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Category: Health
Health
Neal Bharadwaj

How Finland’s Approach to SDG 3 Can Help India Improve Health and Well-being

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to, “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Towards this goal of achieving a healthier world, India and Finland set targets for their health sector. Though the journeys of the two countries mirror jarring contrasts in both their health care systems, socio-economic conditions, and governmental policies.

India has traveled a long distance but has much more to cover in terms of dealing with issues like maternal mortality, malnutrition, and access to health delivery. Finland is often considered one of the best countries in the world to fall ill in because of its high-performing system with universal access and very strong preventive measures. This article examines the performance of the two countries on SDG 3 and explores what India can learn from Finland’s successes in health.

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February 27, 2025 No Comments
Health
Eesha Madan

SCHIZOPHRENIA

SCHIZOPHRENIA  -By Eesha Madan 1) Key facts: 1.1 Schizophrenia does not involve split personalities. 1.2 Symptoms of schizophrenia usually emerge in adolescence. 1.3 Schizophrenia has both genetic and environmental causes. 1.4 The only way to diagnose schizophrenia is through a combination of tests.  1.5 Schizophrenia causes psychosis and is associated with considerable disability, potentially affecting all areas of life including personal, family, social, educational, and occupational functioning.   2) What is “Schizophrenia”? Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder characterized by an array of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and impaired cognitive ability.  In clinical settings, schizophrenia is ordinarily diagnosed through the observation of positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disordered speech, and behavioral disturbances) and negative symptoms (a volition, alogia, and anhedonia). However, schizophrenia has considerable overlap with other neurological disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and Huntington’s disease) at both the clinical and genetic levels. The study of schizophrenia is important because it can help us understand the brain and mind, the biological nature of the disorder, and the severity of its symptoms  3) What are the symptoms of Schizophrenia  The symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into three categories: 3.1 Positive symptoms (i.e. excesses of thoughts, emotions & behaviour ) 3.2 Negative symptoms (i.e. deficits of thoughts, emotions & behaviour) 3.3 Psychomotor symptoms 3.1 Positive Symptoms:  Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, and any changes in thoughts or behaviours. Positive symptoms are those that affect the individual’s thoughts or behaviours. They are pathological and bizarre additions to a person’s behaviour: delusions, disorganized thinking and speech. 3.1.1 Delusions :  Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that conflict with reality. If a person is delusional, they can not let go of their untrue convictions despite contrary evidence. Types of delusions: Delusions of persecution: Most common in schizophrenia. People with this delusion believe they are being plotted against, spied on, slandered, threatened, attacked or deliberately victimized. Delusions of reference: In which they attach special and personal meaning to the actions of others. Delusions of grandeur: People believe themselves to be specially empowered persons. Delusions of control: They believe that their feelings, thoughts and actions are controlled by others.  Erotomanic: Believing someone else is in love with you is an Erotomanic delusion. For example, an Erotomanic delusion might include thinking a celebrity loves you even when you’ve never met or corresponded. Nihilistic delusions: they get their name from the philosophical concept of nihilism, which suggests life has no fundamental meaning or purpose. Nihilistic delusions involve thoughts related to non-existence, like believing a major catastrophe will occur or that humanity is already in the afterlife. Somatic delusions: It involves a preoccupation with health and organ function. They can include irrational beliefs about how your body functions or inaccurate beliefs about how natural sensations predict illnesses—for example, attributing the typical sensation of hunger to progressive stomach cancer. Bizarre delusions: This includes any false belief that is completely implausible, isn’t derived from ordinary life experiences, and isn’t seated in cultural practices. 3.1.2 Formal thought disorder: People aren’t able to think logically and they may speak in peculiar ways, so this disorder can make communication extremely difficult. This includes rapidly jumping from one topic to another. So their normal structure of thinking is muddled and becomes illogical. 3.1.3 Hallucinations:  A hallucination happens when you receive sensory information that doesn’t exist — it’s a disturbance in perception created by your brain. Types of hallucination :  Auditory. The person most often hears voices in their head. They might be angry or urgent and demand that they do things. It can sound like one voice or many. They might whisper, murmur, or be angry and demanding. Visual. Someone might see lights, objects, people, or patterns. Often it’s loved ones or friends who are no longer alive. They may also have trouble with depth perception and distance. Olfactory and gustatory. This can include good and bad smells and tastes. Someone might believe they’re being poisoned and refuse to eat. Tactile. This creates a feeling of things moving on your body, such as hands or insects. Somatic. This includes the feeling and sensations of something happening inside the body. 3.1.4 Inappropriate Affect People with schizophrenia also show Inappropriate affect,  i.e. showing or expressing emotions that are unsuited to the situation. For eg- laughing at your loved one’s funeral. 3.2 Negative Symptoms: Affective flattening: Impaired emotional expression                                                                        2. Alogia: decreased speech output                                                                                                      Asociality: reduced desire to have social contact                                                         Avolition:  reduced drive to initiate and persist in self-directed purposeful activities Anhedonia: decreased experience of pleasure  Blunted affect: It includes showing emotions less for eg: less anger, sadness, joy and other feelings. Flat affect: This eludes showing no emotions at all.  3.3 Psychomotor Symptoms:  Catatonic stupor: People who remain motionless and silent for long periods. Catatonic rigidity: It includes people who maintain rigid and upright postures for hours. Catatonic Posturing: In this people assume awkward and bizarre positions for long periods.  4) What causes Schizophrenia Medical researchers have not been able to find the exact causes of schizophrenia. Research now tells us that the disorder is linked to abnormalities in the structure of the brain. Some factors are believed to put a person at a greater risk of developing schizophrenia:  Genetic factors: Having a parent or sibling with schizophrenia puts the person at increased risk A chemical imbalance in the brain Problems during pregnancy: The child may develop schizophrenia if the mother does not receive proper nutrition, or is exposed to viral illnesses

