NFL Player Tackled His Depression

Learn about how this former NFL football player tackled his depression when traditional drug treatments failed

When you’re depressed, literally and figuratively stuck in a dark place, with no desire to get out and experience the world, it feels like time is inching by. Seconds feel like minutes, minutes feel like hours, and hours feel like days. Apparently, though, it’s not just a feeling. It’s a very real perception of time. New research from psychologists at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz in Germany shows that depressed people actually experience time differently than healthy individuals. The scientists analyzed the results of 16 different studies examining 433 depressed subjects and 485 non-depressed control subjects. For the first part of the study, subjects were surveyed on their perception of time. “Psychiatrists and psychologists in hospitals and private practices repeatedly report that depressed patients feel that time only creeps forward slowly or is passing in slow motion,” reported study author Dr. Daniel Oberfeld-Twistel. The results of the meta-analysis confirmed that this is indeed the case. Then, for the second part of the study, they asked the subjects to subjectively estimate the length of a movie in minutes, press a button for five seconds, or identify the length of different sounds. In this case, the results obtained from the depressed […]

Ketamine makes #7 on Dr. Axe’s Top 10 Medical Innovations to Watch Out for in 2017 list! “7. Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression More than 15 millions Americans over the age of 18 suffer from depression — that’s 6.7 percent of the adult population. (8) And while there are some natural remedies and prescription medications available, for nearly one-third of depressed patients, they don’t work. Unfortunately, for about 43,000 people, the answer becomes suicide. The medical world believes there is new hope in ketamine for these extreme, treatment-resistant cases. For the last few years, the animal tranquilizer and sometimes-party drug has been studied and trialled as a treatment for major depression when other options have been exhausted, and the results are promising. Of course, I am an advocate for natural depression treatment and improving mood and brain structure through food and exercise, but in some cases, even that fails to work. Numerous studies have found that ketamine is extremely effective in treating major depression, sometimes as quickly as in 24 hours after just one dose. (9) Serial ketamine infusions seem to be even more effective at treating the mental disease. (10) It works by targeting and inhibiting NMDA receptors in nerve cells. Thanks to […]

When should you, the prescriber, conclude that your patient with depression is “treatment resistant,” and thereby eligible for alternative non-pharmacological interventions—such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)? There are multiple ways that the failure to agree on a standardized definition of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) impacts the clinical care of patients who do not respond to multiple medication trials. In an article appearing in the January 2017 issue of JAMA Psychiatry, Charles Conway, M.D., Mark George, M.D., and Harold Sackheim, Ph.D., wrote that the lack of a consensus definition around what constitutes TRD “limits the ability to do comparative treatment research, to understand the biological underpinnings of TRD, and produces ambiguous medical insurance coverage issues.” Drawing on data from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial, they proposed a definition for TRD: failure to respond to two trials of an antidepressant prescribed at an adequate dose for an adequate duration of time. Conway, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Treatment Resistant Depression and Neurostimulation Clinic at Washington University, St. Louis, said that in the absence of a consensus definition of TRD, patients often receive multiple trials of medication. “Our experience has been that […]

Published Thursday 26 October 2017 By Tim Newman Fact checked by Jasmin Collier According to a recent study, although treating major depressive disorder has benefits in the short-term, over a longer period of time, it may make the condition worse. Major depressive disorder is a serious, debilitating mental illness. In the United States, it affects more than 16.1 million people over the age of 18. Although its prevalence is high, it is still a difficult condition to treat. Treatments include medications such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and talking therapies, such as cognitive therapy. No case of depression is the same, and often, individuals receive a range of treatments across their lifetime. How well the treatment of depression works has come under scrutiny over recent years, and the debate is by no means over. The latest study, published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, adds another dimension to this ongoing conversation. Clinical Treatment Compared with Community Individuals with major depressive disorder who receive medication or cognitive therapy often see a reduction in their depressive symptoms and experience significantly longer times before relapse. But over the longer-term, the picture is less clear. This is primarily because studies generally only run for […]

