health

Forgetting the Pandemic: How Our Brains are Wired to Let Go of Traumatic Events

Published

1 year ago

March 27, 2023

Johnny Somith

As we approach the one-year mark of living in a pandemic, it’s hard to forget the constant worry, fear, and uncertainty that have become our daily companions. But what if I told you that our brains are wired to forget traumatic events? Yes, you read that right! In this blog post, we will explore how forgetting the pandemic is not only possible but also a natural response of our brain when faced with overwhelming stress. So grab your coffee and let’s dive into this fascinating topic!

The Neuroscience of Memory

By Dr. James McGaugh

When we experience something traumatic, our brains are hardwired to keep the event alive in our memories. This is why it can be so difficult to forget a loved one who has passed away, or a devastating natural disaster. Our brains are constantly working to protect us from potential danger and remember events that could help us survive.

It’s not just traumatic events that trigger this memory protection mechanism in our brains. Repeatedly thinking about something negative also increases the chances that we will remember it later on. Researchers call this “negative rehearsal.” The more often we think about an event, the more likely it is that we will remember it later on.

But why do our brains work this way? It’s partly because traumatic memories can be dangerous if they’re not remembered correctly. If you don’t remember what happened during your rape or assault, you might become consumed by fear and paranoia, which could lead to serious health problems down the line. In fact, research suggests that up to 60% of women who experience sexual assault develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

So how can we make sure that traumatic memories don’t stay buried deep inside our brains? One approach is to talk about the event openly with someone who understands how you’re feeling. This can help reduce the amount of negative rehearsal that takes place in your mind, which may ultimately reduce the risk of remembering the event incorrectly. Additionally,

The Evolution of the Human Brain

The human brain is incredibly adaptable, constantly evolving to keep us safe and survive. Our brains are specifically wired to help us forget traumatic events, which can be a crucial part of survival. In the event of a traumatic event, our brains will work tirelessly to try and avoid thinking about or remembering the event. This is known as dissociation, and it’s one of the ways our brains protect us from experiencing too much distress.

Dissociation can be a great way to protect ourselves from overwhelming memories or feelings. It can also help us to move on from the trauma without feeling too overwhelmed or emotional. Dissociation is an important defense mechanism in cases of trauma, and it’s something that we all use to some extent. However, there are times when dissociation becomes a problem…

When dissociation becomes a problem, it can lead to flashbacks or nightmares. flashback episodes are often accompanied by intense feelings of terror or anxiety, and they can be very difficult to suppress. Nightmares are another common symptom of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and they tend to involve terrifying scenes from the traumatic event. Having flashbacks or nightmares can be extremely frustrating and disruptive, and they can disrupt our ability to function normally.

It’s important to remember that dissociation isn’t always bad… In some cases, dissociation can be a sign that we’re doing well after a traumatic event. This is especially true if flashbacks or nightmares don’t occur regularly. If they do occur regularly however

How Traumatic Events Affect Our Brains

The way our brains are wired can play a large role in how difficult it is to remember traumatic events. Brain scans have shown that the hippocampus, which is responsible for episodic memory, tends to be smaller in people who suffer from PTSD. This means that those with PTSD are more likely to have difficulty recalling specific memories from their past.

Another study found that people with PTSD also have a reduced ability to generate new memories. This may be because the hippocampus is involved in the creation of new memories as well as the retrieval of old ones.

Having a traumatic event happen frequently can also wear down the neural pathways associated with those events. This can lead to difficulties not just with remembering what happened, but also with feeling safe in general and responding calmly in stressful situations.

The Role of Stress in Traumatic Memories

The role of stress in traumatic memories is an important topic of research. In general, increased levels of stress hormones have been shown to disrupt memory function. Specifically, elevated levels of cortisol have been linked with impaired recall and recognition for emotionally charged memories.

In a study published in the journal Neuropsychology, researchers looked at the effects of cortisol on memory for aversive events. Participants were subjected to either placebo or cortisol administration before undergoing a test that involved remembering images from an earlier exposure session. Results showed that cortisol had a negative impact on recall ability for high-stress memories, but not for low-stress memories. This suggests that when faced with stressful experiences, individuals are more likely to remember traumatic events poorly if their body is surging with cortisol.

