An Alarming Rise in Antidepressant Usage Across the US

Man displaying frustration in front of a desk Americans have been increasing their dosage and intake of antidepressants like Prozac, Celexa, and Effexol just to name a few. According to a study conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, the rate of antidepressants has increased exponentially among adults and teens (individuals aged 12 and over) alike. The study documented an almost 400% increase between 1988 to 1995 and 2005 to 2008.

Research undertaken by the federal government has found out that one in every ten Americans takes an antidepressant daily. This has made the drug the third most popular prescription medicine in the country.

What Do the Numbers Say?

The picture painted by further segregation and analysis of the statistics appears to be rather grim.

- 24% of women older than 40 years of age take antidepressants on a regular basis, the highest intake reported among any other age or gender category.
- 14% of whites, 4% of blacks, and 3% of Mexican Americans consume antidepressants.
- Less than a third of Americans who use the drug have seen a mental health professional over the course of a year.
- Differences in income do not reflect variability in antidepressant usage.

Why the Need for Concern

There is a consensus among mental health experts across the board that even though antidepressants may prove to be effective, they act as suppressors and do not address the underlying cause of the issue. Professionals believe that the benefits of antidepressants have been overstated in targeted marketing campaigns carried out by major pharmaceutical companies.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the country are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa. These medications are considered to be “safe” but come with side effects for some people.

Patients taking SSRIs suffer from insomnia, skin rashes, digestive issues, mood swings, nausea, and joint and muscle pain to name a few. The severity of these effects varies from patient to patient with some cases being mild, others severe or in between. A rather serious issue arises when blood clotting capacity diminishes. Patients are at high risk of internal bleeding.

Some patients consuming SSRIs suffer from reduced sexual desire, performance, satisfaction or a combination of all these side effects. Lowering the dosage of SSRIs might prevent this but could potentially reduce the drug’s benefit. Antidepressants may also lead to weight loss or gain, depending on the prescription.

If antidepressants are taken alongside other serotonin-affecting drugs, a rare illness termed serotonin syndrome can occur. This syndrome leads to faster heartbeats, sweating, high body temperature, and increased blood pressure. Antidepressants should most definitely not be mixed with certain other prescription drugs. A medical professional is required to determine the correct medicine and proper dosage for the patient.

Can Antidepressants Stop Being Effective?

Even after depression symptoms are alleviated, a patient might be required to continue taking the drug. This is done in order to prevent the mental issue from resurfacing in the future. However, for many patients, these drugs stop being effective after a while. Medical science has not been able to pinpoint the exact reason for this but there are some reasons that can lead to the drug being ineffective.

Severe depression. Depression, in most cases, does not occur overnight. Rather, it is a buildup which worsens if left untreated. Even if a person is currently taking antidepressants, depression may exacerbate depending on a number of factors such as family or workplace stress, social or financial issues to name a few. Beyond a certain point of depression, antidepressants may stop working and your current dose might not be enough.

Age factor. Depression tends to get worse with age in some cases. People who are elderly experience changes in cognitive processes. They also go through mood swings that become more frequent and severe. The prescribed medication starts to lose its efficiency or can completely stop working.

A new prescription drug. Some medications meant for unrelated medical conditions may hinder the effectiveness of antidepressants.

An addiction. People suffering from addiction problems generally tend to take more than their prescribed dosage. This leads to reduced efficiency of the drug and may stop being effective all together over time.

Increased Awareness

The increased level of antidepressant usage could be reduced by spreading more awareness about mental health issues. No doctor or patient wants to be reliant on prescription drugs to find a cure.

Times are turbulent and social media does little to quell people’s worries and fears. A changing political landscape, economic transitions, and the increased usage of technology to replace jobs are just some of the more macro issues that people have to deal with in addition to regular life problems.

There is consensus across the board that prevention is better than the cure. Alternate forms of treatment such as therapy or even talking to loved ones may keep mental issues at bay. In the end, lifestyle choices do play a major part in mental health problems.

Some lifestyle choices are not an option such as a highly stressful job, which significantly contributes to aggravating mental health problems. However, other choices are in our hands such as regular exercise and better diet control.

Surveys and studies have shown that people who eat better and live better are less vulnerable to be plagued by mental health problems. A daily habit of a 20 to 30-minute exercise can really do wonders for our physical and mental wellbeing. Even patients suffering from mental issues have been known to cope with the illness better through increased physical activity.

Bottom Line

Antidepressants aren’t for everybody, but many people do use them and, for the most part, with partial or substantial success. With that said, however, the recovery from depression when using medication doesn’t happen overnight. It may take weeks, months or sometimes even years. The reason is that there are so many variations of the illness that it sometimes requires the right mix of medications for the patient to achieve results. In addition, many people who take antidepressant medications also go to therapy. But it all starts with a visit to your doctor where he/she will determine the next steps to follow.

CBD Oil or Pharmaceutical Drugs: The Battle Against Anxiety and Depression

Depressed Man Medical science, with all its innovations and advancements, has still not managed to tackle the underlying causes behind mental health issues. Surely, elements such as trauma and high stress have been identified as causation factors but doctors still have not been able to identify the root cause behind mental problems.

One of the most prevalent problems in the US today is the mental health problem identified as anxiety. It plagues almost 18% of the population in the US. People who suffer from anxiety also tend to suffer from depression as a result. Half the people suffering from depression also suffer from anxiety-related issues as well.

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

We experience daily bouts of anxiety and stress in our everyday life which sometimes is good as it gives us the nudge we need to complete tasks and reach goals. However, for people suffering from a clinically diagnosed form, anxiety is a regular feeling that hinders everyday activities and social life. It even manifests in the form of panic attacks.

Anxiety, depression, and chronic stress can even take on a physical manifestation where people may experience shortness of breath, complete despair, insomnia, unhealthy weight loss, and hormonal issues among many others.

The stress we take on every day, our past, and even family history all play a part in impacting our mental health.

Identifying and tackling anxiety and depression in its early stages is very crucial. With the correct balance of nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle choices, people can actually manage these problems. However, people nowadays turn to clinical drugs as an alternative which can have devastating side-effects as well as expose one to the danger of addiction.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

The most conventional methods of treating mental health issues are taking drugs such as Valium, Xanax, and other antidepressants, anti-psychosis medications.

