Category Archives: Bipolar disorder

addiction

Dopamine impact in substance abuse

April 4, 2017
Dopamine impact

The distinction between substance abuse and addiction is often very confusing, nonetheless knowing the distinction marks the beginning of proper healing from the scourge of addiction

Dopamine impact in substance abuse: The brain reward center

Drug seeking and craving to the brain is very interesting more so when considering how the brain functions. It is true that the brain has evolved over time in a way that ensures human survival. And in fact, our brain’s reward system is part of that survival system. In many instances, we often experience an urgent need for food whenever we are starving and generally have a powerful desire for sex too. All these happens because of the dopamine impact. And according to doctor Dalal Akoury MD and founder of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, the brain’s reward system rewards food and sex because they ensure our survival. Unfortunately, drugs of abuse operate within these reward systems which leads people to experience an urgent need or powerful desire for drugs or addictive activities.

The brain’s reward system has ensured our survival. You may not have known but food, water, and sex are some of the elements that activate the reward system. Therefore when the brain’s reward center is activated, it releases dopamine. Dopamine then creates a pleasing, enjoyable sensation which then motivates us into repeating these behaviors which are necessary for our survival. The reason why this is happening is because dopamine has rewarded us with a pleasurable feeling. Doctor Akoury recommends that from an evolutionary standpoint of view, it is very helpful to have a reward system that works. Like for instance, imagine that there is very little food and you’re wandering around looking for food. When you finally find something to eat, this triggers your reward system. This pleasing feeling (dopamine “reward”) will associate with whatever behavior that led you to that food. This causes you to want to repeat that behavior.

Moreover, the reward system is closely tied to emotional and subjective memories. If you were successful and found food in a particular place for instance, in the future you will want to look for food in the same location. This reward system increases the likelihood that you will be successful in finding food there the next time. This is because your brain chemicals are rewarding you with a pleasing sensation. It also helps you to remember how and where this pleasant feeling occurred.

Dopamine impact in substance abuse: The negatives of reward sensations

It will come to you as a surprise that the element that motives your survival is, unfortunately, the very same reward system that ensures your survival also rewards drug use. Doctor Akoury says that all addictive substances and activities will trigger the release of dopamine which rewards us with a pleasant sensation thereby succeeding in motivating us to continuously indulge in these harmful behaviors. It is nowadays common knowledge that peoples with addiction problems will do all it takes to get their drug of choice and in the same way, they continue with their addiction despite the harm it causes to themselves or their loved ones.

It is therefore very important to note that all these characteristic of addictive behaviors arise from the brain’s pleasure and rewards centers. Therefore seeking for lasting solutions becomes a must to do for all victims. This may not be a very popular thing owing to the addictiveness of some of these drugs, but nonetheless, it is the best option if you want to have a healthy life that is free from all sorts of addiction. You can schedule an appointment with doctor Dalal Akoury for the commencement of your journey to recovery.

Dopamine impact in substance abuse: The brain reward center

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Brain unique functions and addiction

April 4, 2017
Brain unique functions

Brain unique functions and addiction have no relations and must not be compromised

Brain unique functions and addiction: Neurons and brain communication pathways

The study of some of the elements that cause health problems in our life can be very interesting. Understanding the brain unique functions and how it can be altered by addiction to various substances is very important. The brain communication pathways become the biggest victims whenever there is an attack resulting from drug abuse. The brain’s electro-chemical communication system is a communication system that sends information through a vast network of interconnecting neurons. Through this, the brain begins to develop a preferred or standard conduit of sending signals between neurons (neural pathways). Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under the able leadership of doctor Dalal Akoury MD President and founder of the facility can now confirm that in the past it was believed that the brain’s neural pathways will be completely formed by the time we reached adulthood.

Brain unique functions and addiction: Neurons adaptation to changing environments

Progressively the scientific findings have established that this is a continuous process and in fact, the human brain continues to create new neurons and form neural pathways throughout our entire lifespan. That is why neurons are seen as dynamic cells that are constantly adapting to changing circumstances. It, therefore, means that if an injury or damages happen to an individual’s brain (such as a stroke or injury) the neurons will make new communication route around the damaged area. Scientifically doctor Akoury reiterates that this ability of recreation of neurons is known as neuronal plasticity.

