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Researchers have recently determined that neurochemical imbalances linked to 2 different neurochemical systems in the brain cause PTSD susceptibility. Uppsala University and the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, researchers and investigators teamed up to identify the causes and linked associations with PTSD and what they found was not surprising. The more out of balance these 2 neurochemical systems are the more severe the post traumatic stress disorder symptoms can be. In the past research has shown that those who suffer from PTSD have brain function and physical brain anatomy that is changed and altered when compared to those who do not have this condition. The systems in the brain affected by PTSD include serotonin and a chemical termed substance P. The researchers used PET imaging scans in order to determine the link between these 2 neurochemical systems and PTSD. When these systems are not properly balanced then one or both signaling systems can cause symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder.
The study results on neurochemical system imbalances and PTSD were published and can be found in the Molecular Psychiatry journal. According to Uppsala University Department of Psychology researcher and lead study author Andreas Frick “At present, PTSD is often treated with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which have a direct effect on the serotonin system. SSRI drugs provide relief for many but do not help everybody. Restoring the balance between the serotonin and substance P systems could become a new treatment strategy for individuals suffering from traumatic incidents.” The study showed that the level of imbalance between the different neurochemical signaling systems will determine how severe the PTSD symptoms become.
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Psychiatric medications often have many possible side effects, most of which are rare and can be managed by working with the physician and mental health specialist involved in the case. There are some common side effects that may be unavoidable though, leaving patients no choice but to learn how to live with these issues in order to maintain their mental health. Changes in taste, dry mouth, memory problems, and even frequent urination and a sudden urge to urinate are all common side effects for most if not all psychiatric medications. Anyone who has ever sat in on a therapy group with individuals who take this class of drugs understands that these problems are very real and very common. There are ways to alleviate these symptoms or manage them so they are not as troublesome.
One of the common side effects with psychiatric medications is a change in taste, and this is one that may be difficult to live with. Patients report that foods which they used to enjoy now taste different, or even have a foul taste to them. This can create a big problem because proper nutrition is important for both mental and physical health. It can take time to adjust to the changes in your taste and in the meantime food and drink may not be very appealing. Dry mouth and frequent thirst can be managed easily by keeping liquids available at all times. Frequent urination and the sudden urge to go can be managed by using the bathroom more often. Psychiatric medications affect the way that the brain thinks and functions, and it is common for these drugs to interfere with memory on some level. If the memory problems become severe then the drugs used may need to be adjusted or changed to minimize this side effect. Have you ever experienced any of these common side effects? If so which ones? How did you deal with it?
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1. Hidden depression is a mental disorder that is not always obvious, but there are some warning signs that you can watch for. One sign that this condition may be a problem is having patterns that deviate from normal at times. You may notice that you or a loved one develop unusual sleeping habits, changes in eating patterns, or even a difference in the level of consumption or abuse that occurs. The changes may be small at first but if the depression is not addressed these changes could become more severe as time goes on.
2. One sign of mental health problems that can include hidden depression is a level of optimism that is lower than normal for the person involved. If you or a loved one start to be less optimistic about normal situations and events this this can mean you could actually be starting to spiral and are depressed, whether this is something you are willing to admit to yourself or not. A loss of optimism should be taken seriously because it is a reflection of how your thoughts and mental processes are changing as a result of the condition.
3. One of the most common hidden depression warning signs is forced happiness, and a desire to avoid being in social situations with other people. These individuals try to appear happy when they are with others but if this goes on for any length of time the mask of happiness will start to slip and the true emotions of the individual may start to show. It is also very common for these individuals to make excuses about declining social invitations so that they are not forced to try and show happiness when this is not what they truly feel.
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Mental health courts are starting to appear in many areas in the USA, and in other parts of North America as well, but what are these courts and what do they have to do with mental disorders? Many people who get caught up in the legal system have serious mental health issues, and these issues are not addressed in the jails and prisons. Mental health courts offer sentencing flexibility which ensures that the individual received needed mental health treatment instead of simply being incarcerated. Evidence has shown that without treatment mental illness typically becomes more severe. Incarceration is not the answer because in most settings the best possible treatment for mental health issues are not offered. Mental health courts were started to try and address the needs of mentally ill individuals who enter the criminal justice system.
Mental health courts offer diversion from the usual criminal justice system and sentencing options when an individual defendant has one or more mental disorders and the court feels that jail or prison would not be in the best interests of justice. A lack of mental health treatment opportunities for many people can lead to criminal acts being committed, and the individual involved needs help with mental illness. Mental health courts can be very effective at providing treatment options and integrating the mentally ill person back into the community rather than simply locking them up and failing to provide treatment for their mental disorders. These special courts are not available in all areas but many larger cities have implemented them in order to reduce the number of people incarcerated and provide mental health treatment to those who need it.
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The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, with celebrations and fun parties to commemorate this time of year. For some with mental illness nothing could be further from the truth and the holidays may be an agonizing time that offers little joy or happiness. These individuals want to be happy and share in the festivities but they are not able for a variety of reasons. The Christmas season can be a time of loneliness and depression for individuals who have one or more mental disorders, and this can make their condition worse instead of bring joy and peace. A common misconception is that these individuals should simply snap out of it but this is not actually possible. Mental illness is as real as physical illness and disease. You wouldn’t tell someone with pneumonia to simply suck it up and get better and the same goes for any mental disorder.
If you or someone you love suffers from mental illness there are some things you can do to make the holidays better this year. Don’t skip any treatment sessions if you are already in treatment. If you are not receiving treatment for mental health problems then now is the time to get started on it. There is treatment available which can help you take your life back. If a loved one struggles with a mental disorder offer support. Go with them to therapy, and let them know that you are there is they need anything at all. Don’t wait until symptoms worsen or the mental illness spirals out of control.
