Diets and Depression

A report by the Mental Health Foundation and Sustain said that the changes in diets and methods of farming over the past five decades have played a major role in the rise in mental health problems. Less Nutritious and imbalanced diets have led to the growing numbers of those with depression, schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer's. Because industrialised farming has introduced pesticides and altered body fat composition of animals, there are large reductions in essential fats, vitamins and minerals consumed by most. According to the Mental Health Foundation and Sustain, the drop in intake of the omega-3 & 6 fatty acids has resulted in increases in depression and concentration problems. Evidence linking diet to mood and behavior has been growing. Certain complex carbohydrates as well as folic acid, fatty acids, and selenium decrease the symptoms of depression. They have also found correlations between low fish intake and high levels of depression and diets high in saturated fat and low in vitamins ad minerals may contribute to Alzheimer's. Also found in the report was that in the last 60 years, there's been a 34 percent decline in vegetable consumption and 59 percent decline in fish eaten. They say that a diet that contains an adequate amount of complex carbohydrates, essential fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and water will promote balanced moods and feelings.

Depression May Be Linked To Alzheimer's

A study in the February issue of Archives of General Psychiatry says that those who have a history of lifetime depression may also have the increased plaques and angles that are associated in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease and may have a more rapid cognitive decline.
Previous studies have already linked the two, and both conditions are likely to affect the brain's memory related temporal lobes. Researchers compared the brains of 44 Alzheimer's patients who had a history of depression to 51 patients who did not. Those with depression problems had ore tangles and plaques than those without problems. Analysis of cognitive tests during their lifetime showed that those with Alzheimer's had a history of depression and experienced a more rapid decline into dementia that those without depression. The identification of potential mechanisms that link depression as a treatable risk factor to neuropathological changes in Alzheimer's may help lead to the development of differential intervention and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's.

Infants Withdrawal From SSRI's

In a new study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, concerns for regnant women taking Serotonin Re uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) was addressed. those who too SSRI's while pregnant had babies that showed signs of withdrawal shortly after birth. It states that one third of 60 newborns whose mother's took antidepressants during pregnancy had neonatal abstinence syndromes. This is a type of withdrawal with symptoms that include high-pitched crying, tremors and disturbed sleep. Infants born with this syndrome should be monitored closely for at least 48 hours.
One fourth of women develop depression at some time in their life. The added stress of pregnancy can make matters worse and may increase the need for medication. SSRI's are the most common class of antidepressants used, but they can cross the placenta barrier and affect the fetus.
Researchers examined 120 babies born over a two year period at the Rabin Medical Center in Israel. 60 had been exposed to SSRI's and monitored for two hours after birth and at regular intervals thereafter. They found that 30 percent had neonatal abstinence syndrome. Symptoms included tremors, gastrointestinal problems, hypertonicity, which is an abnormal increase in uscle tone, sleep disturbances and high pitched cries. They also noted that eight of these babies had severe cases of symptoms. Fortunately none of the babies required treatment.
This study concerned it's authors who said that family physicians, psychiatrists and gynecologists should be more aware of this problem. And the risk to benefit ratio of SSRI treatment should be assessed. They also recommend prescribing the most minimum dose that would be effective for the mom's condition.

Stress Linked to Mortality

A new study shows that women who are exposed to high levels of financial and emotional stress are more likely to die sooner than those who have an easier life. The findings had been projected by the Statistics Canada Study, who evaluated stress levels in women between 1994 & 1995. It was their conclusion that those i the experimental group were more likely to die over the next eight years.
Psychological stress factors included feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and or worthlessness. This was an important predictor in determining the mortality of women 65 or older. Of the more than 2,400 seniors studied, when factors such as age, family circumstances, financial status, level of education, presence of long term diseases, obesity, smoking and alcohol consumption were taken into consideration, the effects of this psychological distress was significant. This study correlates with previous studies. It also shows that women are more prone to stress than men, suggesting that degenerative conditions such as cancer and heart disease could be more dangerous to women than men.

