MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'bipolar'. Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:05:46 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3363790&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F03%2F14%2Fblogging-about-being-blogged-about%2F I was quick to post this link to Facebook yesterday from a website in Princeton which featured an interview-by-email with me on the subject of blogging about HIV/AIDS. Shruti Kalra, the writer of the piece, first contacted me early in the year, wondering a few things about me and this blog, and I wasn’t long agreeing to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3363790 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:29:48 +0100 3363790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3362422&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F13%2Ffive-things-a-loved-one-should-know-about-bipolar-disorder%2F Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Bruce Cohen, M.D., Ph.D, who is Director of the Harvard University McLean Psychiatric Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is also the coauthor, with Chelsea Lowe, of the recently released book Living with Someone Who’s Living With Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends, and Coworkers. Cohen lives in the Boston area. Question: I have always maintained that the best thing a person can do to support a bipolar loved one is get educated. But if you could offer folks a crash course, what are the five most important things you think a loved one should know about bipolar disorder? Dr. Cohen: Getting educated is good advice. Here are five important things everyone dealing with bipolar disorder should kno... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3362422 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:30:11 +0100 3362422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3346501&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F09%2Fmindfulness-based-stress-reduction-workbook%2F About once a year I discover a workbook that allows me to put all the steps that I learn in therapy into practice. I’ve mentioned in past blog posts David Burns’s 10 Days to Self-Esteem, and how the exercises in that workbook allowed me to recognize distorted thought patterns and practice ways of untwisting them. Two years or so ago, when I didn’t know whether or not I should have my son treated for anxiety, my therapist recommended I read Understanding Your Child’s Puzzling Behavior, which was very, very helpful. And now fellow blogger and mindfulness expert Elisha Goldstein has published, with co-author Bob Stahl, a comprehensive workbook — A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook — that teaches the art of mindfulness in relieving and reducing str... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3346501 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:20:19 +0100 3346501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3342703&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F08%2F5-tips-if-you-love-someone-with-mental-illness%2F The National Institutes of Mental Health reports that one in every four adults – approximately 57.7 million Americans – experience a mental health disorder in a given year. One in four, and that’s just the U.S.! And for every person in the world diagnosed with a mental disorder there is at least one, probably more, trying to help, cope and support that person any way they know how. Mental illness is often a family issue. Parents, siblings, spouses and extended family provide housing, care and support, emotional and financial, sometimes to the point of becoming proverbial case managers. It’s hard enough when the chronic illness is something everyone recognizes, like diabetes. It’s a whole other thing when the disease is a mental illness which is ripe for misunderstandi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3342703 Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:46:43 +0100 3342703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3338253&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F03%2F05%2Fof-genetics-and-lemons%2F Eyes brimming with tears, twisting my hair intensely, I blurted out “Daddy, was I a mistake?” Slowly, he put the newspaper down on his lap (to stall for time, I’m sure). “No, darling. You were a, uh, delightful surprise.” Hmmm. Even at the tender age of 6 my olfactory system was developed enough to smell a fish. There is a 10-year age difference between my sister and me and 7 years between my brother and me. Because of that, I’m fairly confident the conversation the night of my conception did not go like this: “Ken! Send the kids to the neighbors, light the candles and hurry — I’m ovulating!” God has a sense of humor. Out of all the ovaries in the world kickin’ it at that moment, he picked hers. Since she already had two perfectly healthy, perfectly normal kid... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3338253 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:46:16 +0100 3338253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283607&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F18%2Fwhat-do-girls-with-adhd-look-like-as-adults%2F We’ve long heard about the negative impact of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) on children and teens. We know ADHD can lead to academic problems, problems with friends and socializing, significant sleep problems, and serious concerns in other areas of a child’s or teen’s life, such as increased criminality for those with ADHD. But what does the future hold for them? Do these children grow up to be well-adjusted adults? We know from previous research (e.g., Biederman et al., 2006; Faraone et al., 2006) that by young adulthood, most people who were diagnosed with ADHD as a child or teen continue to suffer from attention deficit disorder symptoms. Previous studies have also shown that boys with ADHD have a significantly greater lifetime risk for antisocial, mood and anxiety... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283607 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:27:24 +0100 3283607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3280036&cid=t_92589_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2FEK2QSrSoD9g%2F We’ve been a bit behind the curve in making any comment on the recently-released draft of the DSM-5. Some very good critiques and analyses have already been posted on the blogowebs, notably by Neuroskeptic and Mindhacks. See also Abysmal Musings and Confessions of a Serial Insomniac for their thoughts on what this will mean for their respective diagnoses of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. Neuroskeptic acerbically comments that, “If, as everyone says, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual is the Bible of Psychiatry, I’m not sure why it gets heavily edited once every ten years or so.” Kind of like the Gospels being rewritten regularly to give a clearer idea of what they think Jesus meant to say. Though some people seem to think that’s not s... Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3280036 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:07:34 +0100 3280036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266985&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F12%2Fsnow-blizzard-2010-and-mental-health%2F I’M GOING CRAZY. Ahem. Okay, here’s the deal. Annapolis was hit with 30 inches of snow last Friday and Saturday. Annapolis owns three snowplows. Most roads have at least six inches of ice. Ours do. And if you’ve ever witnessed the way I drive, you would agree that I shouldn’t be on the road. Moreover, our cars won’t be moving from our icy driveway anytime soon because… we’re supposed to get another 10 to 20 inches tonight. Schools have been canceled all week, of course, and schools are canceled next week (Monday through Wednesday) for some other lame reason. So, I’m grumpy. Bite-everyone’s-heads-off grumpy. Because I can’t use most of the tools in my sanity box this week. The discipline to eat well is buried under three feet of ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266985 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:01:24 +0100 3266985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3266986&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F11%2Fa-review-of-the-dsm-5-draft%2F The new DSM-5 draft is out (and it appears the APA is finally dropping the silly roman numeral designations). Analysis is starting to pour in from around the country about the ramifications of the new diagnoses and proposed changes. To start with, however, I want to congratulate the American Psychiatric Association for reaching this milestone and embracing the ability for the public to comment on the proposed changes. We first called for such an option back in December of last year and it appears somebody at the APA was listening. Kudos for being willing to take the barrage of criticism that is coming your way, APA. However, we wish it was an open commentary model, where the comments appears online for all to read (it appears to be a closed model, where your comments disappear into cybers... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3266986 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:22:23 +0100 3266986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3262647&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F10%2Fwhat-two-poles%2F He looks as if he got confused when dressing this morning in his Eddie Bauer hiking boots and his Armani suit. Then I remember the snow and slush I schlepped through on the way to his office. Always ill prepared for wintry weather, or just too stubborn to buy hideous boots, I sit on his leather couch, nervously shaking my wet, tennis shoed foot, legs crossed, pillow clutched protectively in front of me and my demons. For $135, we are reviewing my meds today. On more than one occasion, it’s been pointed out that I “present” well. This psychological jargon translates into: me, looking just fine. By some unconscious effort, perhaps I do act in that manner. Still, no Oscar, or the riches that accompany it, arrives in my mail box. Go figure. Indeed, I am in grand shape. This is the only s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3262647 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:15:45 +0100 3262647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259220&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fpediatric-bipolar-disorder-dsm-5-temper.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259220 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:38:00 +0100 3259220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259027&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F09%2Fa-look-at-the-dsm-v-draft%2F Tomorrow will mark the release of the first public draft of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition — also known as the DSM-V. (As you can see, we have an exclusive first-copy of it to the right!) Because we were not on the American Psychiatric Association’s media list, we didn’t receive a copy of the news releases that the mainstream media will be basing a lot of their stories around that will be published tomorrow. We also weren’t invited to the conference call today, despite our repeated attempts to contact the APA’s media office. This turns out to be good news for our readers. I’m free to talk about what I suspect will be in the draft that appears on the dsmv.org website tomorrow. I gathered this information from num... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259027 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 23:55:57 +0100 3259027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259215&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2Frebecca_rileys_mother_guilty_of_murder.html I wouldn't know what to add to this news: "BROCKTON – A South Shore mother was found guilty today of second-degree murder in the death of her 4-year-old daughter who never woke up one night in December 2006 after ingesting toxic levels of psychotropic drugs. "Carolyn Riley, 35, remained impassive as the jury, which had deliberated 19 hours at the end of a three-week trial, announced the verdict in the death of her daughter, Rebecca. Plymouth Superior Court Judge Charles Hely immediately sentenced Carolyn Riley to the mandatory term of life in prison with parole eligibility in 15 years." Either way, it certainly isn't good news for child psychiatry either. (Source: Furious Seasons) Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259215 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3259215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3243842&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F05%2Fnewsweek-do-antidepressants-work-for-many-people-yes%2F I admire Newsweek writer Sharon Begley’s work … especially when she explains ways we can try to rewire our brain. But I found last week’s cover story irresponsible. If, for no other reason, than its title and subtitle: “The Depressing News About Antidepressants: Studies Suggest That the Popular Drugs Are No More Effective Than a Placebo. In Fact, They May Be Worse.” Then I may as well kill myself. That’s how I would have read the article four years ago, before I started questioning all the information available today on mood disorders and drug treatment, before I started working with a physician from Johns Hopkins who could help me tease out the hope from articles like this, so I wasn’t tempted to take my life upon reading there was no way out of ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3243842 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:39:19 +0100 3243842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231596&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F02%2Fhow-do-i-find-a-good-psychiatrist%2F This month Guideposts magazine published my story about the morning I met Dr. Smith at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center. It read a little bit like a fairy tale … as soon as I met the right psychiatrist, I was fixed for good! And I never, ever cried again. I didn’t have room to give all the details … like that it took a few months to feel good again … and there was a lot of work being done on my end … and that even today I have plenty of bad days. I suspect that because the story was so simplistic and ended with glass slippers fitting perfectly on my dainty feet that it has been generating a lot of mail for me, most of the notes asking this question: “How do I get myself one of those good doctors who can fix me?” Dr. Smith told me during one ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231596 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:21:40 +0100 3231596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3231598&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F02%2F01%2Fkids-and-depression-parents-call-to-action-part-1%2F As a child psychiatrist, I help teenagers struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide. It’s also my job to communicate with parents during what is often a very difficult and scary time. More than anything, parents want their children to be okay, and I often encourage them by stressing that mental illness is highly treatable, and adolescents are capable of extraordinary growth. With treatment and proactive parents, hope does persist and, with some time and commitment, life can and will go on for children and parents alike. When I do interviews or public readings parents often ask me about warning signs in children for depression and even suicidality. They may be worried about a daughter who is withdrawing, or a son who sleeps for hours on end and is failing in school. These ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3231598 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:45:11 +0100 3231598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3224873&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F30%2Fself-help-course-may-have-led-to-suicide%2F I’ve often wondered what would happen if an undiagnosed manic-depressive participates in The Landmark Forum, receiving counsel from a Forum leader with no education on mood disorders. The result could be devastating, I would think. In real life, let’s take Rebekah Lawrence from Sydney who burst into song while standing naked in her downtown office building, her final words being “I know I am going to jump.” And then leaped out the window. An Associated Press story published a few months ago tells the details. A few days before her jump Lawrence participated in an intense self-help seminar called The Turning Point, comparable to the Forum in the US. Says the article: The course had pledged to change her life. Instead, some say, it led to her death. For nearly 40 year... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3224873 Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:55:36 +0100 3224873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3212378&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F26%2F10-ways-to-find-a-good-therapist%2F When we want to improve our bodies we pretty much know where to find help. This time of year the gyms are full and the meeting rooms at Weight Watchers are packed. But what do we do when we want to improve our inner selves, our relationships, or want to find help with depression or anxiety? Making the decision to find help is hard enough. Why should you have to get even more stressed out hunting for the right therapist? It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack unless you have some guidance. So here are a few tips: 1. Forget the yellow pages. A yellow pages listing is expensive so a lot of good people aren’t there. I’m not. Plus there is no oversight or regulation of who can list. 2. Ask a professional you already work with and trust. Your accountant, lawyer, dentist... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3212378 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:30:39 +0100 3212378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3204933&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F25%2F6-steps-toward-freedom-from-depression%2F After trying 23 medication combinations, 7 psychiatrists, two hospitalization programs, and every form of alternative therapy available–from homeopathic remedies to yoga, I assumed I was one of those unfortunate statistics with treatment-resistant depression, a Humpty-Dumpty type that would never recover from the fall of a nervous breakdown. There was no magic that happened between then and now, the month my book about my recovery hits the shelves. I just kept on getting out of bed. Even on the days where my thoughts were cemented in the black stuff, in negativity and toxic emotions, I tried to pick up one foot and place it in front on the next. Here are the tools I picked up along the way, the basic lessons that help me in my mission to stay Beyond Blue, or at least out of black fo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3204933 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:01:48 +0100 3204933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3208658&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2Fdoctor_diagnosed_2yearold_with_bipolar_for_seeing_monsters_ghosts.html Some interesting news from this morning's session of the murder trial of Rebecca Riley's mother back in Massachusetts. The testimony is from child psychiatrist Kayoko Kifiju and concerns Rebecca's older sibling, Kaitlynne. "At the time, Kaitlynne Riley was 2 years old, and Carolyn Riley had turned to doctors because the girl was being aggressive toward her older brother, Kifuji testified. "The psychiatrist said she met with the little girl for an hour, during which the girl talked about seeing 'monsters' and 'ghosts'--but did not display any sign of excessive aggressive behavior. Yet, Kifuji testified, she diagnosed Kaitlynne Riley as having bipolar disorder and prescribed Depakote for treatment. "'I made a diagnosis of bipolar disorder on Kaitllynne Riley based on information I got and... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3208658 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3208658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3201889&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fbeginning-of-misdiagnosis-discussion-it.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3201889 Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:41:00 +0100 3201889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3189202&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F20%2Fpain-and-humor-the-dark-side-of-funny%2F There’s one theme that keep recurring during each of my radio interviews for the book, Beyond Blue, and that is: humor. People are taken aback that I would write a book about depression and try to make it funny. Because funny and pain don’t go together, right? Wrong. Fellow blogger and comedian John McManamy interviewed me about this topic. It afforded me an opportunity to explore humor and think about why I use it so often. Click here to get to his original blog post. John: Listen, Therese. William Styron’s memoir of depression was bleak. Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” was heart-breaking. Yet, here you are, agony with a thousand punch lines. This has to be sacrilegious. Therese: Funny you should ask the question that way. Gus Lloyd, who has a radio show... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3189202 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:27:09 +0100 3189202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3176116&cid=t_92589_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FR_gl2uLH-cQ%2F The number of children aged 2 to 5 who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed antipsychotics has doubled over the past decade, suggesting the practice is becoming more prevalent, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Reuters reports. The data could play a role at the upcoming murder trials of the parents of 4-year-old Rebecca Riley, who died of an overdose of mood-stabilizing meds in 2006, Reuters writes. A child psychiatrist, Kayoko Kifuji, diagnosed Riley with bipolar disorder and ADHD when she was 30 months old, and placed her on Depakote, an antiseizure med also used for bipolar disorder, and clonidine, a blood pressure med. Prosecutors claim the parents deliberately overmedicated their daughter to subdue he... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3176116 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:19:46 +0100 3176116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3171949&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F14%2Fintroducing-a-new-blog-bipolar-advantage%2F Bipolar disorder can be devastating… but it doesn’t have to be. I’m pleased to announce the introduction of Bipolar Advantage, hosted by Tom Wootton and his colleagues. I’m pleased to present this alternative view of bipolar disorder and depression, focused on how it can be used to achieve rather than simply endure. Tom said it best: The mental health field is plagued with the bigotry of low expectations. Far too many people are talking about “changing the stigma,” while creating the worst stigma of all — the idea that we are not capable of achieving greatness. While their intentions are good, they are doing terrible harm to everyone with a mental condition and those who love and support them. This “can’t do” attitude is rampant in professionals, consum... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3171949 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:11:15 +0100 3171949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3172182&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2Frebecca_rileys_parents_to_be_tried_separately.html The murder case against the parents of Rebecca Riley--the 4-year-old with alleged child bipolar disorder who died from an overdose of psych meds in December 2006--has become two murder cases because a Massachusetts court has decided to try the parents separately. Carolyn Riley's case--she's hte mother of course--will begin on Tuesday. There's no date set right now for the trial of Rebecca's father Michael Riley. I still have a hard time buying murder charges against either parent, but for them to have been jailed pre-trial does tell me a judge thought the evidence against them was compelling. That said, I still don't see a jury conviction for murder and given the dicey nature of medication use in small children and how imprecise and unresearched such psych med use is, if the jury has any ... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3172182 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3172182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3167196&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2F13%2Fwriting-beyond-blue-keeping-my-end-of-the-bargain%2F Last week saw the publication date for my book, Beyond Blue: Surviving Depression & Anxiety and Making the Most of Bad Genes, which means it is now in bookstores (theoretically anyway). So I wanted to reflect on why I wrote it … I’m a tad over hearing about how depression and other mood disorders are yuppie diseases for folks with the time and resources to ruminate and obsess. I could do without all the advice on how to transform my thoughts into happy campers, even as I try every mindfulness strategy and cognitive-behavioral trick in the book. And I’d like to, one day, be able to tell family and friends the truth when they ask the predicable question, “How are you?” We need to understand something important. Depression kills. It killed my godmother &#8212... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3167196 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:22:39 +0100 3167196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3153425&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FmZ814SwzSHk%2F URL: http://www.siop.org/default.aspxWelcome to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) Web site. For: Anyone, Clinicians, Researchers, Students, TeachersTopics: Abnormal, Academia, Bipolar, Chronic Disease, Health Psychology, InsomniaFeatures: Welcome to the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) Web site.  We are pleased to introduce you to the field of industrial and organizational (I-O) psychology.  SIOP is the premier membership organization for those practicing and teaching I-O psychology.  While an independent organization with its own governance, SIOP is also a division within the American Psychological Association and an organizational affiliate of the Association for Psychological Science. (Source: PsychSplash) PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3153425 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:59:09 +0100 3153425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149304&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fsleep.html Mood Rating: 7/10Last night proved that I need the sleeping pills I've been prescribed. I was really tired, so I went to bed early and took a sleeping tablet just beforehand. I tossed and turned, and my mind raced, before the pill kicked in. Insomnia is a side effect of Aripirazole. I'm seeing my pdoc in 12 days' time, so I'm hoping that he'll prescribe me some more, otherwise I don't know what I'll do. As it is, the sleeping tablets wear off by around 6am, and the Aripiprazole wakes me up. I'm certainly in a healthy sleep routine now, even if it is aided.I'm now taking 300mg of Venlafaxine and 30mg of Aripiprazole daily. I'm also on Metformin for PCOS, and of course there's the sleeping pills. I'd like to think that I'll one day be free from medication, but it's doubtful.It's absolutely f... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149304 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:02:00 +0100 3149304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3120456&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F25%2Fvideo-the-12-bipolar-days-of-christmas%2F DISCLAIMER: I am no Barbara Streisand. I’ve never taken a singing lesson in my life. Not one. (Ed. - Really??) The inspiration for this song came two weeks before Thanksgiving when I received a call from my doctor: we had better get together a plan for lowering my cholesterol. Yeah. Sure. Getting to it… right after I fix my pituitary tumor, abnormal aortic valve, bipolar brain, and facial fungus. My high cholesterol is not a new issue. Somewhere around the time David was conceived I found out that my cholesterol scores were higher than my verbal SATs. But for the last six years I didn’t do anything about it because (honest confession coming up here) many of those days I was so depressed that I really wanted to be with God in his mansion upstairs. Dropping dead of a heart... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3120456 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:36:19 +0100 3120456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115131&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F23%2Fsharewik-depression-before-the-holidays%2F A few weeks ago, a woman I knew only on Facebook, Diana Keough, arrived at my door with her savvy business and production partner, Matt Clement, to do an interview of me about depression around the holidays. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I felt guilty for exercising some of my boundaries skills by saying no to flying to Atlanta. (So they came to me!). No more than 15 minutes after they arrived with their heavy luggage did my living room transform into a professional production set: fancy lights, backdrop, an expensive (big) camera, and so on. We talked for like four hours (two hours spent on poor Eric: “What’s it like living with chick who has her period, or acts like she does, all the time?”), and then they took off. The result is an incredibly polis... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115131 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:39:34 +0100 3115131 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3111681&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Femployment-support-allowance-nightmare.html Mood Rating: 6/10I just tried to fill out the new Employment Support Allowance booklet (yes, booklet!), but it's reduced me to tears. They want to know everything but your blood type. I've got to send in proof of address, proof of earnings, bank statements, savings statements (of which I have none), birth certificate, National Insurance card (of which I've lost), my husband's last few payslips, etc, etc. I can't believe that the government have made this so difficult! In the grand scheme of things, I have mild mental health problems, but even I can't complete this stupid form! It's a complete joke. On top of that, I'm bound to be asked to go for the medical, too. The thought of having to go out to a strange place is terrifying.I guess there's a plus side: my GP decided (on her own) to sign... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3111681 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:36:00 +0100 3111681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092920&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmemory-loss.html I just came across this article that someone Tweeted: http://bit.ly/7qr91jI know of a few people with depression and/or bipolar disorder who suffer with terrible memory problems. I am awful at remembering things. I can watch movies and completely forget what they're about a few days later. I've also - on at least two occasions - forgotten where I am when I'm driving a familiar route. I try not to panic, as I know that it'll only last a minute or so, but it's disconcerting all the same.How I get through Christmas is beyond me. (Source: Bipolar: A Way of Life) Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092920 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:53:00 +0100 3092920 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092921&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fnot-going-out.html Mood Rating: 6/10I've been feeling a little on the low side today. I was due to take my dog to the groomer's today, but I found that I just couldn't. Fortunately, my mum stepped in and took her for me. My mum's an absolute star. She comes round everyday to keep me company for a few hours - I could never tire of her presence.All I've managed to do today is pack my husband's Christmas stocking, put the dishwasher on and build the fire. I feel so lazy at times, but I just don't have the energy to do anything about it.As always, work is playing on my mind. I'm ticking off the days until I'll have to start again, and I'm dreading every minute of it already. I'm still trying to get hold of my GP to get her to backdate my sick note, but it's proving a tough job.I'm also disgusted with my niece. S... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092921 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:13:00 +0100 3092921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092739&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fpsych-central-mindapps-offer-ecbt-iphone-app%2F A few months ago, MindApps released an iPhone application called “eCBT Mood.” It allows a user to apply tried and true cognitive-behavioral techniques in their everyday life, and track their progress with those techniques over time with a simple graph. I liked it because it explained CBT stuff in a direct, easy-to-understand manner, and most importantly, was “actionable.” It walks you through specific steps of an automatic thought, for instance, and gives you encouragement to try and change it as it’s happening. The application’s core is an “eCBT toolbox” that allows you to learn more about your thoughts and feelings, identify your automatic thoughts, keep a feeling and thoughts log, challenge automatic thoughts, and identify and challenge co... