Monday, February 21, 2005
Results seen within 2 weeks
Erin from California made my Monday a great day. Although it is unusual to see results in a week (it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for ADHD symptoms to tame), Erin said she noticed improved behavior in her son almost immediately. His teacher began noticing positive changes a week into the new program. Thank you Erin for making my day!
Friday, February 18, 2005
Don't blame kids when child care gives them a label
***Hi all! I read this in our local paper the other day. Wow. Can any of you (all of you?) parents relate to this story about a bright young girl pegged as the trouble-maker -- and given lots of labels to boot?
By JUDY LYDEN
Scripps Howard News Service
January 27, 2005
Karen Anne is a beautiful blond child with enormous blue eyes. She has an impish face that lights up the room when she smiles.
Karen Anne is in our kindergarten class because she learned everything our pre-school teaches. She can identify all her upper- and lower-case letters, write her name, count to 100, speak clearly in sentences and listen, and she knows a bunch about the world. Last week she answered this question correctly: "Who was born first, Noah or George Washington?"
But Karen Anne stands out. She was touted to be the worst child to ever darken the interior life of three of the most reputable day cares in the city. She was diagnosed as attention-deficit, hyperactive, oppositional defiant and bipolar all on one day when she was barely 4.
"Uh-huh," said our staff collectively upon hearing the news that Karen Anne would be joining us and that she had this nightmare rap sheet tucked under her arm. "A likely story," murmured Miss Rachel.
"Heard that before," noted Miss Molly. Mrs. St. Louis just grumbled. She does that when a child comes with an ear tag.
Karen Anne arrived. She nervously clung to her mother for about 30 seconds before she took off running. She played a good 30 minutes before she touched base with Mom again. She was all smiles.
In all the time Karen Anne has been with us, she did one thing one day that opened a real window of understanding. She hurt another child, perhaps by accident, perhaps in defense, perhaps just acting out. She threw herself on the pea gravel, weeping.
When Miss Rachel walked by, Karen Anne called out, "I'm going to kill you."
Miss Rachel, a licensed, experienced teacher retorted, "You and what army?"
Karen Anne's mouth dropped open; Miss Rachel never broke her gait. Karen Anne slipped away to hide behind a toy, peering from behind it, waiting to be dragged off to some person, place or thing.
That was a chocolate-chip-cookie day. Karen Anne slunk closer to the line of kids homing in for cookies. "Come get a cookie, Karen Anne, before they're all gone," called Miss Rachel.
Karen Anne took a cookie.
Karen Anne has been an exemplary student ever since. She is kind, thoughtful, interested, intelligent and dependable and one of the best children we have. So what gives?
The usual face of child care is one of confinement: too many children packed into too small a place with too few toys and too little care. Caregivers often come and go like a revolving door.
Intelligent children will balk. Balkers are treated as enemies by poorly trained staff. Karen Anne is not the first child who has experienced what we call "the purple grape in the apple bowl."
When children act out, it's easy to call them names. The child is lashing out, so pick a title: attention-deficit, hyperactive, oppositional defiant and the new best seller, bipolar.
Seriously look at your child-care provider before you blame your child. Remember that your child is like you. Now look around. Spend an hour. Spend a day. Wanna go back?
(Judy Lyden operates a pre-school in Evansville, Ind. Write to her c/o The Evansville Courier, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702.)
By JUDY LYDEN
Scripps Howard News Service
January 27, 2005
Karen Anne is a beautiful blond child with enormous blue eyes. She has an impish face that lights up the room when she smiles.
Karen Anne is in our kindergarten class because she learned everything our pre-school teaches. She can identify all her upper- and lower-case letters, write her name, count to 100, speak clearly in sentences and listen, and she knows a bunch about the world. Last week she answered this question correctly: "Who was born first, Noah or George Washington?"
But Karen Anne stands out. She was touted to be the worst child to ever darken the interior life of three of the most reputable day cares in the city. She was diagnosed as attention-deficit, hyperactive, oppositional defiant and bipolar all on one day when she was barely 4.
"Uh-huh," said our staff collectively upon hearing the news that Karen Anne would be joining us and that she had this nightmare rap sheet tucked under her arm. "A likely story," murmured Miss Rachel.
"Heard that before," noted Miss Molly. Mrs. St. Louis just grumbled. She does that when a child comes with an ear tag.
Karen Anne arrived. She nervously clung to her mother for about 30 seconds before she took off running. She played a good 30 minutes before she touched base with Mom again. She was all smiles.
