Author name: louisam

Synthetic Opiate Painkillers The United Nations has warned of a world-wide problem with accidental overdoses of synthetic opiates, and the UK is the second nation to have this following the USA. The UK is leading Europe in testing for these substances. Super-strength street drugs more powerful than heroin have been linked to at least 54 deaths […]

Celebrating International Women’s Day Friday was International Women’s Day. This is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of women. Celebrated globally and sometimes referring to significant achievements of women in history. It does serve as a reminder of the progress made in the pursuit of gender equality while

Young People’s Education and Mental Health Outcomes This week The Resolution Foundation concluded that to improve the lives of young people there should be more effort on those who did not have higher education as the economic outcomes for these people is less favourable generally but especially if they are not educated to degree level and suffer from any

Peace or chaos? I recall someone telling me how embarrassed she was taking foreign dignitaries round the Houses of Parliament, particularly the House of Commons. There was shouting and quite unruly behaviour. The visitors were horrified and told her that they found the members of parliament badly behaved. Wednesday night reinforced this, and the repercussions

Mental Health at University Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and as awareness grows, the need for effective mental health care provision becomes increasingly evident.  There is concern about the lack of observation and support at university for young people. This is coming from the place of where they are treated like

Children’s Mental Health Week and shortage of ADHD medication As the Children’s mental health week finishes a topical subject is ADHD and its management.  For many individuals with ADHD, medication is crucial to their treatment plan and the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications has caused an understandable area of concern. The frustration that the shortages cause

Xanomeline-trospium, a new treatment for schizophrenia The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Xanomeline-trospium a novel pharmacological compound to be considered for the treatment of schizophrenia.  Schizophrenia is a disease of diverse aetiology, involving numerous neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine

UK is at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation” A YouGov poll of 2,060 adults, 1,132 workers, found 35% had high or extreme pressures at work and 20% requiring time off due to poor mental health caused by stress in the last year.  The survey also found 35% of people were not comfortable voicing concerns

A Ray of Hope for Depression? There is research on the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in the treatment of depression. Traditionally associated recreational use, substances like psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), LSD, and MDMA are now being investigated for their ability to treat depression.   Psychedelic drugs are substances that have a range of psychological

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions It is Sunday 14th January 2024, and many will have not maintained their New Year’s Resolutions. Why is this?  We can often over-estimate our possibilities and then feel disheartened when we do not achieve this, such as going to the gym for one hour every day.  To spend the effort on