Related Articles & Information
ADHD in Adults
ADHD in children is a well-defined disorder that has been carefully researched and documented in the literature for many decades and is listed as a specific disorder in the DSM-IV-TR (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). On the other hand, ADHD in adults has only recently been described and separated from childhood ADHD by its differing symptom list and associated dysfunctions...read more
Vitamin D: The Multifunctional Prohormone
In recent years it has become increasingly clear that vitamin D is an extremely novel and important prohormone. Not only is vitamin D involved in calcium and bone metabolism including the prevention of osteoporosis, but it has several other functions of equal import. It was discovered by Dr. Michael Holick that vitamin D is converted to 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (Calcitriol) in the liver and kidneys, and this latter hormone is an important factor in inhibiting cancer cell growth... read more
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a fairly common disorder that occurs after exposure to major and often terrifying events, threatened or actual, with physical, mental or sexual harm. It is considered to be an anxiety disorder,with symptoms including flashbacks, memories, nightmares, obsessive and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma and perpetrator(s). There are also frequently symptoms of dissociation, anxiety, anger, irritability and depression...read more
A Discussion About Bioidentical Hormones
Bioidentical hormones or so-called “natural hormones” are plant-derived hormones which are identical in structure to endogenous hormones produced by the body. Because bioidentical hormones have low absorption with oral administration, they are frequently formulated as a gel to be applied topically to the skin. They include estradiol, estriol, estrone, and progesterone. They are usually formulated by compounding pharmacies...read more
Psychiatry & Endocrinology
We are witnessing an explosion of interest in endocrinology in psychiatric illness. This interest is two-fold. Psychiatric illness is profoundly influenced by the endocrine milieu. This includes normal and cyclical changes in hormone levels as well as abnormal hormone levels such as occurring under conditions of profound stress. Secondly, classic endocrine disorders are a cause of psychiatric illness. Perhaps more interestingly, subtle endocrine alterations can lead to subtle to...read more
Headline: Statin Drugs and Coenzyme Q10
The statin drugs including Lipitor, Lescol, Mevacor, Pravachol, Crestor and Zocor which are commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol all have the inherent property of inhibiting the synthesis of Coenzyme Q10. This mitochondrial coenzyme is an important cofactor involved in energy production in cells. This is relevant to side effects of statin drugs including muscle pain and weakness leading to myopathy. Because the pathways leading to cholesterol synthesis and Coenzyme Q10 synthesis overlap, the statin drugs interrupt both pathways. To prevent this complication it is recommended that anyone on statin drugs takes at least 200 mg of Coenzyme Q10 a day. The International Coenzyme Q10 Association sent a letter to the FDA in 2001 regarding this recommendation. See the letter to FDA.