Tuesday, November 29, 2005 8:51 AM
posted by Michael Mason The Frightening Trend of Anorexia MSNBC recently released a story called "Fighting Anorexia: No One to Blame" which demonstrates a disturbing new trend--anorexia is striking victims at earlier ages, with some patients entering a treatment program at only 8 or 9 years of age.
The current trends in anorexia suggest that the disease may have a more biological basis than originally thought. Anorexia is culturally viewed as a disease the strikes young white women from wealthy families, but anorexia is now rising among males, minorities, and women.
How can parent help diminish the chances of anorexia? The article states that having family dinners together--instead of fast food in the back of the SUV--may be a key factor in lowering the risk for anorexia in children.
To read related research, click here.
link to this post  Monday, November 21, 2005 10:09 AM
posted by Michael Mason Avoiding the Holiday Blues The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration and joy, but for millions of Americans, they can herald unprecedented bouts of depression and anxiety. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA)suggests that there are many reasons why people suffer from the "Holiday Blues." Unrealistic expectations, over-commercialization, and financial constraints are just a small part of the difficult conditions that create an unhealthy holiday atmosphere.
So what can you do to defend yourself from the holiday blues? The NMHA recommends the following:
--Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable.
--Leave “yesteryear” in the past and look toward the future.
--Do something for someone else.
--Enjoy activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations; going window shopping without buying; making a snowperson with children.
--Be aware that excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.
--Try something new.
--Save time for yourself!
Click here to read more about Holiday Blues.
link to this post Thursday, November 17, 2005 1:08 PM
posted by Michael Mason My Lobotomy Yesterday, NPR ran a story called "My Lobotomy: Howard Dully's Story" as part of the show All Things Considered.
Walter Freeman was the man who popularized the lobotomy as a course of treatment in the 1950's and 1960's. Freeman himself had lobotomized over two thousand people himself. Today, a lobotomy is largely regarded as an inhuman measure of treatment and generally ill-advised throughout the world.
Howard Dully was one of the youngest victims of Freeman's procedures; he received a lobotomy at age 12. His journey toward understanding himself and the lbbotomy is the focus of an extraordinary audio documentary he composed for National Public Radio.
Click here to read about and listen to "My Lobotomy: Howard Dully's Story."
link to this post Wednesday, November 16, 2005 10:05 AM
posted by Michael Mason Time for SAD? As the beautiful fall weather begins to give way to winter chills, about 1 to 2 percent of Americans will find themselves feeling the onset of depression. When depression is correlated to the change of seasons, it's called Season Affective Disorder (SAD). Studies indicate that SAD is more common in women than in men.
How do you spot SAD? Some of the key signs are changes in appetite and sleep. If you're finding it harder to wake up, or finding that you can't resist that second slice, you may be under the effects of SAD. You may wish to consult a mental health professional for a more accurate diagnosis.
The good news about SAD is that is goes away when the weather improves, and it can respond very well to light therapy, where a person spends time under a lamp that simulates sunlight. Antidepressants used to treat SAD work just as effectively as they do on other types of depression.
To learn more about SAD, read "The Lighter Side of Treating SAD"
link to this post Tuesday, November 08, 2005 10:00 AM
posted by Michael Mason Binge Eating Caused By Medley of Factors People suffering from compulsive overeating, as well as those suffering from bulimia, may be reacting to factors they aren't aware of. In a recent study, French researchers determined that when animals are stressed out, deprived, and surrounded by food, they tend to overeat:
The researchers speculate that the deprived and stressed rats may have been in a "hedonic deprivation state," essentially craving something good and rewarding. The research underscores how what is viewed as an unhealthy behavior (indulging in palatable foods, which are cheap, convenient and often high in fat and sugar) may have its roots in the need to survive. It suggests that binge eating is an adaptive response to abnormal environmental conditions. Boggiano cites other scientists' findings that among healthy people without eating disorders, dieting is the biggest predictor of stress-induced overeating.
Click here to read "A Recipe for Overeating"
link to this post |
Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.
Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.
Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.
Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states. |
