Residential Drug Treatments

Residential Drug Treatments

Drug abuse or addiction is a slow process. To begin with, these substances seem to give the user much-needed relief from worries, and unusual pleasure. This is a sort of escapism from real-life challenges. Slowly but steadily, pleasure gives way to craving or desperation. Further, this becomes a permanent state of a person's mind, and by then he would have been completely enslaved by the drug. Lee Bickmore says, "Comfort comes as a guest, lingers to become a host, and stays to enslave."

Drug treatments come in various packages and can be tailored to suit every patient. Most of the drug treatment centers offer the facility of inpatient, outpatient, or residential drug treatment centers. It is up to the patient to choose the most convenient and suitable for him or her.

Childhood Depression

Childhood Depression

Childhood depression is a very real but sometimes elusive illness that affects the young today. We take a look at what it actually means and how unity and support in the family can help fight its hold over a child.
At the recently concluded Asia Pacific Suicide Prevention Convention 2006, we learnt a few startling facts about children and suicide. For example, in a worldwide survey, 7.3% to 38% of the children surveyed demonstrated suicide ideation, which is the idea of wanting to kill themselves. In Singapore, close to 4.7% of children entertain this morbid thought. While the figure may be alarming, there is no need to panic as it is actually not uncommon to think about suicide.

Elderly Care - Aged and Elderly Depression

Elderly Care - Aged and Elderly Depression

Very often depression in the aged is not reported and treated due to the social stigma attached with this condition or due to plain ignorance on part of the family of the elderly person. This not only doesn't help them, but can worsen their condition and make them susceptible to other ailments... including sometimes suicide. Also, elderly depression can occur due to the death of a spouse...which increases lonliness. Also, side-effects from certain medicines or due to certain long-term illnesses like diabetes and arthritis can have a profound effect on depression. The depression must be treated as soon as possible.

Adult Depression and Childhood Abuse

Adult Depression and Childhood Abuse

Depression runs in families. So does abuse. "Studies show that one in four girls and one in eight boys are sexually abused before the age of 18, and one in twenty children are physically abused each year." But sexual and emotional abuse, in particular, is woefully under reported. Most abused children grow up in an atmosphere of denial - denial by the adults around them and, for the most part, denial within themselves as a means of survival. Ultimately it is the secrecy around the abuse that helps to foster the depression. Additionally, neurobiology has expanded our understanding of how emotions affect brain chemistry. Traumatic events - such as any form of childhood abuse (sexual, emotional, physical) or neglect, changes the chemistry of the brain. These events can reshape wiring patterns and reset responses to them so that even a small degree of stress can produce an overabundance of stress hormones that in turn create anxiety and depression.

Common Symptoms Of Adolescent Depression

Common Symptoms Of Adolescent Depression

There are a number of signs that point in the direction of an adolescent having adolescent depression. These symptoms include changes in appetite, changes in sleep pattern, loss of involvement in normally popular activities, irritableness and sometimes unreasonable reaction to frustration and last but most certainly not least, statements of despair.
Changes in appetite or in eating pattern are a common and pretty strong sign of adolescent depression. In fact, it's among the key symptoms. More specific, the symptoms may be eating too much, eating too little, or even not eating altogether for a prolonged period of time. These signs of adolescent depression should not be mistaken for an eating disorder. However, sometimes these key symptoms could evolve into more neurotic behaviors, particularly whenever the patient starts to feel better after a change in diet.
Much like changes in appetite or in eating pattern, changes in sleep and in sleep pattern are also characteristics of adolescent depression though the behavior varies from person to person. Nevertheless, a drastic change in sleep behavior without any rational reason whatsoever should be considered to be a pretty strong and not to be neglected pointer.
There are a number of signs that point in the direction of an adolescent having adolescent depression. These symptoms include changes in appetite, changes in sleep pattern, loss of involvement in normally popular activities, irritableness and sometimes unreasonable reaction to frustration and last but most certainly not least, statements of despair.
Changes in appetite or in eating pattern are a common and pretty strong sign of adolescent depression. In fact, it's among the key symptoms. More specific, the symptoms may be eating too much, eating too little, or even not eating altogether for a prolonged period of time. These signs of adolescent depression should not be mistaken for an eating disorder. However, sometimes these key symptoms could evolve into more neurotic behaviors, particularly whenever the patient starts to feel better after a change in diet.
Much like changes in appetite or in eating pattern, changes in sleep and in sleep pattern are also characteristics of adolescent depression though the behavior varies from person to person. Nevertheless, a drastic change in sleep behavior without any rational reason whatsoever should be considered to be a pretty strong and not to be neglected pointer.