John Foster, like many who have served our country, has dealt with the lasting effects of war, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The 38-year-old says a genetic test, ordered by his doctor, helped guide his treatment plan and allowed him to get better, faster. The Orlando, Florida, resident was a combat medic and served two tours of duty in Iraq. He says the first tour, in 2004 and 2005, left him with no problems…or so he thought. It was during the second tour, in 2006 and 2007, when his issues developed. This is when the Army extended tours as a part of the troop surge. During John’s deployment, 11 members of his unit were killed in the deadliest year of the war on terror. Foster’s PTSD has required both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Through the years, he’s dealt with the frustration of discovering that many psychiatric drugs don’t work for him: at one point taking as many as 13 different medications a day. “My doctor, Dr. Robert Pollack, was able to adjust my meds and recommend supplements to more effectively help me deal with the situation…the Genecept Assay® was key for me to help unlock the personal information that I needed […]

The CBS Evening News (6/7, story 3, 3:05, Glor) reported, “The CDC put out an alarming report today on suicide. Nearly 45,000 Americans took their lives in 2016. That is more than car accidents or opioid overdoses.” On ABC World News Tonight (6/7, story 7, 1:40, Muir), ABC News correspondent Gio Benitez said that “the CDC is reporting that suicide rates have increased by 25 percent over two decades.” NBC Nightly News (6/7, story 9, 0:30, Holt) reported that the CDC’s report “shows a dramatic rise in suicide rise in half the states across the US more than 30 percent from 1999 to 2016.” The New York Times (6/7, Carey, Subscription Publication) reports suicide rates increased in all states but Nevada between 1999 and 2016, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report “found that slightly more than half of people who had” died by suicide “did not have any known mental health condition.” The Washington Post (6/7, Nutt) reports that Anne Schuchat, MD, the CDC’s principal deputy director, said, “The data are disturbing. The widespread nature of the increase, in every state but one, really suggests that this is a national problem hitting most communities.” Joshua Gordon, MD, PhD, the director of the National […]

June 12, 2018 Key Points Question  How frequently do US adults use prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect and is use of these medications associated with concurrent depression? Findings  In this cross-sectional US population-based survey study conducted between 2005 and 2014, the estimated overall prevalence of US adults using medications with depression as a potential adverse effect was 37.2%. The adjusted percentage of adults with concurrent depression was higher among those using more concurrent medications (eg, estimated 15% for ≥3 medications). Meaning  Use of prescription medications that have depression as a potential adverse effect was common and associated with greater likelihood of concurrent depression. Abstract Importance  Prescription medications are increasingly used among adults in the United States and many have a potential for causing depression. Objectives  To characterize use of prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect and to assess associations between their use and concurrent depression. Design, Setting, and Participants  Five 2-year cycles (2005-2006 through 2013-2014) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, representative cross-sectional surveys of US adults aged 18 years or older, were analyzed for use of medications with depression as a potential adverse effect. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between use of these medications and concurrent depression. Analyses […]

Impaired Synaptic Connections Research increasingly links impaired synaptic connections with MDD.1 Synaptic connections are constantly remodeled, created, and lost as a result of new experiences, emotions, learning, and memory.1 However, this synaptic plasticity may be impaired in patients with MDD.2 In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found a significantly lower number of synapses in key regions of post-mortem brains from patients who suffered from MDD compared to healthy subjects3 Preclinical studies show that chronic stress not only causes dendritic spines to atrophy and contract, but also reduces the number of synapses2,4 The impairment appears to be centered in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which are areas of the brain involved in regulating mood and information processing5 Other brain regions that are affected include the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, and orbitofrontal cortex4 Structural and Functional Brain Changes are Associated with MDD The findings on synaptic impairment add to the evidence that MDD is associated with structural and functional abnormalities in the brain, as previously seen by neuroimaging studies. Again, the most consistent alterations are observed in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, where reduced gray matter volume is associated with more severe depression. Impaired synaptic plasticity within these and other brain regions may reduce the number […]

