You've likely heard of National Depression Screening Day, or read that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could soon be used to predict risk for Alzheimer's and other disorders. You may even have seen ads for services that promise to evaluate your risk for many disorders -- including schizophrenia -- based on a saliva sample you mail them. It's comforting to think of simple, reliable tests for mental illness; early detection and treatment would prevent much suffering. But how close are we to that point?
Is it really possible to spot mental illness in the DNA from your saliva?
Schizophrenia: What It Is and Isn’t
by Jane Wangersky January 24th, 2011 | Mental Health
The word "schizophrenia" was in the news frequently after the fatal shootings in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8th. Though the suspect had not been diagnosed, several mental health professionals said he had appeared schizophrenic. For many, it served as an explanation for something they couldn't understand (as "political rhetoric" or "gun laws" served the same purpose for others).
What is schizophrenia, and how does it cause someone to do the unthinkable? Is violence typical schizophrenic behavior?
The word means literally "splitting of the mind" in Greek, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. This causes many people (including some in
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What is schizophrenia, and how does it cause someone to do the unthinkable? Is violence typical schizophrenic behavior?
The word means literally "splitting of the mind" in Greek, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. This causes many people (including some in
Nicotine Withdrawal or Depression?
by Jane Wangersky December 27th, 2010 | Addiction, Mental Health
Quitting smoking has always been a popular New Year's resolution, and now, with the dangers of smoking well known and smoking restricted to fewer and fewer places, it's more important than ever for smokers to try to quit.
It's also important to be aware of what quitting may do to your mental state. The good news is that you won't feel this way forever.
Nicotine withdrawal has many mental and physical effects. Smokefree.gov says symptoms include:
* Feeling down or sad
* Having trouble sleeping
* Feeling irritable, on edge, grouchy
* Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
* Feeling restless and jumpy
* Slower heart rate
*
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It's also important to be aware of what quitting may do to your mental state. The good news is that you won't feel this way forever.
Nicotine withdrawal has many mental and physical effects. Smokefree.gov says symptoms include:
* Feeling down or sad
* Having trouble sleeping
* Feeling irritable, on edge, grouchy
* Having trouble thinking clearly and concentrating
* Feeling restless and jumpy
* Slower heart rate
*
Show Depression to the Door
by Chang Song December 24th, 2010 | Drugs, Medication, Mental Health
The winter holidays and Christmas are just right around the corner. It should be times of relaxation and happiness for everyone around the globe. However, there are some people who are dealing with symptoms of depression at this time as well, as the result of marriage failures, the loss of love ones, and more complicated issues surrounding their lives. There is a solution to this problem: Pristiq, a very useful medication that can be utilized to relieve the devastating effects of depression, especially during the holidays.
Depression during the holiday season is as rough as it gets. There is really
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Depression during the holiday season is as rough as it gets. There is really
Melatonin for SAD
by Jane Wangersky November 29th, 2010 | Medication, Mental Health, Sleep
As most people are aware, Seasonal Affective Disorder (fittingly shortened to SAD) is a depressive illness, caused by lack of sunlight, that strikes in winter and can be treated by light therapy. However, light therapy is not a cure-all -- at least not on its own. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly half of all SAD sufferers don't respond to light therapy alone. These people may be helped by antidepressants or psychotherapy, with or without light therapy.
There's also a more natural, less expensive treatment that can help -- the hormone melatonin. This is secreted
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There's also a more natural, less expensive treatment that can help -- the hormone melatonin. This is secreted