Excessive activity of brain immune cells (microglia) in schizophrenia. Excessive activity of brain immune cells (microglia) in schizophrenia Risks of excessive physical activity

The thyroid gland plays a huge role in human life. It produces hormones that play a key role in metabolism and brain activity and directly affect health. Symptoms of problems at work thyroid gland quite fuzzy and blurry, but if you have replaced the signals described below, be sure to go to an endocrinologist and check your health.

Sleep changes

If you previously had no problems sleeping, and then you suddenly begin to suffer from insomnia, then this may signal possible problems with the thyroid gland. If the level of certain hormones in the body exceeds the norm, this leads to overexcitation of the central nervous system. This situation causes insomnia and other situations with impaired quality and duration of sleep. It is responsible for the control of these hormones thyroid.

On the other hand, if you are sleeping sufficient quantity hours, but still feel sleepy and tired, then this may also indicate a similar problem, however, in such a case, the amount of hormones in the body is not higher, but, on the contrary, lower than normal, which leads to similar consequences.

Unreasonable anxiety

If you have not previously complained of causeless anxiety, but suddenly begin to suffer from a similar problem, this may indicate an overreactive thyroid gland. Excessive production of hormones, as mentioned earlier, leads to overexcitation of the central nervous system, which causes anxiety or even panic that appears for no apparent reason. These hormones also affect brain activity, which also has its negative consequences.

Changes in bowel function

Frequent bowel movements may indicate an underactive thyroid gland. The hormones that this gland produces are also responsible for digestion processes, in particular affecting the speed of intestinal function. If you have replaced changes in the digestive process, but there is no poisoning or other similar reasons, then you need to see an endocrinologist.

Hair loss

Hair loss, especially if it occurs on your eyebrows, directly indicates possible problems and violations in this area. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland affects hair growth. The fact is that our hair grows unevenly, while some of the hair follicles are in the sleep or resting stage. Hormonal disorders lead to the fact that the number of bulbs that are in the resting stage increases, which causes a decrease in the amount of hair on the head, eyebrows, etc.

Unreasonable sweating

If you are sweating due to high temperature, performing physical exercises, stressful situations, then this is quite normal, but if you continue to sweat, and there is no reason for it, then, most likely, we are talking about a hormonal disorder. It is the thyroid gland that regulates the body's production of heat energy. Excessive activity increases your metabolism, which causes your body to overheat, which in turn makes you sweat.

Unreasonable weight gain

If you feel that your jeans have become too small for you, but you are one hundred percent sure that you have not changed your eating habits or regime physical activity, then this also serves as a certain signal. Low hormone production causes your metabolism to slow down and calories to be burned much more slowly, leading to unexpected weight gain.

Unreasonable weight loss

On the other hand, if you suddenly fit into clothes of a smaller size, and, again, you did not change your diet and did not introduce additional physical activity, this indicates the opposite interruptions in the functioning of the thyroid gland. In this case, more hormones are produced, which speeds up metabolism. At the same time, people often claim that in such situations their appetite increases, they eat more, but at the same time they do not gain weight, and even, on the contrary, lose it.

Confusion of thinking

If your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, your brain is also not functioning properly. People suffering from insufficient hormone production often complain of confusion, memory problems, forgetfulness, etc. This may also be indicated by general mental apathy and fatigue. If the production of hormones is high, then this can lead to the fact that it is difficult for a person to focus on one thing, and his attention is constantly scattered.

Excessive activity (as if you drank 5 cups of coffee)

An overactive thyroid gland significantly increases the concentration of hormones in the body. At the same time, people are accompanied by a feeling reminiscent of when a person consumes a lot of caffeine. Often, you can observe a rapid heartbeat, even in those moments when a person is simply lying down and resting.

Afternoon nap

Feeling sleepy and tired at lunchtime and wanting to take a nap may also indicate this problem. If the activity of the gland is low, then the production of hormones is not enough for the required level activity and energy throughout the day. This is why you feel tired and sleepy.

Female cycle disorders

If your critical days became more painful or began to occur more frequently, you can blame hormonal disorders. Do not forget to contact a specialist.

Inability to get pregnant and miscarriages

Women who cannot become pregnant and have had a miscarriage early stages pregnancy, you should definitely check with an endocrinologist.

Low hormone levels affect ovulation, which leads to pregnancy problems and miscarriages. Will help improve the situation correct treatment, in particular with the use of hormones in the form of medications.

Developmental problems in children

Such problems are even more dangerous in children, since they cannot detect these symptoms and report them to adults. If you notice that your child is behind in physical development in comparison with peers, suffers from muscle pain or constantly walks around absentmindedly and has difficulty focusing, this may indicate low level hormones in the body. This causes problems in child development.

How to treat thyroid problems?

