Author: Administrator

" During Alice's 1st year in University, her friends introduced her to marijuana (weed) and alcohol. She drank and smoked liberally all through the semester. When she went home for the semester break, she couldn't get access to weed and alcohol as she could in school. Two weeks later, she started to complain about sounds no one else could hear and held the firm belief that the sounds came from her rotting brain. Alice is experiencing is substance-induced psychosis." 

Substance /medication-induced psychosis can be defined as a form of psychosis that arises from the effects of a substance or from withdrawal when a person stops using a substance.  

Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and perceives the world around them. The major symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations (hearing, seeing, touching, or tasting things that can't be perceived by others), delusions (irrational false beliefs), disorganized thoughts, agitation/lethargy, difficulty remembering information, and lack of awareness of one's environment. 

Substance /medication-induced psychosis is a brief disorder that causes hallucinations and/or delusions, disorientation, and memory problems. Substance- or medication-induced psychotic disorder is also known as alcohol-use psychosis, toxic psychosis, or drug-induced psychosis.  

Substances and medication that may cause psychosis includes: 

• Amphetamines 
• Alcohol (excessive, long-term use) 
• Cannabis 
• Club drugs such as ectasy and MDMA 
• Hallucinogens 
• Hypnotics 
• Opioids 
• Phencyclidine (PCP) 
• Sedatives  

How long does it last? 

Substance-induced psychosis is a temporary form of psychosis which usually resolves once the drug is cleared from the body. The symptoms arise quickly and disappear after days or weeks.  Drugs such as amphetamines, phencyclidine (PCP) and cocaine may last for weeks or months before fading away. People with disorders such as schizophrenia may experience symptoms longer. A person who experiences a psychotic episode due to substance use has a higher chance of experiencing repeat episodes.  

On a related note, substance and alcohol use may trigger long-term psychotic disorders in people who already have a risk of developing these disorders. Examples of such disorders are schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorders, and schizoaffective disorder.  

Who is at risk for substance-induced psychosis?  

People who misuse drugs and alcohol have the highest risk for substance-induced psychosis. But other factors can increase a person's chances of experiencing this form of psychosis. 

Some of them are: 

• Polydrug use (using multiple drugs together) 
• Personal history of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia 
• Family history of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or mood disorders 
• Genetic mutation or variations that increase one's vulnerability to psychotic symptoms. 

How is it treated or managed? 

Substance /medication-induced psychosis can be handled in several ways depending on the severity, the type of substance used, cause (drug effect or withdrawal), and the presence of underlying disorders. Client monitoring in a safe environment until the symptoms pass is sufficient in many cases. But medication, hospitalization, psychotherapy, and medically-supervised detox may be required in some situations.  

Conclusion 

Substance /medication-induced psychosis is a form of psychosis that arises from the effects of psychoactive substances and alcohol or during the process of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol. The symptoms start quickly but also fade away in a few days to weeks. However, alcohol and substance use may also trigger the onset of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. If someone around suddenly starts exhibiting psychotic symptoms, take them to the nearest emergency room or mental health facility for appropriate help. 

" Mrs Smith's son has been expelled from three schools and has just been suspended from the fourth because of his behaviour. Dave is unable to follow the school rules, he gets into fights, bullies others, and is often caught smoking on school premises. Why can't Dave just do the right thing?"    

Conduct disorder is characterized by a series of emotional and behavioural problems that first arise during childhood or adolescence and may persist until adulthood. Children with conduct disorder often find it difficult to follow rules and act in socially acceptable ways.   

Conduct disorder can be classified into three categories based on when the disorder first appears.   

• Childhood onset conduct disorder: the signs of a conduct disorder manifest before the age of 10.   
• Adolescent onset conduct disorder: the conduct disorder begins during the teenage years (10-19). This is the most common type.  
• Unspecified onset conduct disorder: the age at which the conduct disorder first began is unknown.  

What are the symptoms of conduct disorder?  

Children with conduct disorder are usually aggressive, impulsive, and unconcerned with the needs and feelings of others. Here are some of the symptoms, a child with conduct disorder will exhibit:  

Aggressive behaviour: this may include bullying and/or intimidating others, harmful actions towards animals and people with or without a weapon.  

• Lying and stealing  
• Destructive behaviour such as vandalism, arson, breaking and entering, and intentional destruction of property.  
• Drug and alcohol use  
• Truancy: this includes skipping school and running away from home.   
• Early sexual behaviour  
• Deviant sexual behaviour such as forcing others into sexual acts  
• Impulsivity: acting without considering the consequences of their actions.   
• Unwilling to follow rules   
• Disobedient and difficult to control  
• Limited emotional expression: the child appears unemotional, heartless, has difficulty showing empathy or remorse, unable to understand the emotions of others.  