This study provides some evidence that cortisol may play a role in impairing memory for emotionally charged events. However, more research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings and whether they can help explain why some people are more prone to experiencing PTSD after traumatic incidents than others.

Tools to Help Prevent Memory Loss from Trauma

There are a number of tools you can use to help prevent memory loss from trauma. One is to practice mindfulness and stress reduction techniques. Another is to keep a journal in which you record your thoughts and feelings about the traumatic event. Finally, it’s important to get support from friends and family members who care about you.

Conclusion

In a world where pandemics are more common than ever, it is important to understand how our brains work in order to deal with traumatic events. Unfortunately, most of us learn very little about the neuroscience of memory and trauma during our schooling, which leaves us unprepared for life-or-death situations. Fortunately, there are now a number of resources available that can help you understand the science behind your memories and how to use it to train your brain to release traumatic memories more effectively. So next time you find yourself struggling to forget an event from your past – take heart in knowing that you are not alone and that there is something you can do about it.

Author

Johnny Somith

View all posts

health

Telemedicine in Mental Health: A Game Changer

Published

6 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Rolland Cohen

Reviewed
By Mark Leonardo

How Digital Platforms are Supporting Mental Health

The Rise of Telehealth in Mental Health Care

Telehealth services, which let you speak to a doctor through a screen, have become a part of our everyday lives. They’ve been especially helpful during the pandemic. Both adult and pediatric mental health care providers say that telehealth appointments have been a lifesaver.

There are pros and cons, and not every patient or situation is a good fit for telehealth. But many providers and patients are happy with it. We spoke to several mental health clinicians to find out how telehealth is working for them and their patients.

What Happens in a Telehealth Appointment?

In Tele Medicine, a telehealth appointment starts with you logging into the app on your device and starting video chat with your healthcare provider.” Your provider will start the session and things go on just like they would at an in-person visit, but on a screen. For kids, mental health care providers get creative to make the session fun and engaging. They might drop off toys or supplies for games to a child’s home ahead of time, and then use them together over a screen.

Benefits of Telehealth for Kids

Kids seem to adapt to telehealth quite easily. In fact, some kids are more comfortable with it than adults! This is mostly because they’ve grown up with technology and are used to using things like FaceTime.

Telehealth can also be a good option for teenagers who want to control what others see of their personal space. However, not all kids are comfortable with telehealth. Some prefer face-to-face sessions.

Benefits:

1. Convenience: Telehealth appointments can happen anywhere, anytime. This means patients can have their appointments during their lunch break, in their car, or anywhere else that’s convenient for them. This has made mental health care more accessible than ever before.

2. Flexibility: Telehealth makes it easier to schedule appointments. This is helpful for families who are living separately and find it hard to all be in the same place at the same time.

Telehealth or In-Person: It’s Your Choice

Nowadays, families have the option to choose between in-person and telehealth visits. Some families prefer telehealth because it’s more convenient. Others prefer in-person visits because they feel a stronger connection when they’re physically in the same room as their provider. There are also certain situations, like a family crisis or suspected abuse, where in-person care might be more appropriate.

The Future of Telehealth in Mental Health Care

Many mental health care providers hope that telehealth will continue to be an option for families. It’s a valuable service that increases access to mental health care.

There are still some challenges that need to be overcome. For example, not all patients have reliable internet access or a device they can use for virtual visits. But with continued support and training in telehealth, these challenges can be overcome.

Author

Rolland Cohen

View all posts

health

The Future of Pediatric Healthcare: Innovations and Challenges

Published

1 week ago

September 11, 2024

Matthew Montoya

Reviewed
By Eli Small

The Future of Pediatric Healthcare: Innovations and Challenges

Pediatric healthcare is a crucial aspect of the medical field, dedicated to the health and well-being of children from infancy through adolescence. As we advance into the 21st century, the landscape of pediatric healthcare is rapidly evolving, driven by technological innovations and confronted by unique challenges. This article explores the future of pediatric healthcare, focusing on the innovations that promise to revolutionize the field and the challenges that must be addressed to ensure optimal health outcomes for the youngest members of society.

