Treatment versus Enhancement

2018 ◽  
pp. 392-394
Author(s):  
S. Nassir Ghaemi

The concept of “treatment” is based on a “biomedical” model of disease. In this model, illness represents a breakdown of the physical constituents of the body, leading to a functional loss of a capacity to perform typical activities of the organism. The proponent of the “enhancement” approach to the therapy of depression comes at the problem from other disease models. Any of the alternative non-biomedical models imply the conclusion that therapeutic interventions in depression should seek to enhance the functioning of the individual, rather than simply to permit redress of loss of functioning. Therefore, besides using psychotropic drugs for treatment of symptoms, many patients and clinicians seek psychotropic drugs to enhance normally variable psychological traits. This enhancement approach to practice appears to be most active in relation to the use of amphetamines to heighten attention, energy, and libido, as well as to lose weight. The use of psychotropic agents for such nonmedical uses raises some ethical questions, as well as contradicting the Hippocratic tradition of focusing medication treatment on diseases.

Author(s):  
Helle Johannesen

The numerous conceptions of the body exposed in alternative therapies challenge traditional, Western, biomedically dictated conceptions of the body, disease and healing. The apparent heterogenity could lead to a discharge of alternative body concepts and related therapeutic interventions, but as a large portion of patients experience effect of a variety of alternative treatments, the need for a conceptual framework encompassing heterogenity at several logical levels emerges. For this purpose the author proposes the concept of “the complex body”, in which cultural, social, and natural features are recognized as integral aspects of the individual body, treatment, and the healing process. The body is conceptualized as a complex field of potentials, to be explicated and unfolded in interaction with specific therapeutic concepts and techniques. Underlying the obvious variety within alternative therapies, a common focus on the body as structure, disease as de-structuration, and treatment as re-structuration is revealed. Treatments are rarely aimed at destruction of disease agents or pathologies, but most often aim at a general strengthening - re-structuring - of the patient, biochemically, physiologically, mentally, culturally or socially. Examples from reflexology, biopathy and kinesiology support the validity of a concept of the complex body, which leads to a reconsideration of scientific and scholarly approaches to evaluation of effects of alternative therapies.


1957 ◽  
Vol 103 (430) ◽  
pp. 240-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. Batt ◽  
W. W. Kay ◽  
M. Reiss ◽  
Dalton E. Sands

In attacking the problem of the relationship of endocrine function to the schizophrenias and other mental diseases, we have avoided the elementary conception that certain hormones are responsible for special psychological traits and have reached the following conclusions. First, the quality of the mental disturbance depends mainly on a genetically conditioned personality pattern, various individuals reacting in different ways to the precipitating causes. Second, the hormones come into the whole picture only in so far as the hormone equilibrium of the body determines how far the individual can adjust himself to the increased demands arising out of the occurrence of various precipitating causes (Reiss, 1955). It is therefore understandable that very many, or even the majority of people suffering from severe endocrine disturbance, need not necessarily show any psychopathological changes, since their personality pattern is not so conditioned and no increased demands for adjustment are made by the occurrence of precipitating causes. On the other hand, it is equally understandable that certain disturbances in hormone production and equilibrium, even when clinically obscure, can be decisive for mental breakdown in individuals with the appropriate personality pattern, at the occurrence of precipitating causes.


2001 ◽  
Vol 40 (01) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Wellner ◽  
E. Voth ◽  
H. Schicha ◽  
K. Weber

Summary Aim: The influence of physiological and pharmacological amounts of iodine on the uptake of radioiodine in the thyroid was examined in a 4-compartment model. This model allows equations to be derived describing the distribution of tracer iodine as a function of time. The aim of the study was to compare the predictions of the model with experimental data. Methods: Five euthyroid persons received stable iodine (200 μg, 10 mg). 1-123-uptake into the thyroid was measured with the Nal (Tl)-detector of a body counter under physiological conditions and after application of each dose of additional iodine. Actual measurements and predicted values were compared, taking into account the individual iodine supply as estimated from the thyroid uptake under physiological conditions and data from the literature. Results: Thyroid iodine uptake decreased from 80% under physiological conditions to 50% in individuals with very low iodine supply (15 μg/d) (n = 2). The uptake calculated from the model was 36%. Iodine uptake into the thyroid did not decrease in individuals with typical iodine supply, i.e. for Cologne 65-85 μg/d (n = 3). After application of 10 mg of stable iodine, uptake into the thyroid decreased in all individuals to about 5%, in accordance with the model calculations. Conclusion: Comparison of theoretical predictions with the measured values demonstrated that the model tested is well suited for describing the time course of iodine distribution and uptake within the body. It can now be used to study aspects of iodine metabolism relevant to the pharmacological administration of iodine which cannot be investigated experimentally in humans for ethical and technical reasons.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1477-1481
Author(s):  
Ishwari Gaikwad ◽  
Priyanka Shelotkar