Both high and low thyroid activity are fairly easy to correct. To do this, the endocrinologist prescribes special medications that help normalize the situation and restore the body’s functioning.

Self-treatment and searching for remedies on the Internet will not only not solve the problem, but can also lead to more serious consequences. That is why you should only turn to a professional for help and not try to solve problems on your own.

Currently, there are several theories that distinguish stages emotional burnout.

J. Greenberg proposes to consider burnout as a five-stage progressive process.

The first stage of emotional burnout("Honeymoon"). The employee is usually satisfied with the work and tasks and treats them with enthusiasm. However, as work stress continues professional activity starts to bring everything less fun and the employee becomes less energetic.

Second stage(“lack of fuel”) Fatigue, apathy appear, and problems with sleep may occur. In the absence of additional motivation and stimulation, the employee loses interest in his work or the attractiveness of working in a given organization and the productivity of his activities disappear. Possible violations labor discipline and detachment (distancing) from professional responsibilities. In case of high motivation, the employee can continue to burn, fueled by internal resources, but to the detriment of your health.

Third stage (chronic symptoms). Excessive work without rest, especially for “workaholics,” leads to such physical phenomena, such as exhaustion and susceptibility to disease, as well as psychological experiences - chronic irritability, heightened anger or a feeling of depression, “backed into a corner.” Constantly experiencing a lack of time (manager syndrome).

Fourth stage(a crisis). As a rule, they develop chronic diseases, as a result of which a person partially or completely loses his ability to work. Feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s own effectiveness and quality of life intensify.

Fifth stage of emotional burnout(“punching through the wall”). Physical and psychological problems go to acute form and can provoke the development dangerous diseases, life-threatening person. The employee has so many problems that his career is at risk.

Dynamic model B. Perlman and E. A. Hartman presents the four stages of burnout.

First stage- tension associated with additional efforts to adapt to situational work demands. There are two most likely types of situations that cause such tension. First: the employee’s skills and abilities are insufficient to meet status, role and professional requirements. Second: the job may not meet his expectations, needs or values. Both situations create a contradiction between the subject and the work environment, which triggers the process of emotional burnout.

Second stage accompanied by strong feelings and experiences of stress. Many stressful situations may not cause corresponding experiences, since there is a constructive assessment of one’s capabilities and the perceived demands of the work situation. The movement from the first stage of emotional burnout to the second depends on the individual’s resources and on status-role and organizational variables.

Third stage accompanied by reactions of the main three classes (physiological, affective-cognitive, behavioral) with individual variations.

Fourth stage represents emotional burnout as a multifaceted experience of chronic psychological stress. Being negative consequence psychological stress, the experience of burnout manifests itself as physical, emotional exhaustion, as the experience of subjective ill-being - a certain physical or psychological discomfort. The fourth stage is figuratively comparable to the “extinction of combustion” in the absence of the necessary fuel.

According to models by M. Burisch (Burisch, 1994), the development of burnout syndrome goes through a number of stages. First, significant energy costs arise - a consequence of an extremely high positive attitude toward performing professional activities.

As the syndrome develops, a feeling of fatigue appears, which is gradually replaced by disappointment and decreased interest in one’s work. It should be noted, however, that the development of emotional burnout is individual and is determined by differences in the emotional and motivational sphere, as well as by the conditions in which a person’s professional activity takes place.

In the development of emotional burnout syndrome, M. Burish identifies next stages or phases.

1. Warning phase

a) Excessive participation:

excessive activity;
refusal of needs not related to work, displacement of experiences of failures and disappointments from consciousness;
limiting social contacts.

b) Exhaustion:

feeling tired;
insomnia;
threat of accidents.

2. Reducing the level of own participation

a) In relation to employees, patients:

loss of positive perception of colleagues;
transition from assistance to supervision and control;
attributing blame for one's own failures to other people;
the dominance of stereotypes in behavior towards employees and patients is a manifestation of an inhumane approach to people.

b) In relation to others around:

lack of empathy;
indifference;
cynical assessments.

c) In relation to professional activities:

unwillingness to fulfill one's duties;
artificial extension of work breaks, tardiness, leaving work early;
emphasis on the material aspect with simultaneous dissatisfaction with work.

d) Increasing requirements:

loss of life ideal, concentration on one’s own needs;
the feeling of being taken advantage of by other people;
envy.

3. Emotional reactions

a) Depression:

constant feeling of guilt, decreased self-esteem;
groundless fears, mood lability, apathy.

b) Aggression:

defensive attitudes, blaming others, ignoring one’s participation in failures;
lack of tolerance and ability to compromise;
suspicion, conflicts with the environment.

