the style is simply self-confident and not incapable of generosity or altruism. In putting his new ideas into play, Gerald automatically expects that others will see their merit and give him special treatment by making the necessary accommodations. Rather than put himself in the shoes of those he affects, Gerald shamelessly shoves his new practices down their throats. Rather than take credit for both success and failure, Gerald attributes success to himself and failure to the envy of others working to undermine him behind the scenes. Finally, whereas the narcissistic style finds companionship or friendship in others regardless of their social or intellectual status, Gerald insists on associating only with those he perceives to be as gifted or credentialed as he. Variations of the Narcissistic Personality Few individuals in real life exist as the incarnation of an abstract psychological ideal. Instead, most persons combine aspects of two or more personality styles, though some combinations are more common than others. Whereas the previous section sharpened the contrast between various prototypes for explanatory purposes, in this section we portray narcissistic variants that are found as the disorder begins to shade toward other personalities (see Figure 10. Many of these individuals achieve success in society by exploiting legal boundaries to the verge of unlawfulness. Others may inhabit drug rehabilitation programs, centers for youth offenders, and jails and prisons. Still others are opportunists and con men, who take advantage of others for personal gain. Most people who demonstrate a pattern combining these styles are vindictive and contemptuous of their victims. Whereas many narcissists have normal superego development, unprincipled narcissists are skilled in the ways of social influence but have few internalized moral prohibitions. More than merely disloyal and exploitive, these narcissists show a flagrant indifference to the welfare of others, a willingness to risk harm, and fearlessness in the face of threats and punitive action. Joy is obtained by gaining the trust of others and then outwitting or swindling them. Because they are focused on their own self-interest, unprincipled narcissists are indifferent to the truth. If confronted, they are likely to display an attitude of justified innocence, denying their behavior through a veneer of politeness and civility. If obviously guilty, they are likely to display an attitude of nonchalance or cool strength, as if the victim were to blame for not having caught on sooner. To them, achievement deficits and social irresponsibility are justified by expansive fantasies and frank lies. Those who display more antisocial traits may put up a tough, arrogant, and fearless front, acting out their malicious tendencies and producing frequent family difficulties and occasional legal entanglements. Elitist (variant of "pure" pattern) Feels privileged and empowered by virtue of special childhood status and pseudo achievements; entitled faзade bears little relation to reality; seeks favored and good life; is upwardly mobile; cultivates special status and avantages by association. Amorous (histrionic features) Sexually seductive, enticing, beguiling, tantalizing; glib and clever; disinclines real intimacy; indulges hedonistic desires; bewitches and inveigles the needy and naпve; pathological lying and swindling. So strong is their basic self-centeredness and desire to exploit others that people may be dropped from their lives with complete indifference to the anguish they might experience or how their lives will be affected. In many ways, the unprincipled narcissist is similar to the disingenuous histrionic (a combination of histrionic and antisocial patterns; see Chapter 9). The unprincipled narcissist preys on the weak and vulnerable, enjoying their dismay and anger. In contrast, the disingenuous histrionic seeks to hold the respect and affection of those they dismiss in their pursuit of love and admiration. The early experiences of compensating narcissists are not too dissimilar to those of the avoidant and negativistic personalities. Rather than collapse under the weight of inferiority and retreat from public view, like the avoidant, or vacillate between loyalty and anger, like the negativist, however, the compensating narcissist develops an illusion of superiority. Life thus becomes a search to fulfill aspirations of status, recognition, and prestige. At other times, they may bore others while they present a complete biography of their most minuscule successes and achievements. Like avoidant personalities, compensating narcissists are exceedingly sensitive to the reactions of others, noting every critical judgment and feeling slighted by every sign of disapproval. Unlike avoidants, however, they seek to conceal their deep sense of deficiency from others and from themselves by creating a faзade of superiority. Though they often have a degree of insight into their functioning, they nevertheless indulge themselves in grandiose fantasies of personal glory and achievement. Some procrastinate in doing anything effective in the real world for fear of evaluation. Instead of living their own lives, they often pursue the leading role in a false and imaginary theater unrelated to the real world. When threatened with