The symptoms of a conduct disorder are often displayed by other children, but the frequency, duration, and intensity of the behaviour will be significantly different in children with conduct disorders. The extent to which it impacts their daily functioning must also be considered.   

What puts a child at risk for a conduct disorder?  

Conduct disorder has been linked to biological and environmental factors.   

Biological: researchers have linked damage to the frontal lobe of the brain to this disorder. The frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for essential functions and behaviours such as decision-making, critical thinking, problem-solving, personality, emotional expression, and memory.  Consequently, symptoms such as lack of future planning, poor impulse control, and inability to learn from past negative events may arise from damage to this area of the brain.  

People who have other psychological/psychiatric disorders also have a higher chance of developing a conduct disorder.  

Environmental: several environmental risk factors that may increase the risk of developing a conduct disorder have been identified. Some of them are:  

• Being abused or neglected  
• Living in an urban environment  
• Living with parents who abuse alcohol/drugs.  
• Having a family history of conduct disorder or other psychiatric disorder.   
• Living in a troubled home environment  
• A history of traumatic experiences   

Being male is also identified as a risk factors for conduct disorder. Males have a higher chance of developing conduct disorders than females. Males are more likely to exhibit destructive and aggressive behaviour while females tend to lean towards rule violation and deceitful behaviours such as lying and stealing.   

Conclusion  

Children with conduct disorders often go undiagnosed and do not get the help they need. Instead, they may be categorized as delinquents or troublemakers.  Children with conduct disorder often act from a place of insecurity, or based on an inaccurate sense of what is considered threatening.

If you notice any of these signs occurring frequently for an extended period of time in your child, you should see a mental health professional to guide you on the next steps. 

Suicide can be explained as causing harm or injury to oneself with the intent to die. It is estimated that one person dies by suicide every 11 minutes. Suicide occurs worldwide, but over 77% of reported suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries. Globally, suicide accounts for over 700,000 deaths and is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 to 34.  

Suicide might be an impulsive event, but in most cases, people will display warning signs before they go through with it. Here are 5 important warning signs to be aware of: 

The person talks about or plans for death: a person who is suicidal may repeatedly talk about death or ending everything or taking a break from everything. Sometimes, they may talk about feeling hopeless or having nothing to live for. In certain instances, they may focus on how people in their lives would be happier if they were not there. This kind of talk may be paired with specific ways they intend to do it such as drinking a toxic substance or jumping off a high place. Suicidal ideation is classified as an immediate suicide risk and should be taken seriously.   

A history of mental health disorders: certain mental health conditions increase the chances that a person will have suicidal tendencies and commit suicide. They include alcohol/substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and depression. Among these disorders, depression is most notable for its very strong link to suicide. People with depression are 20 times more likely to attempt or commit suicide than the rest of the population. Depression is a key factor in about 50% of recorded suicides. 

The person is suddenly happy or at peace: the decision to commit suicide is often made after a period of dealing with a form of crisis. The person who was unhappy and withdrawn, suddenly appears happier or calmer than they were. They spend time with friends and family and may even give out priced possessions to others. People around the person tend to misinterpret this sudden happiness as a recovery but in most cases, it’s the person’s way of saying goodbye.   

The person has recently experienced a major life crisis: one key reason why people attempt suicide is as a means of escape from one’s life. Events such as financial bankruptcy, death of a loved one, loss of one’s home or means of livelihood, diagnosis of a chronic illness like cancer, relationship breakup or divorce, natural disasters, sexual assault, false accusations, and legal issues can lead a person to suicide.   

The person displays very reckless/dangerous behaviour: when a person is having suicidal thoughts, they may intentionally engage in dangerous behaviour they would not engage in normally. They may start or increase their use of drugs and alcohol, drive recklessly, pick fights with people, use high dosages of medication, or go to dangerous places alone. For people who have access to lethal weapons such as guns or toxic substances such as acid or industrial chemicals, reckless behaviour may quickly result in suicide.  

Conclusion 

People who attempt or commit suicide often see it as the only means of escape from extreme mental distress. Suicide is not a sign of weakness nor is it a personal failing. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, please don’t give up, use available resources and expert help to turn around. 

Drugs are designed to help us fight off illnesses and diseases but with counterfeits infiltrating the market, it may be difficult for people to get rid of these diseases. With these tips, you not only increase your chances of buying standard, high-quality drugs, but you also reduce or even eliminate your chances of using counterfeit medications.

Your teeth are very delicate structures, even though they appear as hard as a rock. Take good care of them by visiting your dentists regularly and keeping note of healthy and unhealthy habits that affect them.

