Schizophrenia And Its Connection To Paranoia | Online Docs

Schizophrenia and Its Connection to Paranoia

Schizophrenia alters perception and may cause delusions and hallucinations. Schizophrenia patients may have delusional ideas, particularly paranoid ideas. The individual might not be able to differentiate between this and normal thinking. Knowing what is genuine and what is not might be challenging when these things occur.

People suffering from paranoid delusions may believe someone is observing them or attempting to harm them. These thoughts and feelings can make a person extremely frightened and anxious, disrupt daily life, and make it difficult for them to interact with others at work or home, even with their family. A person suffering from a delusion may also think trusted sources that media, including television and the internet, are especially communicating with them. According to studies, paranoia occurs in over 50% trusted source of patients with schizophrenia.

Paranoia as a symptom of schizophrenia

Even though paranoid schizophrenia is no longer diagnosed, you can still have "paranoid" symptoms. In reality, paranoia is still considered a "positive sign" of schizophrenia and is still one of the diagnostic criteria. This indicates that it is a regular part of daily life for those with schizophrenia. There may be an illogical fixed belief in schizophrenia that one will suffer harm. Those who struggle with this schizophrenia symptom frequently have hallucinations and delusions that leave them feeling confused, afraid, and distrustful of other people.

Before 2013, medical practitioners believed paranoid schizophrenia to be a separate subtype of the illness. However, in 2016, DSM-5-TR eliminated that categorization. It now recognizes paranoia as a symptom of the condition rather than a subtype.

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia

The expected positive signs of schizophrenia, including hallucinations or persistent delusions, can be highly distressing and distracting.

There are too many mental experiences due to schizophrenia (thoughts, feelings, behaviors). So why are these symptoms referred to be "positive" symptoms? Positive symptoms are those over the top or present in addition to regular mental functioning. For instance, hallucinations, which are not a natural part of most people's daily experiences, are categorized as a good sign for those with schizophrenia.

Hallucinations: These hallucinations can feel disturbing and unwanted if you have paranoia, which can cause confusion and concern about where the hallucinations are coming from and whether or not they will occur again.

A hallucination is a misleading sensory illusion that can impact all five senses. Auditory (sound), Visual (sight), Olfactory (smell), Tactile (touch), and Gustatory (taste) hallucinations are some of the several forms. Sight and sound are two senses frequently affected by schizophrenia with paranoia. Therefore, you might hear and see things that aren't there.

Examples of auditory and visual hallucinations in paranoid individuals include:

Hearing voices coming from a speaker or other external source in the outer world

Hearing commands or conversations from voices within your head.

Sudden song or sound when there is no one around

When no one is nearby, hearing sounds like whistling, humming, or laughter

Observing bodies and faces

Visualizing a situation or event

Delusions: These hallucinations can feel disturbing and unwanted if you have paranoia, which can cause confusion and concern about where the hallucinations are coming from and whether or not they will occur again.

Delusions are false beliefs. Without any proof, persons with schizophrenia may, for instance, think that the secret service is after them, that TV hosts are sending hidden messages, or that their food is contaminated. Paranoia is a very typical form of delusion in schizophrenia. It can make a person feel like they are being watched, monitored closely, or scared of ongoing plans or threats.

There are several kinds of delusions that typically revolve around a particular subject.Grandiose: It means exaggerating one's ability, expertise, identity, or importance without providing any support. This could lead someone to view others as "inferior" with hatred or disgust.

Erotomanic: The person feels that a famous or significant person (such as an actor or politician) is in love with them, typically leading to stalking behavior.

Somatic: Somatic delusions are characterized by central themes related to body processes or experiences.

Persecution: Belief that one is being targeted or at the heart of a plot.

Judgment: The conviction that a partner or spouse is being unfaithful.

Referential: The idea that one's actions, words, or other indications have special significance. Delusions can be weird, like the conviction that aliens have taken one's organs, or non-bizarre, like the conviction that the authorities are watching one.

Living with paranoia:

You can find it difficult to tell others what you are experiencing because delusions and hallucinations can be intrusive, perplexing, and unsettling. When you feel fearful, alone, and unable to trust others, it can be difficult. People may withdraw into seclusion to feel safe because interacting with others and attending social gatherings can feel unsafe.

Someone suffering from paranoia may become aware of their condition as their symptoms worsen and seek medical attention. When their symptoms are severe, and their thinking is clouded, it may be important for family members or support agencies to assist with treatment issues, including transportation and lack of problem-solving abilities.

Summary:

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can cause paranoia and delusions. A paranoid person can think that someone is after them and wants to hurt them. Their safety and general well-being may suffer significantly as a result. Treatment frequently lets a person control their symptoms and have a fulfilling life. It's critical to get continuing assistance.

Family Life and Mental Health | Online Docs

 Everyone knows the adage: Humans are social animals. Since humans evolved from early primates, they have been part of a social hierarchy. Even the other primates’ humans are related to following a similar social structure. Monkeys, chimpanzees, and even gorillas have distinct social and family structures. Humans, therefore, are hardwired to form social bonds and live with each other as a family.

Throughout history, people and cultures have placed huge importance on families. The family unit is so important that people built entire cultures around it. But what mental stress do these relations place on the people in these families?

Mental health is a fairly broad and nuanced topic that covers various aspects. It can refer to mental stress, which is becoming quite common nowadays. It may also refer to other more serious topics such as mental disorders. People struggling with mental health issues can rely on their families for support.This article examines how a family unit can help its members manage their mental health productively. 

What is a Family?

