Treatment plans and medications for depression According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment. It is a condition that can be treated by therapy, medication, or both, and the treatment approaches vary depending on the type of depression. Here are some psychotherapy approaches to know about: Interpersonal therapy (IPT) This approach focuses on the past and present social roles and interpersonal interactions of the patient and attempts to help them find better ways to deal with their current problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) It focuses on helping patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behavior.

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.

6 prescription medicines used for treating migraines A migraine is a form of severely painful, recurring headaches that are typically accompanied by a range of sensory symptoms such as temporary vision loss, pins and needles in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking, hearing noises, seeing bright lights, and uncontrollable jerking or other movements. Depending on the severity, this condition can last for hours or even days. According to the American Migraine Foundation, over 36 million people are suffering from this condition. In addition, women are 3 times more likely to get migraines than men. While its exact cause still remains unknown, episodes can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, emotional distress, fatigue, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration, certain types of medications, and environmental factors. Treatment The following medications are commonly used to treat migraine symptoms. Some of these help mitigate the existing headache, while some prevent the onset of a migraine, reducing the frequency of attacks. Ergomar® Ergomar® belongs to a group of compounds known as ergot alkaloids. These are specially designed for migraine-type headaches, so they shouldn’t be taken to treat common tension headaches or other headaches different from migraine. This medication alleviates migraine headaches by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head. Ergomar® works best on headaches that have already begun. It won’t be able to prevent migraine headaches or lower the frequency of attacks. ONZETRA® Xsail® ONZETRA® is a sumatriptan nasal powder that is dispensed via the Breath Powered® Xsail device. Sumatriptan comes from a class of medicines known as triptans. It affects serotonin levels that narrow blood vessels in the brain and also relieves pain by targeting certain types of nerves. This prescription medication is used for treating episodes of acute migraine with or without the symptoms of aura in adults. It doesn’t intend to prevent migraine attacks or to treat other forms of headaches including cluster headaches.

6 FDA-approved medications to treat lung cancer One of the leading causes of cancer deaths, lung cancer has been known to claim more lives every year than prostate, colon, breast, and ovarian cancer together. It begins in the lungs and, depending on the stage, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Lung cancer has multiple causes. However, people who tend to smoke are at a higher risk of lung cancer. The risk increases with the length of time and the number of cigarettes smoked. Other causes include passive smoking, exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens, and a family history of lung cancer. Lung cancer causes coughing that doesn’t go away. Additionally, a person suffering from lung cancer can cough up blood, and experience shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, and headache. Treatment usually includes surgery and medications. The below-mentioned medications are FDA-approved and need to be taken only when prescribed by a medical expert. Xalkori: Also known as crizotinib, Xalkori has been approved by the FDA for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Earlier prescribed to those with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, this medication is now recommended to those with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer that had started spreading. It works as an inhibitor in targeted therapy. It blocks the changes in lung cancer cells and that interferes with the growth and spread of the cancerous cells. Tagrisso: Also called osimertinib, Tagrisso is used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The medication is a type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI); it inhibits an enzyme known as tyrosine kinases, which is involved in cell signaling. Tyrosine kinases are involved in the stimulation of cell division and are active in the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells.

The types of dyskinesia The causes of dyskinesia vary but most cases are due to altered brain chemistry. Dyskinesia is caused due to medication and injury or trauma to the region of the brain known as the basal ganglia. Brain damage is also a major cause when it comes to dyskinesia. The basal ganglia is the region where voluntary movements are learned and controlled. This article examines the types of dyskinesia. Parkinson’s dyskinesia A high number of people, around 50% of patients with Parkinson’s who are being treated with levodopa, develop dyskinesia. Levodopa alters the dopamine levels in the brain, and this rise and fall of dopamine levels causes dyskinesia. The common symptoms of dyskinesia are fidgeting, head bobbing, swaying of the body, wriggling, and writhing. About half of the people who develop dyskinesia do not find the need to seek help and may continue to live healthy lives as the condition is mild and poses no challenge. Tremors Rhythmic movements are used to classify tremors. Some of the familiar types are: Resting or static tremors wherein tremors occur on a limb that is completely supported and is relaxed. These tremors may be associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s. Action and intention or kinetic tremors occur when the muscle is in motion and is normally seen during movement of an upper-body part, which includes the hand or the arm. Doctors usually attribute these tremors to MS, cerebral degeneration, vascular diseases, or a tumor. Tests are conducted to reveal the cause. Postural tremors occur when the muscle is not being moved but continue after it is moved. They are the result of alcohol abuse, heavy metal poisoning, and other physiological factors. Sometimes they may be caused by abusing antidepressants. Neurological conditions like Wilson’s disease have also been associated with tremors of this sort.

