Neurology Department Management: A New Era with Cellma
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Neurology is a complex and vital medical field focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurology department plays a very pivotal role in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. From problems such as migraine and epilepsy to complex diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, effective management in neurology requires precision, efficiency, and reliable data. In this regard, health information technology comes to be essential while trying to ensure better results in the delivery of quality care to patients. It is here that Cellma comes to change the pattern in neurology department, to lead to an innovative approach, to improve clinical workflows, patient engagement, and data security. Read the blog to know how Cellma’s modules and functionalities help in neurology department management. What is Neurology? Neurology is a medical specialty consisting of diagnosing and providing treatments for various nervous system disorders, such as the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and even muscles. Neurological conditions range from benign states like migraines and epilepsy, to serious ones of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. According to Brain Research UK, approximately 11 million people are living within the UK with a neurological condition. Not to mention, more than 800,000 hospital admissions take place annually because of neurological disorders. With such a wide patient population, neurology departments face an immense burden to deliver timely and efficient care. Also, there is possible security and regulatory compliance Issues. The proper management of sensitive patient information in neurological care requires adequate security and regulatory compliance capabilities. How Cellma Helps in Neurology Department Management: Cellma is an advanced HIMS that solves the aforementioned problems by offering targeted modules and functionalities designed for departmental optimisation in delivering care. Here’s how Cellma can change the management of the neurology department with its modules: Patients’ Administration and Scheduling (PAS) Module: The PAS module of Cellma captures the process of patient appointments in neurology departments. It also has an easy way of scheduling appointments and follow-up, which is important for patients likely to require long-term care for neurological disorders. The patient portal or mobile app allows patients to book appointments, therefore diminishing the administrative workload on neurology staff, which will provide more time to treat patients. Electronic Patient Record (EPR) Module: In neurology department, EPR module is necessary because the history and test reports of patients are very important to help clinicians deliver accurate diagnoses and treatments in the future. EPR allows neurologists the facility of retrieving medical as well as radiological information about their patients, like MRI or CT scan reports along with medicines prescribed for their treatment. It facilitates uninterrupted care for patients through various facilities or visits without any necessity of repeating their history or reconfirming the previous treatments administered. It also supports continuity of care which is critical for chronic conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. Imaging Module: Accurate imaging, in neurology, is pivotal in diagnosing stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumours. Cellma’s imaging module captures and integrates all neuro-related imaging from MRIs to CT scans, and even EEG results directly into the electronic medical record of the patient. A neurologist may read and interpret the latest imaging report at an appointment, making his diagnosis on the basis of current data instead of outdated scan reports. Lab Module: Cellma’s lab module facilitates easy ordering and tracking of laboratory tests such as blood work, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, genetics test, and much more. Test requests, reports, and results are automatically integrated into the patient’s record, so neurologists remain on top of all diagnostic processes and are able to view the comprehensive condition of the patient. ePharmacy Module: The ePharmacy module streamlines prescription management for neurologists. This is essential for chronic conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease, where long-term management of medication is the key. The module smoothes the prescription processing between the hospital’s pharmacy and provides for tracking of medication stocks, so medicines will not run out when in use. Document Management Module: Using Cellma’s Document Management Module, all neurological patient documents are securely stored and duly aligned, such as consent to procedures like brain surgery or EEGs, treatment plans for the conditions epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease, and progress notes from consultation. All these can be accessed by neurologists and healthcare providers from anywhere, thereby providing essential information at the point of care. Digitising all the essential records, besides eliminating the risk of lost paper work, streamlines workflow and improves the overall operational efficiency of the neurology department. Theatre Module: The Theatre Module accommodates neurology-related surgical interventions such as brain surgeries, biopsies, or nerve decompressions. It enables proper preoperative and postoperative management with an integration into medical records so that neurologists can accurately manage patient progressions as well as follow-up and follow-through care effectively. Communication Module: Communication is significantly relied upon in the management of complex neurological cases. The communication module in Cellma allows for secure messaging between healthcare providers, so they are capable of collaborating and coming to conclusions in real-time. Finance and Billing Module: The Finance and Billing Module in Cellma will be of great benefit to the neurology department in terms of ensuring the right billing for some of the most complex treatments and tests meant for diagnosis. It takes care of every task ranging from consultation fees to processing insurance claims, so it is transparent and easy to use both for the hospital and the patients. The module automatically links billing with appointments and treatments, allowing for proper finance tracking. Business Intelligence and Reporting Module: This module provides business intelligence as well as reporting tools that enhance the delivery of insightful knowledge to neurologists and hospital administrators regarding departmental performance. With advanced reporting tools, neurology department can track clinical outcomes, patient demographics, successful treatments, and departmental efficiency toward data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Along with the modules, Cellma’s several functionalities help in the neurology department management: Role-Based Access: Cellma makes sure that only authorised personnel can access or modify
Boosting Efficiency in Nephrology Department Management with Cellma – A Comprehensive Solution.
