Archive for the Health Information category
Famous people with bipolar disorder
By admin on April 16th, 2011
Famous people with bipolar disorder
Something that makes any kind of illness, especially mental health disorders more real and manageable for the layperson is to know that someone they admire and idolise has the same problem. These idols are usually well known celebrities and famous people who are open about their mental disorders and are willing to share their experiences so that other people get more comfortable with themselves and their mental condition. One mental disorder which a lot of celebrities and famous people have spoken openly about is Bipolar disorder. The list of famous people with Bipolar disorder is quite extensive. All through history a lot of famous people have been affected by Bipolar disorder. It has often been said that genius and mental illness often go hand in hand and the fact that so many famous people are said to have Bipolar disorder seems to validate the statement. With those who have Bipolar disorder, it seems that those who have the condition are often exceptionally talented. A symptom of Bipolar disorder is also above average creativity. In fact Hypomania or manic episodes may often lead to increased levels of productivity in the person. Unfortunately living with Bipolar disorder is not a bed of roses. Apart from the creativity and productivity, those with Bipolar disorder are often thrown into depression where they experience hopelessness and worthlessness, something they have to juggle around with euphoria and feeling invincible. Some famous people with Bipolar disorder who have revealed their diagnosis include Richard Dreyfuss, Stephen Frey, Vivian Leigh, Carrie Fisher, Ben Stiller, Jean Claude Van Damme etc. The famous actor Maurice Bernard, from the popular soap opera “General Hospital” has discussed his Bipolar disorder and is involved in promoting awareness about the condition. Based on the symptoms it is also thought that the original pinup girl, Marilyn Monroe was also afflicted with Bipolar disorder. Apart from actors, several famous people in the literary field have also been known to have Bipolar disorder. Several authors like Hans Christian Anderson, Charles Dickens, William Faulkner, Ernest Hemingway, Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Loius Stevenson, Mark Twain and Virginia Woolf have all had Bipolar disorder. Among the poets, Lord Byron, Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Keats and Sylvia Plath are all those who had Bipolar disorder and showed symptoms of both mania and depression. Bipolar disorder can also be found amongst the painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Edvard Munch. Famous composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and Robert Schuman have also had Bipolar disorder. Famous musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Courtney Love, Ozzy Osborne, Steven Page, etc also had Bipolar disorder. Other famous people with Bipolar disorder were Winston Churchill, Bejamin Franklin, Florence Nightingale, Isaac Newton, Emil Post, Frank Bruno etc.
Prescription drug addiction
By admin on April 14th, 2011
Prescription drug addiction
Individuals addicted to prescription drugs often exhibit numerous signs. Symptoms for Prescription drug addiction are very widespread, which can be found in the majority of addicts, for example physical reliance on the drug and an augmented tolerance for the drug. Treatment can commence just the once the indications are documented and the addict realize that he/she has a dilemma of addiction. Leaving a prescription drug addiction can be painful and difficult task, but it is considerably enhanced than addiction of drugs by wasting lifetime. The most important symbols of a prescription drug addiction are that the consumer develops an augmented tolerance for the drug. It means that the user needs an increased amount of the drug to get the same effects that used to result from a smaller amount of the drug. When a person increases their resistance for a prescription drug, more and more of the drug is necessary to get the preferred effects. For instance an individual may need to acquire 4 times a great deal of a drug to obtain the similar result. This is a trouble for a numerous reason. It can direct to hospitalization or death because of overdose, it can cause severe monetary troubles or tolerance to continue to rise, if the addicted individual desires to purchase a considerably bigger quantity of the drug. Physical reliance is one more prescription drug addiction indication. Physical reliance is when an individual needs an assured quantity of the prescription drug in their body sequentially to function usually. The individual’s bodies adapt to the drug and require it to execute. Extraction indications frequently take place when an addict quit use of drug. A number of withdrawal indications comprise loss of memory temporarily, wild temper swings and physically ill feeling which can occasionally conclude in physical hostility. The major symptom that an individual is obsessed to a prescription drug is if they are not capable to give up by means of it, even if individual attempt to go without. It is significant for individuals presenting prescription drug dependence indications to look for assist with their addictions. An individual regularly takes a doctor’s guidance to administer withdrawal indications in a vigorous manner. And it is vital that addicts do not obscure their health. Don’t limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about Prescription Drug Addiction. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what’s important.
