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Vagal Blocking for Obesity Control (VBLOC), low power electrical signals t
2008-06-09 17:03:00
I have been getting many e-mails about a weight loss belt that reduces appetite and involves the vagus nerve. Is it true? Is it a scam or a joke? No, it is a real therapy that is being vigorously studied by researchers, scientists and medical device companies. It is called VBLOC Therapy and it literally blocks messages conveyed through the vagal nerve in the stomache. What is the function of the vagal nerve? The vagal nerves begin in the brain and extend to multiple organs and regions of the digestive system. Each vagus nerve provides direct two-way communication between the brain and the digestive system. Most importantly it gives the patient a satisfaction of hunger or fullness in the stomache. Here is a real life story about women named Heather:"I've actually been overweight all my life. As a child, I was always the bigger child in the class, and as I got older it progressed," said Heather. The mother of four says she's tried everything -- except gast...
More About: Power , Obesity , Control , Electrical

Howard Hughes Medical Insitute's (HHMI) $11 billion in assets and CBS's Si
2008-06-09 02:16:00
WOW!  I just watched a fascinating segment on CBS's Sixty-Minutes about the Howard Hughes Medical Insitute (HHMI). I had never heard of HHMI and its $11 billion in assets to fund medical research. I immediately visited its web site and searched for information about its grants for mental health research. Here is a short summary of one of its many grants:Molecule Provides a Missing Link in Understanding Depression Researchers have discovered a regulatory molecule that links faulty dopamine signaling in the brain to the neural machinery that breaks down in people who suffer from depression. The findings may explain why commonly prescribed antidepressants can take weeks to work and why the drugs are ineffective for some people. The researchers said their findings could open the way for the development of antidepressant drugs with improved efficacy. The researchers, led by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator Li-Huei Tsai at Harvard Medical School, published their...
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American Diabetes Association: Januvia combined with metformin improved bet
2008-06-08 04:19:00
Many depression patients also suffer  from Type II diabetes. In addition, depression sufferers are at substantially higher risk of developing Type II diabetes than the general population. Everywhere I read, the healthcare experts are projecting that Type 2 diabetes will be an epidemic by the end of this decade. So I thought this report just published today would be of great benefit to readers.New data presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 68th Annual Scientific Sessions showed initial combination therapy with JANUVIA™ (sitagliptin), a diabetes medicine from Merck & Co., Inc., and metformin substantially improved markers of beta cell function and significantly reduced blood sugar levels. Metformin is is an oral anti-diabetic drug. It is the first line drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in overweight and obese people and those with normal kidney function. JANUVIA is indicated, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, to improve ...

Spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle will be featured on Oprah Winfrey's Sou
2008-06-02 02:28:00
Monday night June 2 @ 9:00PM is part II of Oprah Winfrey 's Soul Series web cast with Eckhart Tolle as the guest. Spiritual teacher  Tolle  and author of The Power of Now and A New Earth, take a closer look at living in the now. Tolle is an amazing author, counselor and spiritual leader. I always learn something from listening to and reading his teachings:The author of the best-selling The Power of Now and A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle has dedicated much of his life to teaching others how to live in the present moment. His message has reached millions who are looking to transform their lives and evolve to a higher consciousness. Armed with this new perspective on life, Eckhart began teaching spiritual workshops to small groups of people, and in 1999, he published The Power of Now to international acclaim. In 2005, he published A New Earth, and in 2008, it became an Oprah's Book Club pick and the basis of an exclusive online webcast hosted by himself and Oprah. At the core of...
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Meditative practices and their effects on mental and physical health.
2008-06-01 04:40:00
At workshops and conferences across the country, students, counselors and psychologists in private practice throng lectures on mindfulness. The National Institutes of Health is financing more than 50 studies testing mindfulness techniques, up from 3 in 2000, to help relieve stress, soothe addictive cravings, improve attention, lift despair and reduce hot flashes. Some proponents say Buddha’s arrival in psychotherapy signals a broader opening in the culture at large — a way to access deeper healing, a hidden path revealed. A variety of meditative practices have been studied by Western researchers for their effects on mental and physical health. I am for any treatment that can improve health. Here are a few:Yoga Enhanced awareness through breathing techniques and specific postures. Schools vary widely, aiming to achieve total absorption in the present and a release from ordinary thoughts. Studies are mixed, but evidence shows it can reduce stress. Mindfulness Meditation ...
More About: Mental , Physical , Effects , Meditative