Innovations in Pediatric Healthcare

1. Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring

Telemedicine has emerged as a transformative force in pediatric healthcare, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This innovation allows healthcare providers to offer consultations, diagnosis, and treatment plans remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. Telemedicine is especially beneficial for families in rural or underserved areas, where access to pediatric specialists may be limited.

Remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices and mobile health apps, enable continuous tracking of a child’s health parameters, including heart rate, glucose levels, and physical activity. These tools provide real-time data to healthcare providers, allowing for timely interventions and personalized care plans.

2. Precision Medicine

Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, tailors medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient. In pediatric healthcare, this approach considers genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to develop customized treatment plans. Advances in genomics and bioinformatics have made it possible to identify genetic markers associated with specific pediatric diseases, leading to more accurate diagnoses and targeted therapies.

For example, precision medicine has shown promise in treating pediatric cancers, where genetic profiling of tumors can guide the selection of the most effective treatments with fewer side effects. This approach not only improves outcomes but also enhances the quality of life for young patients.

3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and optimizing treatment plans. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data to identify patterns and predict disease progression. In pediatric radiology, AI-powered imaging tools can detect abnormalities with greater precision, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

Machine learning models are also being used to develop predictive analytics for pediatric patients. These models can forecast the likelihood of disease outbreaks, hospital readmissions, and treatment responses, enabling proactive and preventive care.

4. Advanced Therapeutics

Innovations in therapeutics are opening new avenues for treating pediatric diseases. Gene therapy, which involves correcting or replacing faulty genes, holds promise for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and certain inherited metabolic disorders. Recent advances in CRISPR-Cas9 technology have further accelerated the development of gene-editing therapies.

Regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapy, is another exciting frontier in pediatric healthcare. Stem cells have the potential to repair damaged tissues and organs, offering hope for children with congenital heart defects, spinal cord injuries, and other serious conditions.

5. Digital Health Records and Interoperability

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined the management of pediatric healthcare data. However, the future lies in achieving interoperability, where different EHR systems can seamlessly exchange information. Interoperability ensures that healthcare providers have access to comprehensive patient histories, enabling coordinated and efficient care.

Digital health records also facilitate data-driven research, allowing for large-scale studies on pediatric health trends, treatment outcomes, and disease prevention strategies. This wealth of data can inform evidence-based practices and policy decisions, ultimately improving pediatric healthcare delivery.

Picture by: Yandex.com

Challenges in Pediatric Healthcare

1. Healthcare Access and Equity

Despite advancements in pediatric healthcare, access to quality care remains a significant challenge, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations. Socioeconomic disparities, geographic barriers, and lack of insurance coverage contribute to inequities in healthcare access. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions, such as expanding telemedicine services, increasing funding for community health centers, and implementing policies that promote universal healthcare coverage.

2. Mental Health and Behavioral Disorders

The rising prevalence of mental health and behavioral disorders among children and adolescents is a growing concern. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders require specialized care and early intervention. However, there is a shortage of pediatric mental health professionals, and stigma surrounding mental health issues often delays diagnosis and treatment.

Integrating mental health services into primary pediatric care, increasing funding for mental health programs, and raising awareness about the importance of mental health are critical steps in addressing this challenge.

3. Vaccine Hesitancy

Vaccine hesitancy poses a significant threat to pediatric public health. Misinformation and skepticism about vaccine safety have led to declining vaccination rates, resulting in outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and whooping cough. Combatting vaccine hesitancy requires a multifaceted approach, including public education campaigns, engagement with community leaders, and transparent communication about vaccine safety and efficacy.

4. Chronic Diseases and Obesity

The incidence of chronic diseases and obesity among children is on the rise, driven by poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental factors. Managing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity requires a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures, early intervention, and ongoing management.

Promoting healthy lifestyles through school-based programs, community initiatives, and public health campaigns is essential to curbing the epidemic of pediatric chronic diseases and obesity.

5. Ethical and Regulatory Challenges

The rapid pace of innovation in pediatric healthcare raises ethical and regulatory challenges. Issues such as informed consent, data privacy, and the use of experimental therapies require careful consideration to protect the rights and well-being of pediatric patients. Regulatory frameworks must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements while ensuring patient safety and ethical standards.

