Circadian sleep disorders

Roughly 50% of people suffer from sleep related problems.

Sleep is closely linked to the field of psychiatry. Not only is sleep often affected by mental disorders and medications, an irregular sleep pattern has profound effects on our mood.

This is a segment from Nightline with Ted Koppel from 1996 about Circadian sleep disorders.

Dim those lights when it gets dark out. It can help reset your clock and mood!

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syWF7n9-EZQ&feature=channel&list=UL
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5bk5Gv0ySo&feature=related
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g86_If2IrRE&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Treating depression with electrodes inside the brain

An interesting article and accompanying video from Dana, about deep brain stimulation for treatment resistant depression. Read the story of Edi Guyton who had debilitating depression for 40 years until her experimental brain surgery. 

Rudolf Hess: Inside the mind of Hitler's deputy

I thought this was an interesting article about the British trying to get into the mind of the Nazis. 

Israel bans 'underweight' models

Israel, like many other countries, has a high rate of eating disorders among adolescents. I think this is a big step forward. Hopefully other countries will soon adopt similar regulations.

Here's the news clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7SE7cY5hp0

Here's an article: http://siouxcityjournal.com/ap/lifestyles/israeli-law-eyes-super-thin-models-as-bad-examples/article_e22ab0fc-d469-586e-a784-6bb1be2c01de.html

PTSD in the Military

Here's a short clip about PTSD in the military: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK3NWYCIM1g

And here's another clip about current news; the soldier suspected of killing 16 Afghan civilians, perhaps hit a breaking point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q6zzCgL1d4

Anorexia's Childhood Roots

Here you get to hear the story about Isabelle Caro and her traumatic childhood. She explains how her mother had a phobia that she would grow which triggered her endless struggle with anorexia. Sadly, Isabelle died at the age of 28. A couple of months following her death, her mother killed herself, unable to cope with the guilt.

During Isabelle's struggle, she was a powerful advocate against anorexia; advocating for the recognition and dangers of the disease. 

Culture bound syndromes - Wendigo psychosis

Wendigo psychosis is a mental disorder where a person intensely craves human flesh and thinks they are turning into a cannibal despite an abundance of food available. This was mainly present in specific Aboriginal communities.

Click the link above to see a brief video about cannibalism and a subsequent explanation of Wendigo psychosis. Dr. Volkan, professor of psychology, gives an explanation about the disorder briefly at 2 mins.

The following is part 2 of a series which Deb started a while back: http://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/culture-synd?src=mp&spon=25

It features a brief description of 17 different Culture- bound disorders.