ADHD or Normal Development

The border between ADHD and normal development is not an easy line to see. Often, judgement comes from teachers, who are usually the first ones that suggest a diagnosis of ADHD in almost half of the cases. This is according to a study that was published in the Annals of Family Medicine.
Research shows that the call can be affected by the varying levels of tolerance for boys and girls who behave badly. A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics says that the questionnaires used to rate a child were subjective and subject to bias, and the decisions about inappropriate behavior in children are dependant on subjective judgements of observers.
A national survey, lasting six years, of doctors visits showed ethnic and demographic distinctions in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD by primary care physicians. They found the condition was less likely to be identified in Hispanic children than in their white or black counter parts. Also, it was more likely to be treated with medicines like Ritalin or Adderall in young ones of all backgrounds. Unfortunately, children barely three are under ADHD scrutiny. Researchers from one study found 223 children were identified as having ADHD by age 3 wit more than a quarter of them by their second birthday. Investigators reported that even though there's barely any studies of long term effects and no government approval, nearly 60 percent of the toddlers were prescribed combinations of 22 medications. Sadly, nearly half of them were given 2-6 of the drugs.

Coffee and ADHD

For those who suffer from ADHD, they may find that drinking coffee could help them be calm and help them focus. There have been no known intense medical studies to confirm this, but parents who have hyperactive children have noticed the benefits on them. the effectiveness of coffee in calming ADHD children has become great discussion among Web sites and forums.
Children with ADHD are usually given drugs like Ritalin and Strattera that increases dopamine levels in the body. Higher levels tend to calm and help overactive minds focus. Coffee can also increase dopamine without the risks associated with [prescriptions. The only side effect coffee has may be a headache from withdrawal. but they should also avoid sweetening their coffee because sugar aggravates the symptoms of ADHD.
Dozens of studies have been done and more continue to seek the health benefits of coffee consumption. One study has shown how coffee has antioxidant benefits for those who drink more than two cups daily. One study shows benefits of increased short term memory. Finally, several have shown a decreased risk for diabetes and liver and breast cancer.

7 Memory Boosters

If your memory has been less than perfect recently, don't despair. Most of us experience a mild decline usually in our 30's and 40's and up to 15 percent that are older than 65 develop Alzheimer's disease.
Right now, there's plenty you can do to ward of cognitive problems. Some believe that the key is to challenge your mind, improve your diet and be smart about supplements you take. Some can lead to a drastic improvement in memory and mental functioning. Better brain builders include 1.) Get enough sleep. Too little can impair your recollection. Aim at getting seven to nine hours each night. 2). Note smells whenever possible. Scent has the ability to trigger memory. Researchers reported that adults who were shown images along with a scent, ere better at remembering then those who didn't. 3). Researchers at the University of New Castle in the U.K. found that drinking green or black tea might inhibit certain enzymes in the brain that are associated with memory decline. 4). If lately your mind seems fuzzy, ask your doctor to check your homocysteine levels in your blood. Studies have tied high levels to memory loss. Reversing this effect could be as easy as increasing your vitamin B intake. 5). Think of your ind as a muscle. If it doesn't get regular exercise, it will get stiff and slow. Good mind strengthening games include crossword puzzles, board and card games, and even computer games like Tetris. 6). Don't forget to eat the good fats. Omega-3, which is found mostly in fish, nourish brain cells and help regulate brain chemicals. 7). Your brain also needs nutrients to function properly. You should be eating a balanced diet and taking a multivitamin. Eat vegetables that contain antioxidants. One study that found that when vitamins E and C were taken together in supplements, they had the potential to prevent Alzheimer's by fighting memory damaging free radicals in the brain.

The Right Scent Can Help

Will doing the dishes help you relax? It might. Growing evidence is showing that certain scents, even those from dish soap, can be a benefit to you. Aromatherapy does work because it works on the brain's emotional center, called the amygdala. And you may feel the effects instantaneously because the thinking part of the brain can't inhibit the effects of the scent. One doctor studied the benefits of aromatherapy to find ways to speed up recovery time for his patients and reduce anxiety. With the help of an aromatherapist, he found results using such things as lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus. Also, short term exposure is important because people stop responding to scents after a few minutes.
To relax, placing a few drops of vanilla extract on a handkerchief and keep it with you all day-use as needed. To help you recharge, peppermint, jasmine, and citrus have an effect similar o smelling salts. Even though they are pleasant, they act as mild irritants. And to help you relieve pain, the smell of a green apple will reduce the severity and duration of migraine headache pain, and has a similar effect on joint pain. It works because it seems to reduce muscle contractions, which are the main cause of migraine pain.

