Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Is Social Media Fasting good for us:
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​Social media fasting, also known as a social media detox or cleanse, involves taking a break from using social media platforms for a certain period of time. The goal is to reduce the amount of time spent on social media and to disconnect from the constant stream of information and interactions that these platforms provide. Whether social media fasting is “good” for someone depends on various factors and individual circumstances. Here are some potential benefits and considerations:

Benefits:

Mental Health: Constant exposure to social media can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to factors like social comparison, cyberbullying, and the fear of missing out (FOMO). Taking a break can alleviate these negative emotions and improve overall mental well-being.

Increased Productivity: Social media can be a major source of distraction, consuming significant amounts of time that could be spent on more productive activities. A social media fast can lead to improved focus and increased productivity.

Better Sleep: The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep patterns. Taking a break from social media before bedtime can improve sleep quality.

Real-Life Connections: Detaching from virtual interactions can encourage individuals to engage more with the real world, leading to stronger personal relationships and face-to-face interactions.

Reduced Information Overload: Social media inundates users with a constant flow of information, which can lead to cognitive overload and stress. A break can help individuals clear their minds and reduce information fatigue.

Considerations:

Social and Professional Impact: Depending on an individual’s personal and professional circumstances, disconnecting from social media might lead to missed social events, networking opportunities, or updates from friends, family, or colleagues.

FOMO: Fear of missing out can be a real concern for some people. They may worry that they’ll miss important news, updates, or trends during their social media fast.

Habitual Use: For those who are heavily reliant on social media, taking a break might be challenging and trigger withdrawal-like symptoms.

Moderation vs. Total Abstinence: Instead of a complete break, some people might benefit more from learning to use social media in moderation. It’s important to develop healthy online habits that can be sustained in the long term.

Duration: The ideal duration of a social media fast can vary. Some people might benefit from short breaks (e.g., a weekend), while others might find longer breaks (e.g., a month) more effective.

In summary, social media fasting can have positive effects on mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. However, whether it’s “good” for someone depends on their personal goals, habits, and how they approach their relationship with social media. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and to be mindful of the potential challenges and benefits. If you’re considering a social media fast, it’s a good idea to set clear goals, establish a plan, and monitor how it affects you personally.
​Shervan K Shahhian

Is there a Stress hormone:

Yes, there are several hormones that are commonly associated with the body’s response to stress. One of the most well-known stress hormones is cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands in response to various stressors, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological. It plays a key role in the body’s “fight or flight” response and helps regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and blood sugar levels.

In addition to cortisol, other hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine are also involved in the body’s stress response. These hormones are released by the adrenal glands and the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. They contribute to increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the redirection of blood flow to muscles, preparing the body to respond to a perceived threat.

The release of these stress hormones is a natural and adaptive response that helps the body deal with challenging situations. However, chronic or excessive stress can lead to prolonged elevation of these hormones, which can have negative effects on health if not managed properly.

Shervan K Shahhian

The best situation: Highly alert but at the same time a calm state of mind:

The ideal state you’re describing, where you are highly alert yet maintain a calm state of mind, can be thought of as a balanced and focused mental state. This state is often referred to as “flow,” “mindfulness,” or “being in the zone.” It’s a state in which your attention is fully engaged in the task at hand, and your mind is clear of distractions and unnecessary stress. Here’s how you might achieve and cultivate such a state:

Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation and practices can help you develop the ability to stay present and focused. Mindfulness encourages you to observe your thoughts without judgment and brings your attention back to the current moment, allowing you to be alert and calm simultaneously.

Set Clear Goals: When you have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to achieve, it’s easier to stay focused and maintain a sense of calm. Break down your tasks into manageable steps, and give yourself achievable goals to work toward.

Eliminate Distractions: Minimize external distractions as much as possible. Turn off notifications, create a quiet work environment, and set specific periods of time for focused work.

Practice Deep Work: Deep work involves dedicating uninterrupted, focused time to a single task. During this time, immerse yourself fully in the task and avoid multitasking.

Physical Well-being: Taking care of your physical health can greatly impact your mental state. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep contribute to improved focus and a balanced mindset.