WHY AREN’T SOME PATIENTS WITH MDD REACHING REMISSION? For more than 50 years, major depressive disorder (MDD) pharmacological treatment approaches have focused on increasing the level of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain, with the hope of reducing symptoms.1 And while conventional antidepressants have helped most, the STAR*D trial* found that one-third of patients didn’t achieve remission after multiple treatment attempts.2 What’s missing? BEYOND NEUROTRANSMITTERS: SYNAPTIC CONNECTIONS One emerging theory suggests that MDD may be linked to impaired synaptic connections in areas of the brain that regulate mood.3,4 The hypothesis points to an intriguing possibility: If synaptic connections are disrupted in MDD, can this synaptic impairment be improved?5 SYNAPTIC CONNECTIVITY: THE GLUTAMATE HYPOTHESIS Scientists are honing in on the role of glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter that helps regulate synaptic connectivity.6 A burst of glutamate may initiate pathways that are believed to be involved in the strengthening and formation of new synaptic connections.5 As research advances, a deeper understanding of MDD is within reach. Watch THIS video or visit Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. to learn more.

For 50 years, pharmacological treatment approaches in MDD have focused on targeting monoamine receptors in the hopes of reducing symptoms. While conventional therapies have helped many, the STAR*D trial* revealed that as many as a third of patients may not achieve remission despite treatment with traditional antidepressants.¹,² Dr Rakesh Jain, clinical professor of psychiatry at Texas Tech University School of Medicine, discusses the estimated 5 million patients who aren’t reaching remission despite multiple treatment attempts in a video available on ConnectingMDD.com. THE LIKELIHOOD OF REMISSION DROPS TO 14% AFTER A SECOND TREATMENT FAILURE* In the STAR*D trial, 37% of patients reached remission after the first-line treatment step with an oral antidepressant.1 The chances for remission dropped substantially after 2 treatment attempts, even with augmentation strategies.1 WITHOUT REMISSION, THE BURDEN OF MDD GROWS REFERENCES Rush AJ, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163:1905-1917. The National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression among adults. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml. Updated November 2017. Accessed April 6, 2018. Uher R, et al. Depress Anxiety. 2014;(31):459-471. Feldman RL, et al. J Med Econ. 2013;16(1):62-74.

By Alan Mozes HealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Teens who are often bullied may be left with shrinkage in key parts of their brain, increasing their risk for mental illness, European researchers report. They said such shrinkage eventually appears to create a growing sense of anxiety, even after taking into account the possible onset of other mental health concerns, such as stress and/or depression. “We don’t know how early in life these brain changes begin,” said study author Erin Burke Quinlan. “But the earlier bullying is identified, and the sooner it can be dealt with, the better.” Her team analyzed brain scans of nearly 700 14- to 19-year-olds in England, Ireland, France and Germany. The teens were part of a long-term project called IMAGEN that is studying adolescent brain development and mental health. “We found that the relationship between chronic peer victimization — an umbrella term that includes bullying — relates to the development of anxiety partly via changes in the volume of brain structures,” Quinlan said. She’s an IMAGEN project coordinator at the Center for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine at King’s College London. Researchers aren’t sure if the bullied teens’ brain shrinkage is permanent […]

Heart attack, conceptual computer illustration. Mild depression was a long-term independent predictor of death in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), per cohort study data published in Heart, Lung and Circulation. Investigators conducted a 25-year follow-up of men who were recruited after AMI to participate in a randomized controlled trial in the 1980s. The initial trial investigated the impact of high intensity exercise on physical and psychological health; depression was assessed at baseline using the Beck Depression Inventory. Sociodemographic information, cardiovascular risk factors, and severity of AMI were also captured at baseline. During the 25-year follow-up period, investigators used the Australian National Death Index to determine mortality status of patients after their index AMI. Cox proportional-hazards modeling was used to assess the relationship between depression severity and all-cause mortality at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years post-AMI. Related Articles Pharmacotherapy May Reduce Depressive Symptoms After Traumatic Brain InjuryDepression Associated With Polygenic Risk for Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and SchizophreniaPostnatal Paternal Depression Associated With Depression in Girls The final analysis cohort comprised 185 men, mean age 54.15 (8.54). Per the Beck Depression Inventory, 114 patients (60.4%) had low to no depression, 47 (25.2%) had mild depression, and 27 (14.3%) had moderate to severe […]

