tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-186029512024-02-28T11:09:53.390-05:00Eureka Alert!The purpose of this blog is to alert readers about novel research taking place in the field of neurology, specifically mental health disorders, to give hope to those who suffer and to promote the work of those scientists who are unbridled by conventional wisdom.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-58371570444969044252007-11-03T14:01:00.000-05:002007-11-03T14:06:30.086-05:00Neurological Study of Sleep Deprivation Shows Its Link to Depression, AnxietyThe New Zealand Herald reports on what it says is the first neural investigation into the affect of sleep deprivation on the brain. It appears it activates the part of the brain that controls depression, anxiety and other brain disorders that affect thoughts and emotions. The investigation was conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, Berkley. <br /><br />See <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/6/story.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10471775">Scientists link lack of sleep to psychiatric disorders</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-51482254148288010542007-06-27T21:44:00.000-05:002007-06-28T20:50:30.142-05:00Antidepressants and Bone Loss?SSRIs may cause bone loss in older people, according to studies at two universities. The results were published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine. The link has to do with serotonin.<br /><br />See <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070627-15290900-bc-us-boneloss.xml">Study: Antidepressants may cause bone loss</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-28684721328202429452007-06-26T20:57:00.000-05:002007-06-26T21:05:33.555-05:00Asthma and Anxiety Linked<div>This is one of several articles discussing the link between asthma and anxiety disorders. The link makes biological sense when you consider asthma is an autoimmune disorder and some anxiety disorders may have autoimmune origins in some individuals, as seen, for example, in the PANDAs research by Susan Swedo at the National Institutes of Health. However, because asthma attacks can be frightening, they can make people anxious. This does not discount the biological link, though.<br /><br />See <a href="http://kidshealth.org/research/anxiety_asthma.html">Mental Health Disorders May Make Asthma Symptoms Worse</a>.</div>Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-51817966228121934112007-06-25T21:08:00.000-05:002007-06-26T21:16:19.230-05:00Can Genes Predict Response to SSRIs?The genes thought to be involved in antidepressant effectiveness are not and many individuals do not respond well or at all to these drugs. Now two researchers are looking at genes to see who responds to antidepressants.<br /><br />See <a href="http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/feature/200706141.html">UCSF Researcher Tracks Genes that Predict Response to Antidepressants</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-39224839053987098972007-06-24T21:11:00.000-05:002007-06-26T21:17:27.623-05:00Dogs Guide Search For Panic, OCD, and Anxiety GenesDogs aren't immune from anxiety disorders -- which makes sense in the context of evolution -- that the symptoms of these disorders in humans are remnants of survival instincts. Now one researcher is using dogs, which are genetically less complex than humans, to locate these genes.<br /><br />See <a title="http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/feature/200706212.html" href="http://pub.ucsf.edu/today/cache/feature/200706212.html">Dogs Guide Search for Genes in Panic and Anxiety</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-79302162027779894442007-06-23T21:13:00.000-05:002007-06-26T21:15:49.057-05:00Folic Acid May Help Relieve DepressionWhile depression and other brain disorders have multiple origins, the link between nutrition and depression is becoming clearer. Research out of the University of York and Hull York Medical School confirms previous studies showing the low folate levels correlates with depression in some individuals. This does not mean low levels of folate cause depression. It means the two are linked. Previous research by the team showed that individuals with depression appear to have a gene that leads to folate being processed folate less efficiently. Folate plays a role in the production of serotonin and other chemicals in the brain that make you feel good. Adding folic acid to the diet, therefore, mat help people with depression. Large, controlled trials are needed to prove the effectiveness.<br /><br />See <a title="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626115240.htm" href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070626115240.htm">Adding Folic Acid To Bread Could Help In The Fight Against Depression</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1153447460386912722006-07-20T20:59:00.000-05:002006-07-20T21:04:20.403-05:00Surgery for OCD and Other Anxiety Disorders RiskyNeurosurgery is a new trend in the psychiatric community, but research in Sweden indicates caution is necessary. They found that adverse effects of neurosurgery used to treat severe obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders were more frequent than they had previously thought. <br /><br />See <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-07/ki-nto070306.php">Neurosurgical treatment of anxiety disorders effective -- but risky</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1141870822755762692006-03-08T21:18:00.000-05:002006-03-21T08:15:58.016-05:00Omega 3 fatty acids and mood, personality and behaviorFindings of a University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study indicates that Omega 3 fatty acids influence mood, impulsivity, and personality. See <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/uopm-o3f022706.php">Omega 3 fatty acids influence mood, impulsivity and personality, study indicates</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1141870732866601122006-03-08T21:16:00.000-05:002006-03-18T22:10:00.986-05:00Antidepressants Can Lead to Death in Heart PatientsWhile some heart problems can lead to depression, antidepressants may not be the answer, at least for some patients. Duke University Medical Center researchers found patients with coronary artery disease who took antidepressants were at significantly higher risk of death.<br /> <br />From the press release: "Even after controlling for such factors as age, degree of heart disease and severity of depression, the researchers found that heart patients taking antidepressant medications had a 55 percent higher risk of dying. Previously, Duke researchers reported that the presence of depression is an important risk factor for hear patients."<br /><br />See <a href="http://dukemednews.duke.edu/news/article.php?id=9535">Anti-Depressant Use Associated With Increased Risk for Heart Patients</a> for the entire press release.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1141870571611207802006-03-08T21:11:00.000-05:002006-03-18T10:05:51.933-05:00Overdiagnosing DepressionResearchers at Rutgers University and New York University offer three explanations for and warn about overdiagnosing depression. See <a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-03/asa-thp030306.php">The high percentages of depression have been greatly exaggerated</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1140406468715601882006-02-19T22:30:00.000-05:002006-02-19T22:34:28.730-05:00Software Helps Those with Schizophrenia Understand Facial ExpressionsSoftware designed to help customs officers scan the travellers' faces is being used to help people with schizophrenia recognize emotions in facial expressions, something they have difficulty doing. See <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200602/s1571929.htm">Facial Recognition Software Aids Schizophrenia Sufferers</a> to read the full article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133621445892002692005-12-03T09:50:00.000-05:002005-12-03T09:50:45.893-05:00Paxil May Cause Birth DefectsThe New York Times Reports on the drug manufacturer's report on the increased risk of taking Paxil during the first trimester of pregnanacy. See <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/29/health/womenshealth/29depress.html?th=&adxnnl=1&emc=th&adxnnlx=1127998806-etcqzqKtmvDUpyQJ98edYg">Paxil Alert for Pregnant Women</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133569948124732722005-12-02T19:31:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:33:00.850-05:00Pregnancy and SSRIsMany women are concerned about taking SSRIs during pregnancy. A large study several years ago was said to have demonstrated safety. However, a more recent study, reported in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/18/health/18depress.html?">New York Times</a>, shows some risk to babies.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133569867514144452005-12-02T19:30:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:31:07.523-05:00Machine Simulates HallucinationsJanssen Pharmaceutica has developed a virtual reality machine that teaches empathy for individuals who experience hallucinations. Click the link below to see the story.<br><br /><a href "http://www.news-herald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14458081&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21849&rfi=6">Officials experience schizophrenia sensations through a new virtual hallucination machine</a>Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570201097435462005-12-01T19:35:00.001-05:002005-12-02T19:36:41.096-05:00Breast Cancer Drug and Bipolar DisorderThe anti-cancer drug tamoxifen is currently <a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/press/prenzyme.cfm">being studied</a> on people with bipolar disorder. The drug appears to affect protein kinase C, or PKC, which researchers think might be involved in bipolar disorder. Ultimately, if research findings are positive, researchers hope to develop a new class of quick-acting drugs. (See also my article in <a href="http://www.bphope.com">BP Magazine</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570144388253542005-12-01T19:35:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:35:44.390-05:00Schizophrenia and InfectionOffspring of women exposed to parasitic infection, toxoplasmosis, during pregnancy may be at increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adulthood says <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=24524">one study</a>.<br> <br />Toxoplasmosis can result from eating undercooked meat, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. It can also be contracted through unwashed hands after gardening or cleaning cat litter boxes.<br><br />The increased risk resulting from infection may not be due to the a specific infection, but a secondary mechanism, such as inflamation.