Thursday 15 October 2015

pune mirror interview-dr rohan

DR ROHAN JAHAGIRDAR
City-based psychiatrist

Beheading someone is not easy to actually accomplish. It might be simple to imagine, but it is not possible for any average person to do this. An act requiring such physical strength is triggered either by very strong emotion or mental instability. The man in this incident needs detailed psychological profiling, but from what can be seen in very basic information about the case, there definitely seems to be mental instability at work. He clearly had anger management issues — I think he had a lot of other undiagnosed issues as well. From what limited information we have, it sounds like paranoid schizophrenia, a characteristic of which is the unshakable delusion of one's partner's instabilities, irrespective of age or sex. The fact that he allegedly suspected his wife of having an affair with their son-in-law sounds quite bizarre, disregarding more plausible options. It definitely sounds like paranoia.

Paranoid schizophrenia is an illness, not an episode. It is caused by dopamine imbalance in the brain, manifesting in the form of suspicion, aggression, neglecting or selfharm, hearing voices and — in certain cases — delusion. It is not age-specific, but is usually seen between the ages of 16 and 25 in males and 25 and 35 in females.

If a person is found to be mentally unstable to this degree, I am quite sure he would have been suffering for a very long time. These things take time to fester and grow. Maybe, he imagined voices telling him about the alleged affair. And, over time, it led him to believe everything as proof of it. I am pretty sure he would have voiced his suspicions to someone, but was either ignored or the situation was mishandled. That he went on to chop off his wife's head and limbs and then went to a police station also points to the fact that he is possibly mentally unstable. Any other person would try to hide his or her crime.

Also, it must be noted that nearly 90 per cent of violence — in any form — is committed under the influence of substance abuse. We still don't know the details in this case.

Violence is very common in psychiatry. I handled a case once, in which the husband thought his wife's face had been replaced by a ghost's and wanted to cut just her face off. The woman survived, but with some 50-52 stitches. That man was schizophrenic.

Beheadings have a socio-religious history in our country. Sometimes, it's for an honour killing, sometimes, to send a message and, at other times, a punishment. But, at an individual level, the expression of violence is becoming stronger and more brutal globally. Emphasis should be laid on adequate venting and timely diagnosis.

(As told to Suktara Ghosh)

Tuesday 8 September 2015

Marijuana part two--Marijuana and psychosis

Marijuana use has been shown to trigger and worsen psychosis in young people who are vulnerable to psychosis and may even cause psychotic illnesses in people who would not otherwise suffer from them.


Yes.
 There is increasing research evidence to show that, particularly when someone starts using marijuana in their teens and uses heavily, that marijuana can trigger early onset of psychotic illnesses. For those do become ill, approximately 15% will continue to have psychotic symptoms even after they stop using


.Can marijuana use trigger psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia?

For people who are already vulnerable to psychosis, cannabis use has been shown to make people four times more likely to become ill with psychosis. They are also likely to experience their first symptoms at a younger age.
The younger a person is when they experience psychosis, the more severe damage will be, and the more difficult recovery is. The brain is still developing, and therefore much more vulnerable, until a person's mid-twenties.
According to experts on psychosis, heavy cannabis use past or present is involved in 70% of those cases of psychosis that are very severe or do not respond well to treatment.

What does marijuana do to the brain of someone vulnerable to psychosis?

Marijuana stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (chemical that moves information in the brain and body). Increased dopamine is thought to be part of the problem in brains affected by schizophrenia.
Brain scans comparing a person whose brain has been damaged by marijuana with one whose brain has been damaged by schizophrenia show that marijuana and schizophrenia both restrict blood flow in the brain.

Does using marijuana prevent me from recovering from psychosis?

Yes. if you want to recover, you will need to stop. For someone with a psychotic illness, using marijuana:
  • Makes symptoms worse
  • Blocks the effects of medications, making it necessary to take higher doses, which leads to more side effects.
  • Causes more 'secondary symptoms' like anxiety, depression and memory problems
  • Is likely to trigger a relapse and prevent recovery.
We know that most people with schizophrenia who use marijuana have worse symptoms, a more difficult recovery and more hospitalizations than people who don't use at all. Of persons with psychotic illness which don't respond to treatment, 70% or more are using cannabis or other street drugs.

Ways others have found useful to help them quit

Find substitutes for things the drug used to provide. For example plan other activities to deal with boredom or loneliness.
  • Come up with a script to use to turn down drugs if offered.
  • Avoid situations or activities where you know you will feel tempted to use.
  • Spend time with friends who don't use.
  • See friends who do use in places where using will be unlikely.

