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August 2006

Phobias A-Z: Optophobia

Thursday, 31 August 2006 9:26 A GMT+01

Optophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of opening one's eyes

Abstract: Transfer of escitalopram and its metabolite demethylescitalopram into breastmilk

Thursday, 31 August 2006 7:42 A GMT+01

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Sep;62(3):316-322. Transfer of escitalopram and its metabolite demethylescitalopram into breastmilk. Rampono J, Hackett LP, Kristensen JH, Kohan R, Page-Sharp M, Ilett KF.

Stress hormones hasten Alzheimer's onset, progression

Wednesday, 30 August 2006 9:43 A GMT+01

Research suggests stress hormones play a central role in the development and progression of Alzheimer's Stress hormones appear to rapidly exacerbate the formation of brain lesions that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease,

Measuring the psychic pain of war

Wednesday, 30 August 2006 9:42 A GMT+01

[T]here is an even more pressing matter facing the Department of Veterans Affairs: preventing the development of long-term impairment in acutely disturbed veterans who seek care.

FDA delays approval of Wyeth's desvenlafaxine antidepressant

Wednesday, 30 August 2006 9:40 A GMT+01

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended by three months the action date for its review of the New Drug Application (NDA) for Wyeth's Effexor® replacement desvenlafaxine succinate extended release (DVS-233) antidepressant.

Phobias A-Z: Ophthalmophobia, Scopophobia or Scoptophobia

Wednesday, 30 August 2006 9:39 A GMT+01

Ophthalmophobia, Scopophobia or Scoptophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of being watched or stared at

Katrina has doubled survivors' mental illness rates

Tuesday, 29 August 2006 8:13 A GMT+01

According to the most comprehensive survey yet completed of mental health among Hurricane Katrina survivors from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the proportion of people with a serious mental illness doubled in the months after the hurricane

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Abstract: Post-partum depression - sertraline (Zoloft®), IPT or sertraline+IPT equally effective

Tuesday, 29 August 2006 8:12 A GMT+01

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2006 Aug 21; [Epub ahead of print] Patient choice of treatment for postpartum depression: a pilot study. Pearlstein TB, Zlotnick C, Battle CL, Stuart S, O'hara MW, Price AB, Grause MA, Howard M.

Depression widespread among Finnish school pupils

Tuesday, 29 August 2006 8:11 A GMT+01

According to the results of a study released on Monday, the mental health of comprehensive and upper secondary school pupils in Finland has deteriorated.

Phobias A-Z: Ophidiophobia or Orphidiophobia; Snakephobia

Tuesday, 29 August 2006 8:10 A GMT+01

Ophidiophobia or Orphidiophobia; Snakephobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of snakes

Repetitive TMS: FDA depression indication sought

Sunday, 27 August 2006 9:03 A GMT+01

Twenty-one years after its first application, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has become a hot topic in the expanding field of device-based treatment modalities.

Abstract: Paroxetine [Paxil®] use during pregnancy: Is it safe?

Sunday, 27 August 2006 9:02 A GMT+01

Ann Pharmacother. 2006 Aug 22; [Epub ahead of print] Paroxetine Use During Pregnancy: Is it Safe? (October). Thormahlen GM. Department of Pharmacy Practice, The University of Montana Drug Information Service,

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Abstract: Benzodiazepine affects memory, enhances intuition

Sunday, 27 August 2006 9:01 A GMT+01

Psychol Sci. 2006 Aug;17(8):700-7. When memory fails, intuition reigns: midazolam enhances implicit inference in humans. Frank MJ, O'reilly RC, Curran T.

Phobias A-Z: Onomatophobia

Sunday, 27 August 2006 8:59 A GMT+01

Onomatophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of hearing a particular word or name

Abstract: Antidepressants and youth suicide in New York City, 1999-2002

Saturday, 26 August 2006 9:20 A GMT+01

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Sep;45(9):1054-1058. Antidepressants and Youth Suicide in New York City, 1999-2002 Leon AC, Marzuk PM, Tardiff K, Bucciarelli A, Markham Piper K, Galea S.

