-- Are patients aware of the fact that pharmacological therapies stress the brain in ways which may prevent or postpone symptomatic and functional recovery ? ==================================================== Rethinking Psychiatric Drugs: A Guide for Informed Consent is a critical appraisal of the medications which an estimated 20% of Americans consume on a regular (and sometimes involuntary) basis. It is the philosophically, epidemiologically, and scientifically supported revelation of how and why psychiatry's drug therapies have contributed to a standard of care which frequently does more to harm than to cure. Extensively researched and documented, the book addresses: -- the process by which psychiatric drugs reach the market -- the history and philosophy of Evidence Based Medicine -- the common flaws in research methodologies which negate the validity of the psychiatric RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial) -- the problem of allostatic load (how drugs stress the body) -- the history, long term effects, and utility of the drugs used to suppress symptoms of depression, psychosis, inattention and hyperactivity -- the effectiveness of alternatives to medication Rethinking Psychiatric Drugs: A Guide for Informed Consent exposes the current crisis in medical ethics and epistemology, and attempts to restore to psychiatry an authentically informed consent to care.

This riveting book takes the reader around the globe and through the centuries to discover how different cultures have sought to combat and treat physical pain. With colourful stories and sometimes frightening anecdotes, Dr Thomas Dormandy describes a chequered progression of breakthroughs, haphazard experiments, ignorant attitudes, and surprising developments in human efforts to control pain. Attitudes toward pain and its perception have changed, as have the means of pain relief and scientific understanding. Dr Dormandy offers a thoroughly fascinating, multicultural history that culminates with a discussion of today's successes, and failures, in the struggle against pain. The book's exploration is fused with accounts of the development of specific methods of pain relief, including the use of alcohol, plants, hypnosis, religious faith, stoic attitudes, local anaesthesia, general anaesthesia and modern analgesics. Dr Dormandy also looks at the most recent advances in pain clinics and palliative care for patients with terminal disease as well as the prospects for loosening pain's grip in the future. Thomas Dormandy, MD, is a retired consultant pathologist, Whittington Hospital, University of London, and Brunel University, London. He is the author of the prize-winning book 'The White Death: A History of Tuberculosis' and 'Opium: Reality's Dark Dream', published by Yale University Press.

Through her extensive experience with pain clinics, author Phyllis Berger -- a chronic pain sufferer herself -- realized that pain relief was highly dependent on stress factors. She found relief could be more rapidly achieved by blocking pain with electrical currents and acupuncture, relieving anxiety and releasing emotions, and increasing pain-free movements with exercises, especially enjoyable exercises that build strength and endurance. Focusing on the brain and its complex chemical interactions and electrical circuitry, "The Journey to Pain Relief provides solid information, advice, and treatment suggestions to empower both the chronic pain sufferer and the pain therapist. The author authoritatively describes ways to combine a wide range of treatments that tap into the body's inherent knowledge and ability to heal, increase exercise ability, stimulate the production of helpful chemical substances in the body, and encourage the positive attitudes that will bring many more patients to that often elusive destination of pain relief and control.

Futureproof your body and relieve chronic pain resulting from sitting, slouching, and other bad lifestyle habits with this easy-to-perform set of daily stretching and exercise routines - from an innovative physical therapist who coaches dozens of celebrity clients. What if we could easily acquire long-lasting protection for our bodies and escape the chronic pain caused by our sit-all-the-time, slouch-too-much lifestyles? Vinh Pham is a world-class physical therapist - a member of a new breed that dissects how people really move. He has worked with a broad range of clients, from Olympians to NBA stars to Mixed martial arts-fighters to Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning artists. Early in his career, he discovered a disappointing truth: most of his patients came to him already in pain. They had poor, deeply ingrained lifestyle habits that misaligned their joints and tightened their muscles. And the recent epidemic of prolonged sitting - which represents an all-day assault on the body - has only made things worse. If you're sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time without getting up, you may be heading toward a world of hurt. Vinh's answer to the host of muscle maladies that ails us has been a revolutionary concept: why not future proof? Instead of reacting to chronic pain after it flares up, what if we focused on a movement discipline that not only prevents injuries but leads to longer lives, healthier bodies, and a clearer mind? Sit Up Straight outlines a process that starts with a daily posture hygiene regimen. Performed correctly, these exercises will lock in protection for the rest of the day. But Vinh goes further. He provides stretching and exercise routines for many of the specific ailments that affect us - from hamstring pulls to sciatica to rotator cuff problems - and, best of all, he offers a series of customised movements based on age, gender and the kind of work we perform. A precise and simple toolkit for tweaking the way we move (or refuse to move), Sit Up Straight shows that the solution to becoming pain-free is easier than we think.