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Nephrology and renal services play a key role in the management of patients who have kidney diseases as well as those requiring dialysis and renal transplants. The management of these patients requires careful documentation, regular appointments, managing medications, and ongoing monitoring. In the challenging landscape of the nephrology and renal department, RioMed’s Health Information Management System (HIMS), Cellma, provides a complete solution for nephrology and renal services to enhance efficiencies, patient outcomes, and health care delivery within the Nephrology and Renal Service departments. What is Nephrology? Nephrology is the area of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. This subspecialty incorporates the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) indicators, acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy i.e. dialysis, kidney transplantation, as well as electrolyte disturbance. Nephrology doctors work alongside various forms of providers to ensure that patients receive coordinated care focused on their particular problems; this includes timely dialysis appointments and medication adjustments. According to Kidney Care UK, around 7.2 million people in the UK are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD stages 1-5). Of the CKD population, an estimated 3.25 million people experience advanced stages of CKD (stages 3-5) when symptom management becomes complex. It has been observed that at least one third of all people in the United Kingdom, with kidney disease will develop some forms of psychiatric symptoms associated with their health condition, with depression being the most common. The challenges of providing care for the nephrology departments are: Monitoring of patient’s vitals Increasing requests dialysis access counselling Management of follow up appointments Data integration across departments, and facilities Facilitation of doctor / patients’ referrals and reconnecting with post discharge Timely availability of diagnostic information and reporting Care and/or major treatment plans provided to the patient How Cellma Assists Cellma is designed to assist departments with their unique challenges. Cellma has a one patient, one record system that collates all the patient information including medical history, treatment plans, laboratory results and a dialysis schedule, in one location. This system-wide access allows authorised users from different areas and locations, to view, and update, and respond to patient information and monitor changes. Cellma ultimately improves the accuracy and efficiency of the care provided. Here is how Cellma can increase the efficiency of the management of nephrology department: Tailored Plan for Each Patient Cellma has the functionality to tailor treatment plans for each patient, all of which can include individualised specific dialysis schedules, medications, dietary recommendations and other lifestyle modifications, and all of which are crucial elements in the management of kidney disease. Integrated Data Transfer It is critical to have no delays in the transfer of essential information such as lab tests and imaging results for patients on dialysis and in requiring close monitoring care. The ability to connect to external clinical systems using FHIR HL7, HL7 and messaging protocols allows for easy transfer of diagnostic data so that patients with chronic progressive kidney disease do not continue wait for information they need. Real – Time Monitoring and Alerts Cellma’s in-built alert functionality allows for real time monitoring of lab results and patient vitals. Staff and patients can be alerted to an abnormal vitals or lab result, so they are empowered to act and do something about it. Alerts and reminders for appointments, dialysis durations and medication schedules can be automatically sent via email or text to patients, family and caregivers to ensure timely communication of important information. Patient Assessments The pre and post dialysis assessment is streamlined within Cellma’s platform. Nephrologists can use custom forms to capture patient information and a thorough assessment which will aid the health care professional in determining what type of dialysis is required or if a referral is necessary. Video Consultations Video consultation functionality of Cellma allows the nephrologist to consult with the patient regardless of whether they are face to face in real time follow up care needs and assessments. This functionality removes the burden of travel for follow up. Cellma brings together everything needed for administrative tasks and clinical management for patient care. Cellma can integrate across different hospitals departments to ensure that health care providers have access to important patient information with quick clicks. Here’s how Cellma enhances nephrology care with its modules: Patient Administration and Scheduling (PAS) The PAS module of Cellma improves the administration of patient referral, appointment, and dialysis schedule management from the same electronic platform. Also, in Cellma, appointments can be booked using the web portal or app reducing some of the administrative burden on the clinical staff. Electronic Patient Record (EPR) The EPR module allows clinicians to capture detailed information about each patient, including a patient’s medical history, test results, treatment plans and everything in between. With the EPR module patients can confidently expect the same type of care in each facility without needing to reconfirm their medical histories. Lab Module The lab module of Cellma allows clinicians to order, track and report laboratory tests easily. Nephrologists can manage all pathology requests, reports, and findings associated with their patients’ records through Cellma in their institution. ePharmacy Module Through the ePharmacy module of Cellma, prescriptions are managed more seamlessly with the hospital’s pharmacy. Also, all medications and dialysis supplies are tracked through this module to ensure that medications are in-stock and ready to administer, while also estimating that each unit has enough stock for all dialysis patient sessions. Imaging Module The imaging module of Cellma captures and incorporates all imaging related to kidney diagnostics such as ultrasound and CT scans into the patient record. This supports clinician-patient discussions about the diagnosis based on current information not previous. Referral Module The referral module allows secure coordination of patients referred to other departments or other nephrology specialists for continuity of care and therapy initiation without treatment delays. Document Management Important documents associated with a patient’s care such as dialysis consent forms or patient care plans are stored through Cellma. All documents
Empowering Your Reproductive Health: A Guide to Contraception and Family Planning
Table of Contents Empowering Your Reproductive Health: A Full Guide to Contraception and Family Planning Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Three years into their marriage, Dante and Vivian spent their anniversary day chatting excitedly over what the future held for them. Both had stable jobs, had wonderful families and they also wanted to start a family – but the timing didn’t feel quite right. Vivian was looking for a promotion, and at the same time, Dante had only just started to expand his venture. So, realising they needed to take control of their reproductive health, they began looking up contraception and family planning options tailored to their needs – that is to say, options that would provide the right answer when the time eventually arose. They booked an online appointment on Cellmaflex at the nearest family planning clinic without making any phone calls. Dante and Vivian felt more confident and educated with their decisions regarding the reproductive future, with the assistance of their healthcare provider. Family planning is an important aspect of reproductive health, which gives individuals the power to make informed decisions about when and how many children to have. Access to contraception and family planning services allows people to plan better for the future, avoid pregnancies that are not planned, and protect their health. In this blog, we shall learn what contraception and family planning is, their age demographics, types of contraceptive methods, hormonal effects, and benefits and challenges of family planning. What is Contraception and Family Planning? Contraception is concerned with methods or devices that prevent pregnancy. It includes