Abstract: Effect of temperament, character on response to SSRIs in PD

Saturday, 26 August 2006 9:17 A GMT+01

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2006 Sep;114(3):203-10. The effect of temperament and character on response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in panic disorder. Marchesi C, Cantoni A, Fonto S, Giannelli MR, Maggini C.

Phobias A-Z: Oneirophobia; Oneirogmophobia

Saturday, 26 August 2006 9:16 A GMT+01

Oneirophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of dreams Oneirogmophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of erotic (wet) dreams

The stress of trauma : Anniversaries are known triggers

Friday, 25 August 2006 8:14 A GMT+01

Indelible in American minds are the images of two airlines crashing, over and over again, into the World Trade Center on 9/11. Will the images of Hurricane Katrina have a similar psychological effect on survivors who see images images over and over a

Phobias A-Z: Ommatophobia or Ommetaphobia

Friday, 25 August 2006 8:14 A GMT+01

Ommatophobia or Ommetaphobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of eyes

Mental health units should not be exempt from smoking ban

Friday, 25 August 2006 5:41 A GMT+01

Exempting mental health units from the ban on smoking in public places would worsen health inequalities for people with mental health problems, warn doctors in this week's British Medical Journal.

Abstract: Suicide rates for persons treated and not treated with antidepressants

Thursday, 24 August 2006 9:18 A GMT+01

Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2006 Sep;114(3):168-76. Temporal changes in suicide rates for persons treated and not treated with antidepressants in Denmark during 1995-1999. Sondergard L, Kvist K, Lopez AG, Andersen PK, Kessing LV.

'Sleep dentistry' a boon for panicked patients

Thursday, 24 August 2006 9:17 A GMT+01

[F]or truly phobic patients, what really works is the painless approach to dental care available through "sleep" dentistry

Phobias A-Z: Ombrophobia

Thursday, 24 August 2006 9:14 A GMT+01

Ombrophobia - An abnormal, persistent fear of rain, or being rained on

Always happy mice key to new depression treatments

Wednesday, 23 August 2006 10:13 A GMT+01

A new breed of permanently 'cheerful' mouse is providing hope of a new treatment for clinical depression. TREK-1 is a gene that can affect transmission of serotonin in the brain. an important role in mood, sleep and sexuali

Younger generation more anxious

Wednesday, 23 August 2006 8:15 A GMT+01

A professor at New York's Columbia University has said modern teenagers and college students are more prone to anxiety and depression than earlier generations.

Action-potential

Wave of electrochemical activity generated by the flow of positively charged ions across the neuronal membrane which causes a neuron to 'fire'
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Affective disorders

Mental disorders characterized by dramatic changes or extremes of mood - depression, mania, or both - including depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), and schizo affective disorders.
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Alleles

An alternative form of a gene (one member of a pair) that is located at a specific position on a specific chromosome. There are two alleles for each trait.
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Amygdalae

Two almond-shaped groups of neurons - there is one amygdala (Greek for almond) in each brain hemisphere. They have the primary role in processing and storing memories of emotional reactions.

Part of the Limbic System the amygdalae trigger an instant fear reaction to perceived threats, real or imagined.
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Anterior cingulate cortex

Has a role in empathy, emotions, cognitive control (attention, conflict monitoring during information processing) and plays a role in stimulus reinforcement learning and reward-guided selection of actions.

Also controls autonomic functions such as heart rate and blood pressure in the context of current behavior.
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Protein required for the growth and survival of nerve cells during development, and for maintenance of adult nerve cells. Studies have shown that some neurotrophic factors can trigger regrowth of damaged nerve cells and stimulate growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses in the hippocampus.
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Client-centered therapy

An approach to counseling and psychotherapy that places much of the responsibility for the treatment process on the client, with the therapist taking a non-directive role. Also called non-directive, person-centered, or Rogerian therapy.
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Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT)

Type of psychotherapy emphasizing the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.

Based on the concept that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things like people, situations, and events. The benefit of this fact is that we can change the way we think to feel/act better even if the situation does not change.
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(Additional information in Ai side panel)

Clinical trial-Phase 1

The first test in humans of a new treatment to see if it is safe to use in people.
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Compassion meditation

Based on Tibetan Buddhism techniques. Trains the mind to optimize the way it perceives relationships with others. Experienced practitioners are able to alter brain functioning to boost positive emotions, and enhance their immune systems.