Brain unique functions and addiction: Neuronal plasticity

Doctor Akoury reiterates that neuroplasticity is responsible for the regulation of our learning processes which enables us to adapt to our surroundings conveniently. To better understand neuroplasticity let us consider using this illustration. The brain forms neural pathways in a way that is similar to the formation of a demarcated hiking pathway. The more we travel a path, the faster, easier, and more familiar that path becomes. As the routine continues it becomes more visible, smoother, and easier to travel on. And with time this becomes a preferred route for many. This is also how neural pathways are formed. With time the brain forms familiar neural pathways which then become habitual routes. And in the event that the familiar route is blocked the brain responds swiftly by forming a new route around the blockage.

From the illustration, suppose you walk through the bush each day to visit a friend. You use the same trail each time and one day as you travel along your familiar path, you discover a huge tree has fallen over. It’s blocking your passage. You will need to forge a new path to go around the tree. At first, this new path will be narrow, difficult, and slow. It might even be uncomfortable. However, with time, it will become a well-worn, comfortable path. It will be just as easy as the original path. This can be affected by the use of drugs in many ways and to avoid that, it is only logical that you schedule an appointment with doctor Akoury to help you in keeping your brain unique functions uninterrupted for continuity.

Brain unique functions and addiction: Neurons and brain communication pathways

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dopamine-5

Bipolar disorder testing

March 31, 2017
Bipolar disorder testing

Bipolar disorder testing for every one so that time action can be taken

Bipolar disorder testing: Temperament stabilizing medications

While undertaking bipolar disorder testing, several factors of great importance will have to be considered. Professionally, proper diagnosis and treatment will requires that the patient stays in an inpatient depression treatment center where their individual conditions can be closely monitored by behavioral and medical experts. This should be the starting point since any mistake done will have serious consequences in the future. In view of that great need, doctor Dalal Akoury, MD made a passionate decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) with a primary objective of transforming each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power.

Through this health facility many across the globe have benefited from their desperation with certain serious illnesses including addiction, bipolar disorders and weigh related complications. You too can now choose to associate with the best because doctor Akoury’s objective is to restore health and nothing less. That is why in her practice she only focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. This is the place to be if you want professionalism in your bipolar disorder diagnosis and testing. You may talk to us on telephone number 843 213 1480 and we will certainly help you effectively and professionally. In the meantime, the following are some of the avenues your doctor could explore to help you go through this kind of treatment effectively.

  • Ask about recent mood swings and how long a client has experienced them
  • Inquire about family medical history, particularly whether anyone has or had bipolar disorder
  • Observe behavior and mood
  • Obtain medical history, including any medical problems and current and former medications taken
  • Perform a physical examination to identify or rule out physical causes of the symptoms
  • Request laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels
  • Speak with family members to discuss their observations of the client’s behavior

Mood-stabilizing medication can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, patients often need help and support to take medicine properly and to ensure that any episodes of mania and depression are treated as early as possible.

Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because they want to experience the productivity and creativity associated with mania. Although these early manic states may feel good, discontinuing medication may have very negative consequences.

Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. Suicidal thoughts, ideas and gestures in people with bipolar affective disorder require immediate attention.

Bipolar disorder testing: Treatment modalities

Treatment of bipolar disorder is unique and involves use of mood-stabilizing medications such as carbamazepine, lithium and valproic acid. According to AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center, these medications can be very effective for treating both the manic and depressive phases as well as avoiding future symptoms. Finally doctor Akoury reiterates that besides mood stabilizers, it is also important to note that antidepressant drugs may be helpful in correcting depressive phases if used alongside the mentioned mood stabilizers. All we want is to help you have your life back and bipolar should not bring you down. We will be waiting for your call for the commencement of your much needed restoration of perfection of your health.

Bipolar disorder testing: Temperament stabilizing medications

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Bipolar complications and depression

March 31, 2017
Bipolar complications

Bipolar complications and depression causes brain instability

Bipolar complications and depression: The brain instability

If you have never known what bipolar complications are, then it will benefits you to appreciate that normally it is identified by incidences of excitability (mania) interchanging with the cycles of depression. The mood swings between mania and depression are normally very sudden. Doctor Dalal Akoury, MD founder and President of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center says that bipolar disorder results from instability in the sections of the brain charged with moods regulation. During manic periods, persons struggling with bipolar disorder may be excessively impulsive and energetic, with a flamboyant sense of self. The depressed stage brings overpowering feelings of anxiety, low self-respect and suicidal thoughts.

Because of the seriousness of bipolar disorder, many of the victims will often require time in inpatient depression treatment centers. The essence of this is to help them to be free from life stressors, get appropriate medication management and learn healthier coping skills. Ideally if you will schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury, this is what we will offer to you during treatment professionally and with a lot of dignity.