As the movement for legalization of marijuana spreads across the country, it is important to weigh the possible benefits and pitfalls of cannabis use. Cannabis Consulting is both a handbook and a report from the front lines of medical marijuana use. Writing from the perspective of a parent and veteran schoolteacher turned professional cannabis consultant, Parzybok tells the often-inspiring stories of his efforts to assist victims of chronic pain, terminal disease, and even conditions such as ADHD. This timely volume was written for the patients, families, law enforcement, and health professionals all trying to make decisions about cannabis at this critical era of transition. It is an honest, clear-eyed exploration of the marijuana debate that looks beyond the hype and disinformation on both sides to chart a new path toward rational and safe use of cannabis.

If you are one of the 45 million Americans suffering from chronic pain, you've most likely seen numerous doctors and tried a wide range of medicines and treatments, only to alleviate your pain. You've probably come to believe that there's nothing to be done and that your chronic pain, is, well, chronic. Now, in a groundbreaking contribution, Dr. Scott Fishman introduces an interdisciplinary pain-management approach that integrates traditional and alternative techniques including pharmcology, neuroscience, experimental precedures and mind-body medicine. For anyone who suffers from chronic pain conditions such as back pain, post-surgical pain, migraines, and arthritis, The War on Pain, with the latest research personal stories of patients, and the wise and compassionate advice of a leading pain expert, is a patient's best defense.

Make breathwork an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine with this step-by-step guide to mindful breathing. New science has revealed the importance of breathwork to balance the body, focus the mind, relieve stress, address anger issues and so much more! This little self-care book will take you on a breathtaking journey of holistic healing, featuring: -A down to earth guide to tackle over 50 step-by-step techniques to use at home -Detailed information based on a 360 degree approach to improving breathing techniques written by an expert in the field -Features practices, routines and exercised accompanied by step-by-step illustrations Dive deep into the pages of this brilliant breathwork book to explore expert advice on a diverse range of topics, including body position, depth of breath, speed of breath, visualization, duration and repetition. These easy-to-follow techniques further include conscious and connected breathing, holographic breathwork, and qi gong breathwork, all encompassed within a bite-sized self-help bible full of friendly advice and accompanying illustrations to help make life-transforming change a reality for you! A recent study suggests that pranayama - a form of yoga breathing, can decrease stress-related inflammation, in addition to reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving immunity. It's time to tap into the ever-growing trend of wellness, and immerse yourself in the power of breathing, from slowing down and being aware of your breath, to recognizing your own unique rhythms, this all-encompassing self-care book truly does have it all. Did you know that self-care is a vital tool for navigating the challenges of modern living? In a society where stress and anxiety mounts and self-esteem takes a dive, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Don't worry, DK has got you covered! Whether you're experiencing stress and anxiety in your work or personal life and you're seeking a wider range of self-care practices, or you wish to widen your knowledge and experience on breathing techniques through yoga and meditation, this wonderful well-being book has something for everyone to discover. It's time to wake up to the true power of breathwork and enhance the quality of your life for the better. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So once you've completed Breathwork why not explore more books in DK's Little Book of Self-Care series? Discover how to make aromatherapy an indispensable part of your everyday self-care routine in Aromatherapy, or immerse yourself in mindfulness massage with Trigger Points.

This book offers guidance from the field's most respected experts on the psychological assessment and treatment of pain, particularly with hypnosis. It covers both syndromes of special interest (cancer pain, recurrent pain syndromes, headache, burn patients, etc.) and special populations (children and the elderly).

