Our Blog

First, it is important to understand what post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) is. PTSD is a psychiatric condition that is caused by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. Individuals who develop PTSD relive their experiences in the form of nightmares or flashbacks and they can be sporadic or unrelenting. Everyone living with PTSD experiences their symptoms differently. In addition to these intrusive memories, these symptoms can include:

·        Avoidance of a person or place reminding them of the event

·        Enduring negative thoughts about themselves, others, the world, or the future

·        A lack of interest in activities once enjoyed

·        Being easily startled or frightened

·        Overwhelming guilt

·        Feeling detached from family, friends, or the world

Veterans and PTSD

It is no secret that veterans, soldiers, and military personnel are exposed to extreme trauma. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the percentage of veterans with PTSD varies by service era; with the lowest percentage being 11% and 20% at the higher end. Often, the effects of combat can be devastating. Bodily injuries, fear for one’s life and the lives of others, known and unknown threats can enhance the fight, flight, or freeze mentality. This mentality occurs not only in the moment, but over time. Watching a loved one die is painful and can happen often in war combat. Guilt and shame, or survivor’s guilt, may haunt a soldier, as they feel as if they may be responsible by the loss of a loved one because they are still alive. Soldiers and veterans may ask, ‘Why me? Why am I the one who survived?’ These feelings, fears, and thoughts overtime are often diagnosed as PTSD. The veterans carry these haunting memories consciously and subconsciously. Fireworks, gunshots, and air horns are all noises that have the potential to frighten a veteran as they can resemble gunshots, bombs, or any form of artillery. Be mindful and aware if you are around a veteran. It could help ease their triggers and worries.

CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, California is enrolling individuals diagnosed with PTSD for a clinical research study. If you or a loved one live around the LA area and are struggling with PTSD, sign up with CalNeuro Research.

If you or a loved one is living with depression, chances are you know just how debilitating this mental illness can be. It is of great importance and should be noted that major depressive disorder (MDD) must be diagnosed by a doctor. MDD is characterized by the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest and can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms such as changes in sleep, abnormal displays of energy, and self-esteem issues. As mentioned in our October blog, staying in a routine, setting goals, and having a proper diet along with getting enough sleep can assist greatly when managing depression symptoms. However, there are other tricks that can complement the most important lifestyle habits to alleviate depression symptoms and can even lead to tremendous success, both personally and artistically.

Expressing oneself is a therapeutic coping mechanism that can get one’s feelings out safely into the world as it makes the pain real and tangible, instead of repressed. Forms of expression can include writing down thoughts and feelings as well as creating paintings or drawings. Some of the greatest works of art have been influenced by sadness and depression. Lyrical composition is a common form of popular art that expresses one’s pain to the world. Sometimes, these lyrics not only help the artist but also the thousands of people who can relate to the pain through their own similar experiences. As the saying goes, “music is for the sad man”.

A major, touching, and influential song in the 2010’s was by the musical artist ‘Logic’. His song “1-800-273-8255”, which is named after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, touches on depression, suicidal ideation, support, and brings to light the mental illness crises that has swept across this generation. The song was even a 2018 Gammy nominee for song of the year, highlighting just how many people have been touched by this emotional song.

Many painters and illustrative artists have thrown themselves into their work as an expressive form of getting their pain onto paper or canvas. It is so common that the ‘Art Business Journal’ posted a blog about “How to Deal with Depression as an Artist”. Furthermore, this compilation of art shows the dark expressive depths that artists feel when their personal struggles with depression take over. It is truly amazing how these artistic pieces relate to the pain that many feel living with major depressive disorder.

Another way to utilize therapeutic expression is through creative writing. Written work can represent one’s struggles, personality, an alter ego – the possibilities are endless. One of the most famous authors of today who has created works of art inspired by his depression is Stephen King. King battled substance abuse, anger, and depression for years and in the late 1980’s, it took an intervention staged by his family and friends for him to seek help for his mental illness and substance abuse. There is no doubt the man that is responsible for works of art such as “IT”, “Pet Semetary”, and “The Shining” has a wonderous mind when it comes to darkness and horror. During King’s alcoholic and drug fueled decade, he admits to writing while on the substances as a type of dark imaginary impulse and would go back to edit these novels when he had his sober moments. He wasn’t able to properly edit his own pieces at times due to the impairment. Now, he considers writing as a therapeutic way to keep his mind busy to help him stay sober one day at a time and references AA meetings as a helpful tool[i].

 Major depressive disorder is a serious mental illness that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is living with MDD, consider a clinical research study with CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles.

[i] https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/stephen-king-the-rolling-stone-interview-191529/

In our previous OCD blog in February of 2021, we discussed some of the different presentations of OCD. For people living with OCD, life can incur many inconveniences every day. The same can be said for loved ones or caretakers. Here are a few tips that may come in handy when serving as a support system for a loved one living with this disorder.

1.      Recognition of OCD signs and symptoms can play a large role in beginning a course of action. There needs to be a problem or starting point before the issue can be addressed. Your loved one spending an increased time alone, constantly assessing one’s self-judgment, and exhibiting repetitive behaviors, continued tardiness, and increased indecisiveness are just a few warning signs of OCD behavior.

2.      Once these behaviors have been identified as OCD behaviors, expectations need to change according to the patient’s needs. It is important to not make snap judgments or lash out on a loved one based on the premise of normality. Individuals living with OCD can rightfully be sensitive about these issues as they are first and foremost their issues and symptoms. Avoid putting down the patient and try reframing situations in a way that validates them and recognizes that their disorder can be tough to manage. These actions may even boost the relationship between both parties.

3.      Stay away from vocalizing destructive comparisons of declined progress. Comparing one’s bad day to a previous good day is not constructive. Assuming the patient’s progress has deteriorated from the day before can be harmful and enforce negative self-judgement into their mind. It is important to take everything on a day-to-day basis. The phrase “if you believe it, you can achieve it” does not discriminate against a negative mindset. Remember, this is a mental illness, and it does not suddenly disappear. 

4.      Facilitating a supportive, understanding, and empathetic environment may help a patient avoid a bad day, or at least lessen the negative effects of a bad one. Boosting the patient’s self-confidence and self-esteem by offering support reminds them that they are not alone and have people they can depend on.

5.      Ensure or advise the patient to take their medication as prescribed or speak to a medical professional regarding any changes to medication. This is a big one as people living with OCD can worsen without taking their medication, or even experience adverse effects within the body. The medical professional overseeing the OCD patient should be notified of and advise any change in medication they see necessary.

OCD is a consuming mental illness that affects the lives of the individual living with the disease and their loved ones. If you or a loved one is living with OCD, check out CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, California for a Clinical Study.

Having PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can take a toll on the mind and body, along with emotional well-being. PTSD is a mental health disorder that is caused by experiencing trauma. Traumatic events can take on many different forms. Common traumatic events that lead to PTSD include, but are not limited to:

·        Childhood neglect and abuse

·        Domestic violence

·        A violent car crash

·        Sexual assault or rape

·        Murder

·        War and combat

All of these events can have their own way of penetrating the patient’s mind and follow them wherever they go. Often, triggers cause these memories to replay over and over in the mind of the patient. Today’s world is full of upsetting and unrelenting news stories of terrible events. If the person living with PTSD is triggered by particular news stories or topics, it may be best to avoid these triggers and refocus the negative energy elsewhere. For example, an individual may choose to clean the house, finish that puzzle, or take a brisk walk to keep the mind active and productive. Another recommended technique to lessen the effect of PTSD symptoms is expressive writing to release the negative emotions, instead of bottling them up. Vocalizing and releasing negative thoughts and feelings can make the emotions tangible, which helps the patient process these feelings and cope in a healthy way. This is why cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the more effective treatment options, as it offers emotional validation to the patient.

