Obviously, I've been inactive in posting for 2 months. In part, this was because I was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and wanted to wait until the assessment was complete. The words "psychiatric evaluation" may scare some people. That's normal, I suppose, but not necessarily right in my opinion. Hopefully, this will change over time.
For the record, I am completely fine - very healthy. I was asked by my GP last fall if I'd ever seen a psychiatrist. While I had been diagnosed with depression previously (I am not depressed now), I'd always been curious about my anxiety condition. I was quite sick 4 years ago and had not received a detailed diagnosis. I literally jumped at the offer to see the psychiatrist. I think I made a positive choice in learning more about my body, my mind, and myself.
As it turns out, what I've been living with for years is Panic Disorder (with mild agoraphobia). I'd rather call it a condition and not a disorder - but I'm not ashamed to live with it. In an acute state it can make life quite disorderly. However, when it's under control, like in my situation, I can live a very good life. I think the more people who talk about mental illness, the faster we can debunk the stigma surrounding it. So, I am not worried about telling the world.
Below you'll find a definition of Panic Disorder from the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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Fear is a natural, instinctive reaction to dangerous situations. It is what causes us to escape from a burning building. A sudden rush of fear protects us, by alerting us to danger and stimulating adrenaline so that we think and move more rapidly than usual. But for people with phobias or panic disorder, fear is an overwhelming and unwelcome feature of their daily lives. They are struck by fears which they know are irrational and illogical, yet which are so powerful and unpredictable that they drastically change their lives to avoid feared situations.
Phobias and panic disorder are anxiety disorders, which are among the most common of mental health problems. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people are affected by anxiety disorders. These conditions are medical disorders, but they are often mistaken for weakness or self-indulgence. Because of this common mistake and because of the stigma associated with mental illness, people with anxiety disorders are often misunderstood and neglected, by society and sometimes by health care professionals.
Treatment exists to help people with phobias and panic disorder, and research into new therapies and techniques continues. By learning more about these conditions, you can help remove the social stigma that prevents so many people from seeking help to cope with their illness.
It is estimated that some 2 million Canadians suffer from panic disorder. Of those who have sought treatment for their symptoms, approximately two-thirds are women. Panic disorder typically begins in a person's late teen years, or early 2Os, but children are known to suffer from the disorder. Research is discovering more information about genetic causes of panic disorder.
Agoraphobia frequently accompanies panic disorder. This is the fear of being in places or situations which would be difficult to escape from, or in which it would be difficult to find help, should a person suffer a panic attack.
Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia - Panic attacks are terrifying episodes during which the person is convinced they are about to die or collapse. Without warning, an individual is suddenly overwhelmed by emotional and physical sensations that signal imminent death. These can include heart palpitations, choking, nausea, faintness, dizziness, chest pain and sweating.
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia - Women are roughly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia. This occurs when a person with panic disorder goes to great lengths to avoid situations which they feel they could not escape from or obtain help if struck by a panic attack. In some cases, people develop a fear of being alone. People with agoraphobia often avoid public transport or shopping malls, others refuse to leave their homes, sometimes for years at a time.
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Not fun stuff. But, I made it through! I don't wish to go into further detail at this time. But, I will accept emails and do my best to respond to them individually if there are questions or comments.
My second reason for not posting of late is because I am focusing my energies on community volunteerism and other forms of advocacy, primarily "in person". I feel that it is the best way for me to help others at this point in my life. I may still post from time to time, but infrequently.
To all Ottawa readers, I encourage you to check out eMentalHealth.ca for your mental health resource needs. The site includes a wealth of information on housing and employment resources, counseling and crisis services, etc.
Thanks for reading,
Jennifer
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Monday, February 11, 2008
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Kaiser Foundation - National Awards for Excellence
The National Awards for Excellence Program is supported by the Kaiser Foundation, Federal and Provincial governments and other national partners in order to recognize the selfless and outstanding work of individuals and organizations across Canada who are reducing the harm associated with addictive behaviour, substance use and mental health issues through their leadership, new ideas, research and education.