Chronic fatigue syndrome: first-hand advice from an expert psychologist...
2008-05-30 21:01:00
The New York Times recently interviewed Leonard Jason, Ph.D. a professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago. I thought readers would benefit from Dr. Jason's insight into this baffling disease. Dr. Jason director of the university’s Center for Community Research. He is on the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee to the federal Department of Health and Human Services and is a board member of the International Association for CFS/ME, an advocacy group. Q: What is it about chronic fatigue syndrome that makes it so challenging for many people — patients themselves, doctors, family members? A: Fatigue is a universal human experience, and in fact most people are very hard-working and feel fatigued a lot of the time. And severe fatigue is one of the most common complaints that people bring to their physicians. Because so many people have general fatigue and continue to function, they think, “What’s that? That’s not a disease, it’s just a fact of life.” ...
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Should depression patients use atypical antipsychotic drugs for treatment-
2008-05-30 03:30:00
The answer to this question comes from the scientific and psychiatric communities via the results from clinical trials. More recently, 2 positive, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating the use of adjunctive aripiprazole ( Abilify) in Major Depressive Disorder were published. In the first such study, focused on the use of aripiprazole augmentation for patients resistant ( did not respond) to up to 1-3 retrospective" (historical) antidepressant trials. Patients who made insufficient symptom improvement had either aripiprazole or placebo added to their SSRI or SNRI regimen for a total of 6 weeks. A statistically significant difference in remission rates was also observed, with 26% remission for aripiprazole vs 15% remission for placebo .This study also reported relatively low rates of discontinuation due to intolerance in the 2 treatment groups (2% for aripiprazole and 1.7% for placebo . The results of separate study of identical design recently presented at a ma...
More About: Drugs , Depression , Treatment

Diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression? New treatments to help you m
2008-05-30 03:10:00
We defined treatment-resistant depression in our May 27th, 2008 post. Now we need to learn about new depression treatments, strategies and coping skills. First of all, new evidence indicates that the typical six week "trial period"  of a new antidepressant  may not be adequate. Recent  clinical trials of longer duration (12 weeks) have provided evidence arguing that 6 weeks may be too short a duration to declare an antidepressant trial ineffective.I can't emphasize enough the importance of patient compliance.  50% of patients do not comply. I know that it is very hard for depression patients to comply, especially if you do not get a positive response. Take your medications exactly as prescribed by your physician. Everyday with no exceptions( unless the side effects, if any, are not tolerable). The management of TRD can involve the use of pharmacologic as well as nonpharmacologic interventions such as the use of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, elect...
More About: Treatments , Depression , Treatment

Choosing the right food can affect mood and depression
2008-05-28 18:50:00
How great an impact does diet have on mood? I have always wondered about the link between food and depression. Scientists have now determined that emotions are linked to certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Three neurotransmitters in particular — dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin — have been studied in relation to food, and this research has shown that neurotransmitters are produced in the brain from components of certain foods. With focus on the food-mood connection, researcher Judith Wurtman, former member of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology research staff and author of "The Serotonin Power Diet," notes that people are more alert when their brains are producing dopamine and norepinephrine. SEROTONIN-MOOD LINK A calmer effect has been associated with serotonin production. A stable brain serotonin level is associated with a positive mood state. Dr. Wurtman, who also directed the Program in Women's Health at MIT's Clinical Research Center, ...
More About: Food , Depression , Mood