A family is the most basic unit of the human society. The Oxford Dictionary calls a group of parents and children living together, a family. This is, of course, only a textbook definition. A family is any group with whom a person feels a strong emotional connection. 

Some people have a strained relationship with their parents and live away from them, but that is also considered a family. Others may not have children and lead happy and contented lives. These are all very valid and acceptable forms of families.

A person can have multiple families depending on the view point. There is the family one is born into - with parents and possibly siblings. As people grow, they may have roommates and make friends. This, too, is a kind of a family - maybe for a short duration, but a kind of family, nonetheless. As people grow and find romantic love, they can start a family of their own with their partners. So, the term ‘family’ can mean whatever a person may want it to mean.

Mental Health Issues Among Families

Family is the basic building block of society. Every individual relies on his/her family from time to time for guidance and love.

Mental health of couples

Maintaining a romantic relationship can be quite tricky. Being in a committed relationship requires people to open up on a deeply personal level. Such a level of intimacy may be challenging for some people. But it can be even harder for people with a mental disorder. There are many reasons for this. 

For one, some mental disorders may make it difficult to form meaningful relations. Secondly, there is an unfortunate stigma toward mental disorders in society.

One of the most common reasons behind mental disorders is the stress of modern living. Many people struggle to maintain a balance between their personal life and work. The stress of balancing another person’s emotional needs on top of their own might be taxing. As a result, people may develop some early symptoms of mental health issues like depression or mood disorders. 

But it is important to understand how to be helpful in such times. It may help to talk to one’s partner about stresses and struggles in life. Taking a break away from one’s usual surroundings can also work wonders. But if these small changes do not help, it may be time for professional intervention.

Mental health issues among parents and children

Most people indeed think parenting is a great blessing. But, becoming a parent is a huge responsibility for several reasons. A parent is responsible for how their child learns and develops. Children can pick up a lot of habits by observing and copying their parents. So, parents lead lives with dual responsibilities. But being responsible for another human being can quickly become quite stressful. It can build up quickly, especially if one is mentally under-prepared for parenthood.

Everyone wants to provide a healthy and happy home for their children. But it can be challenging, especially if one of the parents is living with a mental disorder. People struggling with depression or anxiety issues can find parenting quite difficult. Seeing their parents struggle can have a negative impact on the children. Thus, it is important to talk about mental health issues in a family and make the children understand it. The first step in managing mental disorders is to talk about them openly.

Mental disorders can be quite disruptive to a family dynamic. If these conditions are ignored, they can grow to an almost unmanageable level. In a family with children, this can have quite a disastrous impact. Parents and children need to normalize talking about these issues. 

How to support parents’ mental health

There is a lot of information on the internet supporting children’s mental health needs. Everyone agrees that this is an essential aspect of parenting. Children, being young and naive, may not always be able to express their needs properly and extra care needs to be taken. But parenting can be a very challenging task too. Being a parent takes its toll on a person’s mental well-being. It is important to understand the stress of parenting and address those needs also.

Parents of newborn children mostly experience high levels of stress. It can be a huge task to provide a quality life to a child. Their energy and erratic sleep schedules can wreak havoc on parents’ mental health. Even as they grow, children can be difficult to handle. Communicating and disciplining a child can be almost impossible for some people. All these tasks are challenging enough not considering the mental health issues of the parents. It becomes a mountainous task to take care one’s as well as a child’s mental health needs.

There are mental health experts who can help parents with such problems. Psychologists who specialize in helping children can also assist parents with various issues. They can suggest mental health exercises and routines that can relieve stress as a family. Seeking help from qualified professionals can improve the parenting experience.

How To Support Children’s Mental Health

A child’s mind is a very malleable thing. Children can pick up on behavioral and other cues from their parents. A child’s family is often their first school, in a sense, and it influences their personality greatly. Seeing parents stressed and in a negative mindset influencechildren’s attitude too. In some cases, such stressful issues early in the lives can have a long-lasting impact on children.

As medical and mental health sciences advance, researchers know more about mental disorders. Research suggests that mental issues like ASD and ADHD show symptoms quite early. Modern psychological tools can predict such mental issues in children quite accurately. With such early detection, parents can be better equipped to support their children. Parents can take many steps to support their children’s special needs.

Parents can consult specialists and experts to understand their children’s behavioral issues.Talking about such mental health issues often helps children feel welcome and happy. Professional medical advice can yield the best results for children in such cases.

How Family Structures Influence a Child’s Behaviors

Strong evidence suggests that children who grow up in a beautiful family arehappier and healthier. Painful experiences like separation or divorce affect children negatively. Various researchers studying these topics have found evidence to back these claims. 

The study was published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2012 and was done on 154 children admitted in a children’s behavioral center. According to the research, only 11% of these kids came from intact families. The stress of living through a separation or divorce impacted these children negatively. Children coming from single-parent homes showed more advanced symptoms of mental health issues like ADHD, etc. in the study.

All this is not to discourage people from ending unhappy relationships. But such research does caution parents about family structure. Children are naturally vulnerable to various external influences. A strong and stable family environment may be the rock they need in their lives. Parents play a huge role in providing this safe and secure household for their children.

Violence Or Abuse in Families and Its Effect

As mentioned earlier, there is deep rooted stigma against mental disorders. People living with mental health issues need help and support of their families. But there is a misconception in the society that these people are prone to violence. No evidence suggests that people with mental health issues are more violent. They are more likely to harm themselves than others. Hence, people with mental health issues look toward others for support.

However, violence and abuse in families is an unfortunate reality in society. People with or without mental health issues are capable of violent acts. Violence and abuse can take many forms. It may not even be physical harm, but that is also quite common. Abuse by one’s intimate partner can cause psychological or emotional trauma.Around 33% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence.