Breathing Exercises: Deep, controlled breathing can have a calming effect on your nervous system. When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, taking a few deep breaths can help restore a sense of calmness.

Positive Self-talk: Cultivate a positive and supportive inner dialogue. Replace self-doubt and negativity with encouraging and constructive thoughts.

Practice Patience: Recognize that achieving a state of high alertness and calmness simultaneously is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself as you work toward this goal.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Doing activities you’re passionate about or enjoy can naturally put you in a state of heightened focus and relaxation.

Regular Practice: Consistency is key. Engage in practices that help you stay focused and calm on a regular basis. Over time, these practices will become more ingrained in your routine.

Remember that achieving this state might not always be possible in every situation, and that’s okay. The goal is to develop the ability to navigate between states of high alertness and calmness based on the demands of the situation. It’s about finding a harmonious balance that works for you.
​Shervan K Shahhian

Can we achieve high Dopamine levels without drugs and other substances:

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to achieve higher dopamine levels without the use of drugs or substances. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, motivation, pleasure, and other cognitive functions. Here are several natural ways to boost your dopamine levels:

1. Exercise: Regular physical activity has been shown to increase dopamine production and receptor sensitivity. Activities like jogging, swimming, dancing, or even brisk walking can all contribute to higher dopamine levels.
2. Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in protein, tyrosine (an amino acid precursor to dopamine), and other nutrients can support dopamine production. Foods like lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds are good sources of these nutrients.
3. Sleep: Prioritizing adequate and quality sleep helps maintain healthy dopamine levels. Sleep deprivation can lead to reduced dopamine receptor sensitivity.
4. Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can negatively impact dopamine function. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote a healthier balance of neurotransmitters.
5. Social Interaction: Engaging in positive social interactions and maintaining healthy relationships can lead to increased dopamine release. Socializing, laughing, and bonding with others can have a positive impact on mood and dopamine levels.
6. Setting and Achieving Goals: Accomplishing tasks and achieving goals, even small ones, can trigger dopamine release. Breaking down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps can provide a steady flow of dopamine as you make progress.
7. Creative Activities: Engaging in creative hobbies like art, music, writing, or crafting can stimulate dopamine production. The process of creating something new can be rewarding and boost dopamine levels.
8. Sunlight: Exposure to natural sunlight helps regulate dopamine production and the body’s internal clock. Spending time outdoors and getting sunlight can positively impact mood.
9. Mindfulness and Enjoyment: Practicing mindfulness and being fully present in the moment can enhance the experience of pleasure and satisfaction, leading to dopamine release.
10. Positive Feedback: Receiving positive feedback and recognition can trigger dopamine release. Whether it’s in the context of work, personal achievements, or hobbies, acknowledgment of your efforts can boost your mood.
11. Music: Listening to music you enjoy can stimulate dopamine release and evoke positive emotions.

Remember that everyone’s body and brain are unique, so what works for one person might not have the same effect for another. It’s also important to note that while these natural approaches can support dopamine production and release, they are not a replacement for professional medical advice if you are experiencing significant mood disorders or dopamine-related issues. If you have concerns about your mental health, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Dopamine capable of:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in various functions within the brain and body. It’s often associated with the brain’s reward system and plays a key role in motivation, pleasure, and reinforcement learning. Here are some of the functions and capabilities of dopamine:

