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 'depression treatment'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:12:20 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139999&cid=t_168616_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Ftrue-depression-dysthemia-anxiety%2F Dysthyemia is a disabling disorder that is generally experienced as a less severe but more chronic form of major depression, and affects about 6% of the population. The disorder is characterized by feelings of depression (low energy, poor appetite, feelings of hopelessness, etc.) for at least two years,  and impairs one’s ability to regulate mood and prevent sadness from lingering. When a person is suffering from a chronic low mood and self esteem, it can become very difficult to concentrate, hinders the ability to be productive, and to enjoy everyday life. Like depression, Dysthyemia results in impaired functioning at work, and in social and personal situations. There are various prescription drug treatments, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antidepressants -Â... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139999 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 17:45:24 +0100 5139999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3436289&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F04%2F03%2Ffaa-still-stigmatizes-depression-mental-illness%2F The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday cleared pilots who have depression to regain their flying privileges, with one tiny caveat — they have to be taking one of only four “approved” antidepressants. I can only express my extreme disappointment at this decision, because while it has the potential to help pilots take to the air again if they were suffering from depression, it fails to recognize other effective treatments for depression. Apparently the FAA doesn’t recognize the effectiveness of psychotherapy in the treatment of depression. This despite something on the order of four decades’ (or more) worth of research demonstrating its effectiveness for everything from mild to severe depression. In fact, if anything, there’s more resear... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3436289 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:27:15 +0100 3436289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060663&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34859&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.davemsw.com%2Farchives%2F2010%2F01%2Fmindfulness_emotional_intelligence_for_personal_gr.php This is the second in a series of articles on emotional intelligence for personal growth. The first part is here. Mindfulness is a non-judgmental, present-centered awareness in which each thought, feeling, or sensation that arises is acknowledged and accepted as it is. It is a skill that is learned by committed practice. The object is to focus one's attention on thoughts, feelings and events in the present moment while remaining curious, open, and accepting whatever occurs. The idea is to take on the role of an observer of your own mind. Notice everything that happens without holding onto anything, having a "Teflon Mind". An important part of observing is putting words to the experience. The effect of naming the experience effectively separates you from it. Thoughts are just thoughts, fe... Ψ Dare To Dream... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060663 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:39:27 +0100 4060663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3079384&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F12%2F11%2Ffda-wants-your-comments-on-ect%2F The good folks over at the Committee for Truth in Psychiatry (a national organization for people who’ve had electroconvulsive therapy - ECT) wanted me to remind you that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking comments on the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive devices. You may not be aware, but these devices — which deliver electrical impulses to your brain! — have never been tested by the FDA for either safety of efficacy. Let me repeat that – the FDA has never approved ECT devices for safety or efficacy. Doctors today can apply electrical impulses to your brain without having any government agency approve such treatment, despite the fact that ECT in most people results in sometimes-significant memory loss. We wrote about FDA’s desire to... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3079384 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:35:05 +0100 3079384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2414881&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F16%2Fonline-treatment-for-depression-deprexis%2F Online treatment for mental disorders is not exactly a new idea. The Australian National University’s Centre for Mental Health Research released MoodGYM five years ago, with multiple studies supporting its effectiveness and validity. One of their studies even suggests that the positive effects of completing the MoodGYM program continue for up to 12 months. This is good stuff. But under the “more is better” heading, a group of German researchers developed their own online coping with depression program called Deprexis. Like MoodGYM, participants complete each module on a website: The Web-based intervention consists of 10 content modules representing different psychotherapeutic approaches, plus one introductory and one summary module, each of which can be completed in 10 t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2414881 Sat, 16 May 2009 16:00:05 +0100 2414881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2287230&cid=t_168616_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=2287312&cid=t_168616_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FB8JEpCXn3AM%2F Two announcements, one today and one last week, tell us of new drug indication approvals for medications used to treat depression. Symbyax (olanzapine and fluoxetine HCl capsules) manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company was originally approved for treatment of bipolar depression. It’s now approved for acute treatment of treatment-resistant depression. This means if you’ve been treated with other medications for your depression without success, this medication may be tried and may work for you. It gives doctors another tool. The FDA has also approved a change in indication for Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate ) for the acute and maintenance treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adolescents, 12 - 17 years of age. Before the approval, there was only one medication approved f... