Psychopharmacology Essay Sample

Psychopharmacology Essay Sample Psychopharmacology and the Effects of Discontinuance Essay Example Psychopharmacology and the Effects of Discontinuance Essay Example Psychiatric medications have been used to control mental disorders for a long time. Their use has been based on little pharmacological understanding of their mode of action in the patients. However, the medication has played a critical role in restoring normalcy in the patient’s mental state of mind. Some medication has impacted negatively on the patient’s health, especially after discontinuation. As a result, there has been an increased need for the caregivers in the psychiatric department to understand the pharmacological impact of the drugs and a wide range of side effect after withdrawal. Most patient use psychiatric medication because of the intense mental, psychological or emotional stress. However, although mental medication normally modifies the patient’s attitude just like any other psychoactive substances, it is essential to understand that such medication does not alter the underlying cause of emotional discomfort. There is a wide range of effects related to the discontinuation of psychiatric medications which includes somatic withdrawal syndrome, a condition that is often mistaken for a relapse. Besides, rapid onset psychotic response after drug withdrawal is common, especially for both neuroleptic drugs and clozapine. However, such outcomes are usual since much research on the medication is flawed. Moreover, there is the fact that current psychiatric conditions are iatrogenic. From the research, it evident that more analysis and investigation on psychiatric medication is essential in order to ensure adverse effects of drug discontinuation does not outweigh the benefits. Understanding Psychopharmacology Clear understanding of the drug pharmacology and its mechanism of action plays a critical role in explaining not only the therapeutic impact and side effects, but also the adverse effects when the medicine is discontinued (Wenzel, 2014). Therefore, a broad review and analysis of the potential consequences connected with the discontinuation of the numerous psychotropic medications is essential. Nowadays, commonly used antidepressants have low instances of side effects when compared to previously used ones. However, some less serious and potentially harmful side effects are associated with a range of new antidepressants prevalent in the market today in an attempt to argument the efficacy (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). Therefore, primary caregivers engaged in the modern psychiatry in the field of psychopharmacologic treatment of depression are required to be aware of the wide range of both minor and serious side effects. The paper largely focuses on psychopharmacology and the effects of disco ntinuing psychotropic medication. Most individuals start taking psychiatric medications due to an extreme sense of distress. The patient is either experiencing overwhelming states of emotional or psychological distress or a combination of both conditions. However, different labels are used for such states such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, and mania among others and the labeling changes over time (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). In most instances, the physician informs the patients that their emotional discomfort is a result of mental disorders that have biochemical basis. Moreover,their distress is dangerous and needs to be controlled with the help of psychiatric drugs treatment. Mental medication normally effects the brain and modifies the attitude and awareness just like any other psychoactive substance (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). However, most medications can blunt or control the symptoms of the emotional discomfort by relaxing an individual, shocking the sensitivity, or making patients sleep. The y usually enable people to feel capable of living their lives more comfortably (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). Nonetheless, it is crucial to understand that psychiatric medication does not alter the underlying causes of the emotional distress or discomfort. It is often understood as the tool for coping mechanism that alleviates symptoms and paves the way for the transformation, but with significant risks for anyone who consumes the medication. Just like any other altering substances, psychiatric drugs are psychoactive and adjust the mind behavior through influencing the brain chemistry. Their importance and risks usually result from shifting the brain and altering the consciousness, including the placebo and expectation. In the current medical practice, psychiatric drugs shift the levels of chemicals known as neurotransmitters (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). Such chemicals are linked with the mental and mood functioning, and all the cells in the nervous systems, including the brain cells, utilize the neurotransmitters to communicate with one another. When the neurotransmitters’ levels change within the body system, the receptor that receives and controls the neurotransmitter, tends to be more sensitive, thus shrinks in order to adjust (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). For instance, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to increase the level of the neurotransmitter in the brain, thus reducing the number of brain serotonin receptors. Furthermore, antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol usually lower the amount of dopamine receptors in the mind (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). The action of the neurotransmitters and the receptors is usually the same in any form of psychoactive medication. Alcohol affects the neurotransmitter including serotonin and dopamine, and the cocaine alters the levels of both serotonin and dopamine (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). Despite the risk of psychiatric drugs, the benefits of the medications are widely promoted. The most important aspect of the drugs tends to be mixed with misleading claims. There are different ways psychiatric drugs can be useful. For instance, sleep deprivation is a single cause or contributor to emotional crisis and the psychiatric medication is used to control the condition (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). It is established that psychiatric drugs protect individuals from emotional crisis that is so severe that threatens their mental stability and even their lives. It is reported that symptoms feel manageable on medications and the episodes of depression or mania are eased. Besides, interrupting crisis and getting adequate sleep enable the patient to reduce stress, an aspect that decreases life chaos (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). It is, usually, the groundwork for a greater stability and addresses a situation that could have been difficult to control. Irrespective of the medical principle of informed consent, physicians usually tend to leave crucial information about the psychiatric drugs they prescribe to the patients. Higher doses and extended use of such drugs changes tend to be deeper and long lasting (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). The drugs are often very difficult to stop using because