reality, they may defend themselves by becoming more and more arrogant and dismissive until the offending stimulus withdraws. If reality overturns their illusion completely, compensating narcissists may retreat more and more into an imaginary world of others who recognize their supposed accomplishments. Their skill lies in enticing and tempting the emotionally needy and naпve, while fulfilling their own hedonistic desires and sexual appetites as they deem necessary. Although their game plan usually implies the possibility of an exclusive relationship, they are not inclined toward genuine intimacy, instead choosing to romance a number of potential conquests simultaneously. They may seem to desire the warm affection of a genuine relationship, but when they find it, they usually feel restless and unsatisfied. Repeated demonstrations of sexual prowess often become an obsession, with "victory" only reinforcing their sense of narcissistic power. Having won others over, they quickly devalue their lovers and feel the need to continue their game elsewhere. For the most part, their partners simply provide a warm body that they can temporarily exploit before boredom overtakes them. As such, amorous narcissists leave behind them a trail of sexual excesses and intricate lies as they maneuver their way from one pathological relationship to another. Confrontation, criticism, and punishment are unlikely to make them change their ways. More than most, the amorous variety is likely to exhibit substantial body narcissism, attending scrupulously to physical appearance, clothes, and other external attributes. Like the compensating variant, these individuals construct a false faзade, but one that amplifies an already superior self-image, not one that compensates for deep feelings of inferiority.

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Risks of morbidity and mortality medicine qid generic amoxicillin 1000 mg on-line, in general medications ranitidine buy 500mg amoxicillin visa, do not exceed those associated with anesthesia alone (239 symptoms 8 months pregnant buy amoxicillin 250mg without prescription, 244 medicine clipart purchase amoxicillin 500mg without a prescription, 245). Electroconvulsive therapy may have cardiovascular side effects, mediated by changes in the autonomic nervous system with the initial stimulus and subsequent seizure activity (239). Retrograde amnesia also improves over time, typically resolving within 6 months (248, 252), although some patients report incomplete recovery of memories, particularly for events around the time of the treatment (247, 254). Rarely, patients report more pervasive and persistent cognitive disruption, the basis of which is uncertain (252, 255). Although data supporting this practice are still few, it does not appear to increase side effects and may augment response (259, 260). Electroconvulsive therapy may be administered either unilaterally or bilaterally (using a bitemporal or bifrontal electrode placement). Compared with patients who receive bilateral treatment, most patients who receive right unilateral electrode placement with low stimulus intensities experience fewer cognitive effects but less therapeutic benefit (253). Failure to induce an adequate seizure should be followed immediately by restimulation at higher energies until an adequate seizure is elicited. Electroconvulsive therapy is typically administered 2­3 times/week; less frequent administration has been associated with less cognitive impairment but also a longer lag in the onset of action (265). Use of a formal rating scale may be helpful in assessing symptom response as well as the cognitive side effects of treatment, permitting adjustments in the treatment parameters or frequency (239, 267). Transient scalp discomfort and headaches were the most commonly reported side effects (280). Vagus nerve stimulation Vagus nerve stimulation is approved for use in patients with treatment-resistant depression on the basis of its potential benefit with long-term treatment. Psychotherapy There has been considerable research on time-limited psychotherapies for major depressive disorder, although the number of studies is smaller than for pharmacotherapies. Most research has focused on individual, in-person, outpatient treatment, in part based on the needs and constraints of research methods. However, research has also begun to explore psychotherapies in differing formats, including groups, over the telephone, and with computer assistance. Clinical considerations and other patient factors should be considered in determining the nature and intensity of psychotherapy. Typically psychotherapy is given in an ambulatory setting, although some Copyright 2010, American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, Third Edition psychotherapies might benefit depressed inpatients, given adequate lengths of stay and courses of treatment (283­ 285). Like pharmacotherapy, the effectiveness of psychotherapy will vary with the skill and training of the therapist. Patient factors, such as the nature and duration of depressive symptoms, beliefs and attitudes toward psychotherapy, and early life experiences. Psychotherapy is particularly useful in addressing the psychosocial stressors and psychological factors that have an impact on the development or maintenance of