Vegetarians at danger of brain disorders

Fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, milk and their by-harvest are some of the biggest sources of Vitamin B-12. "Deficiency of Vitamin B-12 can reduce working capacity of the brain and result in progressive memory loss that has an impact on day to day activities," Praveen Gupta, consultant neurologist at Artemis Health Institute in Gurgaon, said in an Interview. "Since majority of the Indian population is vegetarian and milk consumption has reduced considerably, they are more prone to early onset of dementia. Those who suffer from lactose fanaticism are also at risk," Gupta explained.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India had nearly 3.5 million alzheimer's and dementia patients in the year 2000. "We see at least 30 patients under the age of 40 every month -- suffering from memory loss and other manifestations due to deficiency of vitamin B-12. Once diagnosed, these patients react very well to vitamin B-12 supplements," Gupta added. Forgetting day to day activities, names of familiar people, frequent irritability, panic episodes and despair are some of the common symptoms of the mental disorder. WHO estimates that there are currently about 18 million people worldwide suffering from Alzheimer's. The figure is projected to nearly double by 2025.

Harmful Personality Disorder

Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, dissocial personality disorder and sociopathy are constructs that have usually been used to predict recidivism and dangerousness, alongside being used to exclude patients from treatment services. However, 'antisocial personality disorder'has recently begun to appear as a treatment diagnosis, a development reflected within cognitive behaviour therapy and mentalisation-based psychotherapy. Many of the behaviour character of antisocial personality disorder are, at the same time, being targeted by interventions at criminal fairness settings. A significantly higher proportion of published articles focusing on antisocial personality worry treatment when compared to articles on psychopathy.

Currently, the proposal for antisocial personality disorder for the Diagnostic and Statistical physical of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, suggests a major change in the criteria for this disorder. While the present definition focuses mainly on observable behaviours, the proposed amendment stresses interpersonal and emotional aspects of the disorder drawing on the concept of psychopathy. The present commentary suggests that developments leading to improvement in the diagnosis of this type of disorder should, quite than focusing exclusively on elements such as dangerousness and risk assessment, point us to ways in which patients can be treated for their problems.

Broadmoor Hospital care stealer in convict sex investigation

A therapy assistant at Broadmoor Hospital is under arrest over charges that she had sex with a crook. The 29-year-old woman was called off from her duty and has since quit over the supposed incidents over the summer. She was taken under arrest on Friday on doubt of being a care employee connected with sexual activity with a mentally disordered individual who was later bailed. An internal inquiry has been started on at the psychiatric hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire.
A spokesperson for West London Mental Health NHS Trust, which Broadmoor Hospital belongs to, spoken in a statement that where there is any doubt that patients and staff are busy in or subject to unsuitable behaviors, punctual action is taken below the hospital's disciplinary process and where essential, the hospital present full provision to the police in any questions or action which may go after. There overarching worry is to defend the security and rights of the susceptible people in their care.

Former first lady Rosalynn transporter to speak at mental health conference

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will be the keynote speaker at an international conference focusing on women's mental health that is scheduled to happen from Oct. 27-30 at Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh.
About 500 researchers, clinicians and mental-health advocates are expected to attend the 2010 Marce Society International Conference: "Perinatal Mental Health Research: Harvesting the Potential." Research presentation and conversation topics will include the biology and genetics of psychiatric illness during pregnancy and postpartum and causes of perinatal mental disorders.
The conference is organism co-sponsored by Postpartum Support International and supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, Staunton Farm Foundation, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC, the UPMC Health Plan and Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, the Fine Foundation, and the Heinz Foundation.

CIHR, RX&D - HRF to support research projects on mental illness, palliative care

Six research projects on co-existing heath problems related with mental illness and one project on palliative care among First Nations received over $9 million in funding announced today. This amount is provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Rx&D Health Research Foundation (HRF).
"Rx&D is proud to associate with CIHR to support research that can lead to the development of new treatments, effective health-care programs and medicines to ensure Canadians live longer and healthier lives," said Russell Williams from the Rx&D Health Research Foundation. "We believe that partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to tackling the most serious health challenges we face in Canada and around the world, and to making Canada a leader in research and innovation."

