Sleep patterns affect weight loss

Managing sleep and stress levels can help in the battle against obesity, according to scientists in the US.
People getting too little or too much sleep were less likely to lose weight in a six month study of 472 obese people. Their report in the International Journal of Obesity showed that lower stress levels also predicted greater weight loss.

A UK sleep expert said people need to "eat less, move more and sleep well".
Approximately a quarter of adults in the UK are thought to be clinically obese, which means they have a Body Mass Index greater than 30.

Nearly 500 obese patients were recruited for the first part of a clinical trial by the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in the US.
For six months they had to eat 500 fewer calories per day, exercise most days and attend group sessions.

Weight loss
The authors report that "sleep time predicted success in the weight loss programme".
People with lower stress levels at the start also lost more weight.
The researchers added: "These results suggest that early evaluation of sleep and stress levels in long-term weight management studies could potentially identify which participants might benefit from additional counselling."

Dr Neil Stanley, from the British Sleep Society, said the sleep community had been aware of this for a while, but was glad that obesity experts were taking notice.
"We've always had the eat less move more mantra. But there is a growing body of evidence that we also need to sleep well", he said.

"It's also true that if you're stressed, then you're less likely to behave, you'll sit at home feeling sorry for yourself, probably eating a chocolate bar."
Dr David Haslam, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: "It's a great idea to find predictors of who will respond to therapy, if this is a genuine one."

Source:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/health-12880109



Road traffic offending, stress, age, and accident history among male and female drivers

Authors: Frances Simon;Claire Corbett

Published in: Ergonomics, Volume 39, Issue 5 May 1996 , pages 757 - 780
Abstract

This paper draws on data gathered during a larger study of driving behaviour to explore possible connections between stress, offending against the traffic laws, and accident rates, and gives particular attention to comparisons between male and female drivers.

Data were gathered from 422 drivers by a postal questionnaire, and further measures of stress were obtained during semi-structured interviews with a specially selected subset of 66 of them. Analyses of variance investigated links between offending rates, accident history, and up to seven measures of stress, taking age and gender into account. In the results accident history, although positively related to offending, played little part in links involving stress variables.

The principal findings were that (a) stress, both on and off the road, was positively associated with offending among both male and female drivers, and (b) although females overall offended less than males, females experienced more stress than males whatever their level of offending.

One possible interpretation of these results is suggested by the feminist literature, which could account for both the higher levels of stress and lower levels of offending found among women drivers. However, there is unlikely to be a clear-cut gender divide in offending-stress relationships, and some small groups of female drivers in the study behaved like male ones.

It is suggested that people's driving reflects their lifestyles, and that women drivers' patterns of offending and stress will resemble those of male drivers to the extend that their lives and concerns are similar to men's. It is concluded that this proposition warrants further research.

Conversion Disorder - An Interesting Illness

Source : 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000954.htm

Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained.

Causes

Conversion disorder symptoms may occur because of emotional distress or psychological problems.
Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they also have a medical illness, dissociative disorder, or personality disorder.
Some doctors falsely believe that conversion disorder and similar disorders are not real conditions, and may tell patients that the problem is "all in your head." However, these conditions are real. They cause distress and cannot be turned on and off at will. Research on the mind-body connection may eventually increase understanding of these disorders.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a conversion disorder include the loss of one or more bodily functions, such as:

• Blindness
• Inability to speak
• Numbness
• Paralysis

Diagnostic testing does not find any physical cause for the symptoms.

Exams and Tests

Common signs of conversion disorder include:

• A debilitating symptom that begins suddenly
• A history of a psychological problem that gets better after the symptom appears
• A lack of concern that usually occurs with a severe symptom

Your doctor will do a physical examination, and possibly diagnostic tests, to rule out physical causes for the symptom.

Treatment

Psychotherapy and stress management training may help reduce symptoms. The affected body part or physical function will need physical or occupational therapy until the symptoms disappear. For example, paralyzed limbs must be exercised to prevent muscle wasting.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms usually last for days to weeks and may suddenly go away. Usually the symptom itself is not life threatening, but complications can be debilitating.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or someone you know has symptoms of a conversion disorder.

Alternative Names

Hysterical neurosis

References

Moore DP, Jefferson JW. Conversion disorder. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 91.
Ferri FF. Conversion disorder. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.

