5^th International Conference on Depression, Anxiety and Stress Management November 05-06, 2018 Bangkok, Thailand

Biography:

Abstract:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, chronic, and disabling depression and anxiety disorder that may develop following exposure to a traumatic event.

Although the use of Medical Cannabis for the treatment of physical and psychological disorders is controversial, medical marijuana is currently legal in Canada, 30 states in the United States and a handful of countries in South America.

Studies published in Molecular Psychiatry and Science Daily showed that treatment using particular compounds found in marijuana may benefit those with PTSD, and that “plant-derived cannabinoids [psychoactive chemicals] such as marijuana may possess some benefits in individuals with PTSD by helping relieve haunting nightmares and other symptoms of PTSD” and As a result of taking medical marijuana, participants reported a decrease in re-experiencing the trauma, less avoidance of situations that reminded them of the trauma, and a decline in hyper-arousal, respectively.

There’s also convincing evidence from multiple studies for reduced endocannabinoid availability in PTSD, i.e., reduced levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and compensatory increase of CB1 receptor availability in PTSD, and an association between increased CB1 receptor availability in the amygdala and abnormal threat processing, as well as increased severity of hyperarousal, but not dysphoric symptomatology, in trauma survivors. 

This presentation will be a literature review supporting the theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency and a review on how to treat PTSD with medical cannabis.

Biography:

Arlinda is a mental health researcher with special interest in the development and evaluation of e-health interventions. She is the Co-Deputy Director of the Centre for Global Mental Health in London and works at Imperial College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Arlinda has a background in psychology and has completed a research PhD with the department of Primary Care and Population Health at University College London and an MSc in Mental Health Services Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (Kings College, London). Arlinda has previously held both clinical and research posts with different NHS trusts (South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust; Central and North West London Foundation Trust) in the UK. These posts involved working in a variety of clinical and research settings such as PTSD clinics, Learning Disabilities Teams and Old Age services.

Abstract:

ImplementaLL aims to examine the effectiveness of tailored implementation compared to usual implementation of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) in routine practice in twelve implementation sites in nine countries. The ImpleMentAll consortium is made up of 18 partners from Europe and Australia. We will discuss its implementation in two particular countries in the Balkans region i.e.Albania and Kosova.

A stepped-wedge trial (SWT) design will be applied by which the time points at which implementation sites receive the ItFits-toolkit is randomised. By the end of the trial, all implementation sites would have received the ItFits-toolkit sequentially acting as control and intervention condition. There are 6 groups and 2 implementation sites per group. Sites will be informed about the group they are allocated to directly after the first baseline measurement in month 0. Every three months, a new group crosses over from IAU to using the ItFits-toolkit.

There are two types of study participants: 1) implementers, and 2) staff involved in iCBT service delivery. Implementers are directly involved in the development, coordination and execution of implementation activities. Implementers are represented in the study by an Implementation Lead (IL) who has a coordinating role in the implementation activities.

The project has a total duration of 51 months divided in three phases: 1) preparation (Jan 2017 – May 2018), 2) trial period (June 2018 – September 2020), and 3) analysis and reporting (October 2020 – March 2021).

Biography:

Dr Inderdeep Kaur is presently working as an Associate Professor in Botany, SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi. She has travelled widely and participated in several International conferences. During personal interactions with undergrads over several years she found them stressed due to various reasons. In a bid to help them de-stress she has picked up Stress Management and Traditional Meditation Practices. She was invited to organize a workshop on stress management in Philadelphia Stress Management Summit 2015 and later she held a session in Nursing Global 2017, in Amsterdam. She has also published articles like SLEEP: THE SCIENCE OF MIND AT REST and TRADITIONAL MEDICINES AND THE SAFETY ISSUES. In a bid to spread this therapy of calming the entire system in humans, she would be conducting a session on Meditation at Eurosci 2018 at Paris during 21-22June 2018

Herself, regular at performing these meditative exercises, she has a vision to target the spiritual self of the person for she believes that medication is available for body and to some extent mental ailments but spiritual health needs to be achieved with practices like meditation and happiness.

