Blog Feed: Candida Abrahamson's Blog

3,520 parenting books–and my kids still won’t listen to me!

Published on 2012-12-30 17:06:23

According to the Bowker Books in Print database (courtesy of the WSJ article “New Ways to Get Kids to Behave”), the number of parenting books published or distributed rose from 2,774 in 2007 to 3,520 in 2011. I’ll bet most folks rea

Highly-anticipated obesity drugs: Have we got it right this time?

Published on 2012-12-04 20:53:50

In June of this year, the Food and Drug Administrationa approved the first weight-loss drug in 13 years with its approval of  Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc’s Belviq. Belviq was one of three weight-loss medications hoping for approval by the FDA a

Highly-anticipated obesity drugs: Have we got it right this time?

Published on 2012-12-04 20:53:50

In June of this year, the Food and Drug Administrationa approved the first weight-loss drug in 13 years with its approval of  Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc’s Belviq. Belviq was one of three weight-loss medications hoping for approval by the FDA a

Mental Illness More Malignant than Melanoma

Published on 2012-11-28 22:10:57

If you throw mental illness and addiction into one cesspool, take the graduated weight for that side of the equation, and then go about seeing how your second side fares, you might find yourself arguing that mental illness is more disabling even than

Mental Illness More Malignant than Melanoma

Published on 2012-11-28 22:10:57

If you throw mental illness and addiction into one cesspool, take the graduated weight for that side of the equation, and then go about seeing how your second side fares, you might find yourself arguing that mental illness is more disabling even than

I smell a rat when it comes to countrywide assessments of our health

Published on 2012-11-20 17:03:40

You may remember as far back as three and a half months ago when I brought down in the blog a graph that made it quite clear that, as Americans, we were both paying more than members of any other civilized country, and–to boot!–our rates

I smell a rat when it comes to countrywide assessments of our health

Published on 2012-11-20 17:03:40

You may remember as far back as three and a half months ago when I brought down in the blog a graph that made it quite clear that, as Americans, we were both paying more than members of any other civilized country, and–to boot!–our rates

How Do Generic and Brand Name Drugs Differ?

Published on 2012-11-20 16:25:44

“Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price. According to the Congressional Budget Office, generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8

Need help controlling binge eating? Never fear, an opioid receptor antagonist is here.

Published on 2012-11-20 06:56:53

Published in November 13′s Molecular Psychiatry, the results of a double-blind, one-month, placebo-controlled study found that an opioid receptor antagonist reduces a binge-eater’s preference for sweet, high-fat foods. B. Timothy Walsh,

Need help controlling binge eating? Never fear, an opioid receptor antagonist is here.

Published on 2012-11-20 06:56:53

Published in November 13′s Molecular Psychiatry, the results of a double-blind, one-month, placebo-controlled study found that an opioid receptor antagonist reduces a binge-eater’s preference for sweet, high-fat foods. B. Timothy Walsh,

Better Late Than Never: China Adopts Its First Mental Health Law

Published on 2012-10-29 07:46:08

This past Friday China passed its very first law designed to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Wang Shaoli, deputy head of the Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, a leading psychiatric hospital, told the Chinese newspaper Xinhua that “[u]nder

Better Late Than Never: China Adopts Its First Mental Health Law

Published on 2012-10-29 07:46:08

This past Friday China passed its very first law designed to protect the rights of the mentally ill. Wang Shaoli, deputy head of the Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, a leading psychiatric hospital, told the Chinese newspaper Xinhua that “[u]nder the new law, all sections of the society, including the government, non-governmental organizations and families, bear responsibilities in [...]

Mood Mate: Great Mental Health App, Could We Get One Like It Stateside?

Published on 2012-10-22 07:44:32

Sometimes the time for an app has just come. Launched on World Mental Health Day on October 10, a new mental health app already has more than 1,500 downloads and a #3 ranking among free Health & Fitness apps–and, lest we forget, a mention on

Mood Mate: Great Mental Health App, Could We Get One Like It Stateside?

Published on 2012-10-22 07:44:32

Sometimes the time for an app has just come. Launched on World Mental Health Day on October 10, a new mental health app already has more than 1,500 downloads and a #3 ranking among free Health & Fitness apps–and, lest we forget, a mention on Twitter by none other than Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former spokesman who [...]

The best in bipolar apps

Published on 2012-10-20 10:16:35

This week’s version of ”Staying Current With Bipolar” provides a selection of reviews of the best apps for bipolar disorder, including Healthline’s review of the 10 Best iPhone and Android Apps for BD. See if there’s an

The best in bipolar apps

Published on 2012-10-20 10:16:35

This week’s version of ”Staying Current With Bipolar” provides a selection of reviews of the best apps for bipolar disorder, including Healthline’s review of the 10 Best iPhone and Android Apps for BD. See if there’s anything helpful–and please do let me know if you’ve been consistently using an app that you find useful. (A tip [...]

We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby–or Have We?

Published on 2012-10-10 05:03:29

I like to think that stigma surrounding mental illness has gone the way of the patents on the big blockbuster medications–it’s just expired and other views, less expensive on the psyche, have moved in to fill its place. Celebrities and th

We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby–or Have We?

Published on 2012-10-10 05:03:29

I like to think that stigma surrounding mental illness has gone the way of the patents on the big blockbuster medications–it’s just expired and other views, less expensive on the psyche, have moved in to fill its place. Celebrities and the otherwise famous ‘come out,’ shattering the illusion of the mentally ill as hapless, disenfranchised, [...]

Top-Rated Mental Health Mobile App “WhatsMyM3″ Is Now Only 99-Cents to Honor World Mental Health Day

Published on 2012-10-09 13:38:38

Everybody loves a bargain, and, in honor of World Mental Health Day October 10, What’sMyM3, a highly rated mental health app, is cutting its price by a third to the bargain basement cost of $0.99. If you check out the app on the iPhone youR

Top-Rated Mental Health Mobile App “WhatsMyM3″ Is Now Only 99-Cents to Honor World Mental Health Day

Published on 2012-10-09 13:38:38

Everybody loves a bargain, and, in honor of World Mental Health Day October 10, What’sMyM3, a highly rated mental health app, is cutting its price by a third to the bargain basement cost of $0.99. If you check out the app on the iPhone you’ll find the description currently includes this little ad-let: “October is Mental [...]

Wednesday is World Mental Health Day: Post a Mental Health Blog

Published on 2012-10-08 07:10:28

Wednesday, October 10th, is the 20th World Mental Health Day, part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 7-13th. What, pray tell, does World Mental Health Day actually mean? you may be asking. Lucky for you the World Health Organization has com

Wednesday is World Mental Health Day: Post a Mental Health Blog

Published on 2012-10-08 07:10:28

Wednesday, October 10th, is the 20th World Mental Health Day, part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 7-13th. What, pray tell, does World Mental Health Day actually mean? you may be asking. Lucky for you the World Health Organization has come along as the answer to your prayers. They write pithily on their site: “World Mental Health [...]

The atypically popular atypical antipsychotics

Published on 2012-10-05 07:13:20

We know one thing for sure that’s typical for the atypical (or second generation) antipsychotics. They’ve caught on like a house on fire. The atypicals are the top-selling class of drugs today, with revenues in 2010 of about $14.6 billion and $18.2 billion in 2011. They have even surpassed the blockbuster statins that treat high cholesterol (think Lipitor) and [...]

The atypically popular atypical antipsychotics

Published on 2012-10-05 07:13:20

We know one thing for sure that’s typical for the atypical (or second generation) antipsychotics. They’ve caught on like a house on fire. The atypicals are the top-selling class of drugs today, with revenues in 2010 of about $14.6 billion and $18.2 billion in 2011. They have even surpassed the blockbuster statins that treat high cholesterol (think Lipitor) and [...]

Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 7-13

Published on 2012-10-02 06:50:56

Next week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Established by Congress in 1990 thanks to efforts by the tireless National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it occurs every year during the first week of October to raise awareness about mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26.2% of adult Americans (that’s [...]

Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 7-13

Published on 2012-10-02 06:50:56

Next week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Established by Congress in 1990 thanks to efforts by the tireless National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it occurs every year during the first week of October to raise awareness about mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26.2% of adult Americans (that’s [...]

Could the Size of the Brain Predict Bipolar Disorder?

Published on 2012-10-01 07:22:43

Let’s say you wanted to find a biological indication of your bipolar disorder, or your husband’s, or your child’s. You’d have good reason for looking for one. Biological markers could ,in theory, clarify the diagnosis (no more, ‘she’s just a drug abuser,’ or ‘maybe he’s just got an irregular depression’), might actually find out what phase [...]

Could the Size of the Brain Predict Bipolar Disorder?

Published on 2012-10-01 07:22:43

Let’s say you wanted to find a biological indication of your bipolar disorder, or your husband’s, or your child’s. You’d have good reason for looking for one. Biological markers could ,in theory, clarify the diagnosis (no more, ‘she’s just a drug abuser,’ or ‘maybe he’s just got an irregular depression’), might actually find out what phase [...]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published on 2012-09-30 05:02:33

(credit to AslanMedia) October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And it pays to be aware and increase awareness, since breast cancer occurs with staggering frequency, leaving almost no one in the country without some connection it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes: Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the [...]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published on 2012-09-30 05:02:33

(credit to AslanMedia) October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And it pays to be aware and increase awareness, since breast cancer occurs with staggering frequency, leaving almost no one in the country without some connection it. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention notes: Not counting some kinds of skin cancer, breast cancer in the [...]

Smartphone = Smart Healthcare Infographic

Published on 2012-09-27 07:08:36

I just love it when two interests of mine coincide–and I don’t even have to read an advanced ‘Results’ section of a paper [remember: it's all okay if p is greater than 0.05, right?] to get to the crux of an issue. I’m a softie for infographics [you might have noticed], with a strong interest in the [...]

Smartphone = Smart Healthcare Infographic

Published on 2012-09-27 07:08:36

I just love it when two interests of mine coincide–and I don’t even have to read an advanced ‘Results’ section of a paper [remember: it's all okay if p is greater than 0.05, right?] to get to the crux of an issue. I’m a softie for infographics [you might have noticed], with a strong interest in the [...]

The Simplest Move You’ll Ever Make For Mental Health Parity

Published on 2012-09-25 13:13:46

The American Psychiatric Association is asking for your help in creating mental health parity in the U.S. The background of their call to action reads as follows: “As we approach the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) on October 3, 2008, we are asking for your [...]

The Simplest Move You’ll Ever Make For Mental Health Parity

Published on 2012-09-25 13:13:46

The American Psychiatric Association is asking for your help in creating mental health parity in the U.S. The background of their call to action reads as follows: “As we approach the fourth anniversary of the enactment of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) on October 3, 2008, we are asking for your [...]

“Who You Gonna Call?”: Others’ Prayers Impact On Illness, Redux

Published on 2012-09-24 06:45:36

My mother likes to compliment herself on her cooking. “That was truly delicious!” she’ll exclaim, her mouth still full of her last bite of a fancy beef stew. “And I was able to make it during such a hectic day. It’s great to be organized.” Truth is, her cooking is great–but the point is that [...]

“Who You Gonna Call?”: Others’ Prayers Impact On Illness, Redux

Published on 2012-09-24 06:45:36

My mother likes to compliment herself on her cooking. “That was truly delicious!” she’ll exclaim, her mouth still full of her last bite of a fancy beef stew. “And I was able to make it during such a hectic day. It’s great to be organized.” Truth is, her cooking is great–but the point is that [...]

Top UK Mental Health Issues in 2012

Published on 2012-09-21 06:43:53

The UK-based Mind: For Better Mental Health is a mental health charity whose mission is to be there “to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn for advice and support.” They have an information and advice section, helpline numbers to call, ideas of what to do if you’re in crisis, information on [...]

Top UK Mental Health Issues in 2012

Published on 2012-09-21 06:43:53

The UK-based Mind: For Better Mental Health is a mental health charity whose mission is to be there “to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn for advice and support.” They have an information and advice section, helpline numbers to call, ideas of what to do if you’re in crisis, information on [...]

How the World of the Atypical Passed Me By–and How I Could Use Your Help

Published on 2012-09-16 14:19:06

I blithely wrote a post for my blogging day job on the atypical antipsychotics, cleverly (or so I thought at the time, at least) entitling it “The Atypical History of Atypical Antipsychotics,” and I covered what I considered the big guns among the atypicals: Clorazil, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Geodon, and Abilify. Little did I know [...]

How the World of the Atypical Passed Me By–and How I Could Use Your Help

Published on 2012-09-16 14:19:06

I blithely wrote a post for my blogging day job on the atypical antipsychotics, cleverly (or so I thought at the time, at least) entitling it “The Atypical History of Atypical Antipsychotics,” and I covered what I considered the big guns among the atypicals: Clorazil, Zyprexa, Risperdal, Seroquel, Geodon, and Abilify. Little did I know [...]

World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide Around the World

Published on 2012-09-10 07:16:01

September 10th, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the World Suicide Prevention Day, with the theme this year of  ”Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope.” Before we can prevent it, thought, we should probably know what it looks like. So what do suicide rates look like around the world? Let’s take a [...]

World Suicide Prevention Day: Suicide Around the World

Published on 2012-09-10 07:16:01

September 10th, 2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the World Suicide Prevention Day, with the theme this year of  ”Suicide Prevention across the Globe: Strengthening Protective Factors and Instilling Hope.” Before we can prevent it, thought, we should probably know what it looks like. So what do suicide rates look like around the world? Let’s take a [...]

Suicide in the Elderly: A Story in Statistics (in time for World Suicide Prevention Day)

Published on 2012-09-07 07:11:25

In time for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2012, let’s do some myth-busting. Although they don’t seem like likely candidates, and although the myth persists that suicide is most common among the young, the elderly have the highest suicide rates of any age group. Even though in 2006 the elderly (we’re starting with [...]

Suicide in the Elderly: A Story in Statistics (in time for World Suicide Prevention Day)

Published on 2012-09-07 07:11:25

In time for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2012, let’s do some myth-busting. Although they don’t seem like likely candidates, and although the myth persists that suicide is most common among the young, the elderly have the highest suicide rates of any age group. Even though in 2006 the elderly (we’re starting with [...]

From Aretaeus on the Aegean to Abilfy: A Brief History of Bipolar Disorder

Published on 2012-09-05 06:45:51

Doesn’t it start to seem like the Greeks invented just about everything? Of course they invented geometry, for which some are not completely grateful, philosophy–which has provided a haven for many rudderless college students–and just imagine a wold without parchment. Oh–and who could forget the catapult? For crying out loud, they invented the Olympics, and [...]

From Aretaeus on the Aegean to Abilfy: A Brief History of Bipolar Disorder

Published on 2012-09-05 06:45:51

Doesn’t it start to seem like the Greeks invented just about everything? Of course they invented geometry, for which some are not completely grateful, philosophy–which has provided a haven for many rudderless college students–and just imagine a wold without parchment. Oh–and who could forget the catapult? For crying out loud, they invented the Olympics, and [...]

Cervical Cancer? Yup, an App For That, Too–But Is It Any Good?

Published on 2012-09-03 07:00:50

Given that it’s Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, with cervical cancer claiming its spot as the most common of these cancers, I began to wonder what the app world is doing for awareness and prevention. Better and more sophisticated applications for diabetes monitoring seem to appear fast and furious these days, with new and more innovative [...]

Cervical Cancer? Yup, an App For That, Too–But Is It Any Good?

Published on 2012-09-03 07:00:50

Given that it’s Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, with cervical cancer claiming its spot as the most common of these cancers, I began to wonder what the app world is doing for awareness and prevention. Better and more sophisticated applications for diabetes monitoring seem to appear fast and furious these days, with new and more innovative [...]

September is Cancer Awareness Month For Five Cancers. . .

Published on 2012-08-30 06:19:56

September is Cancer Awareness Month for: Gynecologic cancer, Ovarian cancer, Leukemia and Lymphoma, Prostate cancer, and Thyroid cancer. Know the facts about each, and think about taking some of the suggested actions to support awareness. As the infographic shows–Cancer touches everyone. It’s important that we take the opportunity these Awareness months offer to learn what preventative [...]

September is Cancer Awareness Month For Five Cancers. . .

Published on 2012-08-30 06:19:56

September is Cancer Awareness Month for: Gynecologic cancer, Ovarian cancer, Leukemia and Lymphoma, Prostate cancer, and Thyroid cancer. Know the facts about each, and think about taking some of the suggested actions to support awareness. As the infographic shows–Cancer touches everyone. It’s important that we take the opportunity these Awareness months offer to learn what preventative [...]

