Psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder may be genetic

Scientists have found that some psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may be genetic, whereas neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, appeared more distinct. The study indicated that psychiatric disorders are likely to have important similarities at a molecular level, which current diagnostic categories do not reflect. “This work is starting to re-shape how we think about disorders of the brain. If we can uncover the genetic influences and patterns of overlap between different disorders, then we might be able to better understand the root causes of these conditions…

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Anxiety, depression in young people could be early symptoms of bipolar disorder

A study has recently found that early anxiety and disorders of attention or behaviour are two patterns of psychiatric symptoms that may help to identify young people at increased risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD). According to researchers, early signs of BD can fall into a relatively characteristic “homotypic” pattern, consisting mainly of symptoms or other features associated with mood disorders; or a “heterotypic” pattern of other symptoms including anxiety and disruptive behaviour. Environmental risk factors and exposures can also contribute to BD risk. The team analysed data from 39…

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World Thyroid Day: Foods to Eat and Avoid to Manage Common Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

World Thyroid Day is commemorated every year on 25th May globally by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) along with other International thyroid societies. Thyroid is an important gland found at the base of the neck that produces, stores and releases two important hormones which are Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland is able to carry out its functions with the help of iodine derived from the food we eat. Therefore, our diet plays an important role in the risk of developing thyroid problems and also managing them. The two most…

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Experts shed myths of ‘Harlequin Ichthyosis’- a rare skin disorder

Bursting the myth of a rare genetic disease, which causes thickening of the skin, experts say that by rigorously following all the precautions and treatment, the newborns can lead a normal life. Harlequin Ichthyosis- is a very rare type of severe, inherited, genetic skin disorder and is characterised by thick white plates of skin with deep cracks, which are vulnerable to bacteria and other contaminants, putting the person at the risk of fatal infection. “The main cause of this rare genetic disorder is the mutation in a gene — the…

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A gene’s dysfunction may cause premenstrual mood disorder

A premenstrual mood disorder that affects two to five per cent of women of reproductive age may be the result of a dysregulation in certain gene activity. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with symptoms such as irritability, sadness, and anxiety in the days leading up to her menstrual period, is severe than premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which is much more common. The findings showed that women with PMDD are more sensitive to the effects of sex hormones estrongen and progesterone, due to a molecular mechanism in their genes. The study proves “that…

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Dyslexia may be more than a reading disorder: Study

A distinctive neural signature found in the brains of people with dyslexia may explain why they have difficulty in learning to read and adapting to sensory inputs, according to a new study. The brain typically adapts rapidly to sensory input, such as the sound of a person’s voice or images of faces and objects, as a way to make processing more efficient. But, the study found that for individuals with dyslexia, the adaptation was on average nearly half. In dyslexic people, the brain has a diminished ability to acclimate to…

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