of their adverse effects associated with withdrawal. Though the brain has the potential to heal and repair itself, such process takes a long period for it to recover fully from the withdrawal (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). Besides, it is essential to understand that neuroleptic drugs, though claimed to be anti-psychotic, rarely target psychosis or specific symptoms of mental disorder. Instead, they only diminish the brain functioning in general for any patient using the above medication. Most patients using the drugs report that their psychotic symptoms continue to persist though their emotional reaction tends to lessen. Health and Mental Risk Associated with the Psychiatric Drugs Deciding whether to come off psychiatric drugs implies evaluating both the risks and benefits involved, including essential information about the effects. However, drug effects can vary significantly among individuals. Psychiatric drugs are harmful and can injure the patient’s body (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). Neuroleptic drugs can cause life-threatening problems known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome as well as Parkinson disease. Besides, regular blood checkup is crucial for drugs such as lithium and clozapine in order to assess any potential physical harm. Besides, many psychiatric drugs have been found to lead to sudden heart attack, kidney failure, and other serious blood disorders among other effects (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). Other toxic effects include interfering with the normal menstrual cycle flow, pregnancy, and serotonin syndrome. Furthermore, psychiatric drugs have the potential to injure the brain cells. For instance, tardive dyskinesia is a common problem that leads to disfigurement of the persons facial fits. It is very widespread among the patients taking high and enduring anti-psychotic drugs (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). Antipsychotic medication has been found to cause brain shrinkage while anti-depressant leads to memory problems and increases vulnerability to depression. Other effects include mental and cognitive impairment and brain injury. The drug effect poses the risk of lowering the quality of life, including decreased sexuality, depression, and increased sense of restlessness. Lithium medications interact with water and salt within the patient’s body, leading to potency fluctuation (Wenzel, 2014). Although regular blood tests are used to keep the lithium dosage in check, individuals using the medication are usually at a higher risk of exposure to it. Other psychiatric drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall have been reported to cause stunted growth among the children. They also present an unknown risk to the normal brain growth. Besides, just like amphetamines, Ritalin and Adderall are also addictive and cause psychosis and heart problems (Wenzel, 2014). Mental health risks are the least understood aspects of psychiatric medications. Such medications make psychotic symptoms worse and raise the likelihood of having a crisis. The drugs have the potential to change receptors. For instance, such neurotransmitter as dopamine makes a patient supersensitive to psychosis (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). As a result, it raises sensitivity of the emotions and the experiences. It has been reported that psychiatric drug prompts suicidal feelings as one of the psychotic symptoms. However, physicians tend to respond by prescribing more drugs to the diagnosis. Furthermore, many people experience increasing change in personality, including feeling drugged, emotional blunting, reduced physics, and impaired creativity (Wenzel, 2014). Patients taking psychiatric medication, particularly anti-psychotics, have been found to develop long term problems as mental patients. Side Effect of Psychopharmacology Discontinuance The discontinuation or reduction of psychiatric drugs leads to adverse medical problems. The somatic discontinuation syndrome also commonly known as a withdrawal reaction is the most prevalent. The syndrome usually refers to the psychological expression of the biological effects caused by the discontinuation of a regularly administered medication (Marin EscoÃŒ bar, 2013). Such syndromes have previous been conceptualized as resulting from biological adaptations to the continued psychotic drug use, which became suddenly unopposed when the drug is withdrawn, especially abruptly. It is now established that the withdrawal syndrome occurs with a wide array of medications, and not only the anti-depressants and neuroleptics. However, the response to the lithium medication has been recognized as the most frequent (Landry Skalli, 2010). In some instances, the discontinuation reaction has been reported to persist for an extended period of times (Marin EscoÃŒ bar, 2013). Besides, the most c ases of withdrawal symptoms usually included behavioral and psychological ones such as restlessness, anxiety, and impaired sleep which are often interpreted as the signs of relapse. Rapid Onset Psychosis Rapid onset psychosis is one of the common effects of psychopharmacology discontinuation. It entails occurrence of the psychotic incidents shortly after withdrawal from long term usage of psychiatric drugs, particularly neuroleptic. However, the occurrence of such cases is higher in clozapine, where a number of cases have demonstrated this effect in the patients with both treatment resistance and responsive psychosis (Marin EscoÃŒ bar, 2013). The rapid onset psychosis appears usually few days after the withdrawal, and the symptoms tend to be consistent including visual hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and hostility. Nonetheless, most of the cases have been documented in the people without previous psychiatric histories. In addition, there are few cases of new onset psychotic symptoms documented in the patients that were previously diagnosed with manic depression problem (Landry Skalli, 2010). Nonetheless, evidence points out the possibility that psychotic reaction tends to be distinctive from the underlying disorder and usually represents an iatrogenic syndrome. The prevalence of the people without previous known psychiatric history strengthens the evidence to this effect and the new start of specific signs documented in many other cases (Marin EscoÃŒ bar, 2013). The comparative constancy of the symptoms also indicates the possibility that they are all related to the symptoms of stimulant psychosis attributed to over-activity of the dopamine. However, the rapidity of the onset indicates that the phenomenon is a physical manifestation of the withdrawal process. Furthermore, in the case of clozapine, it is explicit that the occurrence of the effects coincided with the somatic withdrawal syndrome (Landry Skalli, 2010). Although it is challenging to understand how frequent the somatic syndrome is, it has been described commonly after the clozapine withdrawal, an aspect att ributable to the clozapine short half-life. However, as for the psychiatric drugs with a longer half-life, a withdrawal psychosis is often misinterpreted for a naturally occurring reversion, since its onset tends to be less rapid (Marin EscoÃŒ bar, 2013). Psychological Reaction and Misattribution Theoretically, reduction