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2287312 Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:40:19 +0100 2287312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2078863&cid=t_168616_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2F499791440%2F The best depression treatment program is the one that recognizes the fundamentally dualistic nature of the disease. On the one hand, depression is a product of chemical imbalances in the human brain. On the other, it results from and is reinforced by negative patterns of thought and behavior. Only by addressing both of these pathological dimensions can a depression treatment program effect meaningful or lasting depression recovery. Remember, nothing is ever guaranteed in the depression treatment process. There are plenty of depression treatment rehab centers in Los Angeles, but not all of them make good on their promises. If you’re going to get better, it’s going to be because you find a depression treatment program that can help you get better in every way, and on every front. In the ... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2078863 Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:19:50 +0100 2078863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2053363&cid=t_168616_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Frecognizing-and-treating-seasonal-depression%2F Tis the season to be jolly, but not everyone feels that way. For some, the onset of winter, with its short days, brings on symptoms of depression. In fact, however, by the time winter officially begins on December 21 the days have already been getting progressively shorter and shorter for months culminating in the solstice, the shortest day of the year. So although it’s often referred to as winter blues, seasonal depression actually has a fall onset that coincides with the beginning of the inexorable loss of daylight that occurs in northern latitudes between November and February. For some people, symptoms of depression predictably recur every year when the days grow short in fall and winter and the definition of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is just that; namely, recurring depr... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2053363 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:28:41 +0100 2053363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1951828&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F11%2F11%2Fforced-ect-is-wrong-in-minnesota-world%2F I can’t believe I’d ever had to write an entry like this. It turns my stomach. On Friday, MindFreedom, a non-profit human rights organization for people labeled with psychiatric illnesses, published the disturbing story of Ray Sandford, a 54-year-old resident of Columbia Heights, Minnesota. Sandford’s sad story is amazing and haunting. He is undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression. We don’t know the full back-story, but the fact that he lives in a sheltered living home called Victory House suggests he’s had a rough life of it so far. Lots of people undergo ECT, although I’m not a big proponent of it. I believe that because of the unpredictable memory loss associated with this “treatment,” it is not only a treatme... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1951828 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:37:57 +0100 1951828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1930374&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fidentifying_depression_treatment_non_responders.htm The objective of a preliminary study conducted by Henricus L. Van and colleagues of the Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands was to determine the frequency and predictors of complete nonresponse in different treatments for depression. Post-hoc analysis of the pooled data of 3 consecutive randomized controlled trials of outpatient depression treatment was conducted. The subjects were 313 patients with major depressive disorder and 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17) scores between 14 and 25 who were treated for 6 months with either pharmacotherapy, short-term psychodynamic supportive psychotherapy or combined therapy. Complete nonresponse was defined as a less than 25% improvement according to the HAM-D-17 score. Socio demographic factors, depression features and ... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1930374 Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:15:00 +0100 1930374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1914597&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F10%2F28%2Fvirtual-therapy-in-space%2F I’ve been reluctant to blog about the computerized therapy program being touted by NASA in the news to help their astronauts deal with depression and other mental health concerns while in space. Computerized therapy has been available to anyone who wants it since the 1990s. In fact, there’s a good body of research supporting these programs and their effectiveness in the treatment of the most common mental disorders, such as depression. So in more than one way, this is not “news.” The only two examples the article mentions is of issues with two astronauts on two separate missions. While one of the examples might be depression (hard to say, as it could’ve been symptomatic of a dozen different possible concerns), the other example is one of interpersonal confli... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1914597 Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:25:07 +0100 1914597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1865455&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F10%2F09%2Ftms-treatment-for-depression-gains-fda-approval%2F For anyone looking for an alternative to medications or ECT for the treatment of depression, there’s a new FDA-approved option: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). NeuroStar TMS Therapy® is specifically indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from one prior antidepressant medication at or above the minimal effective dose and duration in the current episode. In clinical trials with NeuroStar TMS Therapy, these patients had been treated with a median of 4 medication treatment attempts, one of which achieved criteria for adequate dose and duration. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) utilizes an electromagnet placed on the scalp that generates magnetic field pulses roughly the strength o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1865455 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:43:05 +0100 1865455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1726605&cid=t_168616_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2F372153533%2F The best depression treatment is that which confronts the disease in all its forms. As obvious as that sounds, the truth is that too many depression treatment facilities in Los Angeles selectively target or ignore the various dimensions of depression and depression-related conditions. As should probably go without saying, such facilities do an enormous injustice to the clients whom they promise to serve. The lesson here should be that you can’t afford to make a depression treatment decision without first fully understanding your needs, and the options available to you. You already know that depression ruins lives. Now it’s time to find out how depression treatment can save them. The day you enroll in the right depression treatment program will be the day you start remembering that tomo... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1726605 Sat, 23 Aug 2008 06:26:54 +0100 1726605 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1688986&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F08%2F07%2Fpsychotherapy-meds-for-chronic-depression%2F Although we harp on this at least once every few months, it bears repeating: Psychotherapy with medication is usually the best possible treatment option for depression (acute or chronic) for nearly everyone. If you’re only doing one or the other, you’re likely not going to get well as quickly, it’s that simple. We have decades’ worth of research showing this, but here’s another one to add to the pile. Manber and colleagues (2008) re-examined previous data on 656 patients with chronic depression to see who would get to remission first. Remission in depression research is simply when a person’s depression score on a commonly used depression quiz (the Hamilton) falls below a certain number. People who had scores of less than 26 on the Hamilton fared bes... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1688986 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:50:35 +0100 1688986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1683493&cid=t_168616_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2F356558278%2F . Remember, addiction invariably includes a psychological dimension, which means an addict’s mental health is a key component of his or her substance dependancy. Without meaningful emotional healing, no drug or alcohol abuser can ever expect to get sober for good. In the end, depression treatment is and must be part of the addiction recovery process. The practical implication here is that that you have to find a private rehabilitation facility that can meet your depression treatment needs. If you’re an addict suffering from depression or a related disease, anything less than that simply isn’t good enough. You already know what’s at stake here. Now it’s time for you to learn how to win the battle. Please, for your own sake, let today be the day you make the right choice. (Source: ... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1683493 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:15:55 +0100 1683493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1657167&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F26%2Ftreating-the-symptoms-treating-the-side-effects%2F One of the ironies in this modern world is that for every ailment, there seems to be a medication to help cure it. And for every side effect of that medication, there’s another medication you can take. It’s no wonder that so many people can end up on a half dozen medications before they know it, and walk around feeling not unlike a zombie. In an ideal world, of course, medications would be far more targeted and have virtually no side effects (certainly none that needed additional medications to control). Sadly, that world is decades away given our current level of knowledge and science. It should’ve come as little surprise then to read about how Viagra can help women who are also taking an antidepressant, as one of the most common side effects of modern antidepressant... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1657167 Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:30:53 +0100 1657167 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1414911&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F05%2F01%2Fresearch-update-deep-brain-stimulation%2F The latest research results on deep brain stimulation (DBS) suggests it is helpful for severe, chronic depression. DBS is a simple surgical procedure that implants electrodes in parts of your brain. Once implanted, they emit tiny electrical pulses that help block the dysfunctional activity in your brain. The key to success in the procedure is for the neurosurgeon to carefully identify the right places to implant the electrodes, because if they end up in the wrong area of the brain, little benefit will be realized from the procedure (although there also appears to be minimal opportunity for harm as well). Deep brain stimulation is not a new procedure, but its use in the treatment of depression (as well as severe OCD) is. It’s been used successfully for about 20 years in the treatment... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1414911 Thu, 01 May 2008 21:30:58 +0100 1414911 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1383716&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F04%2F18%2Fpsychotherapy-for-the-dying%2F Joseph of the Corpus Callosum blog wrote a great post about a study on psychotherapy for terminally ill cancer patients with depression. Though you might assume anyone who is terminally ill would become depressed, only about 25% develop serious symptoms of depression. A meta-analysis finds that they do respond to therapy with significant improvements. The argumentative comments on his post are telling; a minority of people (including some doctors) assume that depression is inevitable with a terminal diagnosis and treatment is pointless. Joseph responds: If I even show up in an emergency department with a gunshot wound in my abdomen, I sure hope the doc doesn’t refuse to treat it, saying “of course he’s bleeding to death, he’s been shot in the spleen.” Peopl... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1383716 Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:35:39 +0100 1383716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340546&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F31%2Fcan-depression-be-prevented-yes%2F Can psychiatric disorders like depression be prevented, instead of just treated? Well, the obvious answer is also the correct one — yes. Just like we can all do things to help prevent the spread of the flu or cold viruses in the winter (such as washing your hands regularly), there are also scientifically proven techniques that suggest we’re only a short distance from offering more generalized and practical strategies for preventing depression. Research published in December 2007 looked at 17 research trials that looked at preventative strategies for depression, either for a primary diagnosis, or for relapse prevention after someone had already been diagnosed with depression. After examining the data and conclusions from these 17 studies, the researchers were optimistic: Th... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340546 Mon, 31 Mar 2008 23:00:09 +0100 1340546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1316638&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F20%2Fwhy-ers-and-suicidal-people-dont-mix%2F Emergency rooms (ERs) across America are the daily front lines in trying to ward off death or serious disability for hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. They are constantly stressful arenas that pit skilled and dedicated doctors, nurses and health care workers against a myriad of problems from diseases and accidents, to strokes and death. It is not a place you would ever choose to be. For better or worse in our health care system today, it is also the place of last resort that hundreds of thousands of people who are often in severe emotional pain turn to — people who try to commit suicide. In fact, many therapists will tell their actively suicidal patients, “If you feel like you’re going to harm yourself, call 911.” 911 wil get you a quick ambulance ride... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1316638 Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:53:21 +0100 1316638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1311009&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F18%2Fexercise-may-not-help-depending-upon-your-genes%2F Conclusions: The efficacy of exercise in patients seems generally comparable with patients receiving antidepressant medication and both tend to be better than the placebo in patients with MDD. Placebo response rates were high, suggesting that a considerable portion of the therapeutic response is determined by patient expectations, ongoing symptom monitoring, attention, and other nonspecific factors. The fact that genes may interact with our ability to effectively treat depression should not be new news to anyone. The key here is to understand that if one treatment for depression doesn’t work for a particular person, they should try another. And despite this most recent study’s findings, exercise remains a useful tool to employ against depression (and it’s free, too!). ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1311009 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:02:50 +0100 1311009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1303244&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F03%2F14%2Ftreating-depression-and-anxiety-in-india%2F What do you do when 80% to 90% of your population that has severe depression or anxiety never received adequate treatment? If you’re India with a strapped health budget, you do what you can with what you have. In this case, a program financed by the Wellcome Trust has treated over 2,000 people in India with simply trained high school or college students who receive either a week of training to be a mental health screener assistant, or 3 months to be a mental health “counselor.” Five days a week, the assistants screen almost every patient who arrives at the door. Pregnant women, minors and emergency cases are excluded. The screening is created for the program. It includes questions about physical symptoms, as well as emotional problems. A patient meeting the criteria f... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1303244 Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:18:07 +0100 1303244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1298822&cid=t_168616_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2F250435604%2F Depression treatment is most successful when it’s holistic in scope. Depression, after all, is a disease with both physical and psychological origins, and effective depression recovery must entail both physical and psychological healing. On the one hand, depressives are subject to neurological chemical imbalances, which are in part responsible for the crushing emotional lows associated with the disease. At the same time, depression victims are prone to negative thought and behavioral patters, which can exacerbate the impact of their illness. Only by addressing both of these roots can depression treatment promote real and meaningful wellness. Note too that depression treatment is often a vital part of a drug treatment program. Depressives often turn to substance abuse as a mechanism of se... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1298822 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:28:50 +0100 1298822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1258127&cid=t_168616_111_f&fid=34834&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FMentalNurse%2F%7E3%2F241513868%2F Pigeons and cats are amongst each other. The BBC Have You Say is going all guns. In the first 3 hours of this article being posted on their website, the current stats are polling at: Total comments: 905 Published comments: 281 Rejected comments: 1 Moderation queue: 622 Not bad for 3 hours. Wonder if mentalnurse.org.uk can create that sort of [...] (Source: Mental Nurse) Mental Nurse blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1258127 Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:53:00 +0100 1258127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1246705&cid=t_168616_151_f&fid=35794&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FCliffsideMalibu%2F%7E3%2F238638109%2F Bipolar depression, also called bipolar disorder or manic depression, can be a devastating disease. To be a victim of bipolar disorder is to be trapped between two distinct and debilitating psychological states. On the one hand, bipolar depressives are subject to the withering lows commonly associated with classical clinical depression. On the other, they’re prone to bouts of sustained mania, characterized by both physiological and cognitive agitation. It is obviously not the kind of life anyone would want to live. And that’s why so many bipolar depressives resort to drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs and alcohol can mitigate the highs and lows of bipolar depression. The only catch, of course, is that they’re an inherently self-destructive solution to the problem. Bipolar depressives whoâ... Cliffside Malibu blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1246705 Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:13:15 +0100 1246705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1240363&cid=t_168616_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F237148716%2F Dear Mr or Mrs Next US President, We are glad to welcome you to our blog carnival. After a short hiatus, Encephalon is back and gathering steam. We have prepared this "revival" edition just for you, so you can be well informed and impress us all during the upcoming Sciencedebate 2008. Without further ado, let's proceed to the questions posed by 24 bloggers on neuroscience and psychology issues. We hope they provide, at the very least, good mental stimulation for you and your advisors. Big Questions Do I deserve to vote even if I don't have Free Will? (Marc at Neuroscientifically Challenged). If culture sculpts our brains, what can our brains do to refine our culture first? (Stephanie at Brains On Purpose). Is God more than a flying brain? (Jessica at bioephemera). Is Your brain r... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1240363 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:47:33 +0100 1240363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1239450&cid=t_168616_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F237148716%2F Dear Mr or Mrs Next US President, We are glad to welcome you to our blog carnival. After a short hiatus, Encephalon is back gathering steam. We have prepared this "revival" edition just for you, so you can be well informed and impress us all during the upcoming Sciencedebate 2008. Without further ado, let's proceed to the questions posed by 23 bloggers on neuroscience and psychology issues. We hope they provide, at the very least, good mental stimulation for you and your advisors. Big Questions Do I deserve to vote even if I don't have Free Will? (Marc at Neuroscientifically Challenged). If culture sculpts our brains, what can our brains do to refine our culture first? (Stephanie at Brains On Purpose). Is God more than a flying brain? (Jessica at bioephemera). Is Your brain reall... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1239450 Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:17:59 +0100 1239450 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215697&cid=t_168616_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2F231123917%2F Not a day goes by without a significant depression-related announcement. Yesterday, one could read that Older Women More Likely to Suffer Depression (than Older Men; in the Washington Post). Today, we see that St. Jude Starting Trial On Brain Stimulation For Depression (CNN). A few days ago, Blue Cross of California Launched Maternity Depression Program (press release). Time to step back and ask ourselves questions such as, "What is going On", "What is Depression", "What Treatments Work, and What is the Latest Research". Fortunately, thanks to our collaboration with Greater Good Magazine, Jill Suttie offers a fascinating answers to those questions-and more. Enjoy. --------------------------- Closing the Circuit Helen Mayberg's research could revolutionize ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215697 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:10:34 +0100 1215697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1152487&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F01%2F15%2Fis-complete-remission-realistic%2F STAR*D was a historic, large-scale research trial that found people don’t get better in depression treatment as quickly, or as easily, as previously thought. It showed, basically, that people often needed to change medications or treatment approaches to gain remission of their depressive symptoms. In the American Journal of Psychiatry letters section earlier this month, researchers suggested that perhaps complete remission isn’t the ideal goal for everyone in treatment. And that the advocacy of even more complex treatment regimens for treatment-resistant patients (e.g., prescribing multiple types and doses of psychiatric medications at the same time) is potentially dangerous and with little research basis. John Rush’s, one of STAR*D’s authors, replied basically go... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1152487 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:12:33 +0100 1152487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1019993&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F11%2F12%2Fminding-mindfulness%2F Thinking about mindfulness? Several good videos online produced by University of California San Diego’s UCTV in their consumer series Health Matters (requires the free Real Player) cover mindfulness, stress and pain management. In the first half-hour video, Steve Hickman Psy.D. describes measures of sensation and distress to define and manage pain, with the tools of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Mindfulness is a simple but powerful concept borrowed from Buddhism and applied in a secular way to psychotherapies from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectic behaviour therapy (DBT) to more informal stress reduction and relaxation skills. It’s “non-judgmental awareness” of the moment that helps with identifying, accepting, and/or an active change ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1019993 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:45:11 +0100 1019993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983765&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34706&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrdeborahserani.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F10%2Flifestyle-matters.html I take medication for chronic depression, but endorse consideration of other treatment modalities that can offer symptom reduction. In fact, many of the following tips, I do regularly. Blog-colleague, Dr. Steve Ilardi at Psych Pundit , says that lifestyle change can help bring us to a greater emotional and physical balance. Ilardi’s treatment calls back the habits of our hunting and gathering ancestory and argues that our brains and bodies aren’t designed for our 21st century lifestyles. "We were never designed for the modern sedentary, socially isolated, sleep-deprived, fast food-laden, indoor, frenetic pace of modern life."The approach is called Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) , and the preliminary results noted that 76% of TLC patients experienced a favorable treatment response c... Dr. Deborah Serani blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983765 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:29:00 +0100 983765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=943118&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fabstract__treatment_of_ssriresistant_depression_a_metaan.htm Conclusions: These results suggest a modest yet statistically significant advantage in remission rates when switching patients with SSRI-resistant depression to a non-SSRI rather than an SSRI antidepressant. With the number needed to treat (NNT) statistic as one indicator of clinical significance, nearly 22 SSRI nonresponders would need to be switched to a non-SSRI rather than a second SSRI antidepressant to obtain one additional remitter. This difference falls well below the mark of NNT = 10 suggested by the United Kingdom's National Institute of Clinical Excellence but nonetheless might be of public health relevance given the large number of SSRI-resistant patients switched to an SSRI versus a non-SSRI antidepressant. (Text has been reformatted for clarity; ed.) Source... (Source: Latest... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=943118 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:17:00 +0100 943118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=828481&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fclinical_variables_linked_to_treatmentresistant_mdd_uncover.htm MedWire News: There are 11 clinical variables associated with treatment resistance in major depressive disorder (MDD), with comorbid anxiety the most powerful predictive factor, international study results indicate More... ©Current Medicine Group Ltd (Source: Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info) Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=828481 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:30:00 +0100 828481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=812269&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=35671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.anxietyinsights.info%2Fstudy_supports_vagus_nerve_stimulator_therapy_as_effective_d.htm A study, led by Ziad Nahas, M.D., associate professor, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Department of Psychiatry has found that Vagus Nerve Stimulator Therapy (VNS) modulates areas of the brain that control mood. The researchers also identified variables, such as length of use, strength of stimulation and level of depression, to better understand the impact of VNS Therapy. "These data provide further insight into VNS therapy's distinct mechanism of action and support its previously demonstrated long-term, sustained efficacy," Nahas said. "We are encouraged to see the unique benefit VNS therapy may bring to patients with one of the most difficult-to-treat forms of depression and are excited to continue neurostimulation research at MUSC." The study demonstrated that VNS Therapy mo... Latest entries from www.anxietyinsights.info blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=812269 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:42:00 +0100 812269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780650&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F08%2F05%2Ffinding-optimism%2F 94 Great Resources for Treating Depression has links to, yes, 94 sites on treating different aspects of depression, from the American Psychological Association to the National Sleep Foundation and alternative therapies, with workbooks, free online CBT, recipes, and more. The list is compiled at the great new blog Finding Optimism. Among the positive views is the entry 12 Best Things About Being Mentally Ill. Check it out. Time. I now spend more time on things that are important to me. Example - I have great relationships with my kids. Time with them is invaluable. Unfortunately most Dads don’t spend more than a few minutes a day giving their kids undivided attention. Depression is a good wake-up call. Perspective. I’ve developed a much bigger picture of things and learned to keep th... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780650 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 22:22:10 +0100 780650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=733588&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F07%2F13%2Fone-persons-experience-with-ect%2F Electroshock therapy. Scarier words couldn’t have been created by a fiction writer if he had tried. Although ECT stands for the more modern electroconvulsive therapy, it’s still basically the same thing — applying an electrical pulse to the brain to affect an emotional state (in ways we still don’t understand why this helps relieve depression). Most often it is used for the treatment of chronic, treatment-resistant depression, but some aggressive psychiatrists will recommend its use in even short-term depression. I’ve always said, ECT — if used at all — should always be the treatment of last resort. Why? Because while it’s a relatively safe procedure physically, it can be a devastating procedure mentally, replacing one mental health issue (... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733588 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 18:55:51 +0100 733588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=716491&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F07%2F05%2Frelaxing-sleep%2F There are some nice guided progressive relaxation audio files on a web site that, although it’s promoting a drug, does also provide some useful tips on managing insomnia. It’s important to be aware that sleeping pills can be dangerous and generally aren’t helpful except short-term. Instead, sleep management establishes new behaviour instead of the behaviour of swallowing a sedative. To stress the point, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that therapy, in particular CBT, is more effective than medication for insomnia. A controlled trial in Norway comparing zopiclone (Lunesta) to placebo and a therapy intervention that included “information on sleep hygiene, sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive therapy, and p... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=716491 Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:18:36 +0100 716491 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=699240&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F06%2F27%2Fwhen-antidepressants-fail-what-next%2F This study sought to identify factors that affect patients’ willingness to accept different second-step treatment approaches. The researchers found that, when patients are given a choice after failing with a first-step medication treatment — in this case, Celexa — only 29% would opt to add psychotherapy (cognitive therapy, to be precise) to the mix. 71% would have nothing to do with psychotherapy. What factors might influence a person’s decision to try psychotherapy to help with their depression? Those with higher educational levels or a family history of a mood disorder were more likely to accept cognitive therapy. Participants in primary care settings and those who experienced a greater side effect burden or a lower reduction in symptom severity with citalopra... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=699240 Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:03:03 +0100 699240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=691239&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F06%2F22%2Fpersonalized-depression-drugs-farther-away-than-you-think%2F Dr. Friedman, writing in The New York Times recently, suggested that recent research will lead to a very different manner of treatment of depression “within a few years.” The headline attached to his opinion piece is even more deceiving — “personalized” depression drugs are “on the horizon.” If by “horizon,” you mean within the next decade or two, sure. And if by personalized, you mean “we know what might not work for you,” then all of this is accurate. Of course, this isn’t what most people would think if they read a headline like that. They might think, “Wow, they’re going to make a personalized depression drug just for me!” No, they’re not. What Dr. Friedman writes about is a simple mouse t... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=691239 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:53:00 +0100 691239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=688591&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F06%2F21%2Fresearch-update-seasonal-affective-disorder-treatments%2F I know, I know… Here it is the first day of summer, and I’m blogging about seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD or the “winter blues,” because it mainly strikes people during the winter months). Well, you have to write about things when research is published, and Rohan and colleagues just published a new, albeit small (N = 61), study in The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology about cognitive behavioral treatment and light therapy treatment for SAD. Adults were assigned to either light therapy (using special light therapy bulbs for 90 minutes/day), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT, twice weekly group sessions lasting 90 minutes each), combined light therapy and CBT, or a form of a control group. The results? CBT, LT, and CBT + LT signific... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=688591 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 18:33:03 +0100 688591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=637879&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F05%2F25%2Fvns-for-depression-new-no-but-dont-tell-wired%2F Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a unique treatment used to treat a very small minority (less than 1%) of patients with epilepsy and depression. The treatment involves a small battery-operated device that delivers intermittent, rhythmic pulses to the vagus nerve, a nerve that reaches a half dozen areas of the brain that are thought to be critical to treating depression. However, VNS has been studied as a treatment for depression since 2000 (perhaps even earlier) and was approved by the FDA as a medical device for the treatment of depression over 2 years ago, in 2005. So it leads us to question how the following love letter, penned over at Wired by Marty Graham and entitled, Brain ‘Pacemaker’ Tickles Your Happy Nerve adds anything new to our understanding of this treatment. T... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=637879 Fri, 25 May 2007 21:04:07 +0100 637879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=502601&cid=t_168616_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2007%2F03%2F27%2Flighting%2F Reader Hank Roberts left some terrific comments on my earlier post about light and dark and how they affect sleep and bipolar cycles. Lighting is used as treatment, and Hank and his wife recovered from insomnia and Seasonal Affective Disorder after changing indoor lighting to amber LEDs and low-blue compact flourescents instead of the glaring blue high UV CFLs commonly sold. He shared lots of links to lighting sources and . Many comply with Florida environmental conservation law about outdoor lights and sea turtles who, like humans, need to avoid blue light after dusk (baby sea turtles must swim towards the moon and not toward lights on the shore). One quick, easy and inexpensive way is using gels made to colour theatrical and film lights. Rosco manufactures gel sheets 24 x 12 for under $... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=502601 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 05:30:26 +0100 502601