Supporting a Family Member Dealing with Abuse

Identifying signs of abuse can be hard, almost impossible in some cases. It may be healthier to leave an abusive relationship, but here are challenges to it.Survivors fear social exclusion and retribution, if they do come out with the evidence. There may be cultural taboos that may prevent someone from walking out of an abusive family life. Abusers often apply financial and emotional stress to prevent survivors from leaving. Therefore, handling such matters and supporting survivors can be a complicated affair.

Survivors can often feel lonely or isolated due to the violence they experience. People who wish to help can start by offering love and support. It helps survivors feel more comfortable opening up about their trauma. Survivors should be encouraged to put themselves and their needs first. It helps build their confidence to stand up to the abuse. Seek professional help when handling cases of domestic abuse and involve legal experts as well.

Conclusion:

A family is the most basic social structure for humans. People often rely on their families to support and guide them through tough times. Families can play a huge role in helping people’s mental health. A healthy and open dialogue about mental health can help adults and children in a family.

Common Mental Health Disorder Affecting Children | Online Docs

Children are the building blocks of any society. Their mental health and well-being are our future, and we need to secure it. In today’s world, mental health problems affects both adults and children. The number of children suffering from mental health disorders is increasing exponentially which needs to be pondered upon. Good mental health cannot be defined as a happy, smiling child, for many problems are toodeep-rooted to be seen on the face.

Some children might be born with mental health disorders like ADHD, ASD, etc. which, affect them their whole life. They would need proper care at every point in their life to function like any other human.

Mental health disorders that affect children are:

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

Most people are familiar with the term ADHD or at the very least, have heard of it. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various people. The symptoms of ADHD become the most apparent among school-going kids. As many as 6 million children live with ADHD as of 2019.

As the name suggests, ADHD is characterized by a reduced attention span. Children with ADHD are more likely than others to lose focus on any activity. They have a hyperactive brain which makes it difficult for them to focus. People should bear in mind that children are generally more active than adults but,not all kids who cannot concentrate in school have ADHD.

It is important to observe the symptoms and catch them early. The sooner these cases are brought to light, the more effectively they can be managed. Qualified psychologists can evaluate a case and suggest a course of treatment. There are treatment options that use behavioral and occupational therapy. These aim to help people overcome the symptoms and develop necessary life skills. Medical treatment may also be an option for some.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

Autism is another fairly common condition that affects many people. Earlier it was considered a unique condition. However, research suggests a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. Statistics indicate that ASD affects as many as 2.3% of US children under 8 years. Like ADHD, it is a neurological condition, and its symptoms typically show up early.

It can present itself in several forms, and its symptoms can vary in intensity. Many people with ASD have difficulty maintaining social interactions. It may not be the same as social anxiety, but it may present similarly. People with ASD can develop inflexible habits that may interfere with their lives. They may find it difficult to maintain a lengthy conversation.

People with ASD often have to live with the condition throughout their lives. That is not to say that there are no options. There are various promising options available to help people with ASD.Psychologists can study a possible case of ASD and draw up a management plan. They can suggest mental and behavioral exercises that can help manage symptoms. In some instances, they may even recommend a course of medical treatment.

 

Eating Disorders

 

While maintaining physical health is important, there are limits to the human body.People are constantly flooded with images of the ‘ideal body type’. Such a constant stream of information is bound to have an impact. Many fit people have become obsessed with achieving an impossible beauty standard. It can affect adults as well as children, typically teenagers.

Research suggests that around 1% of the US population lives with eating disorders. There are various types of eating disorders, most commonly anorexia and bulimia. They stem from a negative body image in people’s minds.

Anorexics tend to starve themselves to achieve an unattainable body type. Bulimics adopt a different strategy in their impossible quest. They eat large quantities of food only to throw it up, called purging. Another common disorder is binge eating, characterized by overeating at meals.

There are several mental symptoms as the problem is mental and not physical. People with eating disorders may exhibit signs of depression and social isolation. They are never satisfied with their body as they have deeply held body image issues. There are obvious physical symptoms, too, such as weight loss and a weak body. Treating and managing such eating disorders requires qualified professional help.

Mental health is an extremely important factor. It may help people get the qualified mental help they need and live a fulfilling life. In these highly stressed times, mental health among adults and children is declining. It is important to identify the symptoms of certain common mental disorders.

 

How to Identify Addiction and its Adverse Effects on Life | Online Docs

Addiction is a term that is used loosely in our society. We often hear people say that they are addicted to their phones or chocolates. But what does addiction really mean? And how does it affect our lives? This blog post will discuss addiction and its effects on our lives. We will also provide tips for identifying addiction and getting help for it.

 

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite damaging consequences. It is considered a disease because drug use changes the biochemistry of the brain. The changes are so complex that without professional intervention it would be next to impossible to break free.

 

People addicted to drugs may be unable to control their drug use and may continue using it despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction is complex, merely thinking about it as a problem will never make it go away.

 

“Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.”

 

Source: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

 

Addiction ruins our life by making us feel isolated and alone. It takes away our ability to enjoy activities that we used to love. It can cause financial problems and even lead to legal troubles. Addiction can cause health problems that, if left unattended, can take a person's life.

 

The addiction scene in India

 

It is not very different from the global scenario. A study by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Center (NDDTC) under AIIMS in 2016 showed that around 35 million people in India suffer from addiction. Of these, only about 0.06% seek professional help.

 

It is a considerable number, and it is only increasing day by day. With the easy availability of drugs and alcohol, more and more people fall prey to addiction. India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants.

