Links between acne and depression

In an analysis of one of the largest electronic medical records databases in the world, researchers found that patients with acne had a significantly increased risk of developing major depression, but only in the first 5 years after being diagnosed with acne. The British Journal of Dermatology analysis included data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) (1986-2012), a large primary care database in the United Kingdom.

The investigators found that the risk for major depression was highest within 1 year of acne diagnosis a-63% higher risk compared with individuals without acne and decreased thereafter. The results indicate that it is critical that physicians monitor mood symptoms in patients with acne and initiate prompt treatment for depression or seek consultation from a psychiatrist when needed.

This study highlights an important link between skin disease and mental illness. Given the risk of depression was highest after the first time a patient presented to a physician for acne concerns, it shows how impactful human skin can be towards overall mental health.

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Vitamin D supplements could ease irritable bowel syndrome

Vitamin D supplements could ease painful Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS symptoms. Scientists from the University's Department of Oncology and Metabolism reviewed and integrated all available research on vitamin D and IBS. The study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in IBS patients. They also assessed the possible benefits of vitamin D supplements on IBS symptoms. Their findings suggested supplements may help to ease symptoms which can include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. Vitamin D was shown to have the most benefit on quality of life in IBS.

People with IBS should have their vitamin D levels tested and a large majority of them would benefit from supplements. IBS is a poor condition which impacts severely on the quality of life of sufferers. There is no single known cause and no cure. IBS is a debilitating functional disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Little is known about why and how the condition develops, although it is known that diet and stress can make symptoms worse.

Vitamin D is essential for general wellbeing, including bone health, immune function, mental health as well as gut health. Vitamin D inadequacy can be remedied relatively easily with supplements if diagnosed. Low vitamin D status has already been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer and has been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease.
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Spanking children increases the risk of depression

Spanking is using physical force with the intention of causing a child to experience pain, but not injury, to correct their behavior. Parents have long argued it is their prerogative if they wish to smack their child to keep them in line and teach them right from wrong. However, thousands of campaigners have dismissed their claims and state it is wrong to cause any degree of pain to children.

Spanking naughty children increases their risk of depression and becoming hooked on illegal drugs, researchers also found the violent practice leaves a lasting impact on youngsters and makes them more likely to become suicidal. The findings, based on data from different adults, has prompted calls for spanking to be considered as bad for children taken through a divorce.

Scientists now stress the importance of cracking down on harsh parenting in order to prevent children from becoming depressed. Researchers asked volunteers to complete questionnaires about how often they were spanked as a child. They were also quizzed about their household background and if an adult inflicted either physical or emotional abuse upon them.

Those reporting exposure to spanking had increased odds of depression and other mental health problems, spanking should be considered an adverse childhood experience because it involves the use of force and infliction of pain, and is linked to poor mental health outcomes.This would put spanking into the same bracket as abuse, neglect and household dysfunction, which includes divorce and an incarcerated relative.
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Mental health condition surpreses the immune system

According to new research, depression increases the risk of an early death.
Men's risk of a premature death increases three-fold when suffering from the mental health condition, while women's risk is heightened by up to 50 percent.

Depression causes the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, putting sufferers at an increased risk of conditions such as cancer. People with the mental health condition may have unhealthy lifestyle habits, including a poor diet, inactivity and excessive alcohol intake.

Researchers analyzed more than 3000 adults between 1952 and 1967, 1968 and 1990, and 1991 and 2011. The study's participants' had an average age of 50 when the trial started. Results reveal depression increases the risk of an early death by up to three times. Men's risk increases three-fold, while women's peaks at 51 percent.

Depression is linked to the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, putting sufferers at increased risk of disorders including multiple sclerosis, arthritis and some. cancers. People with depression may also neglect their physical health through lifestyle habits such as a poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake. The mental health condition is more prevalent in women, however, past findings suggest men suffer the effects of it more as they are often less inclined to seek help.

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Treating insomnia may reduce the risk of mental health problems

Treating insomnia with online cognitive behavioural therapy CBT could reduce mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Sleep disruption is a driving factor in the occurrence of paranoia, hallucinatory experiences, and other mental health problems in so many people.

One group received online cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for insomnia; the other group did not but had access to standard treatments. Those who received the CBT sleep treatment showed large reductions in insomnia, paranoia and hallucinatory experiences. The treatment also led to improvements in depression, anxiety, nightmares and psychological well-being.

The programme was interactive, with participants' daily sleep diaries used to tailor the advice. Researchers monitored participants' mental health through a series of online questionnaires. Those who received CBT may not experience anxiety disorder. Treating disrupted sleep could provide a key route for improving mental health.

Sleep problems are common in people with mental health disorders, insomnia is the cause of psychological difficulties. The results showed that insomnia may be a cause of mental health problems. A good night's sleep can make a difference to people's psychological health.

The cognitive-behavioural therapy was delivered through an online programme. It included behavioural, cognitive and educational components, such as learning to associate bed with sleep, encouraging people to put time aside to reflect on their day before going to bed, and facilitating a pro-sleep environment.
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