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092739 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:36:00 +0100 3092739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3089393&cid=t_92589_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F12%2F14%2Fbipolar-and-ocd-run-together%2F A playful placement of pills. (Credit: me and the sysop)               . “I’m using this with my cognitive therapist and it’s… amazing.” I got this email from Christopher, a CureTogether member with Bipolar Disorder: “I have never found a more useful “biofeedback” tool.  It has helped me enormously in understanding my Bipolar I condition… You’ve seriously changed my life.” Words like Christopher’s inspire us to keep doing the work we’re doing, and putting out discoveries like today’s. So here goes. We found a strong association between Bipolar Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which independent studies published in established journals also confirm. In graphical form: . . People ... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3089393 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:38:44 +0100 3089393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3082991&cid=t_92589_146_f&fid=38266&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsleepeducation.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fbipolar-disorder-in-children-may-be.html A new study found that the circadian clock gene RORB may be involved in bipolar disorder in children.The study analyzed the genetic make-up of 305 children with bipolar disorder. They were compared with 140 controls.Results show a positive association between bipolar disorder and four variants of the RORB gene. The authors suggest that this gene may be an important target in the search for the molecular basis of bipolar disorder.The study also notes that bipolar disorder often involves a decreased need for sleep. This symptom helps discriminate children with bipolar disorder from those with ADHD.The NIMH reports that bipolar disorder is a brain disorder. It is also known as manic-depressive illness.It causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out daily... Sleep Education blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3082991 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:05:00 +0100 3082991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3083079&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F13%2Fmedicaid-children-get-4x-more-antipsychotics%2F If you’re a child in Medicaid, you already have a more difficult life than average ahead of you. Children in Medicaid programs have nearly twice the number of mental health problems than other children. But now new research suggests it gets even worse for children in Medicaid, according to an article in The New York Times — they are prescribed four times the amount of atypical antipsychotic medications than other children: New federally financed drug research reveals a stark disparity: children covered by Medicaid are given powerful antipsychotic medicines at a rate four times higher than children whose parents have private insurance. And the Medicaid children are more likely to receive the drugs for less severe conditions than their middle-class counterparts, the data shows. ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3083079 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:25:20 +0100 3083079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061541&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwrapping.html Mood Rating: 8/10I've spent the day alone today - usually not a good thing - but I've got quite a bit of Christmassy stuff done. I've wrapped all the presents I can, but I've run out of tags, grrr! Found a few extra decorations in an odd box and decorated the hallway. Going to get a real tree for the dining room next weekend, I think. I want it to look lovely for Christmas Day, as this will be the first time I've hosted Christmas; I'm so looking forward to it.Hubby's been off airsofting all day in Reading. He's just text to say he'll be home about 7pm. I'm betting it'll be closer to 8pm.I've no plans for this evening, except for watching X Factor. I want Stacey or Olly to win, although I think Joe might swipe it. Read an article from The Sun online today that reckons that Olly and Danyl ha... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061541 Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:39:00 +0100 3061541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3056871&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fwho-was-i-kidding.html Alas, the good mood didn't last that long. Around August time I started to see signs of a low period coming on. I spoke to my GP who arranged a meeting with my pdoc again. He put me on some new anti-psychotic drugs called Aripiprizole. The downside is that these tablets stop you sleeping well, so I'm on sleeping tablets for a few months, too.On the upside, the pdoc noticed that I'm really struggling to lose weight. I have PCOS, and the Olanzipine made me put on even more weight, so I find it really hard to shift a pound or two. He suggested that I see my GP and ask about gastric banding. I put the GP visit off and off, but my husband came with me last week, and the GP is in favour of it and is going to write a letter to the powers that be. I've wanted this for so long now, but I new I coul... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3056871 Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:35:00 +0100 3056871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3035876&cid=t_92589_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fmore-evidence-for-suppression-of.html We recently discussed the severe challenges to evidence-based medicine presented by manipulation and suppression of clinical research to serve vested interests.  I recently (and unfortunately belatedly) came upon yet another example of suppression of research that was unfavorable to a research sponsor's vested interests, suggesting that such suppression may be more prevalent than heretofore believed.  This example appeared in the journal Evidence-Based Mental Health [Gahemi SN. The failure to know what isn't known: negative publication bias with lamotrigine and a glimpse inside peer review.  Evidence Based Mental Health 2009; 12: 65-68.  Link here.]The author was able to use the database of clinical trials provided by GlaxoSmithKline as part of a settlement of a suit by... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3035876 Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:08:00 +0100 3035876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2996012&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2Fresearchers_new_pediatric_bipolar_disorder_symptoms_include_bed_wetting_nightmares.html The folks at the Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation--that's the Papaloses of "The Bipolar Child" book fame's organization--have really gone an done it now. They've fully crossed the Rubicon and now claim that kids having nightmares, wetting the bed and who are interruptive have so-called pediatric bipolar disorder. This is all from a JBRF "news flash," which I cannot locate on the group's website yet, but which I have in email form (if you want it, send me an email and I'll pass it along). The news flash, which is also a solicitation for contributions to JBRF, is entitled "Characteristics of Juvenile Bipolar Disorder: A New Phenotype." "What do the following have in common? * suffers horrendous nightmares * antagonizes siblings * excessively craves sweets and carbohydrates * we... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2996012 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2996012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984979&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fbringchange2mind-org%2F More than a few tears of understanding, and being understood, came to my eyes tonight as I watched NBC Nightly News. Brian Williams featured a report on an initiative of Glenn Close called Bring Change 2 mind.  Ms. Close and her sister Jessie, who is bipolar, were part of an amazing public service announcement shot at [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984979 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:37:12 +0100 2984979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2967340&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F06%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-november-6-2009%2F I’m attending the 25th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy today, and I’ll write more about the inspirational work this organization has been doing for 25 years shortly (not just in Georgia, but throughout the entire country). The people who are attending this symposium — as well as the Carter Center itself — have done much to improve mental health care in the U.S., but it’s not something you hear enough about. It’s heartening so many great minds coming together to share best practices and ideas for improvement (especially at this unique time in healthcare history). Not just policy wonks, but also physicians, mental health practitioners, administrators, consumers, CEOs, you name it — they’re all here. All talking about wa... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2967340 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:06:23 +0100 2967340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2959061&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2Fstudy_researchers_shoot_down_preadolescent_mania_1.html A study out in this month's British Journal of Psychiatry examined the course of bipolar disorder for as long as 15 years in the offspring of bipolar parents and found no evidence of pre-adolescent mania: "We studied the course of major mood disorders in the offspring of parents with well-characterised bipolar disorder prospectively for up to 15 years. All consenting offspring were assessed annually or anytime symptomatic. The participants began to develop major mood episodes in adolescence and not before. The index major mood episode was almost always depressive, as were the first few recurrences. Onsets and recurrences continued throughout the observation period into adulthood. We did not find evidence of pre-pubertal mania. In summary, adolescence marks the beginning of the high-risk p... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2959061 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2959061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2963157&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F03%2Fthe-fear-of-relapse-5-cognitive-tools%2F A reader recently wrote to me about her overwhelming fear of relapse. She said, “I’m struggling now with it, obsessing over it, and I’m so, so scared. Do I want to crawl into the hole? I fear that. But I can’t. I can’t.” First of all, thank you for being honest. Because so many of us know exactly how you feel. I’m there a lot of the time myself. Less than I was the two years following my hospitalizations, but there too much of the time. Doctor Smith would continually remind me during those first fragile years after my big breakdown that a slight setback in my recovery didn’t mean that I was plunging into a full-fledged depressive episode again, and that it wouldn’t take another 18 months to recover, like it did after my breakdown. These... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2963157 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:39:47 +0100 2963157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2954554&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F11%2F02%2Fresearch-backed-online-mental-health-interventions%2F So the other week I attended and presented at the First International e-Mental Health Summit 2009 in Amsterdam and already discussed some great online interventions for depression. I’m still planning on talking about additional online interventions for other mental disorders, but am waiting for the conference folks to publish the presentations on their website because the abstract book doesn’t always contain the valuable bits of information I need to properly summarize a topic area. In the meantime, I thought I’d mention Beacon. Beacon is a website that has gone to the trouble of indexing and rating over 70 different online interventions in the following categories: Alcohol (3/3) Bipolar disorder (3/0) Depression (24/11) Eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia) (6/... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2954554 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:58:42 +0100 2954554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944099&cid=t_92589_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3qox1wxAjx8%2F The admission came from Matt Thompson, a sales rep for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen unit, who testified in a trial over claims by a former co-worker. In 2002, he said he pushed docs to consider prescribing Risperdal in combination with other drugs, even though this wasn’t approved by the FDA, and he noted that Jannsen’s training didn’t include any specific prohibitions against such promotions. “I’m not saying the company tried to hide it, but we didn’t think about augmentation in the realm of on-label or off- label at that time,” Thompson said. He said he was “probably” aware that promotion of such sales was illegal, Bloomberg News reports. The lawsuit was brought by Lynn Powell, 36, who claims she was fired in 2004 for complaining inside Jannsen about ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944099 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:50 +0100 2944099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934767&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Ftop-ten-bipolar-blogs-2009%2F Every year the entrants for the Best of the Web awards multiply. In 2009, veterans stood tough as new kids dazzled. It was difficult to narrow the list to just ten (and some more faves we want to mention), but here are our picks for the top blogs written by people who have been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. 1. The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive Do’s and Don’ts for the Mentally Interesting was a BBC Radio play based on Seaneen’s blog produced last May and just nominated for a Mind Mental Health Media Award. Always a compelling and honest read, it was no fluke or sympathy vote that caused us to place this blog near the top of our list last year - it deserves many accolades. Well done. 2. The Trouble With Spikol Another great year for Liz Spikol, a stellar writer an... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934767 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:58:05 +0100 2934767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934768&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F27%2Fpatient-stabs-doctor-shot-dead-at-bipolar-clinic%2F A patient being seen at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Bipolar Clinic and Research Program attacked his physician today, stabbing her with a knife during a treatment session according to Boston Police. The incident occurred in an office building nearby the main Mass. General building, where the hospital leases space for the Bipolar Clinic: After at least one gunshot echoed on the fifth floor, two nurses from [a neighboring] office went to treat the patient, who had apparently been shot in the head by the security guard [...] “During the course of the stabbing incident, an off-duty security officer who was armed interceded,” [Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis] said. “He produced a weapon and ordered the suspect to drop the knife. When the suspect did not co... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934768 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:38:36 +0100 2934768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931275&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPWBlogs-Trouble%2F%7E3%2FykztLfAq-h4%2F Not because she’s a phenomenal actor, which she is, but because she’s just initiated a new project to banish stigma. The project is highly personal, as she explains on Huffington Post: As I’ve written and spoken about before, my sister suffers from a bipolar disorder and my nephew from schizoaffective disorder. There has, in fact, been a lot of depression and alcoholism in my family and, traditionally, no one ever spoke about it. It just wasn’t done. The stigma is toxic. And, like millions of others who live with mental illness in their families, I’ve seen what they endure: the struggle of just getting through the day, and the hurt caused every time someone casually describes someone as “crazy,” “nuts,” or “psycho”. What&#8... The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931275 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:34:30 +0100 2931275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927364&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F26%2Fare-the-media-becoming-addicted-to-internet-addiction%2F As Dr. John Grohol has cogently argued, there are many reasons to be skeptical of “Internet Addiction” as a discrete and specific “disorder” or diagnosis. Yet I am impressed, and a bit dismayed, by all the attention this issue seems to garner in the popular media. I don’t intend any disrespect to the reporters and journalists who are trying to cover the topic, several of whom have graciously interviewed me. Some reporters are as skeptical as many of us in the mental health field, and a number have asked pertinent questions as to how real so-called Internet addiction is. I simply wish that devastating illnesses like schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder created such a buzz in the media and in the awareness of the general public. Over the last 30... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927364 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:01:59 +0100 2927364 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2924848&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F25%2Foptimism-software-technology-meets-self-help%2F Ever since I was discharged from the inpatient psychiatric program at Johns Hopkins, I have kept a mood journal where I daily record the amount of hours I sleep, my mood (rating it a fantastic and serene no. 1 to a frazzled, and I’m-headed-back-to-the-community-room no. 5), any foods that have triggered hyperactivity or irritability (such as a triple espresso and half of a chocolate-mousse pie), my anxiety level, any medication and vitamin/supplement changes, and a list of things I’m obsessing about: weight, job, friends, sisters, yada yada yada. My journal looks like my house: messy … dangerously messy. I scribble something down and then Katherine gets a hold of the pad and draws a mermaid, or a big X through the object of obsession. In other words: it’s not a good... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2924848 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:31:31 +0100 2924848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923308&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F24%2Fglenn-close-tackles-mental-illness-thank-you%2F “Mental illness is just part of the human condition,” Glenn Close said Oct. 21 on “Good Morning America.” Halleluia! A Hollywood response to all the scientology. Today Close spoke out for the first time on television about the legacy of mental illness in her own family: Her sister, Jessie, suffers from bipolar disorder, and Jessie’s son has schizo-affective disorder. Glenn has launched a nonprofit organization called BringChange2Mind, which she hopes will raise awareness about mental illness, strip mood disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia from their unfair stigma, and lend support and information to the mentally ill and their families. Katie Escherich of ABC News writes: Jessie, the youngest of the four Close siblings, was diagnosed with bipolar ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923308 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:40:57 +0100 2923308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923303&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34730&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fonly-perfect-people-should-have.html I hope you know that the title of this post is sarcastic.A reader wrote to us and asked if we'd address the issue of whether people with bipolar disorder should have children:"I have been asked how I could have had children knowing I had bipolar and the person asking would never have known I had bipolar if i did not told them."I enjoyed thinking about this, but I'm punting. I really don't like the idea of putting a value judgment on who should or shouldn't have children. Truly, there are a lot of people out there who shouldn't have babies (because they can't take care of them), but do, and a lot of wonderful people who've been born to people who maybe shouldn't have had babies, but did, and we're all glad they got born anyway. There are no guarantees in life, and I've never heard anyone pu... Shrink Rap blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923303 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:11:00 +0100 2923303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916420&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2Fchild_psychiatrist_says_kids_overmedicated_wrongly_diagnosed.html This study argues from an individual clinician’s experience that the overwhelming majority of children do no worse and most do considerably better entirely off or at doses of psychotropic medication significantly lower than that prescribed in the mainstream of contemporary child psychiatric care. It seems reasonable to attribute the clinical improvement of these children to diminished efforts to control thinking, affect, and behavior by pharmacologic interventions, while simultaneously increasing the amount and quality of analytically informed treatment. Success in effecting dramatic reductions in prescribed medications suggests that in mainstream child psychiatric care there is excessive overdiagnosing and overmedicating of affectively labile and rageful, aggressive children. Very like... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916420 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2916420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2916247&cid=t_92589_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FGK2kll18QPE%2Fart-and-pride.html Watch Mad But Glad [Part 1] Watch Mad But Glad [Part 2] Mad But Glad Very good UK documentary following Nick van Bloss, a pianist who has Tourette’s syndrome and thrives by using the instrument to channel creative energy and manage his condition. Delves into classic questions about the link between creativity and madness (and dopamine), with animated brain scans and comparisons to some creative correlates of autism, mania, and Parkinson’s. Part 1, and part 2. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2916247 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:30:39 +0100 2916247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2904926&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fwhat-is-a-nervous-breakdown%2F A nervous breakdown refers to a mainstream and often-used term to generically describe someone who experiences a bout of mental illness that is so severe, it directly impacts their ability to function in everyday life. The specific mental illness can be anything — depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or something else. But the reference to a “nervous breakdown” usually refers to the fact that the person has basically stopped their daily routines — going to work, interacting with loved ones or friends, even just getting out of bed to eat or shower. A nervous breakdown can be seen as a sign that one’s ability to cope with life or a mental illness has been overwhelmed by stress, life events, work or relationship issues. By disconnecting from the... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2904926 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:55:47 +0100 2904926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2899178&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2Fmcmanamy_tries_criticizing_me_again.html Can I just say that John McManamy, author the Knowledge Is Necessity blog and the book "Living Well with Depression and Bipolar Disorder," is an out-of-touch fool? Back in February, he alleged that I engaged in "dumb anti-psychiatry" for daring to criticize the possibility of a new type 3 of bipolar disorder and now he's gone and re-posted that entry for reasons that escape me, but establish once again that he's a malicious toad. Here's my response to him earlier this year, wherein I noted that he's a huge defender of the child bipolar paradigm, Fred Goodwin and pretty much anything mainstream psychiatry tells him is true. Meanwhile, he's completely missed writing about how bipolar disorder is wrongly diagnosed almost 50 percent of the time, how there's evidence that the disorder resolves... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2899178 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2899178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890697&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FxYSuZIOYB1k%2F URL: http://www.facetheissue.com/Features narrated animations and facts about addiction, eating disorders, depression, and other mental health concerns. For: AnyoneTopics: ADHD, Addiction, Anger, Anxiety, Biological Psychology, Bipolar, Clinical Psychology, Depression, Eating Disorders, Health Promotion, Health Psychology, Health and Social Services, Life, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Mental Health Promotion, Self-helpFeatures: Case Studies, Commentary and Blogs, Documentary, Forums, Information, Self Monitoring, Videos, e-learning Features narrated animations and facts about addiction, eating disorders, depression, and other mental health concerns.  Adds a “real-life” dimension to each disorder listed on the site.  A must see. (Source: PsychSplash) PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890697 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:00:13 +0100 2890697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872008&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2Fstudy_large_percentage_of_bipolar_disorder_cases_resolve_spontaneously_by_mid30s.html This study is not proof that bipolar disorder fades with time. The authors call for more studies and longitudinal analyses and so on. It's a study just begging for replication and I hope NIH and others in psychiatry get serious about its finding and undertake other research into the natural course of bipolar disorder (or disorders). Maybe Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca would like to help! Um, probably not. 5. That said, the Sher study is an important piece of evidence. Coupled with a study last year by Mark Zimmerman, a Brown University psychiatry professor, asserting that almost 50 percent of diagnoses of bipolar disorder are wrong (they are commonly cases of depression), it argues for some skepticism both within psychiatry and the media on what we think we know about bipolar disorder and wha... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872008 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2872008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2862558&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F05%2Fprevalence-of-common-mental-disorders%2F In support of Mental Health Awareness Week — meant to increase awareness of mental health issues and helping people better understand mental disorders — we’ve created the graph below to give you a better idea of the prevalence (in the past year) of these disorders in the general American population. The media sometimes emphasizes one disorder over another, distorting the picture of how many people actually have the disorder. For instance, the graph shows that bipolar disorder — the subject of so many advertising campaigns, TV commercials and more — has similar prevalence rates to panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and binge eating. Mental disorders are more common than many people realize, and far fewer people seek out treatment for them than... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2862558 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:39:47 +0100 2862558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846424&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FWPGRnM5gDsc%2F URL: http://www.psycline.org/PSYCLINE is owned and managed by psychologist Dr. Armin Günther, University of Augsburg, Germany. The website started in 1995 under its former name Links to Psychological Journals and has won a high reputation as one of the (if not as the) most comprehensive and up-to-date index of psychology and social science journals on the web. For: Clinicians, Researchers, Students, TeachersTopics: ADHD, Abnormal, Academia, Addiction, Behaviour Management, Bipolar, General Psychology, Health Psychology, Mental Health, Psychology and Technology, Teaching, WritingFeatures: Author Lists, Books, Databases, Information, JournalsPSYCLINE is owned and managed by psychologist Dr. Armin Günther, University of Augsburg, Germany. The website started in 1995 under its former... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846424 Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:37 +0100 2846424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834295&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F26%2Fbounce-6-steps-to-become-more-resilient%2F Resilience. That’s what I’m after. To be able to find my balance after hitting a pot hole. To wake up with hope after enduring a series of frustrations. To look beyond the circumstances of my life in order to enjoy the moment. Yes. I want to become more resilient. So it was with great interest that I read Robert Wick’s book, “Bounce: Living the Resilient Life.” Here are six of the suggestions he presents in his book. A professor of psychology at Loyola University, Maryland, Dr. Wicks is author of numerous books, including “Prayerfulness” that I featured earlier this year. Step One: Become Aware of Acute Stress and Toxic Situations In his first chapter, Dr. Wicks talks about how to recognize chronic and acute stress, and what causes burnout. As a s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834295 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:05:34 +0100 2834295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820279&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2F22%2Fuse-caution-with-positive-thinking%2F Back in July, John Cloud wrote a piece for “Time” Magazine called “Yes, I Suck: Self-Help Through Negative Thinking.” In the article, Cloud lays out the research why “cognitive restructuring,” the process of retraining your thoughts–of changing self-defeating attitudes to constructive ones–simply doesn’t work. Actually, it’s worse than that. Sometimes when we tell ourselves statements that we don’t really believe (”I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me”), it can decrease the little self-esteem we had to begin with. As I mentioned in my post “Happy Thoughts Can Make You Sad,” this is precisely why Dr. Smith told me to stay away from self-help books when I was s... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820279 Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:56:08 +0100 2820279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2796763&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F09%2Fhospital_security_beat_handcuffed_psych_patient_in_oregon.html This incident has my blood boiling: according to documents leaked to KATU-TV in Portland, Ore., hospital security staff at Oregon Health & Science University beat a handcuffed woman after she stormed out of the ER. Here's how the station describes the incident: "Anna Marie Hartwick said she is bipolar, has post traumatic stress disorder, and a personality disorder. She said she has been in and out of the state mental hospital and on heavy medications since she was 12 years old. "She said she’s on a cocktail of three medications: Geodon, Zoloft, and Trazodone, which led to infections and severe pain. "On Sept. 1 the pain became intolerable while she was at the Central Library in downtown Portland. Someone called an ambulance to take her to OHSU. After waiting a long time to see a docto... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2796763 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2796763 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782303&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fconflicted-researcher-joan-luby-barbara.