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February 26, 2025 No Comments
Health
ketaki baravkar

The Dark Side of DNA: Genetic Markers Linked to Aggression

The MAOA and CDH13 genes are associated with aggression and criminal behavior, influencing neurotransmitter regulation. Genetics and environmental factors shape behavioral tendencies, with research highlighting their role in impulsivity and violence. Understanding these genes helps explore the biological basis of aggression, mental health disorders, and potential therapeutic interventions for at-risk individuals.

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February 23, 2025 No Comments
Health
ketaki baravkar

The Genetic Blueprint of Behavior: How MAOA and CDH13 Impact the Human Mind

The article explores the interaction between genetics (MAOA and CDH13 genes) and environmental factors (trauma, stress) in shaping behavior, linking these influences to aggression, ADHD, and antisocial tendencies. It emphasizes the complex gene-environment interplay, challenges “serial killer gene” myths, and highlights implications for mental health research, diagnosis, and treatment.

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February 21, 2025 No Comments
Health
khushi Jain

Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults and Children: Prevalence, Causes, and Challenges

Khushi Jain, Bhumi Sharma Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. It is one of the significant problems in older adults. In individuals aged 65 and above, TBI is the cause of more than 80,000 emergency hospital visits every year out of which more than half lead to hospitalisation. Adults aged 75 and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalization and death. Falls are the leading cause of TBI for older adults (51%), and motor vehicle traffic crashes are second (9%) (Thompson et al., 2006). Age is also associated with comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic renal failure, which may worsen outcomes. Also, a high percentage of older people use medications (e.g., anticoagulants and/or antiplatelets) which may worsen cerebral damage after trauma. The aged brain may be more vulnerable to TBI, with less plasticity and repair after injury (Kovacs, 2005). In addition, older people often present with alterations in cognition, memory, mood, and motor function (Glorioso and Sibille, 2011), which can hamper rehabilitation after TBI (Stocchetti et al., 2012). It has also been observed that an average of 634,000 incidents of traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs among children each year in the United States, with the highest TBI-related emergency room visits occurring in children under the age of 4 years and adolescents 15 years or older (Li & Liu, 2013) Traumatic brain injury in children commonly involves the frontal lobes, and is associated with distinct structural and behavioural changes. Although injuries to this region are clinically significant during brain development, the mechanisms behind secondary damage and long-term recovery remain poorly understood (Chen et al., 2013). Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of both older adults and children to TBI highlights the need for targeted prevention, early intervention, and improved rehabilitation strategies to enhance long-term outcomes. Aging and Youth at Risk: The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Older Adults and Children Research has demonstrated that age is the strongest clinical predictor of recovery from TBI, second only to measures of injury severity (Dikmen and Machamer, 1995; Vollmer, 1993). Advanced age is considered a negative prognostic indicator. Elderly individuals appear to be at an increased risk for poor outcomes following TBI (Goleburn & Golden, 2001). After a period of relatively low risk in middle adulthood, older adults are at an increased risk for head trauma beginning at age 65 and peaking at age 70 (Fields and Coffey, 1994). In the United States, the estimated annual rate of TBI in persons in the sixth and seventh decades of life is 150–200 per 100,000 people (Cooper, as cited in Goldstein and Levin, 1995). There are age differences in the physiological structures in the structures of brains of older people as compared to younger individuals that make them susceptible to subdural hematomas after a brain injury. For instance, cerebral decline that follows aging leads to stretching of parasagittal bridging veins, leaving them more vulnerable to severe effects even after a minor trauma. In events like a fall, the impact often causes these veins to burst, causing subdural hematoma. Biologically, with aging, white matter and vasculature become more susceptible to injury, injury response mechanisms such as autophagy is dampened, and prevalence of pre-existing neurological or systemic comorbidities increases. Unsurprisingly, older adults with TBI experience higher morbidity and mortality, and slower recovery trajectories and have, on average, worse functional, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes months or years post-injury than do younger patients (Gardner et al., 2018). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health concern and is the most frequent cause of disruption to normal childhood development. TBI occurs when a sudden trauma triggers the brain to move rapidly within the skull, leading to neuronal damage. TBI can result from the head suddenly hitting an object, from a non-impact force, such as blast waves or rapid acceleration and deceleration, or from an object puncturing the skull and penetrating the brain tissue. Although TBI can occur across the lifespan, this type of brain injury can be particularly devastating for the developing brain. This interruption of normal brain development and the cascading effects of TBI may alter the course of brain development and its functioning (Laura S. Blackwell PhD et al., 2023) Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability in the pediatric age range (Gotschall, 1993; Kraus, 1995). According to a report on Emergency Department (ED) visit, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States for the years 1995–2001 (Langlois et al., 2006), nearly half a million children 0–14 years of age had TBI each year during this period. Of this number, 91.6% were treated and released from an ED, 7.8 % were hospitalized, and .6% died (Laura S. Blackwell PhD et al., 2023).  Given the high prevalence and significant impact of TBI in children, it is crucial to monitor their development closely and assess potential long-term effects, to ensure appropriate interventions and support. The Long-Term Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Challenges, Outcomes, and Rehabilitation Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating injury, often resulting in death or chronic disability that disrupts family, community, and vocational ties. According to new research, the effects of TBI are greater and long-term in older populations. Elderly patients tend to have higher mortality and worse outcomes than younger patients, even if the injuries they suffer are less severe. Even if the injury sustained is similar in type and severity in both, older populations go through longer rehabilitation stays, suffer higher rehabilitation costs and have greater levels of disabilities. The risk of death after the age of 65 is the maximum. Older individuals suffering from TBI are known to suffer increased deterioration mood, psychosocial functioning, and cognition, and are less likely to have complete recovery in psychosocial areas of functioning after TBI as compared to younger patients. According to Rothweiler et al. increased age at the time of sustaining a brain injury was related to greater dependence, changes in living conditions and increased

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February 20, 2025 1 Comment
Health
Bhavya Gupta