Depression and Genetic Predisposition

Depression and Genetic Predisposition

Depression and Genetic Predisposition: Can depression be genetic? I find the articles of most interest to be those that seem to be making a lot of progress in the study of genetics and mental illness including a genetic link to ADHD. Even though these studies are in the very early stages, they shed some new light on mental illness and "maybe" some promise of a break through down the road. Depression and genetic predisposition is in the forefront of many studies today. Can depression be genetic or is depression genetically inherited are questions that are often asked of me. Is there a suicide gene? Certain studies have claimed to isolate parts of the brain and genes that may be responsible for depression; and other articles claim that the environment can alter the genes which would give someone a predisposition to depression or other mental illnesses. Still other research has claimed that toxins or deficiencies or a plethora of vitamins in early development can also lead to mental illness.
To say that the cause of an illness of any sort is genetic is somewhat of a vacuous answer. We can then ask what was the cause of the illness in the ancestor that passed this gene along; and on and on we go. Somewhere in the family of origin, somebody had to be the "prime cause" or "first cause" that introduced this illness to the family gene pool. Now the question of whether the prime cause was a gene mutation or environmental issue cannot be avoided. This also entails another issue viz. if mental illness is initially introduced to a particular gene pool by means other than DNA, then of logical necessity-mental illness can still be caused by factors other than DNA. The question then becomes, what are some of the possible causes of mental illness, are they biological, genetic mutations, environmental stressors, toxins...

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

The onset of Parkinson's disease is usually between the ages of 50 and 70. The difference in incidence between men and women is not statistically significant. While the symptoms are certainly troublesome and can eventually result in the total loss of mobility, death as a direct result of Parkinson's disease is uncommon and the life expectancy for a Parkinson's patient has over the last decade or so grown very close to that of the population in general.
The most common and usually first obvious symptom of Parkinson's disease is a tremor. The tremor is often observed in the hand and lower arm but tremors of the leg are also quite common. There is a large variation from patient to patient as to where in the body the tremor appears. Early in the disease process the tremor often decreases substantially with muscle activity. For example the tremor will often decrease or appear to go away when a patient reaches for an object. Once the hand is back at rest the tremor will return. It is also unusual to see any tremors during sleep.

Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Signs of Multiple Sclerosis

Signs of Multiple Sclerosis vary depending on the patient, how long they have had the disease and how well they are responding to treatment. Sometimes early signs can go unnoticed or mistaken for another physical condition. Numbness, tingling, pain or tremors in various body parts or on different sides of the body are common early signs of MS.
Double vision, blurry vision, lack of balance and coordination, or partial or full loss of vision also often occurs in patients with MS. Fatigue and dizziness are also signs of MS, but are such broad symptoms that they may be overlooked, especially in the early stages, unless a physician who is experienced in compiling symptoms for MS is able to detect it.

How To Improve Your Memory - 3 Simple Tips To Follow

How To Improve Your Memory - 3 Simple Tips To Follow

Our brains are extremely complex. Computers ain't got nothing on your brain. Our brains are more advanced then any computer that has been and will ever be invented. But not only is it complex, it is also extremely powerful. You brain can adapt, alter and change in amazing ways. But when it comes to improving your memory, its all about health. The health of your brain directly reflects how strong your memory is. So here are 3 simple things that will help you improve your memory and keep it going strong well into your old age.
Tip #1 - Get Plenty Of Exercise And Rest
Tip #2 - Have A Good Laugh As Often As You Can
Tip #3 - Avoid Stress

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are rare headaches that often occur in groups or clusters and are frequently associated with drooping eyelids, red, watery eyes and nasal congestion on the affected side of the face. This is also characterized by severe headaches of piercing quality near one eye or temple that last for between fifteen minutes to three hours.
Victims of this condition do not only feel an intense pain, but also experience disabling effects and impacts on emotions, marriage, finances and other obligations at school or work. This also diminishes the quality of the patient's life, that is why one should find a remedy and undergo treatment as early as possible.

