The Effects of Schizophrenia on the Brain

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that affects one to two percent of people worldwide. The disorder can develop as early as the age of five, though it is very rare at such an early age. (3)) Most men become ill between the ages of 16 and 25 whereas most women become ill between the ages of 25 and 30. Even though there are differences in the age of development between the sexes, men and women are equally at risk for schizophrenia. (4) There is of yet no definitive answer as to what causes the disorder. It is believed to be a combination of factors including genetic make-up, pre-natal viruses, and early brain damage which cause neurotransmitter problems in the brain. (3) These problems cause the symptoms of schizophrenia, which include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and unusual speech or behavior. No "cure" has yet been discovered, although many different methods have been tried. Even in these modern times, only one in five affected people fully recovers. (4) The most common treatment is the administration of antipsychotic drugs. Other treatments that were previously used, and are occasionally still given are electro-convulsive therapy, which runs a small amount of electric current through the brain and causes seizures, and large doses of Vitamin B. (3) Due to neurological studies of the brain, antipsychotic drugs have become the most widely used treatments. These studies show that there are widespread abnormalities in the structural connectivity of the brains of affected people. (2) It was noticed that in brains affected with schizophrenia, far more neurotransmitters are released between neurons, which is what causes the symptoms. At first, researchers thought that the problem was solely caused by excesses of dopamine in the brain. However, newer studies indicate that the neurotransmitter serotonin also plays a role in causing the symptoms. This was discovered when tests indicated that many patients better results with medications that affect the serotonin as well as the dopamine transmissions in the brain. (6) New test and machines also enabled researchers to study the structure of schizophrenic brains using Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS). The different lobes of affected brains were examined and compared to those of normal brains, showing several structural differences. The most common finding was the enlargement of the lateral ventricles, which are the fluid-filled sacs that surround the brain. The other differences, however, are not nearly as universal, though they are significant. There is some evidence that the volume of the brain is reduced and that the cerebral cortex is smaller. (2) Tests showed that blood flow was lower in frontal regions in afflicted people when compared to non-afflicted people. This condition has become known as hypofrontality. Other studies illustrate that people with schizophrenia often show reduced activation in frontal regions of the brain during tasks known to normally activate them. (1) Even though many tests show that the frontal lobe function performance is impaired and although there is evidence of reduced volume of some frontal lobe regions, no consistent pattern of structural degradation has yet been found. (2)

There is, however, a great deal of evidence that shows that the temporal lobe structures in schizophrenic patients are smaller. Some studies have found the hippocampus and amygdala to be reduced in volume. Also, components of the limbic system, which is involved in the control of mood and emotion, and regions of the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG), which is a large contributor in language function, have been notably smaller. The Heschl's Gyrus (which contains the primary auditory cortex), and the Planum Temporale are diminished. The severity of symptoms such as auditory hallucinations has been found to be dependent upon the sizes of these language areas. (2) Another area of the brain that has been found to be severely affected is the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is associated with memory, which would explain the disordered thought processes found in schizophrenics. Test done on humans and animals in which the prefrontal cortex has been damaged showed similar cognitive problems as those seen in schizophrenic patients. The prefrontal cortex has one of the highest concentrations of nerve fibers with the neurotransmitter dopamine and scientists have learned that the relatively new antipsychotic drug, which increases the amount of dopamine released in the prefrontal cortex, often improves cognitive symptoms. They also found that the prefrontal cortex contains a high concentration of dopamine receptors that interact with glutamate receptors to enable neurons to form memories. This means that dopamine receptors may be especially important for reducing cognitive symptoms. (5) While these drugs do help control the symptoms of schizophrenia, they do not get rid of the disorder. It is becoming clearer ever day, just what damage schizophrenia is doing to the brain, but researchers are nowhere near to finding all of the answers. Different researchers are still arguing over the conclusiveness of the data that does exist. Other scientists are trying to discover the cause of schizophrenia. Is it caused by various genes, by a virus, or from trauma? This too is still a mystery. The only thing that is truly known is that the disorder is debilitating and that it affects nearly every portion of the brain. Obviously, much more research still needs to be done to help those who suffer from it.

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Rehabilitation (neuropsychology)
(Redirected from Neuropsychological rehabilitation)

Rehabilitation of sensory and cognitive function typically involves methods for retraining neural pathways or training new neural pathways to regain or improve neurocognitive functioning that has been diminished by disease or trauma. Three common neuropsychological problems treatable with rehabilitation are attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), concussion, and spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation research and practices are a fertile area for clinical neuropsychologists and others.

Methods [edit]

Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other methods that "exercise" specific brain functions are used. For example, eye-hand coordination exercises may rehabilitate certain motor deficits, or well structured planning and organizing exercises might help rehabilitate executive functions, following a traumatic blow to the head. Brain functions that are impaired because of traumatic brain injuries are often the most challenging and difficult to rehabilitate. Much work is being done in nerve regeneration for the most severely damaged neural pathways. Neurocognitive techniques, such as cognitive rehabilitation therapy, provide assessment and treatment of cognitive impairments from a variety of brain diseases and insults that cause persistent disability for many individuals. Such disabilities result in a loss of independence, a disruption in normal childhood activities and social relationships, loss in school attendance, and educational and employment opportunities. Injuries or insults that may benefit from neurocognitive rehabilitation include traumatic and acquired brain injuries (such as stroke, concussion, neurosurgery, etc.), cranial radiation, intrathecal chemotherapy and neurological disorders, such as ADHD. The rehabilitation targets cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive function (organization, planning, time management, etc.). Programs are developed to address an individual's challenges after a baseline assessment of abilities and challenges.

ADHD [edit]
There are many therapists and interventions for rehabilitation of children and adults who suffer ADHD, many of whom are parents of children with this problem. The most frequently used treatment method involves the administration of drugs such as Ritalin, and many argue that drugs do not rehabilitate but only relieve ADHD sufferers (and those around them) from the social and behavioral disruptiveness caused by attention deficiencies and hyperactive behavior. However, many others argue[who?] that such symptom relief enables the sufferer and those around him or her to improve cognitive and motor functioning and controls through standard educational and social training that would otherwise be impossible. The next most common rehabilitation approach for ADHD uses various and specific cognitive/behavioral methods to help establish new brain-behavior relationships or functioning that is impaired in sufferers of ADHD.

Concussion [edit]
Much research and focus has been given to concussion suffered frequently by athletes. While the severity of brain trauma has been standardized for immediate "sideline" assessment, much work

needs to be done to understand how to rehabilitate or accelerate the rehabilitation of athletes' brain function following serious concussionwhere consciousness is lost for a few moments or more. Currently, rehabilitation of concussive brain injury is based on "quiet" time without jarring motions that enables the brain to "heal" on its own.