Tooth sensitivity refers to the uncomfortable or shock sensation from the teeth when exposed to extremes of temperature. It can be restricted to one tooth, many and even all the teeth.

 

If you intend to use your teeth for a long time, you must stop harmful practices that could damage them and begin to practise good oral hygiene to keep them healthy.

Dry mouth is a common but serious condition that affects you much more than you think. Causes could be as simple as the medications you constantly use and underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes. If you notice your mouth always dry, seek help early and adopt simple strategies such as increasing your water intake and chewing sugarless gums.

Women are said to have reached menopause when they haven't seen their period for about a year.  

Weight gain, along with other symptoms like vaginal drying, hot flashes, mood swings, and hair thinning are some of the symptoms experienced in menopause. 

Symptoms vary among women, from mild and tolerable to distressing. 

What is the relationship between weight gain and menopause? 

During menopause, there's a reduction in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones, especially estrogen, help in the distribution of body fat to areas like your buttocks and hips. In the absence of estrogen, this fat accumulates around your tummy. 

Women begin to notice the changes in their bodies just before the onset of menopause. This is known as the perimenopausal period.

Apart from hormones, other factors like aging, genetics, and lifestyle contribute to weight gain. 

As a person gets older, there's a loss of muscle mass. This, combined with a reduced metabolism, leads to burning of fewer calories and the accumulation of fat. 

Genetics also plays an important role because your body size can be determined by the weight of your female relatives. 

Also, living a sedentary lifestyle, inadequate sleep, and having a poor eating habit contribute to weight gain. 

Why the concern about weight gain? 

There are various risks associated with excess weight, especially in the abdominal region. These include health issues such as heart diseases, stroke, diabetes, sleep problems, and breathing problems. It has also been found to increase the risk of certain cancers, like breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and colon cancer. 

Tips for weight loss 

1. Exercise: Older people who exercise tend to be in better physical shape and enjoy a healthier life than those who live sedentary lives. 

Exercise helps you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. 

Most experts recommend that adults should engage in moderate aerobic activity, which includes brisk walking or jogging. Exercise should be done at least 4 to 5 times per week for about 150 minutes per week. This includes muscle-strengthening activity, to be engaged in at least twice per week.  

If you have been inactive for a while, it is important to check with your doctor so you can be advised on how to begin and the best exercise for you. 

1. Diet: A crash diet is never recommended, as such lost weight is often quickly regained. It also doesn't provide your body with the nutrients it requires. Instead, eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish. Also, drink adequate amounts of water, avoid processed foods, and limit intake of alcohol, red meat, and fizzy or carbonated drinks. In place of energy drinks, coffee, and sweetened teas, opt for water.

1. You also need to eat smaller portions to reduce your calorie intake. 
2. Other lifestyle habits: This includes getting adequate sleep, quitting smoking, and avoiding a sedentary life. 

What about hormone replacement therapy? 

Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce some of the postmenopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, etc. 

While it doesn't exactly stop weight gain, it is thought that it may help with the redistribution of fat from the abdomen to your buttocks and thighs. However, hormone replacement therapy may carry some risks. If you are experiencing frustrating menopausal symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for advice on whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you. 

Summary 

Weight gain in menopause can be quite frustrating, and for many women, it appears there is nothing that can be done about it. 

While weight gain is inevitable for many women, not every menopausal woman experiences it, as there are other influencing factors.  

However, no matter the case, you can give yourself a fighting chance by following the recommendations discussed above. 

Are you concerned about the changes your body has undergone due to pregnancy? Do you think it is impossible to get back to your pre-pregnancy state, or at the very least close enough?

The extra weight you gained is due to your growing baby, bigger breasts, and increased body fat stores. If you intend to become pregnant again, it is important for you to return to a healthy weight.

Managing your weight after birth is not the easiest endeavour due to the stress of the postpartum period and adjusting to the baby’s routine. However, below are five tips to help you manage your weight.

1. SET REALISTIC GOALS: The first thing you should know is there is a high chance that you may not return to your pre-pregnancy weight as the changes caused by pregnancy may be long-lasting.

You need to accept that your waistline will not go back to the way it was, and comparing yourself to other women will only make you frustrated. With that said, you can set a realistic goal for yourself and map out a plan to stick to. The length of time required for weight loss can also depend on the amount of weight gained during pregnancy.

