New Method to Quickly Screen for Medications Can Help
Monitor Patients
As the drug abuse crisis is becoming a larger
problem in the United States, researchers from McMaster University
have developed a more advanced drug screening process to combat the
issue. This new technique will allow multiple drug tests to be done
at once that can more accurately identify drugs like fentanyl and
other common medications prescribed to mental health
patients. Doctors will also be able to use this screening test
to identify correct dosages taken.
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AAP Announces New Guidelines for Annual Depression
Screening
The American Academy of Pediatrics has just
announced new guidelines for screening for depression in
adolescents. The Academy recommends screening everyone over the age
of 12 at least once a year. They suggest questionnaires for the
teens to fill out since most teenagers are uncomfortable answering
some of the questions face to face. Two out of three teenagers that
are depressed do not get treatment and pediatricians are hopeful
these new recommendations will help.
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New Study Compares Prazosin to Placebos
After a new study on prazosin, a common drug to help
with PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs researchers are now
comparing the drug to placebos. A six month study saw only minor
improvements in sleep quality and the occurrence of nightmares for
both prazosin and placebo test groups. Despite the new study, there
still is evidence from six different studies that shows the drug
works. Doctors are still encouraged to talk to their patients to
determine the best treatment for them.
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Can Technology Keep the Elderly Comapny?
Getting older has never been easy. Elderly people
often times find themselves lonely as friends and family begin to
pass away around them. Many feel like a burden as they become more
dependent on people around them. New technologies have begun to
flood the market like Amazon's Alexa, Google Home and the HomePod
that are changing their lives. Many now use voice- assistive
technologies to keep them company every day. The technology can
also be used with various apps that can monitor their actives,
overall wellbeing and medications.
Read article.