 

That's not all, as addiction can be non-drug related also; for example, many people in India are addicted to social media, sex, and even gambling. Addiction is an extensive spectrum issue for Indian society; unfortunately, help is far from sufficient.

 

Addictive substances in India that are prolifically used:

 

As stated before, India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants. Let's take a more detailed look at each of these:

 

Alcohol: Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance in India. It is legal and readily available. It is estimated that there are about 475 million drinkers in India. Of these, about 25% are considered to be heavy drinkers.

 

Tobacco: Tobacco is another widely abused substance in India. It is estimated that there are about 275 million tobacco users in India. This includes both smokers and chewers. Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer in India.

 

Cannabis: Cannabis is a plant that is native to India. It is widely available and used by many people. It is estimated that there are about 22 million cannabis users in India.

 

Opioids: Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin and prescription painkillers. They are highly addictive and can be very dangerous. It is estimated that about three million people in India use opioids.

 

Sedatives: Sedatives are a group of drugs used to help people sleep or relax. They are often prescribed by doctors but can be abused. It is estimated that there are about two million sedative users in India.

 

Stimulants:It is estimated that there are about one million stimulant users in India. Stimulants are a group of drugs that includes cocaine and methamphetamine. They are very addictive and can be dangerous.

 

Inhalants: Inhalants are a group of chemicals that people sniff or inhale to get high. They are very dangerous and can be deadly. It is estimated that there are about one million inhalant users in India.

 

These are just some of the most commonly abused substances in India. Addiction is a severe problem that affects a large number of people in India.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, connect with us, we are here to help.

 

How to identify addiction early on?

 

There are many signs and symptoms of addiction. If you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction, here are some signs to look out for:

 

Changes in behavior: If a person is using drugs or alcohol, they may start to act differently. They may become more withdrawn or isolate themselves from friends and family. They may also start to miss work or school or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.

 

Changes in appearance: A person using drugs or alcohol may start to look different. They may lose weight, their skin may be unhealthy, and their eyes may be red or glassy.

 

Changes in mood: People using drugs or alcohol may seem more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also have sudden mood swings.

 

If you notice any of these changes in yourself or someone else, it may be a sign of addiction. If you feel like talking to someone about it we are here to listen and support you.

 

 

 

Do we have sufficient help in India to fight addiction?

 

Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are not enough resources in India to help people struggling with addiction. According to a report by the World Health Organization, there are only about 0.15 beds per 100,000 people in India for treating drug use disorders. This is far below the minimum standard of two beds per 100,000 people.

 

This lack of resources makes it difficult for people to get the help they need. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us for help. We are here to support you. OnlineDocsprovides telepsychiatry services that can help you or your loved ones fight addiction. We have an impressive global talent pool that is ready to help you when you need it, with complete privacy and security.

 

What are the consequences of addiction?

 

Addiction can have many negative consequences. It can lead to physical and mental health, financial, and relationship problems, and job loss. Addition can also land a person in legal problems, such as arrest and incarceration.

 

Addiction breaks the very fiber of humanity.Addicts can seldom tell the difference between right and wrong. This is primarily because the chemicals in drugs and alcohol alter the way the brain functions. Over time, addiction can change the way our brains look and work. This can lead to problems with memory, decision-making, and judgment.

 

Addiction is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly. Mark our words; if left untreated, addiction can cause you many grave problems. Get help! Life is all about joy and making a positive impact on society.

 

Remember! Addiction not only affects the addict, but it also affects the souls of those who love them. Don't do this to yourself and those who love you.

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Life is about fighting circumstances and overcoming obstacles, addiction will surely make you lose this battle. So get up, reach out and seek help because we are here for you. You're not alone in this fight.

 Must Read : Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization 

 

Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization

The World Health Organization added associate sudden mental disorder to its list of psychological state conditions in 2018. People that play an excessive quantity of video games may notice themselves diagnosed with "Gaming Disorder." On May 25th, the WHO formally voted to undertake today's version of its International Classification of Diseases, or ICD, to consist of access on 'gaming disorder' as behavior addiction. This is a pass that might alarm parents all around the country. According to them, 97% of teenage boys and 83% of girls play video games on a few types of devices.  

Video games became progressively popular, with more individuals of all ages participating in competitions. As a result, computer game addiction has conjointly become a problem. According to the "fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), the disease usually presents in juvenile males around 12 to 20 years old.  

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is the writer of the 2016 book "Glow Kids – How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids" he states that technology has profoundly affected children's brains and not for the better. Brain imaging studies show that stimulating sparkling displays are as dopamine activating to the mind's satisfaction as sex. A developing mountain of scientific studies correlates screen tech with problems like ADHD, anxiety, depression, multiple aggression, or even psychosis. Most surprisingly, current mind and research conclusively display that publically immoderate display screens can neurologically harm a younger person's growing mind in the same way cocaine dependency can.  

What the Study disclosed about the consequences of Violent Video Games

The Study was conducted by Dr. Douglas Gentile, Associate professor of Psychology at Iowa State University and a nationally recognized authority on the impact of television on children and adults. It showed that youngsters who play violent games regularly develop aggressive thinking, which might alter their behavior. For the experiment, the researchers followed over 3,000 children in grades 3, 4, 7, and 8 for three years.

According to recent United States surveys of parents, children of school age spend, on average, roughly seven hours per week playing video games. It was found that kids played video games on average for 9 hours per week, with boys playing them for an average of 13 hours per week and girls for an average of 5 hours per week. In the mid-1980, kids averaged approximately 4 hours weekly playing video games, along with time spent playing at home.