The use of higher-than-recommended doses of zolpidem was commonly seen in women not previously treated with the drug, according to results from a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study of 139,525 people who had never been treated with zolpidem and were prescribed the drug from January 1, 2013, to June 3, 2014. Cohort data were obtained from a national pharmacy health administration database used by the Veterans Health Administration. High-dose zolpidem use was defined as more than 5 mg per day for women or 10 mg per day for men. The dosing definition was based on a safety warning released by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2013. After statistical analysis, the researchers found that 0.4% of men (n=122,659) and 41.1% of women (n=16,866) were prescribed high-dose zolpidem therapy. In addition, they reported that substance abuse or dependence was associated with high-dose therapy in women (odds ratio, 1.20; P <.001). Related Articles FDA to Review Lemborexant NDA for Treatment of InsomniaInsomnia in Late Pregnancy Associated With Perinatal AnxietyCan Acupuncture Improve Sleep for Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD? “The high prevalence of high-dose use in women is due in part to the change […]

Baby boomers match seniors in the use of benzodiazepines, while misuse is most common in those aged 18 to 25. Over 30 million U.S. adults took benzodiazepines in the past year, including 5.3 million who misused the medication, according to a study posted December 17, 2018, in Psychiatric Services in Advance. The findings, which were based on an analysis of data collected as part of a national survey in 2015 and 2016, suggest that annual benzodiazepine use among U.S. adults may be more than double estimates based on data collected in 2013 and 2014. The findings also point to those most likely to take the medication without a prescription or in greater amounts or over longer periods of time than prescribed. In the study, researchers analyzed data about adults age 18 and older who participated in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2015 and 2016. The data were extrapolated for the U.S. population. The annual NSDUH asks participants about substance use, mental health, and more. Overall, 30.6 million adults, or 12.6 percent, used benzodiazepines in the previous year. Other studies such as the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey suggested […]

Frequent use of sleep medications appears to be associated with increased long-term risk of dementia, particularly among older white adults, according to research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Los Angeles this week. “Based on our findings, we recommend that clinicians make more effort to be aware of their patients’ sleep problems including use of sleep aids,” said lead study author Yue Leng, Ph.D., of the University of California, San Francisco, in a press release. Leng and colleagues studied 3,068 black and white community-dwelling older adults aged 70 to 79 years who did not have dementia and were enrolled in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study. At the beginning of the study, the participants were asked to rate their use of “sleeping pills or other medication” to help them sleep using the following responses: “never,” “rarely (once a month or less),” “sometimes (2 to 4 times per month),” “often (5 to 15 times per month),” or “almost always (16 to 30 times per month).” A total of 147 (4.8%) participants reported taking sleep medications “sometimes,” and 172 (5.6%) reported “often” or “almost always.” A total of 34 black participants (2.7%) and 138 white participants (7.7%) reported taking sleep […]

The Washington Post (8/5, Wan, Bever) reports that according to research, mental illness is not to blame for America’s mass shootings. In a 2018 report of active shooters, the FBI “found that 25 percent of active shooters had been diagnosed with a mental illness. And of those diagnosed, only three shooters had been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder.” Similarly, “in a 2015 study that examined 235 people who committed or tried to commit mass killings, only 22 percent could be considered” as having a mental illness. In addition, “a 2004 report conducted by the Secret Service and the Education Department found that only 12 percent of perpetrators in more than three dozen school shootings showed an interest in violent video games.”        The AP (8/5, Johnson) reports experts say that “Trump’s focus on ‘mentally ill monsters’ oversimplifies the role of mental illness in public mass shootings and downplays the ease with which Americans can get firearms, experts said.” Mental health experts “repeated what they have said after previous mass shootings: Most people with mental illness are not violent, they are far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators, and access to firearms is a big part of the problem.” The AP adds […]