depressive symptoms. However, one meta-analysis found no large differences in long-term efficacy between any of the major psychotherapies, including dynamic psychotherapy, for mild and moderate depression (286). In terms of longer term outcomes, psychotherapy is generally found to have more prolonged effects than pharmacotherapy after cessation of active treatment. These time-limited treatments are essentially equipotent with antidepressant medications for outpatients with mild to moderate acute depression but probably should be used in conjunction with medication for severe or melancholic major depressive disorder. Nonetheless, in patients who respond to medication, psychotherapy may foster the development of social skills and confidence after years of depression-related impairments (297). The work of psychotherapy itself may generate anxiety or other strong feelings, which may be difficult for patients to manage. An indirect measure of the relative side effects and tolerability of psychotherapy can be obtained from the dropout rates in clinical trials; however, many other factors can also affect these rates. Depending on what can reasonably be expected with the given type of psychotherapy, the psychiatrist should consider a change in the intensity or 47 type of psychotherapy and/or addition or change to medication if psychotherapy for major depressive disorder has not resulted in significant improvement in 4­8 weeks. Cognitive and behavioral therapies In the treatment of depressed patients, psychotherapies that focus primarily on aspects of cognitive patterns and those that emphasize behavioral techniques can be used alone, but are generally used in combination. Cognitivebehavioral therapy combines cognitive psychotherapy with behavioral therapy and maintains that irrational beliefs and distorted attitudes toward the self, the environment, and the future perpetuate depressive affects and compromise functioning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. Behavior therapy for major depressive disorder is based on theoretical models drawn from behavior theory (301) and social learning theory (302). Behavioral activation is a newly articulated behavioral intervention with some positive preliminary results that merit further study (288, 303). Specific behavior therapy techniques include activity scheduling (304, 305), self-control therapy (306), social skills training (307), and problem solving (308). Behavior therapy involves graded homework, scheduling of enjoyable activities, and minimizing unpleasant activities (309). Behavior therapy has demonstrated efficacy, at times superior to cognitive therapy, in treating major depressive disorder (310). Interpersonal psychotherapy is an efficacious treatment for major depressive disorder (296, 313). Studies have shown efficacy of this treatment in depressed primary care patients and patients with more severe depression (311). Interpersonal psychotherapy can also be used as a monthly maintenance therapy to prevent relapse (289, 314, 315). Psychodynamic psychotherapy the term "psychodynamic psychotherapy" encompasses a range of brief to long-term psychotherapeutic interventions (318­320). These interventions derive from psychodynamic theories about the etiology of psychological vulnerability, personality development, and symptom formation as shaped by development and conflict occurring during the life cycle from earliest childhood forward (321­ 325). Some of these theories focus on conflicts related to guilt, shame, interpersonal relationships, the management of anxiety, and repressed or unacceptable impulses. Others address developmental psychological deficits produced by inadequacies or problems in the relationship between the child and emotional caretakers, resulting in problems of self-esteem, sense of psychological cohesiveness, and emotional self-regulation (323, 326­330). Psychodynamic psychotherapy may be brief but usually has a longer duration than other psychotherapies, and its aims extend beyond immediate symptom relief. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is therefore broader than most other psychotherapies, encompassing both current and past problems in interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, and developmental conflicts associated with anxiety, guilt, or shame. Sometimes a goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy, brief or extended, may be to help the patient accept or adhere to necessary pharmacotherapy (331). Although psychodynamic psychotherapy is often used in clinical practice, its efficacy in the acute phase of major depressive disorder remains less well studied in controlled trials than the efficacy in this phase of some other forms of psychotherapy. Problem-solving therapy Problem-solving therapy is a manual-guided, brief treatment lasting six to 12 sessions. This therapy, often administered by nurses or social workers, has been used to prevent depression in elderly and/or medically ill patients, and it has also been used to treat patients with relatively mild depressive symptoms. Some studies have reported modest improvement in patients with mild depressive symptoms. Although problem solving therapy has had limited testing for patients with major depressive disorder, it may have a role in targeted patient populations with mild