What is the definition of treatment-resistant depression?
2008-05-27 19:13:00
To answer that question, I have to first define treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is the Mayo Clinic's definition of TRD:Treatment -resistant depression is generally defined as the continuation of depression symptoms despite treatment with at least three or four different medications. In other words, you and your doctor may have spent months or even years trying to find treatments that result in the remission of your depression symptoms, without success. This kind of chronic depression is not the same as dysthymia. Dysthymia is a less-severe form of depression, and although it's also long-lasting, its symptoms usually aren't disabling or life-altering. What are the causes of treatment-resistant depression? Several factors may cause or contribute to treatment-resistant depression. These include: Depression severity. The more severe your depression initially is and the longer a depression episode lasts, the more likely the depression is to resist improvement with treatme...
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Free webinar: The Science of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): past, present
2008-05-26 20:29:00
Chronic fatigue is a struggle for many  depression patients, so I wanted to share with you this upcoming webinar. It will help to give you coping strategies for this debilitating illness. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association is hosting a free webinar on May 28th at 2:00PM Eastern. All you need is a phone and a computer. It will be hosted by the Association's president & CEO Kim McCleary and scientific director Suzanne Vernon, PhD, and will present  an overview of the CFS science,  live via the Internet. Here's a summary of the program:Learn what research has already uncovered about CFS and how it affects the human body. Discover what’s happening now in the field of CFS research. Hear what Dr. Vernon and the Association envision as the next steps on the path to discovery, and find out how The Campaign to Accelerate CFS Research is designed to build the capacity of the scientific community all over the world to find the answers underlying this complex illne...
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Oprah Winfrey starts 21-day diet program based on Kathy Freston's book
2008-05-23 17:02:00
WOW. Oprah Winfrey is starting another diet. With summer just around the corner, Oprah Winfrey is saying bye, bye to burgers – hello tofu and tempeh! Unwanted weight is often a problem for people who suffer from depression, so I thought I would share it with you. Oprah is going vegan for a 21-day detox plan.In addition to swearing off animal products,  Oprah is  also banning caffeine, sugar, gluten and alcohol. Oprah's diet is based on Kathy Freston's book Quantum Wellness and online sessions with Canadian motivational speaker Eckhart Tolle. Oprah said:"This 21-day cleanse gives me a chance to think about [eating] differently and see what my attachments are to certain kinds of foods – and what I'm willing to do to change. Don't know if I'm going to feel better or worse, but I'm willing to try to see if my body at least feels differently." I had been focused on what I had to give up – sugar, gluten, alcohol, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese. 'What'...
More About: Diet , Book , Program

DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows premiers tonite on PBS.
2008-05-21 19:12:00
Tonite on PBS( 9:00PM ET) is the premier of the documentary DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows . The documentary has gotten excellent reviews from many national health organizations.  The programs asks the question if so many people are living with the disease, why the silence? DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows is a multi-dimensional PBS project that explores the disease's complex terrain, offering a comprehensive and timely examination of this devastating disorder:The first component of the project is a 90-minute documentary, premiering May 21, 2008, at 9:00 pm ET (check local listings). By weaving together the science and treatment of depression with intimate portrayals of families and individuals coping with its wide-ranging effects, the film raises awareness and eliminates the stigma surrounding this prevalent disease, underscoring the fact that whether we are battling it in our families, our workplaces, or in our own minds, depression touches everyone.Through the voices and ...
More About: Depression , The Shadows , Premiers

Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey to discuss Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD) on W
2008-05-20 21:57:00
Oprah Winfrey and Dr.Oz will discuss obsessive compulsive disorder on Wednesday's show. Millions of Americans are living in fear—terrified of germs, afraid to use the toilet, thinking food is poison. Six people have 72 hours to conquer their obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tune In Wednesday!One in 40 Americans suffer from this disorder that makes doing normal activities terrifying. Come back to see the therapy that could help them.
More About: Oprah Winfrey , Oprah

What are the causes of depression?; it is in the genes.
2008-05-20 19:06:00
While depression can strike anyone at any time, research has identified several factors associated with an increased risk for depression: Family History—Having an immediate family member with depression increases the risk of developing depression. Other mental illnesses, such as alcoholism in family members, also can increase the risk for depression. Early Childhood Experience—Early childhood trauma, such as loss of a parent before adolescence, child neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and parental divorce are all linked to increased risk for adult depression. Stress—Negative life events, such as divorce, loss of a loved one or loss of employment are associated with increased depression. Research shows that chronic stresses (such as illness, lack of social support and numerous "daily hassles") also are linked to depression. Alcohol—Depression and alcoholism often is seen in the same patient at the same time. Alcohol is a depressant and its presence ...
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Jill Bolte Taylor, author of "Stroke of Insight" named as TIME Magazine's 1
2008-05-20 01:25:00
Jill Bolte Taylor , Ph.D.—the "Singin’ Scientist" for brain research has been named by TIME Magazine as one of "the world’s 100 most influential people" as a scientist and thinker. Her photo is on the cover of the magazine—inside the center of the M. The designation is the result of her talk earlier this year at a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference, dedicated to spreading worthwhile ideas. Other people on the list include Hillary Clinton, Steve Jobs, and Bruce Springsteen. Dr. Jill served on the NAMI national board from 1994-1997 and is currently president of NAMI Indiana’s Greater Bloomington affiliate. Television Producer and host Dick Clark wrote the following:A neuroanatomist and professor at Indiana University School of Medicine, Taylor, 48, realized one day in 1996 that she was suffering a brain hemorrhage. She felt her faculties slipping away and, as a brain scientist, understood exactly what was happening to her. Over the next decade, she fought ...
More About: Time , Insight , Author , Jill

