Abstract Each year, 17.4 million adults experience a mood disorder. Major depression is often called unipolar disorder, while manic depression is often called bipolar disorder. This paper looks at the causes, cures, and medications used in treating these disorders.
From the Paper "Research shows that there has been a dramatic and steady increase of mental disorders. ?An estimated 22.1 per cent of Americans ages 18 and older-about 1 in 5 adults-suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.?1 This translates into 44.3 million people, according to the 1998 U. S Census residential population estimate. The burden of these mental disorders on health and productivity in the United States has been underestimated. Five of the ten leading causes of disability are mental disorders. Nueropsychiatric disorders such as unipolar or major depression, and bipolar depression, account for a combined 46.9 per cent of disease and disability in the world2. Depressive illnesses, and Bipolar disorder, are major contributing factors in disease and disability, affecting the productivity of American culture. Institutions such as the World Health Organization, World Bank and Harvard University, confirm that mental health problems account for 15 per cent of the burden of disease in established market economies.3 The World Health Organization along with the Division of Health and Human Services of the United States government, predict that in the year 2020, Depression will be the second leading cause of disability in the world."
Abstract This paper looks at the sickness, bulimia. The author shows how bulimia reflects the afflicted's need to feel in control. It is an ongoing battle they encounter with perfection. The characteristics of a bulimic and the disease itself are looked at in-depth.
From the Paper "Everybody eats. We do so both because we need to and because we enjoy it. However, as with all human behavior, there are huge differences between people. Some eat more, some eat less, some put on weight easily, others do not. And some people go to such extremes that they harm themselves, by eating too much or too little. As a result, they may harm their health and come to the attention of doctors. Here, we will discuss the issue of bulimia."
Abstract Cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of premature death. Men who smoke are most at risk of death from lung cancer. The author argues that smokers are in great danger of dangerous health effects from smoking and discusses the various impacts caused by smoking.
From the Paper 'Causing more than 400,000 deaths each year, tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Additionally, the direct medical costs amount more than $50 billion per year. More people are harmed and killed by smoking every year than they die of alcohol, drug abuse, AIDS, murders, car crashes, fires, and suicides. Nationally, more than 5 million years of potential life are lost each year as a result of smoking. Every day, nearly 3,000 young people under the age of 18 become regular smokers. Approximately 80% of adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18. Furthermore, approximately five million children presently living will die prematurely because of the decision to smoke cigarettes at adolescence."
Abstract This paper looks at the effect that Baby Boomer's will have on nursing homes and the future of long-term care. The author investigates the current inefficiencies and inadequacies of medical care services and the problems of adaptation that it may face in the future.
From the Paper "Long-term care has been on the government's back-burner since its institutionalization. The Medicare and Medicaid systems have only proven to be inadequate coverage while at the same time costs of services have been increasing. The long-term care system is also very inefficient and cannot effectively coordinate services (Evashwick 2001). The biggest problem with long-term care is the public's unwillingness to take an active role and change the system. There will be major changes take place when the next generation enters the long-term care system. Kobner (2001) had stated it correctly when saying that tomorrow's elderly population is going to be our "new" seniors. Hopefully all of these problems will be reversed when the "new" seniors become 65 years-old. These "new" seniors are also known as the baby boomers. The baby boomers are charging with a tremendous force toward the long-term care system. Healthcare and the aging population are changing dramatically in the United States and long-term care is going to be required to keep up (Mollica 1998)."
Abstract This paper looks at the effects of drugs on the brain. The author looks at the issue from the perspective of biology. Many diagrams, pictures and quotes are included.
From the Paper "There are many reasons why people take drugs, the most basic being that they like the way drugs make them feel. Pleasure, which scientists call reward, is a very powerful biological force for our survival[i]. If we do something pleasurable, the brain is wired in such a way that we tend to do it again. Many everyday activities, such as eating, activate a circuit of specialized nerve cells devoted to producing and regulating pleasure[ii]. One important set of these nerve cells uses a chemical neurotransmitter called dopamine. As it does with other substances, the brain usually keeps tight control over supplies of dopamine. The right amount of dopamine, scientists think, is responsible for our subjective feelings of happiness[iii]. "
A brief history of the discovery and early treatment of this disease followed by an in depth analysis at the molecular level, ending with a summary of treatments and the future of research.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, 2001, $ 45.95
Abstract This paper details the various issues and describes the research surrounding Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a disease that affects children, primarily males and is characterized by the degeneration of muscular tissue. The essay discusses symptoms, causes, molecular and cellular defects, how symptoms are derived from cellular defects and possible treatments. The sections covering the molecular aspects of this disease are in depth and scientifically explicit.
