Research finds little difference in the effects of drug and non-drug therapies All non-drug therapies are found to work equally well for younger and older patients and for mothers suffering from post-natal depression By Emily Payne PUBLISHED: 16:01 EST, 28 May 2013 | UPDATED: 16:01 EST, 28 May 2013 Non-drug therapy, such as psychotherapy, is just as effective for treating depression as taking anti-depressants, according to a new study. Researchers led by Doctor Jürgen Barth from the University of Bern, Switzerland, say their findings suggest that patients with depression should discuss different forms of non-drug therapy with their doctors and explore which type of therapy best suits them.…

  Despite these factors, girls with ADHD remain at significant psychosocial risk into adulthood.   By E. Mark Mahone, PhD | October 3, 2012 Childhood ADHD is a major public health problem, with prevalence estimated to be over 5 million children in the US alone. Of particular concern is the recent increase in diagnosis of the disorder. In 2011, the CDC estimated that nearly 9% of children in the US (1 of 11 children between the ages of 5 and 17) have ADHD; the diagnosis is made in approximately twice as many boys as girls.1 Moreover, ADHD rarely exists alone. In most children with ADHD (75% to 80%), a second…

By GINA KOLATA February 28, 2013  The psychiatric illnesses seem very different — schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, major depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Yet they share several genetic glitches that can nudge the brain along a path to mental illness, researchers report. Which disease, if any, develops is thought to depend on other genetic or environmental factors. Their study, published online Wednesday in the Lancet, was based on an examination of genetic data from more than 60,000 people worldwide. Its authors say it is the largest genetic study yet of psychiatric disorders. The findings strengthen an emerging view of mental illness that aims to make diagnoses based on the…

  Tips on finding the best Medicare drug plan—and getting the most from it. By Kimberly Leonard February 7, 2013 Medication costs can make up a large part of seniors citizens' budgets, but a few simple steps can easily save hundreds of dollars a year. The biggest single cost-saver? Picking the right Medicare plan. Whether you are preparing to renew your Medicare enrollment, or signing up for Medicare for the first time, you will want to make a careful selection so you don't end up spending more than you need to. Asking your doctors a few key questions—such as, Is there a generic?—can save you a bundle more. First, focus…

  By Mifrah Haq Published: October 15, 2012 How to help a woman recover from depression. PHOTO: FILE Depression is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions, with caregivers often as lost as the sufferers. Ms. T tells you how to take care of women with depression. “Namaz parho, Quran parho. Kis cheez ka depression. Ghar kay kamon main dil lagao.” Ishrat’s* brother told her, as she sat downcast on the sofa, fighting back tears. She knew her brother was losing patience with her, and this guilt added to her burden. It had been a few months since she had begun feeling down. Household chores felt like insurmountable tasks; her…

  By Mifrah Haq Published: October 15, 2012 How to help a woman recover from depression. PHOTO: FILE Depression is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions, with caregivers often as lost as the sufferers. Ms. T tells you how to take care of women with depression. “Namaz parho, Quran parho. Kis cheez ka depression. Ghar kay kamon main dil lagao.” Ishrat’s* brother told her, as she sat downcast on the sofa, fighting back tears. She knew her brother was losing patience with her, and this guilt added to her burden. It had been a few months since she had begun feeling down. Household chores felt like insurmountable tasks; her…