Treatment options for dyskinesia Seeking treatment for dyskinesia may get complicated depending on the severity of the disease. Some people try going off the medication levodopa altogether as most doctors agree that this medication is the primary cause for the condition. However, if you are off levodopa, you face a new set of challenges. The tremors, stiffness, and rigidity start surfacing again — this may result in the doctor prescribing additional doses of levodopa. Most doctors think that it is important to find the right balance. Some people may have to go off levodopa for a longer period of time, but the aftereffects can be tough to handle. Other people may choose to stay on the drug for long to avoid the severe consequences of Parkinson’s disease and dyskinesia. Let’s examine some of the treatment options for dyskinesia. Medication Opt for a controlled release form of levodopa. This prevents you from experiencing peak levels of the medicine, giving you relief from dyskinesia. Another alternative is breaking down the daily dose of levodopa into smaller more frequent doses throughout the day so as to prolong the effects. Some people also use other drugs that slow down the breakdown of levodopa so that its effects are felt for a longer time. The dosage of dopamine agonists could also be significantly increased and the dosage of levodopa should be brought down to a minimum tolerable level. A gel that contains levodopa and carbidopa is also applied on the upper part of the small intestine, and this stabilizes dopamine levels in the bloodstream and allows for smoother control over your motor functions. Amantadine, which is also called a glutamate antagonist, controls glutamate, which has an effect on dopamine levels. It can be administered orally or intravenously. Motor diary A motor diary can be very useful for you and your doctor to check how your medications are working.

An overview of the symptoms and causes of dyskinesia Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by involuntary muscle movement. It usually affects the head, or the arms and sometimes the entire body. It could also be painful. While suffering from dyskinesia, a person can experience mild to debilitating discomfort. Based on the type and severity of the condition, it could affect your daily activities as well. The frequency and the intensity of the condition cannot be predicted. Dyskinesia is often observed in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It could be caused due to levodopa treatment, which continues for a long time. It may also occur in people with movement disorders and is not restricted to Parkinson’s patients alone. People with brain injuries or others who take antipsychotic medications could also experience the condition. These uncontrollable movements could be as mild as minor body twitches to complete movement of the body. Facts about dyskinesia Dyskinesia starts out as minor fidgets or movements that are abnormal and uncontrollable in the dominant hand or foot. It could be a minor shake or tremor. The causes of dyskinesia may vary depending on the type of the condition. People who suffer from dyskinesia due to autism could benefit from behavioral therapy. Unless symptoms pose a significant challenge and affect daily life, it may go untreated if the symptoms are mild. Symptoms of dyskinesia Dyskinesia’s symptoms are different for each person. It may be mild with minor movements of the hands, feet, or head. It could also be more severe wherein multiple body parts start moving randomly. The symptoms tend to get worse over time and some symptoms start after a serious brain injury or they may get intense after trauma to the head. Dyskinesia is not related to the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s patients.

Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver. Similarly, consuming certain medications in large doses can damage an otherwise healthy liver. Medications contributing to the development of drug-induced hepatitis There is a long list of medications that can lead to hepatitis. Painkillers and fever reducers containing acetaminophen commonly lead to drug-induced hepatitis and other types of liver injury. This is especially likely when these medicines are purchased without a prescription and consumed in higher-than-recommended doses. Additionally, people who consume alcohol have a higher chance of developing the illness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen can also lead to drug-induced hepatitis.