This book sets out to restore the concept of healing to its place within and beyond pain medicine, in chapters authored by keynote speakers to the British Pain Society's Philosophy and Ethics Special Interest Group. Exploring psychological, spiritual and creative approaches, contributors reflect on therapeutic avenues ranging from the deliberate use of the placebo response and the importance of a caring relationship between patient and practitioner, to the use of knitting as a therapeutic tool. Barriers to the flow of healing such as practitioners' careless use of language and cultural attitudes are identified and contrasted with the need to understand the first-person perspectives of people who are suffering. This book will provide hope and inspiration both to people who have become disillusioned with conventional medical approaches to the relief of their pain, and to health professionals sadly aware of the frequent inadequacy of their efforts to help them.

Whether a mass casualty, earthquake or weather event at home, or a disaster abroad, proper preparation is essential for providing high-quality care. This concise guide brings together the views and knowledge of experienced responders to offer a much-needed review of the essential elements of anesthesia and intensive care for disasters and austere environments. Combining academic theory and practical advice, the book covers topics such as emergency and trauma surgery; airway management; chemical, biological and radiological exposure; personal protective equipment; and the psychological impact of working in the operating room in disaster situations. As successful care depends on the incident response team working collaboratively, the text also covers emergency communications, infrastructure preservation, and topics relevant to other medical specialists such as pain management and obstetrics. Featuring numerous high-quality illustrations, Essentials of Disaster Anesthesia is a vital, relevant resource for anesthetists, emergency physicians, nurses, and ancillary personnel.

Since its serendipitous discovery, surgeons and physicians have continued to study and refine the surgical treatment of chronic headaches. This innovation has been a "disruptive" treatment challenging the classical methods of management for patients living with migraines. This comprehensive reference provides the starting point for many surgeons who are entering this field and also describes intricate and variable technical details, providing the reader with a basic knowledge while delving deeper into techniques honed through years of treatment experience. Surgical Treatment of Chronic Headaches and Migraines is organized across 17 chapters and contributed to by a multidisciplinary wealth of practitioners in the fields of plastic surgery, neurology, pain medicine, and more. Topics examine the various types of headaches that may require surgical treatment and include postoperative care alongside minimally invasive interventions. The text is rounded out by a look towards the future in this field and further enhanced by high-quality videos, tables, and figures, making it a valuable reference for anyone looking to treat patients exhibiting the debilitating pain of chronic headaches and migraines.

Chronic pain is a medical mystery, debilitating to patients and a source of frustration for practitioners. It often eludes both cause and cure and serves as a reminder of how much further we have to go in unlocking the secrets of the body. A new field of pain medicine has evolved from this landscape, one that intersects with dozens of disciplines and subspecialties ranging from psychology and physiology to anesthesia and chiropractic medicine. Over the past three decades, researchers, policy makers, and practitioners have struggled to define this complex and often contentious field as they work to establish standards while navigating some of the most challenging philosophical issues of Western science. In The Politics of Pain Medicine: A Rhetorical-Ontological Inquiry, S. Scott Graham offers a rich and detailed exploration of the medical rhetoric surrounding pain medicine. Graham chronicles the work of interdisciplinary pain management specialists to found a new science of pain and a new approach to pain medicine grounded in a more comprehensive biospychosocial model. His insightful analysis demonstrates how these materials ultimately shape the healthcare community's understanding of what pain medicine is, how the medicine should be practiced and regulated, and how practitioner-patient relationships are best managed. It is a fascinating, novel examination of one of the most vexing issues in contemporary medicine.

A virtualist is a doctor who specializes in virtual medicine. She uses tools like VR headsets, spatial acoustics, haptic feedback, and even olfactory mimicry to induce reactions in patients' bodies that help treat a variety of physiological and psychological conditions, from chronic pain, to compulsive behavior, without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgical techniques. Virtualists don't exist yet, but after reading VRx they just might. In recent years, scientists have established that people's perceptions - their subjective experiences of the world - influence how their bodies work. We typically have little control over our perceptions, particularly when we are sick. But what could we do if we did? In VRx Brennan Spiegel introduces readers to a new kind of medicine, called virtual therapeutics, answering exactly this question, using technology that is already available. It works through two basic but powerful psychological concepts: embodied cognition, the idea that thought processes involve the whole body, not just the brain; and presence, the ability of virtual reality to trick your body into thinking it's somewhere that it isn't, or can do something that it can't usually do. VRx takes readers on a mindbending journey through the ways in which these deep connections between our minds and our bodies are being put to good use. We learn about the woman who endures an exceptionally painful labor by completing breathing exercises on a digital beach, the schizophrenic patient who literally confronts the demon inside his head, the burn victims who are able to manage their pain better after traversing snowy virtual landscapes, and the doctor who confronted his own fear of mortality by watching himself die. Brimming with extraordinary stories of the power of virtual therapeutics to treat both physical and psychological conditions, VRx offers nothing short of a completely new way of healing.

