Health

Research shows that Anaesthesia can help forget Disturbing memories

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2019

A latest research published in Science advances has confirmed that Anesthesia plays a major role in helping trauma patients forget disturbing memories. Many studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide to prove the same. This latest study further investigates the effects of anesthesia and how it can be useful in developing a technique which would help people forgetting harmful memories arisen due to past trauma, anxiety or drug addictions.

Here’s how the research was conducted. A Sample of 50 participants was taken and they all were showed 2 unpleasant and disturbing images through presentations. One was about the kidnapping of kids while the other one was a horrific car accident. After a week, the memories from one of these incidents were re-activated by the researchers, and the participants were asked basic questions about what they remember.

After the reactivation of the memory, all the participants were injected with propofol which is an anesthetic, followed by a few minutes of endoscopies. The group was chosen from a hospital where people were already scheduled for endoscopies.

After this, final testing took place. The scientists tested all the test subjects and asked them how well they remembered the incidents. The people who were asked immediately after could remember both the incidents. But the people, who were asked questions after a time-gap of 24 hours had no idea that their memory was reactivated. Also, they had no idea which memory was re-activated and which wasn’t. This led to a conclusion that there is a clear link between anesthesia, reactivation and the timing helps in taking the disturbing memories away.

Our correspondents asked few questions to the team of fasttracking.com.au which is an anaesthetic billing company and actively monitors research around anesthesia around the world. They helped us prepare this news report. How this information is used in further studies and what conclusive result do we get from there is yet to be seen.

Health

How to Know if You’re Depressed

Published

3 days ago

September 21, 2022

Michelle Langton

Are you depressed or just feeling down? Sometimes it’s hard to recognise where we sit on the depression scale. If you’re constantly experiencing feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness that can last for weeks, months, or even years; you may benefit from seeing an expert psychologist in Melbourne. This article should hopefully shine some light on the symptoms of depression, how to get help, and where to find support.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depression is often defined as “a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest”. It’s more than just a bout of the blues, and it’s not simply a case of feeling sad after experiencing something upsetting. Rather, it’s an ongoing low mood that interferes with your everyday life and prevents you from enjoying activities that you used to love.

Symptoms of depression can include:

Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or “empty”
Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that you once enjoyed
Feeling hopeless, guilty, or worthless
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Fatigue and decreased energy levels
Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
Appetite changes or weight gain/loss
Thoughts of death or suicide

How do I know if I’m depressed or just sad?

While it’s normal to feel sad from time to time, you may be suffering from depression if these feelings last for more than two weeks and are interfering with your ability to live a normal life. Depression can also be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue and changes in appetite. If you’re unsure whether you’re depressed or just sad, it’s best to see a mental health professional for an assessment.

What causes depression and how can it be treated?

There is no single cause of depression, but it can be triggered by a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, hormones, and life events (such as trauma or loss). Depression is often treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may also be recommended.

How can I help a loved one who is depressed?

If you think a loved one may be depressed, the best thing you can do is encourage them to see a mental health professional. You can also offer your support and understanding, and let them know that they are not alone. If you’re worried that they may be suicidal, it’s important to talk to them about it directly.

With the right help, depression can be treated and you can regain your lease on life. If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.