Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Friday, October 26, 2007 8:29 AM
posted by Sarah McGee

Sleep Problems Strongly Linked to Psychiatric Disorders

A recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School and the University of California at Berkley has linked sleep deprivation with psychiatric disorders. Due to lack of sleep the brain can become abnormally emotional, which undermines a range of functions. The researchers conducted a study on 35 volunteer-participants whom lacked sleep up to 35 hours. Through the use of an MRI, the researchers discovered that the amygdala (part of the brain linked to emotional reactions) showed 60% higher reactions to images that stimulated happy or sad emotions than individuals whom had adequate amounts of sleep. The following is an excerpt of an article from Medical News Today that reviews the study:

The size of the increase really surprised us," commented researcher Matthew Walker. "It is almost as though, without sleep, the brain reverts back to a more primitive pattern of activity, becoming unable to put emotional experiences into context and produce controlled, appropriate responses." He believes there may well be a link between sleep deprivation/disorders and psychiatric disorders. He added that previous studies had indicated that most patients with psychiatric disorders also suffer from some kind of sleep disorder.

Click here to read the entire article from Medical News Today

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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, BA, 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.

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