or discontinuation of psychiatric drugs has the potential to prompt psychological reactions that are similar to the opposite of the placebo effect commonly known as the nocebo effect (Landry Skalli, 2010). The term describes a situation where expectation of illness induces real illness. A number of investigations have shown that individuals can become ill and psychologically stressed through suggestion. Nocebo effect is the idea that the outcome of the withdrawal may become influenced by the negative anticipation of the psychiatric patients or others involved with their care. It is usually influenced by either reduction of the drug supply in the body or the somatic withdrawal because of the drug amount reduced (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). Theoretically, it can be distinguished from the psychological symptoms displayed directly by the biological effects of the drug discontinuation though in practice it might be problematic. Nonetheless, a psychologica l reaction might be less consistent in its symptom profile and the onset rather than the withdrawal symptom (Landry Skalli, 2010). Therefore, anxiety tends to be the most prominent symptom of misattribution. An individual involved with the patients’ care experiences substantial anxiety about changes in medication, specifically, in the reduction in long-term drug treatment. As a result, such feeling may be transferred to the patient and tend to exacerbate the psychological reaction in the patients (Sinacola Peters-Strickland, 2012). Besides, there is a related scenario that normal long-term fluctuations in the patient’s condition are misattributed to the impact of the drug withdrawal by the patient or others who are concerned about the outcome of the reduction. It is a very common incident and occurs when clinical offices are opposed to the decision to decrease discontinuation of the medication (Stahl, 2014). In such situation, all the negative events that happen after change in the psychiatric drug schedule are related to it irrespective of the previous occurrences. Psychological reaction is a very critical concept just like physiological withdrawal syndrome; it is usually mistaken for relapse. Moreover, they contribute to the re-occurrence of the psychotic illness (Stahl, 2014). Re-Occurrence of an Underlying Condition This complication results from the relapse or the exacerbation of the underlying medical illness due to discontinuation of the psychiatric drugs. The association between the decreased medication and relapse is usually complex (Stahl, 2014). However, a relapse occurs after the prescribed medications discontinuation largely because of the removal of the beneficial prophylactic impacts of the medication (Wenzel, 2014). Furthermore, the withdrawal process in itself also induces a degeneration that would not otherwise have ensued during the time of the natural course of the disorder. Despite the earlier skepticism, there is a consensus that discontinuing of lithium medication raises the risk of relapse of the manic depression above the levels related to the natural course of the mental illness. The increased risk of relapse is usually common within the first few days of discontinuations and usually ends thereafter. However, high rate of relapse occurs after a rapid withdrawal compared to a gradual withdrawal (Stahl, 2014). Besides, the rate of recurrence after withdrawal from lithium medication usually exceeds the rates of episodes before lithium medication initiation (Wenzel, 2014). Pharmacodynamics Adaptation Long-term use of psychiatric drugs, especially those that suppress specific neurotransmitters, is believed to cause the compensatory rises in the number of sensitivity of the relevant receptors. When such receptors are no longer suppressed by the drugs, there is usually an over activity of the neurotransmitters systems (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). It results in characteristic discontinuation syndromes that lead to rapid onset psychosis and eventually pharmacodynamics stress, which increases the vulnerability to a relapse. Furthermore, research on the super sensitivity psychosis has indicated that humans exhibit shifts in dopamine receptors, especially after a long period of neuroleptic drug use. Nonetheless, the connection between dopamine and psychosis receptor over-sensitivity has not been examined empirically while presumed manifestations of dopamine super-sensitivity such as prolactin sensitivity have not been demonstrated consistently (EÃŒ lie et al., 2010). Elevated risk of relapse consequent on the discontinuation of the medication is largely attributed to the same model of pharmacodynamics adaptations. Abrupt withdrawal of neuroleptics and lithium is usually associated with elevated risks. On the other hand, gradual withdrawal would be consistent with such explanation because of the lower opportunity for adaptations and return to normal (Landry Skalli, 2010). Since the adaptation is usually present only for weeks in human after a single dose, it explains why the risk of relapse persists months after the initial withdrawal. Furthermore, psychological reaction to the discontinuation of the psychiatric medication causes symptom and increases the vulnerability to relapse. Research case studies indicate such effects in humans with psychosis. However, psychological reaction is also very prevalent among individual suffering from depression (Landry Skalli, 2010). Besides, psychological effects combine with pharmacodynamics mechanisms in dif ferent ways. For instance, elimination sedating and intoxicating effects of the medication raise the anxiety directly or indirectly by reminding people that their medication is being discontinued. Therefore, the psychological reactions of the staffs, patients, and the caregivers are critical determinants of the success or failure of discontinuation (Landry Skalli, 2010). In conclusion, it is evident that though psychopharmacology plays a critical role in psychiatry; withdrawal often leads to a variety of effects either minor or serious. Although antidepressants and other medication alleviate the potential impairing syndrome of depression and other mental illnesses, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of their side effects in order to maintain compliance (Wenzel, 2014) However, since the adverse effects outlined above may be mistaken for a re-emergence of the underlying illness, it will be essential to re-evaluate the evidence on the value of maintenance of the psychiatric medications. The placebo groups are often subject to above adverse effects. However, since such facts are often overlooked, they are attributable to the underlying illness and are taken as evidence of superiority of the continued use of such medications (Goldberg Ernst, 2012). When relapse is basically evaluated simply as clinical deterioration, somatic discontinuation symptoms, as well as anxiety induced process are mistaken for it. There is the critical need for improvement in the awareness of the side effects of the psychiatric medications used in the treatment of most disabling mental illnesses (Stahl, 2014). As a result, it will play a critical role in eliminating misinterpretation evident between side effects and relapse of the condition and ensure that the benefits of discontinuation outweigh the side effects.