Abstract:

Self-management is person’s ability to influence one’s own behaviour at workplace, in several other platforms and in life in order to improve one’s performance. In daily life we all run into situations that impact our mental and emotional health. Some such incidents being insignificant are easily transpired leaving us calm mentally and unruffled emotionally. There are however, situations that precipitate excessive stress and anxiety on our mental and emotional well-being. If we are emotionally strong we collect ourselves, are able to manage our actions well in public and bounce back. Such persons emerge as leaders and show high productivity even under adverse situations. At the same time there are people who are unable to take this kind of stress and easily mess up their relations in workplace and in life, and also develop health issues.

It is proven scientifically that fitness to manage stress is proportionately related to one’s Emotional Intelligence (EI), the ability to recognize, understand and manage one’s emotions. If we have a low EI, we will allow stress to speak and will be ruled by negative emotions. In recent times there is an increased emphasis on creating awareness amongst people about ways to cope with stress and anxiety. Several self-management techniques to enhance the EI have emerged and people are willingly drawn to such therapies. Meditation which calms not only our body but also our mind and soul is a promising and widely adopted technique. In meditation we are at total peace with ourselves and attain power of concentration. If meditation is practiced with a regulated breathing pattern, it becomes a powerful tool against stress. Chanting mantra is type of meditation where mind chattering is minimized and internal system purified through deep breathing. 

Biography:

Marycon Anne just graduated from the University of the Philippines with a double degree in BA (Psychology-Management). Currently, she is a Psychology Instructor in the same university, handling subjects such as Qualitative Methods, Cognitive Psychology and Child Psychology. In her undergraduate years, she conducted studies on the life of prisoners in the facilities of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Her research stated above was a life-changing endeavor for the young student. Having to interact with those kinds of people made her more passionate in the field of incarceration and rehabilitation. The research is very timely and essential in fully understanding the struggles of drug addicts and for the country to stop its mandate of extrajudicial killings. If God permits, Marycon wants to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology and focus on traumatic counselling and substance abuse rehabilitation.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Philippines is now facing a huge problem in eradicating drug addiction and trade. There were an alarming number of drug users who surrendered to the government’s mandate of War on Drugs. Despite the urgency for treatment, surrenderers cannot avail these services because of the lacking facilities and professionals which can aid in their rehabilitation. Another problem is the question on what kinds of interventions the patients should undergo to achieve long-term substance abstinence. Self-efficacy is an important indicator of future performance or outcome in any field. Integrating Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory in substance abuse, the current study seeks to identify the factors which contribute to abstinence self-efficacy of illicit drug users.

Methodology: In evaluating the sources of efficacy: history of drug use, social models, verbal persuasion and emotional state, drug surrenderers (n =139) undergoing rehabilitation in the province of Iloilo were administered scales and questionnaires. A Pearson product moment correlation was utilized to examine the predictive relationship of the sources and abstinence efficacy. Interviews and focused group discussions were also conducted to provide an in-depth understanding of the relationship of the variables.

Findings: Results of the quantitative analysis indicated that the four hypothesized sources do not significantly correlate with drug abstinence efficacy. Cognitive appraisal through assessing the difficulty of abstinence, perceived personal control, and the varying interpretation of experiences served as barriers in raising one’s confidence to resist drug use. The physical cravings elicited by drug use also prevented the residents to be positively influenced by external factors. Conclusion and Significance: In order to end addiction, people should develop inner control and willingness to abstain. Thus, by capitalizing on cognitive resources through increasing the number of psychologists and creating person-centered interventions, the treatment facilities can better lead the residents to successful recovery and lifetime abstinence.

Biography:

Kyung-Shin Lee is a major in public health and is interested in environmental and health effects. Recently, she published the association phthalate exposure and the symptoms of depression in an elderly population. Now, she has analyzed the association between climate change and health effect among vulnerable people.

Abstract:

Background: Animal studies have reported an association between phthalates and depression, although there is limited evidence from epidemiological studies. We investigated the association between phthalate exposure and symptoms of depression in an elderly population.