depression (332­335). Marital therapy and family therapy Marital and family problems are common in the course of mood disorders, and comprehensive treatment often demands assessing and addressing these problems. Marital and family problems may be the consequence of major depressive disorder but may also increase vulnerability to developing major depressive disorder or retard recovery from it (336­339). A number of marital and family therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. Techniques include behavioral approaches (338), problem-focused approaches (340), and strategic marital therapy (341, 342). Family therapy has also been found to be helpful in the treatment of more severe forms of depression in conjunction with medications and hospitalization (343). Group therapy Group psychotherapy is widely practiced, but research on its application to major depressive disorder is limited. Meta-analyses of the relative effectiveness of psychotherapeutic approaches conducted in group format versus individual format have not involved patients with rigorously defined major depressive disorder (352­355). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder, Third Edition On the basis of a very limited controlled study, supportive group therapy has been suggested to have utility in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Individuals experiencing stressors such as bereavement or chronic illness may benefit from contact with others facing similar challenges. Medication maintenance support groups may also offer benefits, although data from controlled trials for patients with major depressive disorder are lacking. Such groups inform the patient and family members about prognosis and medication issues, providing a psychoeducational forum that contextualizes a chronic mental illness in a medical model.

Once these patterns become established medications vs medicine order 250mg amoxicillin free shipping, they can be difficult to change because the thought of behaving in a more assertive manner provokes too much anxiety (how would the other person respond? A new medications keppra cheap amoxicillin 500mg with visa, healthier style of assertive interaction can be learned in place of these old habits symptoms wheat allergy purchase 650 mg amoxicillin mastercard. It is time for you to critically examine whether your current style of relating to others is most appropriate and helpful to you in your life now symptoms definition order 500mg amoxicillin amex. The principles of assertiveness hold that each of us is responsible for ourselves and our actions. It is up to us to choose how to respond to others, and up to them to choose how to respond to us. The Bill of Assertive Rights lists the basic rights of interpersonal interaction to which each of us have claim. Bill of Assertive Rights · · · · · · · · · You have the right to be the judge of what you do and what you think. That is, not what you should do in any situation, but rather what you could choose to do. When you make your decision about how to respond in any given situation, you have these rights to take into consideration. This is particularly relevant in difficult interactions of a recurring nature ­ for example, the colleague who is often rude, a demanding relative. The first step is to use your cognitive challenging skills to identify your thoughts and feelings in the situation and check that they are realistic. There may be a problem, but you will deal with it most effectively if you are realistic about it. Come back later" in a terse manner when you ask for some assistance that it is their job to provide. You could then consider ways you might resolve the situation without having to quit your job! The process of making sure that your interpretations about the situation are realistic helps you to clarify the problem, and it is usually now possible to state the problem more accurately. In this case, the problem might be expressed as: "X often refuses to help me when I need their assistance and does this in a manner which I find slightly aggressive". Structured Problem Solving Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Identify the problem "Brainstorm" potential solutions Critically assess the pros and cons of each potential solution Choose the best solution(s) Plan how to implement the solution(s) Review outcome In step 1 it is important to clarify the problem and state it as accurately as possible, trying to avoid being overly emotional about it or making "cognitive errors" about what is really happening. In step 2 the aim is to think as creatively as possible about potential solutions. If there are people you would feel comfortable talking the problem over with, you can include on your list any suggestions they make. Make sure you also consider what you would like to happen ­ it might not prove the most feasible option, but you owe it to yourself to at least consider your own preferences. Step 3 is where you critically evaluate the pros and cons of each potential solution. Time Money Personal resources and skills including ability to be assertive at his point in time. You will usually find that the time you spend on this structured problem solving exercise is a good investment. It helps to stop worrying in an unstructured, ultimately unhelpful way, and it helps you to feel