Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Mental disorders are disorders of the brain

Mental disorders are disorders of the brain

October 16, 2007

Depression, anxiety disorders such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders, alcohol and drug dependence, dementia and Parkinson's disease are just a few examples of "disorders of the brain". „The size, the burden and cost of brain disorders in the EU is immense, and has so far been underestimated", as Prof. Dr. Hans Ulrich Wittchen emphasized at the Official Press Conference to the 20th ECNP Congress for Neuropsychopharmacology in Vienna (October 13-17, 2007). This week over 6000 psychiatrists, neurologists, psychologists and neuroscience researchers and practitioners from all over the world join in Vienna at the 20th ECNP Congress to present and discuss the latest breakthroughs, the progress and the future perspectives in the fields of the origin and treatment of mental disorders, disorders of the brain, neuropsychopharmacology and related fields.

Increasing Lifetime Risk - Unmet Needs




Mental disorders such as anxiety and depressive disorders are disorders of the brain and involve complex patterns of disturbances of cognition (such as perception, attention, memory), affect and emotion (such as depressed mood, panic), somatic functioning (e.g. appetite, heart rate variability) and behaviour. These patterns and disturbances are all associated with disturbances in the transmitter systems of the brain and the central nervous system. What is special about most mental disorders is that they predominantly manifest early in life, before the age of 20. They are also associated across the life span with a high risk of developing complications and other - so called comorbid - disorders.

Conservatively estimated 27% of the adult EU-population has been suffering from at least one mental disorder in the past 12 months, such as depression, specific phobias, somatoform disorders, alcohol- and drug dependence, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or eating disorders. The estimated total number of affected is 82,7 million in any given year.

Over the life span, the majority of the population in the EU will suffer a mental disorder at least once in their lifetime, and there are indications that mental disorders are on the rise. For instance, over the past decades there has been a steep increase in the risk for depression, especially among women. The reasons for this development is up to now poorly understood, but seems to be most likely linked to socioeconomic changes of modern life in industrialized regions.

Unlike to somatic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, the vast majority of people affected by mental disorders remain unrecognized and untreated by the health care system. The large degree of unmet needs of patients with mental disorders represents a global problem. „The vast majority of disorders of the brain remain untreated, particularly in adolescents and young adults", Wittchen said. „Typically, treatment starts late after many years of illness when severe complications are present. But even among those treated rarely appropriate treatment is provided." As an effect of early onset, high prevalence, persistence, associated disability and low treatment rates, the resulting disability is tremendously high.

Health Economic Costs

Mental disorders rank as number one in terms of direct and indirect health economic costs, with a total estimated cost of Euro 294.719 billion. The vast majority of cost is not due to treatment costs, but rather due to indirect costs, which marks the loss of productivity as a consequence of disease (e.g. disability, premature death or retirement). For mental disorders extremely high indirect costs and relatively low direct costs contrast high direct costs typical for somatic disease. For instance, pharmaceutical costs account for only 3% of total costs for mental disorders, whereas for diabetes the rate is 13% and for cardiovascular disease 15%. The outpatient care for mental disorders accounts for only 12% of the total costs.

The Role of Neuropsychopharmacology and ECNP

The brain is undoubtedly the most complex organ of animals and human beings. Modern neuroscience techniques like imaging have been instrumental to understand the complexity of the human brain. The communication among the billions of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain is ensured by extremely complex transmitter systems and mechanisms of various kinds. The field of neuropsychopharmacology is the core field to study these mechanisms and to influence them within the clinical target, amongst others with drugs. This year"s ECNP Congress is the best platform to monitor comprehensively recent developments and breakthrough findings on all levels:

* Basic research

* Clinical research

* Treatment with and without drugs

* Translational issues („from bench to bed and back")

* Research and education

The early onset and high burden of mental disorders - particularly in females - calls for systematic programs to explore the benefits of early intervention and preventive measures. The comprehensive and exciting programme of the ECNP Congress is due to the input from researchers and clinicians of all over the world, and helps defining new areas of research and to single out new therapeutic approaches to improve the lives of the millions of people who suffer from mental disorders.