Saturday 22 August 2015

MARIJUANA-- Q and A--PART ONE

What is marijuana?
Marijuana (grass, pot, weed) is the common name for a crude drug made from the plant Cannabis sativa. The main mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), but more than 400 other chemicals also are in the plant. A marijuana "joint" (cigarette) is made from the dried particles of the plant. The amount of THC in the marijuana determines how strong its effects will be. The type of plant, the weather, the soil, the time of harvest, and other factors determine the strength of marijuana. The strength of today's marijuana is as much as ten times greater than the marijuana used in the early 1970s. This more potent marijuana increases physical and mental effects and the possibility of health problems for the user. Hashish, or hash, is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes or slabs. Hash is usually stronger than crude marijuana and may contain five to ten times as much THC. Pure THC is almost never available, except for research. Substances sold as THC on the street often turn out to be something else, such as PCP.
What are some of the immediate effects of smoking marijuana?
Some immediate physical effects of marijuana include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth and throat. No scientific evidence indicates that marijuana improves hearing, eyesight, and skin sensitivity. Studies of marijuana's mental effects show that the drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions, and coordination, such as driving a car or operating machinery.
Are there any other adverse reactions to marijuana?
A common bad reaction to marijuana is the "acute panic anxiety reaction." People describe this reaction as an extreme fear of "losing control," which causes panic. The symptoms usually disappear in a few hours.
What about psychological dependence on marijuana?
Long-term regular users of marijuana may become psychologically dependent. They may have a hard time limiting their use, they may need more of the drug to get the same effect, and they may develop problems with their jobs and personal relationships. The drug can become the most important aspect of their lives.
What are the dangers for young people?
One major concern about marijuana is its possible effects on young people as they grow up. Research shows that the earlier people start using drugs, the more likely they are to go on to experiment with other drugs. In addition, when young people start using marijuana regularly, they often lose interest and are not motivated to do their schoolwork. The effects of marijuana can interfere with learning by impairing thinking, reading comprehension, and verbal and mathematical skills. Research shows that students do not remember what they have learned when they are "high".
How does marijuana affect driving ability?
Driving experiments show that marijuana affects a wide range of skills needed for safe driving -- thinking and reflexes are slowed, making it hard for drivers to respond to sudden, unexpected events. Also, a driver's ability to "track" (stay in lane) through curves, to brake quickly, and to maintain speed and the proper distance between cars is affected. Research shows that these skills are impaired for at least 4-6 hours after smoking a single marijuana cigarette, long after the "high" is gone. If a person drinks alcohol, along with using marijuana, the risk of an accident greatly increases. Marijuana presents a definite danger on the road.
Does marijuana affect the human reproductive system?
Some research studies suggest that the use of marijuana during pregnancy may result in premature babies and in low birth weights. Studies of men and women may have a temporary loss of fertility. These findings suggest that marijuana may be especially harmful during adolescence, a period of rapid physical and sexual development.
How does marijuana affect the heart?
Marijuana use increases the heart rate as much as 50 percent, depending on the amount of THC. It can cause chest pain in people who have a poor blood supply to the heart - and it produces these effects more rapidly than tobacco smoke does.
How does marijuana affect the lungs?
Scientists believe that marijuana can be especially harmful to the lungs because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and hold it in their lungs as long as possible. Therefore, the smoke is in contact with lung tissues for long periods of time, which irritates the lungs and damages the way they work. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same ingredients in tobacco smoke that can cause emphysema and cancer. In addition, many marijuana users also smoke cigarettes; the combined effects of smoking these two substances creates an increased health risk.
Can marijuana cause cancer?
Marijuana smoke has been found to contain more cancer-causing agents than is found in tobacco smoke. Examination of human lung tissue that had been exposed to marijuana smoke over a long period of time in a laboratory showed cellular changes called metaplasia that are considered precancerous. In laboratory test, the tars from marijuana smoke have produced tumors when applied to animal skin. These studies suggest that it is likely that marijuana may cause cancer if used for a number of years.
How are people usually introduced to marijuana?
Many young people are introduced to marijuana by their peers - usually acquaintances, friends, sisters, and brothers. People often try drugs such as marijuana because they feel pressured by peers to be part of the group. Children must be taught how to say no to peer pressure to try drugs. Parents can get involved by becoming informed about marijuana and by talking to their children about drug use.
What is marijuana "burnout"?
"Burnout" is a term first used by marijuana smokers themselves to describe the effect of prolonged use. Young people who smoke marijuana heavily over long periods of time can become dull, slow moving, and inattentive. These "burned-out" users are sometimes so unaware of their surroundings that they do not respond when friends speak to them, and they do not realize they have a problem.
How long do chemicals from marijuana stay in the body after the drug is smoked?
When marijuana is smoked, THC, its active ingredient, is absorbed by most tissues and organs in the body; however, it is primarily found in fat tissues. The body, in its attempt to rid itself of the foreign chemical, chemically transforms the THC into metabolites. Urine tests can detect THC metabolites for up to a week after people have smoked marijuana. Tests involving radioactively labeled THC have traced these metabolites in animals for up to a month.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Wednesday 24 June 2015

UNHAPPY INDIA---Mumbai Mirror article

UNHAPPY INDIA

Unhappy India
We've failed the world happiness test. Mental health experts from four metros pin point the cardinal angst in our society.