Who are America's best precription drug stores according to Consumer Repor
2008-05-18 18:00:00
I thought this was a fascinating article and would be helpful for depression patients or anyone who has to take prescription drugs. New prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, and dietary supplements migrate daily through the drugstores, yet  consumers aren't asking  asking pharmacists more about dosage and interactions according to report just published by Consumer Reports. The evolving relationship between consumers and pharmacists is one of several findings that indicate a shift in how people are finding the best drugstore for their needs, how they are buying medicine, where they're shopping, and what they're paying. The highlights:Cost is a bigger burden. In 2007, Americans spent $287 billion on prescription drugs, about five times as much as in 1993 but only about half the amount forecast for 2017. Sixty-five percent of prescription-drug buys we asked about in 2002 were mostly or entirely covered by insurance, vs. 33 percent this time. Five percent of purc...
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How is Fibromyalgia Treated?: Antidepressants, pain management, sleep manag
2008-05-18 03:38:00
Depression, chronic pain and fibomyalgia are often associated, It is hard to identify which come first. Some people are depressed because they are in chronic pain. Chronic pain is a co-morbidity of depression.One of the most important factors in improving the symptoms of Fibromyalgia(FM) is for the patient to recognize the need for lifestyle adaptation. Most people are resistant to change because it implies adjustment, discomfort and effort. However, in the case of FM, change can bring about recognizable improvement in function and quality of life. Becoming educated about FM gives the patient more potential for improvement.Fibromyalgia Treatments Conventional medical intervention may be only part of a potential treatment program. Alternative treatments, nutrition, relaxation techniques, and exercise play an important role in FM treatment as well. Each patient should, with the input of a healthcare practitioner, establish a multifaceted and individualized approach that works for t...
More About: Management , Pain management , Pain , Sleep , Antidepressants

Vagal block therapy( VBLOC): 'Shock' Diet Could Help You Lose Weight
2008-05-16 17:49:00
Depression, Type II diabetes and obesity often go hand-in-glove. Within the next few years there may be a new and safer alternative to bariatric bypass surgeries such as gastric bypass surgery and laparoscopic band surgery. It is called VBLOC. Unlike other types of bariatric surgery (laparoscopic banding or gastric bypass,) that alter the stomach’s anatomy, VBLOC Therapy is delivered by an implantable, investigational device intended to block signals carried on the vagus nerve between the brain and the digestive system that control sensations of hunger, satisfaction and fullness.That's the idea behind a weight loss "shock" therapy being tested at Scripps Research Clinic in San Diego, California. If you qualify, you could be one of the first to try it. "This is the clip that actually goes around the nerve and it controls that nerve through this wire." The vagal nerve seen in this animation sends hunger signals to your stomach. Interrupt the signal with a painless electric sho...
More About: Diet , Weight , Shock , Lose Weight

Housing foreclosures cause increases in depession, suicides and other ment
2008-05-16 05:06:00
This is a very tragic and sadly more common story. On a brisk day last fall in Prineville, Ore., Raymond and Deanna Donaca faced the unthinkable: They were losing their home to foreclosure and had days to move out.Yet just before lunch on Oct. 23, the Donacas closed all their home's doors except the one to the garage and left their 1981 Cadillac Eldorado running. Toxic fumes filled the home. When sheriff's deputies arrived at about 1 p.m., they found the body of Raymond, 71, on the second floor along with three dead dogs. The body of Deanna, 69, was in an upstairs bedroom, close to another dead retriever. "It is believed that the Donacas committed suicide after attempts to save their home following a foreclosure notice left them believing they had few options," the Crook County Sheriff's Office said in a report.Their suicides were a tragic extreme, but the Donacas' case symbolizes how the housing crisis is wrenching the emotional lives of legions of homeowners. The escalating pa...
More About: Foreclosures , Housing