1. Reward and Pleasure: Dopamine is often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it is involved in the brain’s reward system. It plays a role in experiencing pleasure, reinforcing behaviors that are beneficial for survival, and motivating individuals to seek out activities that are rewarding.
2. Motivation: Dopamine is closely linked to motivation and goal-directed behavior. When dopamine levels are balanced and optimal, it can enhance an individual’s drive to pursue tasks and achieve goals.
3. Learning and Reinforcement: Dopamine is involved in reinforcement learning, which is the process of learning through trial and error. It helps the brain to recognize which actions lead to positive outcomes and encourages the repetition of those actions.
4. Motor Control: Dopamine is critical for controlling voluntary movements. A deficiency of dopamine in certain parts of the brain is associated with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, which can lead to tremors, rigidity, and difficulty initiating movements.
5. Cognition and Attention: Dopamine also plays a role in cognitive functions such as attention, working memory, and problem-solving. It helps regulate the flow of information in the brain and is believed to contribute to maintaining focus and mental alertness.
6. Mood Regulation: While dopamine is often associated with positive emotions, its role in mood regulation is complex. Imbalances in dopamine levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. However, the relationship between dopamine and mood is not fully understood and involves interactions with other neurotransmitters.
7. Addiction: Dopamine is implicated in the development of addiction. Drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and opioids, can lead to increased dopamine release in the brain’s reward pathway. This reinforcement of the reward system can contribute to the addictive nature of these substances.
8. Stress Response: Dopamine can also modulate the body’s stress response. It influences how the brain and body react to stressful situations.
9. Regulation of Hormones: Dopamine can affect the release of various hormones in the body, including prolactin. Prolactin is involved in lactation and plays a role in other physiological processes.

It’s important to note that while dopamine plays a vital role in these functions, its actions are complex and often interconnected with other neurotransmitters and systems in the brain. An imbalance in dopamine levels or dysfunction in its pathways can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to leverage Dopamine:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in various aspects of human behavior, motivation, and reward. It’s often associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. If you’re looking to leverage dopamine in a positive way to enhance your motivation, productivity, and overall well-being, here are some strategies you can consider:

Set Clear Goals: Dopamine release is closely tied to goal achievement. Set clear and achievable goals for yourself. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks so that you experience dopamine release as you make progress and accomplish each step.

Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your accomplishments, even the small ones. When you achieve a goal or complete a task, take a moment to acknowledge and reward yourself. This positive reinforcement can boost dopamine levels and motivate you to continue working toward your goals.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation techniques have been shown to increase dopamine receptor sensitivity, which can lead to an enhanced sense of well-being and reduced stress. Regular practice can also help improve focus and concentration.

Stay Physically Active: Engaging in regular physical exercise is a natural way to boost dopamine levels. Exercise releases endorphins and can lead to an overall sense of happiness and motivation.

Prioritize Novelty: Dopamine is also associated with novelty and new experiences. Incorporate new activities, hobbies, or challenges into your routine. Trying something new can stimulate dopamine release and add excitement to your life.

Create a Reward System: Design a reward system for yourself. Assign rewards for completing tasks or achieving milestones. This could be something simple like treating yourself to a favorite snack or engaging in an enjoyable activity.

Stay Organized: Clutter and disorganization can lead to stress and reduced dopamine levels. Keeping your physical space and tasks organized can help you feel more in control and motivated.

Practice Gratitude: Expressing gratitude and focusing on positive aspects of your life can increase dopamine levels. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you regularly jot down things you’re thankful for.

Social Interaction: Positive social interactions and forming meaningful connections with others can trigger dopamine release. Spend time with friends and loved ones, engage in conversations, and participate in social activities.

Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients supports optimal dopamine production. Include foods that contain tyrosine, an amino acid that’s a precursor to dopamine, such as dairy, nuts, and legumes.

Adequate Sleep: Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy dopamine levels. Prioritize getting enough quality sleep to support your overall well-being.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress can deplete dopamine levels. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or engaging in relaxing activities to help maintain balanced dopamine levels.

Remember that individual responses to these strategies can vary, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Incorporating a combination of these approaches into your lifestyle can help you leverage dopamine in a positive way to enhance motivation, productivity, and overall happiness. If you’re dealing with specific challenges, consider consulting a healthcare professional or therapist for personalized guidance.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Dopamine Schedules:

Dopamine schedules, often referred to as reinforcement schedules, are a concept in psychology and behavioral science that describe the patterns and timing of rewards or reinforcements in relation to behavior. These schedules play a significant role in shaping and maintaining behaviors, as they influence how often and predictably rewards are received based on certain actions or responses. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is closely associated with the brain’s reward system and is involved in reinforcing behaviors.

There are several types of dopamine schedules, each with its own effects on behavior:

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule (CRF): In this schedule, a reward is provided every time a specific behavior is performed. This results in rapid learning of the behavior but can also lead to rapid extinction (cessation of the behavior) if the rewards are removed.