Such co-morbidity is of interest to the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction because it is more so the regulation than the exception. In addition, this collaboration is dedicating resources to the increasing number of Aboriginal Canadians facing end of life each year and the challenge to provide health services to this population.

WHO simplifies cure of mental and neurological disorders

Millions of people with common but untreated, mental, neurological and matter use disorders can now benefit from new simplified diagnosis and treatment rule released today by the World Health Organization. The guidelines are designed to facilitate the management of depression, alcohol use disorders, epilepsy and other common mental disorders in the primary healthcare. The intervention guide extends competence in diagnosis and management to non-mental health specialists including doctors, nurses and other health providers.

The WHO estimates that more than 75 per cent of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders - including nearly 95 million people with sadness and more than 25 million people with epilepsy - living in developing countries did not receive any treatment or care. Improvement in mental health services does not require complicated and expensive technologies. An estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In the majority of countries, less than two per cent of health funds are spent on mental health. As a result, a large majority of people with these disorders receive no care at all.

Women fight the effects of chemotherapy stretched after treatment ends

For some women, the effects of breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women, do not end when they disappear the hospital. A lot of times people get mentally and emotionally ready to contract with chemotherapy and they receive a lot of support during that time," said Stephanie Reid-Arndt, an assistant professor of health psychology in the School of Health Professions.

The study found that people unwilling to seek out social support, including therapy and informal support networks, following chemotherapy reported a lower quality of life and higher incidences of depression. People in rural communities value close relationships with family, the community and religious organizations and find solace in these support systems after chemotherapy, according to research on this topic. Women in rural areas also reported increased breast cancer related symptoms such as body-image issues and fatigue. "There tends to be strong community support for patients in rural areas that will accommodate varying levels of function,"

Fun day helping increase awareness

MORE than 400 people attended the first Ipswich considered Mental Health Action Group (SMHAG) fun day as a part of Mental Health Week. The fun day was held at the St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall on Brisbane Street last Thursday to party the achievements of people who have a mental illness and raise awareness of mental health in the Ipswich community.

One of the highlights of the day integrated the connecting of 16 painted panels created by different mental health service groups in the Ipswich region to form an impressive mural. Other activities include art, drumming and recording workshops, belly dancers, music and games. Ozcare’s Mary-Louise North, whose group was occupied in organising the fun day, said they were extremely happy with the large turnout. “There were a lot of activities and you could see everyone who came down enjoyed the day,” she said. “I think the day proved what a positive difference it makes when different services work together to look after people’s mental health needs.”

Wellness center expands contributions

Health awareness is now more accessible with the development of Health Education, a component of the Wellness Center. In contrast to the Health Center's treatment of illnesses, the Wellness Center is dedicated to the support of health and the prevention of illness. Assistant Director of Student Wellness Amanda Smith said she is excited about the expansion of the Wellness Center.


Before the center was motivated to the Student Services Building health education couldn't be provided whenever Smith stepped out of the office. With the expansion of the Wellness Center UTD has been able to add a wellness coordinator, Kacey Luker, and an administrative assistant, allowing the center to stay open.

Along with Smith, Luker wants students to connect in more health and fitness activities across the campus. Luker will assist students who want to obtain a health and exercise program by fitting it just for them. The Wellness Center team has been increasingly requested to speak at different activities and events around campus Smith said. At these engagements they cover various topics ranging from women's and men's health to mental disorders. The Wellness Center also raises awareness about alcohol, drugs and sexual responsibilities.

Schizoid Qualities Disorder: Latest Medical Breakthroughs

People with schizoid personality disorder lean to avoid any kind of social activity. A recent study has grouped schizoid disorder with other kinds of personality disorders. People afflicted with this type of borderline personality disorder are known to consistently shy away from any kind of interaction with others. Though there is a subset of the human population who are deemed "loners," medical breakthroughs propose that there is an underlying difference between them and people with schizotypal personality disorder. Some of the tell-tale signs of schizoid personality disorder include aloofness, humorlessness, and dullness.