These drugs work by increasing the number of certain neurotransmitters in the body such as serotonin (responsible for bringing about feelings of joy) in the human brain. This essentially means they are a temporary solution and do not address the fundamental cause of the mental issue.

Neurotransmitters are messages sent by the brain to coordinate and control the functions of the body. These messages are responsible for our thoughts, mood, actions, and our very survival. To name a few important ones: serotonin (responsible for sleep, thoughts, and food consumption), dopamine (the pleasure sensor) and endorphin (controls pain).

Drawbacks of Pharmaceutical Drugs

Focusing on a single neurotransmitter that might be functioning normally leaves patients with a higher risk of exacerbating the illness. The problem with laboratory drugs is that they target only one particular neurotransmitter at a time. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety exist because different neurotransmitters are in a state of disequilibrium. It often takes a combination of these drugs to obtain a satisfactory result, usually after numerous tries with the patient. And that could take months, even years.

Since antidepressants work by upsetting or adjusting the chemical balance within our body, there can be side effects and not everyone suffers from the same side effects even if when they are taking the same drug. Your genetics and existing metabolism play a major part in determining the type of side effects that you might experience. Some common are nausea, increased appetite and weight gain, insomnia, loss of sexual desire, fatigue, and irritability.

Where Does CBD Fit in?

Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant and even in the human body. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive extract devoid of THC that is gaining widespread popularity and increased usage as it has been shown to have amazing benefits for the human body without experiencing the high associated with marijuana use. People are increasingly using CBD to combat anxiety and depression.

While there are plenty of benefits of CBD, some stand out more than others such as its anti-inflammatory traits, reining in the spread of cancer, reducing side effects from cancer treatments, reducing anxiety, and combating depression among many other uses.

What Does CBD Research Indicate?

CBD has been in the spotlight for a number of years and the attention is now shifting from personal consumption to more clinical and scientific research purposes. With over 20,000 research articles published on the plant and its many components, there now exists scientific backing to prove the benefits of CBD.

CBD has been proven safe to use without any side effects (except dry mouth which can be cured by drinking water) for the following mental disorders: anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Does It Work?

The largest neurotransmitter in the body is known as the endocannabinoid system and it makes up a vital part of the human body’s nervous system. The endocannabinoid system plays an important part in keeping us alive and our body in check. The systems covered by the endocannabinoid regulates sleep, digestion, reproduction, memory, and mood to name a few.

Cannabinoids which are found in CBD and our body act as message carriers for the endocannabinoid system and they restore balance to any dysfunctional neurotransmitters in our body.

When we consume CBD, we increase the number of endocannabinoids. This opens up paths for receptors which regulate our mood and bodily functions and consequently reduces anxiety and depression-related disorders.

In a nutshell, CBD can adapt within our body and help to restore neurotransmitters imbalances, thereby aiding in the alleviation of mental disorders. Because it works in junction with the same system that balances our body’s central nervous system, it knows exactly what to do to bring the body back in balance without creating any unwanted side effects.

The Bottom Line

Research has vouched for the use of CBD as a safe medical alternative that can cure a number of physical and mental problems. People suffer from different illnesses due to various reasons and it is always better to consult a physician before a complete switchover from pharmaceutical drugs to natural options. Never do it on your own!

Unhealthy Gums: The Precursor to Many Other Diseases

A focused teeth model with a blurred background — Photo by PENCHAN – yayimages.com

Many people don’t consider oral health issues worthy of medical treatment. This is the reason why they tend to persist with plaque — the hardened layer of bacteria on the teeth. The untreated plaque buildup leads to swollen and bloody gums, the condition which is medically known as gingivitis. If it’s left untreated, Gingivitis eventually aggravates into periodontitis. This is an acute periodontal condition where the entire supporting structure of the oral cavity gets infected.

The continuous medical research shows that periodontal diseases are not just detrimental to the oral cavity. The unhealthy gums go on to cause many other medical complications as well. According to the statistics furnished by the CDC, nearly half of the US adult population is suffering from some sort of periodontal disease, attributing to other diseases as well. In this article, we are going to discuss some unforeseen connections between gum problems and various other medical issues.

Gum Diseases and Cardiovascular Complications

It’s not entirely necessary that people with heart issues also have any periodontal disease. Nor is it a convention that people with unhealthy gums eventually develop some cardiovascular problem. Nevertheless, there is some correlation between the two.

Smokers and people who frequently consume alcohol are two groups that can simultaneously develop gum and heart issues due to the side effects of their respective habits. Apart from these, there are some cases where unhealthy gums can become the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease.

Gingivitis is the disease that entails the inflammation of gums caused by bacteria found in the plaque. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the swollen gums to infest the arteries and the organs. In other words, the inflammation of gums can lead to the inflammation of different parts of the cardiovascular system which can lead to the eventual development of a more serious condition.

According to one research report, P. gingivalis is the most common found bacterium in the coronary arteries. This bacteria species actually instigates the periodontitis in the oral cavity that weakens the fleshy supporting structure of teeth. This bacterium can also deteriorate the artery walls to make hypertension a more serious problem for affected people.

Gum Diseases and Alzheimer’s

The connection between oral health issues and neurological problems also looks implausible. However, a growing body of research suggests that there is some definite connection between gum disease and the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. There are two major findings that establish a connection between oral health issues and this most common cause of dementia.

One study conducted on the people suffering from Alzheimer’s shows that P. gingivalis is most likely to be present in their brains. Recent research has established a finer link between the two. Scientists have found out that the inflammation caused by P. gingivalis actually catalyzes the production of beta-amyloid—the protein that aggregates in the brain in the form of a plaque to cause Alzheimer’s.

This study has also changed the perception regarding the development of Alzheimer’s. For instance, for long, it was believed that Alzheimer’s is the function of age i.e. it eventually develops as one grows old. However, this study has indicated that the onset of Alzheimer’s in some cases takes place in response to the presence of a pathogen. In other words, people who take good care of their oral health might not experience the symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the later stages of life.

Gum Diseases and Cancer

There is no established connection between the two. People suffering from gum diseases generally don’t go on to develop a malignant tumor. However, several studies have unearthed the connection between teeth loss and the prevalence of cancerous tumor. But these studies have failed to establish any physiological connection between these two conditions.