Fixed Ratio Schedule (FR): Here, rewards are given after a fixed number of responses. For example, a rat might receive a food pellet after pressing a lever five times. This schedule tends to result in a high rate of responding, with a pause after the reward is delivered.

Variable Ratio Schedule (VR): In this schedule, rewards are given after an average number of responses, but the exact number varies unpredictably. This leads to very high and steady rates of responding, as seen in gambling behaviors, where people keep playing because they don’t know when the next reward (win) will occur.

Fixed Interval Schedule (FI): Rewards are provided for the first response after a fixed amount of time has passed. This results in a scalloped response pattern, where there’s a slow rate of responding right after the reward, and the response rate increases as the time for the next reward approaches.

Variable Interval Schedule (VI): In this schedule, rewards are given for the first response after an average amount of time, but the specific timing is unpredictable. This schedule tends to result in a steady, moderate rate of responding.

These schedules are not only relevant in behavioral psychology but also have implications for understanding addiction, motivation, and various aspects of human and animal behavior. Dopamine, being a key player in the brain’s reward system, is intimately connected with the anticipation and experience of rewards in these schedules, further influencing the reinforcement and perpetuation of certain behaviors.

It’s important to note that these schedules can be applied not only to animals in controlled experiments but also to human behaviors, such as our interaction with technology (like social media or video games) and our responses to rewards in everyday life.

Shervan K Shahhian

How does Dopamine work:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a type of chemical messenger that plays a crucial role in the communication between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain and other parts of the nervous system. It’s involved in a variety of physiological and psychological processes, including movement, reward, motivation, pleasure, mood regulation, and cognitive function.

Here’s a simplified overview of how dopamine works:

1. Synthesis: Dopamine is synthesized from an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine is converted into a compound called L-DOPA through a series of enzymatic reactions. L-DOPA is then further converted into dopamine by another enzyme called aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase.
2. Release: When neurons receive electrical signals (action potentials), vesicles (tiny sacs) containing dopamine within the neuron’s terminal are triggered to move to the cell membrane. The vesicles release dopamine into the synapse, which is the tiny gap between two neurons.
3. Binding to Receptors: Dopamine molecules released into the synapse bind to specific receptors on the surface of the target neuron. These receptors are protein structures that can respond to dopamine’s presence by initiating various cellular responses.
4. Cellular Response: The binding of dopamine to its receptors triggers a cascade of biochemical events within the target neuron. Depending on the specific type of dopamine receptor and the brain region involved, this response can influence a wide range of functions, including mood, reward perception, motivation, movement, and more.
5. Reuptake: After dopamine transmission, excess dopamine in the synapse needs to be cleared to ensure proper signaling. This is done through a process called reuptake. Specialized proteins called dopamine transporters on the presynaptic neuron’s membrane help reabsorb dopamine molecules from the synapse back into the neuron.
6. Regulation and Recycling: Inside the neuron, dopamine molecules are repackaged into vesicles, where they can be stored until needed again. This process allows for the recycling and reuse of dopamine.

Dysregulation of dopamine transmission has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions. For example, conditions like Parkinson’s disease involve a deficiency of dopamine due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. On the other hand, conditions like schizophrenia and addiction are associated with altered dopamine signaling, which can contribute to the characteristic symptoms of these disorders.

It’s important to note that while this is a simplified explanation of dopamine’s functioning, the actual processes in the brain are far more complex and involve multiple types of dopamine receptors, as well as interactions with other neurotransmitters and brain regions.

Shervan K Shahhian

The psychology of Dopamine:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and a key player in the brain’s reward system. It plays a crucial role in various physiological and psychological processes, including motivation, pleasure, reinforcement, learning, and movement. Understanding the psychology of dopamine involves delving into its functions, effects, and its impact on behavior and mental health. Here are some key points about the psychology of dopamine:

Reward and Pleasure: Dopamine is often associated with the sensation of pleasure and reward. It is released when we experience something pleasurable, reinforcing behaviors that lead to positive outcomes. This reinforcement mechanism is a fundamental part of learning and helps us repeat actions that are beneficial for our survival and well-being.

