Many people worry from time to time. For example, feeling stressed or anxious before a big test is normal and helps us face challenges. But when worries and fear are prolonged and intense, it can disrupt daily life. Anxiety becomes a disorder when fear and worry make it difficult to concentrate...
Updated October 19, 2023 You might be wondering why a doctor would prescribe an antidepressant to treat your irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sometimes low doses of antidepressants are prescribed for IBS, even if the IBS sufferer is not depressed. Antidepressants can reduce pain sensations, rectal hypersensitivity...
Seasonal Affective Disorder Many people find themselves feeling down during the dark and dreary winter months. For some, the winter blues become serious depression. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of major depressive episodes, with symptoms typically occurring each year during the fall and winter. Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal and...
Among the recreational users, less than 30% of Cannabis is used for specific medical reasons, such as chronic pain management, nausea treatment, or anxiety and sleep. Source: A society in transition, an industry ready to bloom from Deloitte For each medical condition, a person and their physician have a range of...
Choosing the Right PGx Test As pharmacogenetics testing becomes more widely available, it is important to understand that not all tests are the same. Different testing companies provide different recommendations with regards to applying information from PGx tests into clinical practice. It is important to understand what you are getting when...
Ancestry genetic testing is a great introduction to genetics for many people. Direct-to-consumer ancestry tests can predict how much Neanderthal DNA you’ve inherited or that your eyes are blue rather than brown. These tests are entertaining, affordable and have changed the relationship we have with our DNA. Customers who order ancestry...
An estimated 17 percent of North Americans will experience a serious bout of depression during their lifetime, and 20 percent will experience an anxiety disorder. Antidepressant medications are typically prescribed to help with six broad categories: panic attacks; obsessions and worries; general anxiety; social anxieties or phobias; and any combination of depression,...
Millions of people are diagnosed with major depressive disorder every year. For roughly 30% of these individuals, standard antidepressants are not effective. People with treatment-resistant depression typically exhaust all options, trying antidepressant after antidepressant with no improvement in symptoms. Treatment-resistant patients sometimes turn to other therapies, such as cognitive behaviour...
We all have been there: trying to make a best decision about something really complicated, like paying hundreds of $ for a medical test not covered by the health insurance. Genetic testing for mental health medications is in this category, at least for now. After glancing over a bunch of...
As we age, the fear of accidental falls is understandable since they can quickly lead to loss of independence and an urgent need for institutional care. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, approximately a third of seniors fall at least once per year. It’s important to understand what causes...
