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Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Vitamin D Deficiency And Suicide, Miriam Salamon
Vitamin D Deficiency And Suicide, Miriam Salamon
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Vitamin D deficiency, in an increasingly modernized world, is a major global health issue and so is major depressive disorder (MDD) and its high fatality risk. Studies suggest that there may be a connection between the two. Several studies have found a connection between low levels of vitamin D and higher rates of major depressive disorder, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Specifically, lower concentrations of vitamin D was seen in the subgroup of patients with suicidal thoughts when comparing with non-suicidal depressed patients. A likely reason for this may be the well- researched role vitamin D plays in regulation of …
From Squirrels To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt): The Modulation Of The Hippocampus, Rachel Ariella Bartfeld
From Squirrels To Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt): The Modulation Of The Hippocampus, Rachel Ariella Bartfeld
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The legitimacy of psychotherapy can often be thrown into doubt as its mechanisms of action are generally considered hazy and unquantifiable. One way to support the effectiveness of therapy would be to demonstrate the physical effects that this treatment option can have on the brain, just like psychotropic medications that physically alter the brain’s construction leaving no doubt as to the potency of their effects. Beginning with the understanding of therapy as a behavior, this paper first questions the possibility of behavior effecting measurable change on the brain. Examining diverse samples of both animals and humans repeatedly shows that the …
Quest For Vaccines To Treat Addiction, Rachel Florence
Quest For Vaccines To Treat Addiction, Rachel Florence
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Drug addiction is a prime example of biochemical psychology. When people use drugs such as nicotine, they trigger dopamine receptors in the brain, causing a pleasurable sensation. People want to repeat the feeling and thus get addicted to the drug. With the development of a vaccine to treat addiction, researchers attempt to prevent drugs from crossing over the bloodbrain barrier and triggering the dopamine receptors. Experiments and clinical trials prove the efficacy of the nicotine vaccine. However, Phase III trials and additional research are necessary before the vaccine can be launched for public use.
Is There A Genetic Basis For Alcoholism?, David Aharonoff
Is There A Genetic Basis For Alcoholism?, David Aharonoff
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
This paper reviews studies done on the correlation of alcoholism and genetics. Evidence of this correlation can be seen in high heritability of alcoholism. The main methods used in determining genetic risk factors are candidate gene studies and genome wide studies. This review focuses mainly on findings related to specific neurotransmitters and receptors in relation to alcoholism. Evidence has shown that specific neurotransmitters and receptors can play a role in increased susceptibility to alcoholism. The neurotransmitters and receptors discussed in this paper include GABA, glutamate, and endogenous opioids. There is also a discussion focused on mutations of specific enzymes (ADH …
Should Benzodiazepines Be Prescribed To Treat Insomnia And Anxiety Related Disorders?, Judith Nicole Margareten
Should Benzodiazepines Be Prescribed To Treat Insomnia And Anxiety Related Disorders?, Judith Nicole Margareten
The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
The following is an excerpt of the introduction of this article: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed drugs used to treat insomnia and anxiety. They are often found in forms such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Valium (diazepam). For many, these drugs have proven essential for ensuring a restful night’s sleep, but for others they are the cause of sleepless ones. Negative effects of benzodiazepines such as addiction, dependence, and impaired cognition plague many patients. While doctors are prone to prescribe these medications readily due to their high level of effectiveness, this practice can pose a great risk to certain populations.