This comprehensive text describes the origins, mechanisms, beneficial applications and practical details of frequency specific therapy - a treatment technique that uses frequencies, micro amperage current and the principles of biological resonance to treat pain and a wide range of medical conditions. It includes condition specific frequency protocols for the treatment of various pain complaints, and multi-center clinical case reports documenting successful application of the technique. Each section includes a review of condition pathophysiology and differential diagnosis, plus current research. A website http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780443069765 features a lecture from the author, practical demonstrations of techniques, fully searchable text and downloadable images from the book!

If you know anyone who works in the NHS. A nurse, doctor, physio, dietitian, administrator, manager, literally anyone. Gift them this book. Dr Rupy Aujla This book is an absolute must have for anyone who wants to take back control of their lives - and most importantly - their pain. Kate Silverton There is no easy fix when it comes to chronic pain. Opioids are often the first, addictive resort and surgery rarely achieves the pain free outcome promised. But while there is no single fix, there is a way out and it starts with your mindset. This is the powerful approach of The Pain-Free Mindset, where NHS pain consultant Dr Ravindran brings his 20 years of experience to offer you an effective set of techniques that will help you take back control and overcome your pain. In this groundbreaking guide you will: *Discover what happens to your body and brain when you experience pain *Learn how you can change the way you perceive and respond to pain - without taking addictive medication *Find the best pain-management plan for you and your lifestyle Packed with science-backed tips and inspiring case studies this book will transform your mindset and show that you have the power to live pain free.

Dieses Buch vermittelt auf anschauliche Weise, wie Schmerz entsteht, warum er anhalten kann oder immer wieder auftaucht und wie man mit ihm am besten im alltaglichen Leben umgeht.Patienten, die uber die Entstehung, Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung von Schmerzen Bescheid wissen, kommen erwiesenermassen besser mit ihnen zurecht. Die Autoren dieses Buches erklaren komplexe neurowissenschaftliche Fakten und zeigen verstandlich, wie dieses Wissen in die therapeutische Praxis integriert werden kann. Finden Sie als Arzt oder Therapeut gemeinsam mit Ihrem Patienten eine gemeinsame Sprache und entwickeln Sie wirksame Instrumente zur Schmerzbewaltigung und erfolgreiche Behandlungskonzepte. Stellen Sie sich als Betroffener dem Phanomen Schmerz und lernen Sie hilfreiche Verhaltensstrategien fur sich zu nutzen.Neu in der 3. Auflage: komplette Aktualisierung

*A bestseller that's helped over 200,000 people; includes audio and worksheet downloads; updates feature the latest science and current resources. *A 10-step program that is scientifically supported--unlike most competing titles. *Used in pain clinics and hospitals. *New "Quick Skill" feature provides at least one "something to try right now" suggestion. *Mind-body approach addresses both medical and psychological aspects of pain. *From a board certified, respected authority.

Pain and itch are associated with a wide range of injuries and diseases. Some conditions may have pain and associated symptoms arising from a discrete cause, such as postoperative and neuropathic pains or headaches. Chronic itch or pruritus is a frequent symptom in the general population and in many skin and systemic diseases. Millions of people on the planet suffer from acute or chronic pain and itch every year, and the effects of pain and itch exact a tremendous cost on most countries concerning health care costs, rehabilitation and lost worker productivity, as well as the emotional and financial burden it places on patients and their families. Therefore, the synthesis and development of a new generation of analgesic drugs with lesser side effects are very important for society.This book provides an original account of behavioral, cellular and molecular aspects with important ramifications for the study of hyperalgesia and allodynia in pain and itch. It concentrates on the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels functioning in pain and itch states. It explains how TRP channels work in terms of specified somato-sensory mechanisms and systems. This book shows that TRP channels are promising targets for the development of a new group of analgesic drugs at the periphery and central levels and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.