Early Abuse Weakens Adult Response to Skin Cancer

Published on 2012-08-28 10:50:50

Clearly growing up with abusive parents is no great shakes no matter how you look at it. Early abuse has been correlated with later-life depression, stunted brain development, anxiety, alcohol abuse–and I’m just getting started. But, even knowing how damaging early childhood abuse is, a study caught my eye that surprised me, and brought home [...]

Early Abuse Weakens Adult Response to Skin Cancer

Published on 2012-08-28 10:50:50

Clearly growing up with abusive parents is no great shakes no matter how you look at it. Early abuse has been correlated with later-life depression, stunted brain development, anxiety, alcohol abuse–and I’m just getting started. But, even knowing how damaging early childhood abuse is, a study caught my eye that surprised me, and brought home [...]

With Some Bipolar Here, Some Bipolar There

Published on 2012-08-26 06:47:27

Sometimes it’s just hard to know what to  make of statistics. For example, according to The Humor Blog, 0.3% of all accidents in Canada involve a moose and only 30% of people can flare their nostrils, and according to another Crazy Statistics post more than ten people a year are killed by vending machines. Just [...]

With Some Bipolar Here, Some Bipolar There

Published on 2012-08-26 06:47:27

Sometimes it’s just hard to know what to  make of statistics. For example, according to The Humor Blog, 0.3% of all accidents in Canada involve a moose and only 30% of people can flare their nostrils, and according to another Crazy Statistics post more than ten people a year are killed by vending machines. Just [...]

Sickness and Early Death: Outcomes of Even Low-Level Mental Disorders?

Published on 2012-08-23 07:08:11

Do you remember how, many, many years ago, in a era before political correctness, we used to refer to people we thought were totally ‘off’ as ‘head cases’? Frankly I thought that term had gone out with the “Dukes of Hazard,” but I was doing my dose of mental health research, keeping up in the [...]

Sickness and Early Death: Outcomes of Even Low-Level Mental Disorders?

Published on 2012-08-23 07:08:11

Do you remember how, many, many years ago, in a era before political correctness, we used to refer to people we thought were totally ‘off’ as ‘head cases’? Frankly I thought that term had gone out with the “Dukes of Hazard,” but I was doing my dose of mental health research, keeping up in the [...]

Poetry: Off the Beaten Path

Published on 2012-08-21 07:03:33

A friend attended a well-known residential program for bipolar disorder, and what was one of the therapeutic offerings, bless my English-major heart, but a poetry group? So I got to thinking. . . I love poetry [I didn't have to think hard for that]–is it possible it has medicinal powers? [I have of course begun a [...]

Poetry: Off the Beaten Path

Published on 2012-08-21 07:03:33

A friend attended a well-known residential program for bipolar disorder, and what was one of the therapeutic offerings, bless my English-major heart, but a poetry group? So I got to thinking. . . I love poetry [I didn't have to think hard for that]–is it possible it has medicinal powers? [I have of course begun a [...]

The Decimating Damage of Depression: Vivid Numbers Plus a Visual

Published on 2012-08-20 05:20:46

; “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die [...]

The Decimating Damage of Depression: Vivid Numbers Plus a Visual

Published on 2012-08-20 05:20:46

; “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would be not one cheerful face on earth. Whether I shall ever be better, I cannot tell. I awfully forebode I shall not. To remain as I am is impossible. I must die [...]

Must Miss Mobile Mental Health Apps

Published on 2012-08-16 07:48:48

After decades of going to movies with my father, I’ve got his modus operandi pretty much down. The first thing to know is that if it’s a fairly ridiculous movie (think “Naked Gun” or “Airplane” and you’ve got the idea), he will laugh himself to the point of tears, and will need an aisle seat to [...]

Must Miss Mobile Mental Health Apps

Published on 2012-08-16 07:48:48

After decades of going to movies with my father, I’ve got his modus operandi pretty much down. The first thing to know is that if it’s a fairly ridiculous movie (think “Naked Gun” or “Airplane” and you’ve got the idea), he will laugh himself to the point of tears, and will need an aisle seat to [...]

Infographic: The Falling Number of Mental Health Organizations

Published on 2012-08-15 05:16:19

The number of mental health organizations and beds has been in nearly a steady decline from the 90s, when the numbers peaked. I thought I would tell you about it. . .but then I just inforgraphiced (that’s my new verb) it for you. It’s a concerning state of affairs. Take a look. Filed under: Living [...]

Infographic: The Falling Number of Mental Health Organizations

Published on 2012-08-15 05:16:19

The number of mental health organizations and beds has been in nearly a steady decline from the 90s, when the numbers peaked. I thought I would tell you about it. . .but then I just inforgraphiced (that’s my new verb) it for you. It’s a concerning state of affairs. Take a look. Filed under: Living [...]

Jesse Jackson, Jr: Far From Alone, A Story in Statistics and Graphs

Published on 2012-08-14 10:03:09

After running a Google Search on ‘bipolar disorder’ with the date, as I often do to catch up with the latest on the topic, I came to the conclusion that all bipolar disorder (BD) research and findings have taken a holiday, and it is all Jesse Jackson, Jr., all the time. The Wall Street Journal [...]

Jesse Jackson, Jr: Far From Alone, A Story in Statistics and Graphs

Published on 2012-08-14 10:03:09

After running a Google Search on ‘bipolar disorder’ with the date, as I often do to catch up with the latest on the topic, I came to the conclusion that all bipolar disorder (BD) research and findings have taken a holiday, and it is all Jesse Jackson, Jr., all the time. The Wall Street Journal [...]

Assessing Depression via App, Part II

Published on 2012-08-13 04:20:22

Although I appreciate all efforts on behalf of mental illness, including those by app developers, I think some readers sensed a degree of cynicism behind my first post on assessing depression via app, since I had the wild and crazy idea that people who felt they might be suffering from depression should probably get a [...]

Assessing Depression via App, Part II

Published on 2012-08-13 04:20:22

Although I appreciate all efforts on behalf of mental illness, including those by app developers, I think some readers sensed a degree of cynicism behind my first post on assessing depression via app, since I had the wild and crazy idea that people who felt they might be suffering from depression should probably get a [...]

Assessing Depression Via App, Part I

Published on 2012-08-09 08:41:34

Before blundering blindly ahead and reading yet another post of mine, take this ‘pre-reading’ quiz, the kind that are all the rage for elementary  school students to take before reading, for–here’s my fancy teacher lingo–activating prior knowledge and helping establish a schema for reading (like it?). It’s a one question quiz, and here’s the thing–you [...]

Assessing Depression Via App, Part I

Published on 2012-08-09 08:41:34

Before blundering blindly ahead and reading yet another post of mine, take this ‘pre-reading’ quiz, the kind that are all the rage for elementary  school students to take before reading, for–here’s my fancy teacher lingo–activating prior knowledge and helping establish a schema for reading (like it?). It’s a one question quiz, and here’s the thing–you [...]

Three Biggest Pharmaceutical Lawsuits of 2012: Psychiatric Drugs Focus of All Three

Published on 2012-08-08 04:20:45

“A billion here, a billion there, sooner or later it adds up to real money.” ~ Everett Dirksen, Congressman What Senator Dirksen knew about government spending is these days being applied to drug company fines. And it seems these penalties are, indeed, finally adding up to some ‘real money.’ 2012 saw three of the biggest [...]

Three Biggest Pharmaceutical Lawsuits of 2012: Psychiatric Drugs Focus of All Three

Published on 2012-08-08 04:20:45

“A billion here, a billion there, sooner or later it adds up to real money.” ~ Everett Dirksen, Congressman What Senator Dirksen knew about government spending is these days being applied to drug company fines. And it seems these penalties are, indeed, finally adding up to some ‘real money.’ 2012 saw three of the biggest [...]

Free Apps for the Mental Health Blogger

Published on 2012-08-05 07:30:28

As I’m sure you may have noticed by the sheer number of posts I put out a week, I don’t run short of ideas. Between my own general interests, and breaking news from the alphabet soup of the FDA, AMA, APA, CDC, WHO–and the other APA–I get pretty far. And that doesn’t count the inevitable, “you [...]

Free Apps for the Mental Health Blogger

Published on 2012-08-05 07:30:28

As I’m sure you may have noticed by the sheer number of posts I put out a week, I don’t run short of ideas. Between my own general interests, and breaking news from the alphabet soup of the FDA, AMA, APA, CDC, WHO–and the other APA–I get pretty far. And that doesn’t count the inevitable, “you [...]

“Staying Current With Bipolar”: Subthreshold BD

Published on 2012-08-03 07:33:17

Put aside the daily grind, prop your feet up on the couch, and spend some time with “Staying Current With Bipolar,” our hand-built magazine covering the latest in the bipolar world. This week’s focus is on subthreshold bipolar disorder, a topic that still generates much controversy. Subthreshold bipolar is basically a conglomeration of bipolar symptoms [...]

“Staying Current With Bipolar”: Subthreshold BD

Published on 2012-08-03 07:33:17

Put aside the daily grind, prop your feet up on the couch, and spend some time with “Staying Current With Bipolar,” our hand-built magazine covering the latest in the bipolar world. This week’s focus is on subthreshold bipolar disorder, a topic that still generates much controversy. Subthreshold bipolar is basically a conglomeration of bipolar symptoms [...]

U.S. spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher: How come?

Published on 2012-08-02 07:25:27

Three posts ago we started wondering why the U.S. spends more per capita than any other nation for healthcare–and falls behind even below-average spenders in life expectancy. Part I showed the staggering visual of U.S.’s disproportionate spending, part II addressed some common misbeliefs about why our healthcare costs are so high. Even those of us who [...]

U.S. spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher: How come?

Published on 2012-08-02 07:25:27

Three posts ago we started wondering why the U.S. spends more per capita than any other nation for healthcare–and falls behind even below-average spenders in life expectancy. Part I showed the staggering visual of U.S.’s disproportionate spending, part II addressed some common misbeliefs about why our healthcare costs are so high. Even those of us who [...]

CTH Mood Tracker Now Free

Published on 2012-08-01 11:59:55

Carol Leynse Harpold, with an astonishing array of letters after her name (MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP) indicating just how qualified she is at this, runs an excellent blog entitled OTs with Apps that is definitely worth spending some time perusing. She pointed out yesterday that the CTH [Cheryl T. Herman] Mood Tracker mood tracking app, which used [...]

CTH Mood Tracker Now Free

Published on 2012-08-01 11:59:55

Carol Leynse Harpold, with an astonishing array of letters after her name (MS, AdEd, OTR/L, ATP) indicating just how qualified she is at this, runs an excellent blog entitled OTs with Apps that is definitely worth spending some time perusing. She pointed out yesterday that the CTH [Cheryl T. Herman] Mood Tracker mood tracking app, which used [...]

US spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher, Part II

Published on 2012-08-01 06:23:56

In Part I we learned the unpleasant, nay, shocking, truth that sometimes my parents were wrong (I see no need to tell them, though, so let’s keep it between us). They were sure that in life one got what they paid for–yet, as evidenced by the graph you simply must see in the last post, [...]

US spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher, Part II

Published on 2012-08-01 06:23:56

In Part I we learned the unpleasant, nay, shocking, truth that sometimes my parents were wrong (I see no need to tell them, though, so let’s keep it between us). They were sure that in life one got what they paid for–yet, as evidenced by the graph you simply must see in the last post, [...]

US spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher, Part I

Published on 2012-07-31 07:35:38

US spends more on medical care per person than any country, yet life expectancy isn’t higher, Part I

Published on 2012-07-31 07:35:38

Talking Your Way to Health?: Psychotherapy for Bipolar

Published on 2012-07-30 07:05:12

Sometimes bipolar disorder (BD) can be a tough row to hoe. There are intermittent hospitalizations, mood instability even when you think you’re at your best, medications with side effects that don’t bear speaking about–and a wee bit of stigma, too. And not everyone returns to full functioning after an episode. BD is the 6th leading [...]

Talking Your Way to Health?: Psychotherapy for Bipolar

Published on 2012-07-30 07:05:12

Sometimes bipolar disorder (BD) can be a tough row to hoe. There are intermittent hospitalizations, mood instability even when you think you’re at your best, medications with side effects that don’t bear speaking about–and a wee bit of stigma, too. And not everyone returns to full functioning after an episode. BD is the 6th leading [...]

5 Treatments for Bipolar Depression You May Not Know–Yet–Guest Post on Madame Bipolar

Published on 2012-07-28 07:47:29

Our guest post on this topic starts off. . . “If you feel depression has come to predominate your bipolar existence, you’re in good company. Research indicates that, at a minimum, three times as many days are spent in depressive episodes than in manic or hypomanic ones for bipolar 1. And Joseph R. Calabrese, MD, director of [...]

5 Treatments for Bipolar Depression You May Not Know–Yet–Guest Post on Madame Bipolar

Published on 2012-07-28 07:47:29

Our guest post on this topic starts off. . . “If you feel depression has come to predominate your bipolar existence, you’re in good company. Research indicates that, at a minimum, three times as many days are spent in depressive episodes than in manic or hypomanic ones for bipolar 1. And Joseph R. Calabrese, MD, director of [...]

Mental Illness by the 12-Month Numbers: Who Had What In The Past Year?

Published on 2012-07-27 07:10:32

It’s hard for me to imagine wanting a job where you go around knocking on strangers’ doors and asking if they have a mental illness–or maybe two or three. But that’s precisely what researchers in the National Comorbidity Survey by Harvard University, the very first large-scale study of the prevalence of mental illness in the United [...]

Mental Illness by the 12-Month Numbers: Who Had What In The Past Year?

Published on 2012-07-27 07:10:32

It’s hard for me to imagine wanting a job where you go around knocking on strangers’ doors and asking if they have a mental illness–or maybe two or three. But that’s precisely what researchers in the National Comorbidity Survey by Harvard University, the very first large-scale study of the prevalence of mental illness in the United [...]

A Blog, A Visual, A Set of Statistics: Mental Illness By the Numbers

Published on 2012-07-26 07:15:56

Dr. Kristina Randle, PhD, LCSW, runs a superlative mental health blog entitled Mental Health and Criminal Justice. She has a truly well-done set of infographics [yes, that again] that she’s created herself, on topics as wide-ranging as “10 Quick Facts About Schizophrenia” to the “Benefits of Blogging” to “What Turns Off Men and Women.”  They’re [...]

A Blog, A Visual, A Set of Statistics: Mental Illness By the Numbers

Published on 2012-07-26 07:15:56

Dr. Kristina Randle, PhD, LCSW, runs a superlative mental health blog entitled Mental Health and Criminal Justice. She has a truly well-done set of infographics [yes, that again] that she’s created herself, on topics as wide-ranging as “10 Quick Facts About Schizophrenia” to the “Benefits of Blogging” to “What Turns Off Men and Women.”  They’re [...]

“The Lives of Two Hashtags” Takes on a Life of Its Own: Physical Illness Beats Out Mental

Published on 2012-07-25 17:01:31

“The Lives of Two Hashtags” Takes on a Life of Its Own: Physical Illness Beats Out Mental

Published on 2012-07-25 17:01:31

Lives of Two Hashtags: How Can Mental Illness Compete?

Published on 2012-07-25 07:31:32

Twitter has its fingers on the pulse of the nation, on the ‘what’s-hot-what’s-not’ ongoings in the world of the web. So, using visual.ly’s software, I checked out how frequently the hashtag ‘#mentalillness’ occurred on Twitter in the past month. create infographics with visual.ly The numbers seemed low to me–alarmingly low, given the depth and breadth [...]

What’s the Matter with Mobile Health Apps Today?

Published on 2012-07-24 05:50:32

“I don’t see why anybody wants ‘em!. . ./They are just impossible to control!?What’s the matter with. . . .mobile health apps??. . . today?” When it isn’t Dick Van Dyke lamenting the state of kids in “Bye Bye Birdie,” it seems it’s a group of nay-sayers about the status of mobile health apps. With [...]

Medical Uses of Abused Drugs Infographic

Published on 2012-07-23 07:30:19

In all the exciting moonlighting that I do when not dedicating myself slavishly to this blog, I stumbled into a gig on a drug database site. Don’t ask. Anyway, I had just finished work on the post, “Most Abused Prescription Drugs In the US,” noting that not one but two psychiatric drugs made the cut of [...]