In all the time Karen Anne has been with us, she did one thing one day that opened a real window of understanding. She hurt another child, perhaps by accident, perhaps in defense, perhaps just acting out. She threw herself on the pea gravel, weeping.
When Miss Rachel walked by, Karen Anne called out, "I'm going to kill you."
Miss Rachel, a licensed, experienced teacher retorted, "You and what army?"
Karen Anne's mouth dropped open; Miss Rachel never broke her gait. Karen Anne slipped away to hide behind a toy, peering from behind it, waiting to be dragged off to some person, place or thing.
That was a chocolate-chip-cookie day. Karen Anne slunk closer to the line of kids homing in for cookies. "Come get a cookie, Karen Anne, before they're all gone," called Miss Rachel.
Karen Anne took a cookie.
Karen Anne has been an exemplary student ever since. She is kind, thoughtful, interested, intelligent and dependable and one of the best children we have. So what gives?
The usual face of child care is one of confinement: too many children packed into too small a place with too few toys and too little care. Caregivers often come and go like a revolving door.
Intelligent children will balk. Balkers are treated as enemies by poorly trained staff. Karen Anne is not the first child who has experienced what we call "the purple grape in the apple bowl."
When children act out, it's easy to call them names. The child is lashing out, so pick a title: attention-deficit, hyperactive, oppositional defiant and the new best seller, bipolar.
Seriously look at your child-care provider before you blame your child. Remember that your child is like you. Now look around. Spend an hour. Spend a day. Wanna go back?
(Judy Lyden operates a pre-school in Evansville, Ind. Write to her c/o The Evansville Courier, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702.)
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
A New Spin on Not Watching Negative Television
Let's step away from the "watching violence incurs violence" arguement for just a moment and look at the benefits of watching positive television programming over negative;
This article is from a February 1, 2005 Univeristy of Michigan News Service article.
Positive emotions slash bias, help people see big picture details
Positive emotions like joy and humor help people "get the big picture," according to new University of Michigan research.
"Negative emotions create a tunnel vision," said U-M psychology researcher Kareem Johnson. "Negative emotions like fear or anger are useful for short-term survival when there's an immediate danger like being chased by a dangerous animal. Positive emotions like joy and happiness are for long-term survival and promote big picture thinking, make you more inclusive and notice more details, make you think in terms of 'us' instead of 'them.'"
Researchers asked a group of 89 students to watch a video either of a comic to induce joy and laughter, a horror video to induce anxiety, or a "neutral" video that would not effect emotions.
To simulate getting a quick glance of a stranger, scientists flashed photos of individuals for about a half second, finding subjects recognized members of their own race 75 percent of the time but only recognized members of another race 65 percent of the time, Johnson said. However, researchers found positive emotions boosted that recognition of cross-race faces about 10 to 20 percent, eliminating the gap.
Subjects who watched the comedy tested for having much higher positive emotions, while those who saw the horror video had far more "negative" emotions. Those in a positive mood had a far greater ability to recognize members of another race, while their ability to recognize members of their own race stayed the same.
The researchers conclude that positive emotions bring with them a "broadening effect" that helps people see a bigger, broader picture of the world around them.
The findings will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science.
This article is from a February 1, 2005 Univeristy of Michigan News Service article.
Positive emotions slash bias, help people see big picture details
Positive emotions like joy and humor help people "get the big picture," according to new University of Michigan research.
"Negative emotions create a tunnel vision," said U-M psychology researcher Kareem Johnson. "Negative emotions like fear or anger are useful for short-term survival when there's an immediate danger like being chased by a dangerous animal. Positive emotions like joy and happiness are for long-term survival and promote big picture thinking, make you more inclusive and notice more details, make you think in terms of 'us' instead of 'them.'"
Researchers asked a group of 89 students to watch a video either of a comic to induce joy and laughter, a horror video to induce anxiety, or a "neutral" video that would not effect emotions.
To simulate getting a quick glance of a stranger, scientists flashed photos of individuals for about a half second, finding subjects recognized members of their own race 75 percent of the time but only recognized members of another race 65 percent of the time, Johnson said. However, researchers found positive emotions boosted that recognition of cross-race faces about 10 to 20 percent, eliminating the gap.
Subjects who watched the comedy tested for having much higher positive emotions, while those who saw the horror video had far more "negative" emotions. Those in a positive mood had a far greater ability to recognize members of another race, while their ability to recognize members of their own race stayed the same.
The researchers conclude that positive emotions bring with them a "broadening effect" that helps people see a bigger, broader picture of the world around them.
