Harvard Mental Health Letter articles from September 2004

Harvard Mental Health Letter archives from September 2004

Alcohol before birth.
September 1, 2004... A woman who drinks while pregnant could be giving her child a poor start in life. In all likelihood, the environmental toxin that presents the greatest danger to the greatest number of unborn children today is alcohol. Heavy drinking by a...

Depression and pain.
September 1, 2004... Hurting bodies and suffering minds often require the same treatment. Pain, especially chronic pain, is an emotional condition as well as a physical sensation. It is a complex experience that affects thought, mood, and behavior and can lead...

In brief; Missing mental health services.
September 1, 2004... A survey by the World Health Organization shows that in most parts of the world, people with the most serious mental health problems are not getting the treatment they need. A standard interview was used to diagnose more than 60,000 people...

In brief; Smoking and schizophrenia.
September 1, 2004... The vast majority of people with schizophrenia smoke. A common explanation is that they become addicted after taking up use of the stimulant nicotine to treat symptoms of apathy and emotional numbing. Nearly 90% say they began smoking before...

In brief; Omitting medications in schizophrenia.
September 1, 2004... A study of more than 1,600 schizophrenic patients in the San Diego area shows the cost of taking antipsychotic drugs -- and the price paid when they are not taken as prescribed. Medicaid and pharmacy records revealed that about 40% of the...

In brief; Improving patient communication.
September 1, 2004... European researchers have developed and tested a new way to help schizophrenic patients convey their needs to psychiatrists and others who care for them. The Two-Way Communication Checklist is a list of topics that includes drug side effects,...

Questions & answers.(psychotherapy)
September 1, 2004... Q. How important is the therapeutic alliance for the outcome of psychotherapy, and how should it affect a patient's choice of a therapist? A. The therapeutic alliance, also called the working alliance, is essential for successful...