Human Growth and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Human Growth and Development - Essay Example sociological and biological interactions of the individual sets off an individual on deviant behavior which when left untreated debilitates the scope of a normal adulthood (Castellanos-Ryan et al, 2013, p41). Drug abuse and addiction is today a major public health concern. Drugs modify normal brain functioning in regions of the brain mainly associated with thinking, reasoning and cognition (Gould, 2010, p4). Neurotoxins have lesser impact on developing brains because of the resilient ability of the brains; however, exposure to drugs and alcohol interrupts the normal brain development and interferes with key processes of the brain, deteriorates white matter quality and leads to abnormal neuronal pattern (Squeglia et al, 2009, p31). Swendson et al (2010, p390) carried out a cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence of addiction among U.S. adolescents and found that by the late adolescent years 79% had consumed alcohol while 81% had tried illicit drugs at least once. The median age for onset for both alcohol and drug addiction was set at 14 years (Swendson et al, 2010, p392).90% of American who are addicted today started smoking, drug abuse and drinking during adolescent years (Park,2011)Nowadays, news reports are flooded with instances of drug abuse within schools and university campuses. Some consider use of certain drugs for recreational purpose or for added advantage. Hard drug usage is on the rise in the Michigan Campus (Radwin, 2014). According to the Office of Adolescent Health in 2011, 605 of Michigan high school students abused tobacco, 18% were addicted to alcohol while a good percentage of students abused hard drugs such as marijuana and cocaine (Office of Adolescent Health, 2011). With the incr easing numbers of growing teenagers falling prey to such instances it is obvious that the access to abusive substances is prevalent. One of the therapies that has been scientifically proven to benefit drug addiction is spirituality. Even though religion is

Nursing assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nursing - Assignment Example Meanwhile, public-private interventions include the 5-a-day Consortium. Methods used to analyze the intersectoral/interagency collaboration and public–private partnerships include the social determinants of health which analyze the units of interventions, intersectoral/interagency and inter-program relationships, public–private partnerships, and capacity to influence policy. Findings of the study found out that interviewees assumed that the price of fruits and vegetables is too high, particularly for the poorest among the population. Access to fruit and vegetable content of school meals are slow and availability of fresh fruit is scant. The 5-a-day Consortium has addressed acceptability and improvement of quality and access to fruits and vegetables. Despite proposed solutions to increase intake of fruits and vegetables among Chilean population and to enhanced partnerships between interlocal agencies and public and private sectors, conflicts between commercial and social interests still occur and created a significant effect on public policies. As documented by the WHO, increasing individual fruit and vegetable consumption to up to 600 g daily would reduce the worldwide burden of ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, esophageal, lung and colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases, and other chronic noncommunicable diseases. In addition, the study also affect the collaboration between interlocal agencies and different sectors as political actions are also important determinants of health in resolving issues related to oppression of underserved Chilean in terms of fruit and vegetable consumption. Based upon the social determinants/pathway of Chilean population, deep inequities are observed between income levels, ethnic groups, regions affecting mainly women, children and underemployed workers; food intake are affected by global trends in

The United States Essay Example for Free

The United States Essay Most of the people in America are actually immigrants. In 2007, immigrants in the United States reached 37. 9 million (Center for Immigration Studies, 2007). It is therefore obvious that everyone has their own cultural background aside from that of Americas own culture. This contributes to a persons uniqueness, as well as to the diversity of the people in America. There are a lot of different reasons why people choose to immigrate to America but the main reason is â€Å"living the American dream. † The United States is seen by many as a place to start a new life. They believe that America brings endless opportunities. It is also a place where every person is free. They are not limited by their roots culture and traditions. Of course, not all finds these things in America. For the lucky ones, they find their lives getting better. They do not have regrets about coming to America. They learn about the new surroundings and adapt to the countrys culture and traditions without difficulty. This is probably the best reason to stay in the United States; to learn more and be able to explore more of yourself by adapting another culture and tradition. The American culture is very interesting. It is known as the â€Å"melting pot† of all nationalities because one can find almost all types of nationalities here. Individualism plays a major role in everyones lives. It sets them apart from everyone else. Because of these reasons, it seems hard to set a definite culture and tradition for the American people. Everyone has their own thing to do and respects everyone elses businesses. At home, they usually have their own schedules of who will do the chores for the day or week. Family members are not known to be close with each other. As well, children are not required to share things with their parents. At school, Americans do not practice calling their teachers as sir or madame. They are not obliged to standing up when a teacher enters or exits the room. They work they way to graduation by their own with minimal supervision from the teachers. Also, young people are not forced to attend college because many jobs are