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Showing posts with label bipolar depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bipolar depression. Show all posts
December 7, 2011
Mark Myers Expert Answer to: How do you get someone with bipolar disorder to understand their diagnosis?
The intensity of bipolar symptoms are different from person to person as well as one portion(depression or mania)of the illness presenting itself more clearly than another. A diagnosis is difficult to determine at times, even for professionals. In order to accurately diagnose someone, professionals are dependent on either the patient's or others interpretation of symptoms. The mania portion of the illness is at times mistaken for anxiety.
September 13, 2011
August 29, 2011
Postpartum violence
Postpartum psychosis is an illness that includes delusions (strange thoughts) and sometimes auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). The woman believes these delusions and hallucinations in her psychotic state.
August 22, 2011
Depression linked to stroke, vitamin D may help both
By David Liu, Ph.D.
Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 (foodconsumer.org) -- Being chronically depressed may be a sign of higher risk of stroke, according to a study in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart
Association.
The study led by Kathryn Rexrode, M.D.at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass found women who had a history of depression was at 29 percent higher risk of total stroke.
The study also found women who used anti-depressant medications particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were associated with a 39 percent increased risk of stroke. Anti-depressant drugs included Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft.
But the researchers speculated that it is not the medications that cause a higher risk of stroke. Instead use of the drugs only indicates that depression in the patients was more severe.
The study involved in 80,574 women ages 54 to 79 years in the Nurses' Health Study. Participants had no history of stroke at baseline. During the six-year follow-up, prevalence of depression at baseline was 22 percent in the participants and 1,033 strokes were identified.
Depressed women were often those who were single, smoking, and less physically active, according to the study. They were also more likely to have a higher body mass index, and diseases like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, compared to women without a history depression.
A healthy observer said the study suggests what increases the risk of depression may also increase the risk of stroke and vitamin D can be the missing link between the two.
One study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found men who had intake of 600 IU or more of vitamin D per day were 28 percent less likely to suffer stroke and heart attack, compared with those who had an intake of only 100 IU or less per day. In women, the risk reduction was 16 percent.
The study was conduced by Qi Sun of the Harvard School of public Health in Boston MA.
Another study published in 2008 in the journal Circulation linked low serum vitamin D levels with 60 percent higher risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure, compared with those who had high levels of vitamin D.
Dr. Thomas Wang of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts and colleagues who conducted the study also reported that the association was even stronger among those with high blood pressure.
For the study, Wang et al. followed up 1,739 people at an average age of 59 in the Framingham Heart Study for five years.
Now low serum vitamin D is also associated with high risk of depression.
Nanri A and colleagues from International Medical center of Japan in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan reported on Aug 19, 2009 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that people who had highest levels of vitamin D were 49 percent less likely to feel depressed.
In winter, high levels of vitamin D were found associated with lower risk of depression, particularly severe depression.
Many other studies also suggest that vitamin D can be the cause for depression.
Saturday, Aug 13, 2011 (foodconsumer.org) -- Being chronically depressed may be a sign of higher risk of stroke, according to a study in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart
Association.
The study led by Kathryn Rexrode, M.D.at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass found women who had a history of depression was at 29 percent higher risk of total stroke.
The study also found women who used anti-depressant medications particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were associated with a 39 percent increased risk of stroke. Anti-depressant drugs included Prozac, Celexa and Zoloft.
But the researchers speculated that it is not the medications that cause a higher risk of stroke. Instead use of the drugs only indicates that depression in the patients was more severe.
The study involved in 80,574 women ages 54 to 79 years in the Nurses' Health Study. Participants had no history of stroke at baseline. During the six-year follow-up, prevalence of depression at baseline was 22 percent in the participants and 1,033 strokes were identified.
Depressed women were often those who were single, smoking, and less physically active, according to the study. They were also more likely to have a higher body mass index, and diseases like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, compared to women without a history depression.
A healthy observer said the study suggests what increases the risk of depression may also increase the risk of stroke and vitamin D can be the missing link between the two.
One study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found men who had intake of 600 IU or more of vitamin D per day were 28 percent less likely to suffer stroke and heart attack, compared with those who had an intake of only 100 IU or less per day. In women, the risk reduction was 16 percent.
The study was conduced by Qi Sun of the Harvard School of public Health in Boston MA.
Another study published in 2008 in the journal Circulation linked low serum vitamin D levels with 60 percent higher risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure, compared with those who had high levels of vitamin D.
Dr. Thomas Wang of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts and colleagues who conducted the study also reported that the association was even stronger among those with high blood pressure.