The Study reveals that the amount of online games played has been correlated with various risk factors for non-adaptive development such as smoking, obesity, and poorer educational performance. Researchers consider "violent" those games that allow players to injure other characters within the game. Specialists studying media violence, child advocacy organizations, and parents are especially concerned about these games since they feature many violent scenes. More than half of youngsters in surveys of 4th through 8th graders indicate a preference for video games where the main action focuses primarily on actual or imagined violence. Violent video game choice has been associated with hostile attribution biases, more conflicts with teachers, worse self-perceptions of behavioral activity, and more physical fights.

Impact of video games on children's physical and mental health:

1. Anxiety is increased by playing violent video games: Studies examining the impact of a violent video game typically reveal significantly increased anxiety due to which heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase compared to non-violent video games. To illustrate, Ballard and West 1966 demonstrated that violent video games led to higher systolic blood pressure than non-violent games. The average size of the relationship between playing violent video games and physical reactions across studies was 0.222. Other physiological reactions have additionally been observed. The adult male brain has been shown to release dopamine when playing violent games. The physiological outcomes can be even greater for kids with more significant aggressive tendencies. Teenagers with trait hostility scored in the highest category on increased heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of testosterone and epinephrine. Additionally, there were tendencies for greater blood concentrations of cortisol and nor-epinephrine in the more irritable kids. It raises the possibility that children with a higher propensity for aggressive behavior may be even more vulnerable to the negative consequences of playing violent games. Violence in video games feeds the irrational urge to be aggressive: According to studies, bold emotions are more pronounced when playing violent video games. The average effect value across studies between playing violent video games and feeling aggressive was 0.18. According to studies, playing violent games make adults more anxious and hostile. According to the Study of 3rd through 5th graders, it increases the frustration level in children.

2. Pro-social behaviors are limited when playing violent video games: According to studies assessing player reactions while playing violent video games, their pro-social behavior is affected. Children who listed violent games as their favorite games to play were found by their peers to have fewer pro-social behaviors and more aggressive behavior in the classroom.

3. Loneliness and isolation: Loneliness is a global issue many individuals suffer at some point in their lives. People are subjected to unpleasant experiences. Loneliness is caused by the lack of enthusiasm in certain people's lives caused by significant failures in their social interaction networks. When young people spend long periods alone playing video games, they have less time in real life to engage with family and friends. Though many young gamers utilize online chat in multiplayer games, primarily to communicate with real-life pals, this should be balanced with interactions in the same physical place.

4. Depression (Depressive mental health disorder): In regular gamers, persistent listlessness, sorrow, or lethargy might be indicators of problem gaming. Depressive symptoms will be most noticeable while not playing the game, i.e., during the withdrawal phase. Video games have been linked to increased sadness and anxiety. However, correlation does not always indicate causation – people who are sad or depressed are driven to video games because they assist in repressing bad feelings. They acquire a gaming habit that causes them to get trapped in life. As a result, they are naturally dissatisfied.

Impact of gaming addiction on physical health:

1. Headache and migraine: Headache can be caused by physical factors such as eye strain, poor posture, and dehydration. They might be connected to mental health disorders like sadness and depression. 

2.Lack of physical activity: playing sedentary games for extended periods might lead to a lack of physical activity. The World Health Organization advises that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical excise every day.  

3.Repetitive strain injury: it can affect children and young people who play for an extended period. Symptoms of strain injury are stiffness, pains, and discomfort. For example, 'nintendonitis' refers to the thumb, wrist, and hand disorders caused by gaming system use. Eye strain is also prevalent if you stare at a screen for an extended time without taking breaks. Glare from such a computer display can also impair eyesight.

4.Inadequate nutrition: when gaming addiction takes hold, children or adolescents may skip meals, eat junk food, refuse to take bathroom breaks, or have poor hygiene. 

5.Poor posture: According to studies, as little as 5 minutes of gaming can cause bad posture, such as slouching into a rolled and rounded shoulder position with a forward head position to maintain your eyes on the screen.

6.Quality of sleep: playing exciting games for long periods, incredibly late at night, will result in poor quality sleep.

This degree of gaming can have a negative influence on mental, physical, and emotional disorders in several ways, including: 

• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

• Neglected social skills as a result of a lack of interaction with persons outside an electronic environment

• Problems with focus and attention caused by video games' quick motions and fast-paced action

• Problems with growth as a result of avoiding tasks that encourage learning, self-discovery, and personal development

• Seizures and repeated stress injuries caused by flashing graphics, lights, and colors that may provoke epileptic episodes

• Increased hostility or violent behavior as a result of the content of some video games

Conclusion

According to this study, there is a direct link between physical health, stress, depression, and video gaming addiction. However, the connection between computer game addiction and social dysfunction was significant and negative. The study showed obese children to be more interested in computer games. In other words, playing more video games causes teens to stay at home, which leads to a lack of movement and obesity. This is considered a biological problem.

On the psychological dimension, video games negatively affect adolescent mental health. It directly impacts the violent behavior, stress, depression, and isolation of adolescents who play these games. Playing video games excessively affects people's mental health, and the severity and importance depend on factors such as the level and intensity of violence in the game. The player's ability to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world, the player's ability to inhibit their desires and motivations, the values they grew up with or lived with, and those values in the context and content of the games. Fear was one of the possible consequences of video games, which researchers study.

When you see delays in your child's growth, it can be stressful. Help is available thanks to our knowledgeable and dedicated specialists. Our specialists will assist you in determining which stages may be tolerated and which indications should not be ignored. We understand your child's requirements and offer reasonable, virtual assistance from the convenience of your own home. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that we work on all five areas of development at the same time: speech and language, cognitive, socio-emotional, delicate, and gross motor abilities.