There is a research paper that has somewhat tried to explain the correlation between gum diseases and tumors. Treponema denticola is bacteria found on swollen gums and other diseased parts of the oral cavity. According to the paper, the same bacteria are also found in some gastrointestinal tumors. The study, however, doesn’t discuss the role of this bacterium in the development of the tumor.

More research is needed to be conducted in order to understand the correlation between gum diseases and cancerous tumors.

Gum Diseases and Respiratory Issues

The development of respiratory issues is the least surprising among all the detrimental effects of gum diseases. It makes sense that unhealthy gums can also cause respiratory issues since both the oral cavity and lungs have the same access point i.e. the mouth. A research paper published just last month indicates that people with chronic gum issues are more likely to experience deteriorated respiratory functions.

The more direct connection between oral diseases and respiratory health is of course inflammation. The inflammation spreading out from the oral cavity can swell the bronchial tubes. This can result in the contraction of their diameters and the subsequent restriction of air flow. Besides cell-to-cell inflammation spread, the inhalation of bacteria-laden air from the oral cavity into the lungs can also cause infections and direct inflammation.

Scientists have also talked about the possibility that periodontal diseases can also lead to the onset of lung cancer. They theorize that enzymes produced due to bacterial action in the oral cavity can eventually end up in the lungs where they can promote the growth of pathogens. The presence of pathogens among respiratory tissues can change cell behavior into malignant nature.

How to Maintain a Healthy Mouth

Woman brushing her teeth — *Preventing gum disease starts with good dental health*

It is clear that periodontal diseases can have far-reaching implications. By establishing good dental hygiene and dietary management, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of gum disease and subsequent serious issues discussed above.

Here are some of the most important ways to keep your gums happy:

- Using a powered brush is better than using a standard brush.

- Floss daily and don’t forget to brush your teeth before going to bed.A
- Always do post-meal gargles, particularly after consuming extra sugary and starchy substances

It is also important to go for a dental checkup even when you are not suffering from any apparent periodontal issue. A good dental cleaning is better than anything you can do on your own and is highly recommended. In addition, the dentist will be able to find any detrimental factors in your mouth that need attention.

Psychedelics as a Tool to Help Cure Depression

Psychedelic Illustration Depression can be described as a mood disorder. It may be classified as feelings of sadness, loss, anger or disappointment that impair a person’s day to day activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 8.1 percent of American adults over the age of 20 suffered from depression at any given time during a two week period from 2013 to 2016.

Depression is a complex disease. The reason as to why exactly it happens is still not known but there are a variety of issues that increase the chances of someone suffering from it. Some people experience depression during a serious medical illness. Others may experience it due to changes in their life such as a move or the death of a loved one and some experience the sadness and loneliness felt for no apparent reason.

Symptoms may include:

Apprehension
Feelings of loneliness
Withdrawal from social activities
Appetite changes
Disturbed sleep or insomnia
Reduced sexual desire
Reduced energy levels
Inability to concentrate
Mood swings and irritability
Sadness and loneliness
Thoughts of suicide

Major Causes of Depression

Family history. Individuals who have a history of depression in their family are most likely to suffer from it as well.

Early childhood trauma. Past events may influence the way the body reacts to fear and stressful situations. Past physical, sexual or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability of clinical depression at a later age.

Brain structure. There is a greater chance of depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active.

Substance abuse. A history of alcohol or drug abuse tends to increase the chance of depression.

Medications. Some drugs such as corticosteroids can increase your risk of depression.

Major events. Even happy events such as a graduation, the start of a new job or getting married can lead to depression.

Death or loss. Sadness and grief from the loss of a loved one or close friend might increase the chances of a prolonged depression.

What are Psychedelics

Psychedelics, also known as hallucinogens, are chemical substances which induce hallucinations and other sensory stimulations. They are substances that induce a heightened state of consciousness which induces the feeling of an alternate and more spiritual self. They work by adhering to receptors in the brain called serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of fulfillment and wellbeing. Some of the most popular psychedelics are psilocybin (found in mushrooms), DMT, ketamine, mescaline, LSD, and 2C-B.

Healing With Psychedelics

Depression is a challenging and long term condition that is difficult to cure. In clinical settings, research on psychedelics has shown a significant impact on mood improvement, even when it was used in just a single session.

Many people who suffered from depression and then recovered found that they needed a combination of steps to find their way out. Good nutrition, regular exercise, an increase in social time, normal sleep cycle and personal introspection (through psychedelics or meditation) can be a compelling combination; although any combination of a healthy lifestyle, along with possible medication would be advantageous towards recovery, but only sessions with a trained medical professional will be able to determine the best approach.

For years, psychedelics such as psilocybin mushrooms and LSD have been used in clinical trials, private therapy and at home as a cure. In recent times, the prescribed medication ketamine has shown promising results in the healing process as well.

Any drug has a high potential for abuse; thus clinical studies delving into psychedelic research has very stringent protocols in place to prevent abuse and a bad experience. Patients for psychedelic trials undergo screening for schizophrenia and related disorders which could compromise the trial. At the same time, those who are selected undergo training sessions where they are informed about the drug they signed up to take.

Participants are taken to a room that has been set to give a warm and comforting feeling and then they are given a dose of the substance. A researcher is with them at all times during the experience which usually lasts between four to six hours and may talk them through any anxiety that the patients may experience. Typically patients are asked to don headphones as well as eyeshades and then lie down. They are encouraged to go as deep in the stimulated feeling as they can to connect with their subconscious. As the trial ends and the hallucinogenic effect wears off, patients and researchers examine the experience.

Results of Research

A study conducted in 2010 indicated that psilocybin reduced anxiety and depression in patients who were at an advanced stage of cancer, which helped them reign in their fear of death.

Similar research conducted more recently has shown similar and promising results. In 2016, for example, a study conducted by John Hopkins and a follow up by New York University, found that 80 percent of cancer affected patients showed a significant reduction in depression, mood swings, and anxiety levels; even six months after receiving just a single dose of psilocybin.

Conclusion

Between the ’50s and ’70s, the Federal government funneled millions of dollars into research in psychedelics. Through the mid 60’s psilocybin and LSD were legal and quite easily accessible. Through the Controlled Substances Act, signed by President Nixon, psilocybin was grouped with Category A class narcotics such as cocaine and heroin; prohibiting their use for any purpose. Research soon came to a halt and whatever data was collected, almost all of it got erased from the field of psychiatry. Only recently, researchers have started to delve back into conducting healing through psychedelics with promising results in a short period of time.