4. Destructive behavior phase

a) Sphere of intelligence:

decreased concentration, lack of ability to complete complex tasks;
rigidity of thinking, lack of imagination.

b) Motivational sphere:

lack of own initiative;
decrease in operational efficiency;
performing tasks strictly according to instructions.

c) Emotional and social sphere:

indifference, avoidance of informal contacts;
lack of participation in the lives of other people or excessive attachment to a specific person;
avoidance of work-related topics;
self-sufficiency, loneliness, giving up hobbies, boredom.

5. Psychosomatic reactions and decreased immunity;

inability to relax in free time;
insomnia, sexual disorders;
increased blood pressure, tachycardia, headaches;
pain in the spine, digestive disorders;
addiction to nicotine, caffeine, alcohol.

6. Disappointment and negative life attitude;

Nikki fidgets in her chair, trying to solve a math problem. His eyes wander around the classroom and his foot taps the rhythm of a song he once heard on the radio. Finally he can’t stand it anymore and starts tapping out this rhythm on the table with a pencil. Then the head of the boy sitting in front becomes the object of his “musical exercises”: Nikki tries to repeat the obsessive rhythm on it. Another moment - and both fall to the floor in a fierce fight.

Nikki has been extremely active and active since infancy. Sometimes he becomes explosive and even aggressive, jumping up, screaming and destroying school property. The boy's behavior is affected by his unusual activity - a symptom of a disorder in which children find it difficult to concentrate, maintaining attention on something for a long time. Children like Nikki are characterized by excessive mobility, poor control over the expression of feelings and a constant desire to attract the attention of others.

Excessive activity is not a mental disorder. However, sometimes it is accompanied by serious delays in emotional, mental, and intellectual development. Often this behavior is fraught with stress and can lead to overexcitation. Excessive activity is observed in 5-8% of boys and about 1% of girls - primary school students.

Children who are overly active often have difficulty completing school assignments, as it is not easy for them to concentrate and sit still. These children, as a rule, become the subject of special care of parents and teachers. In one study of children referred to medical clinic regarding their excessive activity, it was found that in 50% of cases the cause of bad or incorrect behavior of children was the situation at school.

Full reasons increased activity schoolchildren have not yet been clarified, but quite definite judgments have been made about many cases. In particular, the opinion of experts regarding such causes as damage to the central nervous system (due to injuries, etc.) and genetic influences is quite stable. Some researchers cite food, children's temperament, or encouragement or reinforcement of inappropriate behavior as causes. But, as usual, there are no simple answers to difficult questions doesn't exist at all. This also applies to the problem of excessive activity of schoolchildren. Most likely, we should be talking about the interaction of many factors that give rise to such behavior.

However, ignorance of the full range of reasons does not mean that there are no ways to prevent excessive activity in children. Today, a variety of methods and prevention methods are used to treat such ailments. Some medications (such as Ritalin) have a calming effect on hyperactive children. These medications help children focus better in class, make fewer mistakes when completing assignments, and concentrate on any activity. True, many parents, teachers and doctors are concerned about the emergence of adverse negative reactions to the use of sedatives, about which very little is still known. For this reason, a more common treatment for hyperactive children is a diet that eliminates sugar, artificial flavors, and nutritional supplements. Good results are achieved by constant and tactful monitoring of the child’s behavior by parents and teachers, as well as purely external factors, such as calming soft blue lighting in in public places. These and similar methods help reduce activity levels somewhat, allowing children to improve their school performance and behavior in the classroom, at home and on the street. Of course, there is no single treatment method. Perhaps the best approach here is a systematic approach, where specialists use several treatment methods simultaneously.

In principle, overly active children usually have good prospects. Many of them finish school, some then go to college, and most find permanent jobs.

Disorder Specialist eating behavior Lauren Malheim outlines the science behind excessive physical activity. How does it manifest itself in anorexia, bulimia or muscle dysmorphia? What are its risks and what to do if you suspect that you or someone close to you has an unhealthy passion for sports - read this article.

What is excessive physical activity?

Talking about bad habits for an eating disorder, most people will mention induced vomiting, but exercise is usually not something anyone thinks about. Those who study hard are often praised for their discipline and people admire them strong motivation. However, when physical activity becomes excessive, it can lead to serious consequences.

In one of the largest studies on excessive physical activity, it was described as follows:

Physical activity that interferes with other important activities.

Training more than 3 hours a day.

Negative emotions if the training did not take place.

Frequent training at inappropriate times and in places not intended for this, inability or insufficient attempts to restrain oneself.

Training despite injury, illness or complication.

Animal studies have shown that eating disorders can be triggered by excessive physical activity. For example, when scientists restricted the diet of rats, leaving Free access to the running wheel, the rats began to run vigorously. Amazingly, when given food, these rats preferred to continue running. If left unchecked, they would literally work themselves to death.