Adderall and "Black Box" Warnings

The makers of Adderall, Shire Pharmaceuticals, says it wants more studies done to see id there are possible adverse effects from its ADHD drug. This came after the FDA advisory panel said such drugs for ADHD should carry a black box warning.
Shire said in a statement, "While we fully support full disclosure ad adequate warning, Shire believes that the interests of physicians and patients would be better served by further study to determine whether there is, in fact, a relationship between these medicines and cardiovascular events. Obtaining this information is crucial prior to taking what would be an unprecedented action to include something in a black box that has not been supported by sufficient data."
Although the FDA doesn't have to follow the panel's recommendation, they will consider the highlighted warning by a black box, which is the most serious typed for prescription drugs. Panel members stated that because Adderall and other ADHD drugs are amphetamines or chemically similar, they can raise blood pressure which is often a precursor to severe heart problems. The FDA states that right now about 1 million adults and 2 million children get ADHD prescriptions every month.
Shire says it already carries a black box warning stating misuse may lead to sudden death or serious cardiovascular events and believe no other warning is needed. Some believe it should say use not misuse of this product can cause sudden death.

Exercise Helps Moderate Depression

Research has shown that exercise, and it's well known physical benefits, is an effective and under used treatment for mild to moderate depression. It has been proven to reduce stress, relieve anxiety, ease depression, boost self esteem and improve sleep if done on a regular basis.
Researchers at Duke University studied those suffering from depression for four months. They found that 60 percent who exercised three times a week overcame their depression with out the use of medication. Even without depression, people can get substantial mental health benefits. Even short workouts can help lower sadness, tension and anger. One reason exercise helps depression is the role it plays with the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates such things as appetite and mood. Regular exercise can alter your levels of serotonin and can lead to improved feelings of well being. Studies have also sown that those who continue to exercise have a greater chance of their depression not returning. But if symptoms are severe, you should seek professional help.

Increased Health Risks For Insomniatic Teens

Researchers at RTI International studied over 1,000 13-16 year olds and discovered almost 11 percent suffered from insomnia. Onset for this typically started at 11 years old. The study found that this appears to increase the risks of ADHD symptoms, psychiatric disorders, and other health problems. They found insomnia to be a common chronic problem among adolescents. Insomnia reduces cognitive function and performance in teens and it also increases the risk for depression and substance abuse. Adolescents require more sleep than anyone. Without it, they are at risk of serious health issues.
The study also found that girls were twice as likely as boys to develop insomnia after beginning menstruation. Also, more than half of the teens suffering from insomnia also suffer from a psychiatric disorder. For a majority of the teens, 88 percent were potential chronic sufferers. Due to the high prevalence of insomnia, it not only impacts daytime functioning, but it increases the possibility of other psychiatric disorders. Therefore, many feel that we need to rethink the needs of teens and their schedules. The treatment and prevention need to be important priorities for adolescent health.

Memory Erasing Treatments for Depression?

Reported in the journal of Science, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center reported that depressed mice become more sociable after a memory molecule was deleted from their brain. This suggests that memory erasing treatments could also cease depression in people. The molecule in a region of the brain, known as the reward pathway, was focused on. Deleting this molecule meant the mice were no longer depressed or fearful, even when conditions were set up that normally made them run and hide. After anesthetizing the mice, they injected a virus into this particular part of the brain and disabled the molecule.

ADHD Not Easy To Diagnose

Amid claims it has dangerous side effects such as abdominal pain anxiety, dizziness, psychosis, headaches, heart failure and death, thousands of children, some under six, are being wrongly labeled hyperactive and are being prescribed Ritalin. Many feel that giving these kids Ritalin is crazy because their brains aren't fully developed and they're being given a mind altering drug.
The reason for alot of this is parents being anxious,thinking they are to blame for the unruly behavior. It's not easy to diagnose ADHD because symptoms can be similar to other behavior problems. There is great concern that doctors are inaccurately diagnosing ADHD when many are just behaving as a normal part of growing up. The overprescribing of Ritalin and other ADHD medicines is leading to widespread abuse. Lack of a proper investigation by doctors and pressure from parents lead doctors to over-rely on checklists to diagnose inappropriately.