Must Read : India's Mental Health: The Need to Improve Telepsychiatry's Prominence

India's Mental Health: The Need to Improve Telepsychiatry's Prominence | Online Docs

The demand for telepsychiatry has outpaced the supply due to the global scarcity of skilled board-certified psychiatrists. According to research, Tele-psychiatry is an efficient, inexpensive, and accessible alternative to in-person consultations.

 

According to research published in "The Indian Journal of Psychiatry," PTSD is the most frequently diagnosed form of depression, affecting 30% of Indian doctors and medical professionals. Additionally, the epidemic has made all doctors more stressed, which has led to a rise in the prevalence of anxiety and depression. Dr. Lorna Breen's Health Care Provider Protection Act was enacted in the US on March 18, 2022. This measure establishes grants and mandates additional activities to promote mental and behavioral health for healthcare professionals. Due to such laws and provisions, there will now be greater demand for mental health specialists to care for patients and staff. Telepsychiatry can support hospitals, ERs, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, enhancing the standard of treatment for patients and medical staff.

 

Indian Mental Health Care

 

According to a recent analysis by Deloitte, India had 0.29 psychiatrists and 0.07 psychologists for every 10,000 people, compared to the median of 0.51 psychiatrists and 0.26 psychologists in other low and middle-income nations. Medical groups advise using telepsychiatry for cross-border consultations to address the global shortage of qualified psychiatrists and psychologists. We can handle the global lack of psychiatrists and psychologists using telepsychiatry. With the advent of a telepsychiatry platform, more businesses are moving toward hybrid healthcare that includes in-person sessions. Currently, many nations are attempting to transform mental health globally. Countries like the United States collaborate on a public-private strategy to address mental health.

 

The 2022 budget release in India included a discussion on mental health treatment. These coordinated efforts cover system regulation, patient's rights protection, mental health care funding, and research and innovation promotions. The Indian government has started a nationwide telemental health program. This program would significantly improve accessibility for patients in rural locations who need psychological assistance. It will raise knowledge about mental health and lessen the stigma for people seeking psychological services for the first time.

 

How The Epidemic Hastened The Healthcare Industry's Digital Revolution

 

Telemedicine has been a timely and much-needed tool over the last two years, according to doctors worldwide. However, only a small number of telemedicine systems have assisted doctors in lowering their stress levels regarding administrative tasks like producing invoices or prescriptions, etc. Finding and implementing distinctive telemedicine platforms that are patient and physician-centered, concentrating on clinical care and easing the administrative burden, is crucial. Due to the stigma surrounding mental health, we know that patient data is susceptible and confidential, making it vulnerable to hacking due to weak security measures for storage and access. Only a few telemedicine industries are using technology to ensure transparency and interconnectivity of telehealth services, making them more secure and reliable for mental health services. This is to address the problem and achieve better patient data protection. Block-chain-based telemedicine platforms will make it simpler to preserve patient data and eliminate the stigma associated with mental health.

 

Leveraging Digital Technology For Health Education

 

Telepsychiatry can transform many crucial fields using digital technology to increase capacity. The clinical skills necessary for the early identification and treatment of psychiatric diseases rarely translate from traditional training programs that include technical lectures, video demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, and classroom settings. The benefits of Tele-psychiatry training experiences include a didactic curriculum and adaptability to adopt a pedagogical approach depending on the professional. It receives bottom-up training, the opportunity for service-based learning, and the freedom to attend training sessions whenever it is most convenient for the students. Additionally, technology–enhanced learning can assist students in participating in teleconference journal clubs, satellite broadcasts, and simulated telepsychiatry consultations.

We can introduce the idea of observership in psychiatry through telepsychiatry. Through online lessons, a learner can see how to evaluate. Diagnose, and track the development of a patient. Providing opportunities for additional exposure to challenging clinical circumstances and enhancing liaison opportunities can radically restructure postgraduate training. This could lead to the creation of experts with greater competence.

Technology can be used to educate and train not only medical students but also primary care doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other paramedical staff due to the lack of human resources in the field of mental health care around the world, particularly in low-and middle-income (LAMI) countries. This will assist in increasing capacity, reaching unreached people, and providing care for underserved people.

 

Role Of Mental Health Applications In Telepsychiatry

 

Personalizing Telehealth is a crucial area where telepsychiatry has a lot of potentials. Smartphones are now widely used thanks to recent advancements in communications, and everyone can use them to offer patients individualized care. Applications for mobile devices designed specifically for treating mental illness can provide a multidisciplinary team with dynamic two-way communication. Patients can sign up for themselves in the application tailored to their diagnosis. This application may develop into a secure repository for all clinical information, including e-prescriptions, drug status, allergies, comorbid illnesses, and a checklist to track side effects and treatment adherence. With the help of this application, the professional might also be able to oversee and manage the patient from a distance, similar to running a virtual mental health clinic.

 

The Future Of Telepsychiatry Practice Will Be Advanced By Virtual Reality And Artificial Intelligence

 

Artificial intelligence's application in psychiatry includes using machine learning algorithms and automated language processing to evaluate a patient's mental state. Artificial intelligence is widespread and has anything from diagnosis and prediction to treating mental diseases. Applications are presently available that use artificial intelligence to track smartphone usage patterns and identify users who may be at risk of mental health issues. We can now use artificial intelligence-based algorithms to predict treatment outcomes and cognitive symptoms like psychosis, which might manifest as thinking abnormalities, behavioral disorganization, or catatonia. By adding machine learning algorithms to human clinical ratings, false negative and false positive diagnoses have also been reduced.