There are seven award categories for which Canadians can be nominated:
* Excellence in Public Policy
* Excellence in Community Programming
* Excellence in Aboriginal Programming
* Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
* Excellence in Leadership
* Excellence in Youth Leadership
* Excellence in Media Reporting
Each of the award recipients receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized charity of their choice. The winners and a guest are provided with accommodation and airfare to the host city (Calgary in 2008) to attend the awards ceremony.
Closing for the 2008 National Awards for Excellence is November 16, 2007.
For more information, please see the Call for Nominations.
There are seven award categories for which Canadians can be nominated:
* Excellence in Public Policy
* Excellence in Community Programming
* Excellence in Aboriginal Programming
* Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming
* Excellence in Leadership
* Excellence in Youth Leadership
* Excellence in Media Reporting
Each of the award recipients receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized charity of their choice. The winners and a guest are provided with accommodation and airfare to the host city (Calgary in 2008) to attend the awards ceremony.
Closing for the 2008 National Awards for Excellence is November 16, 2007.
For more information, please see the Call for Nominations.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Mental disorders account for more than half of hospital stays among the homeless in Canada
New CIHI report offers overview of links between mental health, mental illness and homelessness
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
August 30, 2007—Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005–2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)—mostly in Ontario—by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).
The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.
“Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”
For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide
The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.
“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”
Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:
-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.
-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.
-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.
The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.
Canadian Population Health Initiative
The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca
Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca
The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.
Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)
Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)
Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)
Friday, June 22, 2007
RBC donates $2 million for children's mental health
Thank you RBC!
Toronto, ON, June 22, 2007 - The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will be furthering much-needed training, research and outreach into paediatric mental health thanks to a $2 million commitment from RBC. June 21's official announcement is part of a week-long employee celebration of RBC "Putting Communities FIRST," that this evening will see hundreds of committed RBC employees walking five kilometres to SickKids in support of the hospital.
This $2 million gift from the RBC Foundation will allow SickKids to share critical knowledge with remote communities and focus on advanced training opportunities in clinical research through fellowships while providing seed funding for new research opportunities.
"Our ultimate goal is to find the causes of behavioural and emotional problems affecting children and adolescents in order to sharpen our treatment interventions. Our hope is that greater knowledge will reduce stigma and help improve long-term outcomes for children and youth," said Abel Ickowicz, Psychiatrist-in-Chief at SickKids. "Research and innovation is critical to open up the dialogue with all of our communities to share critical information and improve access to care for all children and their families."
Mental health issues are the leading health problems that Canadian children currently face after infancy. One in six Canadians is affected by behavioural or emotional problems severe enough to impact their quality of life and the lives of their family. Without effective prevention or treatment, these problems often lead to distress into adulthood.
"This gift recognizes the importance of investing in children's mental health today, so that we can make the adult health system more sustainable in the future," Dr. Ickowicz added.
"RBC is proud to be putting communities first," said Jennifer Tory, RBC Regional President, Greater Toronto Region. "We've partnered with SickKids for the past 20 years because we know it is vitally important for the future well being of our children. SickKids is known for its research discoveries, and we are excited about the possibilities of this gift and its impact on the communities where our employees live and work."
This gift will impact three key areas in paediatric mental health:
1. RBC Mental Health Knowledge Exchange Program - The creation of an education network based on existing tele-psychiatry infrastructure in Ontario. Its purpose is to support knowledge exchange through professional development and public education forums. By increasing knowledge among front-line caregivers and parents, our communities will have increased capacity to care for children with mental health problems. A national conference/symposium will also encourage best practices in tele-health education.
2. RBC Fellows Fund in Mental Health Research - The creation of a fund to support four fellowships in mental health research per year to advance the training opportunities in this field.
3. RBC Seed Fund for Mental Health Research - The creation of a seed fund to be allocated through the scientific review process established by the SickKids Psychiatry Department. A minimum of two projects will be funded each year.
Toronto, ON, June 22, 2007 - The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will be furthering much-needed training, research and outreach into paediatric mental health thanks to a $2 million commitment from RBC. June 21's official announcement is part of a week-long employee celebration of RBC "Putting Communities FIRST," that this evening will see hundreds of committed RBC employees walking five kilometres to SickKids in support of the hospital.
