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Schizophrenia

2010-10-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

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This is the third in a series on mental health and mental disorders. Why here? why now?
To improve your mental health surround yourself with beauty. Art, creative activities, and gardening are all things that help people through mental disorder and stress. Sound medical advice should always be sought. Sometimes your doctor might prescribe medication.

Schizophrenia. Considered one of the most puzzling of mental disorders, schizophrenia robs an individual of the ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Symptoms range from delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, lack of motivation or emotions, but the disease still has no defining medical tests. Though we can't cure this disease yet, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada recommends that we should do more to understand it -- and remove the stigma and barriers so patients and families can get the support they need. (Visit the Schizophrenia Society of Canada website for more information.).

There are many other brain disorders and mental disorders and illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Other References:

United States National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health / “Schizophrenia”

US - NIMI – National Institute of Health / “Schizophrenia”

Label: Schizophrenia

Stigma about Mental Illness

2010-09-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

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Today I was writing a (future) article about schizophrenia but was distracted by a recent study about North Americans perceptions and treatment towards people with mental illness.

“In a joint study by Indiana University and Columbia University researchers found that over the past decade (ten years) there was no change in prejudice and discrimination toward people with serious mental illness or substance abuse problems, despite a greater embrace by the public of neurobiological explanations for these illnesses.

But the study, published online Sept. 15, in the American Journal of Psychiatry , raises vexing questions about the effectiveness of campaigns designed to improve health literacy. This “disease like any other” approach, supported by medicine and mental health advocates, had been seen as the primary way to reduce widespread stigma in the United States.

“Prejudice and discrimination in the U.S. aren’t moving,” said IU sociologist Bernice Pescosolido, a leading researcher in this area. “In fact, in some cases, it may be increasing. It’s time to stand back and rethink our approach.”

Stigma, the well-documented reluctance by many to socialize or work with people who have a mental or substance abuse disorder, is considered a major obstacle to effective treatment for many Americans who experience these devastating illnesses. It can produce discrimination in employment, housing, medical care and social relationships, and negatively impact the quality of life for these individuals, their families and friends.

Funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the study examined whether American attitudes concerning mental illness have changed during a 10-year period when efforts on many levels and by many groups focused on making Americans aware of the genetic and medical explanations for depression, schizophrenia and substance abuse. While Americans reported more acceptance of these explanations, this did nothing to change prejudice and discrimination, and in some cases, made it worse.

The study involved questions posed to a nationally representative sample of adults as part of the General Social Survey (GSS), a biennial survey that involves face-to-face interviews. Around 1,956 adults in the 1996 and 2006 GSS first listened to a vignette involving a person who had major depression, schizophrenia or alcohol dependency, and then they answered a series of questions.

Some key findings include:

In 2006, 67 percent of the public attributed major depression to neurobiological causes, compared with 54 percent in 1996.
High proportions of respondents supported treatment with overall increases in the proportion endorsing treatment from a doctor, and more specifically from psychiatrists, for treatment of alcohol dependence (79 percent in 2006 compared to 61 percent in 1996) and major depression (85 percent in 2006 compared to 75 percent in 1996).
Holding a belief in neurobiological causes for these disorders increased the likelihood of support for treatment but was generally unrelated to stigma. Where associated, the effect was to increase, not decrease, community rejection of the person described in the vignettes.

Pescosolido said the team’s comparative study provides real data for the first time on whether the “landscape for prejudice for people with mental illness” is changing. It reinforces conversations begun by influential institutions, such as the Carter Center, about the need for a new approach toward combating stigma.

“Often mental health advocates end up singing to the choir,” Pescosolido said. “We need to involve groups in each community to talk about these issues which affect nearly every family in American in some way. This is in everyone’s interest.”

The research article suggests that stigma reduction efforts focus on the person rather than on the disease, and emphasize the abilities and competencies of people with mental health problems. Pescosolido says well-established civic groups — groups normally not involved with mental health issues — could be very effective in making people aware of the need for inclusion and the importance of increasing the dignity and rights of citizenship for persons with mental illnesses.”

For a copy of the study or for an interview with lead author Pescosolido, please contact Alex Capshew at acapshew@indiana.edu and 812-855-6256.

References:

NIMH The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Homepage [http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml] is the largest (US based) scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding mental health and mental illness.

Bi-Polar Disorder

2010-08-31T17:25:00.001-07:00

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To improve your mental health surround yourself with beauty. Art, creative activities, and gardening are all things that help people through mental disorder and stress. Sound medical advice should always be sought. Along with psychotherapy, talk therapy can help patients stay on medication and cope with their disorder's impact on work and family life. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors that accompany mood swings. Interpersonal therapy aims to ease the strain bipolar disorder may place on personal relationships. Social rhythm therapy helps patients develop and maintain daily routines.