available even to those who do not finish a higher education. People are more liberal in this country. Fame, money, and glamor are considered important. The media and Hollywood plays a great role in shaping the minds of the young adults. Violence, sex, and crimes are rampant. On a brighter note, people are more open-minded. They are adventurous and are willing to try out new things. The world of sports, as in basketball, baseball, and football, is also popular. Americans spend a great deal of money just to watch a good game. They also love celebrations and holidays. One of the main holidays they commemorate is the Fourth of July, which is their independence day. Although religion and spirituality is not very focused on, most Americans are Protestants with Roman Catholic only second in place (CIA: The World Fact Book, 2008). There are also some who do not belong to any religious groups. Another interesting thing about the culture of the American people is how they love eating. They have a passion for food. Cooking schools and cooking shows are everywhere. A person can find a dining place in every street. The diversity of the food is also interesting because it shows just how many nationalities are there in the country. One is not limited on what to eat and the places to eat because of the abundance of restaurants, cuisines, diners, and fast foods everywhere. On the other hand, Japan can be considered to have one of the richest cultures in the world. They have cultures and traditions that sets them aside from their neighboring Asian countries. One of the different things that the Japanese people can boast about is the language, which is Japanese. Although this is their primary language, English is also taught in school. At home, they have traditional Japanese furniture and shoes are left outside the house to avoid damage to the floor. Grandparents usually stay with the family instead of living in nursing homes. The Japanese are also famous for their tea ceremony called Chanoyu. It is believed to bring harmony (Sosnoski, 1996). They also celebrate their holidays in a festival way. Some of their holidays include New Year (shogatsu), Coming of Age (seijin no hi), Spring Eqinox Day (shunbun no hi), and Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi). With regard to religion, most Japanese practice Buddhism, which was first introduced in 552 (Murthy, 1989). As well, Japan is known for their traditional dress called Kimono, geisha, and public baths. These are only some of Japaneses culture and traditions. Indeed, it can be said that they are very rich in this area. These similarities and differences of the two countries do not really affect my way of life because I have already accepted them as my past and present. I do not limit myself to one cultural background because then, I will lose my individualism. One just have to accept these similarities and differences for it not to have an affect on their life. My cultural background does not really affect the American way of life because our number are only few considered to other groups. I think that the main contribution of the Japanese culture to that of the Americans is the Japanese food and cuisine, which is very popular among Americans. Learning about my own culture is not at all hard because it is still practiced at home with my family. Also, there are many source available for me to study about Japan including books and the Internet although I am in the United States. I make sure that I learn something new about Japan every now and then. In this way, I do not lose my identity as a Japanese though I was born and raised in America. Immigrants are able to preserve their own culture and customs while living an American life by speaking their native languages or practicing their traditions at home (Yoshinaga, Mitsuaki, Roberts, 2000). As an adult, I have not developed a new culture. I want to believe that I am American, though I have a Japanese background. I live as any person in America does, which means that I am living the American way with regard to the customs, beliefs, and traditions. I believe that this is not hard as long as a person knows who he or she really is and what he or she want to become. I think that it does not matter where a person is born or raised, or even what his or her cultural background is. Identity is important. An individual has to choose what to follow, especially when not in his or her own home land. A person can not help but follow what is there in front of them. Generally, it is hard to fit in another group while practicing the ways of another group. It does not really matter what a person chooses or if the person even chooses just as long as he or she knows what he or she really wants. Being an immigrant can be hard but it also means expanding your knowledge and experience about certain things. It should be seen as a new way to learn more about ones self. It is important to have an identity but diversity should also be kept in mind. There should be no limit as to what a person should follow or believe. America, as stated, is the melting pot of all cultures and backgrounds. Even those who opt not to believe in anything can be seen here. It is so diverse yet each person is unique. Living in the United States does not mean that a person has to forget about his or her background and beliefs. A person can still practice what he or she has grown to know while living the American way of life. Even if not raised in a Japanese culture, I can still be a Japanese in my own way. I do not have to disregard my background just because I live in America and was born here. It can be admitted that American and Japanese cultures are very different from each other. Although this is the case, I still believe that these things do not take an effect on my life because I have learned to respect each cultures differences. This is important to be able to live a peaceful life wherein there is no conflict between the two. I think that as long as I respect that they are not the same and that I can not live both ways, everything will turn out as I want them to be. Not living in your home land does not have to complicated. I can still be a Japanese though I am American in my ways. Being a Japanese is a part of my past while being an American is my present and future. Together, it is who I choose to be. References Center for Immigration Studies. (2007, November). Immigrants in the United States,2007. A Profile of Americas Foreign-Born Population.Retrieved March 5, 2008, from http://www. cis. org/articles/2007/back1007. html Central Intelligence Agency. (2008, February 28). The World Fact Book. Retrieved March 5, 2008, from https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world- factbook/geos/us. html#People Murthy, K. (1989). Buddhism in Japan. Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan. Sosnoki, D. (1996). Introduction to Japanese Culture. Boston: Tuttle Publishing. Yoshinaga, M. , Oyabu, T. , Roberts, D. (2000). American Culture versus Japanese Culture in the Social Structure. Reports of Kyushu school of Engineering, Kinki University, 28,