A human can interact with a computer-generated simulation known as virtual reality (VR) by adopting specialized gear. Numerous studies have demonstrated the value of virtual reality (VR) as an engagement and diversion tool for people with mental conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, particular phobias, schizophrenia, dementia, etc. Virtual Reality technology can improve in vitro therapy, especially when it's challenging to expose patients in vivo.

Additionally, VR can personalize the exposure to particular contexts and stimuli that may trigger the patient's most distressing symptoms in cases of PTSD and specific phobias. Soon, machine learning will assist patients in receiving psychiatric treatment using computerized conversational bots, boosting the possibility that they will receive customized treatment protocols by establishing links between symptoms, neurobiological conditions, and functioning across diagnoses. Artificial intelligence can even transform the way that mental disorders are classified. In the future, artificial intelligence might help the doctor diagnose a patient, working together with specific applications to analyze a variety of data, such as history, risk factors, side effects, current treatment guidelines, etc., and come up with the best possible treatment plan for any given patient, opening up the possibility of customized treatment. Additionally, artificial intelligence may assess and alert to medicine demand, account for available stocks, and automatically make an order for the drugs to be delivered to predetermined locations.

Along with medication, a doctor might also advise using a particular app for each disorder. These apps can be used for various things, including tracking patient symptoms, generating electronic prescriptions, providing psycho-educational tools, ensuring adherence, and alerting both parties involved to any warning signs. By doing this, it is guaranteed that prompt access to complete care is provided. An intriguing development in the science of artificial intelligence is chatbots. They can be crucial in detecting, diagnosing, and treating mental diseases because they are conversational agents. Additionally, they may also help manage and prevent suicide.

 

Online Counseling

 

Due to limited healthcare resources, online support groups have grown in popularity over the last few years. A Cochrane evaluation found even self-help programs for quitting smoking were inferior. These groups cater to individuals with depression, suicidal thoughts, substance misuse, cancer, and eating disorders. Social media's growing popularity has given online peer networks the chance to support mental health rehabilitation and minimize stigma. This becomes even more crucial for reaching the unreached low- and middle-income countries. These peer support groups are bringing about a paradigm shift by facilitating access to health information and assisting persons with mental illness. Expanding on these benefits and addressing whether peer-to-peer skills acquired via an online platform result in a sustained improvement in social and occupational performance in the actual world require future study. There are still methodological issues to be solved, particularly in assessing such therapies and getting unbiased outcome data.

 

Electronic Health Records

 

Because psychiatrists are required by the MHCA 2017 to maintain an essential medical record, these are crucial for patients with mental illness. Patients can access health information that is recorded (EHRs) and managed by a healthcare organization through electronic health records (EHR) portals, which are provider-tethered applications. Healthcare organizations are the owners and managers of these portals (such as hospitals). Through these portals, organizations give patients restricted web-based access to the clinical information contained in their patient health records. Then, patients can access, read, print, or incorporate this data into any patient–owned document (either electronic or paper-based).

 

Conclusion

 

Applications and artificial intelligence in information technology cannot solve all of these issues. Still, they are already improving assessment methods, developing new ways to collect data, expanding access to mental health services, and altering the very nature of service delivery. Clinical procedures will continue to change in the future, particularly with the emergence of virtual reality, synchronous and asynchronous video conferences, and other technologies that may help us reach the right audiences. Tele-psychiatry will change as technology, clinical uses, and care delivery paradigms advance. Tele- psychiatry incentives can help to advance this even further. By enhancing the ability to communicate with patients and their families, Tele-psychiatry will play a more integral part in healthcare transformation due to this evolution. The blending of national and international borders will give psychiatrists in India access to global opportunities. International consumers would receive real-time services from an Indian psychiatrist. This will start a new age of global regulation and oversight of virtual health tourism.

 

 Must Read : How can bad habits affect our mental health?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development in Telehealth Services By Online Docs And Its Helpfulness

Online medical consultations allow you to communicate virtually with a doctor to discuss your health issues via voice, video, or chat. It is a recommended option since it is practical and time-saving, mainly when you are unable to see a doctor at the clinic or hospital personally. Online medical visits are comparable to in-person visits in that you receive a prescription following the conclusion of the holiday.

In consideration of the COVID-19 epidemic, health institutions are increasing their telehealth choices and offering virtual appointments, according to "Brian Hasselfeld, M.D." Hasselfeld is the associate medical director for digital health innovations at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

 

Telehealth, often known as Telemedicine, has several benefits, including: even for individuals who don't consider themselves computer literate, Telemedicine has become simpler due to technological advancements. Patients can request a virtual visit with several John Hopkins doctors, practitioners, and therapists through the online platform or mobile apps.

 

●        Privacy and accessibility

●        Time and money saving

●        Obtain a second opinion

●        Convenience and comfort

●        Access to professionals

●        Prompt medical attention

●        There is no need to save every medical report.

●        Choose the correct physician according to need.

●        Schedule a time according to our choices

●        Instantly get prescriptions

●        Text follow-up that's good for up to 7 days

●        Pay the debt

●        Others: no travel time or expenses, no need to miss work, no concerns about caring for children or the elderly, on-demand services, access to specialists, lower risk of contracting a new illness, reduced waiting times, and better health.

 

Three unique ways that Online Docs can assist:

 

Primary care and managing chronic conditions

 

Your family's health depends on regular consultations with primary health care physicians, including those with internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics specialties. Thanks to Telemedicine, it is simple to get in touch with a doctor or nurse practitioner. Some systems are designed so new patients can schedule an appointment with the following practitioner who becomes available, which helps expedite things.