European College of Neuropsychopharmacology



Related Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News Articles Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News RSS Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News RSS
Strong link between obesity and depression
Doctors should pay more attention to the link between common mental illness and obesity in patients because the two health problems are closely linked, according to researchers at the University of Adelaide.

Traffic jam in brain causes schizophrenia symptoms
Schizophrenia waits silently until a seemingly normal child becomes a teenager or young adult. Then it swoops down and derails a young life.

Brain difference in psychopaths identified
Professor Declan Murphy and colleagues Dr Michael Craig and Dr Marco Catani from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London have found differences in the brain which may provide a biological explanation for psychopathy.

Schizophrenia does not increase risk of violent crime
A new study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet and the University of Oxford finds that the severe mental disorder schizophrenia only marginally increases the risk of committing violent crime.

Substance abuse factor in higher risk of violent crime by persons with schizophrenia
The increased risk of persons with schizophrenia committing violent crime may be largely mediated by co-existing substance abuse problems.

Impact of narcotics is greater on mentally ill
Narcotics have an irreversible effect on the brains of people already suffering from mental illness.

Decoding Funny Faces to Detect Disease
Like Russell Crowe's character in A Beautiful Mind, life is often difficult for the 2.4 million Americans with schizophrenia. A late or incorrect diagnosis and the lack of effective treatment options can destroy a sufferer's quality of life.

National rates of co-occurring substance use and mental disorders call for better service integration
Canadians are becoming aware of the prevalence of mental health issues and of substance use problems, but how well equipped are we to help the many people who contend with both?

Mental health linked to stillbirth and newborn deaths
Women with a history of serious mental illness are much more likely to have babies that are stillborn or die within the first month of life, new research reveals.

Study links primary insomnia to a neurochemical abnormality in young and middle-aged adults
A study in the Nov. 1 issue of the journal Sleep is the first demonstration of a specific neurochemical abnormality in adults with primary insomnia, providing greater insight to the limited understanding of the condition's pathology.
More Mental Disorder Current Events and Mental Disorder News Articles
Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions

Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder: Savage Solutions
by Michael Savage (Author)

Liberalism Is a Mental Disorder-

Michael Savage has the cure.

 

With grit, guts, and gusto, talk radio sensation Michael Savage leaves no political turn unstoned as he savages today's most rabid liberalism. In this paperback edition of his third New York Times bestseller, Savage strikes at the root of today's most pressing issues, including:

 

Homeland security: "We need more Patton and less patent leather . . . Real homeland security begins when we arrest, interrogate, jail, or deport known operatives within our own borders . . . One dirty bomb can ruin your whole day."

 

Illegal immigration: "I envision an Oil for Illegals program . . . The president should demand one barrel of oil from Mexico...

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision)

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision)
by American Psychiatric Association (Corporate Author)

Since the DSM-IV® was published in 1994, we’ve seen many advances in our knowledge of psychiatric illness. This Text Revision incorporates information culled from a comprehensive literature review of research about mental disorders published since DSM-IV® was completed in 1994. Updated information is included about the associated features, culture, age, and gender features, prevalence, course, and familial pattern of mental disorders.

The DSM-IV® brings this essential diagnostic tool up-to-date, to promote effective diagnosis, treatment, and quality of care. Now you can get all the essential diagnostic information you rely on from the DSM-IV® along with important updates not found in the 1994 edition.

Stay current with important updates to the DSM-IV®: ...

Classic NGO & Governmental Mental Health Treatments Programs Films DVD: 1950's - 1960's Mental Illness Disorders & US Government & NGOs Health Care Films

Classic NGO & Governmental Mental Health Treatments Programs Films DVD: 1950's - 1960's Mental Illness Disorders & US Government & NGOs Health Care Films

This compilation features films about the treatment of the mentally ill by government and not for profit organizations in the 1950s and 1960s. Table Of Contents: (1) Booked for Safekeeping (1960) - This police training film shows the proper way for the authorities to work with mentally handicapped people. The film details various mental illnesses and how to prepare the mentally disabled for treatment. This film also stresses the importance of learning patient's backgrounds and having constant medical attention available. George C. Stoney directed this amazing documentary which was filmed in New Orleans - 32 Minutes (2) The Inner City (1958) - This heart wrenching charity film shows how the United Fund cares for handicapped and orphaned children. It presents their stories in a very...