For the study, Wang et al. followed up 1,739 people at an average age of 59 in the Framingham Heart Study for five years.
Now low serum vitamin D is also associated with high risk of depression.
Nanri A and colleagues from International Medical center of Japan in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan reported on Aug 19, 2009 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition that people who had highest levels of vitamin D were 49 percent less likely to feel depressed.
In winter, high levels of vitamin D were found associated with lower risk of depression, particularly severe depression.
Many other studies also suggest that vitamin D can be the cause for depression.
August 19, 2011
Depression may increase stroke risk in women
Depression may boost women's risk of stroke, according to a new study.
Among study participants, those who'd had depression were 29 percent more likely to suffer a stroke over a six-year period.
And women who took an anti-depressant medication — especially a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) — had a 39 percent increased risk of stroke, the study said. Examples of these drugs include Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa.
The researchers said they do not think anti-depressants cause the increased stroke risk; rather, the connection exists because those who take these medications may have more severe depression, said study researcher Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, an associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
"This study does not suggest that people should stop their medications to reduce the risk of stroke," Rexrode said.
Depressed women
Researchers followed 80,574 women between the ages of 54 and 79 from 2000 to 2006. None had previously had a stroke.
At the study's start, 22 percent had suffered depression, and 1,033 stroke cases were documented during six years of follow-up.
Compared with women without a history of depression, depressed women were more likely to be single, smokers and less physically active. They were also slightly younger, had a higher body mass index (BMI) and more coexisting conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
"Depression can prevent individuals from controlling other medical problems such as diabetes and hypertension, from taking medications regularly or pursuing other healthy lifestyle measures such as exercise," Rexrode said.
The mind and the brain
Depression may also be linked to inflammation in the body, which increases the risk of stroke, as well as other conditions or underlying vascular disease in the brain, said study researcher An Pan, of Harvard School of Public Health.
"Regardless of the mechanism, recognizing that depressed individuals may be at a higher risk of stroke may help the physician focus on not only treating the depression, but treating stroke risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol as well as addressing lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and exercise," Pan said.
The study found an association, not a cause-effect link. The researchers cannot rule out the possibility that other factors not taken into account in the study were responsible for the link, Pan said.
The study is published today (Aug. 11) in the journal Stroke.
updated 8/12/2011 10:37:54 AM ET
Among study participants, those who'd had depression were 29 percent more likely to suffer a stroke over a six-year period.
And women who took an anti-depressant medication — especially a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) — had a 39 percent increased risk of stroke, the study said. Examples of these drugs include Prozac, Zoloft and Celexa.
The researchers said they do not think anti-depressants cause the increased stroke risk; rather, the connection exists because those who take these medications may have more severe depression, said study researcher Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, an associate physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
"This study does not suggest that people should stop their medications to reduce the risk of stroke," Rexrode said.
Depressed women
Researchers followed 80,574 women between the ages of 54 and 79 from 2000 to 2006. None had previously had a stroke.
At the study's start, 22 percent had suffered depression, and 1,033 stroke cases were documented during six years of follow-up.
Compared with women without a history of depression, depressed women were more likely to be single, smokers and less physically active. They were also slightly younger, had a higher body mass index (BMI) and more coexisting conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
"Depression can prevent individuals from controlling other medical problems such as diabetes and hypertension, from taking medications regularly or pursuing other healthy lifestyle measures such as exercise," Rexrode said.
The mind and the brain
Depression may also be linked to inflammation in the body, which increases the risk of stroke, as well as other conditions or underlying vascular disease in the brain, said study researcher An Pan, of Harvard School of Public Health.
"Regardless of the mechanism, recognizing that depressed individuals may be at a higher risk of stroke may help the physician focus on not only treating the depression, but treating stroke risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and elevated cholesterol as well as addressing lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and exercise," Pan said.
The study found an association, not a cause-effect link. The researchers cannot rule out the possibility that other factors not taken into account in the study were responsible for the link, Pan said.