Immunization vs vaccination
By admin on April 13th, 2011
Immunization vs vaccination
In today’s medically advanced age, medical jargon and technical information is not exclusively for those in the field. We have access to medical journals, the internet and even media reports that bring to the layperson recent findings and new developments in this field that was once shrouded with mystery. Everyday we find ourselves more conversant with medical terminology. However, as common as medical lingo may have become in our daily usage, how much understanding is there about the jargon that we use is unclear. We have become so used to interspersing our discussions with medical language that sometimes we use them without knowing their meaning. In fact sometimes there exists a lot of confusion about general medical jargon that we use. For example people commonly talk about taking antibiotics to cure ailments. However, several of these people may not be clear that antibiotics can cure only bacterial infections and not viral, so common is the usage of the word antibiotics! Another common confusion is Immunization vs. Vaccination. Both terms are so commonly used everyday that we do not stop to think what they even mean. Everyday there is talk of some new parent getting her child this vaccination and that immunization. Medical news is full of recent breakthroughs in some new vaccination that will help in immunization of some deadly disease. But at the end of the day, is there an immunization vs. vaccination. Is there a difference such that there is an immunization vs. vaccination? Simply put immunization is the process in which the human immune system is prepared against attack by infectious microorganisms. There are 2 types of immunization. In active immunization, a foreign organism is introduced into the body such that the immune system activates itself against it. It can occur naturally when the body encounters a microbe that leads to an infection. It can also occur when the microbe or parts of it are pre-treated (to avoid infecting the person) or killed and then inserted into the body to develop antibodies. Passive immunisation pre-made antibodies are inserted into the body such that the body doesn’t have to create them for itself. One way of passive immunization is transfer of antibodies from mother to the foetus. Vaccination actually is a type of immunization. It is artificial active immunization. The word is derived from the Latin word for cow, ‘vaca’ because the first vaccination was developed using the cowpox virus and then being inserted into humans to develop immunity to smallpox. Before vaccinations were developed, immunization was already happening every time someone recovered from an illness and thus developed natural immunity to that disease. Thus there is an immunization vs. vaccination. All immunizations are not vaccinations. But all vaccinations are immunizations.
Alopecia areata
By admin on December 22nd, 2010
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is considered to be a non-scarring, inflammatory hair disease that can occur in women, children and men. The condition differs from normal alopecia because hair normally begins to fall out in circular patches. With alopecia it falls out whenever it pleases and doesn’t seem to make a pattern of it. There is no particular part of the body where alopecia areata has to be found in order to be a serious condition. Many people however, do not pay the condition much attention until the hair begins to deplete on their scalps. In order to understand alopecia areata and what you need to do if you ever come down with the condition, it would behoove you to understand the means by which your hair grows. There are three main phases in which your hair grows. The phases are the anagen phase, the catgen phase as well as the telogen phase. Alopecia areate begins to attack your hair when it is in the first phase of hair growth, which is the anagen phase. Inflammatory cells will begin to surround your hair follicles which will then cause them to fall out and stop producing hair in those certain spots. Alopecia areata is common on the scalp, beard, and any other place that hair grows. Many people do not see the condition as a problem until the hair loss becomes apparent to others around them. Studies have shown that when your hair is in the anagen state that alopecia areata actually causes the follicles to fall back. The patch of skin that lies underneath the hair will become extremely irritated often times the skin will feel as if it is burning, hair growth will cease and you will notice instead of your hair growing out it begins to fall out. Do not get alopecia areata confused with other conditions. There are many people that do suffer from this common condition, and they are able to live long and fulfilling lives. Remember hair is only one part of which you are the rest of who you are lies in your heart. There are different cures that doctors have tried to rid people of the condition. Keep in mind that curing the condition is based off of your own individual case; some of the cures are not designed to help everyone. In some cases doctors will prescribe a cream that you can rub onto the bald spot in order to try to re-stimulate hair to start growing in the area that is now empty. You will be told to continue the regiment with the cream until you notice a difference. There are also medications that can be given as well as over the counter hair re-growth aides that can be used. There are solutions to your problem you just need to find out the best one that will work for you.
Implant acupuncture
By admin on December 20th, 2010
Implant acupuncture
Acupuncture is the oldest medicinal
forms in the world and dates back to over five thousand years.
Nonetheless, it is recorded that it is predominantly employed in Asian
countries, yet in the last century acupuncture has acquired enormous
acceptance in the entire globe. The insertion of fine needles in the
skin is virtually painless and is also relaxing, safe, enjoyable as
well as effective in curing any ailment. Acupuncture encourages the
well-being and restoration of health. The entire body has an intimate
relationship with the internal organs and the skin as it originates
from the primary cells that are divided into three layers, the
ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. The ectoderm refers to the formation
of nervous system as well as the superficial body layers, the endoderm
refers to organs and the mesoderm refers to the musculoskeletal and
circulatory.
Implant acupuncture is done using special instruments so that the
dissolvable protein threads into the body at acupuncture points. This
dissolvable protein threads trigger the acupuncture points for all the
24 hours and a week. You can notice that after a period of two to four
weeks, they get absorbed naturally in the human body. The body
eliminates the toxins during this process and builds up energy
exhibiting a remarkable result. The implant acupuncture needles are
safe and are virtually accepted. The acupuncturists in various corners
of the world also employ single-use needles that are disposable. Each
needle is made of stainless steel and is individually sealed and
packaged in sterile conditions by the manufacturer. This is practically
opened prior to use by the practitioner. The needle contamination risk
and its subsequent infection are nonexistent.
Acupuncture has acquired lot of importance in healing various ailments.