Motivation: Dopamine plays a significant role in motivation and goal-directed behavior. When dopamine levels rise in response to achieving a goal or receiving a reward, it creates a sense of satisfaction and encourages us to pursue similar activities in the future.

Anticipation and Prediction: Dopamine is also released in anticipation of a rewarding experience. It’s not just about the reward itself, but also the expectation of the reward. This anticipation can lead to feelings of excitement and heightened interest in an activity.

Addiction and Impulsivity: The brain’s reward system, driven in part by dopamine, can also contribute to addictive behaviors. Activities that trigger dopamine release in large amounts (such as drug use, gambling, or excessive gaming) can lead to the reinforcement of those behaviors, even when they have negative consequences. Dopamine’s involvement in these processes can contribute to impulsive and compulsive behaviors.

Learning and Memory: Dopamine plays a role in reinforcement learning, which is the process of learning from experiences to make better decisions in the future. It helps the brain remember which actions resulted in positive outcomes and which didn’t, thereby improving decision-making over time.

Mood and Mental Health: Imbalances in dopamine levels have been linked to various mental health conditions. Low dopamine levels have been associated with conditions like depression, low motivation, and fatigue. Conversely, high levels of dopamine, or dysregulation of dopamine receptors, have been implicated in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Parkinson’s Disease: A lack of dopamine production or sensitivity in certain brain regions is a key factor in Parkinson’s disease. This can lead to motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with movement control.

Natural Rewards vs. Artificial Stimuli: The brain’s reward system evolved to respond to natural rewards like food, sex, and social interactions. However, modern life introduces artificial stimuli that can hijack this system, leading to potentially problematic behaviors such as overeating, excessive screen time, and substance abuse.

In summary, dopamine is a complex neurotransmitter that influences a wide range of psychological processes. Its role in reward, motivation, learning, and behavior makes it a critical factor in understanding human psychology and how we respond to various experiences in our lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

Dopamine induced addiction, what is it:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system and is associated with feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reinforcement. It is involved in a wide range of physiological and psychological processes, including learning, memory, and voluntary movement.

When it comes to addiction, dopamine’s role is particularly significant. Many addictive substances and behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, and even certain foods, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward pathway. This release of dopamine creates a pleasurable sensation that reinforces the desire to repeat the behavior or consume the substance. Over time, this can lead to a cycle of craving, seeking, and using the substance or engaging in the behavior, which is a hallmark of addiction.

The relationship between dopamine and addiction can be understood through the following steps:

Initial Pleasure: When an individual engages in an addictive behavior or consumes an addictive substance, dopamine is released in response to the perceived reward. This leads to feelings of pleasure and reinforces the desire to repeat the behavior.

Associative Learning: The brain associates the pleasurable experience with the context, environment, or cues present when the behavior was engaged in or the substance was consumed. This creates a conditioned response where encountering these cues in the future can trigger cravings and anticipation of pleasure.

Tolerance and Desensitization: With repeated exposure to the addictive substance or behavior, the brain can become desensitized to the dopamine release. This means that over time, more of the substance or behavior is needed to achieve the same level of pleasure, leading to a higher tolerance.

Withdrawal and Negative Reinforcement: As the brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the addictive substance or behavior, its absence can lead to a decrease in dopamine levels, resulting in withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be uncomfortable or even painful, driving individuals to seek out the addictive substance or behavior to relieve these negative feelings.

Loss of Control: As addiction progresses, individuals may find it increasingly difficult to control their consumption of the substance or engagement in the behavior, even in the face of negative consequences. This loss of control is attributed to changes in the brain’s reward and decision-making circuits, which are influenced by dopamine.

Compulsion and Craving: Dopamine’s role in the reward system contributes to the development of strong cravings for the addictive substance or behavior. These cravings can become intense and difficult to resist, driving individuals to prioritize obtaining the substance or engaging in the behavior over other important aspects of their lives.

It’s important to note that while dopamine is a central player in addiction, the development of addiction is a complex interplay of various genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While dopamine-induced reinforcement is a key aspect, it’s not the sole determinant of addictive behavior.
​Shervan K Shahhian