Dr. Oz discusses with Oprah Winfrey new treatments for fibromyalgia.
2008-05-12 18:55:00
On a recent episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Oz and Oprah discussed the new treatments for fibromyalgia with  Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., director of The Annapolis Center for Effective CFS/Fibromyalgia Therapies. I thought it was a terrific segment. Many people suffer from a combination of all-over body pain, exhaustion, short-term memory loss and trouble sleeping. Just a few decades ago, doctors would not have known how to diagnose the symptoms, but today it is diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum treats people from all over the world suffering from fibromyalgia. He talked with Dr. Oz about his own struggle with the painful condition and the remedies that helped him and thousands of others recover:As a young medical student, Dr. Teitelbaum says he became very ill with something that his father called the "drop dead flu." It has now been recognized as fibromyalgia. Dr. Teitelbaum says he couldn't get out of bed for six weeks, and he had to drop out of s...
More About: Treatments

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12, 2008: learn new treatments for fibrom
2008-05-12 03:53:00
What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain illness characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and hands, but any body part can be affected. It can both be the cause as well as a symptom of depression. Fibromyalgia patients experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time. Click here to learn more about National Fibromyalgia Awareness DayThe National Fibromyalgia Association  is committed to providing reliable scientific information to help clinical providers better assist their fibromyalgia patients in managing their disorder and ultimately improving their quality of life. Science has begun to unlock the mysteries of fibromyalgia and provided insight on the biological mechanisms that contribute to patient suffering. While fibromyalgia has historically ...
More About: Treatments , Learn , 2008

Mothers can pass depression on to their children and cause other psychiatri
2008-05-11 17:15:00
Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Mothers play a very important in the emotional well-being and mental health of their children. Mothers can pass depression on to their children. On the other hand, if the mother is successfully treated for depression, the chances of her children developing psychiatric disorders goes down significantly., Myrna Weissman, Ph.D., professor of Epidemiology and Psychiatry at Columbia University studied the issue of mothers with depression and the affect on their children:Sadly, if the mother's depression continues, her children run a sizeable risk of having mental health problems. The author of the study, Myrna Weissman, said "If you have a depression mother, you ought to do everything you can to get her better, because there's a double effect. While depression may be a genetic disorder, it has a strong environmental component. And, for a child, a parent's illness is a very strong environmental effect. You want to reduce that effect so that you can ha...
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National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 8, 2008: "help kids
2008-05-08 12:46:00
Mister Rogers would dispense this simple advice on this very special day: Give unconditional love - Children need to know that your love does not depend on their accomplishments.Nurture confidence and self-esteem - Praise and encourage your children. Set realistic goals. Be honest about your mistakes and avoid sarcasm. Encourage play - Play time is as important to a child's development as food. Play helps children be creative, develop problem-solving skills and self-control, and learn how to get along with others. Enroll children in after-school activities - This is a great way for kids to stay productive, learn something new, gain self-esteem and have something to look forward to during the week. If they are home alone, check in on them after school. Children need to know that even if you're not there physically, you're thinking about them, and interested in how they spend their day. Provide a safe and secure environment - Fear can be very real for a child. Try to fi...
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National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is May 8, 2008: "help kids
2008-05-08 12:42:00
Today is indeed National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, sponsored by the National Mental Health Association.As Americans observe 2008 May is Mental Health Month and National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, Mental Health America asks families to recognize and promote their children's mental health and overall development through increased communication, guidance and emotional support.  The theme for this year's Mental Health Month is "Get Connected" to emphasize the important role of social relationships in protecting and improving mental health and building resiliency.  Research shows that children who feel warmth and caring from their parents are more likely to be successful in school, less anxious and depressed, and have higher self-esteem than those without.  This is true for every human being: "Having supportive relationships in our lives is essential for success, happiness and, perhaps most importantly, how we deal with adver...
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Barbara Walters reveals fathers suicide attempt , her mentally challenged s
2008-05-08 04:01:00
Barbara Walters. host of ABC's The View, just published her new book titled Audition: A Memoir . It is a great read and she dicusses a variety of topics. She doesn't reveal too many personal or emotional issues. However she wrote about her father's battle with severe depression and a suicide attempt. Barbara was on the Oprah Winfrey show to discuss her book.Barbara says her father tried to commit suicide by taking an overdose of sleeping pills. "All I remember is being in the ambulance and saying, 'I love you, Daddy. I love you, Daddy,'" she says. "All the compassion that I had for him and all of the love that was there came out." I know that Barbara has never previously mentioned anything about her father's suicide attempt. So I was quite surprised. Her father survived the overdose, but Barbara says no one in the family ever asked him why he wanted to die. Looking back, Barbara says debt and professional failures may have prompted his suicide attempt. Barbara had a mental...
More About: Barbara Walters , Barbara , Fathers , Suicide