Caregiver Support and Mental Health Outcomes in Older Adults

By Bhavya Gupta, Sanjna & Siddhii Abstract Caregiving for older adults, particularly those with chronic illnesses, often leads to significant physical, emotional, and financial strain, called caregiver burden. The burden has an inherent connection with social isolation, emotional discomfort, and the deterioration of physical health, further impacting the quality of care given. This article discusses how interventions like caregiver training, telehealth services (Tele-MANAS), and community-based programs (Atmiyata) can alleviate this burden. Addressing caregiver stress through emotional and instrumental support and policy measures such as financial aid and awareness campaigns is essential to improve outcomes for caregivers and older adults. Introduction Caregiver is referred to as someone who provides support and adheres to the needs of someone who is not fully independent, individuals such as an infants, disabled and elderly are usually in need of assistance (American Psychological Association, 2023). Support for caregivers is a key intervention to enhance the care of older adults and thereby reduce the mental health risk to caregivers. It has been observed that mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, among older adults are common because of the impact of chronic illnesses (G. & V., 2022). A high-risk group, owing to stress and mental health issues, is caregivers themselves, who can also suffer from caregiver burnout (Boisvert et al., 2022). Proper caregiver support may mitigate stress and improve caregivers’ and care recipients’ mental health outcomes (Hall et al., 2022). Areas of focus for support include resource provision, care for the caregiver, and respite-any of these would be critical in promoting the caregiver’s well-being (Hall et al., 2024). Many caregivers, however, are left without support, which ultimately corrupts their mental health and delivers a poor-quality service for older adults. Therefore, addressing these gaps is vital for the improved health of caregivers and care recipients alike. Impact of Caregiver’s Support Emotional Support For human beings, a social species, social relations are crucial to ensure safety, reproductive success, and survival. From an evolutionary perspective, social relations with a mate or a tribe improve the chances of survival in hostile environments (Reinwarth et al., 2024). Emotional support is the key to improving the conditions of older adults who live in a community with a lack of emotional support (Devkota et al., 2023). Along with a lack of emotional support, older adults live with a lack of financial aid, which makes them ineligible for healthcare use. Due to this older adults not only suffer financially but suffer psychologically.  According to a study by Yon and colleagues (2017), it is estimated that 5.7% of individuals aged 60 years and older are victims of EA (elder abuse). Additionally, 28.5% of this population experiences loneliness in their last years of life, and 28.4% suffer from depression. Social isolation and loneliness are significant health risks for older adults and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of social isolations among older adults has increased. This not only destroys the mental health of older adults but their physical health also deteriorates (Czaja et al., 2021). Social relationships are important aspects of one ‘s personal life. As age increases the depressive symptoms are most common in older adults. Factors like loneliness, physical illness, and lack of purpose affect older adult’s mental health. Studies indicate that older adults experience illness and low levels of happiness. Mental health issues in older adults require attention and support. Research conducted in China examined the impact of social activities on the mental health of older adults. Participants engaged in various activities, such as joining clubs, visiting friends, and playing games, which positively influenced their mental well-being (Gao et al., 2024). Such activities help lessen loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Consistent emotional support from family members, peers, and caregivers can play a crucial part in diminishing depressive episodes and can help enhance resilience (Upasen et al., 2024c) Instrumental Support Instrumental support or Tangible support refers to the assistance that is provided by caregivers to help older adults carry out essential day-to-day activities (Schultz et al., 2022). These activities include: Bathing Toileting Eating Preparing meals throughout the day Medical Care Transportation Research findings indicate that anticipated instrumental support from various sources significantly reduces the odds of depressive symptoms. Specifically, anticipated support from spouses and children lowers the risk by 52% and 46%, respectively, compared to those without such anticipation (Fu et al., 2024c).  Along with psychological stressors, older adults also face numerous challenges such as physical weakness, and chronic illness, which make them dependent on others. Instrumental support therefore helps to elevate such problems (Fu et al., 2024c): Encourage self-governance: Caregivers assist older adults, fostering independence and control over their lives, ultimately reducing the risk of future psychological issues. Strengthening Relationships: Support systems, such as emotional and instrumental support, can strengthen the connection and bond between caregivers and older adults. Helps in reducing the daily hassles: Providing support for older adults in managing their daily activities, including medication management, significantly enhances their overall quality of life. Caregiver Burden and Mental Health Outcomes Caregiver burden is a concept of understanding the physical, emotional and financial strain or stress experienced by caregivers, while they care for patients with chronic diseases or disabilities. It is manifested in different forms such as social isolation, psychological distress and physical health deterioration that further affects the quality of care that is provided to the patient (Bakkali & Renzulli, 2023; Parvizi & Ay, 2024). Standardized tools such as the Zarit Burden Inventory and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers are often used in the assessment of caregiver burden and quantify their impact on caregivers, by helping in its measurement (Baysal & Corabay, 2024). Caregiver burden comprises different dimensions such as objective, subjective, and social burdens. All of them are quite relevant and affect caregivers’ lives, as well as the effectiveness of their caregiving. Objective Burden: The objective burden is all about objective things associated with the process of caregiving. These may include: Time Expenditure: Time expenditure has been identified as the most significant burden reported by care partners in

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February 19, 2025 No Comments
Health
Humaira Hasan