From the Paper "Muscular Dystrophy is a debilitating disorder that is characterized by degeneration of muscle tissue. One of the most common forms of this disorder and one that is particularly severe is Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). This disease affects a far greater number of males, approximately 1 out of every 3 500 born, than females (Cooper 1997). The cellular defects associated with DMD are well understood; however, there is still some speculation over the actions that take place at the molecular level. The treatment available for DMD patients is very limited. However, there has been promising research done with stem cells, antibiotics and gene therapies that offer new hope for sufferers of DMD. Many of these studies have been done on mdx mice, an animal model for DMD that possesses the same genetic defect as humans who suffer with the disease (Agrawal et al. 1999). These studies offer a new ray of hope, not only for those suffering with DMD, but also for people who suffer from various types of muscular degenerative diseases."
Abstract This paper is based on the public role in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The author uses statistics and examples to present the case of FAS. The paper examines what causes it, how it manifests itself, and preventions that can be used and future research needs to combat the problem.
From the Paper "In recent years the public has been made aware of a syndrome called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The syndrome has received publicity for many reasons including the fact that it is a completely preventable syndrome based on the pregnant mother's behaviors. The syndrome causes disabilities for the children and in recent court hearings mothers have been facing charges for causing the syndrome in their children. It is a life long syndrome that cannot be reversed once it is achieved. The public has a responsibility in trying to prevent the syndrome from occurring. The public pays the price each time it happens in the way of funding special education needs, funding welfare checks and funding the cost of foster care. It is in the public's best interest to use education and legal means to stop the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome."
Abstract This paper discusses self-image and body-image dissatisfaction, and how they correlate with sex, nationality, age and other contributing factors. The author examines such diseases as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and how psychological and physiological issues also coincide with body image and self-perceptions. The paper also looks at how society and the media contribute to body perceptions.
From the Paper "The effects of body image and dissatisfaction can be harmful and even deadly. Certain diseases such an anorexia and bulimia can be almost directly related with self body image. Researchers, Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg did a study on recovering anorexic women. They say that the perception of body size is a contributing factor to anorexia. As evident, ?"perception of body size is involved in these processes that determine the cause of anorexia nervosa" , Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg. Body size ties directly to body satisfaction. Even after many anorexic or bulimic people have recovered, researchers suggest they still are unsatisfied with their bodies and how they look. They may gain weight back but still are dissatisfied with their bodies."
Abstract This paper examines how certain genes, specifically BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be used in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. It outlines the possible causes of breast cancer, its symptoms, and treatment. It also discusses the issue of genetic screening, as an ethical issue and how it can help to treat breast cancer.
From the paper:
"Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the growth of malignant cells in the mammary glands and can actually can strike both men and women, although women are about 100 times more likely to develop the disease than men. Most cancers in female breasts form shortly before, during, or after menopause, with three-quarters of all cases being diagnosed after age 50. Generally, the older a woman is, the greater is her likelihood of developing breast cancer. Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and in North America and Western Europe, where life spans are longer, the incidence is highest."
Abstract This essay discusses the eating disorder orthorexia. The author defines orthorexia as the fixation on eating too healthy. The paper discusses what orthorexia is, its hidden causes, how it can be cured, statistics, and the dangers of the disorder.
From the paper:
"Orthorexia nervosa refers to the fixation on eating healthy food. It is referred to as correct appetite. Orthorexia is a long-term behavior pattern, not short term. Paying attention to food for a few weeks during dietary transition is not Orthorexia; constantly obsessing on food over the long run is. There are many reasons that eating disorders develop. Issues with control, a craving for perfection, and a vision of an unrealistic body image can be a few."
Tags: disorders, eating, weight, diet, health, cooking, raw
This paper covers the debate on whether or not smoking marijuana causes amotivational syndrome. It sets up standards for a case study to test the hypothesis.
Abstract This paper looks at whether smoking marijuana causes amotivational syndrome, the term given to the tranquilizing of marijuana on its users, particularly adolescents. The author discusses the symptoms, such as apathy, an inability to carry out plans or concentrate, and impairment of speech and writing. The paper also discusses plans for a twelve-year study, and concludes that the research already conducted on amotivational syndrome is not influenced by the amount of marijuana one smokes.