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Stress on Families - schizophrenia

Family members worry about preventing relapse and keeping their loved one healthy. Unfortunately, many families must worry about their finances because they may have high hospital or medication expenses. Relatives of schizophrenia patients are always on guard for any change in the patients behavior. Being overburdened with worry about a loved one, family members of schizophrenic patients can ignore their own needs and become depressed and anxious . In order to prevent caregiver burnout, it is crucial that family members find support of their own. Relatives of schizophrenia patients experience the negative effects of the stigma associated with mental illness. In our society, mental illness is sometimes interpreted as a sign of weakness. Some people still believe that schizophrenia is caused by bad parenting and is the fault of the family. Others think that the mentally ill just need to get over it and move on with their lives. This can be very difficult for someone who cares for a schizophrenic loved one. Mental illness is different from physical illness. When you see people who are physically disabled, you offer to help them by opening the door or carrying their groceries. You assume that their condition is not their fault. Mental disease,schizophreniain particular, usually just becomes apparent to other people because someone is acting weirdly. Instead of trying to help, most people keep a safe distance and want to ignore the person withschizophrenia. As a result, caregivers of schizophrenics can be alienated and made to feel guilty and alone. Additionally, caregivers are encouraged to take personal time away from their relative. Exercise, regular excursions out of the home, and even weekends away can provide a good vacation from the stress of dealing with someone with mental illness. Ironically, caring for a schizophrenic relative can increase the likelihood that the caregiver will develop symptoms of mental illness . Depression, anxiety, and drug and alcohol abuse are common to people who take care of relatives with schizophrenia. ------------------------------------------========================---------------------------------

Homelessness - schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Impact on Families and SocietyMay 12, 2009

Unfortunately, some of the most severely illschizophreniapatients leave a safe place like a hospital or private home and eventually live on the streets. One-third of all homeless people are believed to be mentally ill, and a large proportion of those are schizophrenic. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 6 percent of allschizophreniapatients are homeless at any one time. When schizophrenic patients are homeless, they rarely stay involved in any sort of treatment.

As a result, homelessschizophreniapatients may experience a worsening of their symptoms. Even more problems may be caused by the stress of living on the streets. Poor hygiene, lack of sleep, and the threat of violence may hasten the descent into psychosis for many patients. Drug and alcohol use is common among schizophrenic homeless. When patients do not take their medications, they might try drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manage their symptoms. Schizophrenia patients become homeless for a variety of reasons. Inadequate funding can create a shortage of institutions to house those withschizophrenia. Also,schizophreniasymptoms can cause patients to leave a safe environment. Some patients hear voices that tell them to leave because someone is harming them. Others might believe that the situation they are in is causing their symptoms and leave home in hopes that a new location will make the symptoms disappear. How long they stay away variessome patients return after only a few days, but many others return to treatment only after being brought in by the police or a social service agency. When someone withschizophreniais missing, caregivers try to remember what, if any, places the patient may have mentioned wanting to visit. They may call the police or the hospital to help track down their relative. Unfortunately, some patients feel compelled to stay away from home and out of treatment. One solution for caregivers to help them keep track of their relative is to only give them small amounts of money. The patient will then be forced to return home in order to obtain more money, helping the relative monitor the patients whereabouts and symptoms. --------------------------------------------=======================--------------------------------Following each myth is a fact that explains why the myth is a misperception.

Top ten myths about mental illness

Myth #1:Psychiatric disorders are not true medical illnesses likeheart diseaseand diabetes. People who have a mental illness are just crazy. Fact:Brain disorders, likeheart diseaseand diabetes, are legitimate medical illnesses. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for psychiatric disorders, and they can be treated effectively. Myth #2:People with a severe mental illness, such asschizophrenia, are usually dangerous and violent. Fact:Statistics show that the incidence of violence in people who have a brain disorder is not much higher than it is in the general population. Those suffering from a psychosis such as schizophreniaare more often frightened, confused, and despairing than violent. Myth #3: Mental illness is the result of bad parenting. Fact:Most experts agree that a genetic susceptibility, combined with other risk factors, leads to a psychiatric disorder. In other words, mental illnesses have a physical cause. Myth #4: Depression results from a personality weakness or character flaw, and people who are depressed could just snap out of it if they tried hard enough.

Fact:Depression has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function, and medication and/or psychotherapy often help people recover. Myth #5: Schizophrenia means split personality, and there is no way to control it. Fact:Schizophrenia is often confused with multiple personality disorder. Actually,schizophreniais a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans withschizophreniahave symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations and delusions. Medication has helped many of these individuals to lead fulfilling, productive lives. Myth #6: Depression is a normal part of the aging process. Fact:It is not normal for older adults to be depressed. Signs of depression in older people include a loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, and lethargy. Depression in the elderly is often undiagnosed, and it is important for seniors and their family members to recognize the problem and seek professional help. Myth #7: Depression and other illnesses, such asanxiety disorders, do not affect children or adolescents. Any problems they have are just a part of growing up. Fact:Children and adolescents can develop severe mental illnesses. In the United States, one in 10 children and adolescents has a mental disorder severe enough to cause impairment. Only about 20 percent of these children receive needed treatment. Left untreated, these problems can get worse. Anyone talking about suicide should be taken very seriously. Myth #8: If you have a mental illness, you can will it away. Being treated for a psychiatric disorder means an individual has in some way failed or is weak. Fact:A serious mental illness cannot be willed away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away either. It takes courage to seek professional help. Myth #9: Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a lack of willpower. People with a substance abuse problem are morally weak or bad. Fact:Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry. It has nothing to do with being a bad person. Myth #10: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as shock treatment, is painful and barbaric. Fact:ECT has given a new lease on life to many people who suffer from severe and debilitating depression. It is used when other treatments such as psychotherapy or medication fail or cannot be used. Patients who receive ECT are asleep and under anesthesia, so they do not feel anything. Read more:Top ten myths about schizophrenia -Schizophrenia- Outlook for the Futurehttp://www.health.am/psy/more/op-ten-myths-about-schizophrenia/#ixzz2UNmByLky -------------------------------------------======================-----------------------------------

Violence and trouble with the Law

Schizophrenia Impact on Families and SocietyMay 12, 2009

People who exhibit unpredictable behavior can be frightening. Likewise, patients withschizophreniaoften behave in ways that are difficult to understand and sometimes scary. Although the media tends to linkschizophreniaand violence, research has shown that the majority of patients withschizophreniaare no more likely to be violent than someone withoutschizophrenia. Mostschizophreniapatients prefer to be alone and rarely wish to interact with other people. When violence does occur, it is most likely to be directed at family members or treatment team members rather than strangers.