Medical Uses of Abused Drugs Infographic

Published on 2012-07-23 07:30:19

In all the exciting moonlighting that I do when not dedicating myself slavishly to this blog, I stumbled into a gig on a drug database site. Don’t ask. Anyway, I had just finished work on the post, “Most Abused Prescription Drugs In the US,” noting that not one but two psychiatric drugs made the cut of [...]

If the Wife Takes an Antidepressant, is the Husband Protected From Suicide?

Published on 2012-07-20 06:45:37

About one in every 10 Americans takes an antidepressant these days. It’s a hip thing to do. A Center for Disease Control and Prevention Data Brief, “Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2005–2008,” shares some interesting statistics about how usage has grown, and who’s leading the charge. For example, Antidepressants were the [...]

If the Wife Takes an Antidepressant, is the Husband Protected From Suicide?

Published on 2012-07-20 06:45:37

About one in every 10 Americans takes an antidepressant these days. It’s a hip thing to do. A Center for Disease Control and Prevention Data Brief, “Antidepressant Use in Persons Aged 12 and Over: United States, 2005–2008,” shares some interesting statistics about how usage has grown, and who’s leading the charge. For example, Antidepressants were the [...]

Fending off Forgetting: Pillboxie

Published on 2012-07-17 11:32:19

Managing medications is a difficult endeavor. I’ve come up with this brilliant little solution: When I wake up and take my morning meds, I then throw them, so I’ll know I’ve taken them. I throw the ones I won’t need again into my pill basket (or I try to, I’ll never make it as a quarterback), and [...]

Fending off Forgetting: Pillboxie

Published on 2012-07-17 11:32:19

Managing medications is a difficult endeavor. I’ve come up with this brilliant little solution: When I wake up and take my morning meds, I then throw them, so I’ll know I’ve taken them. I throw the ones I won’t need again into my pill basket (or I try to, I’ll never make it as a quarterback), and [...]

The Patent at Any Price: The Fight For Market Exclusivity in Psychiatric Medications

Published on 2012-07-16 07:30:45

Hidden in a small blurb in the “Corporate Watch” section of this week’s Wall Street Journal was a piece on pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly and its blockbuster antidepressant medication Cymbalta. Lilly’s U.S. market exclusivity for the drug was set to expire in June of 2013, according to the patent. Once that exclusivity expires, generics can [...]

The Patent at Any Price: The Fight For Market Exclusivity in Psychiatric Medications

Published on 2012-07-16 07:30:45

Hidden in a small blurb in the “Corporate Watch” section of this week’s Wall Street Journal was a piece on pharmaceutical maker Eli Lilly and its blockbuster antidepressant medication Cymbalta. Lilly’s U.S. market exclusivity for the drug was set to expire in June of 2013, according to the patent. Once that exclusivity expires, generics can [...]

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Published on 2012-07-15 07:21:33

“Stigma is one of the main reasons why people with mental health problems don’t seek treatment or take their medications. People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.” ~ Bebe Moore Campbell July heralds in the Bebe [...]

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Published on 2012-07-15 07:21:33

“Stigma is one of the main reasons why people with mental health problems don’t seek treatment or take their medications. People of color, particularly African Americans, feel the stigma more keenly. In a race-conscious society, some don’t want to be perceived as having yet another deficit.” ~ Bebe Moore Campbell July heralds in the Bebe [...]

Woefully Unprepared: America and the the Mental Health Needs of the Elderly

Published on 2012-07-14 06:36:22

“The burden of mental illness and substance abuse disorders in older adults in the United States borders on a crisis.” ~ Dr. Dan Blazer, Duke University Stating the obvious can be a particularly irritating habit. Exclamations of “it’s hot!” when the temperature reached 103 in Chicago last week lacked a certain originality.  Sharing the sure-to-be-true warning “you’ll [...]

Woefully Unprepared: America and the the Mental Health Needs of the Elderly

Published on 2012-07-14 06:36:22

“The burden of mental illness and substance abuse disorders in older adults in the United States borders on a crisis.” ~ Dr. Dan Blazer, Duke University Stating the obvious can be a particularly irritating habit. Exclamations of “it’s hot!” when the temperature reached 103 in Chicago last week lacked a certain originality.  Sharing the sure-to-be-true warning “you’ll [...]

Curing Your ‘Internet Addiction’–Via. . .Internet Apps? It’s No Joke.

Published on 2012-07-13 06:00:22

When I came across apps for what people were calling ‘Internet addiction,’ I thought I had

Curing Your ‘Internet Addiction’–Via. . .Internet Apps? It’s No Joke.

Published on 2012-07-13 06:00:22

When I came across apps for what people were calling ‘Internet addiction,’ I thought I had

“MHealth in Mobile Apps” Weekly

Published on 2012-07-12 18:11:06

Check out the “MHealth in Mobile Apps” Weekly, with the week’s round-up on what’s new and upcoming in the world of mobile health apps. This week’s topics range from an instant anatomy heart lectures app available on the Android to an interview with the VP of Weight Watchers about self-tracking for all to a new [...]

“MHealth in Mobile Apps” Weekly

Published on 2012-07-12 18:11:06

Check out the “MHealth in Mobile Apps” Weekly, with the week’s round-up on what’s new and upcoming in the world of mobile health apps. This week’s topics range from an instant anatomy heart lectures app available on the Android to an interview with the VP of Weight Watchers about self-tracking for all to a new [...]

Forget the Ambien and Prozac–Just Put Away Your Cell Phone, Part II

Published on 2012-07-12 05:30:53

Perhaps you’ll recall from our last post (with the same clever title as this, only a ‘Part I ‘ in place of ‘Part II,’ as these things go) the following: –>Young adults ages 20-24 are heavy information and communication technology (ICT) users. –>According to self-reports, mental health and sleep have  deteriorated, and stress has increased among [...]

Forget the Ambien and Prozac–Just Put Away Your Cell Phone, Part II

Published on 2012-07-12 05:30:53

Perhaps you’ll recall from our last post (with the same clever title as this, only a ‘Part I ‘ in place of ‘Part II,’ as these things go) the following: –>Young adults ages 20-24 are heavy information and communication technology (ICT) users. –>According to self-reports, mental health and sleep have  deteriorated, and stress has increased among [...]

Forget the Ambien and Prozac–Just Put Away Your Cell Phone, Part I

Published on 2012-07-11 06:20:41

It strikes me as fairly incomprehensible  how attached people are to their mobile phones–even in our family, which is of course a bastion of mental health. We’ve got one family member who sleeps with hers, one who watches sports games under the table during meal times–as if no one could notice, one who can pass [...]

Forget the Ambien and Prozac–Just Put Away Your Cell Phone, Part I

Published on 2012-07-11 06:20:41

It strikes me as fairly incomprehensible  how attached people are to their mobile phones–even in our family, which is of course a bastion of mental health. We’ve got one family member who sleeps with hers, one who watches sports games under the table during meal times–as if no one could notice, one who can pass [...]

“Staying Current With Bipolar” E-Paper

Published on 2012-07-10 05:38:37

There’s actually a lot of quality material put out each day on the Web on bipolar disorder. But I was just about abusing my computer’s bookmarking feature, what with saving the best sites, and then forgetting they were saved and re-saving them, and making folders for the sites that were like black holes–and then trying [...]

Medical Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder, II: The ‘Why’ Behind the ‘What’

Published on 2012-07-09 05:38:04

In our last post, Medical Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder: Just the (Unpleasant) Facts), a guest post on Madam Bipolar, an innovative site dedicated solely to issues surrounding the illness, we addressed the upsettingly high correlation between bipolar disorder (BD) and physical illnesses. We covered studies that found that people with BD had increased likelihoods of contracting conditions [...]

Monitoring Melanoma with a Mobile

Published on 2012-07-08 05:19:08

Some cancers get a lot of ‘play time,’ whether due to their prevalence, or voracity, or good organization on the parts of their patients. Somehow skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S., gets short shrift in the public eye. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t all around us, with potentially deadly [...]

What’s In? What’s Out? The Popularity Contest in Psychiatric Drug Use

Published on 2012-07-07 05:55:03

“Popularity is the easiest thing in the world to gain and it is the hardest thing to hold.”

Sometimes You’ve Just Got To Do It Yourself: Bipolar Infographic

Published on 2012-07-06 06:12:18

Every so often I get to jonesing for a good infographic. Like most people long for a drink or caffeine, I want a large visual that tells me just about everything I need to know on a topic in a colorful picture with a few short phrases. Then I can go back to my never-ending [...]

It Pays to Be a Boy–and a Radiologist

Published on 2012-07-05 05:32:34

I think my readers have guessed by now that I like my research down and dirty. From journals with high impact factors, with lots of statistics and graphs, and a whole lot of talk about confidence intervals and “p greater than 0.05.” But there’s something elegant about a survey where you ask people how much [...]

The Connected Elderly: Improving Their Health

Published on 2012-07-04 08:47:02

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. . . .Any man’s death diminishes me. . . because I am involved in mankind. –John Donne As the great enlightenment poet John Donne knew, no man–and we mean woman, too–can survive on his [...]

Addendum to Posts on How to Get Support Online–For Any Illness: patientslikeme

Published on 2012-07-03 22:39:08

A quick but relevant addition to the posts on online support for medical conditions, if I may (see, for example, today’s “Getting Support for Bipolar Disorder Online,” or  last month’s “Twitter and Mental Health: Getting the Most Out of Your Tweeting Experience” for some mental health examples). Patientslikeme is a support and informational site inclusive of 154,826 [...]

Getting Support for Bipolar Disorder Online: Some Suggestions for Streamlining the Process

Published on 2012-07-03 09:02:13

If you’ve been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BD), and you feel alone, or isolated, or desirous of more information about the illness, or you just want to connect to others who share your situation, you need walk no further than to your computer chair. Between online support groups, blogs, Twitter, you can get information and [...]

Breaking News: GlaxoSmithKline to Plead Guilty Over Marketing of Antidepressants

Published on 2012-07-02 13:17:41

Today, I am pleased to announce that the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners have reached an historic $3 billion resolution with the pharmaceutical manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, LLC, to resolve multiple investigations into the company’s sales, marketing, and pricing practices. This action constitutes the largest health care fraud settlement in United States history. ~ Deputy [...]

Breaking News: GlaxoSmithKline to Plead Guilty Over Marketing of Antidepressants

Published on 2012-07-02 13:17:41

Today, I am pleased to announce that the Justice Department and our law enforcement partners have reached an historic $3 billion resolution with the pharmaceutical manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, LLC, to resolve multiple investigations into the company’s sales, marketing, and pricing practices. This action constitutes the largest health care fraud settlement in United States history. ~ Deputy [...]

They’re On Their Way: MHealth and the Elderly

Published on 2012-07-02 10:22:03

Traditionally, senior citizens have lagged behind their younger counterparts in adapting to new technology. This has been true, of course, when it comes to mHealth, as well; an unfortunate truth, since the elderly have much to gain, in independence, decreased hospital admissions, and a sense of control over the health declines that can accompany aging. [...]

They’re On Their Way: MHealth and the Elderly

Published on 2012-07-02 10:22:03

Traditionally, senior citizens have lagged behind their younger counterparts in adapting to new technology. This has been true, of course, when it comes to mHealth, as well; an unfortunate truth, since the elderly have much to gain, in independence, decreased hospital admissions, and a sense of control over the health declines that can accompany aging. [...]

Guest Editors at Madam Bipolar Blog

Published on 2012-07-01 05:56:52

We are currently Guest Editing Madam Bipolar (“Living With and Supporting Others With Bipolar”) a blog that has set the standard for excellence in bipolar writing for some time now. Our guest post, “Medical Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder: Just the (Unpleasant) Facts,” deals with the surprisingly high co-occurence of physical illnesses with bipolar. Check it out for [...]

Guest Editors at Madam Bipolar Blog

Published on 2012-07-01 05:56:52

We are currently Guest Editing Madam Bipolar (“Living With and Supporting Others With Bipolar”) a blog that has set the standard for excellence in bipolar writing for some time now. Our guest post, “Medical Comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder: Just the (Unpleasant) Facts,” deals with the surprisingly high co-occurence of physical illnesses with bipolar. Check it out for [...]

Technology Applications and the Fast-Moving Elderly: The Facts on the Ground

Published on 2012-06-29 05:52:47

In 2011, nearly 80 million Baby Boomers turned 65, earning themselves the official title of ‘senior citizens.’ I’m not a huge fan of this title, myself, but there’s a lot to go with aging that has real positives, so I’ve turned the other cheek. Additionally, the image of the doddering elderly person, cut off from [...]

Technology Applications and the Fast-Moving Elderly: The Facts on the Ground

Published on 2012-06-29 05:52:47

In 2011, nearly 80 million Baby Boomers turned 65, earning themselves the official title of ‘senior citizens.’ I’m not a huge fan of this title, myself, but there’s a lot to go with aging that has real positives, so I’ve turned the other cheek. Additionally, the image of the doddering elderly person, cut off from [...]

A Tremendous Victory for Individuals and Families Dealing with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Challenges

Published on 2012-06-28 13:27:38

Reblogged from MentalHealthMomBlog: My sentiments exactly: STATEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA ON SUPREME COURT’S DECISIONUPHOLDING AFFORDABLE CARE ACT    ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 28, 2012)—Mental Health America today released the following the statement from Dr. David Shern, president and CEO, on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act. “The decision of the Supreme Court [...]

A Tremendous Victory for Individuals and Families Dealing with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Challenges

Published on 2012-06-28 13:27:38

Reblogged from MentalHealthMomBlog: My sentiments exactly: STATEMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA ON SUPREME COURT’S DECISIONUPHOLDING AFFORDABLE CARE ACT    ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 28, 2012)—Mental Health America today released the following the statement from Dr. David Shern, president and CEO, on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Affordable Care Act. “The decision of the Supreme Court [...]

For the Visual Learners: Home-Grown Infographic Compares Popular Bipolar Apps

Published on 2012-06-28 05:01:11

Did you notice that even the more high-brow papers now have bullet points on the sides of the articles, and some sort of visual appended? Seems that actually reading through a piece in its entirety–perhaps even in one sitting–may have gone by the wayside in this day of immediate access, ADD, and Macs that can [...]

For the Visual Learners: Home-Grown Infographic Compares Popular Bipolar Apps

Published on 2012-06-28 05:01:11

Did you notice that even the more high-brow papers now have bullet points on the sides of the articles, and some sort of visual appended? Seems that actually reading through a piece in its entirety–perhaps even in one sitting–may have gone by the wayside in this day of immediate access, ADD, and Macs that can [...]

Managing Marriage’s End With a Mobile: Apps During Divorce

Published on 2012-06-27 08:36:38

“I don’t think there is a lawyer in town that you could hire where at the end of a divorce you will be saying to yourself what a great time you had.” ~ Lawyer  Michael Helfand No one going through a divorce recommends it as a process. It can be long and drawn-out, bitter, and cost [...]

Managing Marriage’s End With a Mobile: Apps During Divorce

Published on 2012-06-27 08:36:38

“I don’t think there is a lawyer in town that you could hire where at the end of a divorce you will be saying to yourself what a great time you had.” ~ Lawyer  Michael Helfand No one going through a divorce recommends it as a process. It can be long and drawn-out, bitter, and cost [...]

Doctors Overwhelmed Too By Mobile Health Apps: Illuminating Infographic from HealthWorks Collective

Published on 2012-06-26 11:14:54

Just a few weeks ago I wrote a post on why doctors might not be banging down the doors to hop on the mHealth bandwagon. But what I didn’t realize until seeing the article on HealthWorks Collective, “Mobile App Overload for Doctors,” is that physicians, even more so than the rest of us, are suffering from App-Overwhelm. When [...]

Doctors Overwhelmed Too By Mobile Health Apps: Illuminating Infographic from HealthWorks Collective

Published on 2012-06-26 11:14:54

Just a few weeks ago I wrote a post on why doctors might not be leaping to hop on the mHealth bandwagon. What I didn’t realize until seeing the article on HealthWorks Collective, “Mobile App Overload for Doctors,” is that physicians, even more than the rest of us, are suffering from App-Overwhelm. When the infographic notes that physicians download [...]