The findings will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Psychological Science.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
My thoughts on Adderall
Yesterday I posted news that Adderall has been linked to sudden death. Before then end of the day, the ADD Help Center a number of phone calls concerning this news. When Strattera first came out, I warned against using it. "It's just too new," I often told people who called in. "I would much rather see someone on Adderall, Concerta or Ritalin."
Two weeks ago I wrote about Strattera's link to liver disease. "Yep," I thought, "I was right about side effects not showing up right away." But here we are now addressing a drug side effect of a medication that has been on the market for quite a few years. And let's talk about the Cox-2 inhibitor drugs - Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra - that are showing serious side effects. These have been around for a number of years as well.
Is any pharmaceutical truly side effect free? My guess is no. Please be careful when taking any drug - prescribed or otherwise. And please, please, please be exceptionally careful when giving children these powerful drugs. There are potentially harmful effects that could cut a life short.
Two weeks ago I wrote about Strattera's link to liver disease. "Yep," I thought, "I was right about side effects not showing up right away." But here we are now addressing a drug side effect of a medication that has been on the market for quite a few years. And let's talk about the Cox-2 inhibitor drugs - Vioxx, Celebrex, Bextra - that are showing serious side effects. These have been around for a number of years as well.
Is any pharmaceutical truly side effect free? My guess is no. Please be careful when taking any drug - prescribed or otherwise. And please, please, please be exceptionally careful when giving children these powerful drugs. There are potentially harmful effects that could cut a life short.
Adderall Linked to Sudden Death
Canada pulled the top-selling ADHD drug Adderall XR, citing the sudden death of some patients. Adderall XR was pulled off Canadian shelves Wednesday (Feb. 9, 2005) after Adderall manufacturer Shire provided information about 20 sudden deaths in patients taking this popular ADHD medication. Of its decision to ban Adderall XR, Health Canada said the incidence of serious, adverse reactions leading to death were found to be higher in Adderall XR than other ADHD drugs.
Adderall is linked to 20 deaths - 14 children and 6 adults. Adderall is also linked to 12 strokes, two of which occurred in children. The adverse reactions were not associated with overdose, misuse or abuse of the drug, Health Canada said.
Click [here] to view the full version of this article.
Adderall is linked to 20 deaths - 14 children and 6 adults. Adderall is also linked to 12 strokes, two of which occurred in children. The adverse reactions were not associated with overdose, misuse or abuse of the drug, Health Canada said.
Click [here] to view the full version of this article.
Monday, February 07, 2005
We love Mozart!
Biofeedback, a "physical therapy" or sorts for the brain, has long been known to help people with ADD and ADHD. A recent study now shows a way to beef up the ADD and ADHD benefits of biofeedback; add a little Mozart to the biofeedback therapy.
In a recent 2004 controlled study of 19 ADD children and adolescents, one group listened to recordings of Mozart during brain wave biofeedback sessions three times weekly. The control group underwent biofeedback without music. The group that listened to Mozart displayed better focus and mood control, diminished impulsivity and improved social skill. Among the subjects that improved, 70 percent maintained that improvement six months after the end of the study without further training.
In a recent 2004 controlled study of 19 ADD children and adolescents, one group listened to recordings of Mozart during brain wave biofeedback sessions three times weekly. The control group underwent biofeedback without music. The group that listened to Mozart displayed better focus and mood control, diminished impulsivity and improved social skill. Among the subjects that improved, 70 percent maintained that improvement six months after the end of the study without further training.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
The Wonders of the Banana
This information came across my desk by email today. I thought I would share. After reading this, I am sure you will view bananas in a whole new light. You might also want to try this great Banana Smoothie recipe.
Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Bananas. Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder/Winter Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder/Winter Depression, also known as SAD, is very common in parts of the country that have cold, cloudy winters with little sunshine. The lack of exposure to regular amounts of healthy sunshine could trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Experts cited that this condition affects one out of every five Americans each winter. Rather than relying on drugs like Prozac or Zoloft to treat this condition, a new study revealed that a short half-hour session sitting next to a light-emitting box produces the most effective results in the treatment of SAD.
While 14 percent of Americans have reported experiencing mild cases of this condition, 6 percent to 7 percent stated they experience the most extreme symptoms of SAD, which could include:
_ Clinical depression
_ Overeating Excess sleep
_ Heightened sensitivity to pain
_ Social withdrawal
_ Significant weight gain (averaging nearly 40 pounds each season)
Researchers found that premenopausal women were more inclined to develop SAD symptoms over men due to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The Positive Effects of Light Treatment
A study of 140 women that took place over five successive winters compared two different kinds of treatments for SAD: 30 minutes a day of exposure to light-emitting boxes and using room ionizers, which are thought to help SAD symptoms by increasing levels of negatively charged particles circulating in the air. Although the air ionizers showed some positive effects, the light boxes produced the most promising results.