In the last two decades, there has been nuclearisation of families which has led to the disintegration of our traditional support systems," says Dr Samir Parikh, psychiatrist and director of mental health at Fortis Healthcare. This lack of support, he feels, has led to a rise in stress and mental health issues.

The recently released World Happiness Report ranked India 117th among a list of 158 - behind turbulent nations like Bangladesh (109), Palestine (108) and, even Pakistan (81). Switzerland topped the charts. The report included six variables: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and freedom from corruption.

Mirror spoke to psychiatrists from across the country on what ails India.

MUMBAI
COST OF REAL ESTATE


Dr Harish Shetty
Social psychiatrist, L H Hiranandani Hospital

While there is a sense of alienation across metros, what is specific to Mumbai is the lack of emotional contact time, along with increased travelling hours and job insecurity. I find that a lot of my patients don't have time to spend with their loved ones, which means that the stress of the day piles up with no support system to deal with it.

Additionally, the opening of the Indian market 25 years ago has caused certain problems. Before that, EMIs were rarely heard of, the cost of living was lower, too. Life was not as complicated. Apartments cost lakhs not crores. Being able to afford a house is a great contributor to emotional well-being and a sense of security.

Many of the suicides we see are now are triggered by financial troubles.

PUNE
RESTLESS YOUNG AND GERIATRIC DESPAIR

Dr Rohan Jahagirdar
Consultant Psychiatrist

Pune has a large chunk of its population in the 18-35 age group. Among the first category, I see severe depression arising from peer pressure, stress from relationships and substance abuse.

I find that people in this group lack a purpose. They have achieved a lot in a short time and don't know what to do next.

Divorce rate is also high, which contributes to depression and anxiety issues.

Then, there's the geriatric group, which suffers the empty nest syndrome. Most old couples who live in Pune are wealthy, having spent their life earning for their families. Their children have settled abroad, because they find better opportunities there. The parents despair because there's no body to take care of them. They feel 'all that we have done for years is worthless'. All they really want is some company, which they don't have.

BANGALORE
INSOMNIA, BURNOUT

Dr Roshan Jain,
Consultant psychiatrist Apollo Hospital

Bangalore is a city under construction and that's how it's going to remain for the next decade or so because there's no planned development on the anvil. From a city that was once known as the retirement destination, it has become a destination for chaos, which is also played out on our congested roads.

While the original residents of the city are unhappy over the way the city has shaped up, the migrants, most of them in the IT sector, have issues of their own.

Compared to five years ago, I see a lot of patients who are from the IT industry. They are not referred by other doctors. They just walk in to seek help.

Most of them are overwhelmed by job pressure and the daily commute. Their odd shift hours, which require them to work at night, has led to burn out. They seek tobacco, alcohol or drugs to cope with this stress. What's common to all of them is their inability to sleep properly. It's difficult to advise them to take to yoga or a fitness routine to because they don't have any time for themselves. A couple of drinks after work is their only form of relaxation.

The IT industry and its pressures are killing this generation. I believe our country is going to pay a huge price for 'success'.

AHMEDABAD
TRAFFIC INDUCED STRESS, HYPOCHONDRIA

Dr Hansal Bhachech
Head of Department of Psychiatry, HCG Group Of Hospitals

Stress related issues are on the rise. In the last few months, the number of road projects have risen, causing diversions and increasing travel time. This has led to road rage and accidents.

Another problem plaguing the 20-40 age group is hypochondria. In their eagerness to create awareness about diseases, a lot of hospitals and medical professionals are discussing about various ailments in the media — whether it's newspapers or radio. Constantly bombarded with this information, the young fear for their health, especially cardiac issues.

Another problem among young women is mood disorder caused by lifestyle diseases like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have seen a lot of women come with depression and further investigations have revealed that they have PCOS, which causes mood fluctuations. In men, sexual disorders such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido are prime causes for stress, and ironically, its products too.

Tuesday 7 April 2015

Monday 9 March 2015

How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need?

So..

How Much Sleep Do You Actually Need?..

go through this excellent   video presentation --








source--ASAP science



Tuesday 6 January 2015

Drunk vs Stoned---funny video

 hi,, happy new  year...

I  believe  all substance abuse is  bad...the video is  just to show the lighter  side of things  don't  mean to imply  anything.. thank you..have a safe new year ... say no to drugs..