Methods: Repeated measures surveys up to three times were conducted during the study period (2012-2014) in the 535 elderly subjects. We measured the following urinary phthalate metabolite levels: mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), and mono-benzyl phthalate (MBzP). MEHHP, MEOHP, and MECPP are metabolites of diethylhexyl phthalates (DEHP). MnBP and MBzP are metabolites of dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate, respectively. The phthalate metabolite concentrations were evaluated to identify associations with the symptoms of depression using the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (SGDS-K). After factor analysis of the components of SGDS-K, we evaluated the association between phthalate exposure and SGDS-K subgroups to determine which symptoms of depression were affected by phthalate exposure.

Results: Concentrations of DEHP metabolites were positively associated with the risk of depressive symptoms in the elderly population (Odds ratio (95% confidence interval); 1.92 (1.17-3.13) for sum of three DEHP metabolites), while we found no significant association between depressive symptoms and either MnBP or MBzP. When we evaluated the associations between phthalate metabolite concentrations and the SDGS-K subgroup, we found that affective and spiritual symptoms were significantly associated with DEHP metabolite concentrations.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that DEHP exposure is associated with depressive symptoms, particularly, the affective and spiritual symptoms, among the elderly population.

Biography:

Rajeevan Moothal is Senior Yoga Teacher who has his expertise in evaluation and passion in improving the health and wellbeing. He has treated various people suffering from anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc  using varius yoga techniques such as yogasana, pranayama, meditation, suryanamaskar, etc. He is a an ayurvedic dietician and nutritionist also. His methods of treatment includes yoga and diet. His methods of life skill development has improved the life of many students and adults in India.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Students between the age of 10 and 18 are always at the risk of anxiety and depression, if the society do not treat them as they needed. As, many of the students are hyperactive, the response or treatment that they get from their elders are always very negative and non cooperative. In this context many students either fall to anxiety or depression, when as their mind-body interventions become less active. The purpose of this study is to help the students to improve their mind-body interventions active and cure the stress related conditions. I have introduced Yoga as a method to treat the common anxiety and depression behavioural problems in these students. The study and treatment has completed for a span of two years, changing the students completely to a new way of life.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: The theoretical study and practice of Yama and Niyama of Ashtanga Yoga have recommended for all students for the build up of strong character base. Various yoga techniques such as Slow Surya namaskar for anxiety problems and fast Surya namaskar for depression problems were prescribed. Similary Nadisuddhi Pranayama prescribed for both anxiety and depression cases equally important. Followed by 15 minutes Meditation prescribed for stabilizing the mind.

Findings: Students with anxiety problems have improved their concentration and contentment within themselves. Students with depression have improved their level of concentration and enthusiasm and joyfulness in their life. Conclusion & Significance:  Nadi Shuddhi Pranayama have mainly influenced in building up the concentration and peacefulness among the students. Suryanamaskar helped in improving the emotional balance of the students  and their mathematical capacities. Recommendations are made for treatment centers to make yoga techniques as an important method for the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Biography:

Abstract:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, chronic, and disabling anxiety disorder that may develop following exposure to a traumatic event.

Although the use of Medical Cannabis for the treatment of physical and psychological disorders is controversial, medical marijuana is currently legal in Canada, 30 states in the United States and a handful of countries in South America.

Studies published in Molecular Psychiatry and Science Daily showed that treatment using particular compounds found in marijuana may benefit those with PTSD, and that “plant-derived cannabinoids [psychoactive chemicals] such as marijuana may possess some benefits in individuals with PTSD by helping relieve haunting nightmares and other symptoms of PTSD” and As a result of taking medical marijuana, participants reported a decrease in re-experiencing the trauma, less avoidance of situations that reminded them of the trauma, and a decline in hyper-arousal, respectively.

There’s also convincing evidence from multiple studies for reduced endocannabinoid availability in PTSD, i.e., reduced levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide and compensatory increase of CB1 receptor availability in PTSD, and an association between increased CB1 receptor availability in the amygdala and abnormal threat processing, as well as increased severity of hyperarousal, but not dysphoric symptomatology, in trauma survivors. 

Other studies suggest that Medical Cannabis therapy, as an adjunct to a traditional analgesic therapy, can be an efficacious tool to make more effective the management of chronic pain and its consequences on functional and psychological dimensions.