Studies have shown that during the winter months, serotonin levels in the brain are lower than they are in the summer months. For this reason many doctors resort to prescribing SSRI's, which work by adjusting serotonin levels.
However, experts say that using light boxes are not only the safer alternative to treating this condition but also are much cheaper than prescription drugs in the long term. As a matter of fact, using a standard light box for a period of five years costs around $60 per year compared to a prescription for Prozac or other SSRI, which costs about $300 to $500 per year.
Another form of light box called "dawn stimulator" is attached to a bright light in the bedroom and works by causing the light to slowly increase in intensity during the early morning hours, similar to how it would on a spring day.
SAD experts agree that light boxes are the safe and most effective form of treatment for seasonal depression.
Forbes January 9, 2005
***It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like light box therapy Deprex with your health care provider before using prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.
Experts cited that this condition affects one out of every five Americans each winter. Rather than relying on drugs like Prozac or Zoloft to treat this condition, a new study revealed that a short half-hour session sitting next to a light-emitting box produces the most effective results in the treatment of SAD.
While 14 percent of Americans have reported experiencing mild cases of this condition, 6 percent to 7 percent stated they experience the most extreme symptoms of SAD, which could include:
_ Clinical depression
_ Overeating Excess sleep
_ Heightened sensitivity to pain
_ Social withdrawal
_ Significant weight gain (averaging nearly 40 pounds each season)
Researchers found that premenopausal women were more inclined to develop SAD symptoms over men due to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The Positive Effects of Light Treatment
A study of 140 women that took place over five successive winters compared two different kinds of treatments for SAD: 30 minutes a day of exposure to light-emitting boxes and using room ionizers, which are thought to help SAD symptoms by increasing levels of negatively charged particles circulating in the air. Although the air ionizers showed some positive effects, the light boxes produced the most promising results.
Studies have shown that during the winter months, serotonin levels in the brain are lower than they are in the summer months. For this reason many doctors resort to prescribing SSRI's, which work by adjusting serotonin levels.
However, experts say that using light boxes are not only the safer alternative to treating this condition but also are much cheaper than prescription drugs in the long term. As a matter of fact, using a standard light box for a period of five years costs around $60 per year compared to a prescription for Prozac or other SSRI, which costs about $300 to $500 per year.
Another form of light box called "dawn stimulator" is attached to a bright light in the bedroom and works by causing the light to slowly increase in intensity during the early morning hours, similar to how it would on a spring day.
SAD experts agree that light boxes are the safe and most effective form of treatment for seasonal depression.
Forbes January 9, 2005
***It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like light box therapy Deprex with your health care provider before using prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.
Wellbutrin Warning
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revisions to safety labeling for a list of drugs found to pose increased health risks.
One of those warnings is for the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL. Wellbutrin XL, used to help provide relief for those suffering from depression, now warns of the dose-related risk of seizures linked to its use.
Wellbutrin can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if Wellbutrin is the best means of treating depression symptoms. It is important for people currently taking Wellbutrin to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.
Deprex is a scientifically advanced and highly effective complex of natural antidepressants. The Deprex formula is designed to safely provide nutritional support for moderate to severe clinical depression and possible mood imbalances.
Unlike prescriptive antidepressant medications, Deprex is an all-natural alternative that provides the necessary dietary precursors to complement the body's ability to potentiate the production of serotonin, which plays an important part in mood regulation. Deprex also increases serotonin and norepinephrine activity while reducing negative cortisol secretion - all without adverse side effects.
One of those warnings is for the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL. Wellbutrin XL, used to help provide relief for those suffering from depression, now warns of the dose-related risk of seizures linked to its use.
Wellbutrin can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if Wellbutrin is the best means of treating depression symptoms. It is important for people currently taking Wellbutrin to discuss side effect concerns with their physician.
Deprex is a scientifically advanced and highly effective complex of natural antidepressants. The Deprex formula is designed to safely provide nutritional support for moderate to severe clinical depression and possible mood imbalances.
Unlike prescriptive antidepressant medications, Deprex is an all-natural alternative that provides the necessary dietary precursors to complement the body's ability to potentiate the production of serotonin, which plays an important part in mood regulation. Deprex also increases serotonin and norepinephrine activity while reducing negative cortisol secretion - all without adverse side effects.
