Welcome to the thirty-seventh edition of Brain Blogging. In this round, we try to uncover the neuropathology of Asperger’s syndrome, correlate sleep disturbances with chronic fatigue syndrome, link OCD to specific neuroanatomy, and discuss several brain fitness techniques.

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. If you were left out, just leave a comment with your blog entry. You can check our archive for every edition. Read more →

More than half of new mothers experience mild and transient mood changes or depression after the birth of a baby, often called the “baby blues.” New mothers may feel irritable, tearful, anxious, or fatigue, and may experience changes in sleep or appetite. These changes are likely caused by hormonal changes in the first few days or weeks following the birth of a child, and most mothers continue to function well despite these symptoms of depression. Read more →

Since you’re pretty much on your own once they tell you you’re recovered, I’m dedicating this topic to everyone who is supposedly recovered, but who do not have functional lives yet. If this isn’t you, please keep reading, because it’s bound to be someone you know sooner or later. Read more →

When I was ten, I loved a science-fiction TV show called “The Prisoner.” I was too young to fully understand it, but one chilling part of the story involved a huge black sphere that rolled out of nowhere to pursue the escaping prisoner. It was relentless and horrifying. There was no getting away from it; the prisoner was always consumed. That’s what depression feels like to me, and this summer was the worst episode yet.

For many weeks, I didn’t even realize what was happening. I felt totally drained of energy, but I was used to fatigue; I’ve had AIDS for nearly nine years. Read more →