The patient in this case study had been treated for over 20 years with multiple opiates, SSRIs, SNRIs, typical and atypical antipsychotics, antiepileptics, etc. to manage her conditions; I will demonstrate how in less than three months, she was off of all of the pharmacological treatments and solely using Medical Cannabis is having a quality of life she had not experienced since before her adolescence.

Biography:

Abstract:

Background and purpose: The resilience approach is in keeping with the World Health Organization's conceptualization of mental health as a positive state of psychological well-being going beyond the absence of disease (World Health Organization, 2005). 

Accumulating evidence indicates the beneficial effects of a psychosocial support on general well-being in patients with mental health impairments. Less evidence is available on benefits of social-economic reinsertion in mental health resilience. This study examined the association between social rehabilitation and recovery status for one year in persons with mental illness. 

Methods: A longitudinal study using information from mental health database within Psychiatric clinic included 120 inpatients aged between 15-55  in 2017. We Collected data during stay and approximately 1 year after they were discharged. 
WHODAS tool was used to gather information. 

Results: The mean age of sample was 22.4. Patients were women(61.5%), men(48.5%); married (43%); rural (89, 4%), under-educated (75%); refugees (93%); from large families(74%); without land (83%), job (87%) or access to health system (47%).They used traditional (92%) or faith care (35%). Screening was made by family (50%), neighbors (35%), community workers (10%) or care providers (5%). 
GP diagnosed 100% of people: with Depression (57%), Psychotic features (20%), Bipolar disorders (13%), Schizophrenia (8 %). 65 % was trauma patients. Average length of stay was 20.1 days.
After one year: Home visits (12%), Psychological support (25%), medical treatment (14%) was provided. Stigmatization (60%) and poor economic reinsertion (90%) undermined improvement. Full recovery (30%) and relapse (42%) of patients were noticed 12 months later. 

Conclusion and implications: This study shows how people struggle to recover from a mental illness despite challenge of access to medical services and poor social reinsertion which jeopardizes resilience.

Biography:

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad Saifi had obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) from India. He is a registered Unani Medicine Doctor, AYUSH, Ministry of Health (MOH), India. Dr. Ahmed is also a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), in USA. He is into American Naturopathic Medical Certification & Accreditation Board, USA. He also practiced Clinical Naturopathic medicine in Los Angeles, USA for good 10 years. Dr. Ahmed Saifi is a Licensed TCAM Doctor at Ministry of Health (MOH), and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in UAE. He is a Member, an Examination Board, and Department of Licensure for TCAM, Ministry of Health (MOH), UAE for more than 8 years. He was awarded with the highly prestigious “Ibn Sina (Avicenna) International Award for Excellence in Unani (Greek) Medicine”, India (2018).

Abstract:

Wet cupping is a form of bloodletting that involves first making superficial incisions on the skin, then applying the suction cups to suck out small amount of blood. It is the application performed to draw out stagnant, congested blood and Vital Force, as well as other stagnant or morbid humors.  

Cupping therapy is an incredibly ancient and universal practice that spans both East and West.  In the East, the Chinese have been practicing the art of cupping for at least three thousand years.  Cupping is applied to the acupuncture points to relieve the stagnation of Qi and blood, both locally and in the organ(s) activated by the point. 

Traditional healers have long recognized the association between pain and conditions of congestion, stagnation and blockage.  An old Chinese medical maxim states:  Where there's stagnation, there will be pain.  Remove the stagnation, and you remove the pain.

Not only pain, but the vast majority of all illness and disease including a number of psychiatric conditions come from stagnation, congestion and blockage - of energy, like the Vital Force, or of vital fluids or humors, like blood, phlegm or lymph.  The suction applied by cupping sucks out and breaks up that congestion, stagnation, or blockage, restoring a free flow to the vital energies and humors of the organism.

After falling out of favor with medicine in the modern era, cupping therapy is enjoying resurgence in popularity, promoted by acupuncturists, Unani (Greek) medicine physicians and other holistic healthcare practitioners.  New and exciting variations on this ancient technique, like cupping massage, are also being developed.

One secret of cupping's perennial popularity is its great ability to promote a state of deep pleasure and profound relaxation.  Hopefully, cupping is here to stay.