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782303 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:19:00 +0100 2782303 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782279&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fto-bipolar-beat%2F Re: Which Came First – Substance Abuse or Bipolar Disorder? I’m so happy to have come across this site, particularly this article, as I checked out different areas of my news reader. I’ve been in and out of recovery (from alcohol abuse mostly) for about 20 years, now just two-and-a-quarter years sober again. Not too long before [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782279 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:47:51 +0100 2782279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737991&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F08%2F26%2Fa-message-to-patrick-kennedy%2F First of all: Ted Kennedy’s Health Care Legacy The Cause of Ted Kennedy’s Life Patrick, my condolences on your father’s passing. When your dad’s brothers died, he had to get himself together and stop being an irresponsible, drunken frat boy. He had to become a leader who espoused what they did: social justice, pacifism, equal rights, etc. You [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737991 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:20:16 +0100 2737991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2734244&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F08%2F25%2Fliveblogging-primetime-outsiders%2F All the below is about this show. Madigan: They didn’t flatter you with that lighting. David Oaks: You’re looking so handsome! I had no idea. Your eyebrows are very sexy. (I’m completely sincere.) “But critics worry …” That’s journalism-speak for “We don’t have any specific sources who say this, but we’ll generalize it so we have reason to [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2734244 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 03:08:27 +0100 2734244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719953&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2Fthe_onion_pres_obama_has_bipolar_disorder.html Among other things, America's most trusted news network reports that the signs were there in President Barack Obama's campaign last year--the euphoric emails to supporters, his unflinching belief in the airy concept of "hope." And so on. (Source: Furious Seasons) Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719953 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2719953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709371&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2Fso_much_for_bipolar_disorder_being_underdiagnosed.html I imagine two or three of you remember a study that came out last year asserting that bipolar disorder was being overdiagnosed--or wrongly diagnosed--in almost 50 percent of patients. The study was authored by Mark Zimmerman, a psychiatry professor at Brown University, and colleagues and was quite controversial, although some researchers supported his findings. After all, bipolar disorder is supposed to be underdiagnosed and most of the leading lights in psychiatry consider bipolar to be a fixed diagnosis. Once you're diagnosed with it, there is no escape. Shut up and take your meds or you're living in denial and will die and so on. I wrote a lengthy rant about Zimmerman's findings last year. I spoke with Zimmerman last year and asked him if such a large chunk of patients didn't have bipo... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709371 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2709371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2702400&cid=t_92589_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Ffda-saphris-asenapine-approval.html From the FDA:FDA Approves Saphris to Treat Schizophrenia and Bipolar DisorderThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Saphris tablets (asenapine) to treat adults with schizophrenia, a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder, and to treat bipolar I disorder in adults, a serious psychiatric disorder that causes shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function.“Mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can be devastating to patients and families, requiring lifelong treatment and therapy,” said Thomas Laughren, M.D., director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Effective medicines can help people with mental illness live more independent lives.”Read the full FDA press releaseS-P corporat... BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2702400 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:54:00 +0100 2702400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699656&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F14%2F5-good-reasons-to-track-your-mood-an-interview-with-james-bishop%2F Today I have the pleasure of interviewing one of my first Internet buddies, James Bishop, who runs the site FindingOptimism.com and writes the Finding Optimism blog which has been voted as one of the top depression blogs by Psych Central. James also is the brainiac behind Optimism Software, a tool to help you track your mood. Question: Why did you develop the software, James? Was there a certain “Aha!” moment you’d like to share with us, as though you were sitting on the Oprah set? James: An “Aha!” moment? Yes, I’ve had lots of those. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 6 years ago, and I started on the difficult path of finding appropriate treatment. At the same time Anna started keeping a paper health journal. In 2004 I took part in a 6-part e... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699656 Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:39:37 +0100 2699656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2678684&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F08%2F06%2F8-tools-for-happiness-gretchen-rubins-happiness-project-toolbox%2F As someone who suffers from manic-depression, I have a box of tools that I use to help me stay on the path of recovery and get as far away as possible from the black hole of despair. However, they are not all that different from the eight tools that blogger/author Gretchen Rubin uses in her happiness project. Now Gretchen offers a website, The Happiness Project Toolbox, where she helps you tailor the tools to your own life and, in the process, see what others have to say about them. Her site, the Happiness Project Toolbox, offers eight free tools. Like James Bishop’s Optimism Software, Gretchen’s tools help you become an active participant in your recovery, transferring some of the accountability for serenity to you. And because they involve you in the path to peace, you come ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2678684 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:47:48 +0100 2678684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2660784&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F1AlYGJZHqq0%2F URL: http://lucidinterval.org/here_we_go_again.shtmlPractical suggestions for avoiding manic episodes or at least reducing their severity. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Bipolar, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Mental Health PromotionFeatures: Articles, Information, Links Practical suggestions for avoiding manic episodes or at least reducing their severity. It is based upon personal experience of bipolar disorder for over some 30 years. (Source: PsychSplash) PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2660784 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:00:57 +0100 2660784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641339&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F27%2Fgive-me-the-gun-when-suicidal-ideations-take-over%2F I have been thinking about this question ever since I read it on a discussion thread in Group Beyond Blue. Meg writes: So, my husband has shown interest in getting a handgun permit. It’s the South, and lots of people have them. I don’t have an issue with the concept of it. He wants to take the class and is really responsible about it. He doesn’t hunt and isn’t a “war games” kind of guy or a gun fanatic. Then I told him that a stipulation would be that when we had children, the way the gun was stored would need to be open to discussion. We would need to agree on a safe way to handle it based on the relative risks involved. He’s fine with that. I next suggested that he look up some gun stores or ranges to call about lessons. I think it was the phrase... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641339 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:35:34 +0100 2641339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637861&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F24%2Ffriday-flashback-for-july-24-2009%2F While visiting family over the weekend, I thought you might enjoy these classic entries from our past. 10 Years Ago on Psych Central When Tragedy Provides My essay about the Columbine tragedy, which also just celebrated its 10 year anniversary a few months ago. Tragedy reminds us that we’re human and gives us a chance to reconnect with one another. But nothing can make sense of tragedies such as Columbine. 5 Years Ago on Psych Central Drug Maker Acknowledges Misleading Claims In case you thought that some pharmaceutical companies’ recent problems with telling the whole truth about their drugs is something new, I noted 5 years ago when Janssen admitted that it minimized some of the potential side effects of its drug, Risperdal. According to the story, “the FDA determine... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637861 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:06:10 +0100 2637861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2621913&cid=t_92589_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E5%2FCxu9Mm76dH8%2Fpodcast Writing About Madness: Life After Public Disclosure of Mental Illness Another great talk by Kay Redfield Jamison, bipolar expert and author. Here she describes reactions and support she experienced after publishing An Unquiet Mind, coming out as a person with a bipolar disorder. The talk has a focus on education, describing challenges for herself and other people with neurocognitive impairment from bipolar. There is some audience Q&A. A podcast preview is available. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2621913 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:30:35 +0100 2621913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2616842&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2Fsecond_anniversary_offmeds.html As I did last year, I wanted to publicly note my anniversary--this year is the second--of being off-meds. Yes, that's right: I've made it two years, despite the naysayers who told me I'd wind up dead or in the hospital, medicated to the gills. Looks like they were wrong. I'm in pretty good shape and haven't had a lick of anything that would register on any clinical scale in a long time. So two years after my psychiatrist talked me into going off the last of 18 years of psych meds, my case establishes one of four things: that I was a bad diagnosis back in 1989 and was never bipolar at all; that bipolar disorder burns out over time; that I'm a medical miracle of some kind; or, that I am a sick, delusional man, soon to be hospitalized. I lean towards the bad diagnosis and burns-out-over-time... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2616842 Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2616842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2598462&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F07%2F13%2Flost-to-illness%2F This film came out in 2007, but I haven’t heard much about how the subject of the film is faring. The filmmaker can still be found, but where is Sam? (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2598462 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:03:03 +0100 2598462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2584213&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F09%2F6-steps-for-beating-depression%2F This study–along with a handful of others like it–suggests that omega-3s may be among the most effective antidepressant substances ever discovered. 2. Engaged Activity According to Ilardi, engaged activity keeps us from ruminating, and ruminating causes depression. I understand his logic, and he is right that we are more isolated now in our lifestyle than even 10 years ago because technology allows us to do our jobs individually. Says Ilardi: The biggest risk factor for rumination is simply spending time alone, something Americans now do all the time. When you’re interacting with another person, your mind just doesn’t have a chance to dwell on repetitive negative thoughts. But, really, any sort of engaged activity can work to interrupt rumination. It can even be som... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2584213 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:49:20 +0100 2584213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2576649&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F07%2Fdepression-theres-a-person-underneath-the-illness%2F I think one of the most consoling things a fellow manic depressive ever told me was that I (the person known as Therese) never disappeared during my severe depression. It felt like I did, of course. Because I could barely recognize myself. I would stare into a mirror and question the identity of the ugly chick staring back. People couldn’t recognize me … especially from the back, since I had dropped a few pant sizes. But my friend reassured me that I was there all along. In a letter dated around May of 2006, just as I was starting to ascend from the Black Hole, she wrote me this: Once one walks in the door of a good psychiatrist, the scientist, and finds a good therapist as well as cognitive-thinking help, she realizes how alone she has been most of her life. Your success is ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2576649 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:03:59 +0100 2576649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2570607&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2F02%2Fbreakthrough-for-schizophrenia-and-bipolar%2F Earlier today, we reported that NIMH-funded researchers at three different genetic research institutes from around the world collaborated and published three new studies yesterday in the journal, Nature, that suggested a true breakthrough in our understanding of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. And to think that just earlier this week, I was dismissing the largely inconclusive findings of genetics research in mental illness. One of the researchers commented on the findings: “There was substantial overlap in the genetic risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that was specific to mental disorders. We saw no association between the suspect gene variants and half a dozen common non-psychiatric disorders.” This is an important discovery — that some of the roots of schi... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2570607 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:00:34 +0100 2570607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2571183&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F07%2Fno_charges_against_psychiatrist_in_rebecca_riley_case.html A grand jury in Massachusetts has not returned a criminal indictment against Kayoko Kifuji, a Tufts Medical Center psychiatrist, in connection with the doctor's role in the death of Rebecca Riley, a 4-year-old girl who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD at 2-years-old. The case has gotten a ton of national attention due to the fact that the girl was actually killed in December 2006 by some of the aggressive medication she was on. Meds prescribed to her included Seroquel, Depakote and clonidine. Her parents have been charged with first-degree murder and are in jail awaiting trial. A medical malpractice case brought by the girl's estate against Kifuji continues. I would've been surprised by any criminal charges against the psychiatrist, but the civil case ought to be a tougher g... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2571183 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2571183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561545&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F06%2F30%2Fpeople-first-language%2F One of the biggest challenges I’ve had in the 10 years I’ve been writing on the subject of mental illness is the evolving use of language around disabilities. Sometimes I’ve been relieved by change; other times I’ve been frustrated. I recently had the opportunity to start thinking about this again because I accidentally let a [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561545 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:45:55 +0100 2561545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2553088&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F29%2Fchasing-the-genetic-ghosts-of-mental-illness%2F For decades, scientists have been making claims about the genetic roots of mental illness, ranging from schizophrenia and depression, to bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). And for decades, they’ve largely been chasing ghosts. Eric Kandel, writing for Newsweek, makes the at-least-annual appeal that scientists are making “certain advances in genetics” which give “us new reasons for optimism” in understanding the biological basis for mental illness. As someone who’s been tracking the progress of such genetic advances over the past two decades, I have to say, I remain squarely skeptical. It doesn’t help that Kandel’s own arguments are exercises in circular logic: One major advance has been the discovery that there is much mo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2553088 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:19:49 +0100 2553088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523750&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F06%2F23%2Fmental-illness-and-migraines%2F This weekend I was asked by some people how mental illness fits into my life nowadays, and I had a realization that was both reassuring and depressing: migraines are a bigger factor in my everyday existence now than bipolar disorder is. I’m glad to be so recovered (despite not exercising and eating poorly — take [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523750 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:56:55 +0100 2523750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512726&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F23%2Fabout-com-bipolar-disorder-called-manic-depression-or-bipolar-disorder-stigma-persists%2F An article arrived in my “in” box today which underlined for me one of the persistent difficulties in living with mental illness – stigma. Stigma interests me a great deal, living as I am with HIV/AIDS, too. I almost feel defensive in talking about my bipolar II condition, particularly around some other recovering alcoholics who look skeptical [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512726 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:03:17 +0100 2512726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2523751&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F06%2F22%2Fyesterday-was-my-birthday-i-am-next-to-normal%2F It feels really different being 25. I can’t imagine how an old person — like 41 — would feel. Ahem. This weekend I went to NYC and saw Next to Normal, a Broadway musical about a woman who’s been diagnosed with the kind of bipolar disorder I have — depressive with psychotic features. In the play, [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2523751 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:34 +0100 2523751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513050&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2F1999-2009-ocdadhdpediatric-bipolar.