Conclusion

The future of pediatric healthcare is poised for remarkable transformations, driven by innovations in telemedicine, precision medicine, AI, advanced therapeutics, and digital health records. These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and management of pediatric diseases, ultimately improving health outcomes for children.

However, significant challenges remain, including healthcare access and equity, mental health, vaccine hesitancy, chronic diseases, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and communities.

As we navigate the future of pediatric healthcare, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of children, ensuring that every child has access to the highest quality of care. By embracing innovation and addressing challenges head-on, we can create a brighter and healthier future for the next generation.

Author

Matthew Montoya

View all posts

health

Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Healthcare to You

Published

2 weeks ago

September 6, 2024

Rolland Cohen

Reviewed
By Harry Dickson

Personalized Medicine Tailoring Healthcare to You

In recent years, the field of medicine has undergone a revolutionary transformation with the advent of personalized medicine. This innovative approach is fundamentally reshaping how healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases by tailoring medical care to the individual characteristics of each patient. At the heart of personalized medicine lies the understanding that every person’s genetic makeup is unique, and leveraging this genetic information can lead to more effective and targeted treatments.

What is Personalized Medicine?

Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, is an approach that uses genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to customize healthcare. Unlike the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model, personalized medicine aims to identify the right treatment for the right patient at the right time. This approach can lead to more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments, and fewer side effects.

The Role of Genetics in Personalized Medicine

The cornerstone of personalized medicine is genetics. The human genome, which consists of approximately 3 billion DNA base pairs, contains the blueprint for every individual’s biological makeup. Advances in genomic sequencing technologies have made it possible to decode this blueprint with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

By analyzing a patient’s genetic information, healthcare providers can identify specific genetic mutations that may be responsible for certain diseases. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Identifying these mutations can help in making informed decisions about preventive measures and treatment options.

Applications of Personalized Medicine

Oncology

One of the most significant impacts of personalized medicine has been in the field of oncology. Cancer is a complex disease characterized by genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often come with severe side effects because they target both cancerous and healthy cells.

Personalized medicine allows for the development of targeted therapies that specifically attack cancer cells based on their genetic profile. For instance, the drug Herceptin is used to treat breast cancer patients who have a specific genetic mutation in the HER2 gene. This targeted approach not only improves treatment efficacy but also minimizes damage to healthy tissues.

Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics is another critical area where personalized medicine is making strides. This field studies how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to drugs. Variations in genes can influence how a person metabolizes medications, which can impact the drug’s effectiveness and the likelihood of adverse reactions.

Picture by: Yandex.com

By understanding these genetic variations, healthcare providers can prescribe medications that are more likely to be effective and safe for each patient. For example, the anticoagulant drug warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window, and its effectiveness can vary widely among individuals. Genetic testing can help determine the optimal dosage for each patient, reducing the risk of bleeding complications.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Personalized medicine is also making headway in the management of cardiovascular diseases. Genetic factors play a significant role in conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. By identifying genetic predispositions, healthcare providers can implement early interventions and personalized treatment plans.

For instance, familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that leads to high cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease. Genetic testing can identify individuals with this condition, allowing for early lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies to manage cholesterol levels effectively.

The Future of Personalized Medicine

The potential of personalized medicine is vast, and its future looks promising. As technology continues to advance, the cost of genomic sequencing is expected to decrease, making it more accessible to a broader population. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare can enhance the analysis of genetic data, leading to more accurate predictions and personalized treatment plans.

Ethical and Privacy Considerations

While the benefits of personalized medicine are undeniable, it also raises ethical and privacy concerns. The collection and storage of genetic information must be handled with the utmost care to protect patient privacy. Additionally, there is a need for clear guidelines on how genetic information can be used and shared.

Collaborative Efforts

The successful implementation of personalized medicine requires collaboration across various sectors, including healthcare providers, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and policymakers. By working together, these stakeholders can create an ecosystem that supports the development and application of personalized treatments.

Conclusion

The rise of personalized medicine marks a significant shift in the healthcare paradigm. By leveraging genetic information, personalized medicine offers the promise of more precise, effective, and individualized treatments. As research continues to uncover the complexities of the human genome, the potential for personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes and transform healthcare is boundless. While challenges remain, the collaborative efforts of the medical community and advancements in technology are paving the way for a future where personalized medicine becomes the standard of care.