options ranging from hormonal pills, implants, intrauterine devices, barrier methods to sterilisation. These methods give people more power to control when or if they become pregnant. Family planning is a wider concept. It is a process through which individuals and couples prepare and space their children considering the desired number of births. Family planning promotes responsible parenting and supports everything relating to maternal and child health. This ensures that pregnancies are intended and welcomed. Prevalence of Unplanned Pregnancies Globally The use of contraceptive methods is increasing globally. According to WHO, between 2000 and 2020, the number of women using a modern contraceptive method has increased from 663 million to 851 million globally. Demographic and Age Groups in Family Planning Family planning decisions vary greatly depending on age, life circumstances, and individual goals. Adolescent Age Group (15-19): This stage often involves limited access to contraception and a considerably higher unplanned pregnancy. Young Adult Age Group (20-30): People of this age group start thinking about family planning choices as they settle into good relationships or begin their careers. Adult Age Group (30-40): Discussions regarding family planning may involve issues of fertility and the timing of pregnancy. Older Adult Age Group (40+): Here, people mostly talk about some of the more-or-less permanent methods of contraception such as sterilisation or managing risks associated with late pregnancies. Types of Contraceptive Methods There is a wide variety of contraceptive methods, differing in effectiveness rates, advantages, and disadvantages: Hormonal Methods: Include birth control pills, patches, injections, and hormonal IUDs. They prevent ovulation by elevating hormonal levels. Barrier Methods: Include condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps. These barriers, by obstructing the passage of sperm towards the egg, prevent fertilisation. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Non-hormonal copper IUDs prevent the sperm from fertilising the egg, and hormonal IUDs release hormones to inhibit ovulation. Sterilisation: Permanent procedures like tubal ligation (for women) or vasectomy (for men) that bar the possibility of conception for life. Natural Methods: This relies on the practice of fertility awareness to avoid conception, i.e., charting cycles and checking for ovulation. Emergency Contraception: This method can prevent pregnancy when unprotected intercourse takes place or if other forms of contraception have failed. Hormonal Changes Associated with Various Methods Hormonal contraceptives are a variety of methods that work in the body to alter the normal hormonal balance and inhibit ovulation. Pills, patches, and hormonal IUDs act on the release of estrogen and progestin to prevent the ovaries from making eggs, besides changing the texture of cervical mucus to block sperm. These transformations could also cause mood changes, energy changes, and menstrual cycle changes. Some women will find that the side effects from one of these hormonal changes include nausea, swelling, mood swings, and headaches. Nevertheless, the severity and type of side effects vary from person to person. Those who experience significant side effects while undergoing hormonal contraception might consider non-hormonal methods, particularly in the case of the copper IUD. Benefits and Challenges of Family Planning Benefits: Prevention of Unplanned Pregnancies: With family planning, a person can prevent unplanned pregnancies and take charge of their sexual health. Improved Maternal and Child Health: Family planning reduces risks to maternal health, which include complications during pregnancy and delivery, by the proper spacing of pregnancies. Economic Stability: Families now have the opportunity to plan pregnancy around their economic situation and can, therefore, prepare for the costs involved in raising children. Opportunities for Education/Work: Contraceptive access enables women to rise through the educational and job ranks without being burdened by unplanned pregnancies. Challenges: Access and Availability: In rural areas where there is low-income, access to contraceptives and family planning services still remains quite limited. Culture and Social Barriers: In some societies, talking about family planning or contraception is a taboo, and women are most likely to face resistance from their partners or a family member. The side effects of contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives are supposed to cause side effects that include mood changes, weight gain, and uneven periods.Hence, these are quite potent deterrents away from utilising those methods. Health Risks and Considerations Generally, most forms of contraception are considered safe modalities of aiding the process of contraception, although some require consideration of certain health aspects by female users. Some forms of hormonal contraception may subsequently elevate the risk of blood clots, high blood pressure, or stroke in women with particular risk factors. Women over thirty-five, who smoke
Overcoming Challenges in General Medicine Management with Cellma
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents General medicine is a vital area of medicine that encompasses a diverse range of conditions. General medicine departments have a number of challenges in dealing with increasing patient volume and waiting on their health reviews and maintaining the ability to keep accurate records. With the growing prevalence of various conditions and diseases, and the increasing complexity of treatments, general medicine departments are under pressure to deliver high-quality care while managing resources effectively. What’s the solution to meet these challenges? Cellma. Cellma has modules that improve how hospitals and general medicine departments manage their patients. Cellma is an HIMS that optimises the hospitals operations through its system and patient management. This improves not just the administration of the hospital at all levels, but also improves the patient experience. Patients are traversing through the hospital experience in a more seamless manner through the various modules of Cellma. Read the blog to learn how Cellma transforms general medicine management and hospital’s operations. What is General Medicine? General medicine is a medical specialty that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diseases affecting the body’s internal organs and systems. General medicine practitioners are commonly referred to as internal medicine specialists or internists, and they care for adult patients with multiple medical problems, from acute illnesses such as infections, to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. General medicine practitioners usually serve as the patient’s first point of contact for undiagnosed medical problems and will complete an appropriate assessment, order testing, and when required, collaborate across several medical specialists with a comprehensive treatment plan. According to the Royal College of General Practitioners in the UK, in 2023, general practice staff delivered approximately 356 million appointments, compared to a 14% increase from what they delivered in 2019, and delivered 30.7 million consultations in April 2024. The Challenge Faced by General Medical Departments Providing general medical care involves navigating various challenges, including: Appointment management High patient volumes Chronic disease management Data management and integration Communication with specialists Complex cases Limited resources Billing and Insurance Management, etc. Due to such challenges, there is a need for general medicine departments to implement a system that will improve the level of efficiency as well as effectiveness of the patients care quality. Holding on to outdated systems can cause inefficiency of time, missed opportunities for early interventions, and decreased patients’ quality of care and satisfaction. On the other hand, using Cellma to manage the processes in the departments will overcome these challenges from delivering better care, whilst also using the proposed resources more effectively. Here is how Cellma can increase the efficiency of the management of general medicine: Electronic Patient Records Module The Electronic Patient Record module (EPR) of Cellma has an electronic centralised digital store, where all patient information is electronically available. Patient demographics, medical history, and every information concerning the patient care is easily obtained by authorised healthcare