A new study recently published in Nature Genetics has paved the way to beginning to understand how gene mutations predispose one to schizophrenia. The international study, led by Guy A. Rouleau, MD*, used modern DNA sequencing technology to examine 20,000 genes from patients who have schizophrenia but whose parents do not. This circumstance, known as [...]
Mental illness doesn’t just appear; it has its roots deep in genetics and the societal influences that surround children and adolescents and carry them into adulthood. A new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found nearly two million adolescents experienced a major bout of depression in the past year. Other findings [...]
Relapse is a common and important concern of the patient with bipolar disorder. A relapse is the return of depression or a manic or hypomanic episode after a period of wellness. A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that 73 percent of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder experienced at least one relapse during [...]
When a loved one is feeling down and hurting, it’s natural to want to say something to make him or her feel better. Have you had the experience of offering what you thought were loving and supportive words, only to be met with anger or frustration? What Helps What Hurts Talk to me. I’m listening… [...]
For patients with a dual diagnosis (mental illness plus addiction), the adult residential mental health program at Pasadena Villa may be ideal. A significant challenge for those fighting addiction while learning to live with and care for their mental illness is the emerging reality of “found time.” When one’s life is consumed by procuring and [...]
A new study recently published in Nature Genetics has paved the way to beginning to understand how gene mutations predispose one to schizophrenia. The international study, led by Guy A. Rouleau, MD*, used modern DNA sequencing technology to examine 20,000 genes from patients who have schizophrenia but whose parents do not. This circumstance, known as [...]
Relapse is a common and important concern of the patient with bipolar disorder. A relapse is the return of depression or a manic or hypomanic episode after a period of wellness. A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that 73 percent of patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder experienced at least one relapse during [...]
A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry says that using marijuana, or cannabis, may cause psychosis to develop sooner in patients already predisposed to developing the condition. In other patients it may even cause psychosis. The study was led by Australian researchers, who analyzed data from 83 studies involving more than 20,000 [...]
Multiple studies show that the link between extensive media exposure as an preteen or teenager leads to a significant increase of risky behaviors in adolescence and into young adulthood. These behaviors include drug and alcohol use, unsafe sex, smoking, aggressive/dangerous driving, street racing, gambling, physical confrontations and possibly arrest. One study, lead by Valerie Carson [...]
Often those with mental illness are uncertain of the best way to address their needs with loved ones. You can help facilitate this important conversation by doing the following: Set aside time for conversation in a location that is quiet and free from distractions. Preface your comments with statements such as, “Tell me what you [...]