Bipolar complications and depression: Types of bipolar disorder

There are two principal types of bipolar disorder. Individuals with bipolar disorder have had at least one fully manic episode with episodes of major depression. (At one time, bipolar disorder was called manic depression).

Individuals with bipolar disorder II rarely suffer full-fledged mania. Instead they suffer periods of hypomania (increased levels of energy and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as the symptoms of mania). These hypomanic episodes alternate with episodes of major depression. A mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia involves periods of hypomania and mild depression, with less severe mood swings. It is further important to note that bipolar disorder affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 15 and 25.

Bipolar disorder symptoms and signs

The manic phase of bipolar disorder may last from days to months and include the following symptoms:

  • Binge eating, drinking and drug use
  • Easily irritated
  • Elevated mood
  • Hyperactivity
  • Increased energy
  • Inflated self-esteem
  • Lack of self-control
  • Little need for sleep
  • Over-involvement in activities
  • Poor temper control
  • Racing thoughts
  • Reckless behavior
  • Sexual promiscuity
  • Spending sprees
  • Tendency to be easily distracted

These symptoms of mania are seen with bipolar disorder I. In people with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic episodes involve similar symptoms that are less intense. The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder involves very serious symptoms of major depression include:

  • Struggling concentrating, memory lapse and poor decision making.
  • Eating disturbances
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Overeating and weight gain
  • Persistent sadness
  • Persistent imaginations of death
  • Sleep disturbances like excessive sleepiness or inability to sleep
  • Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed and from friends

Finally, bipolar disorder increases the risk of suicide to the directly affected victims. While in either phase, a person may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the symptoms. Sometimes there is an overlap between the two phases. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously or in quick succession in what is called a mixed state. But in all these instances, you will need help. This is what doctor Akoury and her team of experts will do effectively to restore your health professionally.

Bipolar complications and depression: The brain instability

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Excess sugar consumption

Existing eating disorder treatment

March 31, 2017
Existing eating disorder

Existing eating disorder treatment can be changed using good nutrition and change of lifestyle

Existing eating disorder treatment: Addressing over eating problem

Food is very basic and everybody needs it to survive. Without food, we will not have energy to move and be productive. However, when food is not used properly, it can cause us our health. Somebody ones asked me, if food can cause health complications, should we look for an alternative? For sure when something is causing you problems, one of the solutions you may take is to a void that which is causing the problem. That brings us to the next concern, are we able to put food aside? Certainly no. we all need food for the supply of the energy to be active. Nonetheless, with so many eating disorders, we must find productive ways of addressing them. That does not mean you avoid food. According to the experts from AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource, Center, doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President and founder of the establishment if you have some existing eating disorder, we have a solution for you. At this facility we are providing a comprehensive treatment for all individuals who are suffering from anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, compulsive overeating, and related conditions.

Our treatment integrates evidenced-based practices with integrative therapies that together heal the body, mind, and spirit in a naturally, tranquil setting with round-the-clock medical and clinical care. Ours is to provide an atmosphere of dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Therefore our treatment team who are all qualified in their respective fields of professions like an attending physician, primary therapist, family therapist, continuing care coordinator, psychologists, therapeutic activity & fitness specialists, licensed integrative therapy practitioners, and naturopathic physicians will without hesitation address all the physiological as well as the psychological effects of your eating disorders.

Existing eating disorder treatment: Treatment benefits

Among the many benefits of treatment at this facility notes doctor Akoury, is the significant number of nurses and doctors including a naturopathic physician who are working on full-time to address all you eating disorders problems.

Beside that every patients coming to this facility will benefit from our wide range of medical and clinical services that address the eating disorder and simultaneously treat co-occurring conditions such as depression, trauma, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or addiction. However, unlike many residential programs, AWAREmed does not require a primary or co-occurring diagnosis of addiction in order to be admitted for eating disorder treatment.

Existing eating disorder treatment: The wholesomeness treatment approach

Finally, our treatment model is based on the understanding that we all exist as mind, body, and spirit. And because all our treatment programs are designed to treat the whole person, patients are able to learn to understand underlying causes of emotional and behavioral disorders and recognize how to avoid any subsequent addictions and dependencies during the recovery process. This then prepares them (patients) for the challenge of staying healthy once treatment ends. We go beyond the expectation of the client to deliver quality even when the patient was in denial. So give us a call today and schedule for an appointment with us so that we can take you through the treatment process.

Existing eating disorder treatment: Addressing over eating problem

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