Criminalizing the Mentally ill Thousands of mentally ill Americans in prison arent getting the psychiatric care they need according to a report from the Human Rights Watch. The report also suggested that prison poplations have a disproportionately high rate of mentally ill people. Prisons have disproportionately high rate of psychoses In a 1998 report an estimated 8 percent to 19 percent have significant psychiatric disabilities. Mentally Ill in U.S. population - 5% Mentally ill in prisons -8% to 19% Source: Equpped: U.S. Prisons and Offenders with mentall illness. Human Rights Watch
One group ofschizophreniapatients that is more prone to violence includes those who abuse alcohol or illegal drugs. In fact, a recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry investigated the current relationship amongschizophrenia, criminal behavior, and drug abuse.18 The study revealed that over the past 25 years, 22 percent ofschizophreniapatients were convicted of a crime compared to only 8 percent of nonschizophrenics. At the same time, drug use amongschizophreniapatients also increased. Whereas 25 years ago only 8 percent of schizophrenics used drugs, currently more than 26 percent have been found to use illegal drugs. Mostschizophreniapatients are nonviolent, but patients who use illegal drugs may be more likely to commit a crime. Read more:Violence and trouble with the Law -Schizophrenia- Impact on Families and Societyhttp://www.health.am/psy/more/violence-and-trouble-with-the-law/#ixzz2UNngBDYB

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How Does Schizophrenia Affect Society?

Schizophrenia is a frightening disease which can bring about a great deal of suffering to the patients and the family and severe problems to society. Schizophrenia is an important factor in social aid and welfare costs, health care costs, employment inefficiency, impaired learning ability, alcoholism, broken homes and suicide. The average person with schizophrenia will cost one to two million dollars to society, directly and indirectly, in his/her lifetime.

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Schizophrenia: How it Affects the Family

Mental illness is one of the most common afflictions in the United States, and schizophrenia is the most severe; yet mental illnesses carry a huge social stigma (National Institute of Mental Health, "The Numbers Count" and "Schizophrenia"). Forming stereotypes and initiating stigmas, when a person lacks knowledge, is a common practice in our society in regards to mental illnesses. Most of the stereotypes and stigmas, surrounding schizophrenia, are derived from the way this terrible disease manifests and presents itself. The symptoms involved in this illness are often frightening to those looking in from the outside, making it easy to assume that the person afflicted is dangerous or even violent. This often disabling disorder, when not understood by others, can lead to the assumption that those suffering with schizophrenia are better off locked away in institutions, rather than risk them becoming a violent threat to society, or another addition to the homeless factor in the United States. Despite the over two million men and women, in America, inflicted by Schizophrenia, society still continues to place a stigma on mental illness, and increases the stress level for the family members who, too often must oversee their loved one's care; and through an understanding of what affects this disease has on family members, will bring about a compassionate awareness of this devastating disorder. It is easy to overlook the family members, who are also affected by the disease, that afflicts their loved one. They are the first hand witnesses to a disease, which manifests itself on several different levels; and the family members must somehow find the strength to cope and endure. The family members experience a magnitude of emotions due to the behaviors and situations schizophrenics present to them, and circumstance stemming from society's view on mental illness. The following are some ways in which schizophrenia affects the family member: stress and anguish, guilt and shame, bitterness, sacrifice, limited financial resources, and diminished personal health and wellness (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). As each symptom surfaces for the schizophrenic, stress and anguish wear at the family members, who are drawn into this disease. At the center of this stress and anguish is an overwhelming sense of sorrow. As mentioned on the web site, Internet Mental Health, the family may feel as though they have lost their loved one (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). Whether it is a son, daughter, mother, father, wife, husband, brother, or sister, the family member is aware that this person at one time was healthy and normal; but now, is no longer the same person. With the sorrow comes fear, fearing what they do not know about the disease, fearing what they do know about the disease, and fearing the possibility that their loved one may harm their self or someone else (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). These fears are realistic, especially when considering schizophrenics and the incidence of suicide. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has noted, "Suicide is a serious danger in people who have schizophrenia," and "Approximately ten percent of people with schizophrenia (especially younger adult males) commit suicide." Therefore, families do have reason to be fearful of this possibility. Also, as hard as it may be for a family member, of a schizophrenic, to see amongst the irrational behaviors they witness, harming others is a less likely occurrence; since schizophrenics tend to recluse and isolate themselves from society. According to NIMH, "Studies indicate that except for those persons with a record of criminal violence before becoming ill, and those with substance abuse or alcohol problems, people with Schizophrenia are not especially prone to violence" (NIMH, "Schizophrenia"). Along with sorrow and fear, family members are also stricken by guilt and shame brought on by this mental illness. According to information on the Internet Mental Health web site, family somehow feels as if they may be to blame for their loved one's condition; and genetic linkage as one of the possible causes of the disease leads to more feelings of guilt. When a family is faced with having to place the person in an institution, they feel a sense of guilt, because they could not do more for the

person. At times, there is an amount of shame experienced by family members, who are dealing with a schizophrenic loved one (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). Shame due to how society stigmatizes mental illness and the person inflicted with it; and shame from inappropriate behaviors that the inflicted engages in, when they are in a social setting. If onlookers do not understand why the person acts this way, it becomes easy to dismiss it as crazy; and even if onlookers did know the cause, it is still easy to label a person crazy. It is often the family members who are aware; they absorb the comments, and the brunt of the stereotypes and stigmas. Bitterness is also a common emotion the family of a schizophrenic may feel. The Internet Mental Health website suggests, "They are bitter because they cannot understand why this may be happening to them"; and they are bitter from how consumed they are by this disease, which often keeps them as isolated as their loved one (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). This can lead to resentment of all the time they spend caring for this person. They must keep a close eye on their schizophrenic loved one, making sure medication is taken, making sure they do not place themselves into a predicament which can result in harm. Schizophrenia takes precedence in the lives of those involved with the schizophrenic. Family members, who take on the role of caregiver, often must sacrifice their careers and social life. Caring for someone inflicted with schizophrenia can be time consuming, and those who fulfill the role feel alone, and may not feel anyone understands what they are going through (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). Because the disease can be debilitating to the schizophrenic, the caregiver may be forced to give up their job, and care for their loved one full time. The behavior displayed by their loved one may be embarrassing, and this may cause them to avoid attending social functions. Schizophrenia can shatter the goals and dreams of both the schizophrenic, and the family members who sacrifices to become the caregiver. As if dealing with the seriousness of schizophrenia is not enough to endure; the family may face struggles due to limited financial resources to meet the demands of long term treatment. Schizophrenia does not have a cure, and since it requires varying treatments it can become a financial burden to family members. Depending on the age of the person suffering from schizophrenia, there may be a limited medical coverage for them. Insurance companies vary in their coverage of mental illness, because the demands of care are often long term and costly. When the loved one is not able to work or is a child, they may have to apply for disability, Medicaid, and other forms of public assistance to help with the cost of care. For some with this disease, they do not meet the criteria of total disability; therefore, limited resources are made available to them. This unfair treatment of mental illness has lead to the push for mental health parity. Mental Wellness.com comments, "Mental health parity is the term used to describe the effort to create an equal health insurance system that covers mental illness in the same way that it covers physical illnesses" ("Mental Health Insurance Parity"). The Bush Administration originally supported mental health parity, but as of recent, legislation efforts have been stopped. As of June, 2004, legislation for mental health parity was blocked from passage ("Lobbyists Block Mental Health Parity"). This reflects society's inability to equate mental illness as a disease. Another affect schizophrenia has on family members, is their personal health and wellness diminishes. Becoming consumed by their loved one's illness, they forget to take care of themselves. Some of the health related issues affecting the family are weight loss, inability to sleep, and their own mental illness of depression, which is mentioned on the Internet Mental Health web page (Long, "How Schizophrenia Affects the Family"). Weight loss occurs from the constant vigilance that has to go into caring for the schizophrenic and the family member forgets to take care of their selves. There may be an inability to sleep or insomnia because they are so consumed with caring, and watching their loved one. Depression can occur due to the family member dealing with so many emotions and witnessing this dreadful disease as it affects the schizophrenic. This can eventually lead to "burnout" for the family member, which is why it is necessary for the family member to seek support. As stated on