Prisoners of the Brain: Breakthrough Studies in the Chemistry of Mental Disorders (The Infinite Voyage Series) [VHS]

Prisoners of the Brain: Breakthrough Studies in the Chemistry of Mental Disorders (The Infinite Voyage Series) [VHS]
Also With: Steve Eder (Producer), Jolie Angel (Producer), Gregory Andorfer (Producer), Thomas Skinner (Producer), Jack Tillar (Producer), middle school high jr curriculum science scientifically dis order anti psychotic antipsychotic mind altering mindaltering drug effect on behavior health healthy fit think thinking mood attitude national academy qed 1987 1988 1989 1990 (Producer)

How many Americans experience a serious psychiatric breakdown? One in seven people within any six-month period are affected by mental illness - a shocking statistic. This emotionally compelling program unlocks a scientifically complex issue facing our society. Links between brain chemistry and various mental disorders are revealed, along with key data on how and why anti-psychotic and mind-altering drugs affect human behavior. The quest for mental health is part of an even greater need of humans to rationalize free will, human responsibility, and what ultimately determines thinking and behavior.

4th edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition by American Psychiatric Association (Author) (APA Textbook For College and University Students)

4th edition Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition by American Psychiatric Association (Author) (APA Textbook For College and University Students)
by by American Psychiatric Association

Product Description The last 6 years has seen many advances in our knowledge of illnesses. The DSM-IV-TRV spans the bridge between DSM- IVV and DSM-VV to ensur e that the most relevant new information since the DSM- IVV literature review in 1992 was incorporated and to enhance the educational value. Specifically, new information on associated features, including asso ciated laboratory and physical findings, has been added for many of th e disorders. Sections on prevalence, gender/age/culture, course, and familial pattern have also been revised to reflect recent research fin dings. More comprehensive differential diagnoses have been incorporat ed for many of the disorders.

Interview Guide for Evaluating Dsm-IV Psychiatric Disorders and the Mental Status Examination

Interview Guide for Evaluating Dsm-IV Psychiatric Disorders and the Mental Status Examination
by Mark Zimmerman (Author)

Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. Pocket-sized quick-reference to the psychiatric interview for residents. Includes components of the full psychiatric evaluation and glossary. Trim size 6 x 4 inches.

AD-Focus-60 tablets: Treats ADD and ADHD, The Common Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders in Children.

AD-Focus-60 tablets: Treats ADD and ADHD, The Common Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders in Children.
by Biospec

The Most Common Mental Health Disorder and Behavioral Disorder in Children Is ADD and ADHD; Half of these Children Carry ADHD into Adulthood! ADHDs Life Altering Symptoms: Restless, Behavioral Disorder, Unable to Focus, Easily Distracted, Forgetful,Mood Swings, Tantrums, Impulsivity, Slow Completing Tasks, Disorganized, Sensitive to Stress. Worse Yet: 40% with ADHD have learning disabilities and 50% have neurological disorders; MotorTic Disorder or Tourettes Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Anger Control Problems and Depression. Why Should You Treat ADHD Nutritionally? Refined foods low in vital nutrients and the exposure to toxic chemicals in our environment leads to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and insulin resistance that are associated with brain dysfunction. BIOSPECs AD-Focus:...

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PDA/Win CE Software (EMAIL DOWNLOAD ONLY)

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, PDA/Win CE Software (EMAIL DOWNLOAD ONLY)
by Skyscape



Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders By the American Psychiatric Association

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders By the American Psychiatric Association

Features information on mental disorders as well as on treatment and procedures relating to those illnesses. Title: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Author: American Psychiatric Association (COR) Publisher: Amer Psychiatric Pub Inc Publication Date: 2000/07/01 Number of Pages: 943 Binding Type: PAPERBACK Library of Congress: 00024852"""

Mental Disorder

Mental Disorder
by Boris S.



© 2009 BrightSurf.com