The study is published today (Aug. 11) in the journal Stroke.
updated 8/12/2011 10:37:54 AM ET
May 31, 2011
Hearing Loss and Depression
Hearing loss could affect many different people and age groups. It could be caused by hereditary factors, natural aging, injury to head, earwax build up, ear infections, or exposure to noise. As we age our sensory abilities diminish. Hearing loss is the third most common long-term health problem in older Americans and affects up to 40 out of 100 people age 65 and older, and up to 80 out of 100 people older than 85 (National Institute of Health). Hearing loss can cause sufferer’s to feel isolated, anxious, self conscious, lonely, and disconnected. If someone is experiencing hearing loss it could certainly make life less enjoyable.This problem is not just confined to older adults. Children as young as three weeks old could be diagnosed as having a hearing deficit. About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born deaf or hard-of-hearing and approximately 15 percent (26 million) of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to loud sounds or noise at work or in leisure activities(National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ). Hearing loss in children could affect grades, self confidence, and peer relations. Since children are not always able to articulate their problems, identifying the problem makes it more challenging. In a 2010 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found a 31 percent increase in teenage hearing loss. The study compared teens in 2005 and 2006 to teens tested from 1988 to 1994. According to the research, called the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the results show that "one in five U.S. adolescents 12 to 19 years old demonstrated hearing loss." (Deafness research Foundation).
For older adults, certain settings for them may provide challenges. Rooms with particular
structures may make it more difficult to hear (acoustics). Background noise could also factor
into ability to hear others. Lastly, certain pitches in voices (usually higher ones) are hard to
decipher. The impact could be felt at work (business meetings), social, and family relations
(being able to communicate with children or grandkids).
There are preventive measures individuals can do in avoiding hearing loss. For some, it may not
be avoidable (hereditary factors and aging). Here are some suggestions:
Children should have periodic hearing exams (once every few years).
Avoid exposure to loud noises
Avoiding long exposure to music listening devices(IPods, MP3 players, I phones)
When exposed to settings with loud noise, wear ear wax, if possible.
Be conscious when buying items such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers. There is a
difference in products when it comes to amplitude.
If exposed to loud noises and it is unavoidable, try to limit time that you are exposed it.
If you experience hearing loss, let others know about it. Accommodations could be made
that would increase your ability to hear others. Time of day (visiting restaurant in non
busy time), locations (acoustics) and seating arrangements (face to face) could greatly
increase communications.
Talk with your doctor or audiologist. Hearing aids can make a tremendous difference in
hearing impaired lives. There are many advances in technology and hearing aids are less
intrusive and noticeable as they once were.
Hearing loss may open new challenges in life. For the elderly it may mean another loss they
experience. Discussing your concerns with others could develop the support you are looking for.
If you or someone else is experiencing hearing loss and having a hard time with it, consider
joining a support group or seeing a therapist. This could not only provide additional support, but
some coping strategies as well.
May 27, 2011
Sleep Better!
About how many hours did you sleep last night? On the average, eight hours of good sleep is recommended. This could vary from individual to individual. Some of us need more and some less. Our age is one factor in determining the amount of sleep we need. The older we get, the less sleep we may require.
Included are some tips on better sleep habits. By using these suggestions, you may find yourself with more energy to address other concerns in your life.
Diet
1. Cut down or eliminate alcohol consumption.
2. Avoid heavy meals before bedtime. Also avoid acid producing foods such as spices, onions, and peppers.
3. Cut down or eliminate caffeine . This would include chocolate, tea, and soda pops.
4. A glass of warm milk 15 minutes before going to bed will soothe your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which aids in relaxation.
5. Try a cup of hot chamomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. All contain natural ingredients which may help you sleep. Some blends of herb tea are designed to soothe you and help you get to sleep.
6. A small, low protein, high carbohydrate bedtime snack, such as juice and cookies, eaten about an hour before bedtime, can help you fall asleep sooner.
7. Studies indicate that foods with large amounts of the amino acid L-tryptophan help us sleep better. These include warm or hot milk (but not cold milk), eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, turkey and cashews.
Environmental Factors
1. Evaluate your sleep environment. Is there too much noise or light? You may find it helpful to get some ear plugs or sound machines. There may be new noises introduced into your environment that could be making it more difficult to sleep.
2. Try to keep your room as dark as possible. Night time eye shades could be helpful. Also consider your alarm clock. If it is a particularly luminous one, this can be extremely annoying if you're having a hard time getting to sleep.
3. Fresh air and a cool room temperature will provide best sleeping conditions. Adjust the temperature inside the bed --with more or fewer blankets.
4. Listen to Music. Music should be soft and soothing. There are cassettes and records designed for that very purpose. Other sounds to try to lull you to sleep could be sounds of waves, wind, or other relaxing sounds.
5. A firm bed will give your entire body the support it needs to really relax. It's better for your spine, too. Sleep on your back. This allows for better passage of air and facilitates easier breathing.
Sleep Friendly Behaviors
1. Try to keep your sleep and wake times consistent, even on weekends. If you have had a difficult time sleeping one night, don’t try to catch up with it by sleeping twice as much. Your body likes regular routines, even if you don’t.