Black Box Warnings

With at least two million children and one million adults being prescribed ADHD medication every month, the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel voted 8-7, with one absentee, in favor of a “black box” warning to be put on Ritalin and other stimulant drugs. This was after hearing about the 25 deaths, 19 of which were children, that occurred while on AHDH medicine. One committee member believes that not disclosing the uncertain risks while taking these drugs is unethical.
Although it usually does, the FDA is not required to follow recommendations given by the advisory committee. The FDA also believes that the committee just wants a more forceful, informative warning label on methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta. Since 2004, there has been black box labels on Adderall and Adderall XR, which are the same type of drugs.
Novartis, the company who has been making Ritalin since 1955, says that after reviewing fifty years of records, they’ve found no increase in cardiovascular problems among their patients. And they point out that their drug already has a caution label advising against use for those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Some believe that a black box warning will help the out of control growth of ADHD drugs. Besides the 25 deaths reported between 1999 and 2003, the council also discovered there were 54 cases of cardiovascular problems, which included heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension.
Opponents of this vote say that they’ve found fewer than one death or injury for every 1 million prescription filled. They also say that the reports don’t warrant regulatory action. They feel that the agency’s analysis only suggests a possible link between the drugs and cardiovascular problems, and they want more answers.

New Way to See Effects of Psychological Stress

Researchers have found a non-invasive way to see the effects of psychological stress in an area of the brain that is linked to anxiety and depression. These findings have important implications for how doctors treat the numerous long term health consequences of chronic stress.
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), researchers can detect increased blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of those subjected to stress. Also, the increased flow continued when the stressor was removed. This suggests the effects of stress are more persistent than once thought. This research will help pave the way to develop new strategies to help prevent or possibly correct the long term health consequences of chronic stress.

Studies To Compare Natural Supplements To Ritalin

Previous studies have shown that certain long-chain fatty acids are critical for normal brain development. Deficiencies or an imbalance of these fatty acids contribute to ADHD.
A study in January 2006 examined 30 children diagnosed with ADHD and 30 healthy children. They were all given flax oil supplements that contained 200 mg of alpha linolenic acid and 25 mg of vitamin C for two times a day for three months. A clinical psychologist analyzed their behavior before and after three months. To determine the change in fatty acids, the children’s blood cells were also analyzed before and after the tree months.
Findings concluded that after three months there was a significant increase in both EPA and DHA, which are key amino acids needed for normal brain development. Researchers found that all ADHD measures had improved after the three months. Individual problems with inattention, impulsivity and learning problems were deceasing in the post-supplementation group. All children completed the study with the supplements being taken by all with no side effects. Researchers concluded that polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements brought an improvement in educational and behavioral problems among children with developmental coordination disorder and a reduction in ADHD symptoms.
A study at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv had children putting chocolate fish oil on bread. After three months, 20 out of 30 showed a significant improvement when a psychological re-evaluation was performed. Although the research results were exciting, the doctors cautioned that his was preliminary findings and believe more research is needed.
Another study showing the benefits of fish oil was conducted on children n Durham, U.K. The study was conducted on children that were behind a year from their peers, many which had ADHD. Research results showed a dramatic improvement in speech, behavior, and reading. The fatty acid supplements used contained omega-3 and omega-6.
These studies show that there are alternatives to Ritalin. Almost 10 million Ritalin prescriptions are filled each year in the U.S. Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is a central nervous system stimulant. It has the effects of caffeine, but more potent. In the 1990’s, sales of Ritalin and similar ADHD drugs rose by more than 500 percent. Even back in 1996 the World Health Organization warned that it was being overused. According to research, long term se could cause seizures, suppress growth, cause angina, cause changes in blood pressure and causes depression.
Finally, a natural alternative to Ritalin has been tested at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center. It’s a natural oil-based alternative used to treat ADHD symptoms such as a short attention span and and inability to focus.
This research was in progress for a year and a half and commissioned on behalf of an unnamed company, who hopes to develop a product. Their goal is to come up with the right combination of oils which would effectively change the impulses going through the cell membrane. A double blind study was conducted on about 90 children, divided into three groups, who were off of their Ritalin for the summer. The children had either been taking Ritalin or were diagnosed through a computerized test called the Test of Variables Attention (TOVA). TOVA is a computerized assessment, along with teacher and parent behavior rating scales, that is a highly effective screening tool for ADD.
One group was given Canola oil. The second group was given fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and deficient in children with ADHD. And the third group was given a mixture under study. All dosages were mixed with chocolate to get the children to comply for the three month period. At the end of the three months the TOVA test was given again and results were compared. They found no change in the group who took the canola oil, a slight improvement in those taking the fish oil, and they found significant improvement in those who received the special mixture. Researchers believed that 60 percent of the children ended up in the normal TOVA range.

