Category Archives: psychology/psychiatry

Putting heads together: Brain researchers collaborate to understand and battle dementia, addiction, schizophrenia and more

Posted on August 31, 2018 by

BY AMBER SMITH What do drug addiction, neurodevelopmental disorders and dementia have in common? All three disorders have origins in the brain, with causes and potential treatment methods that tend to overlap. For instance, they are all caused, at least in … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, aging/geriatrics, Alzheimer's/dementia, brain/neurology, health care, psychology/psychiatry, research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sweet dreams: Grieving continues even when you sleep

Posted on February 7, 2018 by

  BY AMBER SMITH The disclosure invariably begins with, “This may sound crazy.” That’s how psychologist Jeffrey Schweitzer, PhD, can tell a bereaved person is about to relay the story of a dream featuring his or her deceased loved one. … Continue reading →

Posted in grief/loss, health care, HealthLink on Air, mental health/emotional health, psychology/psychiatry, sleep | Tagged , , , ,

Could a spit test identify autism in children? Researchers seek early diagnosis

Posted on November 6, 2017 by

BY JIM HOWE A research study at Upstate is employing a novel method as it seeks to develop a quick, painless tool to help diagnose autism in children. Using a simple swab — like a one-headed Q-tip with a spongy … Continue reading →

Posted in autism, genetics, health care, HealthLink on Air, psychology/psychiatry, research, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics | Tagged

Resident physician sees increasing awareness of a common mental disorder

Posted on August 28, 2017 by

BY JIM HOWE Upstate graduate Nicole Cifra, MD, trained with a mentor who told her of his early years as a doctor, some 35 years prior. When he heard a patient had anorexia, he had no idea what that was … Continue reading →

Posted in adolescents, diet/nutrition, health care, medical student, mental health/emotional health, psychology/psychiatry, weight loss | Tagged , , ,

Sleep trouble leads to depression, which leads to medication, which leads to sleep trouble

Posted on July 31, 2017 by

BY AMBER SMITH When patients begin taking antidepressants, their health care providers typically warn that the medication may reduce sexual desire and performance and may increase appetite and weight gain. Often missing is a discussion about how the medication may … Continue reading →

Posted in aging/geriatrics, brain/neurology, depression, drugs/medications/pharmacy, mental health/emotional health, psychology/psychiatry, research | Tagged , , ,

2 questions to ask if you’re told you have multiple sclerosis

Posted on July 19, 2017 by

Among patients treated for multiple sclerosis, up to 10 percent have been mistakenly diagnosed and treated for the disorder. “In many cases they are treated for 10 years or longer, causing for them financial, emotional and physical hardship,” says Upstate … Continue reading →

Posted in brain/neurology, health care, HealthLink on Air, psychology/psychiatry, research, stroke | Tagged , , ,

Psychosocial care tends to body as well as mind

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

Patients are used to having their pulse, blood pressure, respiration, temperature and pain level recorded in their medical record. Now a “sixth vital sign,” that of emotional distress, is beginning to find its way into patient charts. It’s called distress … Continue reading →

Posted in cancer, community, depression, grief/loss, health care, HealthLink on Air, mental health/emotional health, physical therapy/rehabilitation, psychology/psychiatry | Tagged , ,

Ancient herb appears useful as anti-stress therapy

Posted on February 1, 2017 by

BY AMBER SMITH An herb used for centuries in India is gaining recognition in the United States as a way to reduce stress, and scientists at Upstate say their research indicates the herb, called ashwagandha, can help people with anxiety … Continue reading →

Posted in alternative/integrative medicine, drugs/medications/pharmacy, health care, mental health/emotional health, psychology/psychiatry | Tagged , , , , ,

Window to an ill youngster’s world: Therapy with miniatures and sand goes beyond child’s play

Posted on August 15, 2016 by

BY JIM HOWE A box of sand and an assortment of  miniatures helps young patients portray their world, and perhaps make sense of it, at the Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology unit at the Upstate … Continue reading →

Posted in adolescents, cancer, community, health care, mental health/emotional health, patient story, psychology/psychiatry, Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital/pediatrics

Memoir focuses on race and medicine

Posted on July 5, 2016 by

BY SUSAN KEETER In “Black Man in a White Coat,” Damon Tweedy, MD, uses memoir to grapple with the evidence that, in his words, “being black is bad for your health,” shorthand for the fact that many diseases are more … Continue reading →

Posted in bioethics & humanities, community, education, entertainment, health care, health careers, history, illness, medical education, medical student, mental health/emotional health, psychology/psychiatry, public health | Tagged , , ,