Sometimes your doctor would prescribe medications which are key in helping people with bipolar disorder live stable, productive lives. Mood stabilizers can smooth out the cycle of ups and downs. Patients may also be prescribed anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and antipsychotic drugs. Between acute states of mania or depression, patients typically stay on maintenance medication to avoid a relapse.

Bipolar disorder or manic-depressive disorder, is also referred to as bipolar affective disorder. It is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes, or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

Considered to be caused by a brain chemical imbalance that causes exaggerated mood swings (cycles) – from feeling depression (a state of low mood and aversion to activity) on the down cycle, to being euphoric, hypomanic and/or manic on the high cycle. Although doctors aren't exactly sure what causes bipolar disorder. A leading theory is that brain chemicals fluctuate abnormally. When levels of certain chemicals become too high, the patient develops mania. When levels drop too low, depression may result.

Genetic factors contribute substantially to the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, and environmental factors are also implicated. Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood stabilizer medications and, sometimes, other psychiatric drugs. Psychotherapy also has a role, often when there has been some recovery of stability. In serious cases, in which there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, involuntary commitment may be used. These cases generally involve severe manic episodes with dangerous behavior or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation.

A crucial step in diagnosing bipolar disorder is to rule out other possible causes of extreme mood swings. These may include brain infection or other neurological disorders, substance abuse, thyroid problem, HIV, ADHD, side effects of certain medications, or other psychiatric disorders. There is no lab test for bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist usually makes the diagnosis based on a careful history and evaluation of the patient’s mood and other symptoms.

Bipolar disorder affects males and females equally. In most cases, the onset of symptoms is between 15 and 30 years old. People are at higher risk if a family member has been diagnosed, especially if it’s a first degree relative, but doctors don’t think the disorder kicks in based on genetics alone. A stressful event, drug abuse, or other unknown factor may trigger the cycle of ups and downs.

People with bipolar disorder are 10 to 20 times more likely to commit suicide than people without the illness. Warning signs include talking about suicide, putting affairs in order, and inviting death with risky behavior. Anyone who appears suicidal should be taken very seriously. In the US, do not hesitate to call one of the suicide hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). If you have a plan to commit suicide, go to the emergency room for immediate treatment.

Establishing firm routines can help manage bipolar disorder. Routines should include sufficient sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Because alcohol and recreational drugs can worsen the symptoms, these should be avoided. Patients should also learn to identify their personal early warning signs of mania and depression. This will allow them to get help before an episode spins out of control.

There are widespread problems with social stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice against individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder exhibiting psychotic symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, another serious mental illness.

Other References:

BBC Health - Bipolar disorder The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Bipolar disorder - MayoClinic.com
Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment of Manic Depression
BP Magazine – Welcome to bphope!.com online magazine of Hope and Harmony for People with Bipolar
Since 1994 Pendulum.org a web resource for bipolar information – from IMHRO.org – International Mental Health Research Organization
MedlinePlus: Bipolar Disorder, list of linked reference materials from US National Library of Medicine / NIH National Institutes of Health
Slideshow: Understanding Bipolor Disorder from WebMD
The New York Times – Health Guide - Bipolar Disorder involves periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.
We just finished a great read, “Welcome to the Jungle - Everything you ever wanted to know about bipolar but were too freaked out to ask” by Hilary Smith. “I wrote Welcome to the Jungle because it is the book I wish I'd been given when I was first diagnosed. If you read it, I hope it helps..”
There are many other brain disorders and mental disorders and illnesses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Spring and Summer - 2010

2010-08-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Alzheimer's Disease (Dementia)

2010-08-06T10:35:00.001-07:00

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Summer to Fall - November 15, 2009

2010-07-31T07:59:00.000-07:00

Spring and Summer - 2009

2010-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Summer Continues into August, 2008

2010-07-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

Summer in July, 2008

2010-07-31T07:45:00.000-07:00

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Schizophrenia

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Stigma about Mental Illness

NIMH The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Homepage [http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml] is the largest (US based) scientific organization in the world dedicated to research focused on the understanding mental health and mental illness.

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Bi-Polar Disorder

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Spring and Summer - 2010

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Alzheimer's Disease (Dementia)

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Summer to Fall - November 15, 2009

Spring and Summer - 2009

Summer Continues into August, 2008

Summer in July, 2008