1. BREASTFEEDING: Breastfeeding has been shown to help burn calories. While breastfeeding, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. Some women experience weight gain because they tend to eat more during breastfeeding, especially fat-rich meals. This, coupled with little or no exercise, will lead to weight gain.
2. AVOID CRASH DIETS: These are low-calorie diets advertised to help you quickly lose weight. After delivery, it is important to take nutritious meals to help your body fully heal and recover. Breastfeeding mothers also require more calories to help with milk production.
3. DIET AND EXERCISE: You should be mindful of your daily calorie intake to ensure you’re not taking more than your body needs, as the extra calories will simply be stored as fat. It’s also recommended that you eat foods that are rich in fibre and eat healthy proteins like eggs and dairy. Avoid alcohol and discipline yourself to eat only healthy snacks like nuts, vegetables, and dried fruits. Avoid overly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. Diet should be coupled with exercise to get the best results. Only engage in strenuous exercises when you have fully healed, and if in doubt, check with your doctor about the type of exercise you could do, especially if you delivered through a caesarean section. Walking is, however, a good exercise that can also help with weight loss.

1. STAY HYDRATED AND GET ADEQUATE SLEEP: Drinking water is beneficial for everyone, especially those trying to lose weight. It increases your metabolism and makes you feel fuller. Not getting enough sleep adds to your stress and makes you more tired. It also makes it more difficult to stick to your weight-loss plan. As much as you can, take naps, especially when your baby is sleeping.

SUMMARY

Don’t compare yourself with others. Some people have help, and you may not have the amount of time or support they do.

Do what works for you, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.

Give your body time to heal, as child-birth is stressful, and it’s okay for you to take your time.

To return to your pre-pregnancy weight, it’s advisable to give yourself about 6 months to one year.

Remember to ask for help from your health care provider, family, or friends. This is a difficult process, and it helps to get all the support you can. 

“Mrs. Maya is worried about her toddler. She doesn’t eat anything unless she’s extremely hungry, and even then, it is a serious struggle to get her to eat.  The only things she willingly consumes are nutritional supplements and pap; everything else she will spit out! She was a chubby baby, but now she’s a slim toddler and hasn’t grown as tall as her agemates.”  

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), previously known as Selective Eating Disorder, is an eating disorder that is characterized by extreme picky eating and limited interest in food, but does not involve fears about weight gain or issues with one’s body shape or size.   

ARFID usually begins in early childhood, and research has shown that it is more common in boys than girls. When a person has ARFID, they do not eat enough food to obtain the necessary nutrients and energy for maintaining body functions or growing appropriately in weight and height.   

ARFID shares similar signs with other eating disorders, but it differs in specific ways. Here are some important signs and symptoms to look out for in children and adults.   

In both adults and children, individuals with ARFID often display a lack of appetite or disinterest in food, having a restricted range of preferred foods that reduces over time. They also have picky eating based on specific sensory properties of food such as tastes, texture, or smell.

In kids, symptoms to watch out for are intense negative responses to tastes, textures, colors, and odor of food, neophobia (an intense fear of new foods), and fears associated with eating, such as choking or vomiting. There are also appetite issues that manifest as a lack of interest in food and eating, never reporting being hungry, and a very low appetite. Children with ARFID may also have difficulty adding weight or meeting the growth milestones for their age.    

Signs and symptoms of ARFID to watch out for in adolescents and adults are:  

Physiological symptoms, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, hyperactivity, constipation, weight loss, sensitivity to cold, irregular or absence of menstrual periods, sleep difficulties, dry skin, dizziness, brittle nails, thinning and drying of hair, reduced heart rate, low blood count, anemia, muscle weakness, slowed healing rate, and reduced immunity.   

Behavioral: dressing in layers to stay warm or hide weight loss.   

Psychological: non-specific abdominal problems that occur around mealtimes, fear of vomiting or choking during eating, and difficulty concentrating.   

What causes ARFID?  

Doctors and researchers are yet to identify a definite cause for ARFID. However, there are several possible risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing ARFID. They include:   

• Developing an aversion to food because of a bad food experience such as vomiting, choking, or illness  
• Living with an autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorder, or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)  
• Presence of disease conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the cause of heartburn  

ARFID can lead to both physical health problems and social issues.   

Most people with ARFID experience malnutrition, which can cause low blood pressure that may lead to fainting, dehydration, delayed puberty, osteoporosis, weakened muscles, and amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods). The disorder can also result in difficulties at work, school, or other social situations as the individual may find it difficult to eat with others, resulting in social isolation.   

Your doctor may hesitate to diagnose ARFID if:   

• The condition is caused by a lack of food, or by religious or cultural practices.  
• The condition occurs alongside another disorder such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, body dysmorphia, or a pre-existing medical condition.   

Conclusion  

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder that usually begins in early childhood but may persist into adulthood. People with ARFID avoid food based on sensory properties such as taste, color, or texture. ARFID is not the same as being a picky eater; it is more extreme. This disorder often results in malnutrition and stunted growth in children. If you suspect that your child or loved one has ARFID, please see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.