...Psychiatrist Away? Dr. Jeremy Spiegel Psychology Today Abstract Dr. Jeremy Spiegel talks about using medical marijuana as a treatment for psychiatric disorders on the podcast Optimal Living. Dr. Spiegel begins with a general defense of medical marijuana. According to Dr. Spiegel marijuana has not been studied as a treatment due to political factors and beliefs that modern doctors have today; and adds with his own opinion: “ridiculous as it sounds, is like a scientist shunning a particular chemical system in the body for reasons that have nothing to do with science.”(@). Marijuana in this society has been seen and used recreationally, and because of this it keeps it out of place for medical treatment. What many do not know it that our body has its own natural cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors which form the endocannabinoid system; this system regulates or mood, memory, appetite and pain sensation and marijuana enhances these present processes in our body. Dr. Spiegel then mentions two patient cases of his that he encountered over the past year and both patients have used medical marijuana to treat their disorders. The first case is about a young man living in Boston who suffered from a cancerous tumor in a place where there was no hope of removing surgically. His physicians dismissed the idea of using marijuana as medicine and were blind to the idea of using marijuana to improve his diminished appetite, chronic nausea, unbearable pain and even the will to live. The second...
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...Compromise For The Green The legalization of cannabis, or marijuana, for medical usage is a controversial topic among a substantial number of individuals. Many people argue that cannabis is an effective way to treat a wide range of diseases/disorders. As also, a numerous number of others contend that cannabis is not an effective way to help treat these diseases/disorders. Personally, I believe that cannabis for medicinal usage should be legalized because it has more benefits than risks. The smoking of cannabis can help alleviate the symptoms of the terminally ill. The Institute of Medicine published in its Mar. 1999 report titled “Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base”: “For terminal patients suffering debilitating pain or nausea and for whom all indicated medications have failed to provide relief, the medical benefits of smoked marijuana might outweigh the harm.” Nausea these patients experience from chemotherapy can be alleviated with marijuana by blocking pain receptors to mask the feeling. The risks of smoking cannabis are significantly lower for terminally ill patients because they have a limited amount of time left to live. The time it would take for a new condition to possibly occur, the likelihood of the patient still being alive would be slim. By smoking cannabis, these patients can make the remaining time left in their lives more enjoyable and bearable due to the relaxing effects cannabis has on the body without the side-effects of other mainstream...
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...regions of the brain produces the intense euphoria, or “rush,” that many users feel after snorting, smoking, or injecting the drug.” This aids to the addiction process. For those that chronically abuse methamphetamines, their brain will undergo changes in the way it functions. These changes include both cognitive, emotional and memory issues. The side effects associated with taking meth include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia ("National Institute on Drug Abuse", 2010). Long term meth use can lead to extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, violent behavior, paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions("National Institute on Drug Abuse", 2010). Any chronic drug user will suffer withdrawal symptoms when they have stopped taking the drug. These can begin hours or days after they stop. Withdrawal symptoms for those taking methamphetamines are the inability to feel pleasure. This doesn’t sound nearly as bad...
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...Psychology Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Robert Baker Psychology GE1116 Dr. Angela Isom November 30, 2009 Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatments In today’s society, people seem to have a lot of problems that are classified as mental disorders. These disorders include: depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The immediate stigma that is placed on most if not all mood disorders is that they are sicknesses. In the case of depression, this is not to confuse depression, a normal emotion with biological depression, an illness. Further along this line of irrational thought is the belief that they are not treatable and the person affected is in some way, shape or form disconnected from civilization as we know it. In this research paper, we will attempt to destroy these unfair stereotypes on this subject, attempt to rationalize the behaviors, and shed light on treatments for the various disorders. The research gathered will attempt to understand and answer these questions: 1. What are mood disorders and their symptoms? 2. What are the causes? 3. How can the stigma of mood disorders be removed? 4. What forms of treatment are the most successful? What Are Mood Disorders And Their Symptoms? In order to get a good idea of what causes mood disorders, we first...