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570076581844262005-12-01T19:33:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:34:36.583-05:00Brain Changes During Menstruation Linked to Anxiety/SeizuresA new <a href="http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/511803/">UCLA study</a> shows that changes in specific receptors in the brain can affect seizure activity and anxiety levels during the menstrual cycle. See also <a href="http://my.webmd.com/content/article/106/108028.htm">Menstrual Cycle May Change Women's Brains</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570258275491632005-11-30T19:37:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:37:38.276-05:00Strep Linked to OCDNew publicity about the suspected link between strep infection and OCD at <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MedicalMinute/story?id=774780">ABC News</a> and the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/22/magazine/22OCD.html?th=&emc=th&pagewanted=print">New York Times</a>.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570314897546672005-11-27T19:37:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:38:34.896-05:00Estrogen Levels and OCDResearchers have linked low levels of estrogen in male mice with OCD. Compulsions were resolved with estrogen administration. See <a href="http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/107/108422.htm"> Estrogen Affects Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder</a> for the full article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570364743961832005-11-26T19:38:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:39:24.743-05:00Asthma and Allergies - Same Gene Different Expression?A Columbia university study showed a possible genetic link between major depression and anxiety disorders in mothers and asthma and allergies in their biological offspring. See <a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7510">Kids’ asthma linked to mothers’ depression</a> for the full article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570445244681042005-11-25T19:39:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:40:45.243-05:00Epilepsy and SchizophreniaA Danish study suggests that epilepsy and schizophrenia may share a genetic link or common environmental cause. See <a href="http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/06/17/hscout526347.html">Epilepsy, Schizophrenia May Share Genetic Link</a> for the full article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133570490397034212005-11-23T19:41:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:41:30.396-05:00Anticonvulsants Linked With Birth DefectsDoctors are warning women with bipolar disorder and others on anticonvulsants, specifically phenobarbitol and valproate (Depakote), of the raised risk of birth defects. They suggest discussing the possibility of switching drugs with their physicians before getting pregnant. See <a href="http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/epil/526471.html">Epilepsy, Bipolar Drugs Carry Birth Defect Risks</a> for the whole article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133571303906303492005-11-22T19:54:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:55:03.906-05:00Melatonin Agonist May Help Treat Bipolar DepressionPeople with bipolar disorder may get relief by adding a melatoninergic antidepressant to their drug regiment. See <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/506989">Melatonin Agonist Shows Benefits in Treating Bipolar Depression</a> for the whole article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133571357552063272005-11-20T19:55:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:55:57.553-05:00Creating Disease to Sell DrugsMother Jones' assistant online editor Bradford Plumer writes in-depth about the creation of diseases by pharmaceutical companies, in large part due to the patent system, which offers a strong financial incentive to find new diseases for old drugs. Plumer also notes that the credibility of scientists who are sincerely trying to understand disease is compromised as so many of their peers are lured in by the lucrative offers of the drug companies to promote their products, whether or not patients really need them. See <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/07/selling_sickness.html">Licensed to Ill</a> for the whole article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18602951.post-1133571413485718502005-11-19T19:56:00.000-05:002005-12-02T19:56:53.486-05:00New NIH Studies on the Effectiveness of Psychotropic Medications to be ReleasedThe results of federally-funded studies on drugs and brain disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia, will soon be released and will help doctors, who have been prescribing drugs based on their own clinical experiences, rather than evidence from studies, be better able to prescribe appropriate drugs for their patients. Previous studies have only shown drug efficacy with targeted populations and do not compare the effectiveness of different drugs nor do they test the effectiveness on the many individuals with more than one brain disorder and those with severe cases. See <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05208/544589.stm">Studies could alter treatment for depression, schizophrenia</a> for the whole article.Staciehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02140004578421995780noreply@blogger.com0