PTSD and Depression in Postwar Libya

A really great illustration of the psychological pain that war and its aftermath can bring to the people who experience it firsthand. This article was just published today in BBC News Magazine, and sheds light on how the fighters and those who lost loved ones in the Libyan revolution are (barely) coping with their trauma. Of particular interest is the city of Misrata, where some of the revolution's bloodiest battles took place, and where there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals:

"Dr Khaled al Madani, head of the psychology department of Misrata University, has been trying to establish proper mental healthcare services in the city for more than a year.

He says at present there is only one part-time psychiatrist from Tripoli available to hold a regular but limited clinic in Misrata."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20629175

Dr. Robert Gupta and the "Soloist"

Also listened to a TED talk by Dr. Robert Gupta who combines his love for music and mental health (posted on 10/2/12):

https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/tedtalks-audio/id160904630?mt=2

Description: "When Robert Gupta was caught between a career as a doctor and as a violinist, he realized his place was in the middle, with a bow in his hand and a sense of social justice in his heart. He tells a moving story of society’s marginalized and the power of music therapy, which can succeed where conventional medicine fails." (c/o iTunes, TED)

Vikram Patel & Mental Health in Developing Countries

I just listened to a great TED Talk by Vikram Patel posted on iTunes on 9/11/12:

 http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=160904630

Description: "Nearly 450 million people are affected by mental illness worldwide. In wealthy nations, just half receive appropriate care, but in developing countries, close to 90 percent go untreated because psychiatrists are in such short supply. Vikram Patel outlines a highly promising approach -- training members of communities to give mental health interventions, empowering ordinary people to care for others." (c/o iTunes and TED)

medical students matching into psychiatry

There is new data from the match in recent years supporting that psychiatry is becoming a popular field especially among M.D. Ph.D. students. Indeed, there is so much to be discovered in this fascinating field. This is one of the perks among many who join the field NOW!

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/2012/the-future-of-psychiatry-clinical-neuroscience.shtml

Dr. Phil - Biofeedback Appetite Control

Thought this was neat! It worked for this woman with a chocolate addiction, as you'll see in this clip. The device is approved by the FDA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8YHDMKg1wA

Sigmund Freud documentary – opening the door to the unconscious

A nice short biography about the Father of Psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud.

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQh9LBIhjyM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=hAo_-jcfXUk&feature=endscreen
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=eAtHpOM63ZQ&NR=1

WHO Calls For End To Stigma On World Mental Health Day

"Wednesday (October 10th) is World Mental Health Day," VOA News reports, noting, "The World Health Organization is using the occasion to call for an end to stigma against those who suffer from depression and other mental disorders" (DeCapua, 10/9). Depression affects 350 million people worldwide, with nearly five percent of the world's population suffering from depression annually, according to Medical Daily (Tucker, 10/9). More than three-quarters of people living with mental health disorders reside in developing countries, BBC News notes, adding, "According to the World Health Organization (WHO), eight in every 10 of those living in developing nations receive no treatment at all" (Roberts, 10/10). The WHO "warns stigma is a huge problem that prevents many people from seeking help," VOA writes (10/9).

Copied from: http://kgh.preview.kff.org/Daily-Reports/2012/October/10/GH-101012-World-Mental-Health-Day.aspx