Seasonal Affective Disorder/Winter Depression, also known as SAD, is very common in parts of the country that have cold, cloudy winters with little sunshine. The lack of exposure to regular amounts of healthy sunshine could trigger seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
This condition affects one out of every five Americans each winter. Rather than relying on drugs like Prozac or Zoloft to treat this condition, a new study revealed that a short half-hour session sitting next to a light-emitting box produces the most effective results in the treatment of SAD.
While 14 percent of Americans have reported experiencing mild cases of this condition, 6 percent to 7 percent stated they experience the most extreme symptoms of SAD, which could include:_ Clinical depression _ Overeating _ Excess sleep _ Heightened sensitivity to pain _ Social withdrawal _ Significant weight gain (averaging nearly 40 pounds each season)
Researchers found that premenopausal women were more inclined to develop SAD symptoms over men due to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The Positive Effects of Light Treatment A study of 140 women that took place over five successive winters compared two different kinds of treatments for SAD: 30 minutes a day of exposure to light-emitting boxes and using room ionizers, which are thought to help SAD symptoms by increasing levels of negatively charged particles circulating in the air. Although the air ionizers showed some positive effects, the light boxes produced the most promising results.
Studies have shown that during the winter months, serotonin levels in the brain are lower than they are in the summer months. For this reason many doctors resort to prescribing SSRI's, which work by adjusting serotonin levels.
However, experts say that using light boxes are not only the safer alternative to treating this condition but also are much cheaper than prescription drugs in the long term. As a matter of fact, using a standard light box for a period of five years costs around $60 per year compared to a prescription for Prozac or other SSRI, which costs about $300 to $500 per year.
Another form of light box called "dawn stimulator" is attached to a bright light in the bedroom and works by causing the light to slowly increase in intensity during the early morning hours, similar to how it would on a spring day.
SAD experts agree that light boxes are the safe and most effective form of treatment for seasonal depression.
Forbes January 9, 2005
It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like light box therapy and Deprex, a natural supplement for depression, with your health care provider before using prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.
This condition affects one out of every five Americans each winter. Rather than relying on drugs like Prozac or Zoloft to treat this condition, a new study revealed that a short half-hour session sitting next to a light-emitting box produces the most effective results in the treatment of SAD.
While 14 percent of Americans have reported experiencing mild cases of this condition, 6 percent to 7 percent stated they experience the most extreme symptoms of SAD, which could include:_ Clinical depression _ Overeating _ Excess sleep _ Heightened sensitivity to pain _ Social withdrawal _ Significant weight gain (averaging nearly 40 pounds each season)
Researchers found that premenopausal women were more inclined to develop SAD symptoms over men due to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
The Positive Effects of Light Treatment A study of 140 women that took place over five successive winters compared two different kinds of treatments for SAD: 30 minutes a day of exposure to light-emitting boxes and using room ionizers, which are thought to help SAD symptoms by increasing levels of negatively charged particles circulating in the air. Although the air ionizers showed some positive effects, the light boxes produced the most promising results.
Studies have shown that during the winter months, serotonin levels in the brain are lower than they are in the summer months. For this reason many doctors resort to prescribing SSRI's, which work by adjusting serotonin levels.
However, experts say that using light boxes are not only the safer alternative to treating this condition but also are much cheaper than prescription drugs in the long term. As a matter of fact, using a standard light box for a period of five years costs around $60 per year compared to a prescription for Prozac or other SSRI, which costs about $300 to $500 per year.
Another form of light box called "dawn stimulator" is attached to a bright light in the bedroom and works by causing the light to slowly increase in intensity during the early morning hours, similar to how it would on a spring day.
SAD experts agree that light boxes are the safe and most effective form of treatment for seasonal depression.
Forbes January 9, 2005
It is important to note that while antidepressants are often the first line of treatment, there are safe alternatives to most types of depression. Discuss natural alternatives like light box therapy and Deprex, a natural supplement for depression, with your health care provider before using prescription medications with potentially serious and life-threatening side effects.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Strattera Linked to Liver Damage
Strattera, the first non-stimulant ADHD medication, has been linked to liver damage, the FDA warns. The FDA is advising health care professionals about a new warning for Strattera. The labeling warns that severe liver damage may progress to liver failure resulting in death or the need for a liver transplant in a small percentage of patients taking Strattera. The labeling also notes that the number of actual cases of severe liver damage is unknown because of under-reporting of post-marketing adverse events. Click [here] to view the full version of this article.
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