Outstanding Outsourcing Essay example -- Essays, Papers, Globalization

Outstanding Outsourcing â€Å"It (outsourcing) is not a our father’s traditional foreign trade. Goods are not being traded. Offshore production is not a case of US making good X and trading it (to another country) for good Y. It is a case of the US ceasing to make X in the US and making it (in another country) instead† (â€Å"Outsourcing champs say India critical to their success†). This quote leads to the differences between outsourcing and trade. Trade is a matter that had threatened the unskilled people in the labor force, which encouraged many of them to learn some sort of skill. Unlike trade, however, outsourcing is a threat to skilled workers. It is true that outsourcing had been around for many years and that it is no new matter. Yet outsourcing has gained more attention than ever because of all the recent layoffs and cost-cuttings that the U.S. economy has been suffering through. The option that American companies, specifically the software and IT sectors, have turned t o is outsourcing to the Third World countries such as India. Although companies benefit from such activities, do the skilled workers of the U.S. share the same fate? How does the Leak, Match, Trap Theory apply to this situation and can it help predict the outcome? And is India affected by the U.S. outsourcing? The U.S. is better at providing services. Service workers, such as the computer programmers and electrical engineers, really have no worries about trade and are rather immune to it. In spite of that, outsourcing is like a virus to them. It started with the recession that was gradually creeping up on to the U.S. economy as unemployment was beginning to rise in the late 1990’s. September 11, 2001 only made the situation worse by adding more s... ... expansion spree in India†. India Abroad (International Weekly Newspaper). April 23, 2004. Gumpert, David E. â€Å"Misadventures in Indian Outsourcing†. http://www.businessweek.com:/print/smallbiz/content/apr2004/sb2004041_5674.htm?sb April 1, 2004. Irwin, Douglas A. Free Trade Under Fire. Princeton University Press: Princeton, New Jersey. 2003. Luckovich, Mike for the comic strip on the cover sheet. THE DENVER POST. February 21, 2004. McKay, Jim. â€Å"Why did jobs go? Look in Bangalore†. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04081/288539.stm March 21, 2004. â€Å"Outsourcing champs say India critical to their success†. The Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-514534,prtpage-1.cms February 23,2004. â€Å"Outsourcing good for US economy†. http://www.rediff.com/money/2004/mar/31bpol.htm March31,2004.

Mount & Blade Warband Faction

Mount and Blade: Warband Quick Guide to the Nations Mount and Blade: Warband already from the start throws you into somewhat deep waters, asking you where do you wish to begin your adventure. The choice might feel like purely a â€Å"starting point†, since you can go anywhere you wish on the map, do whatever you like, without any â€Å"national constraints†. But to the more careful observer, each nation, both as a starting point, ally and unit choice has its individual strengths and weaknesses. In this guide we will look briefly at each nation, so that you might have an easier choice deciding who is best sided with, at the beginning.Map of Caldaria. Orange- Swadia, White- Vaegirs, Blue- Nords, Yellow- Sultanate, Purple- Khergit, Green- Rhodok. Mount and Blade: Warband Quick Guide to the Nations Kingdom of Nords These merry fellows, who look like Vikings, are the strongest shock troops you can find. A Nord Huscarl might not have a war-horse like a Swadian Knight, but his axe does the talking. When gathering a Nord force you will immediately notice a substantial lack in cavalry, as well as a general lack in proper ranged units. What they lack in those two areas they make up in high quality infantry. Nord infantry uses axes.Be it battle axes, two-handed axes, throwing axes, or forks with axes. They will also have a selection of blades and other thrown weapons. They will use exclusively round shields, and an orderly round shield wall will never be pierced by any attack. Nord Infantry also uses quality armour, which gives them a decent edge against enemy infantry and cavalry, while their shields will block most types of ranged weapons with ease. Due to their sturdiness and weapon choice Nords are useful both as an attack, and a defense force. A dense group of Nord warriors will create an impenetrable wall of shields and axes in the open.During an attack, Nords will storm a castle, and with mild ease destroy any shields the defenders could be using. Mea nwhile, a Nord defense force guarding a castle might as well be outnumbered 10:1, given the right circumstances, and still win. A Nord shield wall awaiting a worthy foe. The Nord lack of cavalry and proper ranged weapons does mean they are slow on the outside map and during a battle. When commanding a Nord force, keeping a tight formation means everything. Dispersing your force could mean that enemy ranged weapons or cavalry will cut down individual warriors with ease.If you are severely utnumbered, or forced to fight a force made up of cavalry, your only hope is to bunch up as closely together as possible, and hope for the best. Hide behind a hill, so that enemy archers are not as effective, and once the enemy is a short distance away, charge. As a starting point, the Kingdom of Nords is a good location. You