providers. The EPR will have the patient data recorded during the patient service pathway, regardless of the services that are delivered. The EPR module is completely integrated, therefore providing healthcare provider’s and the patient bi-directional linkage. PAS (Patient Appointment and Scheduling) ModuleWith Cellma’s Patient Appointment and Scheduling (PAS) module, simple administrative tasks such as patient registration, appointment scheduling and admission and discharge, as well as the process of referral to a specialist, can be streamlined. Cellma patients are also able to book appointments through the web portal or app. MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) Module Some conditions require treatment by a combination of several specialists. Cellma’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) module allows all members of the patient’s care team to communicate and convene. Lab’s ModuleThe labs module of Cellma streamlines the ordering, tracking and reporting of laboratory tests. Doctors can conveniently handle all in-house pathology requests, reports and results through this feature linked to their patient’s record. E-Pharmacy Module The E-Pharmacy module of Cellma integrates prescription management with the hospital’s pharmacy. Using the E-Pharmacy module embedded in Cellma, doctors can prescribe medicines electronically to patients and ensure that the prescription is transmitted for immediate dispensing. Document Management moduleCellma’s document management module retains all patient documentation pertaining to the required care including consent forms, treatment plans, summaries, and is accessible by the healthcare providers. Through this the chance of losing the paperwork is eliminated and improved efficiencies in the workings of the hospital are achieved by storing all the essential documents in one place. Communication moduleCommunication is one of the most crucial activities in providing care to patients. Cellma’s communication module keeps healthcare providers in communication without any hitches and also offers safe messaging and collaboration tools. This helps all people involved in the patient care be informed. Telemedicine module Cellma supports telehealth services, enabling virtual consultations and remote monitoring. Patients can confirm, cancel, or re-schedule telemedicine appointments to suit their availability. It reduces no-shows significantly with appointment confirmations and reminders about upcoming remote consultations via the patient app and portal. Finance and Billing moduleCellma’s Finance and Billing module simplifies the financial operations of a hospital. It handles everything from the patient’s treatment’s billing to insurance claims processing and ensures accuracy and transparency. The finance and appointment module in Cellma is completely connected. As a result, patients get automatic billing for each treatment episode and the service provided at the department. Business Intelligence and Reporting module The Business Intelligence and Reporting module provides the general medicine department and the hospital as whole with valuable insights into the departments and hospital’s operations, through advanced analytics and reporting tools. Cellma’s Business Intelligence and Reporting module provides clinical, managerial and financial reports on all data stored within an organisation. Every single piece of data can be accessed in three easy-to-read formats. Our dynamic dashboards give you a snapshot of any specific key performance indicators, customisable to present only the data you need. Patient PortalVia the patient portal, patients can conveniently schedule their appointments with the doctors online, choosing their preferred date and time. Many of the
From Frustration to Hope: Understanding Infertility
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Clary and Jace had always dreamed of starting a family. One year went by without being able to conceive, and the excitement started giving way to frustration with each passing month showing a pregnancy test negative. Like any other couple, they just assumed it would take time, but deep inside, they started worrying if something was wrong. Without making any phone call, they finally booked an online appointment with a doctor through Cellmaflex. After consulting their doctor, they found out that both suffer from fertility problems. The news was saddening, but it marked the beginning of their journey to understanding, treatment, and finally, hope. For millions of couples across the globe, the quest to have children has become an issue. However, it does not necessarily have to end in despair and helplessness. Read the blog to know about the infertility, age of occurrence, types, causes of infertility and treatments available. What are the Infertility Issues? Infertility issues, in general, are the failure to conceive, following one year of uninterrupted, unprotected intercourse. These problems can occur among both men and women. Causes could be hormonal imbalances, physical irregularities, lifestyle factors, or even health problems. Infertility in most cases of women is caused by a problem with ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, whereas in men, poor quality sperm or low count of sperm is considered an impediment to fertility. If you are younger than 35, your healthcare provider may diagnose infertility after one year (12 months) of trying to conceive. Trying to conceive is defined as having regular, unprotected sex. If you are 35 or older, your provider may diagnose infertility after six months of regular, unprotected sex. According to WHO, in 2023, around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility. What Are the Types of Infertility? Types of infertility include: Primary infertility: You have never been pregnant and cannot conceive after one year (or six months if you are 35 or older) of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. Secondary infertility: You cannot get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy. Unexplained infertility: Fertility testing has not found a reason why a person or couple is unable to get pregnant. Infertility Causes for Women Ovulation disorders are the leading cause of infertility in people with ovaries. Ovulation is the process when an ovary releases an egg for fertilization. Ovulation disorders can contribute to female infertility and are caused by a variety of factors. The following factors can contribute to female infertility: Endometriosis PCOS Infrequent or absent menstrual periods Primary ovarian insufficiency or poor egg quality Genetic or chromosomal disorders Sexual dysfunction Uterine fibroids or uterine polyps Thyroid disease Structural abnormalities of the vagina, uterus or fallopian tubes Autoimmune conditions like lupus Hypothalamic and pituitary gland disorders Surgical or congenital absence of ovaries Infertility Causes for Men The leading cause of male infertility includes any issues with the shape, movement (motility), or number of sperm (low sperm count). Other causes of male infertility are: Low testosterone Enlarged veins (varicocele) in the scrotum – the sac that contains testicles Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, anejaculation i.e. no ejaculation, premature ejaculation or retrograde ejaculation i.e. ejaculation may go into the bladder instead Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis Chromosomal disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome High heat exposure to the testicles from tight clothing, frequent use of hot tubs and saunas, and holding laptops or heating pads on or near the testes Injury to the scrotum or testicles Misuse of anabolic steroids Undescended testicles Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy Surgical or congenital absence of testes Prior surgical sterilisation (vasectomy) How is Female Infertility Diagnosed? As the initial step, the healthcare provider will gather the full medical and sexual history. Fertility for people with a uterus involves ovulating healthy eggs. In order for this to happen, the brain needs to send out signals through hormones to the ovary so that it releases an egg(s) to go through the fallopian tube on its way to the uterine lining. Fertility testing will consist of looking for an issue with any of these steps. These tests may be carried out by the healthcare provider to help diagnose or rule out problems: Pelvic exam: The healthcare provider performs a pelvic exam and will assess for any structural issues or signs of diseases. Blood test: A blood test interrogates hormone levels to see if hormones are