Summer’s Here: Time for Cool Lemonade, Trips to the Shore–AND a Mania Check

Published on 2012-06-26 06:07:59

Late spring and summer, as time frees children from airless school-rooms, and pale white arms peek out from under the season’s first short-sleeved shirts, has historically caused problems for people with bipolar disorder. For well over a century researchers and doctors alike have affirmed and re-affirmed that hospitalizations for manic episodes peak in the summer [...]

Summer’s Here: Time for Cool Lemonade, Trips to the Shore–AND a Mania Check

Published on 2012-06-26 06:07:59

Late spring and summer, as time frees children from airless school-rooms, and pale white arms peek out from under the season’s first short-sleeved shirts, has historically caused problems for people with bipolar disorder. For well over a century researchers and doctors alike have affirmed and re-affirmed that hospitalizations for manic episodes peak in the summer [...]

The Drug That’s Getting a Second Chance: Thioridazine and Cancer Stem Cells

Published on 2012-06-25 10:41:15

Even when still available, Thioridazine was anything but a first-line drug in treating psychosis or schizophrenia–and that was before it was withdrawn from the market. In the class of the first-generation or ‘typical’ antipsychotics, its main purpose was to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia–but the National Institute of Health felt it was dangerous enough that they [...]

The Drug That’s Getting a Second Chance: Thioridazine and Cancer Stem Cells

Published on 2012-06-25 10:41:15

Even when still available, Thioridazine was anything but a first-line drug in treating psychosis or schizophrenia–and that was before it was withdrawn from the market. In the class of the first-generation or ‘typical’ antipsychotics, its main purpose was to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia–but the National Institute of Health felt it was dangerous enough that they [...]

The Phone Phemonemon: Teletheraphy’s Effectiveness In Treating Depression

Published on 2012-06-23 05:48:06

I quite enjoy meeting patients in my office. I’ve decorated it just to my taste, including a high-backed, red-cushioned chair for my own person–but, more importantly, there’s something so real about meeting someone face-to-face, and traversing together with them their emotional terrain. It’s much more intimate this way than through the telephone. However, I’d never undersell [...]

The Phone Phemonemon: Teletheraphy’s Effectiveness In Treating Depression

Published on 2012-06-23 05:48:06

I quite enjoy meeting patients in my office. I’ve decorated it just to my taste, including a high-backed, red-cushioned chair for my own person–but, more importantly, there’s something so real about meeting someone face-to-face, and traversing together their emotional terrain. Eyebrow language, foot-shaking, turning the nearby lamp on or off–all communications from the inner self. However, I’d [...]

There’s a Bipolar App For That, Part II: Beyond Just Mood Tracking

Published on 2012-06-22 02:00:26

Okay. Let’s accept the premise that someone has talked you into the importance of monitoring your bipolar disorder–whether it was your psychiatrist or physician, your therapist, your husband or children, or some genius whose blog you read. And you’re savvy enough to realize that mobile devices have it all over schlepping around pencil and paper [...]

There’s a Bipolar App For That, Part II: Beyond Just Mood Tracking

Published on 2012-06-22 02:00:26

Okay. Let’s accept the premise that someone has talked you into the importance of monitoring your bipolar disorder–whether it was your psychiatrist or physician, your therapist, your husband or children, or some genius whose blog you read. And you’re savvy enough to realize that mobile devices have it all over schlepping around pencil and paper [...]

There’s a Bipolar App For That, Part I: Tracking Your Moods

Published on 2012-06-21 05:00:19

“A mood diary is incredibly helpful, and I always encourage my patients to use them. . .The patients are, on a day-to-day basis, in tune with how they’re doing, and they can take care of themselves.” ~ Adele C. Viguera, MD, Adele C. Viguera, MD, psychiatrist and associate director of the perinatal and reproductive psychiatry program [...]

There’s a Bipolar App For That, Part I: Tracking Your Moods

Published on 2012-06-21 05:00:19

“A mood diary is incredibly helpful, and I always encourage my patients to use them. . .The patients are, on a day-to-day basis, in tune with how they’re doing, and they can take care of themselves.” ~ Adele C. Viguera, MD, Adele C. Viguera, MD, psychiatrist and associate director of the perinatal and reproductive psychiatry program [...]

Mental and Medical–Joined at the Head

Published on 2012-06-20 20:26:57

The American Medical Association is the country’s largest and most influential organization of physicians. 73 years ago they had a psychiatrist at the helm, for the very first time. And then a long, long wait. But just yesterday, Dr. Jeremy A. Lazarus, a psychiatrist, was inaugurated to the presidency of the AMA. Vowing to focus on the [...]

Mental and Medical–Joined at the Head

Published on 2012-06-20 20:26:57

The American Medical Association is the country’s largest and most influential organization of physicians. 73 years ago they had a psychiatrist at the helm, for the very first time. And then a long, long wait. But just yesterday, Dr. Jeremy A. Lazarus, a psychiatrist, was inaugurated to the presidency of the AMA. Vowing to focus on the [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part III: And the Soldiers??

Published on 2012-06-20 05:28:08

“I Will Survive!”: But Can You Teach That To The Armed Forces? And, really–can you? That’s the question on everybody’s mind? For we began discussion with the devastating suicide statistics in the military, which contrasted so starkly with those of black women. And then we analyzed what made these women so resilient, frequently despite markedly [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part III: And the Soldiers??

Published on 2012-06-20 05:28:08

“I Will Survive!”: But Can You Teach That To The Armed Forces? And, really–can you? That’s the question on everybody’s mind? For we began discussion with the devastating suicide statistics in the military, which contrasted so starkly with those of black women. And then we analyzed what made these women so resilient, frequently despite markedly [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part II: What Protects Black Women?

Published on 2012-06-19 09:30:13

We left off yesterday with a run-down of the devastating statistics of suicide in the military (one a day, so far, for 2012), and the VA’s knowledge that it has to act–and fast. And in what sounds like a decision made in theatre,  in their search for answers, the VA turned to black women, the [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part II: What Protects Black Women?

Published on 2012-06-19 09:30:13

We left off yesterday with a run-down of the devastating statistics of suicide in the military (one a day, so far, for 2012), and the VA’s knowledge that it has to act–and fast. And in what sounds like a decision made in theatre,  in their search for answers, the VA turned to black women, the [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part I

Published on 2012-06-18 10:35:23

“Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.” ~ Arnold J. Toynbee Suicide is the ultimate expression of abandonment of hope, of an inability to see a better future, of the experience of agony too great to suffer a moment more. It is a death that comes when  the spirit has gone before it. And I’d [...]

Why The Armed Forces Are Looking to Black Women For Answers: Suicide in the Military, Part I

Published on 2012-06-18 10:35:23

“Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder.” ~ Arnold J. Toynbee Suicide is the ultimate expression of abandonment of hope, of an inability to see a better future, of the experience of agony too great to suffer a moment more. It is a death that comes when  the spirit has gone before it. And I’d [...]

Subjects Wanted for Research on App for Mood Disorders

Published on 2012-06-17 20:46:02

In my June 5th post, “We Know There’s an App For That (Part I)–But Often Research Lags Behind Mobile Mental Health App Claims,” I bemoaned the state of research affairs when it came to apps for mental health, too many of which were untested, unstudied–and, too often, unable to make good on their claims. Well [...]

Subjects Wanted for Research on App for Mood Disorders

Published on 2012-06-17 20:46:02

In my June 5th post, “We Know There’s an App For That (Part I)–But Often Research Lags Behind Mobile Mental Health App Claims,” I bemoaned the state of research affairs when it came to apps for mental health, too many of which were untested, unstudied–and, too often, unable to make good on their claims. Well [...]

Wondering Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? You Might Be Surpised Who Already Is

Published on 2012-06-16 05:14:19

I may not be in the majority here, but I think teaching is a great job. My sister, my two daughters, and I all taught English at some point or other in our careers. Now, English may not be the best choice of subjects, given the obvious problem that the students should really write papers [...]

Wondering Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? You Might Be Surpised Who Already Is

Published on 2012-06-16 05:14:19

I may not be in the majority here, but I think teaching is a great job. My sister, my two daughters, and I all taught English at some point or other in our careers. Now, English may not be the best choice of subjects, given the obvious problem that the students should really write papers [...]

mHealth: When Physicians Aren’t Fans

Published on 2012-06-15 08:41:04

“Despite demand and the obvious potential benefits of mHealth, rapid  adoption is not occurring.” ~ David Levy, MD, Global Healthcare Leader mHealth is a confluence of a number of my middle daughter’s great loves. She adores her iPhone so much that she sleeps with it. Always a visual learner, she’s a total sucker for a [...]

mHealth: When Physicians Aren’t Fans

Published on 2012-06-15 08:41:04

“Despite demand and the obvious potential benefits of mHealth, rapid  adoption is not occurring.” ~ David Levy, MD, Global Healthcare Leader mHealth is a confluence of a number of my middle daughter’s great loves. She adores her iPhone so much that she sleeps with it. Always a visual learner, she’s a total sucker for a [...]

Depressed Older Cancer Patients–What Prevents Better Care?

Published on 2012-06-13 21:01:47

(freedigitalphotos.net) “From 2010 to 2030, the total projected cancer incidence will increase by approximately 45%, from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2.3 million in 2030. This increase is driven by cancer diagnosed in older adults and minorities. A 67% increase in cancer incidence is anticipated for older adults, compared with an 11% increase for younger [...]

Depressed Older Cancer Patients–What Prevents Better Care?

Published on 2012-06-13 21:01:47

(freedigitalphotos.net) “From 2010 to 2030, the total projected cancer incidence will increase by approximately 45%, from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2.3 million in 2030. This increase is driven by cancer diagnosed in older adults and minorities. A 67% increase in cancer incidence is anticipated for older adults, compared with an 11% increase for younger [...]

Genetic Diagnostics: How Scientific Advances Can Be Used, Mis-Used, and Abused

Published on 2012-06-12 09:24:47

If you’re convinced that the path to power, might, and greatness begins with disqualifying all who you deem lesser than yourself, you’re going to need some way to prove your inherent superiority.And if you’re a man with a perverse mission and a willingness to murder men, women and children by the millions, seeking to prove racial [...]

Genetic Diagnostics: How Scientific Advances Can Be Used, Mis-Used, and Abused

Published on 2012-06-12 09:24:47

If you’re convinced that the path to power, might, and greatness begins with disqualifying all who you deem lesser than yourself, you’re going to need some way to prove your inherent superiority.And if you’re a man with a perverse mission and a willingness to murder men, women and children by the millions, seeking to prove racial [...]

Twitter and Mental Health: Getting the Most Out of Your Tweeting Experience

Published on 2012-06-11 10:57:53

A friend of mine who is computer- and internet-illiterate (if you can imagine, in this day and age), tried to explain Twitter to her younger sibling, equally ignorant: “As far as I can tell,” she informed him, “it’s this place where people go online and write things that make them sound like twits.” There you have it, folks, Exhibit A, [...]

Twitter and Mental Health: Getting the Most Out of Your Tweeting Experience

Published on 2012-06-11 10:57:53

A friend of mine who is computer- and internet-illiterate (if you can imagine, in this day and age), tried to explain Twitter to her younger sibling, equally ignorant: “As far as I can tell,” she informed him, “it’s this place where people go online and write things that make them sound like twits.” There you have it, folks, Exhibit A, [...]

I don’t anymore: Apps to help with the details of divorce - Reposted by JP & Tracy

Published on 2012-06-11 08:20:50

Reblogged from Recently Separated...What is next?: “Just the facts, ma’am.”  aren’t what estranged spouses are faced with during divorces. Sometimes the other spouse even has the nerve to take something their soon-to-be ex said or did and totally twist the meaning or quote it out of context. If you are in the midst of the [...]

I don’t anymore: Apps to help with the details of divorce - Reposted by JP & Tracy

Published on 2012-06-11 08:20:50

Reblogged from Recently Separated...What is next?: “Just the facts, ma’am.”  aren’t what estranged spouses are faced with during divorces. Sometimes the other spouse even has the nerve to take something their soon-to-be ex said or did and totally twist the meaning or quote it out of context. If you are in the midst of the [...]

‘Money Has Never Made Man Happy’: But. . .Therapy Has–Apparently 32X More Efficiently Than Money

Published on 2012-06-10 10:56:47

“Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.” ~ Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin knew a lot on an extensively large variety of topics –and pretty much liked to tell everyone about it at any opportunity. It [...]

‘Money Has Never Made Man Happy’: But. . .Therapy Has–Apparently 32X More Efficiently Than Money

Published on 2012-06-10 10:56:47

“Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.” ~ Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin knew a lot on an extensively large variety of topics –and pretty much liked to tell everyone about it at any opportunity. It [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part III): Home Run–When Research Proves a Mental Health App Is Useful

Published on 2012-06-08 19:34:07

It was starting to sound like it just couldn’t be done, right? First I pointed out how so many mental health mobile apps claimed to have reached great heights–and, with no research to back them up, often failed. And then, like a dog with a bone, I talked about apps with research in progress, that actually [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part III): Home Run–When Research Proves a Mental Health App Is Useful

Published on 2012-06-08 19:34:07

It was starting to sound like it just couldn’t be done, right? First I pointed out how so many mental health mobile apps claimed to have reached great heights–and, with no research to back them up, often failed. And then, like a dog with a bone, I talked about apps with research in progress, that actually [...]

PTSD Awareness Month

Published on 2012-06-08 12:53:44

Reblogged from Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma: June is PTSD Awareness Month, and the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs are raising awareness about the problem, along with providing tools, information and assistance for service members who may be dealing with PTSD. Of course, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) does not only impact vets. PTSD, by [...]

PTSD Awareness Month

Published on 2012-06-08 12:53:44

Reblogged from Dr. Kathleen Young: Treating Trauma: June is PTSD Awareness Month, and the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs are raising awareness about the problem, along with providing tools, information and assistance for service members who may be dealing with PTSD. Of course, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) does not only impact vets. PTSD, by [...]

‘The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated’: As Is the Correlation of Antidepressants With Suicide

Published on 2012-06-07 15:23:40

Antidepressants: not out to sink you (freedigitalphots.net) “The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated.” ~ Mark Twain You can always count on Mark Twain for a response, even in the most awkward of circumstances. In 1897, Mark Twain failed to return to New York City as scheduled (I forget why, but, as one who [...]

‘The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated’: As Is the Correlation of Antidepressants With Suicide

Published on 2012-06-07 15:23:40

Antidepressants: not out to sink you (freedigitalphots.net) “The Reports of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated.” ~ Mark Twain You can always count on Mark Twain for a response, even in the most awkward of circumstances. In 1897, Mark Twain failed to return to New York City as scheduled (I forget why, but, as one who [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part II)–Research Works To Catch Up

Published on 2012-06-06 20:09:39

“[T]he volume, breadth, editorial quality and evidence-based methodology upon which [online or mobile resources] were developed are highly variable.” ~ Catherine H Yu et al in January 3 issue of Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association Aaah, a sadly true statement on the affairs of mobile health apps, and all the more so on mental [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part II)–Research Works To Catch Up

Published on 2012-06-06 20:09:39

“[T]he volume, breadth, editorial quality and evidence-based methodology upon which [online or mobile resources] were developed are highly variable.” ~ Catherine H Yu et al in January 3 issue of Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association Aaah, a sadly true statement on the affairs of mobile health apps, and all the more so on mental [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part I)–But Often Research Lags Behind Mobile Mental Health App Claims

Published on 2012-06-05 07:41:24

“It’s a nascent field, and few health apps have been rigorously evaluated. A lot of the apps you see out now have a disclaimer, or should have a disclaimer, that they have not been validated through rigorous research. It comes down to the individuals’ perceptions that the app works for them.” ~ Alain B. Labrique, [...]

We Know There’s an App For That (Part I)–But Often Research Lags Behind Mobile Mental Health App Claims

Published on 2012-06-05 07:41:24

“It’s a nascent field, and few health apps have been rigorously evaluated. A lot of the apps you see out now have a disclaimer, or should have a disclaimer, that they have not been validated through rigorous research. It comes down to the individuals’ perceptions that the app works for them.” ~ Alain B. Labrique, [...]

New NCCBH ‘Health Is Mental’ Infographic*–and Some Ideas for Taking Action

Published on 2012-06-04 13:36:21

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH) put out this infographic this past week, pictorially summarizing the state of mental health–noting how treatments for mental illness have comparable success rates to those for physical ailments, and discussing prevalence and treatments. It summarizes in easily-digestible form (it’s why I’m an infographic addict) much of what I’ve [...]