 

Thanks to the telehealth facility, you may easily reach professionals. Telehealth services can improve medical care's effectiveness, coordination, and proximity. You can receive support for self-managing your health care through online visits without relying on a third party. A virtual doctor sees the patient virtually during a telemedicine session using communications technology and specialized medical equipment. A telemedicine expert can evaluate the patient, review vital statistics and medical history, and offer an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The necessity for travel on the part of the patient or the specialist is reduced or eliminated as a result. Technology can potentially extend the standard of healthcare and expand access to it.

 

Doctors can use telemedicine consultations to pre-screen patients for potential infectious diseases to stop the spread of COVID-19, the flu, and other contagious diseases. Additionally, it prevents sick people from having to visit the office. Everyone benefits from less contact with other people's viruses, but those chronically unwell, pregnant, old, or immune- compromised.

 

 

●        Patients in rural locations, as well as those in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, military and aircraft settings, or on the battlefield, can benefit from the invaluable tools provided by Telemedicine for home healthcare, remote patient monitoring, and disease treatment. The Department of Tele-medicine technology enables medical experts to assess, identify, and treat patients in distant areas. Without leaving the hospital, they can see patients wherever they are needed. This enables the on-site telehealth clinicians to quickly access cutting-edge knowledge and skills for electronic triage and care when and where it is most needed.

 

●        The main characteristics of Tele-health are:

 

 

1. Make healthcare available to those who reside in rural areas.
2. Make Tele health services more accessible or practical for those lacking time, mobility, or transportation.
3. Give them access to medical experts.
4. The coordination of a patient's treatment and the improvement of team member communication
5. Your doctor or the medical staff can remotely check on your health thanks to several technologies, such as web-based or mobile apps, that provide data, such as blood glucose sugar levels, blood pressure, and lung function.
6. Telemedicine advancements have enabled elderly or dementia patients to at-home monitoring devices to spot changes in routine behavior falls.

 

Conserve your money

 

 

Are you thinking, "This has got to be incredibly expensive!"? That's untrue

An online doctor consultation can quickly and affordably meet your medical needs. An online doctor consultation can save you up to $88 every time you visit a doctor, according to a "Health Affairs Journal Study."

 

This is a highly economical choice if you don't have health insurance. A typical doctor's appointment will set you back at least $120. However, a doctor's internet consultation might cost as little as $40 per visit.

Even if you're unsure, you can still afford to see a doctor because online doctor consultations are less expensive.

 

        Many approaches exist for telehealth to help you save money:

 

1. Compared to in-person visits, telehealth is much more affordable
2. The 24/7 accessibility of virtual visits saves time
3. Broader accessibility to mental health services
4. Assistance with different sorts of management and care.

 

Costs are significantly lower than office visits for minor health conditions. According to "United Healthcare," the national median price of a video-based virtual visit is $50 instead of $740 for an emergency department visit, $85 for low-severity treatment at a doctor's office, and $130 for an urgent care center visit. The savings might be substantial if you have to cover the entire cost yourself before reaching your insurer's deductible. You'll typically pay less for telehealth than other sorts of appointments, even if you're only required to make a co-payment. Cost sharing varies from plan to plan, but insurers typically charge lower co-payments for telehealth than emergency department visits.

 

Security and Privacy

 

The idea of speaking with their doctor online is unfamiliar to many individuals. Making sure you are communicating with someone with medical knowledge to advise you on your health situation is crucial. When using a virtual doctor, you can feel secure knowing you're using a closed system and server. Your data will always be kept safe. Every conversation you have with your doctor online is private, as always. Your online doctor will follow the 1996 HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This ensures the safety of medical data. Online consultations should adhere to the same rules as in-person meetings. Before sharing any private health information, patients must be notified of their right to privacy and provide written consent. Consultations should be held in a private room using specialized secure video communications rather than on public networks like Skype.

 

The healthcare sector is undergoing substantial change, and Telemedicine presents exciting possibilities for technology-driven virtual clinical services. Patient data communicated, recorded, or moved between healthcare practitioners during a consultation must use a secure server. These encryption techniques must be expanded, particularly for portable devices and removable media, like USB drives, which are a significant source of data breaches. A practical way to maintain an audit trail of who has accessed and used patient data is to assign a systems administrator to track data. This can quickly reveal any unusual or unapproved activity.

 

Healthcare organizations may concentrate on preserving the privacy and safety of their patients while shielding themselves from the severe repercussions of unauthorized access system access by knowing the primary security and privacy concerns.

 

Conclusion

 

In the past, going to the physician was a terrible physical and symbolic experience. You could need to wait for hours if you need to go to the emergency department. Consulting an online doctor is an excellent approach to receiving the care you require with little effort. You can receive high-quality care from a virtual physician at home or anywhere. Without all the inconvenience, an online doctor can give you the individualized treatment you would receive at your regular doctor's appointments. You won't ever need to leave your home since online doctors can do anything from ill prescriptions to respond to all of your questions. Convenience is the main advantage of online doctor appointments over traditional ones. You can arrange online medical visits at your convenience. Given your time's importance, especially when you're ill, we don't want you to spend it on waiting or commuting. Schedule your appointment with an online doctor and ensure that you are online during that time.

Your doctor will pay you complete attention throughout the entire appointment. There should be no disruptions, and you get enough time to ask all the questions you desire and follow-up inquiries for any issues you have. Until the conclusion of your visits, your online doctor will remain focused on your problems. They can recommend scans, do blood testing, and even write prescriptions like in-person doctors.

MUST READ : Top 6 Reasons why you should Opt for Telepsychiatry