Migraine Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Migraine Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Migraine headaches affect millions of people on a daily basis. Females are affected twice as often as males and headaches usually begin around the onset of puberty but can vary. There does seem to be a genetic predisposition in families especially seen in females in a family. This category of headaches is typically broken down into to subcategories: Migraine headaches accompanied by an aura (Classical Migraine), and those without an aura (Common Migraines). Common migraines constitute the overall majority of migraine sufferers with about 80% of the cases whereas classical migraine sufferers make up the minority with about 20% of the cases. Most people commonly associate an aura with a migraine when discussing these headaches but it is not the norm statistically.
The aura leads up to the headache and is a nervous system reaction that typically involves the sensory system. Auras can be visual, auditory, sensory, and even motor. The most common visual aura is a visual change known as a scintillating scotoma which appears as a hazy spot in the central field of gaze followed by a patterned light that expands. The second most common aura is the pins and needles sensory feeling called paresthesia that can start in the hands or feet and radiate upward through the limbs to the face. Other common associated conditions include sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). The pain associated with the headache itself is usually graded as moderate to severe and is usually described as throbbing. The most common location for the pain is the frontal and temporal regions of the skull and in the area of the eyes but it can vary per case. The pain is typically one sided or unilateral and will build over the course of a few hours to become widespread and diffuse. The pain can last any where from 1-2 hours to more than a day depending on the severity of the episode. Nausea, vomiting, pallor, clamminess, and muscle aches can accompany the migraine as well.

3 Headache Types

3 Headache Types

* Migraine Headaches - 25% of all headaches experienced by people are migraines and most are experienced by women. Migraines tend to have a genetic element with over 70% of sufferers having a history of having migraines in their families. The pain itself is often described as a deep, throbbing sensation which is very intense and normally it affects one side of the head. It can be incapacitating and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, a numbness to the side of the face and a sensitivity to light, movement and noise. Migraines are unpredictable, they may last anything from four hours to two or three days and may occur a few times a week to some people or only once every couple of years to others.
* Cluster Headaches - A sudden, sharp excruciating pain is often associated with cluster headaches which usually occur at night. This pain is usually felt just behind the eye and may be accompanied by a feeling of nausea. The sufferer's nose may also feel blocked and start to run and their eyes may start to weep from the side. Men suffer this type of headache more often than women, and although it's not known for certain what causes these headaches smokers and those that drink heavily tend to be more prone to them.
* Tension Headaches - Tension headaches are the most common of all these headaches as they occur in 70% of all instances. 69% of men will experience tension headaches at some point in their lifetime. Compared to the other to headache types the pain of a tension headache is described as mild to moderate and may last from 30 minutes to anything up to a week. The pain is difficult to pinpoint and can be felt right through the head rather than one particular area.

Concussion Symptoms - Headache, Drowsy, Confusion, Loss of Consciousness

Concussion Symptoms - Headache, Drowsy, Confusion, Loss of Consciousness

Diagnosis of a concussion will be based on observation of the aforementioned symptoms following trauma to the head and possibly an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical exam, x-rays, and a CT scan or MRI of the head or neck. Additional test may be ordered including an EEG (brain wave test) if seizures are involved, blood tests or analysis of cerebrospinal fluids.
Treatment will depend on the extend of the injury. First aid may be required if the injury is recent. Do not attempt to move a patient if neck or spine injury is suspected. Have the patient lie down quietly. A cold compress may be used to alleviate pain present in the head or neck. The patient should be observed (at a hospital if the condition is severe) for a least 24 hours following injury.

Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms

Bacterial Meningitis Symptoms

If we take a look at meningitis brought on by bacteria and the one triggered by a virus, we can say that the bacterial meningitis is much more dangerous. It is widely known that Bacterial meningitis is among the most frequent form of this disease and it also is a huge danger to the health and well being for the affected person. This illness will cause the tissues around the human brain to begin bloating and raises the probabilities for the individual to have paralysis and even stroke. Since meningitis is definitely a severe disease it's essential to know the actual signs and symptoms.
The period between the infection and the symptoms for the bacterial meningitis is often 2-3 days. There were times when the symptoms and signs have appeared a couple of hours right after the infection. Several of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis are generally temperature and head aches, but unfortunately a number of other conditions develop the described symptoms. But there's one indication that is unique for meningitis and that's a progressively improving firmness in your neck which may be so significant that it could result in significant difficulties. As for the different signs or symptoms we can mention the following: uncertainty, advancing sleepiness, being easily annoyed and perhaps, even stroke.

Encephalitis and Meningitis - What is the Difference?

Encephalitis and Meningitis - What is the Difference?

Encephalitis is a disease that occurs to your brain sometimes after having a viral infection, like the chickenpox, the flu, measles, mumps, Mono, and even cold sores. What it does is causes your brain to become inflamed. The swelling can lead to damaged nerve cells, bleeding in your brain, and eventually lead to brain damage.
Meningitis on the other hand is a disease that effects the tissues that are around the brain and the spinal cord. It is caused by either a viral or bacterial illness and creates inflammation in those tissues. It has been found to often follow things such as a sinus infection or in your infection, or in some instances a viral illness.

How Alzheimer's Disease Is Diagnosed

How Alzheimer's Disease Is Diagnosed

Alzheimer's disease is a condition in which the brain undergoes shrinkage in key areas, affecting memory, thinking and behavior. The symptoms progress so slowly that the changes are difficult to pinpoint over time, and it usually takes an outsider or a person that is not around the individual to suggest a doctor visit. It is classified as the most common form of dementia, which can interfere with daily life as it causes severe loss of intellectual capability and memory.
By taking the time to discover if an individual's inconvenient symptoms are truly caused by Alzheimer's, several things can be accomplished. Most importantly, the fear of the unknown will be destroyed. This fear causes anxiety in some patients and anger in others. If the time is taken to discuss the symptoms with a doctor, one of two things will be accomplished: the doctor will tell the patient that the symptoms are due to other causes or he will confirm that it is indeed Alzheimer's disease.

Infection of the Central Nervous System - Brain Abscess (Suppurative Encephalitis)

Infection of the Central Nervous System - Brain Abscess (Suppurative Encephalitis)

Diagnosis: In any patient having one of the underlying causes, features suggestive of meningitis, raised intracranial tension or focal neurological deficit should suggest the possibility or brain abscess. Lumbar puncture should not be routinely done in such cases since the risk or coning is high. Moreover the CSF may not show diagnostic changes in the case of localized abscess.
The diagnosis can be confirmed by CT Scan which should be done of an early stage. X-ray skull may give evidence of sinusitis and rarely gas in the abscess cavity, if the abscess is caused by gas-producing organisms or the abscess is communicating with the paranasal sinuses.
Course and prognosis: If left untreated, brain abscess is fatal. Complications include rupture into cerebral ventricles producing ventriculitis, meningitis, rise in intracranial tension and secondary epilepsy. If the abscess is diagnosed early and treated, full recovery may occur. Mortality is higher in brain abscess complicating congenital heart disease. The overall mortality in large series is 11-15%.

Blood Cancer - Causes and Treatment

Blood is a part of the body. Blood has different components sch as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The red blood cells (RBC), platelets also called monocytes because it is belong to the "myeloid" group and other white blood cells belong to the "lymphoid" group. Lymphoid cells are affected. Disease progresses quickly. This is most common among children. Blood cancer or Leukemia is actually a group of diseases, each of which impede with the normal functioning of blood cells and progressively weaken the system. Leukemia is classified as either Acute or Chronic. Blood and urine samples may also be tested for various substances, called tumor markers, which may indicate cancer.
Causes
A weakened immune system - this may be a result of drugs that suppress the immune system (such as those used for organ transplants), high doses of radiation (such as in radiotherapy for another cancer), or diseases that affect the immune system (such as HIV).
Treatment
In radio immunotherapy, an immunotoxin--a hybrid molecule formed by coupling an antibody molecule to a toxin--is injected into the patient.