Every day last week, approximately 122 people in the United States took their lives by suicide. This week, as we recognize World Suicide Prevention Day, it’s more important than ever to help spread awareness that can save lives. The tragedy of suicide is stealing loved ones-leaving behind family and friends to navigate the tragedy of loss, emptiness, and despair. Untreated mental illnesses are often the cause of suicide. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health leaves many feeling in the dark with nowhere to turn. This is why we need to do more as a society to help end the stigma and move forward in compassion and understanding. Because depression is more than just having a bad day and it’s not just something people can shake off. Depression can be debilitating. It can interfere with every aspect of your life…making it hard to function each day. In fact, depression is currently the leading cause of disability and poor health worldwide. And, with an estimated 1 in 6 Americans affected by the darkness of depression, it’s time to put the spotlight on treatments that help people get better. The darkness of depression is something that affects an estimated 1 in 6 Americans. […]

Ketamine, Similar Compounds Emerging as Mood Disorder Treatments Sanjay J. Mathew, MD, vice chair for research at Baylor College of Medicine and staff physician at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, has long been interested in the brain’s glutamate system and how it could be manipulated with substances such as ketamine to treat conditions including depression and suicidal ideation. At this year’s Psych Congress, Dr. Mathew, who is also director of Baylor’s mood and anxiety disorders program, will share the top 5 things that mental health clinicians should know about therapy with ketamine and the esketamine nasal spray newly approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Below, he discusses his research into ketamine, how it works in the body, ongoing research into the compound, and similar agents that are in development. Q: How did you first become involved with research into glutamatergic agents such as ketamine? A: I‘ve been involved ever since my faculty position at Mount Sinai [School of Medicine], where we were interested in the glutamate system broadly for its potential impact in neuroplasticity and we were studying agents such as riluzole, which is approved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and repurposing it for depression and generalized […]

Tanya Albert Henry – Contributing News Writer American Medical Association In a win for physicians and their patients, a federal court blocked a Trump Administration-backed conscience rights rule the AMA and other medical associations opposed in an amicus brief because the change would “radically disrupt medical care and endanger the health and lives of patients.” In a 147-page ruling, a judge in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York vacated the entire Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) “Protecting Statutory Conscience Rights in Health Care” rule that was supposed to take effect Nov. 22. Judge Paul Engelmayer called the rule that would have expanded health care workers ability to refuse to provide care because of religious or moral reasons “arbitrary and capricious.” (The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California Judge William Alsup also vacated the rule in a separate November ruling.) Engelmayer’s ruling in State of New York et al. v. Department of Health and Human Services said the department didn’t have rule-making authority to make the substantive changes it attempted to make and that the rule conflicted with other federal laws, including the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and Title VII, which […]

For years, ADHD has been considered a disorder of kids and younger adults. Now, doctors are realizing older people have it too—and it’s sometimes mistaken for dementia. Many seniors get diagnosed with conditions like dementia or heart disease. Not Timothy McMichael. At the age of 60, he was diagnosed with a condition most often associated with school children: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. He started taking a low dose of a stimulant about a year-and-a-half ago and says his attentiveness and concentration at work have never been better. “I’ve been fairly successful in my life and career, and did not think of ADHD as an adult thing,” says Mr. McMichael, a 61-year-old Leonardtown, Md., resident and engineer for the Department of Defense. “But I had spent the last 40 years coming up with coping mechanisms.” Like many older people diagnosed with ADHD for the first time, Mr. McMichael didn’t consider the condition until his then-11-year-old son went through the diagnosis and treatment process about five years ago. He recognized many of the symptoms and struggles of his son and raised the issue with his son’s psychiatrist, David Goodman. Dr. Goodman, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University […]