can easily find good deals for Salt with your neighbours, as well as obtain cheap Iron and Raw Silk from the Kingdom of Vaegirs. Based on my experience, most business types do not work out in â€Å"Nordland†, so stick to trading goods.The main danger of Nordland are Sea Raiders. These are nigh tier outlaws which can witn ease take out an inexperienced company of warriors. Stay clear of them untill you are certain you can fight them. As an ally, the Nords have a mildly good position. They have only two neighbours, and a sea behind them. Kingdom of Swadia Swadians are something between the English, and the French. They rely on their cavalry, which in a full charge can break even the toughest foes. Although other nations have equally effective â€Å"Knights†, the Swadians appear to excel stat wise, and overall use better equipment.In other areas the Swadians do not appear to be that ar off from other nations. Their higher tier infantry is decent in combat, and the Swadian sharpshooters make for decent ranged units. However, if you rely on Swadian cavalry too heavily you could wake up in a number of horror scenarios. For example, running out of funds, fighting on hilly terrain, fghting a highly experienced Rhodok force or being forced to â€Å"Auto Battle†. Training Swadian Knights is expensive, and their upkeep is terrifying. Their need for flat terrain makes them useless on hilly terrain, and against a forest of spears they will often get bogged down and killed.Often the best technique to win a battle as a Swadian force is to create an infantry main force to occupy the enemy. Then, while the enemy is fighting your infantry, flank with your Knights. Swadians make fine castle defenders and attackers. Although they lack the push of the Nords, or the spears of the Rhodoks, their armour and training cannot be underestimated. Swadian Knights and Men at Arms, preparing for their charge. On the other hand, Swadian cavalry *is* expensive. Rebuilding a lost force will cost you a fortune, and up keeping it might drain your coffers entirely.If you are poor, or have problems btaining a decent income, you might wish to look for alternatives. As a starting point, Swadia is in the centre of everything. This means you have equally far to all the other towns and nations, but it lacks any â€Å"special produce† which you could produce cheaply. As an ally, Swadians can shock, in the positive and negative way. Since they are surrounded from all sides, a war on multiple fronts will leave them broken and divided. On the other hand, when Swadians do come around to attacking a single nation, they can overwhelm with ease. Kingdom of Rhodoks The Kingdom of Rhodoks are a fun bunch.Fun, because they are affordable and incredibly disciplined. Rhodoks have two strengths: their spears and their crossbows. Although it is easy to dismiss Rhodok units as â€Å"Core Infantry' that only means you fought against the A1. Rhodok crossbowmen are a terrifying sight to behold. Combined with your Rhodok infantry forming a shield and spear wall almost no force can push through them. Cavallery will be annihilated witn a well pla ced R concentration. Much like the Nords, you do not want to spread your infantry too far. Unlike the Nords though, the Rhodok are not that good on the attack.Their weapons re not designed for assaulting but defending. On the other hand, Rhodok shields offer excellent cover during a siege attack or defense, allowing them to survive for much longer than usual. The strength of Rhodok Crossbowmen cannot be underestimated. They have incredible ranged abilities, while also being half-decent in combat, making it possible to use them as improvised close combat infantry. Rhodok Infantry countering a Sultanate charge. Rhodoks do lack cavalry. You might have incredible infantry, but you will be slower on the world map, and you will need to lend some horsemen from another nation if you ant to flank the enemy.Rhodok forces can â€Å"turtle† forward. Taking on wave after wave of attackers, as they move steadily forward. The problem is that the A1 often does not think that way. The Rhodoks , Just like the Nords, are in a nice tight corner. Their nation is often plagued by mountain bandits, and they lack a proper cheap trade good, but their natural terrain works well with their spears, creating a living nightmare for their neighbours, who incidentally rely on cavalry heavily: Swadians, Khergits and the Sultanate. Kingdom of Vaegirs The Vaegirs are an interesting force to use.They have Infantry, Ranged and Cavalry nits, on the other hand their elite units often lack shields, making them a force highly vulnerable to ranged attack. Vaegir archers are also the best foot bowmen in the game, as such you have a force which is mildly vulnerable to a ranged attack, while also being able to retaliate with their own barrage. Unlike other armies, Vaegir top-tier units prefer two-handed weapons, making them highly dangerous units to face off against, if outnumbered. Both Vaegir Knights and the Vaegir Guards will chop away at the competition. The question is how penalizing is their lack of shields?It all depends on the situation. When faced against Rhodoks you could find yourself losing more men due to the crossbow barrage, on the other hand you have something to counter ranged units, Vaegir cavalry. Vaegir warband. In a siege assault situation your main weakness is a possible lack of shielding, making you lose units much more quickly. In an open field that could also be a problem if you want to play defensively Use terrain to your advantage, or use your force Just like you would play as the Swadians. Make your â€Å"main force† occupy the enemy while you tan w n the cavalry.As a starting point, the Kingdom ot Vaegirs is not a bad place to be at. They might have tundra bandits and initially some very weak units, but the trade benefits are very high. Vaegir ports tend to have some lower priced Raw silk, making it a good place to trade for higher cash. Finding some cheap iron will also take you a long way. Trading with the Nords for Salt will only make yo u richer. Vaegirs tend to have little to no problems with neighbours. Although they could be considered surrounded they can cope with a single or two opponents at the same time.Khergit Khanate The Khergits have one