Psychedelic medicines provide a path of treatment that is often more productive than other methods, with fewer side effects than pharmaceutical medicines. Psychedelics have also proved to be more effective for patients who have been immune to other approaches.

If the research stays on track, the advances made could drastically change the landscape of mental health. Psychedelic treatment won’t be available for just anyone and recreational use is still banned. But those with certain illnesses could seek a psychiatrist certified in psychedelic therapy. People afflicted with terminal illnesses could enjoy the remainder of their days without the fear of death looming over them. People suffering from PTSD might find relief in normal life without suffering flashbacks or trauma.

We are not at this point right now but such is the promise of psychedelic medicine.

Processed Meat and the Industry Built on Cancer

What is Processed Meat?

Meat that is ‘processed’ is any meat which has been modified so that it can improve its taste or to extend its shelf life and usually falls into the categories of meat that has been smoked, salted, cured, dried or canned. For decades, the processed food industry has been leading us into believing that their products are nutritious and healthy. The processed meat industry, in particular, has been a dominant player in the market with products being served everywhere, from supermarkets to fast food chains,which appeals to children and adults alike, but this is most likely not the case.

Processed meat was inspired by the need for convenience. Hectic schedules, busy family lives, and an ever-increasing workload meant that everyone was looking for a quicker alternative than cooking from scratch. And processed meat appeared as the perfect answer which offered not only convenience but potentially essential nutrients as well. However, the price of convenience has taken a heavy toll on our health.

Processed food has always been an integral part of our cooking culture. We cut, rinse, cook, ferment and dry our food. All these are part of the process, but the processed meat industry which includes meat like bacon, ham, sausages, and salami to name a few, has added industrially processed chemicals to our daily diet. The industrial process, which is standard for all mass-produced processed meat, strip the food of its nutrients while adding chemicals, preservatives and synthetic food additives.

Processed Meat, Addiction, and Overeating

Processed Meat with Vegatables Fresh meat consists of proteins, fats, and water. When the meat is processed, the components change, which in turn transform how the meat is digested and assimilated in our bodies.

Eating processed meat releases dopamine (the pleasure neurotransmitter) which increases our chances of getting addicted to such types of food. This leads to a lifestyle where an individual consumes fewer nutrients and fiber but actually eats more as they derive greater pleasure from it. This is how addiction to processed meat starts – an individual feels good after eating and that leads to a repetitive cycle of consumption of such foods.

You might think that the relationship between dopamine and processed meat consumption is coincidental, but the reality is quite different. Processed meat companies are billion dollar empires such as McDonalds and Tyson Foods that pour in hundreds of millions of dollars into marketing and lobbying.

The marketing campaigns of such companies aim to rope in consumers from the earliest time possible so they remain customers well into adulthood. The need for bacon to be an essential breakfast item and happiness can be found in a happy meal box are part of a campaign carefully derived to keep customers hungry for more.

Processed Meat and the Cancer Link

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a report which classifies processed meat such as ham, bacon, salami and frankfurters as a Group 1 carcinogen. This translates into strong evidence suggesting that processed meat causes cancer. Epidemiological studies conducted by the WHO has found sufficient proof that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

Experts from multiple countries reviewed more than 800 studies to reach a definitive conclusion. The studies found that consuming fifty grams of processed meat every day increases the chance of colorectal cancer by 18%. That translates to about four strips of bacon or one hot dog each day.

So Why Does Processed Meat Pose Such a Grave Threat?

Possessed sausage on a table Certain chemicals such as N-Nitroso compounds and polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogenic in nature, are produced during the production of processed meats. Cooking processed meats also produces heterocyclic aromatic amines as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons which are found in air pollution. Furthermore, nitrite and nitrate preservatives used to increase the shelf life of processed meats also release chemicals upon digestion that can lead to bowel cancer.

A recent outbreak of food poisoning in South Africa led to a discovery of high amounts of bacteria in uncooked processed meats such as frankfurters. This type of bacteria was found to be exceptionally dangerous for children, the elderly and pregnant women.

Alternatives to Processed Meat

The average person would be surprised that many healthy and budget-friendly alternatives already exist on the market. These substitutes offer a healthier and better lifestyle than processed meats without compromising on taste.

Replace processed meats such as ham, bacon or prosciutto with healthier proteins such as chicken, tuna, salmon or eggs. To make meals more exciting and healthier, the addition of tomatoes, mushroom, baked beans, hummus or avocado are a good choice to start off with. For more flavor, herbs, chili or smoked paprika can be used.

Response of Processed Meat Producers

The PR managers of processed meat companies have tried to dismiss the WHO’s report that links processed meat to an increase in cancer. They suggest that the study was not conclusive and not backed by enough members. They refute the claims of the report and have since published their own studies as a counter-argument to protect the industry and the massive profits from the sale of processed meats.

Implications

The ramifications of the evidence found by the World Health Organization basically identify processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, which is the same category as tobacco. It essentially translates into a call for action to drastically transform heavy processed meat diets into healthier diets.

Heavy advertising and lobbying by processed meat companies have made it harder to overcome mental and social barriers for what is a radical change. Large amounts of money are spent to ensure that people continue with their current choice of processed meats. These factors grouped together with the convenience of on the go meat make it even harder to get rid of foods which have become an integral part of our culture.

For a brighter and healthier tomorrow, it is essential to get rid of foods that are causing deaths and illnesses. Children should be encouraged from a young age to eat healthily and adults can opt for a healthier lifestyle with alternatives that are proven to be better for health.

Bipolar Disorder – Much More than Just Mood Swings

Photo by Bambara – yayimages.com

One could say that people exhibiting bipolar disorder are the most emotional people in the world; although possibility true, this would be a rather simplistic way of describing it, but it would definitely give a good illustration of how those who have this disorder react.

When you see someone with quick and extreme mood changes, it may be more than just regular emotional swings. Although not always, a person exhibiting episodes of drastic mood changes may actually be suffering from bipolar disorder and is a mental illness that affects around 60 million people all over the world, according to the World Health Organization.