Your Physical and Mental Safety is Our Top Priority at PASWFL Depression is a potentially life threatening illness and we are here to continue offering access to care. That being said, we believe it is important to care for our patients in the safest way possible so we have implemented precautions to make sure our practice is as safe as possible for our patients. Our office is still offering the TMS and Ketamine treatments by appointment.Therapy and medication assessment visits are still taking place either in the office or by telepsychiatry. We have expanded our waiting room so there is a minimum of 6 feet between each chair. If patients would rather wait in their cars for their visits that is fine and we will notify them by text. As a medical practice, we generally have high standards for cleanliness and sanitization. Still, during this pandemic we have implemented extra precautions to ensure surfaces, treatment rooms and implements are pristine. We feel that mental health is a vital need that requires treatment and we are doing the best we can to serve our patients. To inquire about our IV Ketamine infusions, our TMS treatment, our psychiatry appointments or our telepsychiatry services, please […]

The Pandemic Environment is taking a Toll on People’s Mental Health The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety for many people. Unfortunately, for those suffering from mental illnesses, these feelings might become intensified and in some cases crippling. This is why our PASWFL team remains committed to offering essential psychiatric care during this challenging time which includes in-office visits for Ketamine and TMS Therapy as well as safe and convenient telehealth appointments for those who aren’t able to leave home. Our Patients in Florida are appreciating the Benefits of Telehealth Appointments  During a pandemic like COVID-19, telehealth allows us to better respond to the needs of patients in our community who aren’t able to leave home to receive the care they need. It helps bridge the gap between our physicians and patients by allowing patients to meet with providers from the comfort of their homes.  Please know that your safety and health are a top priority for our team. PASWFL’s telehealth program is designed to provide the highest caliber of care for our patients via virtual appointments. And, as with our in-office services, PASWFL accepts most commercial insurance including Medicare and Tricare.  Telehealth Services Offered: TelepsychiatryTelepsychotherapyOnline […]

Countries with early interest in face mask use had milder COVID-19 infection rates, according to a letter-to-the-editor published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Researchers with the Chinese University of Hong Kong reported findings from an analysis of how public interest in face masks, based on Google Trends relative search volume data, may have affected the severity of COVID-19 infection and potentially contained the outbreak in 42 countries around the world. “There is a clear dichotomous pattern, with regions having an early awareness and interest in face masks having milder outbreaks of COVID-19, and vice-versa,” Sunny H. Wong, MBChB, DPhil, FRCPE, FRCPath, FHKCP, FHKAM, associate professor in the department of medicine and therapeutics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and colleagues wrote. “Our results support that face masks can slow the spread of COVID-19.” To gauge public interest in face masks, Wong and colleagues retrieved Google Trends relative search volume data on the topic “surgical mask” and COVID-19 global incidence data from January 2020 to May 2020. Wong and colleagues observed a “divergent pattern” of Google Trends relative search volume values for “surgical mask” during the timeline of COVID-19, showing peak relative search volume values in some regions early in the COVID-19 […]

The Expert Starting Point For Your Mental Health™ We’ve learned that genetics plays a powerful role in your mental health. Genomind® Mental Health Map™ is a breakthrough innovation designed to help you understand your genetic predispositions so that you can take more informed action to improve your mental well-being. A Breakthrough Innovation in Mental Health and Wellness Genomind® Mental Health Map™ provides information about your genetic predispositions toward traits across 7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities™ including:  Stress and Anxiety, Mood, Focus and Memory, Habits and Substance Use, Sleep, Social Behavior, and Eating Behavior. The test involves collecting a sample with a simple cheek swab that you can take at home.  From your sample 38 gene variants that impact your mental health and wellness are analyzed in our highly accredited CLIA, CAP and NYSDOH certified lab. You will receive your results within a few days. 7 In-Depth, Interactive Mental Health Reports Each report is based on one of the 7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities™ Your reports will identify genetic predispositions you may have, detail the neuroscience driving your behavior, and provide actionable insights and resources from our highly experienced mental health experts.  Everything you need to start forming better […]