Efficacy of pharmacological interventions in schizophrenia treatment

BY HUMAIRA HASAN, PALAK, AND UPASANA KOUL INTRODUCTION WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA? Schizophrenia is a serious brain disorder affecting around 1% of the global population and is one of the top 10 causes of disability worldwide (Marder & Cannon, 2019). This condition is characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized speech, and abnormal behavior. Additionally, individuals with schizophrenia often experience a lack of motivation, reduced emotional expression, and cognitive difficulties, including problems with thinking, memory, and decision-making (Jauhar, Johnstone, & McKenna, 2022). The impact on daily life can be significant, leading to severe disability and incomplete recovery. Even individuals who show improvement may still struggle with social isolation, stigma, and limited opportunities for building close relationships. Unemployment rates are high among those with schizophrenia, and lifestyle factors such as poor diet, weight gain, smoking, and substance use contribute to a reduced life expectancy of 13 to 15 years (Hjorthøj, Stürup, McGrath, & Nordentoft, 2017; Kahn, 2020). The lifetime risk of death by suicide for individuals with schizophrenia ranges from 5% to 10% (McCutcheon, Reis Marques, & Howes, 2020). Current diagnosis and treatment primarily target psychotic symptoms, but negative and cognitive symptoms are equally important due to their significant impact on social and professional functioning. These symptoms often do not respond well to conventional antipsychotic medications (Kahn, 2020; Jauhar, Johnstone, & McKenna, 2022). Historically, schizophrenia was conceptualized by Emil Kraepelin as “dementia praecox,” a term later renamed “schizophrenia” by Eugen Bleuler. Notably, both Kraepelin and Bleuler did not consider positive symptoms like delusions and hallucinations as the primary characteristics of the disorder. This historical perspective supports the view that a more comprehensive approach is needed for understanding and treating schizophrenia (Kahn, 2020). PREVALENCE AND ONSET Schizophrenia is a genetic neurocognitive disorder that affects approximately 1% of the population, typically appearing between the ages of 21 and 25 in males and 25 and 30 in females. (Zhan et al., 2023) Extensive research suggests that from 1990 to 2019, global schizophrenia cases rose by over 65%, new diagnoses by 37%, and health impacts (DALYs) by 65%, while age-adjusted rates stayed stable. (Solmi et al., 2023) TREATMENT Schizophrenia treatment is lifelong and combines medications with psychosocial support, guided by a psychiatrist and a care team. Antipsychotic medications, including both first- and second-generation options, are the primary treatment, with long-acting injectables available for better adherence. Additional medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, may be used based on individual needs. Psychosocial approaches like therapy, social skills training, family support, and vocational rehabilitation enhance coping, communication, and daily life skills. Severe cases may require hospitalization for stabilization, while electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered for those unresponsive to other treatments. With proper care, many people with schizophrenia can manage their symptoms effectively. (Mayo Clinic, n.d.) DIAGNOSIS Schizophrenia diagnosis involves a detailed psychiatric history and mental status examination, ruling out other potential medical and psychiatric causes of psychosis. Risk factors for developing schizophrenia include birth complications, being born in a specific season, maternal malnutrition, maternal influenza during pregnancy, a family history of the disorder, childhood trauma, social isolation, cannabis