Brain Blogging, Thirty-Second Edition

We are shaking things up with this round of Brain Blogging in our thirty-second edition. This time, we are stripping off the fat and giving you exactly what you want: short excerpts that highlight each article with a clear link to the blog.

If you were left out in this round, just leave a comment with your blog entry. Don’t worry, we’ll format it to match the blog carnival (or even include it in the main post).

Remember, we review the latest blogs related to the brain and mind that go beyond the basic sciences into a more human and multidimensional perspective. You can check our Brain Blogging archive for all editions.

For future editions, please remember to submit your blog entries using the online submission form. We will do our best to review and include your entry! Enjoy your readings…

Mental Health Disorders

Dr. Deb reports on Into The Wild ~ A Study of Schizophrenia?:

What struck me was that this was NOT a story of an idealistic visionary but rather a young man with Schizophrenia.

Providentia reports on The Beast Within:

A similar case was brought to trial in 1603 involving a mentally disturbed (and possibly intellectually challenged) boy named Jean Grenier. Following reports of animal attacks on children in Gascony, France, Grenier confessed to all of the attacks and claimed to have eaten some of the children involved.

Coping, Therapy, and Treatment

Live Beyond Stress and Illness reports on Deep Breathing for the Health of it:

In all my years of working with clients in the health and wellness field, rarely do I run across someone challenged by stress and illness that is conscious of their breathing habits let alone conscious of the true benefits deep breathing can offer them.

Dr Shock reports on Computer Based Psychotherapy:

Patients often improve more with computer based cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy than with conditions such as waiting list control or care as usual, says a recent review. This is coupled with an over 50% cut in usual therapist time.

Blog Motivation reports on 9 Effective Ways To Get Out Of A Rut:

Routines have their purpose. Many people like them, as they give us some comfort and security. However, sometimes it gets too comfortable and thus lead to a lack of action. Which is what the rut is all about.

Drugs and Toxins

Caffeine Addiction reports on the Health Effects Of Caffeine:

Since caffeine stimulates stress hormones, this can lead to increased anxiety, insomnia, and tension. If you are like most people, increasing the amount of stress and anxiety in your life is not a good thing. There is enough of that to go around already!

A Girl Smiles reports on Going off SSRI’s:

I’ve been on 10-20mg of Lexapro for at least 2 years now. I’ve tried going off before with rather bad results. This time I’m going to make it. Other than my sister, I’m not telling my family. My mom would freak out and accuse me of being depressed even when I was not.

Genetic Conditions and Diseases

Lumosity Brain Health reports on the Genetic Component of Alzheimer’s Disease:

Researchers examined families in which both parents have Alzheimer’s, and found that their children ended up with the disease 42% of the time.

Mind, Soul, and Body reports That which we pass on, when flawed:

Becoming the parent of a child with a genetic disease is a harrowing experience. This is likely more true today than it has ever been. We are hardwired to want the best for our children. Discovering they have a life altering condition pulls the rug right out from under parents.