Internet Mental Health, "The other reason for joining a support group early is to find ways of avoiding the burnout that so often comes with the burden of caring for someone with schizophrenia" (Long, "Schizophrenia: A Handbook for Families"). It is important for the family members to know that there is help out there for them, and to seek it so they do not wind up sick. To summate how schizophrenia affects the family, one can look to the example given in the Ron Howard box office hit "A Beautiful Mind." This movie offers a Hollywood glimpse into lives confronted by schizophrenia. Though this story depicts the true schizophrenic life of John Forbes Nash, JR., it reflects a more positive outcome for this schizophrenic; however, this is not always the case ("A Beautiful Mind"). Schizophrenia is not just devastating to the person who is inflicted; instead, it is an often devastating journey of crisis for a whole family. The experience can often leave a family destroyed, or bind them unconditionally. The Schizophrenic and their family are afflicted with so much turmoil, and suffer not only because of the debilitating symptoms of the disease, but because of too little care, and not enough understanding. There is added challenges due too the unfounded and misplaced stigmas. Society is compassionate toward the terminally ill, and those inflicted by diseases of other bodily systems; then why not have the same compassion for those inflicted with diseases of the brain? Is the brain not a system of the body? As with all mental illnesses in the United States, the public should become aware and tolerant of those who are suffering; and stop feeding the stigmas, and start pushing for equal treatment and funding for mental health related disorders.

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ORTHOMOLECULAR TREATMENT
What is it?
Orthomolecular treatment is defined as providing the brain and the body with the best possible biochemical environment, especially with those substances normally found in the body such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential molecules.

What are the Principal Components of the Treatment?

Vitamins and minerals are administered according to the individual needs of patients. A good diet is considered to be an important part of the therapy. Treatment for such disorders as low blood sugar, allergies, and thyroid problems are included when necessary. Sometimes tranquilizers are used for brief periods, and other treatments and supportive therapy are included.

For Which Disorders is it Used?

The orthomolecular treatment can be used for a wide variety of disorders such as schizophrenia and other mental illnesses, behaviour and learning disorders in children, problems of aging, alcoholism and addiction, arthritis, heart and circulatory problems and many other diseases.

How Can a Person Receive Orthomolecular Therapy?

A physician should be consulted for all medical problems. The vitamin dosages and diet and other therapies should be regulated to suit the needs of the individual patient. If the physician is not familiar with the therapy, he can consult other physicians who are. In addition, the ISF can provide literature for physicians.

Are there any Adverse Effects?

The orthomolecular treatment is generally very safe. A small percentage of people experience some discomfort when taking vitamins, but the doctor can prescribe other forms of these vitamins or adjust the dose.

How Effective is Orthomolecular Treatment?

In the treatment of schizophrenia, the American Schizophrenia Association Committee on Therapy reported 80 percent recoveries based on a follow-up of 1,500 patients. Other physicians report a recovery rate of more than 75 percent and considerably higher in children. The orthomolecular treatment has been found to be highly effective in treating many other disorders including depression, behaviour and learning problems in children, alcoholism and problems associated with aging.

----------------------=================================================-----------------------Psychotherapy is a general term referring to therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client, patient, family, couple, or group. The problems addressed are psychological in nature and can vary in terms of their causes, influences, triggers, and potential resolutions. Accurate assessment of these and other variables is dependent on the practitioner's capability and can change or evolve as the practitioner acquires greater experience, knowledge, and insight. Psychotherapy aims to increase the individual's sense of his/her own well-being. Psychotherapists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building,dialogue, communication and behavior change that are designed to improve the mental healthof a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family). Psychotherapy may also be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychiatry, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, clinical or psychiatric social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, hypnotherapy, play therapy, music therapy, art therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing, psychoanalysisand those from other psychotherapies. It may be legally regulated, voluntarily regulated or unregulated, depending on the jurisdiction. Requirements of these professions vary, but often require graduate school and supervised clinical experience. Psychotherapy in Europe is increasingly being seen as an independent profession, rather than being restricted to being practiced only by psychologists and psychiatrists as is stipulated in some countries.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Definition
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure in which electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. It often works when other treatments are unsuccessful. Much of the stigma attached to ECT is based on early treatments in which high doses of electricity were administered without anesthesia, leading to memory loss, fractured bones and other serious side effects. ECT is much safer today and is given to people while they're under general anesthesia. Although ECT still causes some side effects, it now uses electrical currents given in a controlled setting to achieve the most benefit with the fewest possible risks.

Why it's done

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can provide rapid, significant improvements in severe symptoms of a number of mental health conditions. It may be an effective treatment in someone who is suicidal, for instance, or end an episode of severe mania. ECT is used to treat: Severe depression, particularly when accompanied by detachment from reality (psychosis), a desire to commit suicide or refusal to eat. Treatment-resistant depression, a severe depression that doesn't improve with medications or other treatments. Severe mania, a state of intense euphoria, agitation or hyperactivity that occurs as part of bipolar disorder. Other signs of mania include impaired decision making, impulsive or risky behavior, substance abuse, and psychosis. Catatonia, characterized by lack of movement, fast or strange movements, lack of speech, and other symptoms. It's associated with schizophrenia and some other psychiatric disorders. In some cases, catatonia is caused by a medical illness. Agitation and aggression in people with dementia, which can be difficult to treat and negatively affect quality of life. ECT may be a good treatment option when medications aren't tolerated or other forms of therapy haven't worked. In some cases ECT is used: During pregnancy, when medications can't be taken because they might harm the developing fetus In older adults who can't tolerate drug side effects In people who prefer ECT treatments over taking medications When ECT has been successful in the past

Risks
Although ECT is generally safe, risks and side effects may include: Confusion. Immediately after an ECT treatment, you may experience a period of confusion that can last from a few minutes to several hours. You may not know where you are or why you're there. You may be able to return to normal activities right away, or you may need to rest for several hours after treatment. Rarely, confusion may last several days or longer. Confusion is generally more noticeable in older adults. Memory loss. ECT can affect memory in several ways. You may have trouble remembering events that occurred before treatment began, a condition known as retrograde amnesia. It may be hard to remember things in the weeks or months leading up to treatment, although some people do have problems with memories from previous years, as well. You may also have trouble recalling events that occurred during the weeks of your treatment. And some people have trouble with memory of events that occur even after ECT has stopped. These memory problems usually improve within a couple of months. Physical side effects. On the days you have an ECT treatment, you may experience nausea, vomiting, headache, jaw pain, muscle ache or muscle spasms. These generally can be treated with medications. Medical complications. As with any type of medical procedure, especially one that involves anesthesia, there are risks of medical complications. During ECT, heart rate and blood pressure increase, and in rare cases, that can lead to serious heart problems. If you have heart problems, ECT may be more risky.

