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Mental Disorders: Technology Approaches To Treating Mental Disorders

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"Mental Disorders"

How Technology Is Changing Approaches To Treating Mental Disorders

"Mental Disorders"

Mental Disorders

Chatbots help manage anxiety, VR technologies help overcome trauma, and animal-like robots keep people with schizophrenia company. We understand how technology helps people and what are their shortcomings

The number of people diagnosed with mental health problems is on the rise: one in eight people in the world has a mental disorder, and since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders has increased by more than a quarter.

Constant stress, burnout, sleep problems and inability to perform even basic tasks – mental disorders directly affect productivity, which is reflected in work processes. Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy $1 trillion a year.

However, people are in no hurry to turn to specialists. Possible reasons are fear of talking to a stranger about personal problems, stigma, and the belief that talking to a therapist is unlikely to help. Another is finance: in many low- and middle-income countries, mental health care is still considered a luxury.

What Technology Can Do In Psychotherapy

"Mental Disorders"

Mental Disorders

Digitalization has already changed transport, education, and business. Health care does not stand aside – and psychotherapy, in particular. The use of technology solves a number of problems that mental health professionals and patients face on a daily basis.

Availability. Not all people who need psychiatric treatment can benefit from it. For example, only a third of people with depression receive mental health care. Digital technologies can be a good help in the treatment of affective and anxiety disorders for people from villages and remote areas.

Establishing diagnosis. Objective and continuous measurements of emotions and behavior are not available for diagnosis or evaluation of treatment outcomes. But perhaps for psychotherapists, the right tool has appeared – digital phenotyping. It allows the doctor to make a diagnosis using smartphone data: about social interactions or physical activity.

Treatment. Usually, more than one doctor is involved in the treatment of a patient. The combined help of specialists is more effective in treating depression in the short and long term. Collaboration is facilitated by technological platforms and electronic medical records.

An important place in this area is occupied by artificial intelligence – a computer system that can cope with simple cognitive tasks. It is based on machine learning and data analysis. The use of artificial intelligence increases the speed, scale, and accuracy of tasks performed, freeing up time and resources to solve problems that machines cannot handle.

In the 1960s, one of the fathers of modern artificial intelligence, Joseph Weizenbaum, developed the ELIZA computer program. She was created to talk to people, and for convenience, she was made a “psychotherapist”: she was loaded with a set of rules, “… similar to those that can be given to an actor … for improvising on a certain topic.”

The program was intended only for research purposes – experiments in natural language processing. However, in the end it led to a broad discussion about the possibilities of artificial intelligence, including as a potential psychotherapist.

Artificial intelligence is already being used to diagnose patients, track symptoms, and predict recovery. It is also the basis for many technologies.

Chatbots

Problem: Psychotherapists are overwhelmed and can’t make an appointment – the healthcare system simply doesn’t have enough resources. And a person with a depressive or anxiety episode needs support.

Solution: A chatbot that will help people fight negative thoughts, offer helpful tools, and engage in evidence-based therapies. And all this – around the clock.

Example: Woebot application. It is based on machine learning, which gives “predictable answers” ​​to user questions using cognitive behavioral therapy methods. Chatbots are especially useful for vulnerable groups – pensioners, teenagers, and people who, for some reason, do not want to contact specialists.

VR technologies

"Mental Disorders"

Mental Disorders

Problem : Survivors of terrorist attacks, wars, and sexualized violence are sometimes haunted by memories of trauma that interfere with fulfilling lives.

Solution: Immerse the person in a virtual reality simulation of a traumatic event. This helps to show the patient that he is no longer there and is not in danger.

Example: Drs. Joan Difede and Hunter Hoffman used VR to treat one of the survivors of the World Trade Center attack. The patient experienced a 90% reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Therapeutic Robots

Problem: In the hospital, people with dementia experience behavioral and mental symptoms such as aggression, apathy, aimless activity, disinhibition, apathy, or delirium. Therefore, helping patients can be difficult.

Solution: Reduce negative emotions, and behavioral symptoms and improve the patient’s mood. This is what therapeutic robots are capable of.

Example: The PARO robot, which looks like a baby white seal, reduces feelings of depression and isolation when interacting with patients. This is a kind of animal therapy, but instead of an animal – a mechanism.

Paro is not the only therapeutic robot. Kaspar and Nao can help children with autism spectrum disorders by teaching social skills such as imitation, engagement, and empathy.

The Other Side Of Technology

"Mental Disorders"

Mental Disorders

Every innovation has limitations and backfires. Technology in psychotherapy is no exception. The question is how developers, medical specialists and patients themselves will react to them.

A significant issue is data security. It’s important to check the app’s terms of service before using it: what data is collected, who has access to it, and how privacy is protected. It is unlikely that anyone wants their medical information to be used by marketing resources.

Not everyone is good at digital technology. Fear, inability, a sense of alienation interfere with interaction with technology – even with a smartphone. What is especially important for people with cognitive and behavioral disorders?