Update Date: 10/17/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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More Mental Patients ..

http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=theMessenger&y=2010&dt=0109&pub=theMessenger&sec=Features&pg=fe_03.htm

By ROHANA MAN rohana.man@utusan.com.my

A report by the daily, Kosmo, dated November 27, 2008 stated that Negeri Sembilan recorded the highest number of adult patients suffering from mental problems, diabetes and obesity in the country. The latest case which happened in the state was at Kampung Batang Rokan, Gemencheh.

In the tragic incident, four lives were lost due to the cruel act of man, who is a relative of the victims. The suspect, Rashidi Ismail, 34, was arrested by police in Kuala Lumpur at 4.05pm last January 6.

Those killed were his father, sister and grandparents. A head belonging to one of the victims was taken to Shah Alam and buried at the Section 21 Muslim cemetery in Shah Alam.

Studying the case, it could be a coincident or a fact which confirmed that Negeri Sembilan has the highest number of mental patients in the country. Until today, we still do not know whether Rashidi has mental problems , is under the influence of drugs then or other reasons, but from what is told by his sister, Siti Mariam, that her brother experience two broken relationship with his fiancé a could not work, could be a reason for him to be depressed and prompted him to commit such an act against his own family members.

According to a report of a study on national health and morbidity in 2006, among the causes of mental disorder is depression. It is expected to be the main cause of mental disease by 2020.

Depression is a type of common mental disease, but not diagnosed until the patient’s condition has become serious and in need of intensive care. Almost all patients who are depressed experience low mood episodes and have no interest to carry out activities.

They are also capable of killing.

A psychiatrist from Kedah Medical Centre (KMC), Dr. Wan Mohd Rushdi Wan Mahmud, said those capable of doing cruel act were those who had been having mental problems for a long time , normally to stage when they hallucinated., including hearing voices.

He said these voices normally asked them to do things like committing suicide or to kill or injure others.

“In this case, people closest to them, like family members, such as the mother, father, siblings, cousins, grandparents and other relatives often become the victims,” he added.

He also said that those with mental disorder often treated themselves by taking certain drugs and this made their condition more worse.

“The usage of drugs, like ice, syabu, heroin and morphine, will make them imagine weird things and this condition often prompt them to act abnormal,” he added.

Considering the increase in mental cases, he suggested that treatment of mental disorder be covered by insurance.

“In our country, there is no insurance protection for treatment of mental disorder. This results in not many patients wanting to refer their cases to the psychiatrists.

“I believe if the insurance companies include treatment of mental disorder in their policy, more people will come forward to seek treatment,” he added.

Pyschology consultant Khairul Anuar Masuan admitted that more people were suffering from mental disorder and expressed the need for cooperation from all quarters to address it.

“I advise that the weekends be utilized wisely to release the tension and pressure ,” he added.

Whatever the public perception to the latest case, it is not a question of which state has the highest number mental patients. What should be done is to tackle health problems relating to mental illness.

A more proactive measure to address the problem has to be taken in view that the report in 2006 found that mental cases had increased by 10 per cent.

It also found that about three million of the 26 million people in the country had mental problems.

At international level, about 450 million people had mental problems and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), of the total, less than half were being treated.

WHO also estimated that by 2020, mental diseases are expected to represent 15 per cent of the global diseases.

Statistics for 2008 showed that 400,227 mental patients in Malaysia sought psychiatric treatment at government hospitals.

In view that mental health problems are now part of the challenges in the modern era, there’s a need for all quarters, comprising the Health Ministry, employers, university and school administrators as well as non-governmental organizations, to unite to address the problem.

Campaigns should be held to enhance public awareness on mental illnesses.

Chairman of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) , Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, in an Utusan Malaysia report dated Nov 23 2009, expressed the need for employees with mental problems to be sent for immediate treatment.

A psychiatrist fromToronto, Canada, Dr Ted Lo said lack of education on mental disorder resulted in those having the problem to deny that they were mentally disturbed.

He also attributed the situation to social stigma.

Hence, he expressed the need for such a stigma and prejudice against those with mental problems be eradicated so that more people with the problem would seek treatment.

In conclusion, the tragedy involving loss of lives, amuk and suicide are bitter reminders caused by a disease which can be treated. Measures to address the problem should not be neglected in our efforts to achieve a developed country status by 2020.

Understanding Depression

Major depressive disorder (depression) is not just a temporary mood, and it's not a sign of personal weakness. Depression is a serious medical condition with a variety of symptoms. Emotional symptoms can include sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, restlessness, and trouble concentrating or making decisions. Physical symptoms can include fatigue, lack of energy, and changes in weight or sleep patterns. Additional symptoms of depression may include vague aches and pains, irritability, anxiety, and thoughts of death or suicide.