New NCCBH ‘Health Is Mental’ Infographic*–and Some Ideas for Taking Action

Published on 2012-06-04 13:36:21

The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH) put out this infographic this past week, pictorially summarizing the state of mental health–noting how treatments for mental illness have comparable success rates to those for physical ailments, and discussing prevalence and treatments. It summarizes in easily-digestible form (it’s why I’m an infographic addict) much of what I’ve [...]

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 3 (But The Time To Plan is NOW!)

Published on 2012-06-03 15:21:26

Reblogged from candidaabrahamson: “Some people still think of cancer as a death sentence. But the fact is that more than 12 million cancer survivors are living – and thriving – in the United States today. National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for everyone to . . . celebrate that there is life after cancer.” [...]

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 3 (But The Time To Plan is NOW!)

Published on 2012-06-03 15:21:26

Reblogged from candidaabrahamson: “Some people still think of cancer as a death sentence. But the fact is that more than 12 million cancer survivors are living – and thriving – in the United States today. National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for everyone to . . . celebrate that there is life after cancer.” [...]

Commercial Break For Some Appreciation: The Reader Appreciation Award

Published on 2012-06-01 10:08:51

When I took the requisite five-minute break from morning chaos (while eating breakfast, drinking tea, and toggling back and forth between the distressing stock market news–welcome to my multi-tasking life) to check my blog comments, I found the lovely one below. It’s always a plus to be told how wonderful you are, first thing in the morning! [...]

Commercial Break For Some Appreciation: The Reader Appreciation Award

Published on 2012-06-01 10:08:51

When I took the requisite five-minute break from morning chaos (while eating breakfast, drinking tea, and toggling back and forth between the distressing stock market news–welcome to my multi-tasking life) to check my blog comments, I found the lovely one below. It’s always a plus to be told how wonderful you are, first thing in the morning! [...]

Appalling or Applicable?: The Golden Fleece Awards

Published on 2012-05-31 15:03:31

Sure the Japanese quail looks innocent–but what a ruckus he’s caused. “[T]he biggest, most ridiculous or most ironic example of government spending or waste.” ~ Senator William Proxmire, on the Golden Fleece Awards Democrat William Proxmire served as the US Senator from Wisconsin from 1957 to 1989. It took him almost 20 years to innovate what became one [...]

Appalling or Applicable?: The Golden Fleece Awards

Published on 2012-05-31 15:03:31

Sure the Japanese quail looks innocent–but what a ruckus he’s caused. “[T]he biggest, most ridiculous or most ironic example of government spending or waste.” ~ Senator William Proxmire, on the Golden Fleece Awards Democrat William Proxmire served as the US Senator from Wisconsin from 1957 to 1989. It took him almost 20 years to innovate what became one [...]

What’s In A Name? Parents, It May Be Your Child’s Diagnosis

Published on 2012-05-30 20:28:59

If I had to pick a country to win the highly competitive ’Unusual Connection to Its Own Ancient Language Award’ [a highly prestigious award, as I'm sure you're all aware], hands down it would be Israel. [I would have voted for the Irish, but they don't all actually speak Gaelic and use Gaelic names--the Israelis have got Hebrew, [...]

What’s In A Name? Parents, It May Be Your Child’s Diagnosis

Published on 2012-05-30 20:28:59

If I had to pick a country to win the highly competitive ’Unusual Connection to Its Own Ancient Language Award’ [a highly prestigious award, as I'm sure you're all aware], hands down it would be Israel. [I would have voted for the Irish, but they don't all actually speak Gaelic and use Gaelic names--the Israelis have got Hebrew, [...]

25 Years Early: The Possible Death Decree for the Seriously Mentally Ill

Published on 2012-05-29 23:32:08

It has been ‘known’ in the way that you know things deep down, when you don’t really consciously want to know them, that seriously mentally ill people, on average, die younger than those without mental illness. But it was an ugly shock when the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Medical Directors Council published [...]

25 Years Early: The Possible Death Decree for the Seriously Mentally Ill

Published on 2012-05-29 23:32:08

It has been ‘known’ in the way that you know things deep down, when you don’t really consciously want to know them, that seriously mentally ill people, on average, die younger than those without mental illness. But it was an ugly shock when the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) Medical Directors Council published [...]

The Danger of Doubling: Depression’s Impact on a Cancer Diagnosis

Published on 2012-05-28 10:28:19

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an astounding 1 in 4 cancer patients will experience depression some time throughout the course of their experience. And certain cancers are even harder hit. According to Derek Hopko, Ph.D, associate professor at The University of Tennessee and co-author of A Cancer Patient’s Guide to Overcoming Depression [...]

The Danger of Doubling: Depression’s Impact on a Cancer Diagnosis

Published on 2012-05-28 10:28:19

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an astounding 1 in 4 cancer patients will experience depression some time throughout the course of their experience. And certain cancers are even harder hit. According to Derek Hopko, Ph.D, associate professor at The University of Tennessee and co-author of A Cancer Patient’s Guide to Overcoming Depression [...]

Moving Up In the World: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Gets Promoted to the ‘Big Time’

Published on 2012-05-26 22:27:48

I have the feeling that getting left in the Appendix of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is  like being treated as a totally second-class disorder. It just screams out: You don’t deserve to be up here with the big guns, with depression, with schizophrenia, with narcissistic personality disorder. Just stay back [...]

Moving Up In the World: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Gets Promoted to the ‘Big Time’

Published on 2012-05-26 22:27:48

I have the feeling that getting left in the Appendix of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is  like being treated as a totally second-class disorder. It just screams out: You don’t deserve to be up here with the big guns, with depression, with schizophrenia, with narcissistic personality disorder. Just stay back [...]

“Lies, Damn Lies, And. . .”: An Assortment of True Health-Related Statistics

Published on 2012-05-26 10:29:10

(image from FreeDigitalPhotos.net) “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” ~ Mark Twain Twain certainly  had a winning way with the English language, and his famous line on lies and statistics has stood the test of time. But–and I hate to contradict a man of Twain’s stature, but still–sometimes, just sometimes, [...]

So Sad It’s Funny: The Retraction Debacle Continues

Published on 2012-05-25 10:43:04

You may remember (although honestly, you very well may not, I mean why would you?) that I started a post called “A Retraction Here, A Retraction There. . .A Few Upsetting ‘Whats’ Before The ‘Why’” by alluding to that Everett Dirksen quote, “”A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money,” [...]

ALL News is Good News–If You Look at the News That Gets Published on Psychiatric Medications

Published on 2012-05-24 14:06:18

Let’s do some role-playing.You’re a psychiatrist, attending a meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA). So far so good? Alright. Well, you’ve also attended the 2009 and 2010 APA meetings, and, being interested in psychopharmacology (aka drugs), you’ve attended the presentations on medications. Chances are, you spent a lot of your time getting good news. [...]

DSM-5 Open For Final Public Comment Period

Published on 2012-05-23 17:31:05

Something you don’t like? Driven round the bend by the decisions on Austism? Concerned that Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder got made up whole-cloth? Still itching about the exemption of the bereavement exemption? Sorry that half the Personality Disorders got cut? It’s your lucky day–or six weeks. From May 2nd through June 15th, the American Psychiatric Association [...]

Ways to Follow-Up On ‘Criminalization of’ and ‘Not Servicing The Mentally Ill’: Just Click ‘N Sign

Published on 2012-05-23 09:35:44

If you were concerned after reading “More willing to fund criminal justice than mental health,” or “Just the Facts, Ma’am; The Numbers Don’t Lie: Not Servicing the Mentally Ill,” or merely after keeping abreast of cuts in mental health funding across the country (and the globe, really)–and aren’t up for a full-scale anti-Nato-like protest, there [...]

“More willing to fund criminal justice than mental health:” Chicago’s Criminalization of the Mentally Ill

Published on 2012-05-23 05:09:34

“The largest mental health provider in the state of Illinois is the Cook County Jail.” ~ Tom Dart, Cook County (IL) Sheriff Thus Tom Dart welcomes you to the largest mental health facility in the state of Illinois–Cook County jail. Just last month, on April 30th, 2012, Chicago closed the last 4 of the 6 mental [...]

May 21-26: World Health Assembly Meets in Geneva

Published on 2012-05-22 21:12:36

The 65th World Health Assembly is currently meeting.

“Oops, I Think I Did It Again:” Yet Another Misdiagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Published on 2012-05-22 04:48:43

PET scan of brain of Alzheimer’s patient “Alzheimer’s Disease.” The words instill dread in the hearts of the American public. While cancer remains top vote-getter in the frightening arena, with 41% of respondents to a 2011 survey for the MetLife Foundation in 2011 conferring upon it ‘most-feared’ status [see "The Winner on Fear-Factor: Cancer"], Alzheimer’s clocks in [...]

National Cancer Survivors Day is June 3 (But The Time To Plan is NOW!)

Published on 2012-05-21 17:59:46

“Some people still think of cancer as a death sentence. But the fact is that more than 12 million cancer survivors are living – and thriving – in the United States today. National Cancer Survivors Day is an opportunity for everyone to . . . celebrate that there is life after cancer.” ~ National Cancer [...]

Atypical Attitudes: How The Atypicals Took the Fall in Dementia Patients–The Other Meds Catch Up

Published on 2012-05-21 05:19:02

In 2008, the FDA put out the following: “For Immediate Release: FDA Requests Boxed Warnings on Older Class of Antipsychotic Drugs.” It said: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today exercised its new authority . . .to require manufacturers of “conventional” antipsychotic drugs to make safety-related changes to prescribing information, or labeling, to warn about [...]

Atypical Attitudes: How The Atypicals Took the Fall in Dementia Patients–The Beginning of Trouble

Published on 2012-05-20 06:36:08

It was indisputably bad news for the makers of the new, second-generation (or atypical) antipsychotics–a literal black mark on their name. It was April, 2005, and the FDA issued an advisory that would strike fear into the hearts of any elderly patient whose doctor recommended a trial of the atypicals: “Public Health Advisory: Deaths with Antipsychotics [...]

But The “Tibetan Monks’ Journal of Cultural Experimentation” Said. . .Taking a Second Look At Your Source (‘Impact Factors’)

Published on 2012-05-19 10:30:00

Have you ever found an article so fabulous, new, and ground-breaking that you can’t wait to blog on it, and share with the entire blogosphere this knowledge it seems only you–for the moment–possess? Perhaps it’s the discovery you’ve always longed to hear about, that exercise kills brain cells, or that sugar soda shrinks tumor growth, or [...]

What’s A College Education Worth? Just Ask Congress

Published on 2012-05-18 10:19:39

You might remember that many moons ago I did several pieces on college education (the series that starts with, “When College is A Means To No End: Financial Responsibility For a Murky Future“), particularly from the perspective of whether parents should be obligated to pay for such. We addressed whether there was inherent value in attending [...]

OLDER AMERICANS’ MENTAL HEALTH WEEK, MAY 19-25

Published on 2012-05-18 04:35:33

May 19-May 25 is Older Americans’ Mental Health Week, which provides: An annual opportunity to spread the message that mental illness is not a normal part of aging.* Its mission is to spread the awareness that: mental illness is not a normal part of aging; mental illnesses are real, common and treatable; the more people [...]

‘Winning’ the Depression Contest?

Published on 2012-05-17 10:38:51

I’d venture to say that no one wants to win a depression contest. Anyone would be happy to concede defeat in a competition between who has the greatest number of major depressive episodes (MDEs), and how severe they are. The loser won’t even ask for a booby prize. But it turns out we do have a [...]

Just the Facts, Ma’am; The Numbers Don’t Lie: Not Servicing the Mentally Ill

Published on 2012-05-16 05:50:44

“New York’s Riker’s Island, Chicago’s Cook County Jail and the Los  Angeles County Jail are the largest mental health institutions in the  nation. . . 15 percent of the inmates of those three  jails are mentally ill, making penal institutions — not hospitals —  the three largest U.S. mental health institutions.” ~ 2010 UPI Report [...]

It Just Isn’t Worth That Much: Paying For Mental Illness Prevention

Published on 2012-05-15 06:45:04

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” ~ Warren Buffett If Warren Buffet, probably one of very few men in financial history with even remote islands asking him for economic help, tells me I get good bang for my buck, I’m tempted to believe him. Or at least in areas where it makes sense. It’s [...]

First Annual Hyperemesis Gravidarum World Awareness Day, May 15: Do Something

Published on 2012-05-14 12:36:38

I’ve seen many pregnant women, and all sorts of pregnancies and complications. I’ve seen women with easy pregnancies. I’ve seen women with hard pregnancies. I’ve seen women with hard pregnancies that the to-be-moms made look easy. And I’ve seen women with pretty easy pregnancies that the ladies made seem hard. But I’ve never, in all [...]

SCHIZOPHRENIA AWARENESS WEEK, MAY 14-20 (AU); May 20-26 (US)

Published on 2012-05-14 11:30:58

May 14 – May 20, 2012  is Schizophrenia Awareness Week (SAW) in Australia, kicking off Schizophrenia Awareness, sponsored by the Ministry of Mental Health, which will be followed up by the American SAW, May 20-26. While other illnesses get lets of ‘press time’ during the discussions about the newly updated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, schizophrenia, a debilitating and [...]

End-of-Life Decision Factors: Don’t Forget Your Doctor’s Religiosity

Published on 2012-05-14 06:12:32

(picture by luigi diamanti) The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live. ~Flora Whittemore We spend our lives making decisions that will impact the rest of our days on this earth. We pick a career, select a mate, decide to have children and how many, make lifestyle choices that effect our health,  move [...]

They Said WHAT?: Some Great Quotes From the DSM-5 Hubbub

Published on 2012-05-13 21:58:24

One year after its initial deadline, the 5th Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5, is due out in May, 2013. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, it is, in the APA’s words the: standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the United States. It is intended to be [...]

Bipolar Disorder Infographic and Stats

Published on 2012-05-13 06:03:33

I’m a huge fan of infographics. I have a big collection of them on a pinterest board (you’d think I’d have better things to do with my time–which I do. But my daughter has introduced me to the time-drain of social media–and, fortunately, manages some of its more peripheral details [aka pinterest boards]). Infographics do in an [...]

May is Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month

Published on 2012-05-12 08:25:54

 In May, 2008, the House if Representatives voted to make May Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) awareness month. Although not as well-known as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the disorder is actually at least as common, found in 1-2% of the adult population, most frequently women. Patients account for 20% of inpatient hospitalizations. According to the DSM-IV-TR, [...]

Diabetes Drug Or Dieter’s Dream? Metformin and Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain

Published on 2012-05-12 04:50:44

With the roll-out of Clozaril, in 1989, with its promise to treat recalcitrant schizophrenics, the era of the second-generation, or ‘atypical,’ antipsychotics, was born. And there is much the atypicals offer over the first-generation antipsychotics, including freedom from fear from the worst side effects: tardive dyskinesia, with its uncontrolled involuntary movements, uncontrollable tremors, akathisia, with its inability to [...]

The Damage of a Long Commute–Putting Your Life in Danger?

Published on 2012-05-11 08:51:59

I have a pretty good commute, all things considered. I have to move myself from my upstairs, down one–possibly two, depending on where I am at the moment–flights, propel myself around a corner, open a door, and deposit myself on my chair.It’s got a lot going for it–particularly in the winter when I don’t have [...]

A Kindler, Gentler Psychiatrist

Published on 2012-05-10 06:42:36

Dr. Dilip Jeste is what we would call a high-achiever. For starters, he’s published 11 books, which I suppose is child’s play, but over 600 articles in peer-reviewed journals. My guess is that he writes ‘over’ because by the time you reach 500 or so, you’ve really lost count. In fact, for good measure, he’s in the Institute [...]

If Romney Can Do It. . .The DSM 5 Changes Its Mind

Published on 2012-05-09 11:52:05

I’ve now received upmteen notices, through various family, friends, and psychiatric publications, that the DSM 5 has made an about-face. It’s not the first, by a long shot. Remember the narcissists? Out one day–back in the next? That was a good switcher-oo. And now, it seems, the Committee has dropped two diagnoses considered somewhat controversial. One [...]

Atypical Antipsychotic Weight Gain–Gene Located

Published on 2012-05-08 11:35:55

In a study published just this month, researchers have been able to locate the gene that leads to increased weight gain for certain people who take what are called second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), or atypical antipsychotics, or simply ‘atypicals.’ Many of these meds, prescribed for everything from bipolar disorder to schizophrenia to depression to agitation in [...]

