September 2007 Archives

New research has linked childhood abuse and adults who suffer migraines with depression in later life.

There's an interesting letter in the latest American Journal of Psychiatry about to what extent ADHD is a social construction.

This is a question I often ask myself, and I'm sure I'm not alone. But at last someone has provided me with an answer.

Two issues have caught my attention today - switching off the telly and deep brain stimulation.

Should we introduce mandatory mental health screening for young people or soldiers? The issue was the subject of some controversy in the US in 2004, when a mandatory system was first proposed and where an organisation called TeenScreen has been carrying out short tests in schools and youth groups.

Psychiatric Times has a special edition devoted to sexuality and how clinicians might deal with sex-related problems.

Do you often think you have heard your phone ringing when it isn't?

A couple of things are generating interest in the world of mental health bloggers, including drug safety.

A three-year study by Manchester Metropolitan University has found that involvement in arts activities can improve wellbeing and reduce depression and anxiety.

Really interesting article (I always say that don't I?) in the Times about narcissistic personality disorder.

Psychosis in adulthood is more related to childhood abuse than brain chemistry and there is no proven science behind antidepressants.

While scouring the web for interesting titbits for my blog I have stumbled upon the idea that the popular theory that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain is in fact a myth.

Should children be taught happiness in school? Absolutely.

Daydreaming is good for you - which is quite lucky because it's something I do a lot.

An article in the New York Times today considers the difficulties psychoanalysis is having defending its patch against newer behavioural therapies.

A new scheme has been launched in East Lothian in Scotland, in which people with mild to moderate mental health problems are prescribed a library book.

A major new report out today says depression is more damaging to general health than conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

It has been reported today that there is a possible link between food additives and ADHD in children.

Scientists have found evidence of positive selection in the evolution of genes associated with schizophrenia.

Positive psychology is something that I am becoming increasingly interested in. I'm not sure if this list of "happiness tips" quite qualifies but it makes entertaining reading.

Not much surprise here - but there isn't much care available for people with mental health problems on the developing world.

There's some good stuff in this month's British Journal of Psychiatry, including the benefits of self-help in treating social phobia, and the benefits of restrictive firearm legislation.