One distinct group is at a significant risk for developing PTSD. Military veterans and soldiers are the forefront of PTSD diagnoses. Up to 20% of all veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in any given year; this is compared to 12% of all Gulf War veterans and 15% of all Vietnam War veterans.[1] It is common courtesy to not address what a soldier or veteran has experienced in war or combat, unless you are a mental health professional providing treatment. Reliving the traumatic moments when the patient is not ready or is susceptible to negative PTSD symptoms may create unwanted thoughts, leading to fear or anxiety about the event(s).

PTSD is a common leading factor to suicidal ideation and suicide. If you or someone you know is in immediate need of help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

A PTSD clinical research study is now enrolling in Los Angeles. If you or a loved one is living with PTSD, contact CalNeuro Research for more information.

[1] https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp

Alzheimer’s disease takes a great toll on the individuals living with the disease and their loved ones. The disease gradually unravels a person’s control over their mind and body as the brain makes devastating changes. These changes can eventually culminate to complete memory loss, along with emotional and physical distress. Family and friends of Alzheimer’s patients face an unimaginable and painful task of caring for and watching the person they have known deteriorate to the point at which the individual may forget them completely. This disease can be especially daunting for children, siblings, and spouses. Detection of this disease is key to getting the proper treatment and diagnosis. If you or a loved one has any of these signs or symptoms, consider consulting a doctor or medical professional.

1.      Loss of memory is often the most common symptom associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This can begin with something as simple as forgetting where you placed your keys and escalate to losing all recognition of self and others.

2.      Repetition of questions is associated with memory loss. If someone asks the same question continually, this may be an early sign of brain degeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease and should be addressed.

3.      A dwindling attention span is common with the deterioration of the brain in Alzheimer’s. Patients living with Alzheimer’s may get agitated or even violent if a task isn’t done in a timely manner. Bathing and food arrangements provided by caregivers should be regimented if this symptom is common in their respective patient.

4.      A person living with Alzheimer’s may find difficulty with speech, language, and numbers. If speech and thought appear cloudy and jumbled, this could be a telltale sign of someone with brain deterioration.

5.      Towards the end stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may experience bladder and bowel incontinence. The patient’s caregiver will have to monitor and take proper precaution to limit accidents that may occur.

6.      The brain’s inability to properly function will eventually create barriers to communication. The patient may not be able to relay their needs to their caregivers or even hold a conversation with loved ones. This can be a devastating sign of deterioration.

7.      One of the more common causes of deaths in Alzheimer’s patients is aspiration pneumonia. With this type of pneumonia, food and liquids will flow into the lungs instead of air. This is one reason why difficulty swallowing is a critical sign to catch as it could be life-threatening.

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating, and it is important to find proper medical treatment as soon as possible. If you or a loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, consider signing up for a clinical research trial with CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, CA.

The definition of depression says it all. Depression is the persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest in a person’s daily life, creating a consistently low feeling. This disease can debilitate and negatively impact a person’s life on multiple levels.

If you are wondering how to spot the symptoms of depression, these are the symptoms and effects to be on the lookout for:

1.     A loss of interest in activities that once brought you joy. If you or a loved one used to look forward to playing in that baseball game, jogging in the park, or even going out to eat with family and friends and now would rather sit around in solitude, this could be a warning sign if continued for an extended period.

2.     A consistent lack of drive at work or school could be a sign of depression and lead to mounting problems. If the lack of drive continues and the issue is not corrected in time, it could lead to poor grades, poor productivity, and ultimately a loss of a job or a failing grade. Whether in school or at work, these issues could create serious consequences for a person’s livelihood.

3.     A seemingly endless feeling of fatigue. People are typically more productive and joyful when they are energized. The opposite occurs when people are fatigued. Depression has the ability to create mental fatigue, which in turn exhausts the body. The body and mind work together – one relies on the other to be healthy to create the best overall quality of life.

4.     A change in appetite is a symptom that can have a distinguishable appearance to the outside eye. It is common for depression to create a loss of appetite, causing one tolose an apparent amount of weight. However, depression symptoms vary based on each person, so the opposite may also occur. It is common for individuals who live with depression to take comfort in food, which is why binge eating disorders and depression are often linked together.

Depression is a serious disease, so it is important to find proper medical treatment as soon as possible. If you or a loved one is living with depression, consider a clinical research trial with CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, CA.

The act of having unreasonable thoughts and fears while culminating obsessions that lead to compulsive behaviors is the simplification of obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly known as OCD. This disorder can be debilitating to the individual living with it. OCD takes over the mind, often showing through doubts, unwanted thoughts, and fears. These obsessive symptoms then manifest to persistent physical compulsions in the hopes of minimizing the intrusive and negative thoughts.

OCD is often perceived in the general public as an obsession to clean and have things in an orderly fashion. While these symptoms certainly have a place in the OCD world, there are many other types of ways in which OCD can present itself. Here are a few examples of those presentations:

The act of constantly and obsessively checking to prevent a future danger. Obsessively checking locks out of a compulsive fear of a break-in is a sign of OCD. Another example includes sifting through texts and emails multiple times, re-reading each line due to fear of saying the wrong or inappropriate thing, that could lead to potential guilt and embarrassment.

The fear of contamination and actions to prevent a hazardous medical situation. The common conception of compulsive hand washing goes hand in hand with this fear. Consistently cleaning areas where bacteria or germs may grow, such as the bathroom or communal spaces and objects such as doorknobs, presents a mental perception to physically get rid of all the germs.

Becoming obsessed with a loved one or a relationship. Commonly referred to as relationship OCD, symptoms include intrusive thoughts about a relationship and spiraling into obsessive behaviors concerning the other person. Consistently thinking about ‘what ifs’, obsessively discussing the relationship, and comparing the relationship to others, fictional or real, can all be signs and symptoms of relationship OCD. If not appropriately addressed through the assistance of medical professionals, these intrusive thoughts could lead to impulsive decisions such as harassment, stalking, and mental or even physical harm.

An OCD clinical trial in Los Angeles, California is currently enrolling. If you or a loved one is affected by OCD, contact CalNeuro Research for more information about enrollment.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can feel like a daily struggle. It can lead to mood swings, intense emotions, and harmful behaviors. Relationships can be impacted in a negative way and BPD can even lead to substance abuse. How can you take preventative action to positively cope with BPD? Consider these 6 tips:

1.)    Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep is important for a clear mind and allows the brain to reset to take on the next day. Better sleep can also reduce emotional pain. Adults are recommended to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

2.)    Do a good deed. Paying it forward not only helps someone who needs help, but it can also release endorphins and create positive energy for you. Make a habit of doing good unto others. Doing good deeds may also help keep you connected to others and build strong relationships.

3.)    Find comfort in close friends and family. Having a supportive and trusted loved one can facilitate a stability in your life. Life can be difficult with borderline personality disorder. Having someone there to listen and understand is the helping hand you may need.

4.)    Positively distract yourself. Take a walk, clean your car or house, study or pick up a new craft to take focus away from your BPD symptoms and emotions.

5.)    Learn calming techniques. Breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation are all options available to help create a calm state.