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513050 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:46:00 +0100 2513050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513089&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2Fquestioning_antipsychotics_in_kids_sf_chron_supports_their_use.html From time to time, I simply shake my head at the quality of health journalism in the US, particularly as regards children's mental health. Today's example comes to us from the San Francisco Chronicle in an article entitled "Antipsychotic drugs for kids raise hope, worry." While the article does get at both the hope and worry around the use of these drugs in kids, it remains uncomfortably biased toward promoting the use of antipsychotics in kids to the point where you've got to wonder who the reporter's sources were and who the hell is editing at the Chron these days. The trouble starts in the lede: "Increasingly powerful antipsychotic drugs available on the market, and growing evidence that starting these medications early can help children with conditions like bipolar disorder, is putti... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513089 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2513089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511160&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F19%2F6-ways-to-stay-out-of-the-psych-ward%2F It’s been three years since I’ve dined in the community room of a psych ward with some fellow depressives… Trying to slice a piece of rubber turkey with a plastic knife while wondering what I had to do to get out of there. I would like very much not to return. I came up with these steps to help me. But they are good sanity tools even if you’ve never made it to the community room. 1. Keep a consistent rhythm. I’m not talking about rap, or your tempo on the drums. I’m referring to your circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock which governs fluctuation in body temperature and the secretion of several hormones, including the evil one, cortisol. Here is how you establish good rhythm that assists you with the whole sanity thing: you live a boring life.... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511160 Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:11:37 +0100 2511160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513092&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2Ffda_staff_urge_review_of_developmental_delay_autism_linked_to_depakote.html In news just out this morning, FDA scientific staff urge the agency to undertake further review of the anti-seizure drug Depakote, commonly used for various seizure disorders as well as a so-called mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder, due to possible links to cases of developmental delay and autism in children of mothers taking the drug while pregnant. Depakote, made by Abbott Labs, is also known as divalproex in generic form. "Six cases received since its approval in 1983, including two siblings reported to have autism, 'raise concerns,' Food and Drug Administration staff wrote in a May 6 memo released on Friday. "Limitations in the reports 'make it impossible to definitively conclude' the drug played a role, and genetics or other factors may have contributed, especially in the two sibl... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513092 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2513092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511164&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F17%2Fintroducing-the-psych-central-mood-tracker%2F After taking a look at a few of the mood trackers that have long been available online, I was very unsatisfied with both how they asked you about your mood (”How depressed are you today?”) and the results they displayed (can we say “unhelpful”?). Mood trackers are used to help you track your emotional state on a daily or weekly basis, helping you get a better grasp on your emotions. Mood trackers can also help you determine your treatment’s effectiveness over time. Like a screening quiz for depression or anxiety, you typically can’t just ask a person, “How depressed are you?” and get any kind of answer that you can hang your hat on. People aren’t always the best judge of their own mood states — especially when they are in the down... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511164 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:04:19 +0100 2511164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513062&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fjoint-statement-on-atypical.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513062 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:40:00 +0100 2513062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511166&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F15%2Fonline-mental-health-journalism-awards-2009%2F As we noted here, Mental Health America recently announced the winners of the “2009 Media Awards” that recognize excellence in mental health journalism. Sadly, despite the Internet’s popularity for the past 15 years, the Internet as a category is still missing from the awards. Apparently you can do good journalism online, you just won’t be acknowledged for it. (In Mental Health America’s defense, Pulitzer only began recognizing online journalism this year, too, so go figure.) We thought we’d acknowledge some examples of outstanding online mental health and psychiatry journalism in 2008. You might argue with our broad interpretation of “journalism,” but we believe that writers or producers who can bring new insight, analysis or understanding a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511166 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:36 +0100 2511166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2513063&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fcabf-child-and-adolescent-bipolar.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2513063 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:54:00 +0100 2513063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2473571&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F12%2F9-myths-of-bipolar-disorder%2F Bipolar disorder has been the focus of attention in recent years, as a new slew of psychiatric medications have been developed to help treat it. Such medications drive pharmaceutical marketing and increased educational efforts surrounding bipolar disorder (for better or worse). But many myths surround bipolar disorder — what it is, what it means, and how it’s treated. Here’s to busting a few of the most common ones. 1. Bipolar disorder means I’m really “crazy.” While bipolar disorder is a serious mental disorder, it is no more serious than most other mental disorders. Having a mental disorder doesn’t mean you’re “crazy,” it just means you have a concern that is negatively impacting how you live your life. Left unaddressed, this co... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2473571 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:11:46 +0100 2473571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463071&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F07%2Fbipolar-domestic-violence%2F One of the most enduring posts I’ve ever written here is Bipolar Disorder and Dating. Comments have come in continuously, as people are very concerned about relationships with partners who have bipolar disorder. Some think it’s worth it and some do not. What I’ve noticed is that people who love and support partners who take care of themselves too, who aren’t in denial about the diagnosis and who stick with a treatment plan and want to be well, are those who want to stay and those who say it’s worth staying. On the other hand, being with a partner during an untreated manic episode can be bad for your mental health and in some cases physical safety as well. Although it is a myth that mentally ill people are more violent, as shown in epidemiological studies, it i... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463071 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:59:00 +0100 2463071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463080&cid=t_92589_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FTLqXIQsjYm4%2F Bipolar disorder, frequently called manic-depression, is a mental illness that affects almost 6 million adults in the United States - up to 2.6% of the adult population. It strikes men and women equally, although it may be that men develop it earlier than women. This serious mental illness begins most often in the late teen or early adult years, but it can begin earlier or later. In fact, someone may have bipolar disorder for quite a while before it’s diagnosed because some symptoms can be mistaken for depression, for example. Although bipolar disorder is serious, it can be managed with the right treatment - usually a combination of psychotherapy and medications. The problem is that it needs to be diagnosed so it can be treated. And, according to a study presented at the annual meeti... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463080 Sun, 07 Jun 2009 14:04:36 +0100 2463080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453055&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F04%2Fliving-in-the-east-on-west-coast-time%2F At just after 1 a.m. EDST I am now contemplating hauling ass to my bed, although any number of distractions could keep me from there. I see my nearly new therapist for the second time Thursday and, if last week is anything to go by, I will be glad it’s a late afternoon appointment. A [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453055 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:29:08 +0100 2453055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452702&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2FeBXZITRCkq8%2F URL: http://www.befrienders.org/index.aspBefrienders listen to people who are lonely, despairing or considering suicide. They don’t judge them, don’t tell them what to do. They listen. That may not sound much - but it can make the difference between life and death. People who feel suicidal are often so focused on a particular problem or pain that they find it difficult to see a way forward. Talking openly to a befriender, in a safe and confidential environment, can help. By listening to a suicidal person, a befriender helps them to listen to themselves. For: AnyoneTopics: Addiction, Anger, Behaviour Management, Bipolar, Counselling, Depression, Emotional Health, Self-harm and suicideFeatures: Articles, Collaborative News, Databases, Group Management, Information, Links Befr... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452702 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:00:41 +0100 2452702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447691&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F8GM-lW_sLCo%2F URL: http://www.bigsplace.com/Welcome to Big’s Place, a helpful collection of resources on mental health issues - including links to some of the most compelling, informative and relevant healthcare information sites. For: ConsumersTopics: ADHD, Anxiety, Aspergers, Attachment, Autism, Bipolar, Clinical Psychology, Depression, Emotional HealthFeatures: Articles, Community and Social Networking, Forums Welcome to Big’s Place, a helpful collection of resources on mental health issues - including links to some of the most compelling, informative and relevant healthcare information sites. This is a great site with all kinds of links for AD/HD, ODD, SID, Aspergers, Autism and more. Forums and chats have also been added. (Source: PsychSplash) PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447691 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:00:59 +0100 2447691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441692&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fupdate-dsm-v-major-changes%2F At the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting last week, a presentation covered some of the likely major changes that will be incorporated into the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, commonly referred to as the DSM by mental health professionals. The DSM provides professionals with the symptom checklists that allow for a mental disorder diagnosis to be made. The most significant change proposed has to do with the inclusion of dimensional assessments for depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and reality distortion that span across many major mental disorders. So a clinician might diagnose schizophrenia, but then also rate these four dimensions for the patient to characterize the schizophrenia in a more detailed and descriptive m... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441692 Tue, 26 May 2009 18:41:05 +0100 2441692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441699&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F22%2Fhow-do-you-cure-mental-illness%2F One of the challenges faced by people who have a mental illness — such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or ADHD or the like — is that not too many people will talk to you about “curing” the condition. (Except snake-oil salesmen, who will claim they can cure your bipolar disorder with their amazing technique or CD.) In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a professional who talks openly about “cures” for mental illness. For instance, Pete Quily (twitter: petequily) drives the point home with a recent set of twitters: If someone on twitter saying he/she can “Cure #ADHD” with their snake oil/brain machine, donkey ride, miracle ebook etc. Realize 2 things: 1. They’re spammers. 2.They’re ignorant, liars or both. You... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441699 Fri, 22 May 2009 13:50:28 +0100 2441699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424468&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F05%2F20%2Fcodey-will-transform-system%2F The headline at NJPoliticker.com reads: “CODEY BILLS WOULD TRANSFORM PATIENT CARE AT STATE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS” Explanation: A package of bills sponsored by Senate President Richard J. Codey that are designed to protect patient safety and improve employee training and oversight at state psychiatric hospitals was approved yesterday by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424468 Wed, 20 May 2009 18:54:05 +0100 2424468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424203&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34752&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPsychsplash%2F%7E3%2F5MPgCfRu2gg%2F URL: http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu/Chock full of health education and wellness tips. They will answer any health question on sex, relationships, drugs, general health and emotional well-being. For: Anyone, ConsumersTopics: Abnormal, Anxiety, Attachment, Behaviour Management, Bipolar, Child and Adolescent, Common Factors, Depression, Eating Disorders, Life, Lifestyle, Medicine, Mental Health, ParentingFeatures: Articles, Commentary and Blogs, Information, Question and Answer ServiceDr. Grohol says:  “Chock full of health education and wellness tips. They will answer any health question on sex, relationships, drugs, general health and emotional well-being. Best yet, they archive all of their responses so you can check out if your question has already been asked in their extensive... PsychSplash blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424203 Wed, 20 May 2009 17:00:10 +0100 2424203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424479&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2Fpsychiatrist_questions_new_drugs_touts_lithium_old_antidepressants.html One of those occasional columns by psychiatrist Richard Friedman of Cornell University showed up in the New York Times today. I'm not sure what the occasion was, but Friedman questions why some docs (residents in particular) aren't prescribing Lithium to people with bipolar disorder as a first-line treatment versus the trend to give bipolars the latest in "mood stabilizers" and antipsychotics. His argument runs to the age-old claim that Lithium has decades of efficacy data (true, although how efficacious is open to interpretation), is established as a safe drug (debatable, depending on what he means by safe, but yes it's likely safer than Zyprexa) and has loads of evidence for its anti-suicide properties (true, for whatever reason), but doesn't get promoted to docs because it's not patenta... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424479 Tue, 19 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2424479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2417149&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2Fstudy_depakote_fails_as_pediatric_bipolar_disorder_treatment.html Well, here's a stunner: in a study just out in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, researchers report that Depakote ER (technically, divalproex ER in the study) had no treatment effect in a four-week, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the drug in treating pediatric bipolar disorder in kids and teens aged 10 to 17. In other words, Depakote did not beat placebo. "The results of the study do not provide support for the use of divalproex ER in the treatment of youths with bipolar I disorder, mixed or manic state. Further controlled trials are required to confirm or refute the findings from this study." Researchers included Karen Wagner of the University of Texas and Timothy Wilens of Harvard University. Both have been subjects of investigations by Sen. Ch... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2417149 Tue, 19 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2417149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2406136&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2Faustralian_psychiatrists_to_tackle_pediatric_bipolar_disorder_at_apa_convention.html Update: I screwed up. Although I couldn't tell from the materials, Parry tells me that the colleagues who will be presenting with him are actually American child psychiatrists. I regret the error and am glad to see that more American psychiatrists are helping Parry spread the skepticism around. The American Psychiatric Association is about to have its annual convention in San Francisco. I learned yesterday that Peter Parry and a few other Australian psychiatrists will present to the APA membership on the many controversies surrounding pediatric bipolar disorder (ages 10 to 17) and alleged bipolar disorder in small children (prepubertal bipolar disorder, child bipolar disorder) and their recent findings that psychiatrists Down Under and elsewhere outside of the US find the paradigm to be l... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2406136 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2406136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405420&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F11%2Fhiding-akathisia-in-abilify%2F What if your new drug has an unwanted side effect that’s going to impact sales if it becomes widely known? Well, in the case of Abilify (aripiprazole) apparently, you make that side effect’s data difficult to find (or just fail to report it when it’s ugly). CL Psych has the scoop: The authors go through a long list of second-generation antipsychotic medications. The drug that receives the least attention is aripiprazole (Abilify). The authors conclude that “in studies comparing aripiprazole with placebo, akathisia rates in the aripiprazole arm were similar in some studies, and higher in others. As with other SGAs, akathisia rates with aripiprazole were lower than those of FGAs.” So Abilify causes less akathisia than older medications and it’s unclear ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405420 Mon, 11 May 2009 20:29:27 +0100 2405420 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399123&cid=t_92589_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F09%2Fmargaret-trudeau-to-release-book-on-experience-with-mental-illness%2F I have been inspired to read of Ms. Trudeau-Kemper’s progress and I very much look forward to her upcoming book. With a diagnosis on the bipolar continuum myself I can relate to the sense of relief she feels after years of erratic behaviour and depressive episodes. I think it’s marvelous that this historical figure in [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399123 Sat, 09 May 2009 08:06:57 +0100 2399123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390372&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F05%2F05%2Fis-driving-a-civil-rights-issue%2F Thanks to Joe for sending me this article about a man who wanted a driver’s license despite being diagnosed with schizophrenia. In my experience in community mental health, getting a driver’s license was basically impossible with such a diagnosis; psychiatrists didn’t want to sign the paperwork allowing a person to apply for a license. It [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390372 Tue, 05 May 2009 14:58:01 +0100 2390372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390379&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2Ffda_approves_new_suicidality_warning_for_epilepsy_bipolar_meds.html The FDA today announced that it has finally approved new warning language for anti-epileptic drugs (anti-seizure drugs, so called mood stabilizers) such as Depakote and Lamictal to reflect suicidality risk. The FDA first raised concerns about the such risks with the drugs in January 2008. Today's announcement also noted that the agency had required "development of a medication guide, to be issued to patients each time the product is dispensed." There are 11 drugs in the anti-seizure class, some of them multi-billion sellers (Lamictal, Depakote, etc.) due to their twin uses in epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Some pharma companies had apparently pushed back against the FDA and said, in effect, "Not with our drug." The agency now claims: "The increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior w... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390379 Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2390379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2387215&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F05%2F04%2Fcribbing-from-craigslist%2F I get a lot of emails from people asking me for advice. Much of the time I don’t have good advice. The main thing I want to say is, Find a doctor you’re comfortable with. That’s the best thing you can do for yourself. But there is power in numbers. So I’m going to suggest [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2387215 Mon, 04 May 2009 17:20:11 +0100 2387215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2387216&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F05%2F04%2Fupdate-on-rebecca-riley%2F Rebecca Riley’s doctor now the target of a grand jury (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2387216 Mon, 04 May 2009 15:33:19 +0100 2387216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2382555&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F02%2Fvideo-on-courage%2F “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” –Mary Anne Radmacher That’s the gist of this video. Click through to watch. (Source: World of Psychology) World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2382555 Sat, 02 May 2009 10:12:04 +0100 2382555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2381130&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F04%2F30%2Fa-manic-high%2F Sometimes I really get a kick out of the comments on my YouTube channel. The latest is from a person who thinks my most recent video is evidence of my having a “manic high.” How nice it must be to be able to diagnose someone without knowing them! I haven’t had a true manic high [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2381130 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:14:15 +0100 2381130 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2367527&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F25%2F90210%25e2%2580%2599s-portrayal-of-bipolar-disorder%2F Whenever TV and movies portray a person with mental illness, it’s usually a “crazy schizophrenic,” an ax-wielding sociopath, a violent, drug-addicted mental patient or an insane asylum escapee — or a combo of all four. Either way, that person is almost always hopeless, dangerous and deranged. When the news media tries to tackle mental illness, it’s typically after a horrific tragedy has occurred. A writer for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Daily Cardinal explains: “The script usually goes as follows: tragic event occurs, media pounces, the feeding frenzy begins, the public is inundated with endless graphic and heart-wrenching details, pundits and analysts play the blame game until the next media firestorm occurs.” Stigma in mainstream media is nothing new, and ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2367527 Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:32:46 +0100 2367527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2365421&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35471&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolar-a-way-of-life.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fbright-new-me.html It's been a long time since I last posted. I'm pleased to say that I'm definitely over the worst of it. I even managed to lower my dose of Olanzapine to 10mg a day instead of 20mg. Sadly, in January, I upped the dosage again to 15mg.I've had no thoughts of self-harming of overdosing for months. I even managed the stress of moving home. Actually, moving home has helped a great deal. I was stuck in a flat before, now I have a lovely house and garden - I'm really looking forward to the summer.Another thing that's changed is work. I'm managing to work constantly now instead of in fits and starts. It makes me feel so much better to be earning a wage, and I don't have time to dwell on things. I'm lucky enough to work at home, which helps of course. If anyone's interested, you can find vacancies ... Bipolar: A Way of Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2365421 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:23:00 +0100 2365421 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2358872&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fstephen-sheller-helps-government.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2358872 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:05:00 +0100 2358872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354086&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fmedicated-child-pediatric-bipolar.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354086 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 02:41:00 +0100 2354086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353883&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F21%2Fpostpartum-depression-is-real-but-still-stigmatized%2F For decades, thousands of people in dozens of organizations have fought tirelessly to reduce the stigmatization and ignorance associated with mental health issues and mental disorders. Mental illness is not something you can just “get over,” nor is it an invention of the pharmaceutical companies (although I’m sure there are some who believe that). Even within this dedicated group of people who are all fighting for the same things — recognition that mental illness is just as real as physical illness — they is within-group stigmatization. Some mental disorders get the short shrift, or are thought to be less “real” or serious than other disorders. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), for instance, only lobbies and advocates for what it con... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353883 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:14:14 +0100 2353883 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354090&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fprotocol-breach-reported-in-biederman.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354090 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 08:30:00 +0100 2354090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353886&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F20%2Fmentalhealthcamp-soon%2F The unconference MentalHealthCamp on social media and mental health happens on April 25 in Vancouver, BC and online. Organizers hope it will become a model adopted elsewhere in the world. The one day program includes a discussion on therapist/client social media boundaries, talks on anonymous blogging, mommy blogging with a mental disorder, blogging as therapy, blogging for students, ADHD, yoga and depression with a blog, and my own presentation on crowdsourcing peer mental health info with social video PSA contests and suicide prevention on Twitter. Featured speakers include Keely Kolmes, Lorraine Murphy, Darren Barefoot, Pete Quily, and many more. Peer resources and crowdsourcing with peers is hot. From a comment left by Robert Johnson at the MentalHealthCamp blog: “The reality is... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353886 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:43:49 +0100 2353886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354096&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2Fpatient_advocacy_group_calls_on_harvard_for_independent_review_of_harvard_child_psychiatrist.html I learned yesterday that the Alliance for Human Research Protection last week sent a letter to the president of Harvard University, calling for the school to order a broad-based, independent review of the work of controversial Harvard child psychiatrist Joseph Biederman, who is one of the prime movers behind the rush to diagnose America's kids with ADHD and is the chief developer of the bipolar child paradigm. Biederman is already being investigated by the Harvard-owned Massachusetts General Hospital, where he works, over various questions surrounding his financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies. Biederman is also being investigated by Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa). While I've not seen researchers raise questions about the validity of Biederman's research (they've raised que... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354096 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2354096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2326852&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2Fim_living_with_selfhatred_and_denial.html I knew I would catch some heat when Christopher Lane's interview with me went live on Psychology Today's website yesterday, but have mostly been gratified by the response so far (thanks, Liz Spikol). That said, someone decided to slaughter me in comments on the PT website: "PsychTodayReader "This interview was a disgrace. The interviewer, who is a Literature Professor, did not ask anything but softball questions, and let Dawdy viciously attack the work of some of the leading clinicians in the world with nothing to back it up except his opinion. This anti-psychiatry parade, which started with Scientologists and continues with people like Dawdy is destructive to all who are concerned about people with mental illness. 20 years ago they told people with depression to 'pull themselves up by t... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2326852 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2326852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313540&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F07%2Fnext-up-nonprofits-and-pharmaceutical-funding%2F Well, if you’ve been involved in the mental health field for any amount of time, you knew it was only a matter of time. U.S. Senator Charles Grassley first focused on the low-hanging fruit — researchers with unreported conflicts of interest (usually unreported money) from pharmaceutical companies, the same companies they conducted drug research for. Now he’s examining nonprofits in mental health, and first up is the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). Senator Grassley has made clear that this isn’t a witch-hunt as much as a desire to get to the bottom of how the pharmaceutical industry funds its practices that makes it products so popular and widespread. It’s not about receiving money from pharmaceutical companies per se’, but rather being upfro... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313540 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:22:04 +0100 2313540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2320507&cid=t_92589_122_f&fid=35065&url=http%3A%2F%2Feideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fadhd-drugs-no-long-term-benefits.html The 8 year follow-up data from the ADHD MTA Study (Multisite Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)are out and the results argue against the use of ADHD drugs longer than 2 years. Most families tended to stopped the drugs by two years anyway, but some vocal medication-proponents had suggested this was endangering children's health. In fact, besides medications having less symptomatic benefit with chronic use, the latest study also comments on observation that long-term medication may also impair growth (children who took medication for 36 months or longer were 6 lbs lighter and one inch shorter)Excerpt NIMH summary:"A majority (61.5 percent) of the children who were medicated at the end of the 14-month trial had stopped taking medication by th... Eide Neurolearning Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2320507 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 07:03:00 +0100 2320507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2313548&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F04%2F02%2Fhow-do-you-practice-mindfulness-eat-ice-cream-for-starters%2F I’ve been trying to master mindfulness in the last few weeks like it’s a cute step sequence in a line dance. I have unofficially hired Dr. Elisha Goldstein, author of Psych Central’s blog, “Mindfulness and Psychotherapy” as my mindfulness personal trainer because he knows this stuff inside and out, and because I don’t have the time or money to hang out with the Buddhist monks in Tibet. I’ve always aspired to better live in the moment–it was one of the gems I picked up in support group meetings back in college–but now I honestly feel like it could save my life–or at least keep my pituitary tumor from growing any wider and shield my heart from any more damage to the aortic valve. How do you practice presence, or mindfulness? The B... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2313548 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:21:16 +0100 2313548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300340&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2Fonion_98_percent_of_infants_have_bipolar_disorder.html This little brief was out recently in The Onion and I thought I'd pass it along for whomever might get a chuckle out of it. "A new study published in The Journal Of Pediatric Medicine found that a shocking 98 percent of all infants suffer from bipolar disorder. 'The majority of our subjects, regardless of size, sex, or race, exhibited extreme mood swings, often crying one minute and then giggling playfully the next,' the study's author Dr. Steven Gregory told reporters. 'Additionally we found that most babies had trouble concentrating during the day, often struggled to sleep at night, and could not be counted on to take care of themselves—all classic symptoms of manic depression.' Gregory added that nearly 100 percent of infants appear to suffer from the poor motor skills and impaired s... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300340 Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2300340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300285&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Ffurious-seasonsharvard-child.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300285 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:18:00 +0100 2300285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306660&cid=t_92589_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F03%2Fsometimes-youre-itching-to-read-and-research-sometimes-you-just-want-to-flip-through-pictures-and-captions-we-know-were-li.html Sometimes you're itching to read and research, sometimes you just want to flip through pictures and captions. We know. We're like that, too. That's why the OrganizedWisdom team is so happy to announce the arrival of our latest project -- slideshows. Here are our first three installments. Happy browsing: Famous Fictional ShrinksThey can make you laugh, they can make you cry, but they can't actually write you a prescription. From Dr. Melfi to Frasier Crane, you're sure to find your favorite on-screen psychiatrist on our list.Celebrities with Mental IllnessEveryone has their ups and downs. It's reassuring to know that even the biggest stars are no exception. Find out which conditions celebs like Mel Gibson, Axl Rose, and rapper DMX deal with daily. The Best Foods to B... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306660 Fri, 27 Mar 2009 07:38:50 +0100 2306660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300269&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35448&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseemedlikeagoodideathetime.com%2F2009%2F03%2F26%2Ftell-alfred%2F tags: mental health, Obama is a scary man, Obama’s minions, volunteering for drug research, Dar-fur, genocide, charity giving, scared of US government, mental health drugs, orphans, ranting, my opinion by trailerparkbarbie I’ve been running around like a Madoff with it’s head cut off lately. Too much to do. Too much going on. But, I’m gonna try to [...] (Source: bipolar chicks blogging) bipolar chicks blogging blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300269 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:57:54 +0100 2300269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2306665&cid=t_92589_87_f&fid=36710&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.organizedwisdom.com%2Fhealth%2F2009%2F03%2Fhave-you-had-these-questions-now-weve-got-answers.html  Have you ever wondered: How will bipolar disorder affect my relationship? Is gaining weight part of bipolar disorder? Why do I have trouble sleeping? If you're one of the 5.7 adult Americans with bipolar disorder, these are likely the same questions you asked when you were first diagnosed. And how do we know that? They're some of the questions we see coming up in the search queries we look at every day, and we thought it was time they got answered! You see, OrganizedWisdom is taking our focus -- helping people find the health information they're seeking -- to the next level. Our new Frequently Asked Questions section (see our first installment, Bipolar 101) invites doctors and other qualified medical professionals to help answer these hot questions while directing user... The Health Wisdom Blog™ (by OrganizedWisdom) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2306665 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:59:28 +0100 2306665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287230&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F23%2Ffda-approves-symbyax-for-treatment-resistant-depression%2F Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Symbyax for the acute treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It is the first drug approved for this indication. Symbyax is a combination pill that combines olanzapine (Zyprexa) and fluoxetine HCl (a long-acting form of Prozac) in a single capsule. Symbyax is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. According to the company’s press release: The new Symbyax TRD indication is for acute treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder who have not responded to two separate trials of different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration in their current episode. Zyprexa, in combination with fluoxetine, is now approved for the acute treatment of TRD in adults. Symbyax was the first drug approved by the FD... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287230 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:02:51 +0100 2287230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287232&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F23%2Fmentally-ill-violent-in-nursing-homes%2F In yet another example of sensationalism posing as legitimate journalism, the Associated Press’s Carla K. Johnson penned an article over the weekend calling people with mental illness who live in nursing homes a “threat.” What kind of threat? Well, according to the article, it appears to be the usual one, drawing an unscientific and unsupported link between mental illness and violence: Over the past several years, nursing homes have become dumping grounds for young and middle-age people with mental illness, according to Associated Press interviews and an analysis of data from all 50 states. And that has proved a prescription for violence, as Jackson’s case and others across the country illustrate. Younger, stronger residents with schizophrenia, depression or bipola... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287232 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:31:17 +0100 2287232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300294&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fprotocol-breach-reported-in-biederman.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300294 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:58:00 +0100 2300294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2300295&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fstanley-medical-research-institute.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2300295 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:46:00 +0100 2300295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2277973&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fdrjoseph-biederman-i-am-advocate-for.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2277973 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:21:00 +0100 2277973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287237&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F20%2Fdepression-they-just-dont-get-it%2F I’ve learned in 12-step support groups that if you decide to share something important with a loved one, or try to mend a broken relationship, you should do so without any expectation of a response. I wish I had followed that advice the day I sent a family member an incredibly personal piece that I wrote about my severe depression (suicidal thoughts and all), and the first moments of dawn, hoping that it would make us closer. Her response was one word: “Thanks.” I felt like Princess Leia in “Star Wars” when she cries out to Han Solo (before he leaves for some empire war): “I love you!” And he says back, “I know!” But part of my disappointment was my own fault. I sent the piece to her with an agenda. This is what I wanted to hear: &#82... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287237 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:08:02 +0100 2287237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2277975&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fdr-jospeh-biederman-harvard-professor.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2277975 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:04:00 +0100 2277975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2278011&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2Fseroquel_user_testimony.html As many of you know the FDA's psychopharmacology advisory committee is holding hearings on AstraZeneca's request to have the agency approve Seroquel for three depression indications and generalized anxiety disorder. The committee wants to hear from the public and here's some written testimony submitted to the committee that was passed along to me. "I was prescribed 300 mg.seroquel in 2000 for sleep problems. I gained 75 pounds in 6 months. I developed diabetes. I went through profound withdrawals when I inadvertently missed a dose and had to be hospitalized. The withdrawal caused psychosis which was attributed to a new diagnosis rather than to the drug. I lost all my teeth due to dry mouth. I developed cataracts. I had constant intrusive suicidal ideation. I had akathisia, difficulty swal... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2278011 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2278011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272035&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F16%2F12-depression-busters%2F The following piece is the most popular Beyond Blue post I have written. Click here for the gallery version. My therapist helped me to build a personalized “toolbox”: a list of a dozen depression busters to direct me toward mental health, and an emergency lifeline in case I get lost along the way. I consult these 12 techniques when I panic, when I get pulled into addictive behaviors, and as armor in my ongoing war against negative thoughts. Here they are: twelve strategies to take us all to the promised land of recovery from depression. 1. Get Some Buddies It works for Girl Scouts, depressives, and addicts of all kinds. I remember having to wake up my buddy to go pee in the middle of the night at Girl Scout camp. That was right before she rolled off her cot, out of the tent and... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272035 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:02:10 +0100 2272035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2278014&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2Fseroquel_documents_sex_for_positive_seroquel_studies_included_bondage_corporate_espionage.html Late last week, Jim Edwards at BNET.com had a fine piece detailing some of the sex-for-Seroquel-studies emails which I first reported on last month. It appears, as I reported back then, that Wayne Macfadden, AstraZeneca's former US Seroquel medical director, used sex (and bondage even) to get competitive intell on Abilify and, yes indeed, even suggested prescribing Vicodin, a narcotic pain killer, to a ghostwriter with Parexel MMS. I simply love how Big Pharma does business and I love the fact that the FDA continues to blow off my questions as to whether it has any qualms about its approval of Seroquel for bipolar depression (in 2006) since Macfadden was in charge of the studies, authored some of them, and clearly was putting out questionable research. You'd think the FDA would want to giv... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2278014 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2278014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2268302&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34843&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.furiousseasons.com%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2Fdefending_seroquel_astrazeneca_plays_race_card.html Yes, you read that right: AstraZeneca, maker of Seroquel, is tossing everything it has at legal cases claiming the company's drug gave people who took it diabetes. Back when Eli Lilly was initially defending itself against similar claims involving Zyprexa, Lilly claimed that mental illness caused diabetes, but that bogus claim only landed the company with billions in settlements. Now, AZ's lawyers are claiming that one patient's ethnicity caused her diabetes, not Seroquel: "In the case of [Nina] Scaife, for instance, lawyers argued that factors including her obesity and African-American ethnicity had already elevated her risk of diabetes before she took Seroquel. "'I can't see how the plaintiffs can win,' said Michael Kelly, a Wilmington-based partner in the law firm McCarter & English, ... Furious Seasons blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2268302 Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2268302 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2258162&cid=t_92589_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F03%2F12%2F12-things-i-learned-from-my-therapist%2F I’ve spent more time in therapy than I care to think about. More hours on that bloody couch than I’ve spent in the shower, brushing my teeth, or on the phone with telemarketers, because let’s face it, when I’m home, there really are no decision makers at my house. If I calculate one hour a week for 12 years, that’s 600 hours, which is 25 DAYS. What do I have to show for it? Lots of wisdom and advice. Journals and journals of it. But for your sake, I’ll just list 12. And after you get done reading my shrink insights, I want you to tell me yours, because I’m compiling such pearls for a writing project. 1. Know your triggers. From the first year of therapy: know your triggers. If a conversation about global warming, consumerism, or the trash crisis in the U.S. is overwhelming yo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2258162 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:58:03 +0100 2258162 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2260701&cid=t_92589_140_f&fid=34849&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrouble.pwblogs.com%2F2009%2F03%2F12%2Fdepression-confession-matthew-good%2F The Canadian bandleader describes dysphoric mania like this: “Imagine being put in a coffin with the things you fear the most, being buried underground and feeling it start to shrink, and multiply that feeling by 1,000. You think, ‘If I die now, that’d be cool.’” Isn’t that a superb evocation? Good is speaking at a mental health [...] (Source: The Trouble With Spikol) The Trouble With Spikol blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2260701 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:32:38 +0100 2260701