Study Identifies Itch-specific Nerves
Scientists have been looking for itch-specific nerves for decades. New research from investigators at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University in the United States and several universities in China has identified sensory neurons in mice that are dedicated to relaying itchy sensations from the top layers of skin to the spinal cord [1].
In 1835, Johannes Peter Müller proposed the law of specific nerve energies. It stated that everything we feel and experience relies on the stimulation of particular neuronal pathways — and thus that the actual, external stimulus is irrelevant. He wrote:
The same cause, such as e...
Source: Highlight HEALTH - January 29, 2013 Category: Medical Scientists Authors: Diana Gitig, Ph.D. Source Type: blogs
A Pep Talk for Those With Treatment-Resistant Depression
In his book, Understanding Depression: What We Know And What You Can Do About It, J. Raymond DePaulo Jr., M.D. asserts that for the 20 percent of his patients who are more difficult to treat, or “treatment-resistant,” he sets an 80 percent improvement, 80 percent of the time goal. And he usually accomplishes that.
Now, if you’re not someone who has struggled with chronic depression, those stats won’t warrant a happy dance.
But if you’re someone like myself, who assesses her mood before her eyes are open in the morning, hoping to God that the crippling anxiety isn’t there, then those numbers will have you singi...
Source: World of Psychology - January 24, 2013 Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: Therese J. Borchard Tags: Antidepressant Brain and Behavior Depression General Medications Mental Health and Wellness Mindfulness Motivation and Inspiration Psychiatry Psychology Self-Help Treatment Antidepressants Chronic Depression D Star Expe Fis Source Type: blogs
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is a combination of biologic and mood disturbances with a seasonal pattern. It typically occurs in the autumn (fall) and winter, with remission in the spring or summer.
How common is seasonal affective disorder?
5% of the U.S. population experiences seasonal affective disorder. Because the symptoms are seasonal, they are present for 40% of the year. Although the condition is seasonally limited, patients may have associated depression which would last longer.
What is the treatment for seasonal affective disorder?
Light therapy is well tolerated. Most pat...
Source: Clinical Cases and Images - Blog - January 21, 2013 Category: Professors and Educators Tags: AFP Psychiatry Psychology Source Type: blogs