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...It has been estimated that about 2 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorders. Symptoms usually appear in adolescence or early adulthood and continue throughout life. The disorder occurs in males and females equally and is found more frequently in close relatives of people already known to have it.. It has been very noticeable among creative individuals, affecting such artists as Hector Berlioz, Gustav Mahler, Ernest Hemingway, and Virginia Woolf. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Bipolar disorder is a long-term psychological condition known to create extreme changes in mood, which range from extreme lows of depression to extreme manic highs. The rate of mood swings varies from many times a day to a handful of episodes in a year. The condition can be controlled with the use of medication and counseling. The disorder is defined in a hierarchy of severity. There are different levels of bipolar disorder which will be discussed. Bipolar I involve intense and potentially dangerous manic episodes, and often negatively impacts work, education, and personal relationships. Bipolar II is not as severe as Bipolar I, but still includes heightened mood and agitation. It is possible to live a more normal everyday life with this level of the disorder. Lastly, Bipolar III, a fairly recently discovered form, comes about as the result...
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...Medical marijuana is a treatment of a disease or illness with the whole unprocessed marijuana plant. This marijuana pant there is a substance/chemical contained known as cannabinoids that is processed into a pill form for medication. This chemical regulates pressure, memory, thinking, concentration, body movement, awareness of time, appetite, pain and the senses each contains such as taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight. These being mostly positive effects that the body creates on its own, some may need an extra dosage. A high amount and abuse can be very strong leading to health effects. Why is medical marijuana being legalized in different states? Is the reason behind really for medical usage? Why is FDA not approving the marijuana plant as a medicine? As all chemicals, substances and medications must be FDA approved and clinically tested for the proof of risks of usage and benefits, medical marijuana has not been accepted. In this time not hundreds but thousands of human subjects most be examined. The chemical cannabinoid is outweighed by the dangerous and risk full chemicals contained in this plant. The cannabinoids are turned into an oil form in which is then given to patients in treating their illness. In this process making those recreational users not want to indulge in using this drug due to non-intoxication. One disorder this treats is child epilepsy, meaning children with violent controllable seizures. Two components contained in the marijuana plant that directs...
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...of medications and treatments to chronically ill patients. Adapting treatments and medications to new medical discoveries is common in medical testing. Many treatments for life-threatening and chronic illnesses have wretched side effects such as nausea, depression, and loss of appetite – these severe side effects are forcing many patients to make the choice to refuse current treatment methods or medications that would otherwise extend or save their lives. Recent discoveries have shown that using marijuana as form of treatment for chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDs, cancer, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis, has shown to have justifiable healing and sedative reprieve without otherwise having to suffer the nasty side effects that other treatments have to offer. Current legalization forces patients with chronic and life-threatening illness to either suffer horrendous medicinal side effects from treatment and illness, or break the law by self-medicating by way of marijuana. Medical marijuana should be legalized for the chronically ill as an alternative treatment method to painful and horrid side effects of current treatment methods that are in place. Marijuana originates from the dried parts of the Cannabis Sativa or hemp plant and is known by hundreds of street names such as pot, weed, and grass. The hemp plant has existed for thousands of years with archaeologists discovering hemp fibers that date back as far as 400 BCE (Henningfield, 2008). Marijuana used for recreation...
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...Confidential Clinical Intake and Assessment For Professional Use Only Name of Client: Caitlyn Postma Date of Birth: 01/26/97 Race: Caucasian Gender: Female Therapist: Referral Source: Kristin Covalt- Department of Child Services Case Manager, Kristin.Covalt@dcs.IN.gov Ms. Catilyn Postma was referred to Capitol City Family and Education Services (CCFES) for a Substance Use Disorder Assessment in order to determine the level of treatment needed to address her current substance use. Ms. Postma reported a history of substance use. She reported that she became involved with DCS due to domestic violence with the father of her child. Ms. Postma reported previous involvement with DCS when she was a child. She reported that she was removed from her parents’ home due to domestic violence and abuse. Purpose for Assessment The purpose of this substance abuse assessment is to gather and analyze information regarding Ms. Postma’s level of substance issues, current and future service needs. The Indiana Department of Child Services referred Ms. Postma for a substance abuse disorder assessment as a result of Ms. Postma’s use of substances. Assessment Tools: Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory CCFES Intake Assessment Interview/Biopsychosocial Assessment: Ms. Postma is a 18-year-old Caucasian female who is currently residing at 5217 Madison Avenue in Indianapolis, IN. Ms. Postma reported previous involvement with DCS that involved domestic violence and...