My Kingdom For A. . . Marshmallow?: The Astounding Aftermath

Published on 2012-05-08 05:29:32

(by Myopics at flickr.com) Even four-year-olds and marshmallows, cute a combination as they are, get old after a while. So that, it seemed, was that, as sociologist Walter Mischel, lead researcher on the Stanford Marshmallow Study, got publication after publication out of his marshmallow-eating kids run, and he knew enough to be pretty pleased with himself. If you’ll remember [...]

And For the Canadians. . .

Published on 2012-05-07 08:59:26

May 7-13 is Mental Health Week in Canada, titled this year, “Mental Health for All.” Visit the Canadian Mental Health Association’s site to find out more, and to learn about mental health in Canada. Particularly worth seeing is the “Mental Health for All Fact Sheet:Mental Health is Everyone’s Concern.”

My Kingdom For A. . . Marshmallow?: The Initial Study

Published on 2012-05-07 06:31:48

If I had to pick my ‘top 3 favorite’ social science experiments, it’d really be no contest. [Now, if you're in awe of my mastery of the field of social science, you've forgotten an important point that I perhaps haven't repeated in nearly 2 weeks: My son is Professor Eli Finkel, social psychology professor at [...]

REMINDER: MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

Published on 2012-05-06 08:30:16

A reminder that we’re in Mental Health Awareness Month, run by Mental Health America (formerly the National Mental Health Association), which is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to mental health. This year awareness surrounds two main themes: Do More for 1 in 4: a “call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who [...]

How to Succeed In Business Without. . .Social Skills? Forget it!

Published on 2012-05-06 06:37:35

“85% of your social and financial success in life is determined by your social and communication skills” ~ The Dale Carnegie Foundation Do you remember when psychologist Daniel Goleman made a big splash in 1995 by publishing his groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence, which would spend more than a year and a half on the New York Times bestseller [...]

Social Maladjustment: All Around Us–and A Risk Factor For Mental Illness

Published on 2012-05-05 06:33:48

My friend Evelyn has potential to be a terminally tedious grandparent. She talks about her grandkids as if we–meaning the world–are merely fortunate that these children have chosen to grace us with their presence. I try to act appropriately grateful.  … Continue reading →

Children Who Miss Social Cues–Is It Even Worse Than We Thought?

Published on 2012-05-04 06:22:19

Penny is in eighth grade, but quite childish. At school she uses a kleenex box to prop up the books on her desk, and it’s become something of an obsession. If someone–innocently–takes a piece of tissue, well, poor Penny crumbles. … Continue reading →

Facing Mental Illness: Infographic And Facts

Published on 2012-05-02 05:51:01

No one ever told me I was a woman of few words. Not once. But every once in a while, some number faces me, representing a fact so powerful that it overwhelms my verbiage. It was Pythagoras who said “The … Continue reading →

A Lotus, A Triangle. . .and A Better Quality of Life: Yoga and Cancer

Published on 2012-05-01 06:04:03

I’m a yoga junkie. I practice every day, and never miss my class on Wednesday nights–ever. Had one of my children chosen a Wednesday night for their wedding, I just would have begged off from 7-8:30, manipulated my body into … Continue reading →

You Say Potato, I Say. . .Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Published on 2012-04-30 06:23:53

Paediatric bipolar disorder is notoriously controversial with the epicentre of the debate being whether the condition can be diagnosed in pre-pubertal children at all ~ Ghaemi & Martin Do you remember I wrote a while back that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual … Continue reading →

Bipolar Disorder In Children–A Diagnosis in the Doghouse

Published on 2012-04-29 06:48:01

Americans are used to being the butt of jokes for Europeans. They mock our weight, our tendency to be mono-lingual, our lack of awareness of international affairs, our swiftness to call a lawyer to sue. “Let them laugh,” we think. … Continue reading →

Pediatric Bipolar: How’d We Get Here?

Published on 2012-04-28 07:12:56

The pieces on pediatric bipolar will be written by my daughter, Rhona, who has played a central role in the blog since its birth. (That’s lucky for me, as, frankly, I still don’t know what that “html” tab does.) All comments … Continue reading →

How’d We Get in This Cancer Research ‘Fine Mess’–and How Do We Get Out?

Published on 2012-04-27 06:54:25

Remember C. Glenn Begley from “‘A Fine Mess We’re In’: Majority of Cancer Research Findings Not Replicable“? He made somewhat of a splash by asserting that the war on cancer is partially being lost due to sloppy research practices. Ring … Continue reading →

A Retraction Here, A Retraction There. . .A Few Upsetting ‘Whats’ Before The ‘Why’

Published on 2012-04-26 07:00:06

 ”A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money” ~attributed to Everett Dirksen Unfortunately for us, the phrase goes differently–and, in cancer research, we’re already talking about ‘real money.’ A retraction of a scientific paper on … Continue reading →

‘A Fine Mess We’re In’: Majority of Cancer Preclinical Research Findings Not Replicable

Published on 2012-04-25 10:38:06

‘The failure to win “the war on cancer” has been blamed on many factors, … But recently a new culprit has emerged: too many basic scientific discoveries… are wrong.’~C. Glenn Begley It’s nothing new. Over 3 decades ago the problem was … Continue reading →

‘A Fine Mess We’re In’: Majority of Cancer Preclinical Research Findings Not Replicable

Published on 2012-04-25 10:38:06

‘The failure to win “the war on cancer” has been blamed on many factors, … But recently a new culprit has emerged: too many basic scientific discoveries… are wrong.’~C. Glenn Begley It’s nothing new. Over 3 decades ago the problem was … Continue reading →

A Cell Donation Day That Will Live in Infamy–Part II

Published on 2012-04-24 07:44:14

So back to Henrietta Lacks and her overly hardy–some say virulent–cervical cancer cells. You may recall from last post that Ms. Lacks’ cells, entitled HeLa, were taken without her permission, and without recompense to the family. They were nabbed by one Dr. … Continue reading →

A Cell Donation Day That Will Live in Infamy–Part II

Published on 2012-04-24 07:44:14

So back to Henrietta Lacks and her overly hardy–some say virulent–cervical cancer cells. You may recall from last post that Ms. Lacks’ cells, entitled HeLa, were taken without her permission, and without recompense to the family. They were nabbed by one Dr. … Continue reading →

A Cell Donation Day That Will Live in Infamy–Part I

Published on 2012-04-23 10:18:14

Henrietta Lacks was young, poor, unassuming, African-American. From Virginia, she earned her living as a tobacco farmer, happily married, had five children, and died of cervical cancer at 31. But her story is slightly more complicated. In pain and bleeding as … Continue reading →

A Cell Donation Day That Will Live in Infamy–Part I

Published on 2012-04-23 10:18:14

Henrietta Lacks was young, poor, unassuming, African-American. From Virginia, she earned her living as a tobacco farmer, happily married, had five children, and died of cervical cancer at 31. But her story is slightly more complicated. In pain and bleeding as … Continue reading →

When the Oncologist Talks. . .Not Everybody Listens

Published on 2012-04-21 17:15:01

Remember that old commercial? No, not the one where you should have had a V8. Or even the one where the voice croons to you, “And like a good neighbor. . .” and you can’t help but sing out, “Statefarm is … Continue reading →

When the Oncologist Talks. . .Not Everybody Listens

Published on 2012-04-21 17:15:01

Remember that old commercial? No, not the one where you should have had a V8. Or even the one where the voice croons to you, “And like a good neighbor. . .” and you can’t help but sing out, “Statefarm is … Continue reading →

Quality Over Quantity?: It’s the Patient’s To Decide

Published on 2012-04-21 12:55:59

I’ve got some men in my life who are seriously big eaters. Forces to be reckoned with. Hosting a barbecue for them requires much advanced planning–plus a significant financial outlay at the butcher’s. One’s on the Atkins Diet–again–and watching him down … Continue reading →

Quality Over Quantity?: It’s the Patient’s To Decide

Published on 2012-04-21 12:55:59

I’ve got some men in my life who are seriously big eaters. Forces to be reckoned with. Hosting a barbecue for them requires much advanced planning–plus a significant financial outlay at the butcher’s. One’s on the Atkins Diet–again–and watching him down … Continue reading →

Why DO The Texts Keep Getting Bigger?: DSM’s Tendency to Pathologize the Normal

Published on 2012-04-20 09:37:02

Take a look at the picture below of the last five DSMs, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals of Mental Disorders. Before I take away all the excitement, think for yourself, looking closely, about what’s different among the manuals. Hint: What … Continue reading →

Why DO The Texts Keep Getting Bigger?: DSM’s Tendency to Pathologize the Normal

Published on 2012-04-20 09:37:02

Take a look at the picture below of the last five DSMs, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals of Mental Disorders. Before I take away all the excitement, think for yourself, looking closely, about what’s different among the manuals. Hint: What … Continue reading →

Lower Rates of Antidepressant Treatment for African-Americans: Not Quite What It Looks Like?

Published on 2012-04-19 09:40:05

Antibiotics, eat your hearts out. Today, antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States–and that’s even without Lipitor playing on their team. Since the late 80′s, usage of antidepressants has soared–so much so that a report … Continue reading →

Lower Rates of Antidepressant Treatment for African-Americans: Not Quite What It Looks Like?

Published on 2012-04-19 09:40:05

Antibiotics, eat your hearts out. Today, antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed class of medications in the United States–and that’s even without Lipitor playing on their team. Since the late 80′s, usage of antidepressants has soared–so much so that a report … Continue reading →

Faking Grief: When an Expression Reveals the Truth

Published on 2012-04-18 07:23:28

My son–now a professor, an educator of today’s youth, a scientist in search of truth–was, in his salad days, a world-class faker. He particularly perfected his art when it came to faking illness in order to get out of school. … Continue reading →

Faking Grief: When an Expression Reveals the Truth

Published on 2012-04-18 07:23:28

My son–now a professor, an educator of today’s youth, a scientist in search of truth–was, in his salad days, a world-class faker. He particularly perfected his art when it came to faking illness in order to get out of school. … Continue reading →

Perish the Paranoid: Personality Disorders Pulverized in New Mental Health Manual

Published on 2012-04-17 06:45:03

Some parts of life can be so simple. Take high school math. You had two intersecting lines, and, to be fancy, you called them ‘axes.’ To sound real mathematically sophisticated, you didn’t just call them ‘this axis’ and ‘that axis.’ … Continue reading →

Perish the Paranoid: Personality Disorders Pulverized in New Mental Health Manual

Published on 2012-04-17 06:45:03

Some parts of life can be so simple. Take high school math. You had two intersecting lines, and, to be fancy, you called them ‘axes.’ To sound real mathematically sophisticated, you didn’t just call them ‘this axis’ and ‘that axis.’ … Continue reading →

A Psychiatrist’s Reponse to ‘Money Motivates Mental Health Moves’

Published on 2012-04-16 06:39:28

In response to my post on the influence of pharmaceutical company money on the process of putting together the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5, a highly distinguished psychiatrist responded to me as follows, and his … Continue reading →

A Psychiatrist’s Reponse to ‘Money Motivates Mental Health Moves’

Published on 2012-04-16 06:39:28

In response to my post on the influence of pharmaceutical company money on the process of putting together the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5, a highly distinguished psychiatrist responded to me as follows, and his … Continue reading →

Complicated Bereavement: Mourning Someone You Never Really Knew

Published on 2012-04-15 09:14:11

Well, I never really knew you ’til you said goodbye~Vince Gill If you want to know something about bereavement that slides from ‘normal’ to ‘complicated’ in a moment of revelation, due to unimaginable circumstances, you need look no further than … Continue reading →

Complicated Bereavement: Mourning Someone You Never Really Knew

Published on 2012-04-15 09:14:11

Well, I never really knew you ’til you said goodbye~Vince Gill If you want to know something about bereavement that slides from ‘normal’ to ‘complicated’ in a moment of revelation, due to unimaginable circumstances, you need look no further than … Continue reading →

Not ‘Normal’ Anymore?: Complicated Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-14 10:20:01

I am not just the founding mother, but am also the most decorated member of my children’s fan club. At rallies I come equipped with buttons, balloons and noise-makers, wearing electric blue shirts with the kids’ names inscribed.  I’m a … Continue reading →

Not ‘Normal’ Anymore?: Complicated Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-14 10:20:01

I am not just the founding mother, but am also the most decorated member of my children’s fan club. At rallies I come equipped with buttons, balloons and noise-makers, wearing electric blue shirts with the kids’ names inscribed.  I’m a … Continue reading →

Money Motivates Mental Health Moves: DSM-5, Meet Makers of Medicine

Published on 2012-04-13 07:24:33

In the interest of full disclosure, let me be perfectly clear. As a therapist, I use the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), the ‘mental health bible’ that helps diagnose and define treatment, frequently. I find it pivotal in … Continue reading →

Money Motivates Mental Health Moves: DSM-5, Meet Makers of Medicine

Published on 2012-04-13 07:24:33

In the interest of full disclosure, let me be perfectly clear. As a therapist, I use the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), the ‘mental health bible’ that helps diagnose and define treatment, frequently. I find it pivotal in … Continue reading →

I Did It My Way: Different Paths to Adapting to Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-12 07:37:49

I planned each charted course/Each careful step along the byway/And more, much more than this/ I did it my way . . ./I faced it all and I stood tall/And did it my way.” It was the year of the … Continue reading →

I Did It My Way: Different Paths to Adapting to Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-12 07:37:49

I planned each charted course/Each careful step along the byway/And more, much more than this/ I did it my way . . ./I faced it all and I stood tall/And did it my way.” It was the year of the … Continue reading →

Interventions For Mourners–and Why Sometimes Research Can Be A Real Downer

Published on 2012-04-11 07:41:05

“Do not put your faith in what statistics say until you have carefully considered what they do not say.” ~William W. Watt I’m going to really go out on a limb here. Forthcoming: one of those big assumptions about humankind … Continue reading →

Interventions For Mourners–and Why Sometimes Research Can Be A Real Downer

Published on 2012-04-11 07:41:05

“Do not put your faith in what statistics say until you have carefully considered what they do not say.” ~William W. Watt I’m going to really go out on a limb here. Forthcoming: one of those big assumptions about humankind … Continue reading →

A Tale of Two Shivas: Grief in Response to Different Deaths

Published on 2012-04-10 10:40:37

“There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations.” ~ Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes Recently, within a span of 5 years, I found myself in the homes of two of the administrators from the local Jewish … Continue reading →

A Tale of Two Shivas: Grief in Response to Different Deaths

Published on 2012-04-10 10:40:37

“There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations.” ~ Jodi Picoult, Nineteen Minutes Recently, within a span of 5 years, I found myself in the homes of two of the administrators from the local Jewish … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, My Parting Words

Published on 2012-04-09 07:30:33

Your clergy, your doctor–and your portfolio manager. Sounds like it has the makings for a cleaned-up version of an ethnic joke, I know, but it isn’t that. Instead, ask yourself: Who are the people in whom you want to have complete … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, My Parting Words

Published on 2012-04-09 07:30:33

Your clergy, your doctor–and your portfolio manager. Sounds like it has the makings for a cleaned-up version of an ethnic joke, I know, but it isn’t that. Instead, ask yourself: Who are the people in whom you want to have complete … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, Part II

Published on 2012-04-08 07:12:29

You cry into your pillow silently at night, reaching across to that empty expanse of the bed where, for 30 years, you’d always felt your partner’s hand reaching, in turn, for yours. Sleep eludes you due to the pain, and … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, Part II

Published on 2012-04-08 07:12:29

You cry into your pillow silently at night, reaching across to that empty expanse of the bed where, for 30 years, you’d always felt your partner’s hand reaching, in turn, for yours. Sleep eludes you due to the pain, and … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, Getting Started

Published on 2012-04-07 07:27:57

It’s a little-known fact, even to the seminar graduates, that,  before the powers that be let a mother actually give birth to her child, she and her partner have to attend a weekend seminar (and there are no exceptions here) in some hazy, nebulous … Continue reading →

Pathologizing Grief–Just For Starters: The DSM-5 and My Tripartite Expression of Displeasure, Getting Started

Published on 2012-04-07 07:27:57

It’s a little-known fact, even to the seminar graduates, that,  before the powers that be let a mother actually give birth to her child, she and her partner have to attend a weekend seminar (and there are no exceptions here) in some hazy, nebulous … Continue reading →