How you prepare

Before having your first ECT treatment, you'll need a full evaluation, which usually includes: A medical history A complete physical exam A psychiatric assessment Basic blood tests An electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart health These exams help make sure that ECT is safe for you. You may also see an anesthesiologist to go over the risks of anesthesia.

What you can expect

The ECT procedure takes about five to 10 minutes, with added time for preparation and recovery. ECT can be done while you're hospitalized or as an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure To get ready for the ECT procedure: You'll have general anesthesia, which means you may have dietary restrictions before the procedure. Your health care team will tell you how long to avoid food and drinks before ECT treatment. Typically, this might mean no food or water after midnight and only a sip of water to take any morning medications.

You may have a brief physical exam to check your heart and lungs. You'll have an intravenous (IV) line inserted. Your nurse or another health care team member inserts an IV tube into your arm or hand through which medications or fluids can be given. Your nurse places electrode pads on your head. Each pad is about the size of a silver dollar. ECT can be unilateral, in which electrical currents focus on only one side of the brain, or bilateral, in which both sides of the brain receive focused electrical currents. Anesthesia and medications At the start of the procedure, you'll receive these medications through your IV:

An anesthetic to make you unconscious and unaware of the procedure A muscle relaxant to help minimize the seizure and prevent injury You also may receive other medications, depending on any health conditions you have or your previous reactions to ECT. A blood pressure cuff placed around your ankle stops the muscle relaxant medication from entering the foot and affecting the muscles there. When the procedure begins, your doctor can monitor seizure activity by watching for movement in that foot. During the procedure, monitors constantly check your heart, blood pressure and oxygen use. You may be given oxygen through an oxygen mask. You may also be given a mouth guard to help protect your teeth and tongue from injury. Inducing a seizure When you're asleep from the anesthetic and your muscles are relaxed, the doctor presses a button on the ECT machine. This causes a small amount of electrical current to pass through the electrodes to your brain, producing a seizure that usually lasts less than 60 seconds. Because of the anesthetic and muscle relaxant, you remain relaxed and unaware of the seizure. The only outward indication that you're having a seizure may be a rhythmic movement of your foot if there's a blood pressure cuff around your ankle. But internally, activity in your brain increases dramatically. A test called an electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity in your brain. Sudden, increased activity on the EEG signals the beginning of a seizure, followed by a leveling off that shows the seizure is over. A few minutes later, the effects of the short-acting anesthetic and muscle relaxant begin to wear off. You're taken to a recovery area, where you're monitored for problems. When you wake up, you may experience a period of confusion lasting from a few minutes to a few hours or more. Series of treatments In the United States, ECT treatments are generally given two to three times weekly for three to four weeks for a total of six to 12 treatments. The number of treatments you'll need depends on the severity of your symptoms and how rapidly they improve. Some people may be advised not to return to work until one to two weeks after the last ECT in a series or for at least 24 hours after the last treatment.

Results
Many people begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms after two or three treatments with electroconvulsive therapy. Full improvement may take longer. Response to antidepressant medications, in comparison, can take several weeks or more. No one knows for certain how ECT helps treat severe depression and other mental illnesses. What is known, though, is that many chemical aspects of brain function are changed during and after seizure activity. These chemical changes may build upon one another, somehow reducing symptoms of severe depression or other mental illnesses. That's why ECT is most effective in people who receive a full course of multiple treatments. Even after your symptoms improve, you'll still need ongoing treatment to prevent a recurrence. Known as maintenance therapy, that ongoing treatment doesn't have to be ECT, but it can be. More often, it includes antidepressants or other medications, or psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

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Schizophrenia - Who it affects and how

Schizophrenia does not just affect the person who has the illness it affects everyone. It affects the family of the individual who has schizophrenia. When they start to notice their childs emotional and psychological issues they begin to analyze earlier years of parenting. They are looking for answers to why their child is behaving the way they are. In the end they blame themselves. Some families even after seeking professional help for their child turn away in anger and frustration. These are their ways to cope with everything that is going on. It affects the individuals relationship with a significant other. It will be hard to preserve feelings and affections for one another when one partner has schizophrenia but being open with one another is the key to a healthy relationship. If the ill partner gets the support they need recovery will be much easier. It affects the individuals work environment; their job and their co-workers. In this sort of environment a schizophrenic individual would be very paranoid that his/her co-workers are being judgmental. With this in mind he/she may begin to not interact with co-workers, not keep up with work or neglect it all together. In the end the individual may get fired or quit because the thoughts are just too overpowering. There are programs ill individuals to attend to re-build their work skills and social skills. There are also certain jobs that are made available just for these types of people. They can work at a slower pace and not feel so alienated. Eventually if the ill individual gets the help they can then they will be able to return to a normal work environment.

Everyday life problems

Schizophrenia is not easy for anyone to accept but sometimes the family of the ill person has the hardest time. Family members sometimes decide they want to withdraw from interacting with the ill individual by neglecting them and not attending to their needs. This causes serious problems for the individuals recovery.

