Sep 9 2016
psychiatry in neuroscience
For years, people in the psychiatry field have made the argument that the future of this discipline is tied to neurosciences. Basic understanding of brain study could quite possibly move clinical advances forward. Predicting when and if early findings about psychiatry in neuroscience will have clinical application is yet to be determined.In the meantime, the belief that the field of neuroscience has tremendous potential in diagnoses and treatments of psychiatric patients will continue. Training psychiatry students should have a curriculum that includes modern neuroscience.To support the relevancy of neuroscience to clinical psychiatry, a few examples from research are given below.Progress in Alzheimer’s Disease ResearchUnderstanding and diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease before visible symptoms is the most dramatic example of neuroscience’s potential to change the field.
Research involving genetically modified mice helped scientists identify a chemical that is most likely part of someone developing this disease.This raises a distinct possibility that neuro-imaging procedures can help clinicians confirm an initial diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. Perhaps, someone with very mild symptoms or with very high risk for developing the disease can be identified before actual symptoms appear.The Brain and DepressionAnother area of progress worth noting is expanded understanding of the brain circuitry that connect to major depression. One technique already takes advantage of this initial findings.
Now, psychiatrists are able to help patients who suffer from chronic and severe depression.Some patients respond well to treatments that are currently available. Others, however, are less responsive. Further exploration into brain stimulation may offer more hope for those patients.Brain Development in ChildrenChildren represent another group that can benefit from further research. Already, studies about brain imaging have shown how neural connections may play a part in a child’s brain development.Whether a child’s brain was developing at his or her age level, or in a manner that suggested dysfunction was not always easy to determine. In the near future, simple imaging procedures will reveal autism and other illnesses in young children. This will give parents and clinicians opportunities to apply early interventions.These represent just a fraction of examples where the psychiatry field can get new diagnosis and treatment ideas from the study of neuroscience. Most importantly, early results from these examples promise much more can be done with clinical practice.For now, neuroscience appears to be pathway to leaving the current state of psychiatry where some treatments limit a person’s quality of life. Instead of banishing serious psychiatric disorders to disability and death, psychiatric professionals can significantly impact their field with healing.
Sep 9 2016
Being Supportive During a Cancer Crisis
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly overwhelming. If you have a friend or family member who has been diagnosed with cancer, then there are several ways you can offer inspiration. It is important to provide support during this challenging time. Friends and family members will appreciate the encouragement that you can offer.
Offer Specific Help
Instead of making a general offer to assist your loved one, consider making a specific offer. For example, you can offer to drive your friend to chemotherapy treatment. Offering to bring food to a friend’s family or to pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy can also be good ways to offer help. Cancer patients may be too overwhelmed to suggest ways that you can help. This is why making specific offers can be an ideal way to help during a crisis. You may also want to consider mutual friends or other family members who can help as well. Encourage groups of friends to find ways to offer support.
Stay Supportive
When cancer patients announce their diagnosis, they may receive an initial outpouring of encouragement and support. The support can decrease as the treatments continue. Stay informed of the treatment plan for your loved one. Try to remain supportive throughout the weeks of treatment. Cancer patients may begin to feel sick as they progress through treatment, and it is important to offer as much encouragement as you can.
Make Small Gestures
If your friend does not feel like having visitors, then consider dropping off a thoughtful card with a supportive message. Cancer patients may not feel like spending time socializing, but you can still be a source of support. If you cannot find the words to offer inspiration, then you may want to search for inspirational books for cancer patients that can offer encouragement.
Cancer patients who have supportive networks of family and friends can face their challenges with more optimism and motivation. These positive attitudes can reduce stress levels. Helping friends and family during their difficult times can also bring you a renewed sense of appreciation for life.
By admin • Cancer • • Tags: chemotherapy, encouragement, Make Small Gestures, motivation, Offer Specific Help, Stay Supportive, stress