It’s Not a Broken Heart: The Biological Bases For Illness and Mortality Post-Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-06 04:31:21

I have nothing against William Cowper. A wildly popular 18th century poet, greater poetic minds than mine–Samuel Coleridge, William Wordsworth–thought he was the cat’s pajamas. But when he leaves his subject base of nature and Christianity and steps his foot into … Continue reading →

It’s Not a Broken Heart: The Biological Bases For Illness and Mortality Post-Bereavement

Published on 2012-04-06 04:31:21

I have nothing against William Cowper. A wildly popular 18th century poet, greater poetic minds than mine–Samuel Coleridge, William Wordsworth–thought he was the cat’s pajamas. But when he leaves his subject base of nature and Christianity and steps his foot into … Continue reading →

Bereavement With Your Name On It: The ‘Unbereaved Bereaved’

Published on 2012-04-05 07:15:05

In the totally bizarre way in which the world–and bereavement–works, sometimes you’re in the right (or should I say wrong?) place, at the right time, to be a mourner you don’t feel yourself to be, in a role you never wanted … Continue reading →

Bereavement With Your Name On It: The ‘Unbereaved Bereaved’

Published on 2012-04-05 07:15:05

In the totally bizarre way in which the world–and bereavement–works, sometimes you’re in the right (or should I say wrong?) place, at the right time, to be a mourner you don’t feel yourself to be, in a role you never wanted … Continue reading →

‘But a Transition From This Life:’ Bereavement and Belief in the Afterlife

Published on 2012-04-04 07:22:14

“Death is but a transition from this life to another existence where there is no more pain and anguish. All the bitterness and disagreements will vanish, and the only thing that lives forever is love.” ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Grief from the … Continue reading →

‘But a Transition From This Life:’ Bereavement and Belief in the Afterlife

Published on 2012-04-04 07:22:14

“Death is but a transition from this life to another existence where there is no more pain and anguish. All the bitterness and disagreements will vanish, and the only thing that lives forever is love.” ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Grief from the … Continue reading →

Warning Signs Your Date Might Be a Commitment Phobe

Published on 2012-04-03 07:54:35

The truth will out, as it always does. Eventually you will know that your partner is commitment phobic. Perhaps you’ll be like Sally, only to discover after umpteen years of false promises that your man won’t be walking you down the aisle. … Continue reading →

Warning Signs Your Date Might Be a Commitment Phobe

Published on 2012-04-03 07:54:35

The truth will out, as it always does. Eventually you will know that your partner is commitment phobic. Perhaps you’ll be like Sally, only to discover after umpteen years of false promises that your man won’t be walking you down the aisle. … Continue reading →

Living With–Or, Commonly, Without–A Commitment Phobe–Part II

Published on 2012-04-02 07:42:25

Let us just take a brief moment to thank Brad Pitt for his innovative contribution to the Commitment Phobe cause. Says Pitt: “Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally … Continue reading →

Living With–Or, Commonly, Without–A Commitment Phobe–Part II

Published on 2012-04-02 07:42:25

Let us just take a brief moment to thank Brad Pitt for his innovative contribution to the Commitment Phobe cause. Says Pitt: “Angie and I will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally … Continue reading →

Living With–Or, Commonly, Without–A Commitment Phobe–Part I

Published on 2012-04-01 07:06:47

Rule #1 for a Commitment Phobe: There is always, always a way out. ************************************************************************** Wendy worried, early in the relationship, because she wasn’t Jewish. A lovely woman originally from Oregon, Wendy had spent time in therapy working on relationship issues, … Continue reading →

Living With–Or, Commonly, Without–A Commitment Phobe–Part I

Published on 2012-04-01 07:06:47

Rule #1 for a Commitment Phobe: There is always, always a way out. ************************************************************************** Wendy worried, early in the relationship, because she wasn’t Jewish. A lovely woman originally from Oregon, Wendy had spent time in therapy working on relationship issues, … Continue reading →

Ok, So Who’s To Blame?: Explaining Cancer to Yourself

Published on 2012-03-31 06:32:54

My friend’s son–somewhat of a haphazard student throughout high school–landed himself a spot in the class of 1996 at none other than Harvard University. I had to know more about this. “John,” I asked, “What do you think you did, … Continue reading →

Ok, So Who’s To Blame?: Explaining Cancer to Yourself

Published on 2012-03-31 06:32:54

My friend’s son–somewhat of a haphazard student throughout high school–landed himself a spot in the class of 1996 at none other than Harvard University. I had to know more about this. “John,” I asked, “What do you think you did, … Continue reading →

“I Should’ve Known!”: Warning Signs That Your Partner Is Ungiving, Difficult, or Just Plain Awful

Published on 2012-03-30 10:20:45

Do you remember that commercial where the man is drinking a soda (if I remember correctly), filling his body and coating his teeth with refined sugars and providing nothing in the way of nutrition, and then, in a burst of heaven-sent … Continue reading →

“I Should’ve Known!”: Warning Signs That Your Partner Is Ungiving, Difficult, or Just Plain Awful

Published on 2012-03-30 10:20:45

Do you remember that commercial where the man is drinking a soda (if I remember correctly), filling his body and coating his teeth with refined sugars and providing nothing in the way of nutrition, and then, in a burst of heaven-sent … Continue reading →

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”–And You Just Might Live a Longer and Better Life: A Positive Outlook’s Effect on Health

Published on 2012-03-29 07:16:32

My youngest granddaughter is, according to her father, a Super-Spreader, a throwback to the days of SARS. When she gets a cold, it’s not enough to share it with her nanny, mother and father–rather, she magnanimously bestows it upon all … Continue reading →

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy”–And You Just Might Live a Longer and Better Life: A Positive Outlook’s Effect on Health

Published on 2012-03-29 07:16:32

My youngest granddaughter is, according to her father, a Super-Spreader, a throwback to the days of SARS. When she gets a cold, it’s not enough to share it with her nanny, mother and father–rather, she magnanimously bestows it upon all … Continue reading →

Beyond ‘Beyond Lithium’–Treament-Resistant Bipolar Maintenance, Or Not Staying Put, Part II

Published on 2012-03-28 07:45:26

This may be shameful to admit, but I trust you’ll forgive me. As far as I could remember when I first came across it in my research on this topic, my familiarity with chromium came from Billy Joel’s “Allentown.” Remember? … Continue reading →

Beyond ‘Beyond Lithium’–Treament-Resistant Bipolar Maintenance, Or Not Staying Put, Part II

Published on 2012-03-28 07:45:26

This may be shameful to admit, but I trust you’ll forgive me. As far as I could remember when I first came across it in my research on this topic, my familiarity with chromium came from Billy Joel’s “Allentown.” Remember? … Continue reading →

Beyond ‘Beyond Lithium’–Treament-Resistant Bipolar Maintenance, Or Not Staying Put, Part I

Published on 2012-03-27 07:36:14

Let’s take a walk down memory lane. It shouldn’t be hard–I provide all the memories, and, come to think of it, since you’re at your computer, you don’t really have to walk too far, either. I began a two-part post, … Continue reading →

Why Might Parents Behave As If they Don’t Really Want Their Children To Succeed?

Published on 2012-03-26 11:53:11

The vast majority of parents want what’s best for their children. I didn’t look this up, I have no statistic to back up my assertion, I didn’t read it in a peer-reviewed journal. But I fundamentally believe it to be … Continue reading →

When Parents Don’t Really Want Their Children To Succeed III: Vulnerable Violet

Published on 2012-03-25 20:12:39

Violet is the vulnerable child, as anyone can see. Heavy, slow in school, prone to explosive outbursts, she has never succeeded in making friends, not from her earliest experiences, and her mother was asked to pull her out of pre-school … Continue reading →

When Parents Don’t Really Want Their Children To Succeed II: A Journey With Jen

Published on 2012-03-24 06:04:58

Jen is, what can I say? A gentle mother. She doesn’t raise her voice. She always makes sure her children are clean, diapered, and fed–in fact, over-fed, which is an issue. She drives many carpools, and, although late, rarely loses her patience. … Continue reading →

When Parents Don’t Really Want Their Children To Succeed: Paying off Pierre

Published on 2012-03-23 09:33:40

In all the fuss today about helicopter parents, parents who defend their children even when wrong, parents who don’t know how to say no, I’ve observed that a contrary phenomenon exists–but goes unmentioned. If you’re in practice long enough, know enough … Continue reading →

When College is A Means To No End: Financial Responsibility For a Murky Future, Finishing Up

Published on 2012-03-22 07:34:01

I grew up on the South Side of Chicago, a city away from all of those dedicated if deluded North Side of Chicago Cubs fans. As anyone from Chicago knows, these fans are famous their belief in “next year,” “the comeback,” and the … Continue reading →

When College is A Means To No End: Financial Responsibility For a Murky Future, Part II

Published on 2012-03-21 07:09:41

So let’s return to yesterday’s post, where I left you with a Comparative Literature Major, enthralled by the Gaelic tradition and busily writing a thesis on its impact on James Joyce, whose novels you–along with most of the literate world–never … Continue reading →

When College is A Means To No End: Financial Responsibility For a Murky Future

Published on 2012-03-20 07:58:51

I fear that if I tell one more “in my day” story, readers will start to wonder if I’m in fact an ancient artifact, unearthed by some enterprising archeologist, dusted off, propped up in some Herman Miller chair, and taught to type … Continue reading →

“Art Is A Form Of Power:” Art Therapy and Cancer

Published on 2012-03-19 07:10:31

Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move.~Ossie Davis In my time spent blogging about cancer, I’ve been privileged to come across … Continue reading →

“Stupid Young-Adult Children Tricks”–Never Again!

Published on 2012-03-18 08:30:00

So I hear congratulations are in order. Your young-adult child has managed to pull a maneuver at once so suave, so foolhardy, so dangerous, so. . . .stupid, that he is in the running for winning our Stupid Young-Adult Child … Continue reading →

“Stupid Young-Adult Children Tricks”–Never Again!

Published on 2012-03-18 08:30:00

So I hear congratulations are in order. Your young-adult child has managed to pull a maneuver at once so suave, so foolhardy, so dangerous, so. . . .stupid, that he is in the running for winning our Stupid Young-Adult Child … Continue reading →

Stupid Young-Adult Children Tricks

Published on 2012-03-17 07:40:05

“Did you ever get the feeling there’s a wocket in your pocket?” Thus begins my youngest granddaughter’s favorite classic, named, appropriately, Wocket in My Pocket, by Dr. Seuss. You might think it’s just a silly book with goofy rhyming words … Continue reading →

Stupid Young-Adult Children Tricks

Published on 2012-03-17 07:40:05

“Did you ever get the feeling there’s a wocket in your pocket?” Thus begins my youngest granddaughter’s favorite classic, named, appropriately, Wocket in My Pocket, by Dr. Seuss. You might think it’s just a silly book with goofy rhyming words … Continue reading →

Adult Children Without Extenutating Circumstances: They Just Like It Here

Published on 2012-03-16 07:54:02

13. It always gets that bad ‘unlucky’ rap, even in these progressive days and times. There’s just no escaping it. So it will be no surprise to parents, who thought they saw the backsides of their children when they sent … Continue reading →

Adult Children Without Extenutating Circumstances: They Just Like It Here

Published on 2012-03-16 07:54:02

13. It always gets that bad ‘unlucky’ rap, even in these progressive days and times. There’s just no escaping it. So it will be no surprise to parents, who thought they saw the backsides of their children when they sent … Continue reading →

Adult Children With Extenuating Circumstances: Some Plan B’s

Published on 2012-03-15 07:47:52

Sometimes all the setting of boundaries, the just-say-no-ing, and the financial tough love can’t keep your adult children afloat in the outside world, and it’s time to let them come and rest their battered and weary heads in your home, under your … Continue reading →

Adult Children With Extenuating Circumstances: Some Plan B’s

Published on 2012-03-15 07:47:52

Sometimes all the setting of boundaries, the just-say-no-ing, and the financial tough love can’t keep your adult children afloat in the outside world, and it’s time to let them come and rest their battered and weary heads in your home, under your … Continue reading →

Brief Interlude–And What Not To Say to Somone Suffering From a Mental Illness

Published on 2012-03-14 19:45:17

A brief interlude, if you’ll allow, from the topic of parenting: I spent two posts addressing just about the worst ways to respond when someone tells you about his/her cancer diagnosis, ”You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of the … Continue reading →

Brief Interlude–And What Not To Say to Somone Suffering From a Mental Illness

Published on 2012-03-14 19:45:17

A brief interlude, if you’ll allow, from the topic of parenting: I spent two posts addressing just about the worst ways to respond when someone tells you about his/her cancer diagnosis, ”You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of the … Continue reading →

But What If?: Adult Children With Extenuating Circumstances

Published on 2012-03-14 07:45:37

Brian always seemed a few steps behind everyone else socially, unsure when to laugh, when to put himself forward, when to retreat. His stutter contributed to his painful shyness. And from the get-go he had never managed to get his … Continue reading →

But What If?: Adult Children With Extenuating Circumstances

Published on 2012-03-14 07:45:37

Brian always seemed a few steps behind everyone else socially, unsure when to laugh, when to put himself forward, when to retreat. His stutter contributed to his painful shyness. And from the get-go he had never managed to get his … Continue reading →

Stupid Things People Say To Those With Cancer–REPRISE

Published on 2012-03-13 20:11:37

Honestly, I thought I’d pretty much run the gamut of foolish or useless things people when they first hear about a friend or acquaintance’s cancer diagnosis. I was pretty confident that “You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of … Continue reading →

Stupid Things People Say To Those With Cancer–REPRISE

Published on 2012-03-13 20:11:37

Honestly, I thought I’d pretty much run the gamut of foolish or useless things people when they first hear about a friend or acquaintance’s cancer diagnosis. I was pretty confident that “You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of … Continue reading →

Fixing “We’ll Just Fix It For You”: Letting Your Children Be Adults: Walking the Walk

Published on 2012-03-13 07:59:10

High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. ~Jack Kinder So you’re ready to set boundaries with and just say no to your over-indulged adult child–and you haven’t the faintest idea where to begin. Well, you’ve come … Continue reading →

Fixing “We’ll Just Fix It For You”: Letting Your Children Be Adults: Walking the Walk

Published on 2012-03-13 07:59:10

High achievement always takes place in the framework of high expectation. ~Jack Kinder So you’re ready to set boundaries with and just say no to your over-indulged adult child–and you haven’t the faintest idea where to begin. Well, you’ve come … Continue reading →

Fixing “We’ll Just Fix It For You”: Letting Your Children Be Adults: The Two Principles

Published on 2012-03-12 07:32:46

So let’s say, just for the sake of argument, you as a parent of an adult child have a Michael or a Sophia on your hands, or any of endless permutations of these two–the child who won’t leave, a child … Continue reading →

Fixing “We’ll Just Fix It For You”: Letting Your Children Be Adults: The Two Principles

Published on 2012-03-12 07:32:46

So let’s say, just for the sake of argument, you as a parent of an adult child have a Michael or a Sophia on your hands, or any of endless permutations of these two–the child who won’t leave, a child … Continue reading →

“We’ll Just Fix It For You”: How to Stunt Your Child’s Development For Good: The ‘S’ Family

Published on 2012-03-11 07:55:05

Some people just say it like it is. Take, for example–well, me. I’m often outspoken, and sometimes honest to a potential fault. It has caused no end of embarrassment to one of my daughters, who approaches an unpleasant truth to … Continue reading →

“We’ll Just Fix It For You”: How to Stunt Your Child’s Development For Good: The ‘S’ Family

Published on 2012-03-11 07:55:05

Some people just say it like it is. Take, for example–well, me. I’m often outspoken, and sometimes honest to a potential fault. It has caused no end of embarrassment to one of my daughters, who approaches an unpleasant truth to … Continue reading →

“We’ll Just Fix It For You”: How to Stunt Your Child’s Development For Good: The ‘M’ Family

Published on 2012-03-10 07:37:33

Michael never did his own homework. Never ever, as far as memory serves. His father took over the job before Michael can remember, and apparently signed on for the duration. If Michael’s father, Mitch, had a big meeting at night, … Continue reading →

Continued Financial Support of Adult Children: A Way For You Both To Lose

Published on 2012-03-09 07:15:37

I won’t grow up/I don’t want to wear a tie/And a serious expression/In the middle of July./And if it means I must prepare/To shoulder burdens with a worried air,/I’ll never grow up/never grow up, never grow up/Not me/Not I/Not me!/So … Continue reading →