6.)    Talk to a doctor or medical professional about what medication and/ or psychotherapy options may be right for you.

CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles, CA is currently enrolling for a BPD clinical research study. If you or a loved one are interested in a clinical research study, sign up and learn more.

When thinking of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many people simply associate the disorder with combat veterans. The stark reality is that over 8 million people in the United States currently live with PTSD, and it can be caused by a variety of traumatizing events. It is important to educate yourself on PTSD and the several phases individuals go through when dealing with this condition, especially because any person can experience it at any stage of life.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a psychiatric condition that is caused by witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. A traumatic event can include a number of situations, such as a car accident, sexual assault, natural disaster, or serious injury. Upon experiencing this traumatic event, individuals who develop PTSD relive their experiences in the form of nightmares or flashbacks, and something that reminds them of the event such as a loud noise or a touch may cause serious distress.

What Are the Phases of PTSD?

Many people are familiar with the definition of PTSD, but few are aware of the various stages individuals experience when dealing with this condition.

The Impact or Emergency Phase: The impact phase occurs soon after a person experiences the event It can last anywhere from a few hours to several days or even longer, depending on the severity of the experience. Symptoms may include shock, guilt, anxiety, and fear.

The Rescue Phase: At this point, the individual begins to come to terms with the event that occurred and is starting to process their feelings while dealing with residual feelings of shock. This phase can exhibit a number of symptoms, including denial, numbness, hopelessness, and the onset of nightmares and flashbacks.

The Intermediate or Short-Term Recovery Phase: As the name suggests, individuals eventually enter a stage of recovery as life returns to a state of “normal”, and they are more perceptive of other aspects of their lives. Some people feel deep gratitude for the support outpoured by loved ones, while others may feel a sense of disappointment by the response of family and friends. These extreme and contrasting reactions generally are not a reflection of loved ones; they are the confusing and extreme emotions felt by the individual due to their PTSD.

The Long-Term Reconstruction or Recovery Phase: As more time passes from the initial event, individuals seek to rebuild their lives and move forward by processing the experience as a memory, often with the help of a mental health professional. PTSD cannot be cured, but it can be managed with proper care and support. Lasting symptoms of this condition may include fear, resentment, and other mental health conditions like depression.

If you or a loved one is living with PTSD, help is available. Consider joining a clinical trial with CalNeuro Research. Your participation contributes to the advancement of medical research, helping current and future generations of people living with PTSD. Click [HERE] to learn more.

OCD and COVID-19: Living in the New Normal

The pandemic has changed the way so many of us live in and view the world. Everyday activities like going out to dinner with friends, seeing live music in crowded clubs, and commuting into the city for work suddenly came to a screeching halt this past March. The pandemic has impacted the day to day for us all, but for many living with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), the “new normal” has been especially difficult.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

OCD is a chronic mental health condition that is characterized by obsessions that result in compulsive behavior. These obsessions may be in the form of intrusive thoughts or physical impulses, and an attempt to suppress these obsessions may lead to unbearable anxiety. A person living with OCD feels as though a task must be performed in a particular manner, regardless of how negatively it may impact his or her life.

So how has living with OCD become more difficult for some individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic? OCD can manifest in a variety of different ways, and medical professionals have identified different common symptom clusters within the broad definition of OCD. One group that exhibits similar patterns is considered “contamination and cleaning”. As the name suggests, individuals with these set of symptoms have a debilitating fear of being contaminated by germs or getting other people sick. As a result, they may feel compelled to repeatedly clean surfaces, use hand sanitizer way too frequently, or wash their hands aggressively every few minutes.

Adapting to the “New Normal”

Behavior that was previously viewed as excessive has now become the norm as the coronavirus still has a strong grip on society. Not many people used to sanitize grocery items prior to entering the house, but that has now become standard practice. People are washing their hands and applying hand sanitizer much more regularly than ever before as well. For those struggling to overcome the urge to disinfect compulsively, this elevated standard of cleanliness can be torture.

This poses an interesting and frustrating problem for those living with OCD and the health professionals who provide treatment for the disorder. Treatment methods for OCD include exposure and response therapy. An individual is left in the environment in which the impulses exist, and treatment methods aim to break the cycle of acting upon the unwanted impulses. For example, a doctor may explicitly tell their patient not to wash their hands upon entering their home as part of their treatment. During a time in which every news station on television is urging all of us to wash our hands, treating OCD becomes a lot more complicated.

Join a Clinical Trial with CalNeuro           

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged daily life for nearly everyone, and some are faced with more unique and difficult struggles than others. It is important to be patient, understanding, and supportive during this difficult time, especially with those living with conditions like OCD.

If you or a loved one is living with obsessive compulsive disorder, consider a clinical trial with CalNeuro Research. Click HERE to see if you or a someone you know may qualify.

Borderline Personality Disorder and How it Affects Relationships

Mood swings. Loss of identity. Fear of abandonment. These are all unpleasant feelings that many people deal with at some point on their lives. It is not uncommon to experience negative emotions or impulsive behavior at times, but for up to 5.9% of the adult population, these feelings are associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a mental illness that is characterized by instability in mood, relationships, and self-image.

BPD can have a significant negative impact on one’s personal relationships with others for many reasons. Someone living with BPD may describe their personality as an emotional roller coaster with dramatic highs followed by sudden lows. It is often difficult to maintain healthy relationships while living with BPD due to the unpredictability of the illness.

What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?

Borderline personality disorder can present itself in different ways, but here are a few symptoms that can have a negative impact on relationships with others:

-        Intense fear of abandonment: People with BPD may rush into new relationships, sabotage a positive relationship to avoid being left first, or exhibit clingy behavior towards their loved ones. For example, they may experience frantic emotions when their partner comes home late from work, which may lead to arguments and trust issues.

-        Impulsive, harmful behavior: When upset, people with BPD may engage in self-destructive behavior such as erratic spending, reckless driving, and alcohol and drug use. The tendency to act inappropriately is often intended to cover up intense emotions, but this behavior is only detrimental in the long run as it hurts the individual and their loved ones.

-        Chronic dissatisfaction: A common symptom of BPD is an unshakeable feeling of emptiness, as though someone has a void inside them that can never be filled. This consistent feeling of inadequacy can do significant damage to one’s relationships with others since they may often feel as though they are unimportant and have nobody to rely on.

-        Mood swings and explosive anger: A person with BPD may experience happiness one moment, followed by intense feelings of sadness or anger the next moment. These strong feelings are often triggered by events that are considered insignificant or trivial to others. Mood swings with BPD are dramatic but typically short-lived, lasting only up to a couple of hours.

How to manage borderline personality disorder

If you are living with borderline personality disorder, it may be helpful to have open and honest conversations with trusted loved ones about your mental health. Though this condition is difficult to treat, it is important for those living with BPD to be surrounded by loved ones who are patient and supportive during the treatment process.

Join a clinical trial with CalNeuro

CalNeuro Research in Los Angeles is currently enrolling patients for a BPD clinical research study. If you or a loved one is living with borderline personality disorder, you or they may qualify. Click HERE to learn more and see if you qualify.

Major depression is one of the more common mental health disorders in America.  Around 17 million Americans suffer from major depression in a given year.[i] Many people who live with depression may not understand the correct steps to take for treatment and recovery. Adjustments and lifestyle changes can be made that will help to strengthen your mental health.