Sometimes algorithms make biased predictions due to limitations in the training data set. In 2019, researchers found that the algorithm used by the UnitedHealth Group has biases that prevent black patients from receiving additional care. An important question is who is legally responsible if the bot made a mistake with the diagnosis.

Digital technologies are just beginning to be used in psychotherapy, so it is still difficult to assess the impact of changes on therapeutic practice. On the one hand, they increase patient comfort and make mental health care more accessible. On the other hand, they do not have all the skills that psychiatrists and therapists have, and are inferior to them in understanding the human psyche and emotions. However, one thing is certain: the new technologies are not a substitute for psychiatric treatment, but rather a useful addition.

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Why ADHD is Common These Days? Top Reasons

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"Why ADHD is Common These Days"

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly common in recent years, affecting individuals of all ages. This article aims to shed light on the reasons behind the rising prevalence of ADHD, exploring various factors that contribute to its occurrence in today’s society. Here are some of the reasons of why ADHD is common these days.

"Why ADHD is Common These Days"

Consumer HealthDay: Why ADHD is Common These Days

Improved Diagnostic Awareness:

One significant factor contributing to the apparent increase in ADHD cases is the improved diagnostic awareness and understanding of the disorder. In the past, ADHD was often misunderstood or misdiagnosed as simply a behavioral problem. However, increased education and awareness among healthcare professionals, teachers, and parents have led to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

As a result, individuals who may have gone undiagnosed in previous years are now being identified and treated appropriately.

Genetic Factors:

Reasons why ADHD is common these days also include genetic factors. Studies have shown that ADHD tends to run in families, indicating a strong genetic component. Certain genes involved in regulating dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in attention and impulse control, have been linked to an increased risk of developing ADHD. However, no single gene has been identified as the sole cause of ADHD, suggesting that multiple genes and gene interactions contribute to its development.

Neurological Differences:

Brain imaging studies have shown that the shape and function of the brains of people with ADHD are different. Specifically, there are differences in the regions responsible for attention, impulse control, and executive functions. These differences may affect the communication and coordination of neural networks involved in cognitive processes, leading to the symptoms observed in ADHD.

Chemical Imbalances:

Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, play important roles in regulating attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD may have imbalances or dysregulation of these neurotransmitters, which can affect the brain’s ability to maintain focus, regulate impulses, and control behavior.

Evolving Environmental Factors:

Environmental factors in modern society can also contribute to the increased prevalence of ADHD. Some potential factors include:

Technological Advancements:

The advent of smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices has brought about increased screen time and digital stimulation. Excessive screen time and overexposure to stimulating content may affect attention span and contribute to attention difficulties associated with ADHD.

Changes in Lifestyle and Diet:

Sedentary lifestyles, and poor nutrition, are one of the top reasons why ADHD is common these days. The consumption of processed foods high in artificial additives has become more prevalent in recent decades. These factors have been suggested as potential contributors to ADHD symptoms, although more research is needed to establish definitive links.

Environmental Toxins:

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead, pesticides, and air pollutants, has been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD. Industrialization and urbanization have led to higher levels of exposure to these toxins in some areas.

Societal and Educational Demands also contribute to why ADHD is common these days:

Modern society places high demands on individuals, including children, in terms of academic performance, multitasking, and meeting strict deadlines. The increased pressure to excel academically and the proliferation of structured activities may contribute to heightened stress levels and difficulties in maintaining attention and focus, potentially leading to the manifestation of ADHD symptoms.

Conclusion:

While the exact reasons for the increasing prevalence of ADHD are multifaceted and not fully understood, several factors contribute to its rise. Improved diagnostic awareness, broadening diagnostic criteria, evolving environmental factors, and societal demands all play a role. It is crucial to continue research efforts to better understand and address the factors influencing ADHD prevalence to support affected individuals effectively.

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Health

Skin Pigmentation and Acne on the Face

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"skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons"

Skin Pigmentation and Acne on the Face Top Reasons

Pigmentation and acne are common problems that make people feel bad about themselves and hurt their general health. In this article, we will explore the causes behind these conditions and discuss effective remedies for achieving healthier, clearer skin. Skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons include many. However, we need to understand what really is skin pigmentation.

"skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons"

eMediHealth: skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons

Skin Pigmentation:

Skin pigmentation is the quantity of melanin in the skin, which gives it its color. Melanin is a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. While pigmentation is influenced by genetics, various internal and external factors can lead to its alteration. Skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons are:

Sun Exposure:

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun stimulates melanocytes, leading to an overproduction of melanin. This can be skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons.

Hormonal Changes:

Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during pregnancy or while taking hormonal contraceptives, can trigger melasma. This condition causes dark patches on the face and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH):

Inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, or skin injuries can cause PIH, resulting in dark spots or patches. PIH occurs when melanocytes produce excess melanin in response to inflammation or trauma.

Acne on the Face:

Acne is a common skin disease that is marked by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts or nodules in more severe cases. It happens when oil, dead skin cells, and germs get stuck in the hair follicles. Acne can be caused by more than one thing.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the skin pigmentation and acne on the face top reasons, especially during puberty, menstruation, or hormonal disorders, and can increase sebum productionAcne caused by the clogging of pores by excess sebum and dead skin cells.