From the Paper "Amotivational Syndrome is a syndrome in which people are predisposed to. Smoking marijuana during adolescence can stunt an individual's psychological growth, but it does not necessarily lead to Amotivational Syndrome. There is no doubt that a correlation exists between marijuana use and Amotivational Syndrome, but the causal relationship is unclear. There is a substantial amount of information against marijuana being the cause of Amotivational Syndrome, but it is still considered to be a factor in perpetuating the syndrome further. It is common for people with other psychological disorders or learning disorders to have several of the symptoms of Amotivational Syndrome."
Abstract This paper covers the history of the epidemic of the bacterium that came to be known as the bubonic plague. It begins in 540 A.D., with the first record of its occurrence, and continues to show its from the Mediterranean throughout Europe and Asia. The plague's spread to England in the 1600s led to the first autopsies being conducted and began the search for a cause and cure to this disease. It has virtually been eliminated in our lifetime with only isolated cases occurring, although, there are now fears that it can be isolated and used as a bio-weapon by terrorists in today's world.
From the Paper "Despite of what is thought, the bubonic plague did not end in medieval times. It has kept killing people all the way until today. The next big outbreak after the one in 1665 was in China in 1894. It then spread west to Bombay, India, and in that the time it took to do that the disease killed millions of people. The next couple of decades after that outbreak, scientists were able to identify and classify the disease and its history. However it could at times be difficult for the scientists because symptoms of the bubonic plague often resembled those of other diseases common in the hot climate of the jungles in India."
Tags: black, bubonic, death, pestis, plague, yersinia, vaccination, cure, bacteria, microscopes, scientists, bio-terrorists, bacteria, europe, studies, bitten, flea, cell, immune, system, jungles, india, brazil, united, states, military, research
Abstract This paper examines looks at the European and American methods of diagnosing Borderline Personality Disorder. The author covers several areas including it's definition, symptoms, history and possible reasons for its occurrence. Particular attention is paid to the knowledge that it is one of the most controversial diagnoses in psychology, and what affect this has had on anyone seeking treatment for this disorder.
From the Paper "These people have a pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation. They have a markedly and persistently unstable self-image; recurrent self mutilating or suicidal behavior, gestures or threats and chronic feelings of emptiness. They have difficult controlling anger, and show inappropriate, intense anger. They Transient, stress related paranoid ideation or severe disassociate symptoms. Borderline personality is usually accompanied by "symptom disorders" such as eating disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual tension, dissociative disorder or anxiety disorder."
Abstract This paper examines the history of the legalization and prohibition of marijuana. It discusses the arguments for and against legalizing marijuana, and along with this, the legality of alcohol and cigarettes' consumption. This paper recommends the legalization of marijuana in exchange for making alcohol and cigarettes usage illegal.
From the Paper "The debate over whether to legalize marijuana has been one of the most controversial issues dividing courts, the federal government, state governments, and voters. In 1996, Arizona and California voters overwhelmingly approved the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Propositions 200 and 215 represented a dramatic shift from a previously united federal and state front against illegal drugs to one where state governments and voters are now at odds with the federal government over the medical use of controlled substances. Rather than focusing on how to improve and maintain the long-standing war on drugs, the policy issue has now become: who controls America's drug laws- courts, the federal government, state governments, or the voters? In addition, the legalization of marijuana poses other questions: Does legalizing marijuana undermine the seemingly endless federal war on drugs by moving towards greater tolerance of marijuana and other drugs? Is more research necessary to determine the benefits or hazardous effects of marijuana? Would legalizing marijuana open the floodgates to legalizing other controlled substances such as heroin or LSD?"
Tags: illegal, drugs, state, governments, war, on, drugs, federal, government, marijuana, heroin
Abstract This paper discusses the many positive aspects of UV radiation. The author examines the way ultraviolet light is commonly used, defines UV light, its dangers and how it's used in fluorescent lighting. The paper also describes how UV radiation is frequently used in water purification plants, destroying harmful bacteria.
From the Paper "UV radiation is what is responsible for causing human skin to tan. Unlike x rays, ultraviolet radiation has a low power of penetration, so its only direct effects on the human body occur on the skin's surface and include sunburn, suntan, aging, and carcinogenic changes. Most of us know that "sunburn" is not simply a metaphor but is in fact like burns from other forms of radiation and can include symptoms ranging from redness and tenderness to blisters, swelling, seepage of fluid, and sloughing of the outer skin. Tanning ? while it is never healthy, as we know now, is simply a natural body defense that uses melanin to help protect the skin from further injury from UV radiation."
