Here I am again with another mental health miscellany for you! It’s not all tragic, either — there’s some right good humor mixed in!
But first: a birthday announcement. On June 25th, Anxiety, Panic & Health celebrated its first year of existence. During that time I’ve posted 132 articles and have had 834 comments on them. The top 5 articles were:
Rather than bore you with any more introductory blather, let’s get right to it. You’ll get a taste of what’s in store for you from the headlines of the sections:
- A Pioneer of brain imaging talks about her career and research
- Eyewitnesses may be more witness than eyes
- A touch — well, more of a whack — of psychiatric humor!
- Senior citizens may quit taking their medicine when the Medicare “Doughnut Hole” hits
- Materialistic people form strong brand connections when they fear death — really!
- Finally, another “Where have you been?”
[Read the entire article...]
Tagged as:
Announcement,
Anxiety,
fMRI,
Medications
Cambridge University researchers have discovered that there is a definite altered functioning of the brain in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) sufferers, as well as in their immediate relatives. This is yet another proven genetic link to OCD.
The study measured activity in a region of the brain that could help to identify people at risk of developing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The current diagnosis of OCD is based on a clinical interview and often does not occur until the disorder has progressed. This new discovery could enable earlier, more objective detection and intervention. Dr Samuel Chamberlain, who led the study, explains,
This study shows that these brain changes run in families and represent a … vulnerability factor [for family members]. The current diagnosis of OCD is subjective and improved understanding of the underlying causes of OCD could lead to more accurate diagnosis and improved clinical treatments.
[Read the entire article...]
Tagged as:
Brain Scans,
Cambridge University,
fMRI,
OCD,
OCD - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety Disorders are one of the most common psychiatric conditions. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of the American people aged 18 and older suffer from some sort of Anxiety Disorder. That’s 30 to 60 million people!
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association classifies nearly a dozen different Anxiety Disorders, from Acute Stress Disorder to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to Panic Attack to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
New research from the University of Illinois groups these dozen disorders into two different types based on brain activities:
- Anxious apprehension (verbal rumination and worry)
- Anxious arousal (intense fear, panic, or both)
These two kinds of Anxiety may occur alone or in combination, with potentially important implications for treatment. Previous studies and treatment have not always differentiated between these two types.
[Read the entire article...]
Tagged as:
Anxiety,
Anxiety Disorder,
brain,
fMRI,
GAD - General Anxiety Disorder,
Panic Attacks,
Panic Disorder,
University of Illinois
