Amanda Johnson • Dec 09, 2011 •
Depression is fast becoming one of the most common chronic conditions in Western countries, and it’s been predicted that its incidence is likely to continue to rise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that by the year 2020, in developed regions depression will become the highest-ranking cause of burden of disease. According to the WHO: ’Mental and … Read More
Jim McVeagh • Aug 06, 2010 •
Yesterday’s Herald contained a sad story about a young man who had been seen by the local mental health team, diagnosed him as potentially psychotic and prescribed an anti-psychotic. His counsellor later told him to stop taking the anti-psychotic and continue with counseling. He subsequently committed suicide. A young man committed suicide after his counsellor [...] Related posts: … Read More
Jim McVeagh • Dec 26, 2009 •
Quality of Life Issues (voluntary euthanasia) In end-of-life euthanasia, there is, at least, some objective standards which we can use to determine whether a patient is truly dead. When the discussion moves to quality of life, the criteria are far more subjective. What, exactly, determines quality of life? Productivity? Mobility? Social Activity? Dignity? Any and all [...] Related posts: … Read More
Grant Jacobs • Oct 21, 2009 •
Reading an article on Destigmatizing depression among medical trainees or graduates which, in turn, points to an article by Karen Hebe “Destigmatizing Depression” on Science magazine’s Science careers website, reminded me of an idea I had to improve the grad students’ and post-docs’ lot a few years ago. The original article focuses on … Read More
Darcy Cowan • Jun 26, 2009 •
Ever noticed that when you are excited or happy your thoughts seem to zip hither, thither and yon at a dizzying pace? Perhaps at the same time you also had feelings of increased energy, creativity and self esteem. These are all symptoms of the psychiatric condition of mania, but you’re probably fine. The persistent linking [...] … Read More