imbalanced or if you are ovulating. Various types of blood tests are carried out for different interrogations for determining any other conditions. Transvaginal ultrasound: The healthcare provider puts a ultrasound wand into the vagina to assess for problems in the reproductive system. Hysteroscopy: The healthcare provider puts a small tubular instrument (hysteroscope) into the vagina and assesses the uterus. Saline sonohysterogram (SIS): The healthcare provider will inject the sterile solution of salt water into the uterus and use the transvaginal ultrasound technology to see the uterine lining. Sono hysterosalpingogram (HSG): The healthcare provider will inject saline solution and air bubbles into the fallopian tubes during the SIS process to identify tubal blockage. X-ray hysterosalpingogram (HSG): This diagnostic tool utilises X-rays to visualise an injectable dye that travels through the fallopian tubes. This diagnostic tool is utilised to identify tubal blockage. Laparoscopy: The healthcare provider will insert a laparoscope (thin tube with camera) through a small incision in the abdomen to identify problems such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and scar tissue. How is Male Infertility Diagnosed? Diagnosing male infertility usually involves ruling out or diagnosing whether or not a person is ejecting healthy sperm. Most fertility testing is focused on the sperm. Therefore, the following tests may be carried out by the healthcare provider to determine or rule out issues. Semen Analysis: Tests for low sperm count and poor mobility. In some cases, a needle biopsy of the testicle would be needed to collect sperm for testing. Blood Test: A blood test can be done that will test levels of thyroid and other
Coping with Stress-Related Disorders: Insights into PTSD, RAD, ASD, and More
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents In today’s fast-paced world, the stress–related disorders are increasingly becoming common. These disorders and conditions badly impact a person’s mental as well as physical health. This situation makes it essential to understand the causes, symptoms and treatments of such disorders. Deep insights into stress-related disorders, individuals, caregivers and healthcare professionals can take early and necessary steps towards effective management and faster recovery. Through Cellmaflex, people suffering from stress related disorders, can book online appointment with the desired healthcare professional without the need of any phone calls. Stress related disorders affect millions of people around the world, with conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED), Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), and Adjustment Disorder being some of the most prevalent. Read the blog to know more about these stress-related disorders, their symptoms, causes and management. What are Stress-Related Disorders Stress-related disorders encompass a range of conditions that are directly related to or exacerbated by high levels of stress. These disorders can significantly impact a person’s mental and physical health. The most common types are: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) When a person has been exposed to any of several forms of trauma, they may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a mental health disease condition. It may be violent or horrifying death situations, combat, accidents, natural calamities, physical or emotional abuse, or any event that causes feelings of terror, numbness, or dread. Symptoms of PTSD Intrusive Thoughts: PTSD sufferers frequently have recurrences of some memories about the awful incident which they would have preferred were wiped from memory. Nightmares: Sleep problems are common as a result of upsetting dreams about the trauma the person experienced. Flashbacks: It includes experiencing a sudden life-changing event that causes certain emotions which makes one feel as if they keep re-living that dreadful moment. Avoidance Behaviours: After trauma, a person may want to eliminate the emotional pain or trauma by keeping away from people, places or situations that could trigger the recollection of that traumatic event. What are the causes of PTSD? PTSD can develop after a very stressful, frightening or distressing event, or after a prolonged traumatic experience. Types of events that can lead to PTSD include: serious accidents, physical or sexual assault abuse, including childhood or domestic abuse, exposure to traumatic events at work, including remote exposure, serious health problems, such as being admitted to intensive care, childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby, the death of someone close to you, war and conflict, torture, etc Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Reactive Attachment Disorder is a syndrome in children more so who have witnessed improper nurturing or even gross abuse particularly in their tender years. It is a disorder that manifests itself in loss of the normal expected bonds which a child should be making with their guardians. What are the symptoms of reactive attachment disorder? Symptoms of reactive attachment disorder are unique to each child. Common symptoms among infants and young children with RAD include – not showing positive emotions, like comfort, love or joy when interacting with others, avoiding eye contact and physical touch, expressing fear or anger by throwing tantrums or frequently showing unhappiness or sadness, trying to find things in their environment that they can control, which makes them likely to break rules. What causes reactive attachment disorder? Currently there is no exact cause for children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder. Studies suggest that there could be several factors that contribute to a child who doesn’t form a bond with their caretakers including: the child feels abandoned or alone, the child’s basic needs are not being met, the child fears that they are in danger, the child doesn’t know who to trust, the child’s needs are only being met some of the time, particularly if they don’t know when to expect their caregivers to reward or console them. If a child’s physical and emotional needs are not being met, they are at risk of developing RAD. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED) is a condition that frequently develops in children subjected to early neglect and maltreatment. Unlike RAD, children with DSED go to the other extreme and are hyperactively affectionate and trusting with novel adults, hence placing themselves in potential danger of abuse. Symptoms of DSED Overly Familiar Behaviour with Strangers: Children suffering from DSED do not seem to grasp the conceptual aspects of stranger danger and have a propensity to seek out and interact with unknown people. Lack of Hesitation in Approaching Unfamiliar Adults: This absence of wariness around new persons is particularly dangerous as it may put the child in harmful circumstances. DSED can occur in children for the following reasons: Absenteeism of a mother or the caregiver within the first few years of life, absence of warmth and affection and emotional development, abuse or neglect, absence or frequent change of a single primary caregiver, trauma in childhood, child in foster care or an orphanage. These factors can cause problems to children in seeking a deeper connection with other individuals. Socialisation is usually easy; hence children appear indiscriminately friendly or socially high-spirited. Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is a short term reaction that some people have to stressors which occur within a month after a traumatic event. The most important distinction is that although PTSD is diagnosed after one month of experiencing the trauma, the diagnosis of acute stress disorder is made in case of exposure to trauma and development of same-day or initial month symptoms of PTSD. Symptoms of ASD Anxiety: Patients suffering from ASD experience fear and anxiety over the norm, especially over reminders of the traumatic incident. Dissociation: The blurring of psychological or physical feelings with an extension of a stress event, as in ASDs. Hypervigilance: Humans may get too vigilant towards any possible danger even when there is no threat. What causes
Balancing the Extremes: Bipolar Disorder Explained
