Hearing voices is a common symptom of schizophrenia. While some patients find relief with antipsychotic drugs, other techinques under investigation include electrical stimulation, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and meditation.
Many teenagers post information about risky behavior in their online social networking profiles, but a study found that nearly half responded to an intervention aimed at getting them to make their profiles safer by altering or removing such information.
Researchers have formulated an index of risk factors that may help lower the likelihood of developing dementia in older age.
Adolescent girls who have several meals per week with their families may have a reduced risk of developing an eating disorder.
Medical marijuana may be a viable alternative treatment option for patients with certain conditions who do not respond to other available medications, but there are definite psychiatric risks involved in its use.
Statistically, men are more likely than women to become addicts, but women with addiction problems find it harder to quit, and are more likely to relapse after treatment.
Research on social connections and aging finds that older people with a large, active social network are more likely to retain their cognitive functioning, and less lilely to develop dementia.
People who have had serious side effects after LASIK eye surgery brought their complaints to a hearing April 25. The Associated Press reported on the hearing. It was sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). LASIK uses a laser to reshape the eye and improve vision. FDA officials said perhaps 5% of patients are not happy with LASIK. It’s not clear how many of those have serious side effects. Problems described at the hearing included eye pain, dry eyes, glare, blurry vision and poor night vision.
The definition of posttraumatic stress disorder has evolved to reflect the idea that what would be considered traumatic to one person might not be so to another.
The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) now includes a mental health parity provision. A study suggests that a low copayment for mental health services may increase the likelihood that patients will receive the care they need.