The latest medical breakthroughs based on schizoid disorder case studies reveals that people with this disorder exhibit a highly flattened or limited spectrum of emotions. They always appear to be indifferent to all that’s going on around them. Some of the latest medical research in this area aims to understand the underlying brain chemistry of someone with schizotypal personality disorder in order to formulate a suitable treatment. One medical breakthrough indicates that personality disorder treatment needs to address the private and inner lives of patients. More often than not, people with a borderline personality disorder tend to be extremely sensitive.

State Health And State Mental Health Agencies propose Alcohol Tax Increase

The heads of two Oklahoma state agencies say state lawmakers should consider raising the taxes on beer and alcohol. Health Commissioner Terry Cline and Mental Health Commissioner Terri White said Wednesday they can't afford more funds cuts. They said the money would help pay for treatment and to keep many nonviolent convicts out of prison.

The two spoke at the conference of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy in Edmond after a fiscal policy analyst said the state will face a budget shortfall of about $800 million next year. State Treasurer Scott Meacham told The Oklahoman the shortfall will be closer to $450 million. State agency budgets have been cut in the past two years because of budget shortfalls due to the recession.

More than 60 Percent Of Afghans Suffer Stress and Mental Disorders

Scarred by decades of war, social problems and poverty, more than 60 percent of Afghans suffer from pressure disorders and mental health problems, officials warned Sunday. "This is a major problem," Suraya Dalil, Afghanistan's stand-in public health minister, told a ceremony in Kabul on World Mental Health Day.

"More than 60 percent of Afghans are suffering from stress disorders and mental problems."

The population of Afghanistan is estimated at roughly 28 million. "Extreme poverty, insecurity, violence and gender disparities are the major factors contributing to worsening mental health in Afghanistan." The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that more than 60 percent of Afghans, mostly women, suffered from psychosocial problems or mental disordersPublic health ministry spokesman Ghulam Sakhi Kargar Noryghli said the 60 percent estimate dated from a study passed out with the WHO in 2004.

"Since war has continued, poverty or economic problems have increased in some parts of the country. We believe that the number of those suffering from mental illnesses has increased and now it is more than 60 percent,"

WHO Takes Action for Millions with unprocessed Mental Disorders

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new simplified strategy to make it easier for health care professionals to recognize and take care of the millions of people with common, but untreated, mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

 

WHO estimates that more than 75 percent of people distress with mental, neurological and substance use disorders around the world don’t receive proper treatment or even minimal levels of care for those disorders. The programme will lead to nurses in Ethiopia recognizing people suffering with depression in their day to day work and providing psychosocial assistance.
 

WHO, in association with partners, will present technical support to countries to implement the guidelines. It has already started the program in the following six countries: Ethiopia, Jordan, Nigeria, Panama, Sierra Leone and Solomon Islands. Improvement in mental health services doesn’t require sophisticated and expensive technologies.

Public awareness of mental health in Iraq

People who suffer from mental illness, the professionals who luxury them, and indeed the actual concept of mental illness are all stigmatised in public perception and often receive very negative publicity. This paper looks at Iraq, which has a population of 30 million who are mainly Moslem.

Mental health services and professionals have historically been sparse in Iraq with 1 psychiatrist per 300,000 before 2003 falling to 1 per million until recently and 1 primary care centre (40 Healthcare Workers including 4 General Practitioners) to 35,000 population, compared with 1 GP per 1700 population in the UK.

Methods: We aimed to assess public attitudes and perceptions to mental illness. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire which was designed specifically for Iraqi contexts and was made available in 2 languages.
The survey was carried out in 500 participants 'homes across 2 districts of Baghdad.

PASADENA VILLA SIGNS ASSOCIATON AGREEMENT WITH UCF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Pasadena Villa, a residential mental health treatment center for adults, is pleased to announce it has signed a five-year relationship agreement with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine Pasadena Villa to expand the knowledge these medical students have of mental health care and treatment,” said Managing Director David Nissen. “Whatever specialty the students ultimately select, as they gain the insight necessary to advise patients to seek necessary and adequate mental health care.