Follow these healthy lifestyle tips if you are living with depression:

• Get in and stay in a routine – Structure and a routine can significantly help your overall mood and will help provide consistency, which creates a healthy environment by leaving less time to get into a bad mental, physical, or emotional state. When a person is depressed, not following a routine schedule can be detrimental to their overall health. Try to push yourself back (or start for the first time) into a routine. Start small and gradually keep adding ideas, goals, and standards. Remember, the key is to remain focused.

• Set goals – Setting goals and staying focused are important aspects to the routine. Setting goals can give perspective for yourself and will help you achieve a better vision for what you’d like to accomplish. Setting and achieving goals in turn can help boost your self-esteem and confidence after each goal you continue to meet. Push yourself to achieve them and then when you have achieved your goals keep setting more! With this objective of continual goal setting, you will find that there is always something to look forward to and always something productive you can set your sights for.

·        Exercise and diet- Exercise and a proper diet complement each other for the overall goal of a healthy mind and body. With the combination of both, poor mental health can be combatted and open a door to healthier choices and a more positive mindset. Exercising is a perfect outlet to let go of everything that is affecting your depression, and is a great way to boost endorphin levels, which can improve your mood and overall health. Consider going on a walk, taking a light jog, joining a gym, or finding some in home exercises on YouTube if quarantining or staying at home.

Just like exercise, your diet can affect how you feel mentally and physically. There is no specific diet out there that is proven to cure depression, but it can help relieve some of the symptoms you may be feeling. Here are a few foods to make sure you are including in your diet if you suffer from depression:

• Water: Staying hydrated is essential for a functioning mind and a healthy body

• Dark leafy green vegetables: Fights against inflammation with rich nutrients

• Walnuts: Rich in brain-healthy omega-3 fatty acids

• Blueberries, oranges, cantaloupe: Full of cell-repairing antioxidants

• Apples: Supplier of antioxidants and fiber

• Seeds: Great sources of omega-3s

• Get enough sleep- Getting any sleep less than the daily average can worsen depression. You need enough sleep so your body can fully recharge and be ready to take on the challenges ahead for the following day. Going to sleep at the same time every night and waking up at the same time without any naps in between can also make room for a better mindset every day, while creating a healthy routine. Healthy adults should give themselves 7-9 hours for sleep every night, whereas the nightly recommendation for teenagers is 8-10 hours to help their growing bodies develop properly.

[i] https://www.dbsalliance.org/education/depression/statistics/

When a loved one survives trauma, the emotional distress that follows this event can take a toll on every aspect of the survivor’s life, including their personal relationships. When a loved one experiences Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), this can cause a rift in the normalcy of a relationship, creating conflict between the people involved. If your loved one is suffering from PTSD, consider following these guidelines for how to better support them.

DO:

Listen Well: Be sure to listen to your loved one with an open mind. Be conscious not to interrupt their speech and make sure you are actively engaging with them as they talk. This can be holding eye contact, using nonverbal cues to show you hear what they are saying, and/or using verbal language to show you are empathetic (ie. “I understand,” “I hear you,” “That makes sense,” etc).

Encourage Therapy: Be sure to bring up this topic when the moment is calm and do not be surprised if the person becomes upset. Avoid using language that might make them feel like they are “crazy” or that you think less of them because of it. Regardless of how beneficial therapy is, there is still a stigma  around seeking therapy, but the benefits of therapy for people living with PTSD are undeniable. However, be careful not to push them too hard as going to therapy should be their choice.  Check out the link at the bottom of the page.

Be Active: Suggest outings with your loved one that involves leaving the house and/or being social. This could be going for a walk, taking them on family/friend outings, or even something as simple as going to the store with you. Common emotional feelings that accompany PTSD are the feeling of loneliness and being unloved. It is important to show the person that you are there for them, and that you are not ashamed of them/the trauma they have been through. However, be sure you are not asking them to tag along on an excursion that may trigger them.

DON’T:

Neglect Yourself: It is very important to remain strong and level-headed when faced with your loved one’s fear, anger, or anxiety in the wake of a trauma. In order to do so, you must learn how to care for yourself during this process. Find a strong support system for yourself as being the support system for someone else can take a toll on your mental health too.

Expect Them to “Move On”: Getting past the emotional repercussions of a trauma takes time, and in some cases, people are changed forever. You cannot expect your loved one to make emotional progress on your schedule. It is important to accept your loved one for who they are post-trauma, and know that some people never fully recover.

Push Too Hard: It is natural to want your loved one to act a certain way, or do things that may have been normal pre-trauma. However, it is important to respect their boundaries, even if it seems like an unimportant or abnormal request. After a traumatic experience, boundaries can be incredibly important to someone. If your loved one expresses an act, action, or experience that they are uncomfortable with, it is important not to push them into it. Make sure to respect their decisions and wishes.

The most important thing to do when supporting a loved one with PTSD is to stay educated on the topic. If you are unsure of how to handle a situation, what behavior is normal or abnormal, or when your efforts do not feel like enough, do not hesitate to consult a medical professional.

One of the most common mental disorders in the United States is depression.  Many people struggling with depression don’t know the correct steps to follow to achieve relief on their own. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make adjustments on your own and incorporate your own personal strategies in order to gain your mental health competence back!   

Following these steps may help you take control of your depression and increase your quality of life.

·         Get In a Routine - Allowing yourself to get into a routine can help your mood significantly and help decrease the depressive symptoms you are experiencing.  Setting a schedule each day forces you to be consistent, which typically leaves less room for distractions. Staying organized is key!  

·         Set Goals – Setting goals is a great way for you to understand what you want and how to get there.  Make sure to set reasonable goals and expectations for yourself though.  Meeting each goal will boost your confidence and faith in yourself and will motivate you to reach your other goals! Goals help us understand the power of self-growth and how strong we truly are.

·         Exercise- Exercise can be the perfect solution to help you let go of the stresses that might be straining your mental health. It is a great way to boost endorphins, which in turn, can improve your mental and overall health.  

·         Eat Healthy- Food can affect your mood, especially processed foods or foods that contain a lot of sugar. A healthy diet helps increase energy levels, and provides you with the correct nutrients to feel healthy, confident and stronger!

·         Get Enough Sleep- Not getting enough sleep can trigger symptoms and cause your depression to worsen dramatically. You need enough sleep to allow your body to fully recharge and be ready to take on the next day. Put your electronics away at least an hour before bed and try to get into bed at the same time every night!

Resources   https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/natural-treatments#1

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) occurs when you feel worried and stressed about many everyday events and activities. Often the things you are worried about most turn out to be small or not important. However this type of worry can disrupt your life most days. While you might be thinking that everyone gets worried or anxious sometimes, people with generalized anxiety disorder experience more than just normal everyday worries. Anyone can get generalized anxiety disorder at any age. However, it usually starts when you are a child or teenager. Most people with GAD have felt nervous or anxious as long as they can remember. Many people who have GAD also have other problems such as depression, other anxiety illnesses, alcohol abuse, or personality disorder.

The cause of generalized anxiety disorder is not known. Some studies show that it might be passed through the family or some problems such as hyperthyroidism can cause generalized anxiety symptoms. People who have generalized anxiety disorder tend to get worried and stressed about many things almost every day. They usually have a hard time controlling their worry. Adults with GAD will often worry about money, family, health, or work. Children often worry about how well they can do an activity such as school or sports. They can also suffer from physical symptoms:

• Feeling tired or irritable, or having a hard time concentrating

• Having a hard time swallowing

• Having headaches or muscle aches

• Feeling shaky, sweating, or having hot flashes

• Feeling lightheaded, out of breath or sick to their stomach

• Going to the bathroom often

• Feeling like they can’t relax, or being startled easily

• Have problems falling or staying asleep

If you are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, we are currently enrolling volunteers for a clinical research trial! Learn more today about requirements and participation by filling out your information HERE!