Related to Mindfulness Meditation/Psychotherapy.
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Corticotropin-releasing factor

A polypeptide hormone and neuro- transmitter involved in the stress response.

CRF hyper secretion is believed to contribute to hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in depressed patients. Hyper secretion has also been implicated in anxiety.
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Cortisol

The most potent of the stress hormones. Synthesized from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. Increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels and suppresses immune function.
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Dentate gyrus

Part of the hippocampus. Thought to contribute to formation of new memories and is one of the few brain regions where neurogenesis occurs. Has a role in recognizing the differences that make each place unique. Processing errors may play a role in deja vu.
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Depression - Atypical

Defined by the ability to feel better temporarily in response to positive life events, plus any two of the following criteria: excessive sleep, overeating, a feeling of heaviness in the limbs and a sensitivity to rejection. Despite the name, it is actually the most common form of depression.
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Depression - Clinical/Major

Characterized by a pervasive, unremitting low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities. In addition there are other physical and mental symptoms that may include fatigue, difficulty with concentration and memory, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, headaches, body aches, and thoughts of suicide.
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Emotion focussed therapy

A short term (8-20 session) psychotherapy based on helping the patient express emotions more easily and thus release unprocessed feelings and thoughts so that they may be dealt with openly.
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Epigenetics

Process by which environmental factors like diet, stress, and ante/post-natal maternal factors can change gene function without altering the DNA sequence. These changes may remain through cell divisions and may also be passed down through multiple generations.
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First-degree relative

A parent, sibling or child of an individual.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system. Dampens brain activity and promotes a state of calm.

An amino acid produced in the brain as a by-product of the Krebs glucose metabolism cycle which powers brain cells.

Note 1: Benzodiazepines (Valium® etc) do not increase brain GABA levels, but increase the sensitivity of GABA receptors.

Note 2: GABA does not penetrate the Brain-Blood-Barrier so GABA supplements are, at best, expensive placebos.
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Heterozygote, Homozygote

Heterozygote: Any organism which has two differing forms of a particular gene for a specific trait, one inherited from each parent.

Homozygote: Any organism which has two identical forms of a particular gene for a specific trait, one inherited from each parent.

Because genes are either dominant or recessive, the genetic makeup (genotype) of an organism cannot always be determined by physical appearance alone.

Hippocampus

A seahorse shaped sheet of neurons laying next to the Amygdalae. Regulates emotions and short term memory.
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Homologous

Anatomical structures that perform the same function in different biological species having evolved from the same structure in a shared ancestor species.

Hypothalamus

Regulates homeostasis, the maintenance of the body's status quo by producing hormones which control: Body temperature, Hunger, Moods, Sex drive, Sleep and Thirst.
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Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

A major part of the neuroendocrine system, comprising of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the adrenal glands, which controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes, including digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality, and energy storage and expenditure.
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Interleukins - (IL-1 - IL-35)

Signaling molecules critical to the functioning of the immune system.

A recombinant form of IL-2 has been approved as an anti cancer drug and and may have anti viral properties. Changes in mental states including irritability, confusion, or depression are a known side-effect.
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Interpersonal psychotherapy

Time-limited psychotherapy focusing on the interpersonal context and building interpersonal skills. Based on the belief that interpersonal factors may contribute heavily to psychological problems. Distinguished from other forms of therapy in its emphasis on the interpersonal rather than the intra psychic.
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Lyme disease

Caused by spirochaete bacteria of the genus Borrelia which are found worldwide. It is called 'Chronic lymphocytic meningitis', 'Neuroborreliosis', 'Garin-Bujadoux syndrome' and 'Bannwarth's syndrome' in Europe.

In addition to symptoms typical of infectious disease - fever, chills, headache, rash etc, Lyme can also produce 'classic' anxiety symptoms including tingling or numbness of the extremities, disorientation, mental 'fog,' short term memory loss, fatigue, poor concentration and sleep disturbance, and may trigger depression. In some cases, these symptoms may not become apparent for many years after the initial infection.
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Meta-analysis

Mathematical technique to amalgamating, summarizing, and reviewing previous quantitative research to arrive at one overall measure of treatment effect.