These rats exhibited the same behavior as the patients anorexia nervosa who starve themselves. It would seem logical that starving rats (and people) should become less active, but no.

In children with anorexia nervosa, dietary restriction is usually accompanied by an increase in activity. They cannot sit still, fidget and often run around aimlessly. They do not express the conscious intention to burn calories like older teens and adults.

Thus, excessive physical activity or sports appears to be a biologically determined desire that is provoked by energy imbalance during dietary restriction.

Physical activity for anorexia nervosa

Hyperactivity is a common, intriguing, and well-described symptom of anorexia nervosa. It was noticed back in 1873 by the French physician Ernest Charles Lasegue, who was one of the first to describe this disorder. Lasegue noted that patients with anorexia showed high level activity that seemed inconsistent with their lack of nutrition:

“Against the background of decreased muscle strength, there is an increasing tendency to move. The patient feels lighter and more active, rides horses (the French text mentions "long walks"), goes to visit and receive guests, and retains the ability to take part in the tiring events of social life without experiencing the fatigue of which he would complain in other situations." (Lasegue, 1873, p.266)

In one study, excessive exercise was present in 37-54% of patients with anorexia nervosa (depending on the subtype). Patients may underestimate the amount of time spent on physical activity, making it difficult for doctors and others involved in treatment to assess the situation adequately.

Patients typically describe exercise as a compulsive activity. They continue training, ignoring signs of fatigue, bad feeling and lack of energy. Here's what one of the study patients said:

“Before I started treatment, I could only sit down during meals, the rest of the time I felt like I didn’t deserve to rest. I was so restless that I just couldn’t relax... I feel like something is forcing me to train..."

Excessive exercise in anorexia nervosa is associated with younger patients and more anxious personalities. obsessive states and perfectionism.

Physical activity for bulimia nervosa

Excessive physical activity is listed in the 3rd edition of the Handbook of Diagnostics and Statistics mental disorders" (DSM-III-R) from 1987 among diagnostic criteria bulimia nervosa. The modern, 5th edition of the “Directory” (DSM-5) indicates that with bulimia nervosa, compensatory behavior is observed, which may include induced vomiting, as well as short-term fasting, use of laxatives and diuretics, exercise.

Excessive physical activity is a common compensatory behavior. In one study, excessive exercise was found in 20-24% of patients with bulimia nervosa.

Physical activity for muscle dysmorphia

Excessive physical activity - common symptom muscle dysmorphia, a relatively new disease that primarily affects bodybuilders. According to some researchers, the disorder is a subset of anorexia nervosa in patients with a gender identity characterized by more traditional masculinity. In accordance with modern diagnostics The disorder is classified as a type of body dysmorphic disorder with an eating disorder.

Patients with muscle dysmorphia are characterized by a persistent belief that they have insufficiently developed muscles. They take actions aimed at muscle growth, including extreme training and eating a diet that promotes growth. muscle mass(often with lots of protein). Sometimes patients use muscle growth supplements and steroids. 71% of men with muscle dysmorphia abuse weightlifting and 64% abuse gym training.

Risks of excessive physical activity

Risks include electrolyte imbalances, heart problems, muscle atrophy, injuries and sudden death. Patients with anorexia often have weak bones, so in general they are more prone to fractures; physical stress due to excessive exercise increases this risk.

Abuse physical exercise among patients with anorexia nervosa is associated with more long treatment in hospital and more frequent relapses. Excessive physical activity is also associated with more high risk suicides.

Excessively strenuous exercise immediately after discharge from the hospital suggests an imminent relapse of the disease. Exercise can reinforce the beliefs that keep someone trapped in an eating disorder and interfere with weight gain when that is the goal of treatment.

For these and other reasons, doctors typically recommend that patients with eating disorders stop exercising until they are in stable remission.

How to understand that training is harmful?

Determining whether physical activity is excessive can be difficult, especially among athletes. Main sign Excessive training is not so much in the amount of physical activity, but in motivation and attitude towards it: If working out has become an obsessive habit, a way to influence your figure or weight, and skipping workouts causes you to feel guilty, this indicates an unhealthy attitude.

An elite athlete may train more than someone with an eating disorder, but the sufferer's training may be excessive, whereas the athlete's attitude is different; his attitude is not the problem and does not make his physical activity excessive.

It should also be noted that eating disorders are more common in athletes than in other people, especially in sports where being thin is important. Thus, it is necessary to monitor the condition of athletes who exhibit alarming symptoms.

If you notice them in yourself or a loved one, you may need to seek help!

If you or someone you love has signs of excessive exercise and/or an eating disorder, eating disorder therapy, including psychotherapy, can help manage both problems. Cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, which helps change both the behavior itself and the underlying beliefs about sports, can help achieve moderation and balance.