2. Avoid day time naps. This will only further throw off your sleep cycle.
3. Keep a sleep log. Look for patterns. If you are having success on one night, find out what you did differently and try to repeat it.
4. Spend your normal sleep time (i.e. 6,7,8, hours) in bed. If you are used to sleeping eight hours a night, spending twelve hours to get that amount of sleep will only frustrate you.
5. Decrease your activities as you approach your desired sleep time. The more active you are the more time it will take to settle down to sleep. Individuals with jobs that require a lot of thinking throughout the day, have far more trouble sleeping than individuals who work in more physical settings. For these individuals, wind down time is especially important.
6. Regular exercise is helpful. Exercise allows for better oxygen and blood flow which helps you relax more and sleep better. Too much exercise or doing it too close to bedtime would be counterproductive.
7. A warm bath is a great way to relax your body. You could also use ingredients to add to the bath...bath salts, Epsom salts, baking soda, or bath oils. These will relax you and also help remove toxins from your body.
9. Massages could also aid in the transition to sleep. Have your spouse (or whoever) give you a massage just before going to sleep. Items such as foot or back massagers could be bought from most stores.
If your sleep difficulties persist, let your therapist know. You and your therapist may want to explore this with a more focused approach.
May 19, 2011
How is Bipolar different from Depression?
Bipolar disorder or manic depressive disorder is a disorder that causes a shift in moods. These shifts in moods are more significant than the average person may feel on a day to day basis. The mood shifts for someone who is bi polar are more significant and intense and most of the times create problems in a person’s life.
The symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early adulthood, although it is not unusual for a child or older adult to be diagnosed with this disorder. Approximately half of the cases are diagnosed prior to age 25.
The symptoms would include mood shifts of mania and depression. The manic symptoms would include: irritability; extreme energy; behaving impulsively and taking part in a lot of pleasurable high-risk behaviors, such as, spending sprees, impulsive sex, and impulsive business investment; racing thoughts, lack of sleep, agitation, and in some cases psychotic features such as delusions or hallucinations. The depressive side include: sadness; guilt; anger; isolation; or hopelessness; disturbances in sleep and appetite; fatigue and loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities; problems concentrating; loneliness, self-loathing, apathy or indifference; loss of interest in sexual activity; lack of motivation; and suicidal ideation.
The key difference is someone with a diagnosis of depression will not experience the mood swings or manic phase. Sometimes the manic phase may not be easily diagnosed or seen. A person with a bipolar disorder may under report these symptoms or they may not be clearly identified. Furthermore, a person suffering from a bi polar disorder may not quickly want to address these symptoms. There are some symptoms in the manic phase that they find enjoyable or even productive. They may not see a concern about addressing them as significant others may. Lastly, if the wrong medication is prescribed this could exacerbate the symptoms which could lead to a psychotic episode.
The recommended course of treatment would be seeing a psychiatrist for medication management as well as a therapist for talk therapy. Family involvement is also helpful. Educating family about signs and symptoms as well as offering support for them is an important part of the therapy.
The symptoms usually appear in the late teens or early adulthood, although it is not unusual for a child or older adult to be diagnosed with this disorder. Approximately half of the cases are diagnosed prior to age 25.
The symptoms would include mood shifts of mania and depression. The manic symptoms would include: irritability; extreme energy; behaving impulsively and taking part in a lot of pleasurable high-risk behaviors, such as, spending sprees, impulsive sex, and impulsive business investment; racing thoughts, lack of sleep, agitation, and in some cases psychotic features such as delusions or hallucinations. The depressive side include: sadness; guilt; anger; isolation; or hopelessness; disturbances in sleep and appetite; fatigue and loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities; problems concentrating; loneliness, self-loathing, apathy or indifference; loss of interest in sexual activity; lack of motivation; and suicidal ideation.
The key difference is someone with a diagnosis of depression will not experience the mood swings or manic phase. Sometimes the manic phase may not be easily diagnosed or seen. A person with a bipolar disorder may under report these symptoms or they may not be clearly identified. Furthermore, a person suffering from a bi polar disorder may not quickly want to address these symptoms. There are some symptoms in the manic phase that they find enjoyable or even productive. They may not see a concern about addressing them as significant others may. Lastly, if the wrong medication is prescribed this could exacerbate the symptoms which could lead to a psychotic episode.
The recommended course of treatment would be seeing a psychiatrist for medication management as well as a therapist for talk therapy. Family involvement is also helpful. Educating family about signs and symptoms as well as offering support for them is an important part of the therapy.
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