A weakness of the method is that sources of bias in the original research are not controlled by the method. A good meta-analysis of badly designed studies will still result in bad statistics.
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Mindfulness psychotherapy

Mindfulness is the practice of becoming more aware of the present moment, rather than dwelling in the past or projecting into the future. It generally involves a heightened awareness of sensory stimuli (really noticing your breathing, feeling the sensations of your body, etc); and being 'in the now'. Principles may be combined with the concepts of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) as Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy.
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Neurogenesis

Process by which new neurons are generated after the postnatal stage of development. It appears to only occur in two areas of the brain, the hippocampus and the olfactory bulbs. Hippocampal neurogenesis is thought to counter anxiety and depression.
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Neuropeptide

One of about 100 peptides including endorphins, enkephalins, oxytocin and vasopressin which mediate brain function by regulating gene expression, local blood flow and synaptogenesis. The neuropeptides Cholecystokinin, Substance P and Neuropeptide Y have been linked to anxiety and depressive disorders.
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Neuroplastic

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
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Polymorphism

Natural variations in a gene, DNA sequence, protein, or chromosome-Click page link for more information-

Prefrontal Cortex

Area of the brain's frontal lobes involved in planning complex cognitive behaviors, the expression of personality and social behavior.
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Prospective study

Tests a specific question, usually about how a specific exposure(s) affects a specific outcome(s) by recruiting appropriate participants and checks the outcomes over the following months or years.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

Talking therapy used to help a person find relief from emotional pain. It is based on the theories and techniques of Freudian/Jung style psychoanalysis. However, practitioners don't necessarily accept the 'classical' psychoanalysis theory that emotional conflicts are primarily sexual in nature.

Receptor

Short-lived protein molecules embedded in the cell wall of neurons, especially of their synapses, to which neurotransmitters attach to initiate an action. Also called ´binding sites´
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Receptor agonist

A chemical which is able to bind to receptors of a neurotransmitter and trigger the same biological response as that neurotransmitter.

Receptor antagonist

A drug that is so similar chemically to a neurotransmitter that it is capable of binding to a receptor for the neurotransmitter but which does not trigger the biological response of that neurotransmitter. By blocking its receptors the antagonist disrupts or inhibits the action of the neurotransmitter.

Safety behavior

Behavior undertaken to reduce anxious thoughts, or to keep yourself 'safe' from imagined threats, or to hide your anxious state from others. Examples include constant monitoring of breathing or heart rate, shopping during quiet retail hours, taking precautionary tranquillizers "just in case," taking circuitous routes to avoid highways or bridges when driving, sitting close to exits, avoiding eye contact, playing with keys to hide trembling hands.

Seasonal affective disorder

A type of depression triggered by the seasons. The most common type is winter-onset depression (aka Winter blues), but some also regularly become depressed at the start of spring-summer.
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Serotonin syndrome

A potentially life-threatening adverse reaction triggered by excess serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
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Serotonin transporter

A protein that transports the neurotransmitter serotonin across cell membranes.
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Somatization disorder

Manifests as chronic, persistent complaints of varied physical symptoms that have no identifiable organic origin or basis. Often co morbid with other psychological disorders, particularly anxiety or mood disorders, plus irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain. Occurs in 0.2% to 2% of females and 0.2% of males. Also known as Briquet's disorder.-Click page link for more information-

Sympathetic nervous system

The part of the nervous system which controls the body’s internal, involuntary processes including breathing, digestion, blood vessel tone, heart rate, etc. It also mediates the fight-or-flight response.

Synapses

Gaps between neurons through which "information" flows from one neuron (brain cell) to another.
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White matter

Regions of the brain and spinal cord largely composed of nerve fibers (axons) sheathed in insulating myelin composed of lipids (fats) which give them their color.

White matter abnormalities (hyperintensities):
Damage to the myelin insulation. May be inherited, the result of disease (Multiple Sclerosis) or physical injury, stroke etc. Most brains accumulate some WM abnormalities with age.
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