Of a Boy, a Brain Tumor, and a Battle: A Biofeedback Success Story

Published on 2012-03-08 07:29:31

My guess is that, as he spent his days in second and third grade as all elementary students do–gazing out the window, learning a bit, chewing up pencils at the electric pencil sharpener, beginning to learn cursive just so they … Continue reading →

Of Cabbages and Kings and. . . .Warts?: The Dermatological Power of the Hypnotic Mind

Published on 2012-03-07 08:39:11

I try to appreciate, as the famous vet wrote, “all creatures great and small,” “all things bright and beautiful.” I find spiders entrancing. I won’t kill a waterbug, not matter how much my (grown!) daughter carries on and calls it … Continue reading →

Of Cabbages and Kings and. . . .Warts?: The Dermatological Power of the Hypnotic Mind

Published on 2012-03-07 08:39:11

I try to appreciate, as the famous vet wrote, “all creatures great and small,” “all things bright and beautiful.” I find spiders entrancing. I won’t kill a waterbug, not matter how much my (grown!) daughter carries on and calls it … Continue reading →

The Quiet That Doesn’t Come After The Storm: Post-Cancer Anxiety and Depression

Published on 2012-03-06 08:20:07

To use, granted, the lower end of the statistical range, at some point in their lives 10% of women and 5% of men, if left to their own devices, will develop depression. But, according to the American Cancer Society, a whopping  25% of … Continue reading →

The Quiet That Doesn’t Come After The Storm: Post-Cancer Anxiety and Depression

Published on 2012-03-06 08:20:07

To use, granted, the lower end of the statistical range, at some point in their lives 10% of women and 5% of men, if left to their own devices, will develop depression. But, according to the American Cancer Society, a whopping  25% of … Continue reading →

Beyond “You Are Getting Sleepy”: Cancer and Hynotherapy

Published on 2012-03-05 09:08:14

I’m going to kind of go out on a limb here when I discuss one of the treatments I use for many ailments, but also for cancer, and you may think to yourselves: “That Candida. She must have flipped her lid.” … Continue reading →

Beyond “You Are Getting Sleepy”: Cancer and Hynotherapy

Published on 2012-03-05 09:08:14

I’m going to kind of go out on a limb here when I discuss one of the treatments I use for many ailments, but also for cancer, and you may think to yourselves: “That Candida. She must have flipped her lid.” … Continue reading →

“Nobody Ever Died Of Laughter”: In Fact, Mr. Beerbohm, It Might Just Keep Them Alive

Published on 2012-03-04 07:10:53

“A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.” ~Groucho Marx In a family of total characters and would-be comedians, I can find it hard to hold my own in the humor department. When the rest of the … Continue reading →

“Nobody Ever Died Of Laughter”: In Fact, Mr. Beerbohm, It Might Just Keep Them Alive

Published on 2012-03-04 07:10:53

“A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.” ~Groucho Marx In a family of total characters and would-be comedians, I can find it hard to hold my own in the humor department. When the rest of the … Continue reading →

Statistics, Random Facts and Truly Bizarre Information on Cancer

Published on 2012-03-03 10:09:34

Ever feel the need to come to a place where you could find out answer to your questions about the most common types of cancer, your queries if animals can accurately assess those who have the disease, your wonderings about the … Continue reading →

Statistics, Random Facts and Truly Bizarre Information on Cancer

Published on 2012-03-03 10:09:34

Ever feel the need to come to a place where you could find out answer to your questions about the most common types of cancer, your queries if animals can accurately assess those who have the disease, your wonderings about the … Continue reading →

You Can’t Keep a Good Fiend Down: Exercise and Cancer

Published on 2012-03-02 10:47:06

If you’re starting to get the idea, after being subjected to posts like Running For Your Life: How I View Depression and Exercise and Of Bipolar Disorder, The Hippocampus, and The Return of the Exercise Fiend that I’m, well, an exercise … Continue reading →

You Can’t Keep a Good Fiend Down: Exercise and Cancer

Published on 2012-03-02 10:47:06

If you’re starting to get the idea, after being subjected to posts like Running For Your Life: How I View Depression and Exercise and Of Bipolar Disorder, The Hippocampus, and The Return of the Exercise Fiend that I’m, well, an exercise … Continue reading →

How To Deal With ‘Enquiring Minds’

Published on 2012-03-01 08:35:07

Years ago there was an ad for this incredibly trashy magazine, “The National Enquirer.” It said, “Enquiring minds want to know,” and the camera would pan to an avid reader of the rag, who would look straight into the camera … Continue reading →

How To Deal With ‘Enquiring Minds’

Published on 2012-03-01 08:35:07

Years ago there was an ad for this incredibly trashy magazine, “The National Enquirer.” It said, “Enquiring minds want to know,” and the camera would pan to an avid reader of the rag, who would look straight into the camera … Continue reading →

Embracing Pain: An Alternative Way to Deal With Your Symptoms

Published on 2012-02-29 07:26:25

“Pain can be endured and defeated only if it is embraced. Denied or feared, it grows.” ~ Dean Koontz, Velocity The discomfort relief industry is a multibillion-dollar one. There are medicines to relieve headache, stomach distress, sore throats, back spasms–seems … Continue reading →

Embracing Pain: An Alternative Way to Deal With Your Symptoms

Published on 2012-02-29 07:26:25

“Pain can be endured and defeated only if it is embraced. Denied or feared, it grows.” ~ Dean Koontz, Velocity The discomfort relief industry is a multibillion-dollar one. There are medicines to relieve headache, stomach distress, sore throats, back spasms–seems … Continue reading →

Play It Again, Sam: Trying–and Failing–To Reproduce Scientific Results

Published on 2012-02-28 08:00:07

With the release of Zyprexa, a second-generation antipsychotic, Eli Lilly was certain it had hit pay dirt. The second-generation antipsychotics, known as the atypical antipsychotics, or atypicals, had an improved side effect profile over the older antipsychotics, and the original … Continue reading →

Play It Again, Sam: Trying–and Failing–To Reproduce Scientific Results

Published on 2012-02-28 08:00:07

With the release of Zyprexa, a second-generation antipsychotic, Eli Lilly was certain it had hit pay dirt. The second-generation antipsychotics, known as the atypical antipsychotics, or atypicals, had an improved side effect profile over the older antipsychotics, and the original … Continue reading →

Don’t Go It Alone: Illness and Connectedness

Published on 2012-02-27 08:29:10

I’m the only one in my family with a green thumb. I’ve got foster plants from almost every relative, which I’ve nursed back from the vegetative graveyard, and they’ve taken over my house. My husband is quite tolerant of it, given … Continue reading →

Don’t Go It Alone: Illness and Connectedness

Published on 2012-02-27 08:29:10

I’m the only one in my family with a green thumb. I’ve got foster plants from almost every relative, which I’ve nursed back from the vegetative graveyard, and they’ve taken over my house. My husband is quite tolerant of it, given … Continue reading →

“Who You Gonna Call?”: Others’ Prayers Impact On Illness

Published on 2012-02-26 07:14:46

Remember Ray Parker, Jr.’s advice from the theme song of that iconic 1980s film? “If there’s something weird and it don’t look good Who you gonna call?” The song’s a bit goofy, but the question’s a good one. And when … Continue reading →

The Fears Beyond the Unnameable: Some Worries Upon Receiving A Cancer Diagnosis

Published on 2012-02-25 10:17:47

If your first two answers to a hypothetical question are: intractable pain and death–well, you might feel like there’s not a heck of a lot more to discuss. And those two fears pervade the existence of the person suffering from … Continue reading →

Did You Know?: Random Facts About Depression and Bipolar Disorder–REPRISE

Published on 2012-02-24 15:33:18

Did You Know?: Random Facts About Depression and Bipolar Disorder–REPRISE. Filed under: bipolar disorder, depression, Mental illness, Mood disorders, treatments for mood disorders

Did You Know?: Random Facts About Depression and Bipolar Disorder–REPRISE

Published on 2012-02-24 15:33:18

Did You Know?: Random Facts About Depression and Bipolar Disorder–REPRISE. Filed under: bipolar disorder, depression, Mental illness, Mood disorders, treatments for mood disorders

We’re Not All Stupid!: So What DO You Say or Do When Someone Tells You They’ve Been Diagnosed With Cancer?

Published on 2012-02-24 03:03:45

Well,�I wrote a post about the importance of not saying stupid things when you hear your friend has cancer. And I received a bunch of e-mails in response to it, probably because a bunch of people were thinking [and I … Continue reading →

We’re Not All Stupid!: So What DO You Say or Do When Someone Tells You They’ve Been Diagnosed With Cancer?

Published on 2012-02-24 03:03:45

Well,�I wrote a post about the importance of not saying stupid things when you hear your friend has cancer. And I received a bunch of e-mails in response to it, probably because a bunch of people were thinking [and I … Continue reading →

The Winner on Fear-Factor: Cancer

Published on 2012-02-23 10:13:49

It’s kind of morbid, but sometimes, in an effort to feel grateful, I go through all the horrible illnesses I could have but don’t. It ‘s like counting sheep when my arthritis keeps me up at night. And here’s the … Continue reading →

The Winner on Fear-Factor: Cancer

Published on 2012-02-23 10:13:49

It’s kind of morbid, but sometimes, in an effort to feel grateful, I go through all the horrible illnesses I could have but don’t. It ‘s like counting sheep when my arthritis keeps me up at night. And here’s the … Continue reading →

Getting Good And Angry: How Expressing Anger Just Might Help When It Comes To Cancer

Published on 2012-02-22 05:13:29

Here’s one that screamers, hair-pullers, and dish-throwers alike will appreciate: Turn’s out it’s good for your health to express your anger. Now that may very well be one of those annoying things people come up with as they’re telling you how … Continue reading →

Getting Good And Angry: How Expressing Anger Just Might Help When It Comes To Cancer

Published on 2012-02-22 05:13:29

Here’s one that screamers, hair-pullers, and dish-throwers alike will appreciate: Turn’s out it’s good for your health to express your anger. Now that may very well be one of those annoying things people come up with as they’re telling you how … Continue reading →

“You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of the American Public:” Things People Say To Those With Cancer

Published on 2012-02-21 08:30:32

P.T. Barnum had a cynical take on the degree of stupidity manifested by average Americans–but when it comes to what they say to those suffering from cancer, he wasn’t far off the mark. I’ve been treating cancer patients in my … Continue reading →

“You Will Never Go Broke Underestimating the Intelligence of the American Public:” Things People Say To Those With Cancer

Published on 2012-02-21 08:30:32

P.T. Barnum had a cynical take on the degree of stupidity manifested by average Americans–but when it comes to what they say to those suffering from cancer, he wasn’t far off the mark. I’ve been treating cancer patients in my … Continue reading →

Fantasy vs. Reality in Long-Term Relationships

Published on 2012-02-20 08:19:05

Well, I’ve talked myself out for the moment on the topic of mediation, but thought it might help us to take about 10 giant-”Mother-May-I” steps backwards–to the time when you looked at your to-be-spouse and saw only potential, positivity–and here’s … Continue reading →

Fantasy vs. Reality in Long-Term Relationships

Published on 2012-02-20 08:19:05

Well, I’ve talked myself out for the moment on the topic of mediation, but thought it might help us to take about 10 giant-”Mother-May-I” steps backwards–to the time when you looked at your to-be-spouse and saw only potential, positivity–and here’s … Continue reading →

The Mediations of the Rich and Famous

Published on 2012-02-19 07:58:03

Pretend, for a moment, that you are a celebrity, with name well-recognized across the world. Got that? Ok, now pretend (and  this may be harder for some of us working stiffs) that your net worth is in the high-hundred millions (is anyone … Continue reading →

The Mediations of the Rich and Famous

Published on 2012-02-19 07:58:03

Pretend, for a moment, that you are a celebrity, with name well-recognized across the world. Got that? Ok, now pretend (and  this may be harder for some of us working stiffs) that your net worth is in the high-hundred millions (is anyone … Continue reading →

Divorcing and Mediating, 101

Published on 2012-02-17 17:11:39

Did you ever get the feeling you might have missed something? (In point of fact, I had that feeling all through organic chemistry, and, since I never really could figure out what I missed–but knew for certain I hadn’t gotten … Continue reading →

Divorcing and Mediating, 101

Published on 2012-02-17 17:11:39

Did you ever get the feeling you might have missed something? (In point of fact, I had that feeling all through organic chemistry, and, since I never really could figure out what I missed–but knew for certain I hadn’t gotten … Continue reading →

How In the WORLD Could This Work?: The Possibilities of Mediation (and How You Might Have Achieved Mental Illness Without Looking)

Published on 2012-02-17 08:00:29

Julie came from a wealthy family–grew up with that proverbial silver spoon practically shoved down her throat. Were her parents thrilled when she met Jim, whose highest vocational training had occurred at McDonald’s and who had never owned or rented … Continue reading →

How In the WORLD Could This Work?: The Possibilities of Mediation (and How You Might Have Achieved Mental Illness Without Looking)

Published on 2012-02-17 08:00:29

Julie came from a wealthy family–grew up with that proverbial silver spoon practically shoved down her throat. Were her parents thrilled when she met Jim, whose highest vocational training had occurred at McDonald’s and who had never owned or rented … Continue reading →

Let’s Get Wonky: The Research on Mediation? Yup–It Really Works

Published on 2012-02-16 08:00:33

There’s nothing I find more satisfying than believing in something–and then knowing that the research backs me up. When it happens the other way it’s a total bummer. But I happen to be in luck on the topic of mediation, … Continue reading →

Let’s Get Wonky: The Research on Mediation? Yup–It Really Works

Published on 2012-02-16 08:00:33

There’s nothing I find more satisfying than believing in something–and then knowing that the research backs me up. When it happens the other way it’s a total bummer. But I happen to be in luck on the topic of mediation, … Continue reading →

Mediation: Good For Me, Good For You–and, Above All, Good For the Kids

Published on 2012-02-15 08:48:14

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson So let’s say you’re in a “what’s in it for me?” stance when the option of mediation is broached. It’s reasonable–you’ve been through a terrible … Continue reading →

Low-Conflict vs. High-Conflict Divorce: Why Mediate?

Published on 2012-02-14 08:30:58

You’d always wanted to go with your ex-husband to Hawaii–you asked year after year, but the answer was always the same. “Sorry, hon, there’s just not enough money for a trip like that. You know business is rough. Maybe next … Continue reading →

Did You Know?: Random Facts About Depression and Bipolar Disorder–REPRISE

Published on 2012-02-13 07:56:31

I’m actually ready to publish a series of posts on a topic close to my heart: mediation.  So swing back tomorrow to hear the latest on the alternative to adversarial divorce. But, like Adam Sandler, who was so excited about … Continue reading →

“He’s MY Daddy:” Campaigning For Attention in the Blended Family: New Spouse vs. Children

Published on 2012-02-12 07:37:50

To finish off this series on the blended family, let’s address what happens when the ones campaigning for attention of a certain parent are a child–and the new spouse. Look, let’s face it. Your child has very little cause to … Continue reading →

“He’s MY Daddy:” Campaigning For Attention in the Blended Family: The Step-Siblings

Published on 2012-02-11 08:25:30

To start your proactive work on preventing rivalry for a parent’s attention between siblings or between children and a new spouse, I recommend that you as the parent and step-parent consciously partition your home time into four parts: time with … Continue reading →

“He’s MY Daddy:” Campaigning For Attention in the Blended Family

Published on 2012-02-10 09:41:37

Layla was a shy, reserved, nine-year-old “daddy’s girl” who had done poorly since her parents had divorced and she had lost the full-time emotional support of and connection to her father. Lisa was my patient, whom  I had seen through a … Continue reading →

“Not Necessarily Sacred”: Maked Rules For the Blended Family, Part II

Published on 2012-02-09 07:33:12

We left off with the question of how to manage a combined household where each set of children was raised with conflicting rules–whose rules ‘win out,’ and who wins or loses out in each case? This is a tricky issue, … Continue reading →

“Not Necessarily Sacred”: Maked Rules For the Blended Family

Published on 2012-02-08 08:00:30

Franklin D. Roosevelt said, in that wonderful bass voice of his: “Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are.” Let’s see where that takes us. In my post “‘A Room Of Her Own:’ The Saga of the Blended Family Continues,” I … Continue reading →