use, minority ethnicity, and living in urban environments (Messias, Chen, & Eaton, 2007; Davis et al., 2016). The exact cause and biological mechanisms of schizophrenia remain unclear due to its complexity and variability. Despite being relatively uncommon, schizophrenia has a significant impact on the global burden of disease, with more than half of those diagnosed experiencing multiple coexisting psychiatric and medical conditions (Chong et al., 2016). PRESCRIBED DRUGS First-Generation Antipsychotics First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), also known as typical antipsychotics, primarily work by blocking dopamine receptors to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions. These medications are commonly prescribed for issues such as acute mania, agitation, and bipolar disorder. Some examples of FGAs include Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Fluphenazine (Prolixin), Haloperidol (Haldol), and Loxapine (Loxitane), among others. (Mayo Clinic, n.d.) Mechanism: Both first- and second-generation antipsychotics block dopamine in the ventral tegmentum to reduce positive symptoms. However, first-generation drugs also affect the nigrostriatal dopamine system, leading to extrapyramidal side effects, which second-generation drugs cause less frequently. (Grace & Uliana, 2023) Efficacy: Studies revealed minimal differences in efficacy between First Generation Antipsychotics and Second Generation Antipsychotics, but haloperidol was less effective than amisulpride and clozapine. Additionally, olanzapine showed greater improvement in functional capacity compared to quetiapine and ziprasidone. (Pike et al., 2009) Second Generation Antipsychotics Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs), also known as atypical antipsychotics, are newer medications that work differently from first-generation antipsychotics. Instead of fully blocking dopamine receptors, SGAs partially block them and may also influence other neurotransmitters like serotonin. Examples of SGAs include Aripiprazole (Abilify), Clozapine (Clozaril), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), and Quetiapine (Seroquel). (Mayo Clinic, n.d.) Mechanism: These medications inhibit some serotonin and dopamine receptors and stimulate other serotonin and dopamine receptors. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) Efficacy: Patients with schizophrenia who were treated with SGAs showed significantly greater improvement in self-reported quality of life compared to those on FGAs, particularly when treatment was individualized.  (Gründer et al., 2016) Side Effects: Studies show that olanzapine and risperidone are associated with the greatest weight gain, with olanzapine causing the largest increase in BMI. Paliperidone leads to the highest rise in total cholesterol but is the only drug to increase HDL cholesterol. Quetiapine XR shows the greatest reduction in fasting glucose, while lurasidone has the lowest weight gain, a reduction in BMI, and is the only treatment that decreases total cholesterol and triglycerides. Additionally, quetiapine XR is linked to the highest increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. (Gründer et al., 2016b) Clozapine Clozapine is an FDA-approved atypical antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. It is more effective than other antipsychotics for managing treatment-resistant schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. However, it is not the first-line treatment due to its potential for various adverse effects. (Haidary & Padhy, 2023)  (Gammon et al., 2021) Mechanism: Clozapine acts as an antagonist by inhibiting dopamine D2 receptors and interacts with various serotonin receptors, such as 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A-C, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7.