 ”Dr. Myrtho Mompoint-Branch is board certified in adult and child psychiatry. She is experienced in treating a wide diversity of mental health disorders and has a special interest in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, and anxiety disorders. In 2009, she was ranked as one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumers’ Research Council of AmericaFounded in 2001, Pasadena Villa is committed to providing the highest quality of clinical services within a physical environment that promotes health, well being, recovery, and personal motivation

WHO Targets Poor Countries For action of Mental Illness

 The World Health Organization is introduction new guidelines to simplify the action of mental and neurological disorders. The World Health Organization estimates worldwide, more than 150 million people suffer from depression. About 125 million are precious by alcohol-use disorders and millions more suffer from diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's and other dementias.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan says people in poor countries miss out on care because it is generally believed that sophisticated and expensive technologies are essential in improving mental health.

"In other words, we face a misperception that mental health care is a luxury item, a comfort item on the health agenda ... It costs two dollars per person per year," Chan explained. "It is one of the best buys you can get. High profile disease always get the attention and mental disorders are disorders that people often do not talk about, brush aside, sweep under the carpet."

CDA plans mental health awareness constrain

The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai in co-operation with Dubai Health ability (DHA) has announced plans to launch a six-month mental health awareness campaign starting from October 9.The campaign aims to educate the community about the concept of positive mental health and give the necessary advice to maintain it, as well as mental health facts and indicators, said Khaled Al Kamda, CDA director general at a press conference held at CDA’s headquarters on Monday.

 The two authorities seek to spread awareness on social mental health in public and private schools, universities, and Majalis Al Mamzar and Al Rashidiya.The campaign coincides with the World Mental Health Day, commemorated by World Health Organisation on October 10. The campaign will be launched on October 9 at Mirdif City Centre, said Al Kamda.

'This initiative is part of CDA’s commitment to provide high quality social and health care services for the community. The campaign is an essential step in establishing stronger linkages between CDA and other concerned government departments to achieve the goals of social integration outlined by CDA,'

Hearing to analysis abortion decision

Pro-choice campaigners say the time has come for Parliament to review the abortion law as the latest battle in a legal war over the issue begins today. The Court of Appeal will revisit a landmark High Court decision, made by Justice Forrest Miller in 2008, that the law was being interpreted more liberally than Parliament intended and there was "reason to doubt the lawfulness of many abortions". That ruling was a response to legal act taken by anti-abortion group Right to Life against the government-appointed Abortion Supervisory Committee, which reviews the way the law is followed. Both the committee and Right to Life have appealed against the decision.

 Abortion is legal only if two certifying consultants conclude that continuing the pregnancy would pose a grave hazard to a woman's physical or mental health. Nearly 99 per cent of abortions are granted on mental health grounds – a figure that both pro- and anti-abortion groups say shows the law is a farce. However, the committee will argue in a two-day hearing that it has no jursidiction to consider whether individual consultants are obeying the law, which it believes is being applied appropriately. Right to Life's cross-appeal will seek to overturn Justice Miller's decision that it is up to Parliament to oversee the Abortion Supervisory Committee's activities.

Nottinghamshire Fitnesscare

Nottinghamshire Healthcare is positive about providing mental health and learning disability services. Over 6,000 dedicated staff provide these services in a variety of settings, ranging from the community through to acute wards, as well as secure settings. The Trust also manages two medium secure units, Arnold Lodge in Leicester and Wathwood Hospital in Rotherham, and the high secure Rampton Hospital near Retford. We will continually improve our services and our patient, service user and carer experience, as well as reducing the stigma associated with mental illness and learning disabilities.

 

We are committed to being recognised as the leading provider for mental health and learning disability services – locally relevant, national important. Some of the Trust’s exceptional services will be showcased including the Prison In-Reach service, Recovery services in the County and the Releasing Time to Care initiative. The day will also feature the Trust’s inaugural Members’ Meeting as it moves towards Foundation Trust status.“It is really important that the people who use our services or have an interest in them have their say on what they think we do well and where we could improve. Our new Members’ Council demonstrates our commitment to this, but we offer many other ways for people to get involved and more information on this will be available on the day.”