Some other everyday problems that occur are: no social life - no friends and having very few recreational interests, delusional thoughts, strange behaviour e.g. laughing at inappropriate times and talking to voices. As well as the illness gets worse and worse the individual tends to not care about their appearance. Typical problems families face

violent behaviour suicide depression

Most schizophrenic individuals are not aggressive unless they feel threatened, so by helping them feel safe and calm will minimize this problem. Suicide thoughts occur more in the peak states for schizophrenics, to minimize this they will need close supervision at all times until these thoughts are controlled. Usually depression occurs when the schizophrenic individual is recovering. To help the individual cope with this emotion present them with a successful time(s) in their life to raise their spirits. The main goal is to give them a sense of support. -----------------------========================================================---------------------

There are several main broad systems of psychotherapy: Psychoanalytic - This was the first practice to be called a psychotherapy. It encourages the verbalization of all the patient's thoughts, including free associations, fantasies, and dreams, from which the analyst formulates the nature of the unconscious conflicts which are causing the patient's symptoms and character problems. Behavior therapy/applied behavior analysis - Focuses on changing maladaptive patterns of behavior to improve emotional responses, cognitions, and interactions with others. Cognitive behavioral - Generally seeks to identify maladaptive cognition, appraisal, beliefs and reactions with the aim of influencing destructive negative emotions and problematic dysfunctional behaviors. Psychodynamic - A form of depth psychology, whose primary focus is to reveal the unconscious content of a client's psyche in an effort to alleviate psychic tension. Although its roots are in psychoanalysis, psychodynamic therapy tends to be briefer and less intensive than traditional psychoanalysis. Existential - Based on the existential belief that human beings are alone in the world. This isolation leads to feelings of meaninglessness, which can be overcome only by creating one's own values and meanings. Existential therapy is philosophically associated with phenomenology. Humanistic - Emerged in reaction to both behaviorism and psychoanalysis and is therefore known as the Third Force in the development of psychology. It is explicitly concerned with the human context of the development of the individual with an emphasis on subjective meaning, a rejection of determinism, and a concern for positive growth rather than pathology. It posits an inherent human capacity to maximize potential, 'the self-actualizing tendency'. The task of

Humanistic therapy is to create a relational environment where this tendency might flourish. Humanistic psychology is philosophically rooted in existentialism. Brief - "Brief therapy" is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches to psychotherapy. It differs from other schools of therapy in that it emphasizes (1) a focus on a specific problem and (2) direct intervention. It is solution-based rather than problem-oriented. It is less concerned with how a problem arose than with the current factors sustaining it and preventing change. Systemic - Seeks to address people not at an individual level, as is often the focus of other forms of therapy, but as people in relationship, dealing with the interactions of groups, their patterns and dynamics (includes family therapy & marriage counseling).Community psychology is a type of systemic psychology. Transpersonal - Addresses the client in the context of a spiritual understanding of consciousness. Body Psychotherapy - Addresses problems of the mind as being closely correlated with bodily phenomena, including a person's sexuality, musculature, breathing habits, physiology etc. This therapy may involve massage and other body exercises as well as talking.

There are hundreds of psychotherapeutic approaches or schools of thought. By 1980 there were [15] [16] more than 250; by 1996 there were more than 450. The development of new and hybrid approaches continues around the wide variety of theoretical backgrounds. Many practitioners use several approaches in their work and alter their approach based on client need.

Gestalt Therapy [edit]

Main article: Gestalt Therapy Gestalt Therapy is a major overhaul of psychoanalysis. In its early development, its founders, Frederick and Laura Perls, called it concentration therapy. By the time Gestalt Therapy, Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality (Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman) was written (1951), the approach became known as "Gestalt Therapy". Gestalt Therapy stands on top of essentially four load-bearing theoretical walls: phenomenological method, dialogical relationship, field-theoretical strategies, and [who?] experimental freedom. Some have considered it an existential phenomenology while [who?] others have described it as a phenomenological behaviorism. Gestalt Therapy is a humanistic, holistic, and experiential approach that does not rely on talking alone; instead it facilitates awareness in the various contexts of life by moving from talking about relatively remote situations to action and direct current experience.

Positive Psychotherapy [edit]

Main article: Positive Psychotherapy Positive psychotherapy (PPT) (since 1968) is the name of the method of the psychotherapeutic modality developed by Nossrat Peseschkian and co-workers. Prof. Peseschkian, MD, (1933 2010) was a specialist in neurology, psychiatry, psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic medicine. Positive psychotherapy is a method in the field of humanistic and psychodynamic psychotherapy and is based on a positive image of man, which correlates with a salutogenetic, resource-oriented, humanistic and conflict-centered approach. It is accredited by several institutions (e.g. State

Medical Chamber of Hessen, Germany, European Association for Psychotherapy EAP; World Council for Psychotherapy WCP, International Federation of Psychotherapy IFP and other statutory institutions).

Group psychotherapy [edit]

Main article: Group psychotherapy The therapeutic use of groups in modern clinical practice can be traced to the early 20th century, when the American chest physician Pratt, working in Boston, described forming 'classes' of 15 to [citation needed] 20 patients with tuberculosis who had been rejected for sanatoriumtreatment. The term group therapy, however, was first used around 1920 by Jacob L. Moreno, whose main contribution was the development of psychodrama, in which groups were used as both cast and audience for the exploration of individual problems by reenactment under the direction of the leader. The more analytic and exploratory use of groups in both hospital and out-patient settings was pioneered by a few European psychoanalysts who emigrated to the USA, such as Paul Schilder, who treated severely neurotic and mildly psychotic out-patients in small groups at Bellevue Hospital, New York. The power of groups was most influentially demonstrated in Britain during the Second World War, when several psychoanalysts and psychiatrists proved the value of group methods for officer selection in the War Office Selection Boards. A chance to run an Army psychiatric unit on group lines was then given to several of these pioneers, notably Wilfred Bion and Rickman, followed by S. H. Foulkes, Main, and Bridger. TheNorthfield Hospital in Birmingham gave its name to what came to be called the two 'Northfield Experiments', which provided the impetus for the development since the war of both social therapy, that is, the therapeutic community movement, and the use of small groups for the treatment of neurotic and personality disorders. Today group therapy is used in clinical settings and in private practice [28] settings. The Psychotherapeutic Institute Bergerhausen (Director: Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner [29] Gessmann) in Germany is using group-psychotherapy since 1973. It has been shown to be as [30] or more effective than individual therapy.

Cognitive behavioral therapy [edit]

Main article: Cognitive behavioral therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy refers to a range of techniques which focus on the construction and re-construction of people'scognitions, emotions and behaviors. Generally in CBT, the therapist, through a wide array of modalities, helps clients assess, recognize and deal with problematic and dysfunctional ways of thinking, emoting and behaving.

Hypnotherapy [edit]
Main article: Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy is therapy that is undertaken with a subject in hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is often applied in order to modify a subject's behavior, emotional content, and attitudes, as well as a wide [31][32][33][34][35] [36] range of conditions including dysfunctional habits, anxiety, stress-related [37][38][39] [40][41] [42][43] illness, pain management, and personal development.

Behavior therapy [edit]

Main article: Behavior Therapy

Behavior therapy focuses on modifying overt behavior and helping clients to achieve goals. This approach is built on the principles of learning theory including operant and respondent conditioning, which makes up the area of applied behavior analysis or behavior modification. This approach includes acceptance and commitment therapy, functional analytic psychotherapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Sometimes it is integrated with cognitive therapy to make cognitive behavior therapy. By nature, behavioral therapies are empirical (data-driven), contextual (focused on the environment and context), functional (interested in the effect or consequence a behavior ultimately has), probabilistic (viewing behavior as statistically predictable), monistic (rejecting mind-body dualism and treating the person as a unit), and [44] relational (analyzing bidirectional interactions).

