Archive for July, 2013

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Traumatic Brain Injury and SPECT scans

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With an estimated 1.5 million traumatic brain injuries occurring in the United States every year, there is a great need for resources to diagnose and treat the injuries. Since early diagnosis and evaluation can greatly improve the treatment process, getting a brain SPECT scan after the injury occurs can be very beneficial.

Brain SPECT imaging is different from MRI or CT scans. SPECT scans measure blood flow and activity patterns, allowing the doctor to see which areas of the brain ...

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26
JUL
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Diet and Bipolar Disorder

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While every case of bipolar disorder is different, the best way to treat the condition tends to be a combination of treatment with a general psychiatrist, medication and natural behavioral remedies. Certain foods have been shown to play a role in helping people with bipolar disorder and other mood disorders, while other foods have been shown to hinder their progress.

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, adding these foods to your diet (or increasing them) may help you feel ...

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24
JUL
0

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How to Help Your Children Cope With an ADHD Sibling

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As a parent of a child with ADHD, you’ve likely learned effective coping strategies for dealing with the erratic and stressful behavior that can result. If that child has siblings, however, they may face their own set of difficulties. They may struggle to understand why your family dynamic is different than their friends’ families and why their sibling seems to get away with more bad behavior.

The Impact of ADHD on Siblings

Your non-ADHD child can feel baffled and frustrated by ...

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22
JUL
0

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Distraction or Adult ADHD?

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If you’ve been easily distracted or unable to focus for long periods of time lately, you may be wondering if you have ADHD. While only about 4% of adults have ADHD, it’s estimated that 90% are undiagnosed. Between the internet, texts, IMs and smart phones, it’s safe to say we live in a society that can easily deter productivity. But when is it ADHD and when is it just distraction?

Distractibility is certainly on the rise, but there are ways ...

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19
JUL
0

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Sports Psychiatry and the Female Athlete

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There is overwhelming evidence to support the concern that female athletes are much more likely to develop eating disorders than females who do not participate in sports. The occurrence is so common, in fact, there is a name for a condition in which eating disorders, Osteoporosis and amenorrhea are present: Female Athlete Triad Syndrome. An estimated 42% of female athletes competing in aesthetic sports (ballet, gymnastics, etc.) demonstrate disordered eating behaviors at some point in their lives.

Female athletes often feel ...

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17
JUL
0

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Benefits of Group Therapy

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It is human nature to take comfort in the feeling that others struggle with the same things we do. The benefits of group therapy are numerous, and many studies have shown group therapy to be just as successful as individual therapy sessions. There are likely several factors contributing to the success of group therapy.

Benefits of Group Therapy

Getting together for group sessions helps with the feelings of solitude and isolation people may struggle with as they work through their issues. Every ...

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15
JUL
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The Importance of Brain SPECT Imaging

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If you’ve been researching mental health issues, you may have heard the term brain SPECT imaging. Brain SPECT imaging (SPECT stands for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) is a sophisticated nuclear medicine study that produces clear, real-time pictures of blood flow and activity in the brain. A compound is injected into the patient’s blood stream, making its way to the brain where it emits pulses of energy that light up active areas.

While imaging tests such as X-rays show what structures ...

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13
JUL
0

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In Addition To Psychiatry and Medication, Lifestyle Changes Help Treat Bipolar Disorder

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Getting proper treatment for your bipolar disorder can significantly improve the quality of your life and allow you to have healthy, functioning relationships with others. The best functioning people treat their bipolar with a combination of therapy sessions, medication and lifestyle changes. Once you’ve found the right Dallas psychiatrist you trust to treat you, supplement it by doing the following to help you live your best life and minimize manic episodes:

  • Get adequate sleep. People with bipolar disorder are prone to sleep ...
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11
JUL
0

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Study: Potential Link Between Autism and ADHD

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Results of a new study performed at the Kennedy Krieger Institute indicate that almost 30 percent of young children with autism also show signs of ADHD. This rate is three times as high as the rate of ADHD is in the general population. Since previous studies have shown that autism may share genetic links with ADHD as well as bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia, this most recent bit of information is certainly helpful as we work ...

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9
JUL
0

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The Autism Spectrum And Pervasive Development Disorders

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The autism spectrum includes a range of conditions classified as Pervasive Development Disorders, or PDDs. There is usually some confusion between a diagnosis of autism and a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. There is no clear biomarker or genetic test to determine the difference between the two, so doctors must rely on other clues.

Asperger syndrome was first described by Hans Asperger, a pediatrician, in the 1940’s. For a long time, it was simply referred to as “high functioning autism.” Since then, ...

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6
JUL
0

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Signs Of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder In Children

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About one in 200 children suffers from some kind of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a personality disorder. All children have worries and concerns, but children with OCD can’t stop their obsessive thoughts from happening. Here are a few signs that your child’s behavior may be cause for concern:

  • Excessive fear of dirt, germs or illness
  • Unreasonable attention to detail
  • Need for symmetry and order
  • Fear that something bad ...
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4
JUL
0

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Bipolar Disorder and Substance Abuse

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People who live with bipolar disorder face many challenges, one of which is the temptation to use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate. It is estimated that 60% of people diagnosed with bipolar disorder struggle with substance abuse. People who experience mixed states of rapid cycling have the highest rate of danger.

Substance abuse compounds the problems of people with bipolar disorder. Alcohol and drugs can interfere with prescribed medication, causing them to recover more slowly from mood swings, get fewer benefits ...

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2
JUL
0

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