What is Bipolar Disorder and How is It Different from Regular Mood Swings?

It is normal to experience mood changes in everyday life – there are days when you feel happy and content and there are times when you can’t help feeling down or maybe even depressed. However, if the mood changes are too drastic and start to affect your daily life, there could be an underlying problem.

Drastic and severe mood changes with depressive and manic episodes are the key symptoms of bipolar disorder.

This is a disease that affects the brain and as defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as an illness that is characterized by dramatic changes in one’s mood, activity levels, and energy. The highs and lows are so severe that they interfere with the patient’s everyday life and often makes it difficult (or impossible) to even carry out everyday tasks, not to mention the impact it has on that person’s friends and loved ones. The mood swings can last for prolonged periods, which then cause psychological distress.

The disease is also called manic-depressive disorder, which was a term used more often in the mid-20th century, reflecting the two extreme states of mood swings. Mania, or the high, is characterized by hyperactivity, grandiosity, and euphoria whereas the depressive state makes the person feel hopeless and lethargic. During the depressive stage, the patient loses interest in everything and becomes pessimistic.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there is no test that can tell if a person is suffering from bipolar disorder. This makes the diagnosis quite difficult. The evaluation generally includes the following:

Physical Exam and Lab Tests – Since there is no test for bipolar disorder, doctors have to perform different types of tests, like body scans and blood tests, and a physical exam in order to rule out any physical medical condition that may be causing the symptoms.
Mood Charting – The doctor may ask you or a family member to keep an eye on (and maintain a record of) your mood swings, sleep patterns, and other behavioral factors on a daily basis.
Psychiatric Assessment – The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is often not made without the involvement of a psychiatrist. A person exhibiting some symptoms of the disease is often referred for a psychiatric assessment. This includes a number of things, like filling out a questionnaire or self-assessment form and consultation sessions with the psychiatrist during which the doctor will talk about your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. The psychiatrist may also need to talk to a family member or a close friend regarding the symptoms a person is showing, in order to reach a decision. Usually the psychiatrist can determine if the person is bipolar after just a few visits.

While the diagnosis is not solely made on the basis of symptoms, it can definitely help to reach a conclusion. According to experts, a person suffering from bipolar disorder generally shows at least three symptoms of mania and hypomania (a less severe stage of mania) and at least five symptoms of severe depression.

A manic or hypomanic episode is characterized by the following signs and symptoms:

Increased energy, activity, or agitation
Acting abnormally jumpy, or upbeat (hyper)
Talking much more than usual
Distractibility
Decreased sleep
Racing thoughts
Making poor decisions, for example, bad financial decisions, going on shopping sprees, etc.
Euphoria characterized by exaggerated self-confidence and sense of well-being

Some of the most common symptoms a bipolar person shows during a severe depressive episode include:

Feeling extremely sad, hopeless, and empty
An increase or decrease in appetite
Significant weight gain or weight loss without any apparent reason
Feeling restless
Sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or too little (insomnia)
A constant feeling of fatigue
Low energy and slowed behavior
Reduced concentration and ability to think
Indecisiveness
Losing interest in everything
Feeling guilty or worthless
Suicidal thoughts and attempts

Depending on the type of bipolar disorder and its severity, some patients may also experience and exhibit anxiety, psychosis, ADHD, or substance abuse. The initial signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder often first appear during teen age. However, the mental condition can also affect children.

Unlike the common perception, it is possible to live a normal life even when you are diagnosed with this disease and the even better news is that there are many medications available to help the individual maintain a normal lifestyle. Therefore, consult a doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms – it may be more than just mood swings.

Lastly, we all need to be a little more empathetic towards people suffering from mental illnesses. They may not appear as severe as diseases that affect our body, they are equally (and maybe more) traumatic and painful. Instead of labeling anyone as psychotic, try and help them in some way –they may be suffering from a mental condition and may not be aware of it themselves.

Health Implications of Marijuana Use

A marijuana cigarette — A joint. Photo by Wavebreakmedia – yayimages.com

Who said “I didn’t inhale it, and never tried it again.”? Well, we’ll keep you guessing for a while, but the person who did say this was concerned about the image he would leave, mainly because it is illegal.

The legalization of marijuana in the United States has been a hot topic for quite some time. 32 states now have legal medical marijuana programs. Even in the wave of statewide legalization sweeping most parts of the US, the federal government is adamant about maintaining the status of pot alongside dangerous addictive drugs such as cocaine and MDMA.

If we put the debate on recreational marijuana aside, the support for medical marijuana (MMJ) is increasing gratefully. In many state-administered varsities, marijuana is being researched and studied as a potent medical substance. Interestingly, many studies have vindicated the stance of MMJ legalization.

In the latest study, it has been found that the use of this plant might be linked to a high sperm count. Amid many encouraging signs showing the therapeutic and health benefits of marijuana, it is important to refrain from giving sweeping statements regarding its medical criteria.

Although there are proponents for legalizing marijuana, their reasoning is essentially based upon financial and judicial reasons with some credit towards its medical use, but the research in its favor has overshadowed the long-established studies regarding the harmful implication of pot usage overall. So let’s take a look at the health risks that are associated with the use of smoking the marijuana plant, but before we do, we promised we’d tell you who said that he didn’t inhale it – our 42nd president of the United States – Bill Clinton.

Effects of Marijuana Use on Mental Health

In many statewide MMJ programs, it is now recognized as the legitimate treatment for some mental health issues. For instance, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the qualifying conditions in most of the statewide MMJ programs, but it is important to mention that marijuana extracts in the form of CBD oils are effective against some mental health conditions, including PTSD patients, but the research for CBD as a cureall or even as help for many other claimed health issues is hardly conclusive.

Marijuna Plant — *Marijuana plants contain hundreds of cannabinoids*

Pot plants are laden with hundreds of cannabinoids (receptors, located throughout the body, which are involved in a variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory), but one thing is clear; although the CBD extract may have some promising benefits, the cannabis extract that is considered detrimental to your health is Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This substance can have significant consequences on the mental health of people who consume weed on a regular basis.

It has been extensively studied that THC binds with cannabinoid receptors present in nerve cells and disrupts their regular function. The nerve cells affected by exposure to THC are responsible for many cognitive functions. Smoking weed and getting ‘high’ is the result of the psychoactive effect of THC. Many brain activities like pleasure, critical thinking, time and distance perception, and body coordination can get affected by heavy marijuana use. People who regularly consume pot are not able to act normally under its influence and can ultimately become dependent on its use. Their brain cells actually adapt to the stimulation of THC and only work well in its presence.