Bacterial Infection:

Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium naturally present on the skin, can multiply in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and acne. Genes play a part in whether or not someone gets acne. If your parents had acne, you may be more likely to get it as well.

Diet and Lifestyle:

Consuming a diet high in processed foods, dairy products, or refined sugars may worsen acne. Additionally, factors like stress, inadequate sleep, and smoking can aggravate acne symptoms.

Remedies for Skin Pigmentation and Acne on the Face:

Sun Protection:

Apply sunscreen daily, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure to prevent further pigmentation.

Topical Treatments:

Over-the-counter creams, serums, or prescription medications containing ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid can help fade pigmentation and treat acne.

Professional Treatments:

Dermatological procedures such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or photo facials can effectively reduce pigmentation and improve acne.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Adopt a balanced diet, practice good hygiene, manage stress, and maintain a regular skincare routine tailored to your skin type.

Conclusion:

Understanding the causes of skin pigmentation and acne on the face empowers individuals to take appropriate measures for prevention and treatment. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes sun protection, topical treatments, professional interventions, and lifestyle modifications, one can achieve clearer, healthier skin.

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Top Best 10 Tips To Be Happy

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"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Best 10 Tips To Be Happy

"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Best 10 Tips To Be Happy

Happiness is a choice. Choose to be happy, because you deserve it.

Discover our tips for being happy. Life is meant to be lived with joy. However, very often, we think that we do not deserve to be happy.

Nevertheless, happiness is a choice. It is indeed not something that simply happens. Nor is it something we have no influence or decision over!

To succeed in finding happiness, there must be awareness. Everything we think and everything we do has an influence on happiness. We must therefore modify all actions and thoughts that are contrary to our own happiness.

10 Tips To Be Happy

1. Pleasure

"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Best 10 Tips To Be Happy

Find pleasure wherever you go, whether the circumstances are positive or negative. You have to create fun. Start and end by pleasing yourself. You must be a very agile receiver ready to receive all the delights life has to offer!

2. The Game

"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Best 10 Tips To Be Happy

Think of a playground, where laughter and songs can be heard non-stop. Seek joy with others, involve them in the game.

3. Tips for being happy: forget the drama

Don’t make a drama out of everything that happens to you in life. Stop paying attention to anything bad, to anything that will get you pity or sympathy out of pain. Also stop doing so much for others, instead of doing things for yourself.

First of all, you have to fill your own voids. While you’re trying to fix your problems, stop reading all the drama in the media, because it has nothing to do with you!

4. Tips for being happy: find peace

Tips for being happy: find peace.

Sit down first to absorb the stillness. At first, you may feel awkward, but over time you will start to really connect with yourself. The more you do this, the more connected you will feel.

At that time, the need will disappear, and tranquility will give you peace. The latter is really vital to succeed in accessing happiness!

5. Tips for being happy: accept yourself as you are

"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Accept yourself. This is the main key to real happiness.

When a person really manages to see all his flaws as a gift, then he can find happiness much more easily.

Self-acceptance indeed leads to deep happiness that many people have never been able to experience.

6. Stop looking for approval all the time.

No one should approve or validate what you do or how you do things. Indeed, happiness comes from finding your passion or the feeling of happiness inside of you.

It is from this inner place that you will begin to understand what appeals to you, but very often we get stuck in seeking the approval of others.

Many people live their lives based on those around them, but they will never discover true happiness that way. ..

7. Tips for being happy: don’t block the pain

When we stop or avoid pain, we also prevent happiness. All quantities of emotions must therefore be equal in their totality.

If you block one emotion, then you block all emotions. This, therefore, means that the experience is more extinct, even more depressing…

8. You are worthy of being happy, believe it!

Sometimes some are just waiting for a new misfortune to happen. They worry about being too happy, because they think the Gods of Misery will soon return to remind them of their bad luck in life!

If you are one of those people who have a phobia of being too close to happiness, as if you had to fight against the titans and the suffering of life to be worthy of being happy, remember: you are worthy of it . right now, exactly as you are!

9. Be An Active Person

"Best 10 Tips To Be Happy"

Literally, do something physical. Take care of your garden, play sports. In other words, do something that physically stimulates you.

Pleasure and happiness are present when one is truly physically engaged.

If you’re starting to exercise, it’s also a good time to let go of some old beliefs about happiness, you know, the ones that come back when you’re depressed or feeling remorseful. So clear your mind, clear those bad thoughts, and start moving!

10. Tips for being happy: forget the result

First, clinging to things getting done a certain way, or waiting for the perfect moment to be happy can keep you from finding happiness.

You may feel that current circumstances must dictate your level of happiness.

You may think that you have to force fate and reach the final goal to deserve to be happy. But the problem is that you will never get to happiness if you wait to be happy.

Happiness is not a goal, but the path to the result. Stress and disappointment are based on expectations. Then look at how many of them are really realistic. Ask yourself why you keep clinging to the ones that aren’t.

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