This $2 million gift from the RBC Foundation will allow SickKids to share critical knowledge with remote communities and focus on advanced training opportunities in clinical research through fellowships while providing seed funding for new research opportunities.
"Our ultimate goal is to find the causes of behavioural and emotional problems affecting children and adolescents in order to sharpen our treatment interventions. Our hope is that greater knowledge will reduce stigma and help improve long-term outcomes for children and youth," said Abel Ickowicz, Psychiatrist-in-Chief at SickKids. "Research and innovation is critical to open up the dialogue with all of our communities to share critical information and improve access to care for all children and their families."
Mental health issues are the leading health problems that Canadian children currently face after infancy. One in six Canadians is affected by behavioural or emotional problems severe enough to impact their quality of life and the lives of their family. Without effective prevention or treatment, these problems often lead to distress into adulthood.
"This gift recognizes the importance of investing in children's mental health today, so that we can make the adult health system more sustainable in the future," Dr. Ickowicz added.
"RBC is proud to be putting communities first," said Jennifer Tory, RBC Regional President, Greater Toronto Region. "We've partnered with SickKids for the past 20 years because we know it is vitally important for the future well being of our children. SickKids is known for its research discoveries, and we are excited about the possibilities of this gift and its impact on the communities where our employees live and work."
This gift will impact three key areas in paediatric mental health:
1. RBC Mental Health Knowledge Exchange Program - The creation of an education network based on existing tele-psychiatry infrastructure in Ontario. Its purpose is to support knowledge exchange through professional development and public education forums. By increasing knowledge among front-line caregivers and parents, our communities will have increased capacity to care for children with mental health problems. A national conference/symposium will also encourage best practices in tele-health education.
2. RBC Fellows Fund in Mental Health Research - The creation of a fund to support four fellowships in mental health research per year to advance the training opportunities in this field.
3. RBC Seed Fund for Mental Health Research - The creation of a seed fund to be allocated through the scientific review process established by the SickKids Psychiatry Department. A minimum of two projects will be funded each year.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Only 3 days left
It's Children's Mental Health Week.
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.
Support children's mental health now!
* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Petition for Children's Mental Health
Send a message to the Ontario provincial government:
The opportunity to demonstrate your support for 1 in 5 children and youth who are troubled by mental health issues, is still open. Life long mental health difficulties so often start in our young. With your help, our efforts to bring this issue the attention it needs can be achieved.
By May 13th, the end of Children's Mental Health Week, we aim to have 5000 names on our petition.
So far we are almost 20% along and look for your help in moving this number up.
This petition will not only be sent to the heads of our provincial parties, we can use the strength of its numbers to bolster our messaging in upcoming meetings and other advocacy efforts.
If you have not already signed the petition, you still have time.
* Log on to the secure website http://www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you
Consumers and Advocates Committee of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Heath
Parents for Children's Mental Health
Youth Net/Réseau Ado
The opportunity to demonstrate your support for 1 in 5 children and youth who are troubled by mental health issues, is still open. Life long mental health difficulties so often start in our young. With your help, our efforts to bring this issue the attention it needs can be achieved.
By May 13th, the end of Children's Mental Health Week, we aim to have 5000 names on our petition.
So far we are almost 20% along and look for your help in moving this number up.
This petition will not only be sent to the heads of our provincial parties, we can use the strength of its numbers to bolster our messaging in upcoming meetings and other advocacy efforts.
If you have not already signed the petition, you still have time.
* Log on to the secure website http://www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues.
Thank you
Consumers and Advocates Committee of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Heath
Parents for Children's Mental Health
Youth Net/Réseau Ado
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Lilly-MDAO Moving Lives Forward Scholarship 2007
Six scholarships will be awarded to recipients from across Ontario with mood disorders to help them resume their studies and achieve their goals. The amount is approximately $2,500 (for tuition and supplies). This year's awards may be taken up in September 2007 and are tenable for 12 months of study.
Applications are due by Friday, April 27th, 2007.
For more information, including application forms visit MDAO's site.