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February 19, 2025 No Comments
Health
Humaira Hasan

Can Poor Sleep Exacerbate ADHD Symptoms ?

BY HUMAIRA HASAN INTRODUCTION Does sleep have the potential and power to exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD?  ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most commonly diagnosed psychological disorder occurring in children. (“What is ADHD?”, n.d.) As the name suggests, ADHD impairs daily functioning bearing specific characteristics as mentioned by the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual for mental health disorders). According to the DSM-5, the following symptoms are commonly found in individuals diagnosed with ADHD: Inattentiveness( failing to remember important activities, decreased attention span, disinclined to begin important tasks, etc), Hyperactivity( Overtalkative, restlessness that is difficult to control, squirming), Impulsivity( struggle with waiting, interruptions during conversations or activities), etc. Sleep is essential for proper functioning and boosting cognitive performance and reducing the rate of cognitive decline that is age-related. (Suni & Suni, 2023) Various studies have proven that sleep disturbances or disturbed sleep patterns can contribute to the worsening of ADHD symptoms.  WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT? Sleep problems are linked to lower academic performance. (Larsson et al., 2022) Recent studies highlight a link between sleep microstructures (sleep stage transitions, arousals during sleep cycle, etc) and brain development. (Mason et al., 2021) A study by Walker et al. explored how sleep affects learning by dividing participants into two groups: wake-control and sleep-experimental. The wake-control group practiced a motor task at 10 AM and was tested 12 hours later. The sleep group learned the task at 10 PM, slept, and was tested the next morning. The sleep group showed greater performance improvement, highlighting the role of sleep in enhancing various cognitive processes like problem-solving, language learning, and motor skills. (Walker et al., 2002) (Ellenbogen, 2005) Lack of sleep also affects emotional functioning, although the impact differs across various aspects. This highlights the crucial role of sleep in maintaining emotional well-being. (Tomaso et al., 2020) Several systematic reviews have shown how sleep deprivation and disturbances are common in children with ADHD, often worsening symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Improving sleep patterns has been found to ease these symptoms, while sleep restriction tends to intensify them, indicating that sleep problems may contribute to the severity of ADHD symptoms. (Gruber, 2012)   General Statistics on Sleep Disturbances Individuals with ADHD have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with sleep disorders and prescribed sleep medications across all age groups, with the highest relative risk observed in adolescents compared to those without ADHD. (Ahlberg et al., 2023) Females with ADHD have a significantly higher risk of developing any sleep disorder compared to males, with an odds ratio of 11.21 relative to those without ADHD. (Ahlberg et al., 2023) Research suggests that among children with ADHD, up to 70% experience sleep problems, compared to 20-30% of their healthy peers. (Larsson et al., 2022) (Quach et al., 2012)   TYPES OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN ADHD Insomnia A commonly occurring sleep disorder where individuals with insomnia are likely to struggle with falling asleep or getting quality sleep. It might cause some individuals to wake up before the completion of their sleep cycle followed by them being unable to fall back asleep. (Mayo Clinic, n.d.) Research shows that the prevalence of insomnia is 66.8% in adults with ADHD, compared to 28.8% in the general population. (Brevik et al., 2017) People with other comorbid conditions, such as mood disorders (42%), anxiety disorders (26.8%), personality disorders (39.3%), and substance use disorders (11.6%), are more