Understanding Research: Antidepressant Data

A new clinical trial study published yesterday in the Public Library of Science Medicine suggests that antidepressants only benefit some individuals, mostly helping the severely depressed patients.

My professional experiences do not align with this study. Many in the mental and medical health fields feel the same way - read this MSNBC.COM series here and here - because understanding research can be a tricky and sometimes misleading experience.

There are clinical studies that say drinking coffee is bad for your health, while other studies say drinking coffee can be good for your health. Hey, what's up with that?

The key to understanding research is not only in understanding the numbers and the statistical design, but also in considering that clinical trials are artificial situations that don't mimic real-life. When I come across clinical trial research, I consider the data as a "possibility", not an "absolute".

So when you read research, or the latest breaking news, consider what YOUR own unique needs are and make decisions accordingly.

And if you're someone who might be considering stopping your antidepressant medications because of this recent study, please do so carefully with your medical professional guiding the way.

More Illusion Fun

Can you find the man in the coffee beans? This illusion says that it works your right brain, but it's been unproven . It's fun to try to spot him nonetheless.

Oh, and by the way, it took me a long time to find him.

But once you find him, you can't miss him!!


Thanks Mysti

Chemical Signature of Bipolar Disorder

Genetic research continues to explain mental illness.
Recent news of findings from the University of Cambridge in the UK and the National Institutes of Mental Health in the US found that people with Bipolar Disorder have a distinct chemical signature in their brain.

For those individuals who experience Bipolar Disorder, the origin appears to be in the balance of "excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters", which malfunction in sending signals to the brain. The study also explains why certain medications like Lithium and Depakote work by restoring the balance of these neurotransmitters.

The article is here in the journal of Molecular Psychiatry .

I think in time, mental illness will be renamed something like "Neurobiological Illness".

What do you think?

Another School Shooting

It's true that psychology studies the mind and behavior.


And it's true that psychologists tend to be good at understanding people.


But sometimes I just can't wrap my mind around such things...

I'm so down today.

Stigma Busting Things To Do

Here are some ways to offset stigma of mental illness online. Check these out if you have the time:













Big White Wall is a worldwide online support network where you can express everyday worries and deeper concerns - and talk things through openly with others. They are sponsoring an "Insight Award" here - the prize is $2,000.00.










Mental Health Media Awards encourages media professionals,student journalists and ordinary readers in the US to submit national, state, local and student news and feature stories in print and broadcast media that portrays mental illness in a realistic and non-stigmatizing way. 2008 nominations are now being sought.

Mental Health Media Awards in the UK is looking for nods, so go here if you have a stigma busting article, television show, book or movie you want to nominate.















Psychmovies.com is doing a survey on the portrayal of mental illness in movies - and the accuracy of psychotherapy in popular film. The test took about fifteen minutes for me to complete, and I had fun sharing my opinions on which movies depicted mental illness and psychotherapy in good or bad ways. If you want to take part, click here





If any bloggers know of more mental health awards worldwide, let me know. I'd love to feature a post on it.

The Curse of Ambivalence

Of all the things I've seen in my work, I'd have to say that Ambivalence - the state in which one feels contradictory emotions for a person or a situation - is a rough road. The coexistence of both positive and negative feelings you have toward a person, like love and hate, will draw you in and then push you away. Similarly, the simultaneous approach-avoidance you have with making a decision keeps you in the same holding pattern.

As a result, this rigid cycling pattern never moves you forward. You are constantly moving from one side of the fence to the other. Or you park yourself entirely on the fence.

Ambivalent thinking has been linked to genetic origins akin to obsessive compulsive tendencies, to psychological defensive styles like "splitting" or personality disorders, and underdeveloped cognitive-behavioral styles of problem solving. So if you are ambivalent, there are things you can do to break the holding pattern. Professional help can get you going in the right direction.

If you are involved with someone who is chronically ambivalent, suggest therapy to him or her... and keep an eye on the grains of sand in the hourglass. Sometimes you may have to unhinge from an ambivalent person if the connection is an unhealthy one for you.

PS: Thanks to all for the "E" award.

I nominate all my those on my blogroll as they are totally excellent bloggers!