Illustration of Distance Perception

One case of distance perception inhibition was a college student who was driving on the FDR Drive in Manhattan, which is the roadway that runs along the East River. It was a rainy night and the student was heading south as his passenger friends were puffing away on their weed. The driver saw what looked like a stalled car up ahead that looked liked it was stopped, but he got distracted and turned away for a second. When his eyes hit the road again, the car was smack in front of them. The student slammed on the brake and came within a few feet away from the stalled car before his car came to a stop.

What made matters worse was that there were two men removing the spare tire from their trunk and were between his car and theirs. No doubt they would have been killed had the student not reacted when he did, but he should have reacted sooner. He didn’t realize how close he was to that car until it was almost too late.

Aside from the fact that these two men were apparently not the sharpest knives in the tray because every New Yorker knows to never change a tire on the FDR Drive (there is no shoulder), they are lucky to be alive, but the student was quite shaken up and vowed never to touch the stuff again. The latest information is that he has been sticking to his vow.

So we are saying not to avoid marijuana if it is legal in your state, but same as driving while drunk – DON’T DO IT!

Effects of Marijuana on Cardiac Health

Graph of a heart rate — Heart Rate with a Spike

The use of marijuana entails an immediate upsurge in heart rate. A person can experience a 60% hike in heart rhythm within a couple of minutes. Increased heart rate in the absence of enduring physical activity is itself a problem.

But marijuana’s detrimental effect doesn’t just stop there. While drastically increasing the heart rate, it also causes a relatively quick drop in blood pressure. And severe drop in blood pressure is no doubt unhealthy. According to medical research, this lethal combination of the two different cardiac conditions increases the chances of a heart attack four-fold.

It is important to mention that the study was primarily done on healthy individuals. Just imagine what it can to to people who are already suffering from a cardiovascular issue are more prone and vulnerable to the dangers associated with smoking week.

Detrimental effects of marijuana on the Musculoskeletal System

Drawing of the human ribs Longtime use of marijuana can affect the musculoskeletal system as well. Researchers at The University of Edinburgh, UK have found out that people who regularly use marijuana experience deterioration of bone density that disturbs their BMI. They also found out that it can lead to the development of the chronic condition of Osteoporosis in the later stages of life.

Scientists are still working on finding out the exact reason why marijuana consumption has a detrimental effect on bone density and whether it’s a direct or indirect impact.

Marijuana Consumption, Lungs and Cancer

Marijuana can be consumed in multiple ways. Many people use it in the form of oil extracted from its flowers and buds. Then there are people who make edible products out of it. However, the most popular way to consume it is to smoke it.

More than 90% of people who consume weed for recreational reasons smoke it. This makes use of cannabis as harmful as tobacco smoking since both involve inhalation of carcinogens in the form of tar and other detrimental hydrocarbons. Apart from damaging the health of the respiratory system, the continuous use of marijuana also increases the risk of lung and oral cancer.

Marijuana Smoke Can be More Dangerous than Tobacco Smoke

In principle, marijuana and tobacco smoke have the same detrimental effects. However, the way marijuana is usually smoked makes it more dangerous.

- Unlike cigarettes, pot is often smoked without filters, which increases the content of combustion byproducts in the smoke.

- People hold marijuana smoke in their lungs for longer in comparison to cigarettes. This means the entire respiratory system remains exposed to harmful substances for a longer time.

Effects of Marijuana During Pregnancy

Pregnant Woman Several research studies have shown that the use of marijuana by women during pregnancy can affect the cognitive development of the child in the womb. Newborn children can face many problems throughout life due to marijuana consumption by mothers during pregnancy.

Some unsubstantiated studies also show that the use of marijuana can lead to a reduced capacity of the immune system to fight diseases. Inconclusive studies also indicate marijuana users are more susceptible to developing head and neck cancers in comparison to non-users.

Conclusion

The above discussion clearly shows that using marijuana has never been healthy. It can be used in certain medical conditions where its benefits outweigh the risks; however, is important to mention that marijuana products for medical uses must be free of the psychoactive substance THC.

The discussion has also established that the habitual use of the whole marijuana plant is the recipe for many medical issues. Don’t go for self-medication with marijuana. Always consult physicians who are licensed to recommend marijuana-based products.

No wonder Bill Clinton didn’t inhale!

11 Ways to Be a Better Parent of an Autistic Child

Photo by alexx60 – yayimages.com

This coming April is National Autism Month. and so we find it prudent to take the time to cover some important aspects of Autism.

A Brief Overview of Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder that makes one develop differently in terms of communicating and forming social skills. Everybody falls on a different spectrum. If you are a parent of an autistic child, then it is understandable that every day is a challenge for you.

It’s a responsibility as a parent to make their child thrives in this world, regardless of any conditions they are born with. Autism is not impossible to deal with and once you learn how to manage it, things can become easier for you and your child.

Here are 11 ways on how you can be a better parent:

Have a Fixed Schedule

Autistic children learn better if they have a schedule fixed for them. A highly structured daily routine is just what they need to do their best. Consistency is something they can easily depend on and thrive towards. A regular set of activities such as school, play time, meals and therapy makes autistic children feel safe and something they are familiar with. It will less likely cause any tantrums or outbursts as well. Avoid any distractions or disruptions in their schedule. Anything out of the routine can make them upset. Inform your child in advance for any changes.

Be Consistent

Autistic children need consistency in order to learn something. It is difficult for them to apply the skills learned in just one setting. Your child can do one thing at school such as using sign language but doesn’t think he/she has to do it at home. Consistency is the key to reinforcing learning and acquiring new skills.

Creating consistency for autistic children makes their emotional development smoother and easier to manage. You must make your child practice and apply all the skills learned in different environments and settings in order to expand the learning process. Consistency should not only be done for learning but also the way you interact with your child during good and challenging behavior.