strength no other army can match, almost every single one of their units is on horseback. A fully developed Khergit force will have Lancers and archers on horseback, making it the most mobile force in the game. On the world map they will move quicker than other armies, and on the battlefield, open fields is what a Khergit commander would love most. However, this reliance on cavalry is risky, and although Khergits excel on the field of battle, during a siege they are much weaker than one would wish.The Khergits are masters of firing off horseback. Under the player's control they can circle an enemy force indefinitely, untill the foe is so badly bloodied that a Lancer charge will finish them off. Under the A1, Khergits under perform, since they will often charge into an ene my force, making them easy prey for Rhodoks or Nords. The Khergit Lancers are weaker and less armoured than other cavalry formations, but they can still hold their ground, and during the initial charge, take out a number of foes with their lances.Khergit Lancers awaiting the enemy. Khergits are very poor while defending or attacking a castle. Their lancers will be outperformed by most equal or higher tier infantry. Although their archers will pepper away at a foe, it is a bad idea to assume that you can take out the enemy uicker than they can take out your infantry. As such, when protecting your castle, always include infantry from another nation. Lancers are simply unreliable. Meanwhile, if you face against them, bring a fast(er) horse, a high concentration of infantry or a very big shield.As a starting point, the Khergits have the best towns to produce and sell dyed textiles. Although it is the most expensive business type, it is the most profitable in Khergit lands. Trade in thei r territory is risky on lower levels, due to Steppe Bandits. If you have a small caravan, or poorly trained men, Steppe Bandits will mob you with their horses. They are also incredibly quick, making it very hard to outrun them. As an ally Khergits are surrounded by foes all around. Swadians, Sultanate and Veagirs are all risky sparring partners.As a commander, you will have access to the fastest army around, so if you do not want to fight enemy armies, you might as well hit and run weaker lords or raid villages and flee before the enemy can retaliate. Sarranid Sultanate The Sarranid are a new addition to Mount & Blade. Some would say that they are a mirror image of the Swadians. The Sarranid Mamluke and Swadian Knight go head in head for the title of the best cavalry in Mount and Blade. However, unlike the Swadians, the Sarranid suffer from a sub-par high-tier infantry. The Sarranid Guard is considered the weakest high level infantry in the game.This is because they lack any apparen t weakness, while also lacking any strength. They are considered generalists, but as such, they can be adapted tor ditterent tasks. Meanwhile, Sarranid Master Archers are devastating ranged units. On the level, if not above, of the Veagir Marksman, Sarranid Master Archers are well armoured, with excellent ranged abilities. However, Just like all other ranged unit types, the Master Archers lack any lose combat abilities. Remnants of a Swadian force are about to learn why does the desert belong to the Sultan. What is the weakness of the Sarranid?Their infantry for one, but Just like the Swadians, it is easy to be carried away and invest your money into elite cavalry. Not only that, but the upkeep will be comparable of a full Swadian force. If you do not have a substantial income you will become a very poor lord, very quickly. As a starting point, Sarranids suffer a bit from the same problem as the Swadians. They lack any specific low-cost and profitable good. Another problem is the si ze of the Sultanate. Villages and towns are often dispersed, and reaching one end of the Sultanate from the other could take even two days.This is also a problem when fghting wars. Reacting quickly to events on either side of the Sultanate is nearly impossible. Among their neighbours you have the Khergits, Swadians and Rhodoks. With a trained force a war against the Khergits does not pose any threat, however Swadian and Rhodok forces will stand on equal terms with you. Let us also not forget about Desert Bandits, who, Just like Steppe Bandits, will outrun you, and if you lack an experienced force, annihilate you. Alexander â€Å"WriterX† Bielski

Beat the Binge - 1327 Words

BEAT THE BINGE â€Å"A national program to reduce binge drinking in teenagers† UTS BEAT THE BINGE â€Å"A national program to reduce binge drinking in teenagers† UTS Beat the Binge â€Å"A national program to reduce binge drinking in teenagers.† Synopsis Alcohol Abuse in Australian teenagers has become an ever-growing epidemic nationwide, in particular teens aged between 14 and 17 years of age. This health issue not only has detrimental effects on teenagers but also has devastating effects on people of all ages all throughout their lives. Developing positive drinking habits at a young age is paramount to avoid alcohol related deaths and illnesses. Resounding statistics show that each year alcohol accounts for 13 per cent of all deaths†¦show more content†¦The behavioural objectives of this program are as follows: 1. Raise awareness of the dangers of drinking in excess of 6 drinks in a single session in school children 14-17 years of age. * Use social media to promote the dangers of alcohol, highlighting the relative issues like violence. * Use school classroom sessions to draw attention to health issues that arise can later life, such as metal health. Programs should run over a month period with two sessions a week. The environmental objectives of this program are as follows: 2. Increase the influence that parents and guardians have on the drinking habits of teenager’s between 14-17 years of age. * Inform parents of the dangers of underage drinking on teenagers. * Draw attention to social media and web based information sessions ensuring households are aware of the correct way to enforce positive drinking habits. Promote over a moth long period, keeping pages up indefinably. 3. Use teachers and role models to inform teenagers of the dangers of binge drinking on health in later life. 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