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a very serious mental health disorder that affects millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, like other mental health disorders, a majority of people believe things that are not true about PTSD.  Here are some myths about PTSD and the truth about them that everyone should know about:

Myth 1: PTSD is in your head. It doesn’t really exist: It does exist. It is a recognized mental health problem that has been studied for many years. You may get PTSD if you have lived through a traumatic event that caused you to fear for your life. Strong emotions caused by this event can create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD.

Myth 2: Only soldiers or people in war zones get PTSD: Anyone who has seen or went through a traumatic even can develop PTSD. A traumatic event would be considered as a horrible and distressing experience where during the event, you may think that your life or others’ lives are in danger. You may feel that you have no control over what is happening. These events can include violent crimes, sexual assaults, childhood neglect or abuse, and natural disasters such as hurricanes or earthquakes.

Myth 3: You should be able to move on after a traumatic event: The strong emotions you may feel during the traumatic event can create changes in your brain that result in PTSD. Because of this, you may not be able to “move on”. It is important to remember that PTSD is a medical condition, and people with it deal with the condition as best as they can.

Myth 4: PTSD always happens right after the traumatic event: PTSD symptoms can develop at any time after a traumatic event. Your symptoms can start soon after the event, or you may not have them until months or years later. They can also come and go over many years.

Myth 5: People with PTSD cannot function: PTSD can cause severe symptoms, however, counseling, medicines and support can all help people to adjust. People who have PTSD can have jobs and relationships. They enjoy life and are active members of their communities.

If you or a loved one are living with PTSD, consider a research study with us today.  Click HERE to sign up.

Resources:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/health-center/ptsd-myths-info.aspx
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/sad-woman-sitting-on-the-bed-photo-p210227

If someone close to you or someone you’re in a relationship with is suffering from depression, there are actions you can take to be supportive in their time of need. 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression and is the leading cause of disability for people ages 15-44 in the United States. As we approach the holidays, more and more people will be affected by depression due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, which occurs when an individual experiences depressive episodes during certain times of the year.  A majority of people who are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder are affected during the winter due to the cold and dark months.  

Here are 7 ways to support someone you know with depression:

1.       Do what you can to learn about depression and all that comes along with it. Educating yourself is one of the best ways to support someone else and gain empathy.

2.       Try to be there for them. Depression can be an isolating condition.  A way to combat that isolation is to be around other people. Let them talk about their feelings, but don’t try to offer quick solutions, just let them get it out.

3.       Try to be proactive. Keep up with suggestions on different ways to alleviate symptoms such as exercise or journaling and meditation. But don’t be too pushy.

4.       Keep in mind that you aren’t a cure-all- no one is a panacea for depression. Take the pressure off yourself and focus on support rather than solutions.

5.       If your significant other is struggling with depression, give couples counselling a try. A significant amount of people with depression are hesitant to attend therapy alone, so suggesting couples therapy may be the answer.

6.       Assess your future and how to better the relationship and know what you need, don’t get bogged down and sacrifice your own mental health.

7.       Take them seriously with whatever they are discussing with you in regards to their thoughts and emotions. Understanding is one of the best way to help.

If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, reach out and get professional help. If you are struggling with OCD, Depression, Schizophrenia or PTSD, you may qualify for one of our research studies. Click HERE to see if you may qualify.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a23678265/dating-someone-with-depression/
https://parentsafrica.com/2018/11/05/3-ways-to-support-someone-whos-depressed/
https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056

There Are More Than 10 Common Warning Signs of Mental Health

Trying to tell the difference between expected behaviors and the signs of a mental illness isn't always easy. There is no simple test that allows an individual to understand whether or not they have a mental illness or if their actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors.  However, there are many signs and warnings of mental health to look out for. 

Each illness has its own symptoms, but common signs of mental illness in adults can include the following:

1. Excessive worrying or fear

2. Feeling excessively sad or low

3. Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning

4. Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria

5. Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger

6. Avoiding friends and social activities

7. Difficulties understanding or relating to other people

8. Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy

9. Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite

10. Changes in sex drive

11. Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality)

12. Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)

13. Abuse of substances like alcohol or drugs

14. Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)

15. Thinking about suicide

16. Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress

17. An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health disorder, reach out and get professional help. If you are struggling with OCD, Depression, Schizophrenia or PTSD, you may qualify for one of our research studies. Click HERE to see if you may qualify.

Do You Have OCD Without Knowing It? 

OCD is a very common disorder that affects people of all ages. In the United States alone, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 40 adults are living with OCD… that is about 2.3% of the population.  Although OCD is common, many people around the country are also undiagnosed.  So how do you know if you have it?

Before diving any deeper into the signs and symptoms you should look out for, there are two terms that you must know.

1.       Obsessions- Obsessions are powerful and consistent unwanted thoughts that compromise a person’s quality of life. These unwanted thoughts are also accompanied by mental images and urges, which can cause sever anxiety.

2.       Compulsions- Compulsions are a person’s way of coping or responding to the obsessive unwanted thoughts, imaged and urges.

There are currently no laboratory tests that identifies or determine OCD in a human, so how does one know whether or not they are living with it?  If you are concerned you have OCD, you should see a mental health professional to get a better understanding of if what you are living with is OCD.  Before you do that, check out a list of some pretty common symptoms most people with OCD experience. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Consuming unwelcomed thoughts, mental images, and urges

• Compulsive checking

• Fear of contamination, sickness, illnesses, germs

• Constantly fearful

• Hoarding and anxiety

• Depression & anxiety

Symptoms, however, are not the only way to get a better understanding of if what you have is OCD.  The list of thoughts below are common thoughts that intrude a person’s brain with OCD.

• The things I touch are infected

• My actions could hurt others

• I could hurt a child

• I will never know if I am gay or straight

• I am a risk to myself

• Objects in my life are infected with trauma

• My face and body are deformed

• I am living in sin

It is common to feel many of these symptoms and experience many of these thoughts.  If you feel as though these symptoms mirror what you are experiencing, you should see a mental health professional.

If you have an OCD and are looking for new treatment options, consider a clinical trial with us today.

https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/do-i-have-ocd-tips-for-recognizing-symptoms-and-seeking-treatment/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321341.php
https://www.intrusivethoughts.org/ocd-symptoms/?gclid=CjwKCAjw54fdBRBbEiwAW28S9neQmjrr6zAII6x2tV1Rw2-h6170mRSnelgTDnRW-7GherSBxGK0YhoCnU4QAvD_BwE

Clinical research offers important insights for combating diseases and health related issues. That’s why people like you matter so much to clinical research and clinical trials!  When you volunteer to participate in a clinical trial, you are helping researchers improve health care and find better treatment options. Clinical research improves the health and quality of life for people, people just like you!

Here at Pharmasite we want to make sure you have an understanding about clinical trials because we firmly believe they are the key to health breakthroughs of the future!

What are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are conducted in volunteers with the purpose of evaluating a medical, surgical, or behavioral treatment. Through this, researchers are able to discover the safety and effectiveness of new treatments as they are designed to determine if a treatment works, if it works better than other treatments and if there are any side effects.