Body-oriented psychotherapy [edit]

Main article: Body Psychotherapy Body-oriented psychotherapy or Body Psychotherapy is also known as Somatic Psychology, especially in the USA. There are many very different psychotherapeutic approaches. They generally focus on the link between the mind and the body and try to access deeper levels of the psyche through greater awareness of the physical body and the emotions which gave rise to the various body-oriented based psychotherapeutic approaches, such as Reichian (Wilhelm Reich) Character-Analytic Vegetotherapy and Orgonomy; neo-Reichian Alexander Lowen's Bioenergetic analysis; Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing; Jack Rosenberg's Integrative body psychotherapy; Ron Kurtz's Hakomi psychotherapy; Pat Ogden's sensorimotor psychotherapy; David Boadella's Biosynthesis psychotherapy; Gerda Boyesen's Biodynamic psychotherapy; etc. These bodyoriented psychotherapies are not to be confused withalternative medicine body-work or bodytherapies that seek primarily to improve physical health through direct work (touch and manipulation) on the body because, despite the fact that bodywork techniques (for example Alexander Technique, Rolfing, and theFeldenkrais Method) can also affect the emotions, these techniques are not designed to work on psychological issues, neither are their practitioners so trained.

Expressive therapy [edit]

Main article: Expressive therapy Expressive therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes artistic expression as its core means of treating clients. Expressive therapists use the different disciplines of the creative arts as therapeutic interventions. This includes the modalities dance therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, music therapy, writing therapy, among others. Expressive therapists believe that often the most effective way of treating a client is through the expression of imagination in a creative work and integrating and processing what issues are raised in the act.

Interpersonal psychotherapy [edit]

Main article: Interpersonal psychotherapy Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on the interpersonal context and on building interpersonal skills. IPT is based on the belief that interpersonal factors may contribute heavily to psychological problems. It is commonly

distinguished from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on interpersonal processes rather than intrapsychic processes. IPT aims to change a person's interpersonal behavior by fostering adaptation to current interpersonal roles and situations.

Narrative therapy [edit]

Main article: Narrative therapy Narrative therapy gives attention to each person's "dominant story" by means of therapeutic conversations, which also may involve exploring unhelpful ideas and how they came to prominence. Possible social and cultural influences may be explored if the client deems it helpful.

Integrative psychotherapy [edit]

Main article: Integrative psychotherapy Integrative psychotherapy is an attempt to combine ideas and strategies from more than one [45] theoretical approach. These approaches include mixing core beliefs and combining proven techniques. Forms of integrative psychotherapy include multimodal therapy, the transtheoretical model, cyclical psychodynamics, systematic treatment selection, cognitive analytic therapy, Internal Family Systems Model, multitheoretical psychotherapy and conceptual interaction. In practice, most experienced psychotherapists develop their own integrative approach over time.

Human givens therapy [edit]

Main article: Human Givens The human givens approach was developed in the 1990s by an Irish and British psychotherapist, [46] Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell. Rather than focusing on symptomatology, the human givens approach works within the framework of emotional needs, such as those for security, autonomy and social connection, which decades of health and social psychology research have shown to [47] be essential for physical and mental health. It is a brief, solution-focused approach which aims to help people identify needs not met, or inadequately or inappropriately met, and to address these using psychoeducation and therapeutic techniques such as cognitive restructuring, cognitive reframing and imaginal exposure all methods endorsed by the standard-setting National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Adaptations for children [edit]

Counseling and psychotherapy must be adapted to meet the developmental needs of children. Many counseling preparation programs include courses in human development. Since children often do not have the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings, counselors will use a variety of media such as crayons, paint, clay, puppets, bibliocounseling (books), toys, board games, et cetera. The use of play therapy is often rooted in psychodynamic theory, but other approaches such as Solution Focused Brief Counseling may also employ the use of play in counseling. In many cases the counselor may prefer to work with the care taker of the child, especially if the child is younger than age four. Yet, by doing so, the counselor risks the perpetuation of maladaptive interactive patterns and the adverse effects on development that have already been [48] affected on the child's end of the relationship. Therefore, contemporary thinking on working

with this young age group has leaned towards working with parent and child simultaneously [49] within the interaction, as well as individually as needed.

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HOW DOES SCHIZOPHRENIA AFFECT THE BODY?

Apr 8, 2010 | By Liz Stannard

INTRODUCTION
According to the National Institutes of Health, "schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses and to behave normally in social situations." While most of the symptoms of schizophrenia are mental, schizophrenia symptoms can also have a negative effect on the patient's body. However, these effects on the body depend on which type of schizophrenia the patient has. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are five different types of schizophrenia: catatonic, disorganized, paranoid, residual and undifferentiated. All forms of schizophrenia have the same general symptoms, but catatonic schizophrenia has additional effects on the body, which affects the patient's motor skills.

GENERAL SYMPTOMS
As part of the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia, patients also have symptoms that affect their bodies, according to the National Institutes of Health. Schizophrenic patients have hallucinations that affect both their hearing and vision. For example, patients will hear voices, which can be nasty or degrading. Sometimes, schizophrenic patients may hurt themselves or others due to the voices they hear or the images they see from their hallucinations. Speech is also affected by schizophrenia---patients have disorganized speech and have problems putting together sentences and coherent words. In addition, schizophrenic patients will speak in a blunted affect. Behavior is also disorganized, and schizophrenic patients can be irrational, as well as displaying a lack of interest or enthusiasm. When the schizophrenic patient does not undergo treatment for her symptoms, these symptoms can become worse.

CATATONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA
Besides the general symptoms of schizophrenia, patients with catatonic schizophrenia have additional symptoms that affect their bodies. Catatonic schizophrenia is characterized by abnormal motor movements, according to the authors of "Understanding Schizophrenia: Signs, Symptoms and Causes." Patients can have stuporous motor signs, where there is a dramatic reduction in the patient's activity. An example is a cessation of all voluntary movement and speech. On the opposite spectrum, catatonic schizophrenia patients can also exhibit excited motor signs, such as a frenzied episode. A frenzied episode includes shouting, pacing back and forth, talking rapidly and acting out in violence. Catatonic schizophrenia patients can switch between stuporous motor and excited motor signs. In addition, these changes in the patient's motor skills can become increasingly worse without medication or during severe schizophrenia attacks.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/103076-schizophrenia-affect-body/#ixzz2UNvzs6vR

