Synthetic marijuana is a chemical-plant material mixture that contains synthetic cannabinoids, manmade compounds designed to reach the brain through the same pathway as the main cannabis/marijuana ingredient THC. One of the potential consequences of using synthetic cannabinoids is the onset of psychosis symptoms highly similar to those found in people with the severe mental illness …
Why Synthetic Marijuana Harms Brain More Than Pot Read More »
Schizophrenia can severely affect quality of life for those afflicted, as well as family and friends. Successful treatment relies on a robust support system, but support can often center on around-the-clock care. A study provides insight into additional health problems that can complicate treatment.
Cannabis use disorder is the standard term for people diagnosed with cannabis (marijuana or hashish) addiction or a pattern of dysfunctional, non-addicted cannabis use that causes serious impairment or life disruption. People affected by this disorder commonly experience changes in their brain function that include significant memory problems. In a study published in December 2013 …
Brain Changes Pronounced in Schizophrenics Who Smoke Marijuana Read More »
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two mental health conditions known for the disruptive, dysfunctional changes they can make in everyday human behavior. Mental health professionals view these two conditions as distinct from one another, and the American Psychiatric Association officially places them in separate categories of mental illness. However, according to the authors of a …
Study Underscores Similarities Between Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder Read More »
Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Southern California recently undertook the largest-ever survey of drug, alcohol and tobacco use among people with severe mental illnesses. They found that people with significant psychiatric problems are far more likely to use alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. The survey, published recently in the online journal …
Heavy Alcohol, Drug Use Shortening Lives of Mentally Ill Read More »
A new study from Denmark shows that people who suffer from cancer when they are children are more likely to develop mental health problems when they are adults. The study also found that the young siblings of children with cancer are at greater risk for mental health problems than the general population. The study was …
Childhood Cancer Survivors More Likely To Develop Mental Health Disorders Later in Life Read More »
Jamie was the epitome of the girl next door. Blonde and wide-eyed with a smile that shone bright enough to light her face and yours, she was a good student, a decent gymnast, and only a little bit shy. She’d lived all of her life in the same house in a small northwest Chicago suburb, …
Voices Become Force for Recovery for Schizophrenic Read More »
Corrine believes her “downward spiral” occurred initially when, at the age of 18, she began to experience the symptoms of mania. As a new college freshman, she had begun sleeping less and less—in order to spend time socializing, and as a result of cramming for tests. Her need for sleep diminished until she was sleeping …
Schizoaffective Disorder Treatments, Recovery Rate Read More »
The town of Decatur, Georgia, is like a lot of college towns. It’s known for its hip downtown atmosphere, its influx of brainy students, its coffee shops, brew pubs and unique bistros. Decatur sits inside Atlanta’s metropolitan perimeter but is like a whole other world—a safe and sanctified landscape all its own. Decatur is a …
When most people think of schizophrenia, they probably focus on the psychotic symptoms classically associated with the disorder. However, psychosis represents just one aspect of schizophrenia’s impact, and people affected by the illness also commonly experience a range of problems collectively known as “negative” symptoms. A new study, published in July 2013 in the journal …
Study Reveals Why Some Schizophrenics Lack Motivation Read More »