How do Clinical Trials work?

Clinical trials advance through four phases to ensure treatments are adequately tested and confirmed safe.

·         Phase 1: Assesses and evaluates the safety of a new drug or device 

·         Phase 2: Measures the effectiveness, safety, and optimal dosing of a drug or device

·         Phase 3: Assesses safety and effectiveness, in larger populations, and may compare the drug or device to standard treatment

·         Phase 4: Post Marketing Trial - Continues to study the safety and effectiveness of a treatment even after it has been approved by the FDA.

Why do people volunteer?

Participating in a clinical trial allows individuals to contribute to medical knowledge. Clinical research advances the development of groundbreaking new treatments.  Participating in clinical trials allows patients to help others, have the opportunity to receive investigational treatments not currently available in the market, and receive regular monitoring by medical professionals.

So why should you participate? What’s in it for the patient? 

Clinical research improves the health and quality of life for people, people just like you! Volunteering to take apart in a clinical trial makes it easier access for you and the people you love to receive new medicine or treatments. Increased participation will allow clinical trials to progress quicker, decreasing the time it takes between medical discovery and patient’s access. Working together is the best way to advance the clinical research industry forward.

Are you curious about clinical trials and interested in joining one?

Click HERE for a list of all of our clinical trials we are currently enrolling in! 

Living with OCD can be a life-altering disorder if you don’t know how to control your symptoms or don’t take the necessary steps to do so.  Regardless, the disorder requires outside help, whether that’s from friends, family, mental health professionals or more self-care.  Just like any other disease or illness, or anything else that affects your daily life and activities, it’s essential to do research and be an expert on your own condition.  With proper coping strategies, treatment and support, you can still live a healthy and normal life, regardless of your OCD. Check out some quick self-help tips below to help you do so!

Reduce Additional Stresses – Living with something that affects you every day can be stressful and anxiety-induced. Other aspects of your life that are causing you stress needs to go!  Anything from unhealthy relationships to poor work environments are something you need to address. Sit down and do some reflecting on what stresses you can reduce so you can focus more on your mental health.

Brush Up On Your Facts – Do some more research, even if you think you already know everything about OCD. New research surfaces every day and it’s important to be an expert on your condition.

Understand Your Anxiety – Start carrying around a pen and paper and jot down the situations that cause you anxiety and in turn, cause any compulsions. Do this for a few weeks and go back and read all of your entries. This will help you understand what makes you anxious and what situations you should avoid moving forward.

Exercise – This can be a tough one for many of us whether we struggle from OCD or not.  Exercise is a proven method of relief in many situations and OCD is one of them.  A study is 2017 proved that exercise (specifically aerobic) significantly reduces OCD symptoms both short-term and long-term.

If you are struggling with OCD and your current treatment or strategies are not working for you, consider a clinical research study with us. You can fill out a form by clicking here.

Sources:

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/7-self-help-tips-for-managing-obsessive-compulsive-disorder#slide=4

https://www.verywellmind.com/living-with-ocd-2510561

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects between 4-6% of the U.S. population, and can occur during different seasons for different people.  For those of you whose depression worsens over the summer, you are not alone.  Money is tighter, body image insecurities are more persistent, sleep and daily schedules are more inconsistent and if you don’t enjoy the heat it’s easy to feel stuck.  While all of this can be hard to avoid, there are some tips to follow that can help stop depression from ruining the rest of your summer

Assist Potential Causes:
The first step is recognizing the root of your depressive symptoms.

• Body issues: Many people feel anxious and uneasy about having to show more skin with the blistering heat.

• Financial issues: If you’re already on a budget, the activities that come with summer doesn’t help your situation and can be a contributing factor to your worsening symptoms.

• Heat: The never-ending heat can also be the root of your worsening symptoms, especially if you aren’t a fan of being outside on a hot day.

• Loneliness: Social media plays a huge role in depressive symptoms, especially in the summer. It’s hard to watch and see people participating in activities, trips and having fun doing things that you aren’t.

Keep a Journal:
Once you address the root(s) of what’s causing your symptoms, write about them! Journaling is a fantastic form of personal therapeutic release. Write down exactly what you’re feeling and then go back and re-visit your thoughts to see if your mood and depression have improved or worsened.

Talk to a Professional:
There is absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about seeing a therapist.  If your symptoms get worse during the summer and you aren’t sure what to do about it, you could get so much relief and so many answers from someone who specializes in what you’re feeling.

Exercise:
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, anxiety and yes, even your depression! Join a gym, go for a run, or lift some weights to get sweaty and release some of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Consider asking a friend too! Interaction is another great way to relieve some of your depressive symptoms.  

Resources: https://www.wikihow.com/Fight-Summer-Depression

What is it?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder influenced by over-active thoughts causing you to have unwanted urges that don’t leave your brain until they are fixed. OCD causes the brain to stay focused on the one issue that needs to be fixed before you are allowed to think about the next issue. It’s obsessive and completely uncontrollable.

If you have OCD you typically will fall under the following categories:  

Washing: If people enjoy washing or cleaning, OCD would enforce a more obsessive way of doing so. For example OCD patients would be afraid of contamination so they over-actively wash or clean themselves and items around them much more frequently and aggressively than the average person.

Hoarding: People who hoard are attached to certain objects that they feel they must keep and either refuse or have an extremely difficult time getting rid of. People who hoard often feel like they are physically unable to let go of an item. Those who suffer from hoarding can also be suffering from depression, PTSD, ADHD skin picking or tic disorders. 

Checking: Next, people who are used to double checking to make sure they did something can be turned into an obsession for OCD.  They feel like they repeatedly have to check to see if they locked the door, closed the windows, shut the lights off or check to see if they turned the stove off even if they have already checked 5-6 times. Some compulsions are done up to 20 or more times.  

Doubting/Superstition: Next, people who have OCD tend to doubt many things and feel like if everything isn’t perfectly done, something horrible will happen either to themselves or to the people they love.

Symmetry: Lastly, people who have OCD can be obsessed with symmetry of certain products and the order of them. They have certain superstitions about numbers, colors and arrangements.

Symptoms and ways to help:

If you notice someone who has constant fear of contamination, losing control, excessive focus, fear of losing items, and obsessed with order and symmetry they may be suffering from OCD. It is best to talk to them and discuss what they can do to get help. It’s best they don’t avoid their fears, because the more you avoid them the scarier and more severe they can become.  Recognizing OCD urges before it turns into an obsession is very important. If you or someone you love is currently suffering from OCD, please fill out the information below to see if you qualify for a research study we are enrolling in.  A study representative will contact you shortly to discuss qualification and participation.

Resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/obssessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd.htm

If you are living with OCD and are seeking new treatment options, you may qualify for our research study.  If you or someone you know is interested, please fill out your information HERE and a study representative will reach out to you shortly to discuss participation and qualification.

Migraines cause unbearable pain, usually on one side of the head, which causes discomfort and in some cases, the inability to carry out every day activities. Across America, 39 million people suffer from migraines and experience symptoms including:

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Throbbing pain on one, or both sides of the head

• Blurred vision

• Nausea and vomiting

By tracking the foods and drinks you consume, you can better determine the triggersof your migraines. . Some common triggers are usually dairy products, chocolate, eggs, meat, nuts, tomatoes, onions and apples. Also, beverages, like red wine, regular alcoholic drinks and caffeine drinks are associated with migraine triggers. Be aware that the food you consume three weeks prior to a migraine could be a factor.