Applications are due by Friday, April 27th, 2007.
For more information, including application forms visit MDAO's site.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Addendum to "Nature/Nurture"
(and in response to the comment from "Anxiety 2 Calm" in my previous post)
Genetics is one of many factors influencing the development of mental illness. Whether someone develops a mental illness based on genetics alone is debatable and I would bet rare. Not everyone with a predisposition to mental illness will develop it. However, we can’t ignore that there are family patterns of mental illness. They could develop from a combination of genetic, environmental and social factors. However, regardless of cause, if a strong family history of mental illness is present, it should be discussed with younger generations. Children/youth should learn how to recognize the symptoms of mental illness for the sake of their own early intervention or for someone they know who is developing symptoms. Thus, knowing one's family history provides the opportunity to instigate change earlier and faster should complications arise.
While genetics may be unchangeable how a person deals with mental illness can change. As well, changing the way they are treated by friends, family, and the health care community will make an enormous difference in their recovery.
For the individual, hope is extremely important. I know this from experience. Victor E. Frankl, concentration camp survivor and later, renowned psychiatrist, said it best:
"We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation.”
Genetics is one of many factors influencing the development of mental illness. Whether someone develops a mental illness based on genetics alone is debatable and I would bet rare. Not everyone with a predisposition to mental illness will develop it. However, we can’t ignore that there are family patterns of mental illness. They could develop from a combination of genetic, environmental and social factors. However, regardless of cause, if a strong family history of mental illness is present, it should be discussed with younger generations. Children/youth should learn how to recognize the symptoms of mental illness for the sake of their own early intervention or for someone they know who is developing symptoms. Thus, knowing one's family history provides the opportunity to instigate change earlier and faster should complications arise.
While genetics may be unchangeable how a person deals with mental illness can change. As well, changing the way they are treated by friends, family, and the health care community will make an enormous difference in their recovery.
For the individual, hope is extremely important. I know this from experience. Victor E. Frankl, concentration camp survivor and later, renowned psychiatrist, said it best:
"We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation.”
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
If it were only that simple, here's hoping...
Clue to mental illness all in the nose
From the New Zealand Herald
Predicting the onset of mental illness could soon be as simple as smelling a scratch-and-sniff card loaded with the aroma of roses or a whiff of petrol.
Scientists have taken the same technology popular in children's books and designed a test to help diagnose brain disorders before the onset of any symptoms.
The test can be used for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia, as well as some illnesses affecting adolescents.
It originated in a discovery by Melbourne University researchers of a link between these illnesses and a poor ability to identify smells.
To test their theory, they developed a set of 40 scratch-and-sniff cards and asked people to identify the smell from a list of four possibilities, such as coffee, roses, oranges and petrol.
Professor Warwick Brewer, from the university's Orygen Research Centre, said the people who later went on to develop a brain disorder had demonstrated difficulty correctly answering more than half the questions.
He said the simple test also could be used by relatives of people with these conditions.
"Because of the genetic link in many illnesses, it is hoped the test could also be used by family members of people who have developed an illness of the brain."
Professor Christos Pantelis, from the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, said smell ability provided unique information about brain structure and function.
"Mental illness can arrest the full maturation of the frontal lobe, while degenerative illness can damage it," Professor Pantelis said.
"This area of the brain is used to analyse and identify smells so an abnormal sense of smell may indicate problems in this 'thinking' area of the brain."
Their research also revealed that the sense of smell is worse in those with more severe illnesses, giving important clues into the patient's long-term prospects.
The research has been compiled in a new book, Olfaction and the Brain.
- AAP
From the New Zealand Herald
Predicting the onset of mental illness could soon be as simple as smelling a scratch-and-sniff card loaded with the aroma of roses or a whiff of petrol.
Scientists have taken the same technology popular in children's books and designed a test to help diagnose brain disorders before the onset of any symptoms.
The test can be used for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia, as well as some illnesses affecting adolescents.
It originated in a discovery by Melbourne University researchers of a link between these illnesses and a poor ability to identify smells.
To test their theory, they developed a set of 40 scratch-and-sniff cards and asked people to identify the smell from a list of four possibilities, such as coffee, roses, oranges and petrol.
