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Friday, 22 February 2013
The Anatomy of Anxiety
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Thursday, 21 February 2013
A Disturbing Scientific Fantasy to Become a Reality?
Imagine waking up everyday and a part of you is different? How would you feel if that part of you happened to be your head? The one part of the body majorly associated with our identity within society has been changed and you have assumed the identity of someone else. Although this may seem abstract and very far from reality, research has been taking place to explore the future capabilities of such a procedure.
Although this has yet to be carried out on any humans, dogs have been the target of this incredibly unnatural feat of science. The images of a double headed dog may be striking, but could the decapitation of a human cadaver ever have potential benefits for the living? Of course, it isn't a simple matter of just cutting a head off of one person and sticking it onto another. There are many nerves and blood vessels that supply the brain in addition to other features of the head such as the mouth and eyes.
Such research is very shocking but may in the future it provide us with knowledge that we can later apply to treat human sickness and prevent loved ones from passing away too soon. The idea, although attempted in animals, is still only an idea and very far from becoming a reality, not only for practical reasons but the many ethical implications that would arise. As is stands, it is still a fantasy, a very disturbing fantasy, but a fantasy nonetheless.
More information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1263758.stm
Although this has yet to be carried out on any humans, dogs have been the target of this incredibly unnatural feat of science. The images of a double headed dog may be striking, but could the decapitation of a human cadaver ever have potential benefits for the living? Of course, it isn't a simple matter of just cutting a head off of one person and sticking it onto another. There are many nerves and blood vessels that supply the brain in addition to other features of the head such as the mouth and eyes.
Such research is very shocking but may in the future it provide us with knowledge that we can later apply to treat human sickness and prevent loved ones from passing away too soon. The idea, although attempted in animals, is still only an idea and very far from becoming a reality, not only for practical reasons but the many ethical implications that would arise. As is stands, it is still a fantasy, a very disturbing fantasy, but a fantasy nonetheless.
More information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1263758.stm
Thursday, 31 January 2013
Changes to the DSM - Helpful or Labelling?
In May of this year (2013), a new version of the American mental health diagnostic bible, the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, is due to be published and with this a whole new meaning to the word controversy has arisen. In this 5th edition, there will be new recognised mental health conditions in addition to changes to the diagnostic definitions of other mental health issues, including Major Depressive Disorder.
Many people argue that with the introduction of certain new mental health conditions, people will be labelled unnecessary. One of the least understood conditions, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, has been in the firing line with the criteria being relaxed to the point that everyday anxieties can class as a 'disorder'. Everyone has the odd worry and some people more so than other, but where does such a subjective feeling become something considered to be pathological? Another of the controversial changes concerns the diagnosis of depression. Under the old guidelines, an individual cannot be diagnosed with major depression if a serious life event, such as bereavement, has occurred that would explain such melancholic feelings. But now if you are seriously affected by the death of a loved one, it may be the case that you are 'depressed'.
With these new guidelines, many professionals and the public alike fear that the amount of people medicated for suffering from a mental health condition will dramatically rise. Even under the current guidelines, doctors are all too quick to prescribe drugs in many cases and waiting lists for popular therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are already choked to the max. While recognition for people who are suffering can only be a good thing, with an already stretched mental health service in the UK and US, these recommendations may do more harm than good.
Many people argue that with the introduction of certain new mental health conditions, people will be labelled unnecessary. One of the least understood conditions, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, has been in the firing line with the criteria being relaxed to the point that everyday anxieties can class as a 'disorder'. Everyone has the odd worry and some people more so than other, but where does such a subjective feeling become something considered to be pathological? Another of the controversial changes concerns the diagnosis of depression. Under the old guidelines, an individual cannot be diagnosed with major depression if a serious life event, such as bereavement, has occurred that would explain such melancholic feelings. But now if you are seriously affected by the death of a loved one, it may be the case that you are 'depressed'.
With these new guidelines, many professionals and the public alike fear that the amount of people medicated for suffering from a mental health condition will dramatically rise. Even under the current guidelines, doctors are all too quick to prescribe drugs in many cases and waiting lists for popular therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are already choked to the max. While recognition for people who are suffering can only be a good thing, with an already stretched mental health service in the UK and US, these recommendations may do more harm than good.
For more information -
BBC News.
'Grief and anxiety are not mental illnesses'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20986796
Stepping into the Realm of Blogging.
Well, I'm rather new to this whole blogging business. I have a lot to learn but hopefully I will get to grips with it soon enough. Hopefully I will be bringing all the latest news and stories from the world of Medical science, and perhaps giving my opinion every now and again.
Please bare with me while I sort this whole thing out, but it is something I'm very passionate about so I will strive to make it awesome.
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