Have a Special Safe Area at Home

Even though your home is a safe place for your autistic child, there will be some challenging times when your child will feel unsafe. This is why you need to create another safe place within your home where your child goes to relax and not feel pressured or disturbed in any way. It should be a private space where he can calm down and feel secure. Make sure that the area is marked for easy recognition. Whenever your child feels uneasy, he can come whenever possible. Safety-proof your entire house so that no place is dangerous for any outbursts or self-injurious behavior.

Connect with Your Child Non-Verbally

Autistic children might not speak or communicate much but you can still connect with them non-verbally. You can communicate and connect with your child through other cues such as the eyes, hand gestures, the tone of your voice and other signs of facial expressions and body language. It can even include the way you touch her. You can create your own mix of language as long as it helps the both of you stay connected. Pay close attention to your child’s non-verbal cues as well so that you recognize what they need to express.

Have Some Fun Time

Both you and your child need to have some fun time together to strengthen communication and connection. There should be more to life than just coming in and out of therapy sessions and special classes for your child. Find out how both of you can have fun through incorporating your child’s favorite activities or introduce new games or recreational pastime. Play is an important part of children’s learning and development, and autistic children are no different.

Know Your Child’s Triggers

Autistic children respond differently to different things. Some are highly sensitive to certain things that can trigger them such as light, touch, sound, smell or anything that they perceive to be uncomfortable or dangerous. It is essential to know what triggers your child so that you can avoid any challenging or difficult behavior and reaction.

Don’t Confine Your Child

Interacting is quite difficult for many autistic kids but that doesn’t mean that they should be left by themselves most of the time in their room. Take your child outside every day, whether it is to a store, a walk in the park or even in your own backyard. Autistic children are part of the community and must participate in their own way, no matter how different or limited it might be.

It’s Ok to Take a Break

As a parent of a child, a break is not only normal but a must. This is true whether your child has special needs or not. Don’t feel guilty if you want to leave your kid with a babysitter and go have some fun time with your friends or spouse. You take on the daily challenges and struggles every day. It’s only natural that you take out time for yourself so that you are better able to take care of your child later on.

Join a Support Group

Interacting with other parents of autistic children will let your mind at ease and you can learn from one another on how to manage your kids.

Take Care of Yourself

This one can’t be stressed enough. If you can’t take care of yourself, then you won’t be able to care for your kid as well. Create a schedule for your own activities such as gym, classes, spa treatments, movies etc. If your whole day revolves around your child, then you will be more likely to get burnt out and exhausted. A healthy and happy you can definitely make everything for your child so much better.

Split the Responsibility

Don’t let all the responsibility of taking care of your child rest on you. There can be just one parent who the child connects with more but you got to make them learn that there are two people watching out for them. This is important because if either one of you is busy or sick, you have the other to rely on.

Perils of Eating Too Much Salt

Salt on a set of spoons — *Sea salt on a spoon*

Salt is the central ingredient in the preparation of almost every food item but too much salt can be dangerous. Even though it can be satisfying to our taste buds, we should be aware of a food’s salt content, especially in our later years in life.

The sodium component of salt is important for the underlying mechanism responsible for muscle contraction and movement. Moreover, sodium also controls the chemical part of the transmission of nerve impulses. Sodium and potassium channels maintain the balance of different fluids within the body. In short, the use of salt has many medical implications.

But under and over-consumption of salt are not healthy for the human body and the latter has more detrimental repercussions. In this article, we will discuss what health dangers are involved with the excessive use of salt. We will also talk about the signs that indicate that you are eating too much salt.

But before we move on, it would be apt to talk about the healthy levels of daily salt intake.

Healthy Daily Salt Consumption

Medical professionals and health authorities have been advising people to limit their salt consumption for a long time. It has been estimated that an adult body needs around 200 mg of sodium every day for healthy functioning.

However, it’s nearly impossible to consume this small amount of salt while maintaining the other nutritional requirements of the body. For that matter, the National Academy of Medicine prescribes that healthy adults can consume 1500 mg of sodium every day to prevent any pertaining adverse effects.

The Academy along with the US Department of Health and Human Service also recommends that people should not exceed their sodium intake of 2,300 mg. This recommendation came after several studies that proved that continuous sodium consumption above 2,300 mg can lead to cardiovascular complications.

Unfortunately, the adult US population is consuming way more than the recommended limit. According to figures established by the federal Department of Health, an adult US citizen on average consumes 3,400 mg of sodium in their daily dietary intake.

To be safe, focus on vegetables. Most vegetables are sodium-free or close to it. In addition, the same goes for fruits, but there are some that have some high sodium levels. For information on how to control your sodium intake, click here.

Dangers Involved with Eating Too Much Salt

Excessive use of salt entails many health risks. Let’s have a look.

Cardiovascular Complications

An extensive research body has substantiated the dangers of excessive salt consumption for cardiovascular health. High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, which eventually affects every organ of the cardiovascular system. As a result, the affected person suffers from different cardiovascular conditions.

Deteriorated Brain Health

Hypertension also has an adverse effect on brain health. Scientists believe that the excessive use of sodium can also lead to strokes in the affected people. Some studies have also indicated that the excessive use of salt is detrimental to the cognitive activity of an aging brain. In other words, the neurological perils of excessive use of salt start showing up in old age.

Oedema

Oedema is a condition in which swelling occurs on joints and limbs because of water retention in body cavities and tissues. It has been studied that high sodium diets lead to the development of this condition. Oedema caused by excessive salt intake usually affects knee joints, hands, and feet. Oedema depends on other medical conditions as well. Nevertheless, physicians recommend oedema patients cut down their salt use regardless of the underlying factors.

Kidney Problems

Kidney is a vital organ responsible for many vital physiological functions. It produces red blood cells and filters out toxins from the bloodstream. Increased sodium intake combined with hypertension also affects the filtration activity of kidneys. Excessive sodium in the bloodstream weakens the kidneys’ ability to get rid of toxins from the body.

Apart from these major health problems, excessive salt intake also increases the risk of stomach cancer. Moreover, it is responsible for occasional bloating.

Signs of Excessive Sodium Consumption

Salt is the primary source of sodium present in our bodies. There are multiple signs that indicate that you are consuming too much salt or sodium.

Feeling Thirsty All the Time

As mentioned earlier, sodium plays a crucial role in regulating body fluids. The excessive sodium in the body activates a homeostatic response that signals the brain to drink more water to balance the excessive level of sodium. This is the reason why we feel thirsty after eating salty foods. If you feel thirsty all the time, then it is a sign that an excessive amount of salt is part of your daily dietary intake.