The current world situation is both frightening and alarming due to the massive disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The next few days are censorious as we need to be very precautious in our daily regimen as well as dietary habits. Ayurveda offers knowledge about food based on certain reasoning. Indecent food custom is the chief cause for the rising development of health disorders in the current era. In classical texts of Ayurveda, the concept of diet explained well, ranging from their natural sources, properties and specific utility in pathological as well as physiological manner. In this work, the review of the relevant literature of Ahara (Diet) was carried out from Charak Samhita and other texts, newspapers, articles, web page related to the same.  Every human being is unique with respect to his Prakriti (Physical and mental temperament), Agni (Digestive capacity), Koshtha  (Nature of bowel) etc. For that reason, the specificity of the individual should be kept in mind. Ahara, when consumed in the appropriate amount at the right moment following all Niyamas (Guidelines) given in Ayurveda texts, gives immunity and keeps the body in a healthy state during pandemics such as Covid-19. Ultimately, this will help the human body to maintain its strength for life. This article reviews the concept of diet viz. combination of foods, their quantity and quality, methods of preparation and processing, which are to be followed during pandemics and are essential in maintenance and endorsement of health and preclusion of diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 386-393
Author(s):  
L. M. Gunina ◽  
◽  
Kazys Mylashyus ◽  
Voitenko V. L. ◽  
◽  
...  

Under high-intensity loads, the athlete's bodies take place a number of biochemical reactions and physiological processes that can lead to hyperbilirubinemia. The factors that can initiate the onset of this phenomenon include the syndrome of micro-damage muscle, violation of the integrity of erythrocyte membranes, decreased blood pH, malnutrition and increase oxygen demand of the body. Degree of expression of manifestations of physiological bilirubinemia depends on the level of adaptation of the athlete to the physical activities offered. Hyperbilirubinemia in athletes can be one of the components of the deterioration of the functional state, forming the symptoms of endogenous intoxication. The relevance of this problem in sport lies in the relatively low detection rate of hyperbilirubinemia due to the lack of regular screening studies. However, in drawing up a plan of nutritional- metabolic support for training and competitive activity and recovery measures, must not only the individual reaction of the athlete body to physical activity, but also the severity of shifts in the indicators of bilirubin metabolism and their ratio. The article describes the reasons for the increase in bilirubin levels, which can be caused by both the effect of physical activity and by the presence of pathological processes in athletes. The factors influencing the blood serum’s bilirubin content are also highlighted, which include the state of erythrocyte cell membranes and the rate of hemoglobin destruction, the functional state of the liver, the specifics of physical loads and the use of ergogenic pharmacological agents by athletes. Particular accent has been placed on the illumination of hereditary hyperbilirubinemias, which may have been detected at the stage of selection of athletes. The most common phenomenon is Gilbert's syndrome, which occurs in 2-5% of cases in the general population, is characterized in the clinic by a benign flow and is manifested by episodes of jaundice and an increase in total bilirubin content to moderate values due to indirect. The frequency of detection of hyperbilirubinemias in the population of athletes is 4.68%, among which Gilbert's disease accounts for almost half (48.7%). Conclusion. The work highlighted the pathogenesis and diagnostic algorithm of Gilbert's disease, and also emphasized that its drug prevention and correction in athletes to maintain functional and physical fitness should be carried out taking into account anti-doping rules, which requires upon diagnosis timely receipt of a therapeutic exclusion


2019 ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Ciuffreda ◽  
MH Esther Han ◽  
Barry Tannen

Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a relatively rare, unusual, and disturbing abnormal visual condition. The individual perceives “visual snow” (VS) throughout the entire visual field, as well as other abnormal visual phenomena (e.g., photopsia). Only relatively recently has treatment been proposed (e.g., chromatic filters) in adults with VSS, but rarely in the pediatric VSS population (i.e., medications). In this paper, we present three well-documented cases of VSS in children, including their successful neuro-optometric therapeutic interventions (i.e., chromatic filters and saccadic-based vision therapy)


Author(s):  
Rajendra Pai N. ◽  
U. Govindaraju

Ayurveda in its principle has given importance to individualistic approach rather than generalize. Application of this examination can be clearly seem like even though two patients suffering from same disease, the treatment modality may change depending upon the results of Dashvidha Pariksha. Prakruti and Pramana both used in Dashvidha Pariksha. Both determine the health of the individual and Bala (strength) of Rogi (Patient). Ayurveda followed Swa-angula Pramana as the unit of measurement for measuring the different parts of the body which is prime step assessing patient before treatment. Sushruta and Charaka had stated different Angula Pramana of each Pratyanga (body parts). Specificity is the characteristic property of Swa-angula Pramana. This can be applicable in present era for example artificial limbs. A scientific research includes collection, compilation, analysis and lastly scrutiny of entire findings to arrive at a conclusion. Study of Pramana and its relation with Prakruti was conducted in 1000 volunteers using Prakruti Parkishan proforma with an objective of evaluation of Anguli Pramana in various Prakriti. It was observed co-relating Pramana in each Prakruti and Granthokta Pramana that there is no vast difference in measurement of head, upper limb and lower limb. The observational study shows closer relation of features with classical texts.


Author(s):  
Joshua S. Walden

The book’s epilogue explores the place of musical portraiture in the context of posthumous depictions of the deceased, and in relation to the so-called posthuman condition, which describes contemporary changes in the relationship of the individual with such aspects of life as technology and the body. It first examines Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo to view how Bernard Herrmann’s score relates to issues of portraiture and the depiction of the identity of the deceased. It then considers the work of cyborg composer-artist Neil Harbisson, who has aimed, through the use of new capabilities of hybridity between the body and technology, to convey something akin to visual likeness in his series of Sound Portraits. The epilogue shows how an examination of contemporary views of posthumous and posthuman identities helps to illuminate the ways music represents the self throughout the genre of musical portraiture.


Author(s):  
Shamil D. Cooray ◽  
Jacqueline A. Boyle ◽  
Georgia Soldatos ◽  
Shakila Thangaratinam ◽  
Helena J. Teede

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common and is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the prevailing one-size-fits-all approach that treats all women with GDM as having equivalent risk needs revision, given the clinical heterogeneity of GDM, the limitations of a population-based approach to risk, and the need to move beyond a glucocentric focus to address other intersecting risk factors. To address these challenges, we propose using a clinical prediction model for adverse pregnancy outcomes to guide risk-stratified approaches to treatment tailored to the individual needs of women with GDM. This will allow preventative and therapeutic interventions to be delivered to those who will maximally benefit, sparing expense, and harm for those at a lower risk.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1354067X2110040
Author(s):  
Josefine Dilling ◽  
Anders Petersen

In this article, we argue that certain behaviour connected to the attempt to attain contemporary female body ideals in Denmark can be understood as an act of achievement and, thus, as an embodiment of the culture of achievement, as it is characterised in Præstationssamfundet, written by the Danish sociologist Anders Petersen (2016) Hans Reitzels Forlag . Arguing from cultural psychological and sociological standpoints, this article examines how the human body functions as a mediational tool in different ways from which the individual communicates both moral and aesthetic sociocultural ideals and values. Complex processes of embodiment, we argue, can be described with different levels of internalisation, externalisation and materialisation, where the body functions as a central mediator. Analysing the findings from a qualitative experimental study on contemporary body ideals carried out by the Danish psychologists Josefine Dilling and Maja Trillingsgaard, this article seeks to anchor such theoretical claims in central empirical findings. The main conclusions from the study are used to structure the article and build arguments on how expectations and ideals expressed in an achievement society become embodied.


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