Ways to help:
Some simple ways to decrease migraine activity is to eat foods with high calcium, magnesium, complex carbohydrates and fiber. These foods include cooked vegetables, brown rice, collards, spinach, broccoli and dried non- citrus fruits. Also, acupuncture is another form of migraine relief.

If you suffer from migraines, you may qualify for one of our research studies.  To learn more, click the link below to fill out your information and someone should be in touch with you shortly.  

http://bit.ly/2IVyBhl   

Resources:
http://www.pcrm.org/health/health-topics/a-natural-approach-to-migraines

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings.  These mood swings will range from emotional highs and lows, highs being mania or hypomania (which is less extreme), and lows being depression. During mania and hypomania individuals may experience symptoms including, but not limited to:

• Decreased need for sleep

• Racing thoughts

• Exaggerated sense of wellbeing and self-confidence

• Participating in impulsive and risky behavior

The lows of bipolar disorder include severe depression. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

• Sadness

• Feeling hopeless

• Lack of interest

• Anxiety

Statistics

It is proven that bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It is possible to develop this disorder at any point in your life, but studies show that the average age is to develop the disorder is 25 years old. It is suggested that almost 3% pf the population every year is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 83% of those cases are severe.

Types of disorders:

• Bipolar I disorder: Individuals who have experienced one manic episode

• Bipolar II disorder: Individuals who have experienced at least one major depressive episode

• Cyclothymic disorder: Individuals who have experienced hypomania symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms

Ways to help:
If you or a loved one are struggling with irrational outbursts of emotion or continuously struggle with mood swings, these symptoms may be caused by bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, please talk to a mental health expert or a doctor to receive the proper care.

If you are living with bipolar disorder you may qualify to participate in our research study. To learn more please visit: http://bit.ly/2IVyBhl

Resources: https://www.weincluded.com/disorder/2017/06/07/bipolar-disorder/

As the marijuana legalization movement continues to push forward, the conversation on marijuana’s effects on certain conditions are becoming more prevalent among medical professionals and researchers.

A study was recently conducted by scientists from Washington State University where they used data from medical marijuana users to get an idea of the severity of their symptoms before and after smoking. In this specific study, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were being researched.  The data was pulled from an app called Strainpoint where they were able to gather data from 12,000 anonymous entries. This data also helped researchers dig deeper into the effects of the two main compounds in marijuana: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Results:
Results of this study showed that a majority of users reported a reduction in symptoms, meaning their symptoms improved. There were also some reports of increased symptoms, meaning the smoking made their symptoms worse, but was significantly less than those who reported positive results.

Below is a breakdown of the results pulled from the data.

Depression: Symptom ratings were reduced in 89.3% of the sessions, increased in 3.2%, no change in 7.5%.
Anxiety: Symptom ratings were reduced in 93.5% of the sessions, increased in 2.1%, no change in 4.4%.
Stress: Symptom ratings were reduced in 93.3% of the sessions, increased in 2.7%, no change in 4%.

Both women and men reported an overall reduction in symptoms, but women reported a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms.

An analysis of the strains smoked also presented some interesting findings.  Different outcomes were shown depending on the percentages of THC and CBD in the marijuana.

For depression, strains higher in CBD and lower in THC produced the largest reduction in symptoms.
For anxiety, CBD and THC percentages seemed to make little difference in the results.
For stress, users reported significant symptom reduction when using strains high I n both CBD and THC.

Read the full article here.

If you are currently struggling with depression, you may qualify for a research study we are currently enrolling in.  For more information on this study, please fill out a form by clicking the link below and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.

http://bit.ly/2IVyBhl

Similar to many other mental disorders, there is a stigma attached to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  Many people misinterpret the disorder for simply being tidy, perfect and clean.  While these are definitely symptoms of the disorder, there is so much more to OCD that people overlook because the term is so loosely thrown around. 

According to Psychology Today, OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) and engage in behaviors or mental acts in response to these thoughts or obsessions. The disorder affects a reported 2.2 million American adults, and thousands more who are undiagnosed.

In order to help put an end to the popular stigma that OCD is simply perfectionism, we wanted to shed light on the cruel reality of life with OCD and the variety of symptoms different people with the disorder live with. 

Different types of OCD

Constant checking and inspection.  Constant checking and inspection can surface both mentally and physically. Mentally, individuals with OCD find themselves checking their memory to make sure that an intrusive thought they had was just a memory and didn’t actually happen.  Physical symptoms include constantly checking to make sure windows, car doors, knobs and doors are locked or to ensure they blew out a candle, turned their gas or water off in terrible fear that something awful will happen.  Sometimes these “checks” are followed through anywhere between 10-50 times as a result of the anxiety disorder. 

Contamination.  Contamination is another very popular form of OCD.  Individuals suffering from the disorder are in constant fear that everything around them in dirtying them and as a result go to the extreme to shower, wash their hands and brushing their teeth. Some cases are so extreme that skin starts to deteriorate, rub off and leaves these victims with visible wounds from the excessive cleaning.  Yes, some people are very self-aware when it comes to germs, but the difference is that people with OCD  often carry out this out a concerning amount of times, often accompanied by rituals, until the person “feels clean” rather than someone without OCD who will wash or clean until they “see” they are clean.

Intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are one of the more mentally challenging forms of OCD.  Individuals with OCD have continuous, invasive and many times inappropriate thoughts that can be horrifying, torturous and detrimental to their state of happiness. Because these thoughts are repetitive and not voluntarily produced by the individual, it causes the sufferer to extreme distress because they feel so terrible that they are capable of thinking such thoughts.

Intrusive thoughts can include the following:

• Sexual thoughts

• Inappropriate relationships

• Religious beliefs

• Violent thoughts

If you are one of the many people who contribute to the stigma of OCD and throw the disorder around as if it were simply a term, try your hardest to change that habit and make a point to spread awareness about this awful disease that affects millions. 

If you have OCD, you are not alone.  If you live in the Los Angeles area and are suffering from OCD, we have a research study that you may qualify for.  You can fill out the form below and someone will be in touch with you shortly.

According to Psychology Today, OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) and engage in behaviors or mental acts in response to these thoughts or obsessions. The disorder affects a reported 2.2 million American adults and thousands more who are undiagnosed. 

New research has found that patients with OCD lack coping skills, and therefore have a hard time keeping their OCD under control.  Because OCD is a daily, difficult and in some cases debilitating disorder, it’s important for patients with OCD to understand coping skills and how to get into a routine in order to keep their OCD at bay.

Check out some tips from thiswayup.org!

Can your diet make a difference with your depression? Research conducted by Deakin University's Food and Mood Centre in Australia sought to explore that. The participants were divided into two groups.  Half of the group adjusted their diets to become healthier, while the other half continued to eat their previous not-so-healthy diet.

The results:

The half who maintained a healthy diet for 3 months saw a significant decrease in their common depression scale, an average drop of 11 points.  Of the participants who maintained a healthy diet, 32% of them had scores so low that they could no longer be considered depressed. On the other hand, the half who consumed the unhealthy diet only saw a 4 point drop and only 8% were considered no longer depressed.

In light of this research, we thought it was important to shed light on the foods that can have a direct impact on your depression.