Bloating

When there is too much sodium in the bloodstream, water leaves the cells, causing it to swell. This is shown in the form of belly-bloating. If you encounter this problem frequently, then you may be eating too many salty foods.

Headaches

Consuming too much salt on daily basis can cause vasodilatation within the brain, which often appears in the form of headaches. If you are feeling heavy-headedness for no particular reason, then excessive salt consumption might be responsible for this.

Another Dangerous Aspect of Excessive Sugar Consumption

Eating too much salt also affects the receptive characteristics of taste buds. They adapt to the excessive use of salt. In this condition, even salty foods are perceived as regular intake by the brain and thus push people to further increase the salt content of their meals. People only come to know about this harmful pattern when it starts affecting their health in any of the above-discussed ways.

Therefore, always remain vigilant regarding your salt consumption so that your taste buds can continue to detect the varying salt levels in foods.

Nearly all processed and junk foods are rich in salt. Relying on these foods to fulfill daily dietary requirements can considerably increase your sodium consumption. Make sure that you eat more home-cooked foods where you can maintain some control of salt consumption. Moreover, try to consciously lower the amount of salt you ingest. In the beginning, you might not like this change, but in a couple of weeks, your taste buds will get accustomed to it and your future self will thank you for it.

In general, if you feel like something is wrong with your health, contact your medical provider. Don’t put it in delay mode!

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – One of the Most Misunderstood Mental Disorders – CDP

Solider with hands on his face June 27th is National PTSD awareness day. While there is still a general lack of understanding of mental illnesses, PTSD is one of the most misunderstood mental disorders. Despite the availability of modern research findings, there are still many unfounded beliefs associated with PTSD.

Some of the commonly held myths are:

- Only soldiers and war veterans can suffer from PTSD

- PTSD is a sign of weakness

- There are no treatments for PTSD

- People who have PTSD are dangerous
- Every person who experiences trauma develops PTSD

What is PTSD Then?

The American Psychiatric Association defines post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as “a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, it could be war, a terrorist act, serious incident, natural disaster, and sexual or violent personal assaults, like rape.”

The mental disorder is mainly characterized by extreme fear and anxiety that is often uncontrollable.

In the field of medical science, it is an established fact that anyone who has witnessed or experienced an event that negatively affected their physical and emotional well being or posed a threat to their lives can develop PTSD. Simply put, any incident that induces extreme learned fear can cause post-traumatic stress disorder.

Although it is common for anyone to experience anxiety and emotional issues after going through a trauma, the intensity of the symptoms reduces with time. But people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder are unable to recover from the trauma, and the severity of their symptoms does not reduce with time.

Research has shown that women, children, and disabled people are more likely to develop the disorder.

Factors That Can Increase the Risk for Developing PTSD

While it is impossible to accurately predict if a person is likely to develop PTSD, there are a few factors that researchers believe can increase the risk of developing it. They include:

- Loss of a loved one

- Serious injury or harm, either to yourself or to a loved one

- Isolation or separation
- Displacement from home or being away from the family as a result of some incident

New Scientific Discoveries

It was long believed that war-related PTSD depends on how well a soldier copes psychologically with the constant threat and exposure to violence. A research study published in the Academy of Management Journal in 2016 regarded the view as incomplete and representing only half the story.

As stated on the University of Cambridge website, researchers found that the context through which a person experiences a war may play an equally important role in determining why wars affect people differently; such as, their cultural, organizational, and professional background.

According to Mark de Rond, one of the two researchers who conducted the study, “this understanding of the connection between PTSD and the context of those who suffer from it could change the way mental health experts analyze, prevent and manage psychological injury from warfare.”

Some Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

A person suffering from this condition usually experiences and/or exhibits a combination of the following symptoms:

- Extreme fear or phobia

- Depression

- Insomnia

- Hypervigilance

- Detachment

- Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares

- Severe anxiety

- Irritability

- Anger issues

- Inability to concentrate

- Self-destructive behaviors

- Lack or loss of appetite
- Substance abuse

The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person.

Diagnosis of PTSD

PTSD statistics — *PTSD Depression chart Wikipedia*

Only a trained healthcare professional can diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder. This is due to the fact that many patients do not experience or exhibit most of the symptoms associated with the disease.

What makes it even more difficult is the fact that many people experience anxiety that is generalized and not associated with PTSD. This is why it is highly recommended to consult a trained and experienced professional for diagnosis and avoid taking any medications on your own.

How is PTSD Treated?

According to PTSD United, about 70% of adults in the U.S. reported having experienced traumatic events at least once in their lives. Out of this, 20% developed PTSD. The website also stated that around 8% of Americans suffer from PTSD at any given time.

Like all other mental illnesses, many conventional treatments are available for it. However, they may not work for everyone. Patients who do not find relief from conventional medicines find it very difficult to deal with the disease, and they sometimes end up harming themselves; there are some cases where patients even committed suicide or committed harm to others.

Due to the inefficacy of first-line medications (for some patients) and serious negative consequences, researchers have been continuously trying to find alternative treatments for PTSD.

Can Cannabis be an Alternative Treatment for PTSD?

According to research published in Molecular Psychiatry, certain compounds that are present in cannabis can provide some relief to patients of PTSD.

There are many other studies that have led scientists to consider that cannabis may offer help in managing the disease by providing symptomatic relief. However, the research is still in its preliminary stages and there is a long way to go before the drug can be approved as a treatment for PTSD.

How Can Cannabis Help with PTSD?

According to the research, cannabis can provide symptomatic relief by removing associations to painful memories. This can help patients who experience flashbacks whenever they see or hear something that is somehow associated with the event that initiated the disease.

A study was conducted to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that initiate the development of PTSD. It was found that people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder have a deficiency of anandamide. Anandamide is an endogenous (not attributable to any external or environmental factor) cannabinoid compound that triggers certain brain receptors that are called CB-1. These receptors are responsible for mediating many psychological functions.

When they are normally functioning, they help people overcome traumatic incidents by deactivating the bad memories. The research also found out that cannabinoids may help remove the deficiency of endocannabinoids that contribute to PTSD. However, the drug may cause many side effects. Hence, it should not be used unless prescribed by a registered healthcare practitioner.