Ritalin – Benefits, Side Effects and Long Term Issues

April 3, 2012 By

Introduction

Ritalin, the trade name for methylphenidate, – is a psychostimulant drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with an abnormally high level of activity. It is also occasionally prescribed for treating narcolepsy. Other generic forms include Methylin, Metadate, Rilatine, Ritalina and Attenta. Ritalin stimulates the central nervous system, and the effects are comparable to amphetamines. It produces effects such as increased alertness, improved attention, decreased impulsiveness, decreased hyperactivity and fights fatigue. [Continue reading…]

HISTORY OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS

April 3, 2012 By

Abstract

Prior to the discovery of antidepressants, stimulants, dietary supplements, and ETC were utilized to treat depression. The first class of antidepressants, MAO-I’s, was serendipitously discovered through the side effects of an anti-tuberculosis medication, Iproniazid. Later, Imipramine was discovered by Roland Kuhn, a professor from Switzerland, when the medication showed improvement on depressive symptoms in his schizophrenic patients. Heterocyclic antidepressants, including TCAs and tetracyclics, are non-stimulant antidepressants that were developed around the same time as heterocyclics and advocated the idea of treating depression with antidepressants. [Continue reading…]

Dysthymia

April 3, 2012 By

Overview Dysthymia, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association – is a chronic mood disorder that is present most of the time for a minimum of two years, along with at least two of the following symptoms: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or excessive sleep, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration and hopelessness.In children, the mood [...]

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Depression

April 3, 2012 By
Depression

Types There are many types of depression and patients may have more than one type of depression at the same time. Some of them may have other contributing problems such as alcoholism, substance abuse, eating disorders or anxiety disorders. Few of the common types of depression are described below. Major Depression As stated by the [...]

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INTEGRATION OF CHINESE CULTURE AND CBT

April 3, 2012 By
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  Abstract CBT is a time-limited and structured psychotherapy that integrates physiology, cognition, behaviors emotions, and thought patterns.  The Chinese culture adheres to a collectivistic orientation in which they are obligated to abide to social norms and adhering to Chinese values. Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism have served as main ideologies in the Chinese culture that [...]

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Bipolar Disorder in Children

April 3, 2012 By
bipolar disorder

Major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder are the three major types of affective disorder seen in children. Affective disorders are psychiatric disorders characterized by dramatic changes in mood. Bipolar disorder involves both mania and depression or mania alone. About 40% of the adult bipolar disorders start during childhood. The lifetime prevalence of developing [...]

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