likely to experience insomnia, with these conditions contributing to a higher prevalence of sleep problems. Therefore, insomnia is very common in adults with ADHD and is closely linked to more severe ADHD symptoms, as well as a higher number of psychiatric and medical comorbidities. (Fadeuilhe et al., 2021) A recent study highlights that treating insomnia in adults with ADHD may play a crucial role in improving the outcomes of ADHD treatments by reducing the severity of symptoms. (Fadeuilhe et al., 2021) Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where the person inflicted by it experiences pauses in breathing during sleep disrupting restful sleep. (Cleveland Clinic, 2024) Sleep-disordered breathing, including conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), affects an estimated 25% to 57% of children and adolescents with ADHD. (Sedky, Bennett, & Carvalho, 2013)   Very few pieces of literature exist that explore the relationship between ADHD and Sleep Apnea. A Thai study found that children with ADHD are more likely to have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which seriously affects their quality of life. The study also showed a strong connection between high-risk OSA and obesity in these children. (Prajsuchanai et al., 2022) Another study suggested that ADHD is more common in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it does not show a link between the severity of OSA and the symptoms of ADHD.  (Hesselbacher et al., 2019) Research also suggests that treatment of sleep apnea can alleviate symptoms of ADHD. (Youssef, Ege, Angly, Strauss, & Marx, 2011) IMPACT OF SLEEP DISTURBANCES Cognitive and Attention Impairments Social Cognition Social cognition is how a person responds to or interprets social cues. A recent study found that sleep disturbances significantly affect social cognitive skills, as evidenced by the “Facial Pattern Recognition Test” (FPRT), but did not have a significant impact on the “Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test” (RMET). This suggests that sleep may influence certain aspects of social cognition, but not all. (Sedky, Bennett, & Carvalho, 2013) Inhibition Performance  Sleep problems affect inhibition performance in children, regardless of whether they have an ADHD diagnosis, and this impact goes beyond the severity of ADHD symptoms. This highlights concerns about the overdiagnosis of ADHD, as behavioral symptoms of sleep disorders may be mistaken for ADHD. (Şahin, Hoşoğlu, & Önal, 2021) Attention Children with ADHD often experience sleep deprivation and disturbances, which can make symptoms like inattention worse. (Gruber, 2012) Behavioral Impairments It has been suggested by some studies that emotional impulsiveness could be even considered as a key feature of ADHD that is considered in the diagnostic criteria.(Surman et al., 2011) Research indicates

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February 19, 2025 No Comments
Health
Niharika Punia

PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF OVERCROWDING ON DEVELOPMENT

Overcrowding profoundly affects mental health, cognitive development, and social well-being. It increases stress, anxiety, and depression, disrupts learning and relationships, and forces individuals to develop coping mechanisms—some healthy, others harmful. Addressing overcrowding’s psychological impact through better housing policies and mental health interventions is essential for long-term well-being and resilience.

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February 16, 2025 No Comments
Health
ketaki baravkar

Nature Meets Nurture: Unraveling Trauma’s Genetic Pathways

The MAOA gene’s influence on behavior, particularly aggression, is significantly shaped by environmental factors, especially childhood trauma. While the low-activity MAOA variant (MAOA-L) is associated with increased risk, its impact is most pronounced in individuals with a history of maltreatment, highlighting the complex interplay of nature and nurture.

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February 15, 2025 No Comments