There are many theories about the cause of depression. One common theory is that depression is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring substances in the brain and spinal cord.

Where Does Depression Hurt?

Someone with depression might think or say any of the following:

• "I feel sad all the time and just don't feel like myself."
• "I don't enjoy being with my friends or doing any of the things I usually love to do."
• "I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately."
• "Sometimes I feel like my life is not worth living anymore."
• "I feel like I don't have any energy."
• "I'm not really interested in eating."
• "Even after a long day, I still feel restless."
• "I feel so indecisive and that I can't make any decisions."
• "I just feel so worthless."

Research suggests that about two-thirds of people diagnosed with depression talk to their family doctors first about physical symptoms.

Seek Help

Many people suffer in silence with depression. Some are ashamed or afraid to seek help; others try to downplay the severity of their symptoms. It's important to remember that depression isn't something that's "all in your head."

Take Suicidal Thoughts Seriously

Thoughts about death or suicide are common in depression, and it's important to take such thoughts seriously. If you feel like giving up or as if you might hurt yourself, get help immediately:

• Call your doctor
• Go to the emergency room
• Call 911
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Family History May Be Important

People with a family history of depression may be more likely to get the disease, but anyone can become depressed. Sometimes the triggers are external — for example, relationship troubles or financial problems. At other times the disease may begin with physical illness or hormonal shifts. Depression also may occur without any identifiable trigger at all.

Who Does Depression Hurt?

Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide. It is a condition that impacts individuals of all races, ethnicities and income levels.
Unfortunately, many people with depression avoid seeking treatment because they worry about what others will think of them. They don't realize how widespread this medical condition is:

• Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide
• Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression
• People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease
• People with chronic or debilitating medical conditions may also be susceptible to the disease
• A major life change, even a happy one like becoming a new parent, increases the risk of developing depression

The fact is depression affects plenty of people who don't have any obvious risk factors.

Source and Further Reading

http://www.webmd.com/learning-treat-depression/serious-medical-condition

Sound Mind??

I have received this email a few days ago - sent by my Medical Director. Hmmm....quite interesting really.

Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool,Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.

Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable.

When she went to tell Edna the news she said, 'Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love... I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness.

The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead.'

Edna replied, 'He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.. How soon can I go home?'

Happy Mental Health Day Guys.....

Depression in Pregnancy

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman's life, but for many women this is a time of confusion, fear, sadness, stress, and even depression.

About 10-20% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy, and a quarter to half of these will suffer from major depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in 4 women at some point during their lifetime, so it should be no surprise that this illness would also touch women who are pregnant. But all too often, depression is not diagnosed properly during pregnancy because people think it is just another type of hormonal imbalance. This assumption can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn baby.

Depression is an illness that can be treated and managed during pregnancy, but the first step, seeking out help and support, is the most important.

What is depression during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy, hormone changes can affect brain chemicals, which are directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy.

What are the signs of depression during pregnancy?

Women with depression usually experience some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:

• Persistent sadness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleeping too little or too much

• Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy

• Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessness

• Anxiety

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Change in eating habits

What are possible triggers of depression during pregnancy?

• Relationship problems

• Family or personal history of depression

• Infertility treatments

• Previous pregnancy loss

• Stressful life events

• Complications in pregnancy

• History of abuse or trauma

Can depression during pregnancy cause harm to my baby?

Depression that is not treated can have potential dangerous risks to the mother and baby. Untreated depression can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal behavior, which can then cause premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. A woman who is depressed often does not have the strength or desire to adequately care for herself or her developing baby.

What is the treatment for depression during pregnancy?

If you feel you may be struggling with depression, the most important thing is to seek help. Talk with your health care provider about your symptoms and struggles. Your health care provider wants the healthiest choice for you and your baby and may discuss options with you for treatment. Treatment options for women who are pregnant can include:

• Support groups

• Private psychotherapy

• Medication

• Light therapy

If your symptoms are severe, your health care provider may want to prescribe medication immediately. There are medications that have been used during pregnancy without adverse affects. Discuss with your health care provider what he/she feels is safest for your baby but still beneficial to you.

If you do not feel comfortable talking with your health care provider about your feelings of depression, find someone else to talk with. The most important thing is that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to face depression alone. Your baby needs you to seek help and get treatment.

source :
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/depressionduringpregnancy.html