Electroconvulsive Therapy and Other Depression Treatments

When medication fails to ease the symptoms of clinical depression, there are other options to try. Brain stimulation techniques such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), for example, can be used to treat major depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments. The least invasive of these techniques is called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), in which electric pulses are sent by a device held to the forehead to the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain that is connected to mood. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses a pacemaker-like device known as a vagus nerve stimulator to alleviate depression. With ECT, an electric current is briefly applied through the scalp to the brain, inducing a seizure. In addition, alternative therapies such as yogaand hypnosis sometimes work for mild depression. What Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)? ECT is among the safest and most effective treatments available for depression. With ECT, electrodes are put on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied while the patient is under general anesthesia. The current causes a brief seizure in the brain. ECT is one of the fastest ways to relieve symptoms in severely depressed or suicidal patients. It's also very effective for patients who suffer frommania or other mental illnesses. ECT is generally used when severe depression is unresponsive to other forms of therapy. Or it might be used when patients pose a severe threat to themselves or others and it is too dangerous to wait until medications take effect. Although ECT has been used since the 1940s and 1950s, it remains misunderstood by the general public. Many of the procedure's risks and side effects are related to the misuse of equipment, incorrect administration, or improperly trained staff. It is also a misconception that ECT is used as a "quick fix" in place of long-term therapy or hospitalization. Nor is it correct to believe that the patient is painfully "shocked" out of the depression. Unfavorable news reports and media coverage have contributed to the controversy surrounding this treatment. How Is ECT Performed? Prior to ECT treatment, a patient is given a muscle relaxant and is put to sleep with a general anesthesia. Electrodes are placed on the patient's scalp and a finely controlled electric current is applied. This current causes a brief seizure in the brain. Because the muscles are relaxed, the visible effects of the seizure will usually be limited to slight movement of the hands and feet. Patients are carefully monitored during the treatment. The patient awakens minutes later, does not remember the treatment or events surrounding it, and is often confused. The confusion typically lasts for only a short period of time. ECT is usually given up to three times a week for a total of two to four weeks. Who Might Benefit From ECT? According to the American Psychiatric Association, ECT can be beneficial in the following situations: When a need exists for rapid treatment response, such as in pregnancy When a patient refuses food and that leads to nutritional deficiencies When a patient's depression is resistant to antidepressant therapy When other medical ailments prevent the use of antidepressant medication

When the patient is in a catatonic stupor When the depression is accompanied by psychotic features When treating bipolar disorder, including both mania and depression When treating mania When treating patients who have a severe risk of suicide When treating patients who have had a previous response to ECT When treating patients with psychotic depression or psychotic mania When treating patients with major depression When treating schizophrenia What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)? While ECT uses an electric current to induce seizure, TMS creates a magnetic field to induce a much smaller electric current in a specific part of the brain without causing seizure or loss of consciousness. The current is delivered by an electromagnetic coil that delivers the pulses through the forehead. Approved by the FDA in 2008 for severe depression, TMS works best in patients who have failed to benefit from one, but not two or more, antidepressant treatments. Also, unlike ECT, TMS does not require sedation and is administered on an outpatient basis. Patients undergoing TMS must be treated four or five times a week for four weeks. Research has shown that TMS produces few side effects and is both safe and effective for medication-resistant depression. What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)? A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) device was approved by the FDA for adult patients with long-term or recurrent major depression. Some of these patients take seven to 10 drugs at a time and continue to suffer with depression. How VNS works: The small stimulator is implanted under the skin of the collarbone and runs under the skin to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device emits electrical pulses to stimulate the brain. What Alternative Treatments Are Used for Depression? Alternative treatments can sometimes provide relief that traditional Western medicine cannot. While some alternative therapies have become accepted as part of modern health care practice, others still have not been proven safe or effective. Whether or not they are scientifically proven, alternative therapies, by providing forms of relaxation and relief from stress, may have a place in healing and general health and well-being. Examples of alternative therapies include acupuncture, guided imagery, chiropractic treatments, yoga, hypnosis, biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, and massage. In general, alternative therapies by themselves are reasonable to use for mild but not more severe forms of clinical depression. Are There any Experimental Depression Therapies Being Tested? Experimental therapies are treatments that are not regularly used by doctors. Their safety and effectiveness are still being studied. Are There any Experimental Depression Therapies Being Tested?

Some experimental therapies currently being investigated for treatment of depression include: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women: Depression is more common in women than in men. Changes in mood with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-childbirth, and postmenopause are all linked with sudden drops in hormone levels. Hormone replacement is a treatment currently used to relieve symptoms of menopause such as night sweats and hot flashes. HRT can also help prevent bone-thinning osteoporosis. However, the true contribution of hormones to depression is not known. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had depression before and are considering HRT. Intravenous ketamine:The anesthetic agent ketamine has been shown in preliminary studies to produce a rapid (within hours) improvement in depression for same patients. Riluzole: This medicine, originally used to treat motor neuron disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease), has been shown also to affect neurotransmitters involved in depression, and has begun to show promise in treating depression that is unresponsive to more traditional medicines.

Can Depression Return if You Stop Treatment? Even when treatment such as ECT, TMS, vagus nerve stimulation, or other alternative therapies is successful, depression can return. Psychotherapy and/or maintenance antidepressant medication can help prevent depression from coming back. Psychotherapy does this by correcting the beliefs, perceptions, and behaviors that contribute to your depression. If you do experience recurring symptoms, don't hesitate to seek help again. What Is the Outlook for Depression? The outlook for depressed people who seek treatment is very promising. By working with a qualified and experienced mental health care professional, you can regain control of your life. [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

How does schizophrenia affect the body?

The primary part of the body affected by schizophrenia is the brain. People with schizophrenia have brains that look and function differently than people who dont have schizophrenia. It may be due to the brain-messenger system of neurotransmitters malfunctioning. But schizophrenia affects the body in other ways, too. Most of us wake up each day, brush our teeth, bathe, and take some pride in how we look, smell, and dress. Unlike the average person, people with schizophrenia tend to neglect their personal hygiene and health. As a result, they may get sick more often, have problems with tooth and gum disease, and fall prey to preventable health problems like high blood pressure or high LDL (lousy) cholesterol.

Schizophrenia is primarily a disease of the mind. Most of its effects are mental or emotional in nature. However, the disease can affect the body in some key ways. Brain modifications cause the disorder to occur, although what causes the brain modifications is unknown. In addition, schizophrenia may cause sufferers to do harm to their physical bodies, as alcohol abuse, violence, and self-destructive behavior (including suicide) are all complications of the disorder.

Untreated schizophrenia can affect the body in many ways. Because it is a brain disorder, many of the complications associated with the disease affect the mind or the brain. These complications include depression and self-injury. An extreme effect of schizophrenia on the mind is suicide. A person may decide that he can no longer cope with the challenges of this disease. Besides complications that affect the mind, schizophrenia is also linked to alcohol and illegal drug use. These can lead to a variety of physical health problems, such as heart disease or liver failure. Smoking is another behavior that is associated with schizophrenia. This dangerous habit can cause different kinds of cancer, heart problems, and strokes. Treating schizophrenia with antipsychotic medications can also affect the body by causing side effects such as weight gain, movement problems, blurry vision, and an abnormally fast heartbeat.