Link Between Depression And Coronary Heart Disease

According to a Swedish study, those between 25-50 and have depression, are at an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease later in life. Taking into account socioeconomic status and gender, the risk was the greatest for those diagnosed before 40.
Researchers examined hospital discharge records of all patients from 1987-2001. First they discovered that 44,826 cases were for depression. Next they found that 1,916 of them had developed coronary heart disease. They also found that those with depression were 1.5 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those without depression. The study showed that young to middle aged people that were hospitalized for depression had a high risk of developing coronary heart disease. They believe that those with clinical depression shouldn’t be given only short-term treatment, but that they receive maintenance therapy to help prevent a re-laps or recurrence of depression.

Parents Get Little Sleep With ADHD Kids

Recent research has revealed that many parents of hyperactive children are getting by on just a few hours of sleep a night, putting pressure on family relationships. A survey found that almost six out of ten mothers and fathers of children with ADHD had six hours of sleep a night or less. While 30 percent say they get six hours, 27 percent say they get five hours or less on average. This compared to almost half of parents with a child without ADHD who said they got at lest eight hours sleep a night. The research poll involving 100 parents of ADHD children aged 5-16, suggests that tens of thousands of parents could be struggling by on minimal sleep as they try to cope with a hyperactive child.

Exercise Out Of Depression

Each year there are millions of people who are stricken with depression. Although it may be debilitating, those who suffer may want to run, walk or even swim the problem away. Studies now show that when exercise is performed in group setting, it’s as effective as standard antidepressant medications in reducing symptoms of major depression.
Other studies have shown that even solitary exercise, not matter what the duration, can be just as effective as group activities when it comes to beating the blues. One study published five years ago found that 10 months of moderate exercise outperformed the antidepressant Zoloft in those diagnose with moderate to severe depression. A study by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas found that 30 minutes of aerobics 3-5 times a week reduced symptoms by 50 percent in young adults.
It is believed that while workouts affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, exercise may also cause positive changes in other areas as well. Depression is often characterized by low energy, tension, and tiredness. But exercise seems to ease that anxious but lethargic state. Although it may not be enough to relieve stress, moderate exercise, such as a 10 minute brisk walk, will result in boosting your energy. Exercise such as a 45 minute aerobic workout does effect your mood by reducing tension. It may leave you tired, but researchers say there’s something called the rebound effect an hour or so later where your energy is increased. They also point out how working out can give you a psychological boost, including better self esteem and having a greater sense of accomplishment.
Still, experts agree that it is hard for a depressed person to start exercising mostly due to lack of energy. But the key to this problem is to start small. Don’t think about a fitness center and all the machine you’ll have to learn about. Start with maybe a walk around your block. Social support, peer pressure, and family support can all be helpful, especially when getting people to maintain exercise.
Doctors say that exercise is not a substitute for drug therapy, especially for those who are severely depressed. But they also point out that about one third of depressed people won’t gain any help from medication. For those patients, exercise may be a viable alternative.

Stress Lowers The Immune System

What’s been suspected for years scientists have now confirmed-stress can make you sick. Researchers at Sydney’s Garven Institute have made the direct connection between the nervous system and the immune system. The study, published I the Journal of Experimental Medicine, explains how stress can lead to the build up of a hormone that stops the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. Australian scientists have now made the link between stress and the immune system. The impact that stress puts on the body is best observed in athletes.
The study included elite and recreational athletes over a period of five months and found that the elite athletes were more susceptible to respiratory diseases. They found that elite athletes put themselves through the physical stress of training and the emotional and psychological stress of feeling the pressure of wanting to compete and do their best.
Pressures from work and even home can cause emotional and mental stress that can be damaging as well. About one third of work absenteeism is due to illness, having a huge impact on the workforce and the employees. If the employees are always stressed or constantly under pressure, they’re more likely to get sick. Researchers warn people to minimize their stress before it becomes a problem. They suggest trying relaxation techniques such as yoga or exercise.