My Elbert: Functional System Regulation

Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional system regulation using a spiritual growth-oriented learning model; T. Cook, 2023 Feb. Part II.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the DSM-5 is the manual used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental disorders. Overall, the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD is designed to ensure that the diagnosis is accurate and that other potential causes of the individual’s symptoms are ruled out before a diagnosis of ADHD is made.  

According to the DSM-5, used to diagnose ADHD, the symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must meet certain criteria, which includes that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental disorder such as a mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder. This criterion is important because there are many mental disorders that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. However, the symptoms of ADHD are distinct and are not better accounted for by these other mental disorders [2]. 

It is important to approach the topic of well-being with an open and critical mind, and to seek out evidence-based approaches to promoting alternative health and well-being. There is some research suggesting that these areas of the body and activities can contribute to overall well-being and play important roles in various bodily functions and may impact overall health: PONS (pons varolii), RAS (reticular activating system), and thymus gland. 

The thymus gland is a small organ located in the chest that plays an important role in the immune system and overall metabolism of energy which controls your growth and metabolism (how your body uses energy). [8].  The RAS, or reticular activating system, is a network of neurons in the brainstem that is involved in regulating wakefulness, attention, and arousal [1]. There is some evidence to suggest that promoting healthy RAS activity through practices such as getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing mindfulness may be beneficial for overall health [6]. The PONS, or pons varolii, is a part of the brainstem that plays a role in various bodily functions, including breathing, sleep, and movement [7]. There is some evidence to suggest that promoting healthy PONS activity through practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and physical exercise may be beneficial for overall health and well-being  [6]. 

Cook’s Call For Research

 There is limited research on the impact of promoting healthy activity on overall well-being within the context of resistance: a relationship [b]; a person’s functional system of electricity; and negative emotions such as anger and shame [a]. Regressive anger is a term that refers to a type of anger expression that involves a shift towards a less mature or less adaptive mode of expression [5]. This type of anger expression is often associated with a lack of self-regulation, impulsivity, and a tendency to act out in ways that are harmful to oneself or others. Regressive anger can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem. This is because the expression of anger in a regressive way often involves behaviors that are not consistent with our values and beliefs, which can lead to a sense of dissonance [3], meaning inner turmoil and resistance [2].

NOTE: Resistance can be applied in various contexts, and refers to the opposition or obstruction of something within a relationship or bodily system. In the physics of electricity, resistance refers to a measure of the opposition to current flow within a circuit. This can occur when electrons encounter obstacles to their flow, such as in a resistor or an imperfect conductor (negative emotions). The higher the resistance, the more difficult it is for current to flow through the circuit [4].  Again, more research is needed in these areas of alternative health and wellness. 

For more information: www.myelbert.com © 2018, In-Text Citation: [a] Cook T. Cook’s FSD Dysregulation: Functional System Regulation Using a Spiritual Growth-Oriented Learning Model; Feb; 2023; https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cooks-fsd-dysregulation-functional-system-regulation-tricia-cook/ 

[b] N T Nature – Helping Those with a Neurodiversity Enjoy Learning Again (Updated) Part I. Scribd,https://www.scribd.com/document/579473335/N-T-Nature-Helping-Those-With-a-Neurodiversity-Enjoy-Learning-Again-Updated-Part-I-1; Methodology is shown in the outer columns, resultant data sets in the middle columns, and model systems in the center. © 2003 Nature Publishing Group.

References

1. Arguinchona JH, Tadi P. Neuroanatomy, Reticular Activating System. [Updated 2022 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549835/.
2. Blum K, Chen AL, Braverman ER, Comings DE, Chen TJ, Arcuri V, Blum SH, Downs BW, Waite RL, Notaro A, Lubar J, Williams L, Prihoda TJ, Palomo T, Oscar-Berman M. Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and reward deficiency syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 Oct;4(5):893-918. doi: 10.2147/ndt.s2627. PMID: 19183781; PMCID: PMC2626918.  
3. Bran A, Vaidis DC. On the Characteristics of the Cognitive Dissonance State: Exploration Within the Pleasure Arousal Dominance Model. Psychol Belg. 2020 Mar 23;60(1):86-102. doi: 10.5334/pb.517. PMID: 32257363; PMCID: PMC7101003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7101003/ 
4. Fluke. “What Is Resistance?” Fluke, 9 May 2021, https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/electrical/what-is-resistance. 
5. Lokko HN, Stern TA. Regression: Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Management. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2015 May 14;17(3):10.4088/PCC.14f01761. doi: 10.4088/PCC.14f01761. PMID: 26644947; PMCID: PMC4578899. 
6. Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need to Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-what-you-need-to-know. 
7. “Pons: What It Is, Function & Anatomy.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23003-pons 
8. Thapa P, Farber DL. The Role of the Thymus in the Immune Response. Thorac Surg Clin. 2019 May;29(2):123-131. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2018.12.001. Epub 2019 Mar 7. PMID: 30927993; PMCID: PMC6446584.