Professor Warwick Brewer, from the university's Orygen Research Centre, said the people who later went on to develop a brain disorder had demonstrated difficulty correctly answering more than half the questions.
He said the simple test also could be used by relatives of people with these conditions.
"Because of the genetic link in many illnesses, it is hoped the test could also be used by family members of people who have developed an illness of the brain."
Professor Christos Pantelis, from the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, said smell ability provided unique information about brain structure and function.
"Mental illness can arrest the full maturation of the frontal lobe, while degenerative illness can damage it," Professor Pantelis said.
"This area of the brain is used to analyse and identify smells so an abnormal sense of smell may indicate problems in this 'thinking' area of the brain."
Their research also revealed that the sense of smell is worse in those with more severe illnesses, giving important clues into the patient's long-term prospects.
The research has been compiled in a new book, Olfaction and the Brain.
- AAP
Monday, November 13, 2006
Discarded by society
Last week I reluctantly approached a woman on the street to ask about her story. She said she was only 21 years old and working the corner for money to pay her pimp.
I have seen many prostitutes walking the streets Ottawa, but this case was somewhat exceptional since the woman was quite young - although I’m sure there are some in their teens doing the same. However, this story was personally touching because I had actually intercepted this young woman from taking a trick. I felt empowered in my own little way. As she was approaching the vehicle / john I called to her. She chose to walk over to me instead. I found this interesting – either she was scared I would call the authorities or she was opening herself up to receive help. Either way, I appreciated her choice.
I asked her name and she told it to me. She asked me for spare change. I said no. However, I asked repeatedly how I could help her. She said she was fine. Clearly she wasn’t. She smelled of booze and appeared to be using other substances, likely crack or heroin. Her hair was mangled and her eyes aged at least 20 years. Essentially, this 21 year old looked nearly twice her age. She looked horrible.
I found out where she was from and called the local authorities. As it turns out, they had been looking for her. She had skipped a court date back “home”. I thought, “maybe someone will care enough to come save her.” Here’s hoping.
The problem lies herein: no one seems to care where she is or what she is doing other than the police. The impression they gave me was that she slipped through the cracks. Why would her town, my neighbourhood, my city, and my province allow such a thing to happen?
Where are her parents…siblings…friends? Does ANYONE care?
Whether the prostitution led to the drugs or vice versa, there is a nasty addiction ravishing through this young girl’s body. By the looks of her, she needs a lot of help.
How can we prevent our children from ending up this way? There are surely many long-winded answers to this. But, I would like to hear what you think. Please post a comment with your advice.
I have seen many prostitutes walking the streets Ottawa, but this case was somewhat exceptional since the woman was quite young - although I’m sure there are some in their teens doing the same. However, this story was personally touching because I had actually intercepted this young woman from taking a trick. I felt empowered in my own little way. As she was approaching the vehicle / john I called to her. She chose to walk over to me instead. I found this interesting – either she was scared I would call the authorities or she was opening herself up to receive help. Either way, I appreciated her choice.
I asked her name and she told it to me. She asked me for spare change. I said no. However, I asked repeatedly how I could help her. She said she was fine. Clearly she wasn’t. She smelled of booze and appeared to be using other substances, likely crack or heroin. Her hair was mangled and her eyes aged at least 20 years. Essentially, this 21 year old looked nearly twice her age. She looked horrible.
I found out where she was from and called the local authorities. As it turns out, they had been looking for her. She had skipped a court date back “home”. I thought, “maybe someone will care enough to come save her.” Here’s hoping.
The problem lies herein: no one seems to care where she is or what she is doing other than the police. The impression they gave me was that she slipped through the cracks. Why would her town, my neighbourhood, my city, and my province allow such a thing to happen?
Where are her parents…siblings…friends? Does ANYONE care?
Whether the prostitution led to the drugs or vice versa, there is a nasty addiction ravishing through this young girl’s body. By the looks of her, she needs a lot of help.
How can we prevent our children from ending up this way? There are surely many long-winded answers to this. But, I would like to hear what you think. Please post a comment with your advice.
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