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Rachel had always been vibrant and creative. But over the years she found herself in an emotional tug-of-war swinging from extreme excitement to being consumed by sadness, fatigue and hopelessness. Without having to make any phone call Rachel’s father booked an online appointment with a healthcare provider on Cellmaflex. It was upon seeing her doctor that Rachel was able to get an accurate diagnosis of her condition which was bipolar disorder. Rachel’s provider was able to assess and manage her fluctuation of moods and then implemented a combination of pharmacological and psychological treatment, as well as recommend certain changes in his her everyday routine. Rachel was able to remain in contact with her care team with the help of Cellmaflex and received reminders for appointments and medications which contributed to the normalisation of her life. Bipolar disorder is a complex disorder that can significantly impact a person’s life. However, with proper treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Read the blog to know what bipolar disorder is, its types and stages, symptoms, hormonal changes and risk associated with the disorder. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, is a lifelong mental health condition and a mood disorder. The disorder causes extreme shift in mood, energy levels, thinking and behavioural patterns. These shifts can last for hours, days, weeks or months. Due to these shifts, the individual’s day-to-day life and tasks are disrupted. There are types of bipolar disorder which involve significant experience of fluctuations in mood. These can include hypomanic or manic and depressive episodes. These individuals also experience periods of normal mood, which is known as euthymia. According to an article published by WHO, currently over 40 million people live with bipolar disorder globally. The Age of Occurrence ManiaIn this condition, an individual will have unusually raised or irritable mood along with extreme changes in emotions, thoughts and energy, activity level and talkativeness. Such highly enhanced level of activities and behaviour is a drastic change and is noticeable by others. People in the manic state might yield to activities that might cause social, physical or financial harm. They also might develop psychotic symptoms from time to time, such as hallucinations or delusions. HypomaniaHypomania is a less severe form of mania, and it shares some characteristics of mania such as enhanced creativity and increased energy. This state does not cause severe psychotic issues like mania. Individuals in this state might feel a positive mood, more productive and outgoing but they still may function well in their day-to-day lives. But the individuals may sometimes progress to full-blown manic episodes. DepressiveWhilst in a depressive episode, you experience a low or depressed mood and/or loss of interest in most of the activities, as well as many other symptoms of depression, such as tiredness, changes in appetite, worthlessness and hopelessness, sadness, sleep pattern disturbances, suicidal thoughts, trouble concentrating, etc. Mixed EpisodesMixed episode is a perceptible period during which a person experiences symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression, concurrently. During these episodes, the person experiences a complicated and often intense emotional state. Rapid cyclingThis is having four or more mood episodes of either manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed in a year. These episodes can occur in any combination and may involve abrupt shifts between different mood states. Types of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar I Disorder: In this, mania lasts for at least a week or requires hospitalisation. It is also characterized by fluctuations between hypomania and depression. Bipolar II Disorder: It is characterised by the presence of an episode of recurrent depression and hypomanic episodes but does not meet the full criteria for manic episodes. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Persistent mood swings of at least two years’ duration with episodes of hypomania and mild depression. Other Bipolar Disorders: It includes an elevation of mood which is not enough to categorise under above types of bipolar disorder. Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder People with bipolar disorder will have episodes of mania or hypomania many times throughout their life; others may experience them only rarely. Signs and symptoms include: Excessive happiness, hopefulness and excitement Restlessness Rapid speech and racing thoughts Increased energy and less need for sleep Sudden and severe changes in mood, such as going from being joyful to being angry and hostile Making grand and unattainable plans Increased impulsivity and poor judgment, such as suddenly quitting your job Feeling like you’re unusually important, talented or powerful Psychosis, experiencing hallucinations and delusions (in the most severe manic episodes) Reckless and risk-taking behaviour. Most of the time, people experiencing a manic episode are unaware of the negative consequences of their actions. With bipolar disorder, suicide is an ever-present danger, some people become suicidal in manic episodes, not just depressive episodes. Signs and symptoms of hypomania Some people with bipolar disorder have mild manic-like symptoms. With hypomania, you may feel very good and find that you can get a lot done. People with hypomania can often function well in social situations or at work. You may not feel like anything is wrong during a hypomanic episode. But your family and friends may notice your mood swings and activity level changes and think that they’re unusual for you. After hypomania, you might experience severe depression. Signs and symptoms of depressive episodes The symptoms of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder are the same as those of major depression. They include: Overwhelming sadness Low energy and fatigue Irritability Increased need for sleep Lack of motivation Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness Loss of enjoyment of things that were once pleasurable for you Difficulty concentrating and making decisions Uncontrollable crying Insomnia or excessive sleep A change in appetite, causing weight loss or gain Thoughts of death or suicide Health Risks Associated with Bipolar Disorder If the disorder is left untreated, it can lead to serious health risks, such as: substance abuse, physical health issues, suicide risk, self-harm, sleep disorders, cognitive impairment, etc. Bipolar Disorder TreatmentA person
UTI Uncovered: What You Need to Know About Symptoms, Stages and Risk Factors
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Working professional Emily, at first brushed off the burning sensation she was experiencing while urinating as a mere dehydrated feeling. But days later, the discomfort began to mount on her and frequent urges to use the bathroom interrupted her daily routine. What was initially a minor inconvenience soon drove Emily to her wits’ end as she felt lower abdominal pain and a constant urge to urinate even if her bladder felt empty. Emily booked an online appointment, without making any phone call, with a doctor on Cellmaflex. Visit to her doctor confirmed what she feared – a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Although it was quickly treated due to early detection and intervention of the healthcare professional, it opened her eyes to the fact that UTIs are very common and serious. Many people, like Emily, may underestimate the early symptoms of a UTI, and hence they pass the early stage and allow UTI to evolve into something much more serious. In this blog, let’s explore what UTIs are, their prevalence, signs and stages, risk factors, and treatment to keep you well informed, so you can take your necessary measures to curb a complication before it can seemingly gut you of your strength. What is UTI? A UTI is a very common infection of the urinary system. Such infections may involve any part of the urinary system. The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria, particularly E. coli. The symptoms include frequent urination, painful urination, and flank or lower-back pain. UTI may involve the urethra (urethritis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), or bladder (cystitis). Urine is the by-product fluid formed during the renal filtration process by the kidneys. It is formed by removing excess fluid and waste from the blood. Normally, urine flows through the urinary system without pollutants; however, UTIs arise when bacteria gets to the urinary tract. UTIs are classified into: Lower UTIs: Also called cystitis and urethritis, they are infections affecting the bladder and urethra, respectively.Upper UTIs: More serious ones attacking the kidneys (pyelonephritis).According to the BMC infectious diseases, UTI is the second most common infectious disease affecting more than 150 million people globally annually as of 2023. Factors Related to Age and Gender While anybody may develop a UTI, certain age groups and sexes have a pronounced tendency to develop a UTI: Women: Almost 50% of women will, at some time in their lives, experience a UTI; as women have a relatively short urethra.Men: While less common; UTIs in men are seen to be increasing with age and in cases of prostatic problems.Children: In children, the UTI can suggest anatomical problems that may underlie the disorder.Elderly: Due to a weakened immune system and dysfunction of the urinary tract, the elderly are more susceptible. Stages of UTI Urethritis – The early stage where one may experience irritation and discomfort while urinating.Cystitis – The progressing stage where the bladder is infected. Symptoms includes pelvic pain, cloudy urine, frequent urination, fever or such-like.Pyelonephritis – The advanced stage, one of the worst forms of infection whereby it spreads to the kidney regions and creates dramatic damage along the way through exhibiting signs/symptoms of fever, back pain, extremely acute conditions including bacterial infection. Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection UTI causes inflammation of the lining of your urinary tract, and this may give rise to the following problems: Pain in your flank, abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis Cloudy and foul-smelling urine Incontinence Frequent urination Urge incontinence Pain when you pee (dysuria) Blood in urine (hematuria) Other symptoms associated with UTI that a person can experience: Pain in the penis Extreme fatigue Fever Chills Nausea and vomiting Mental changes or confusion Risk Factors for UTI Across the world, UTIs are common in females; In fact, women are usually steered towards such infections more than once during their lifetimes. The factors giving rise to UTI are: Female anatomy: The urethras of women are shorter than those for men, meaning that for any given microorganism, the actual distance to cover to the bladder is short. Sexual activity: A sexually active woman generally has a high risk of developing UTIs. A new sexual partner also increases the risk. Certain birth control methods: Use of a diaphragm for birth control is said to increase the risk of an occurrence of UTI. Likewise, the application of spermicidal agents also raises that risk. Menopause: Due to the decline in circulating estrogen after menopause, several changes in the urinary tract occur. The changes are said to increase the chances of a UTI. Other risk factors are urinary tract anomalies, blockage of urinary tract, underlying immune disorders such as diabetes, using catheters, and urinary tract procedures Complications of Untreated UTIs UTIs, if detected early and properly treated, seldom lead to complications. Untreated, they might lead to serious health conditions. Complications of a UTI may include: Recurrent infection which is defined by occurrence of two or more UTIs occurring in the same six months or three or more UTIs within the same one year. Permanent kidney damage from a kidney infection due to an untreated UTI. Premature birth and preterm birth with low blood weight when a UTI occurs during pregnancy. Narrowing of the urethra in men from the repeated infections of the urethra. Sepsis, a potentially lethal complication of any infection. This happens especially if the infection spills into the kidneys from the urinary tract. How do you know if you have UTI? If experiencing urinary tract infection symptoms, contact a healthcare professional. They will obtain information about symptoms, study medical history, and conduct a physical exam. They might perform some necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis. How is UTI Diagnosed UTI tests that a physician may order include: Urinalysis – You may be asked to provide a urine sample in a special cup. Your physician will send it to a laboratory where laboratory technicians will perform a mix of tests.
Anxiety Disorder Explained: Symptoms, Types and Calming Techniques
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Emma is a young professional with a lively personality and a strong sense of responsibility. However, in the past few weeks, she noted signs of almost debilitating fatigue and constant worry, even for her routine tasks. The first time she felt these symptoms, she thought it was just stress. But Emma gradually found herself avoiding social interactions and felt paralysed with fear just at the thought of her daily responsibilities. However, the turning point came when she experienced a full-blown panic attack during a work presentation. Desperate for help, Emma then sought guidance from a healthcare provider she found on Cellmaflex and booked an online appointment without the need of any phone call. Clinical evaluation by the healthcare provider revealed that Emma was suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Emma’s healthcare provider, equipped with Cellmaflex was able to smoothly manage her condition by tracking her symptoms and providing real-time support. Through systematic goal setting, encouragement and motivation, Emma was finally learning how to deal with her issues and handle her life again. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions globally. It affects people irrespective of age and socioeconomic status and its incidence has been on the rise over the past few years. Read the blog to know what anxiety disorder is, the symptoms, types, causes and calming techniques. What is an Anxiety Disorder? Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition. If you are suffering from anxiety disorder, you are likely to react toward certain situations with a lot of anxiety. Anxiety disorders can make it really hard to get through the day for a person. Everyone is bound to be a little or generally apprehensive. For instance, going for an interview, a test, making an important decision or facing another problem at work can make one nervous. There is a certain level of anxiety which can be adaptive — it really helps us alert ourselves of dangers and directs our actions in times of the threat. However, an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. When it occurs: You tend to be over responsive to normal circumstances (i.e., overreactions). It is difficult for you to function normally. You lose control over how you respond in different situations. All ages are susceptible to these disorders – children, teenagers, and adults. According to WHO, over 300 million people in the world have anxiety disorder. This makes anxiety disorder the most common of all mental disorders. What are the Types of Anxiety Disorders? According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is the standard reference manual for diagnosing mental health conditions, the types of anxiety disorders include: Agoraphobia: This arouses an overwhelming fear of being unable to escape or find help should an occasion arise owing to being pushed or feeling crowded. Many of the people who suffer from agoraphobia are afraid to go to new places or be in new situations, whether those are large open areas or small enclosed spaces, crowds or being outside the home. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This condition makes life feel heavy and mentally exhausting more than usual. It is described as excessive and recurrent worrying about ordinary matters such as work, health, upbringing, or even running day-to-day errands. Panic disorder: Such a condition describes people who suffer from several unexpected panic attacks at unforeseeable intervals. One of the most significant points in the description of the condition is the fact that the attacks appear to be ‘out of the blue’ and are not associated with any other psychological or physical disorder. Some of the aggressive patients have panic attacks and also suffer from agoraphobia. Specific phobias: A phobia is when something causes you to feel fear or anxiety that so severe it consistently and overwhelmingly disrupts your life. There are hundreds of different types of phobias, and there one diagnosis for almost all of them: specific phobia. Only one phobia, agoraphobia, is a distinct diagnosis. Social phobia: Known earlier as social anxiety disorder, it occurs when people harbour intense and continued fear of negative evaluation and/or being scrutinized by others. Separation anxiety disorder: This condition occurs when you suffer severe distress when away from a loved one, for example, a caregiver. While separation anxiety is a natural development stage in babies and young toddlers, separation anxiety disorder can occur in children and adults too. Selective mutism: This condition occurs in those who remain mute in specific situations due to anxiety or fear. This usually occurs in young children, but older children and adults can be affected as well. Certain mental illness diagnoses are accompanied by anxiety as well. These are PTSD, acute adjustment disorder and OCD. However, the American Psychiatric Association and other practitioners categorizes them as unique and not anxiety related. Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders The symptoms of anxiety disorders vary according to the type. Physical symptoms may include: Muscle tension Restlessness Cold or sweaty hands Nausea Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia) Shortness of breath Heart palpitations Dry mouth Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet Psychological Symptoms may Include: Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts Feeling panic, fear, dread and uneasiness Difficulty concentrating Feeling panic, fear, dread and uneasiness What causes anxiety disorders? Exact causes of anxiety disorders are not yet determined by researchers. However, they think a combination of factors plays a role. Factors such as: Environmental factors – Anxiety disorder can be caused by a sudden or chronic stress that can alter the level of neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation. Thus, prolonged or chronic stress can precipitate anxiety disorder. Experiencing a traumatic event can also trigger anxiety disorders. Chemical imbalances: There are chemicals which play some roles in anxiety such as- nor-epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Relatively high levels or too little of such chemicals can contribute to an anxiety disorder. Brain changes: A part
From Darkness to Light: Navigating Symptoms of Depression, Risk Factors and Types
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Julian succeeded in both his personal and professional endeavours. At first everything went well; however, he began to feel a deep-rooted sorrow and lost touch with the hobbies he always cherished. Julian also noted that over time he became more and more absent minded. These feelings lasted for days and even interfered with his relationships and day-to-day activities. He felt extremely tense and decided to seek help. Fortunately, Julian had access to Cellmaflex, an extensive platform that helped him receive timely help. With Cellmaflex, Julian was able to quickly book an online appointment with a mental health professional without any phone calls. During the visit, the mental health professional diagnosed that Julian was experiencing the early stages of depression, a condition that is often misunderstood and left untreated. The mental health professional then provided the necessary support and treatment. Cellmaflex greatly contributed to Julian’s recovery and emphasising the need for accessibility of affordable healthcare services in the community in depression management. There are widely available cases of depression in every country making it very important to understand what depression is. Additionally, it is necessary to know the symptoms of depression, causes of depression, significance, and prompt initiation, and persuasion of assistance. Read the blog to gain an insight on depression. What is Depression? Depression is a condition where a person will feel a prolonged state of sadness, as well as the loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. In the middle of developing depression, the sufferer can also have problems associated with thinking, memory, appetite, or sleeping. When a person suffers from depression, even the simplest and daily tasks can be a challenge, and the severe cases can lead to suicidal thoughts and acts. Many individuals ought to be aware that depression is a common illness that goes beyond age, gender, or background and is quite a concern to the health sector. It is clear that without the appropriate intervention, depression can escalate and become chronic. In the worst instances, depression can result in self-inflicted harm or suicide. Prevalence of Depression According to WHO, at present, over 280 million people in the world had depression. Also, depression is about 50% more common among women than among men. What are the Symptoms of Depression? There are different types of depression, and its symptoms can therefore be mild to severe. They include: Deep sadness or the feeling of despair, which is accompanied by worries. Loss of interest in enjoyable activities. Easily losing temper or getting angry over trivial things. Binge eating disorder or starving oneself which may lead gaining weight or being undernourished. Difficulties in falling asleep (insomnia) or excessive sleeping (hypersomnia). Feeling exhausted or having a very low with no energy at all levels. Difficulty remembering things or making decisions, or just concentrating. Headaches, stomach aches, sexual dysfunction also are issues one may face. Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Biological, Psychological, and Environmental Risk Factors – What are They? Biological Factors: Depression can have a biological predisposition, that is, a family history of depression may increase the risk of developing it. There are also neurochemical factors of depression such as the levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which have been linked to depression as well. Psychological Factors: Some personality traits such as low self-esteem, the experience of chronic stress, abuse or trauma in the past may make a person prone to depression. Cognitive patterns, that arises negative thoughts and a tendency to ruminate. Environmental Factors: Stressful life events such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, or relationship problems, can trigger depression. Types of Depression According to The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), depressive disorders are classified as the following: Clinical depression (major depressive disorder): This is the most severe and most common form of depression. The diagnosis of the major depressive disorder means one has felt sad, low or worthless most days for at least two weeks while also having other symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, loss of interest in activities or change in appetite. Persistent depressive disorder (PDD): Persistent depressive disorder is mild or moderate depression that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms are less severe in PDD than major depressive disorder. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD): DMDD causes chronic, intense irritability and frequent anger outbursts in children. Symptoms of DMDD usually begin by the age of 10. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): With PMDD, a person has premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms along with mood symptoms, such as extreme irritability, anxiety or depression. These symptoms improve within a few days after the period starts, but they can be severe enough to interfere with daily life. Depressive disorder due to another medical condition: Many medical conditions can create changes in the body that may cause depression. Examples include hypothyroidism, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancer. There are also specific forms of major depressive disorder, including: Seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression): This is a form of major depressive disorder that typically arises during the fall and winter and goes away during the spring and summer. Prenatal depression and postpartum depression: Prenatal depression is depression that happens during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is depression that develops within four weeks of delivering a baby. The DSM refers to these as “major depressive disorder (MDD) with peripartum onset.” Atypical depression: Symptoms of this condition, also known as major depressive disorder with atypical features, vary slightly from “typical” depression. The main difference is a temporary mood improvement in response to positive events. Other key symptoms include increased appetite and rejection sensitivity. People with bipolar disorder also experience episodes of depression in addition to manic or hypomanic episodes. How is Depression Treated? Psychotherapy: also known as talk therapy, involves talking with a mental health professional. The therapist helps identify and change unhealthy emotions, thoughts and behaviours. There are many types of psychotherapy —