Nearly 100 Arrested in College Drug Bust at San Diego State University. The
2008-05-06 23:12:00
This is absolutely shocking news. Today, authorities  arrested nearly 100 students and seized guns and drugs in a sting operation at San Diego State University in California according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Campus police and the DEA began their undercover operation after the death of a student from an overdose in May 2007, the news release said. A second overdose death occurred as recently as February at a fraternity house.Authorities seized several guns, at least $60,000 in cash, marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, hash oil, methamphetamine and illicit prescription drugs, authorities said. Two kilograms of cocaine and 350 ecstasy pills also were seized, officials said. Eighteen students were arrested Tuesday when nine search warrants were executed at various locations, including fraternities, said Jesse Rodriguez, San Diego County assistant district attorney. About 75 students faced charges. Those arrested included a student who was about to receive a criminal ...
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D.C. Madam Deborah Jeane Palfrey's suicide notes were released: wrote "no w
2008-05-06 04:54:00
There is nothing more horrifying than a suicide. Convicted "D.C. Madam " Deborah Jeane Palfrey railed against what she called a "modern-day lynching" in notes to her mother and sister before hanging herself at her mother's Florida home in her successful suicide attempt. Police in Tarpon Springs, Florida, released Palfrey's suicide notes Monday, along with autopsy results confirming her cause of death as a suicide. Her mother and sister confirmed the notes' authenticity, police said."I cannot live the next 6 to 8 years behind bars for what you and I have both come to regard as this 'modern-day lynching' only to come out of prison in my late 50s a broken, penniless and very much alone woman," she wrote. The front of the note was marked "Do not revive (DNR). Do not feed under any circumstance.""You must comprehend there was no way out, I.E. 'exit strategy,' for me other than the one I have chosen here," Palfrey wrote in the n...
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Autism is linked to parents' mental illness and can be inherited from eithe
2008-05-06 03:04:00
In another sign pointing to an inherited component to autism, a study released on Monday found that having a schizophrenic parent or a mother with psychiatric problems roughly doubled a child's risk of being autistic:"Our research shows that mothers and fathers diagnosed with schizophrenia were about twice as likely to have a child diagnosed with autism," said Julie Daniels of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, who worked on the study. "We also saw higher rates of depression and personality disorders among mothers, but not fathers," she said in a statement.This is truly an amazing study with widespread implications. The study of families in Sweden with children born between 1977 and 2003 involved 1,227 children diagnosed with autism. They were compared with families of nearly 31,000 children who did not have autism. Sweden's detailed health registry provides a wealth of data for such studies. What are the symptoms of autism? Autism , which is marked...
More About: Mental , Parents , Mental Illness , Illness

Oprah Winfrey "A New Earth" class number 10 ( the FINAL CLASS): Your Inner
2008-05-04 21:08:00
Tomorrow night is the tenth and final class of Oprah Winfrey 's webcasts based on the book A New Earth : Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. This is a two hour class which begins at 9:00PM Eastern. It has been an incredibly helpful journey, but difficult at times. Many of the topics and solutions directly relate to one's mental health including depression. The genesus of so many things in life are directly related to a healthy mind. This week's final excercises include: Take a few moments now and feel the universal movements of the "return home" and the "outgoing" as you inhale and exhale. Feel yourself connected to all humans, to all life forms and to the universe as a whole with each breath. This week, as you engage in your work and home life, bring this awareness to your breath, especially when anxiety, worry or negativity arises This week, stay vigilant as you go about your daily tasks. What is your state of consciousness?   &nbs...
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