comfortable that you considered every option that you could think of at the time. In step 4 the best solution, or sometimes combination of solutions is chosen by reviewing the pros and cons of all the options. Step 5 calls for a specific plan of action to be devised for implementing the chosen solution(s): · What will you say and to whom? By planning a review it helps you to recognise that it may not be possible to find the "perfect" solution no matter how hard you have tried. In some cases the review is best scheduled after you have carried out a specific planned behaviour or intervention. In other cases, for example, a situation where you decide to try out a new style of response or of relating to another person, you might decide to review the situation after a certain period of time has elapsed. When you perform your review, re-evaluate the problem, and decide whether it requires further action. If so, go through the above process once more, taking account of what you have learned and the changes that may have occurred. Sending the message effectively If you choose a solution involving direct discussion with another person, send messages effectively and without blame by: · · · · · careful timing using "I" rather than "you" statements. If people choose to react badly to your assertion, then you can regard this as their problem and not some fault of your own. People who attempt to make you feel bad after a healthy assertive encounter are usually trying to manipulate you without concern for your wishes, often because of their own problems of low self esteem. A key word is choose, because you can be assertive and choose not to speak up for your rights, or choose to act more aggressively on occasions. This is quite different from continuously acting passively or aggressively without having any control over how you react. You might choose not to assert your rights in a brief encounter where you judge it is not worth the energy and you will never have to deal with that person again. You also need to consider the longterm consequences to the other person and to the relationship of speaking up for yourself. Your partner, friends, and colleagues may need time to adjust to the positive changes in your behavior. In some relationships, your new assertiveness may challenge the current balance of power and you and the other(s) in the relationship will need to allow time for communication. Try giving responses that illustrate the different styles of reacting in the following examples: Example 1: You are just about to answer a question that your brother has asked you and your father answers for you. Your response to your father is: Nonassertive: Aggressive: Assertive: Example 2: Your friend sees that you are just going shopping. Nonassertive: Aggressive: 54 Assertive: Example 3: When you took a new job 12 months ago, one colleague in particular was very welcoming, helping you to settle in by inviting you to sit with them at lunch, and introducing you to others. Nonassertive: Aggressive: Assertive: Nonassertive Myths There are beliefs that many people hold which make it difficult for them to assert themselves. These beliefs are called myths because they are very rarely tested against reality. It is also important to remember that other people do not always hold the same things to be important as you do. If a friend is late for an appointment, you may say, "If he took me seriously he would have been on time. If you believe in this myth, you will never feel comfortable about asking or giving favors, because you will not see that there is a choice involved. That is, when someone asks you to do something you may feel resentful because you will not be able to say no. Also, you will not be able to ask anyone to do anything because you will believe that they cannot say no! Protective Skills In some situations, your healthy assertion will be met by strong resistance. Others may act aggressively, irrationally, in an extremely emotional fashion, or refuse to listen to your point of view. These are less than ideal in that they rarely resolve a situation in a mutually satisfactory way, but they can help you deal with highly unsatisfactory situations where your assertive behaviour is not reciprocated. Only when this seems to be failing because of an unreasonable response from the other person should you use these "protective skills. For example, saying no, without explanation, over and over again to a pushy salesman or refusing an inappropriate request from a friend, over and over again. It is important to remain calm and not become aggressive yourself, as this can escalate the situation. The most common mistake that people make with this technique is not sticking to the same response, but allowing themselves to be drawn into making further explanations or answering questions that the other person raises. For example, someone continues to complain to you about some past event, despite the fact that you have discussed it many times with them in an effort to help them, and they never seem to listen to advice or try to get over it. When you fail to respond to their complaints, while continuing to respond to other topics of conversation, the lack of response will eventually make it too unrewarding for them to keep bringing it up.

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