You may be keen to know that acupuncture is totally painless. Pricking
of needless may be accounted initially as painful, but slowly you will
notice amazing changes and will start accepting as it gives a relaxed
relief. The needles are tapered at the tip and fine. It allows in
sliding smoothly in the skin and depending on the needle gauge nearly
six needles can get inside the shaft of any hypodermic needle. There
are numerous sensations such as radiation, distension, numbness,
pulsation, heaviness and warmth. People undergoing implant acupuncture
may experience any sort of sensations mentioned while the treatment
process is going on, and this is an indication of the movement of
energy. This indication helps in curing any sort of ailment, but the
process is a slow process and the result is beneficial for sure. Such
treatments take some time to cure, but the cure is permanent.
Nonmedical treatment for bipolar disorder
By admin on December 19th, 2010
Nonmedical treatment for bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a relatively common mood disorder that is a universal phenomenon and affects all kinds of people, irrespective of the sex or race. Characteristic features of bipolar disorder include the person experiencing extreme mood changes which swing between mania and depression, polar opposites. These mood shifts are unpredictable and last for abnormally long periods of time and are in fact known to last for up to a month or more. Due to the extreme variation in moods, a person affected with bipolar disorder will often behave erratically and experience a lot of mood changes. All these affect the person’s relationships and ability to function normally. In severe cases of bipolar disorder, the person is likely to experience psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions) and may also have suicidal ideations, both of which are to be taken seriously. The best way of managing bipolar disorder is through the use of medication. In fact medication has been proven extremely successful in keeping the symptoms of bipolar disorder under check, and in allowing the person to live a normal life. However along with medication, other forms of non-medical treatments for bipolar disorder are also available which may be used together with medication, or by themselves in case medication is not needed. The most common non-medical treatment for bipolar disorder includes different types of psychotherapy. These are extremely helpful in educating, supporting and guiding patients and their families about bipolar disorder and effective ways of handling it. Psychotherapy has been proven to reduce instability of mood, hospital visits as well as improve functioning. Psychotherapy is generally offered by a licensed psychologist or counsellor along with a psychiatrist. The most common non-medical treatments for bipolar disorder amongst psychotherapies include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoeducation, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, family therapy and behaviour therapy. CBT helps people learn how to recognise and change their thought patterns in order to change their behaviours and control mood changes. Psychoeducation aims at teaching the patients about the disorder and the treatment, along with recognising symptoms so that early interventions can be sought. Psychoeducation is useful for the families too. Another useful non-medical treatment for bipolar disorder for families is Family therapy. Family therapy uses techniques designed to reduce the levels of stress in the family members which is the direct result of the bipolar disorder. The new therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy helps people develop a routine for their daily living which helps in normal functioning as well as improve interpersonal relationships. By following a set routine, the chances of a manic episode are reduced.
Childhood bipolar disorder
By admin on December 18th, 2010
Childhood bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious psychological disorder which falls under the category of Mood disorders. Bipolar disorder involves the recurrence of mania, depression and/or mixed episodes which are extreme forms of otherwise normal mood changes that people experience. Bipolar disorder also results in sudden and abnormal shifts in mood, energy and behaviour to the extent that normal functioning is hampered. Though the onset of Bipolar disorder is considered to be from late teenage to early adulthood, there are cases where the onset of Bipolar disorder is in childhood. Though childhood Bipolar disorder involves the same episodes of mania and depression, the manifestation is in behaviours different from adults. When experiencing a manic episode children are more likely to experience irritability, be more aggressive and be prone to destructiveness instead of feeling elated or euphoric. Similarly during a depressive episode children may manifest the feeling in a number of physical complaints like headaches, stomach aches, muscle aches etc. They may also be constantly tired and drained. All this results in frequent absences from school and poor performance in class. Children in a depressive state also talk of or even try to run away from home, avoid social interaction, have poor communication skills, be very irritable and be very sensitive to failure or rejection of any kind. All the studies done on Childhood Bipolar disorder indicate that Bipolar disorder that begins in childhood is very likely a different and more severe form of the adult-onset Bipolar disorder. With Childhood Bipolar disorder a characteristic feature is a continuous and rapid-cycling mixed state showing symptoms of both mania and depression. Another feature unique to Childhood Bipolar disorder is that the condition very likely co-occurs with other behaviour disorders which can be quite disruptive to normal functioning. These behaviour disorders which exist along with Childhood Bipolar disorder include Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) or Conduct Disorder (CD). Sometimes the symptoms of Childhood Bipolar disorder may be confused to be some other condition. This is in contrast to adult-onset Bipolar disorder which often starts with a classic manic episode and is less likely to co-occur with other conditions. It is important that parents, teachers or any other caregivers in the child’s environment be aware of the symptoms of Childhood Bipolar disorder as well as symptoms of other childhood behavioural disorders. In case of any child who seems to be depressed and demonstrates ADHD-like symptoms along with unusual mood changes, it is important that a preliminary evaluation be done by a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. It is essential that this evaluation be done because the medication often given for ADHD tends to worsen manic symptoms.