Foods that will help your depression:

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Eggs

• Fruits

• Fatty fish (includes: salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout)

• Grass-fed beef

• Vegetables

  • Dark leafy greens (includes: spinach, chard, kale, lettuce)

  • Cruciferous vegetables (includes: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radish)

Foods that will not help your depression:

• Sugar

• Artificial sweeteners

• Processed meats

• Trans fats

• High sodium foods

• Salty snacks

• Highly refined, processed oils

  • Canola

  • Corn

  • Soybean

If one can regulate depression by eating a healthy diet, why not? Not to mention all of the other positive aspects of maintaining a healthy balanced regimen. Food for thought!

If you are currently suffering from depression and are looking for new treatment options, please contact us and learn more about our depression research opportunities.
Contact Us: 310-208-7144

Resources: https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/20/health/food-depression-stress/index.html

Depression can rob you of motivation and can make you feel like you don’t matter. Hobbies can be a necessary source of joy and enthusiasm for people coping with depression. On the days where getting out of bed feels impossible, having a hobby and the promise of enjoying a few hours of doing something you love can be the extra push you need to get through the day. Here are some ideas for hobbies to take up to help cope with depression.

Exercise. You’ve probably heard it before but in addition to keeping you physically fit, exercise can shape up your mental health as well. Exercising releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins that trigger positive feelings. If working out isn’t currently a part of your life, start small, say 10-15 minutes a day being active.

Take care of living things. Forging connections with living things around you can counter how depression makes you feel unimportant.

• Offer to babysit or pet sit for friends or neighbors

• Get a houseplant

• Build a small garden with flowers or vegetables

Join a group. Break through how isolated depression can make you feel by spending time with people you have something in common with.

• Volunteer

• Join a book club or create a new one

• Find a support group

• Join a recreational sports team

Get creative. There’s a particular sense of gratification that comes with making something, which can be a rewarding boost when depression has you feeling down.

• Musical activities like singing or play an instrument

• Drawing or painting

• Crafting

• Knitting, sewing, or crocheting

Whether it’s something you used to love that you’ve lost interest in or an activity that’s totally new to you, having a hobby can help you get back on track and feeling like yourself again.

If you or someone you love suffers from depression, fill out the contact form here to see if you may qualify for CalNeuro’s clinical research opportunity for depression.

2/5/18

More than 42 million adults in the United States live with some type of mental illness - that’s about 1 in every 5 people 1. Whether it is depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mental illness is a medical diagnosis that should be taken seriously.  Many of those who have never experienced mental illness do not understand these disorders and at times do not take them seriously.  The current stigma surrounding mental illness negatively impacts those living with them and it’s important we do what we can to try and table that stigma.  

Here are some things you can do to end the stigma against mental health:

·         Change your language:  It is insensitive to throw around the words lunatic, psycho, and crazy. By doing so you are adding to the stigma surrounding mental health. Change your language and encourage others to do the same. You would not want someone using derogatory language to describe you.

·         Show compassion: One of the most important things you can do is show compassion and try to understand that people living with mental health disorders are dealing with different challenges.  If you can show that you have a desire to understand what they go through, it can make a significant difference in how you view one another. Displaying love and respect towards everyone, including those with a mental illness, is what’s most important. 

·         Educate one another: If you want to be compassionate and empathetic, you need to seek out information about mental illness. Furthermore, you should respectfully challenge others when you believe they are perpetuating stereotypes. Instead of taking the back seat, inform them.

·         Push against stigmas in the media: In the media and on social media, people with mental illness are portrayed in a negative way. When you see this in articles, social groups and by politicians, it is your job get the story straight. Write a letter and respond online to those that blame the mentally ill in order to deflect the real issues.

·         Openly speak about mental illness: Whether it is you or a friend, or a family member, it is important to speak about mental illness. Speak about the struggles, the transitions, the tough days and the brighter days. Mental illness is very common and yet it seems to be a secret. Don’t shy away from the topic.

1.        http://www.newsweek.com/nearly-1-5-americans-suffer-mental-illness-each-year-230608

Understanding Hypo-Active Sexual Desire Disorder

1/25/18

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is essentially the same as a “low libido” and is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in women.  The most common symptom in HDSS is a disinterest in all activities and thoughts related to sex.  According to everydayhealth.com, as many as 43% of woman have experienced sexual dysfunction at some point in their life. While this is true, you may only be diagnosed with the HSDD if the disorder is causing distress in your life.

“Some people don’t want to have sex. If it’s not causing distress, it’s not dysfunction,” says sexual dysfunction expert Raymond C. Rosen, PhD, chief scientist at the New England Research Institutes in Watertown, MA.

HSDD Symptoms Include:

• Sexual dissatisfaction

• Low sex drive

• Disinterest in sex

• Disgust and physical symptoms such as pain

Risk Factors Include:

• Changes in hormones

• Physical health conditions

• Emotional or mental issues including general life stress

• Medication interference (Certain drugs can interfere with sexual function, including codeine, chemotherapy drugs, morphine, and some psychoactive drugs)

If you or your partner are suffering from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, treatment is available! Treatment options include therapy options such as: hormone therapy and individual/couples sex therapy. Besides therapy, CalNeuro is currently seeking participants for clinical trial opportunity in Los Angeles, CA testing a gel.  If you are interested, please call CalNeuro at (310)208-7144.

Living with OCD | The Do's & Don'ts

01/11/2018

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the name given to a condition in which people experience repetitive and upsetting thoughts and/or behaviors.  OCD has two main features: obsessions and compulsions and living with it can be overwhelming and difficult to understand/cope with.  People with OCD are not able to control or ignore unpleasant thoughts, which in turn causes frequent distress, anxiety and suffering.  If you have OCD, you are not alone! OCD is more common than people think, affecting 1 in 44 U.S. adults. 

The Do’s:

Get Help: If you are experiencing symptoms of OCD, reach out to someone and seek professional help. OCD is more common than you think and is not something to be ashamed of.

Be Proud:  You have an illness that some people can’t begin to understand living with, yet you do... everyday. Be proud of your ability to live with an overwhelming illness and recognize your efforts. Be proud of your strength. Be proud of your progress, whether big or small.  You do what you need to do despite your OCD, and THAT is something to be proud of.

Forgive Yourself: Rid yourself of the past and focus on improving your future. People living with OCD tend to be very hard on themselves. Remember: You have an illness and that’s okay. Continue to move forward and try to put any regretful thoughts or behaviors behind you. It’s a new day.

Accept Risk and Challenge: When you least expect it, life will throw risk and challenge your way and it’s important to confront it, not run from it.  Risk is unavoidable, so when presented with it, try to accept it and look at it as a positive opportunity to potentially make some progress.

The Don’ts

Speaking of Progress: Don’t Get Impatient With Yours:  Don’t get irritated if you aren’t making the progress you think you should be, and DON’T compare yourself to anyone else. We all move to the beat of our own drum!

Live with Guilt: OCD has a way of carrying painful or regretful memories. Put the past behind you. Every day is a new day, and with every new day comes new opportunities for progress and advancement. Try not to dwell on things you cannot change, and focus on the things you can!

Give Up Hope: Hope is so important! Always keep hope in your pocket and never lose sight of it.  Hope will guide you down the path of success and potentially rid you of your OCD in time.

Think You Are Alone: 1 in 44 adults in the United States alone are living with OCD.  And if you don’t want to talk to someone with OCD, you have professionals and countless resources like hotlines, chats, and support groups.

If you are struggling with OCD and are living in the LA area, we are currently enrolling patients diagnosed with OCD. Please call us at 310. 208.7144!