The AMA recently launched the #MaskUp campaign to normalize mask wearing in the fight against COVID-19. “COVID-19 respects no geographic, demographic or ideological boundaries, and unfortunately it shows no signs of going away any time soon,” AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, said in a press release. “Make masks part of your daily wardrobe and regular routine. By wearing a cloth mask, practicing physical distancing, and regularly washing our hands, we can all prevent the spread of COVID-19.” The #MaskUp campaign aims to promote discussions on social media, address FAQs on masks, dispell myths on “common misconceptions and misinformation” about masks and provide ways that people stop the spread of the virus. Last month, the Council of Medical Specialty Societies called for a nationwide mask-wearing mandate. The American Hospital Association, American Nurses Association and Infectious Diseases Society of America have also urged Americans to wear masks. “Masks work. Masks save lives,” Bailey said. “Do your part. Mask up!” Currently, the CDC recommends all people older than 2 years except those with trouble breathing or who cannot remove a face covering without help, to wear a cloth face covering in public or when around non-household members.

Millions of individuals are impacted by hormone imbalance every day. From fatigue, and weight gain to severe mood changes, and low libido, many are left with feelings of discomfort, unaware of how they may help alleviate these common issues. Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers, FL specializes in addressing these and other early indicators of aging through precision, personalized patient care plans that optimize hormones and extend patient healthspan. As a Certified BioTE® Provider, Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida is proud to offer BioTE Medical’s method of hormone therapy in their Fort Myers, FL office. With more than 1.7 million insertions performed, BioTE Medical’s method of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may help men and women experiencing hormone imbalance. Contact Psychiatric Associates of Southwest Florida to schedule an evaluation and learn how restoring hormones to their optimal level may address specific health concerns. [See Us on BioTE]

Dear Valued Patient, Thank you for choosing my practice and allowing me to be your healthcare professional. I look forward to being of service and helping you reach your greatest health potential. I wanted to let you k now about an exciting addition to my practice. My greatest goal as your physician is to provide you with healthy alternative choices that will enhance your health and well-being. I am pleased to present BioTE® Bio-Identical Hormone Pellet Therapy for womenand men. I decided BioTE® was the right choice for my patients because restoring and balancing ones hormones makes a significant difference in the quality of life BioTE® is safe and effective with no harmful side effects. If you have any of the following symptoms you may be a candidate for BioTE® hormone therapy. DepressionExtreme FatigueDifficulty SleepingLow LibidoMemory Loss,Mental Fog, ConfusionJoint Pain,Night Sweats & Hot Flashes If you’re looking for the following benefits you may want to consider BioTE® hormone therapy. Reduce Risk of Breast CancerReduce Risk of Heart Disease, Osteoporosis and Alzheimer’sIncrease EnergyIncrease Lean Muscle and Bone MassLose Belly Fat Are you a candidate for natural hormone balancing? Would you like to improve your life, health and sense of well-being? Would […]

Researchers at Yale and elsewhere previously identified a host of genetic risk factors that help explain why some veterans are especially susceptible to the debilitating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A new Yale-led study published Sept. 30 in the journal Biological Psychiatry has now identified a social factor that can mitigate these genetic risks: the ability to form loving and trusting relationships with others. The study is one of the first to explore the role of nurture as well as nature in its investigation of the biological basis of PTSD. “We exist in a context. We are more than our genes,” said Yale’s Robert H. Pietrzak, associate professor of psychiatry and public health, and senior author of the study. Pietrzak is also director of the Translational Psychiatric Epidemiology Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD. Like many genetic studies on mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, PTSD studies have revealed numerous genetic risk factors that contribute to the severity of the disorder. For instance, a previous study of more than 165,000 U.S. military veterans led by Yale’s Joel Gelernter, the Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and professor of genetics and of neuroscience, found variants in eight separate […]

Nutrition Basics to Nourish Yourself Download our free guidebook that includes 10 concepts to completely reshape your understanding of nutrition. Download Our FREE Nutrition 101 Guide