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...studies of long-term consumers, clinical trials of individuals seeking treatment, skillful experimentations on withdrawal and tolerance and laboratory studies on cannabis brain mechanisms. Scientific and epidemiological analyses show that cannabis dependence is a comparatively conjoint occurrence linked with substantial psychosocial irregularity. Rudimentary exploration has recognized a neurobiological method particular to the actions of cannabinoids. Human and non-human studies have established an effective withdrawal condition that is relatively conjoint among heavy marijuana users. Also, experimental trials calculating treatments for cannabis dependence specify that, amongst other substance habits, cannabis dependency is reactive to interference. Even though Cannabis is one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the biosphere; controlled trials for cannabis use disorder has only been stated in literature in the last past 15 years or so. Only a small quantity of cannabis users pursue therapeutic help with addiction, but request for management for cannabis use condition is growing worldwide. Despite cannabis being one of the most widely used illicit drugs in the world; controlled trials for cannabis use disorder have only been reported in literature in the last 15 years. Only a minority of cannabis users seeks medical assistance with addiction, but demand for treatment for cannabis use disorder is increasing internationally. In my opinion cannabis is the most utilized...
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...settlers brought the marijuana plant, commonly known as hemp, to North America in 1611, and throughout the colonial period, hemp fiber was an important export. Indeed, in 1762, 'Virginia awarded bounties for hemp culture and manufacture, and imposed penalties on those who did not produce it.” (Jamestown Settlers Bring Marijuana to North America). Booth (2005). Medicinal Cannabis….what's all the hype? The therapeutic qualities are marvelous. Cannabinoids offer the following for patient’s antipastic, analgesic, antiemetic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions. People who suffer from psychiatric diseases have found relief with their conditions ranging from depression, anxiety, bipolar, and similar mood disorders. The National Institute of Health, also known to many people as NIH. This organization states that medical marijuana helps a great deal with chemotherapy, and nausea. Letting the cancer patient consume food. They have also found that people who suffer from epileptic seizures that use medicinal cannabis helps to prevent them altogether. (Potter, 1998). Cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy suffer from vomiting, pain, and loss of appetite. Using medicinal cannabis to help treat these symptoms, gives cancer patients relief in knowing that they do not have to suffer from a disease that is already possibly killing them slowly. Patients with breast, cervical, colorectal, brain, leukemia, lung, and prostate cancer; use medicinal marijuana to help alleviate...
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...Currently, marijuana is classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act. Basically, the government believes marijuana has “no medical use in treatment in the United States.” It was in 1996 when Proposition 215 passed in California that states began to allow the use of medical marijuana. However, some people seem to hold on to the idea that marijuana is bad. “Ethics is defined as the system of human mental activities that allows us to assign a degree of ‘goodness’ or ‘badness’ to a situation, action, or idea based on the societal perceptions of the time.” Marijuana has been scientifically proven to be effective at treating several diseases and conditions. When used for medical applications, marijuana does not cause a high. It can provide treatment for patients who have Tried other options and they have failed. There is the potential that some people will abuse marijuana….does that mean people that would benefit from...
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...Brown May 1, 2012 Why Marijuana should be legalized In society today, Marijuana is looked down upon because it is considered a drug and controlled substance. Most people don’t realize the positive effects that marijuana can have on a person struggling with the side effects of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy. Marijuana has also shown that people who have a hard time eating or keeping food down are finding it easier to eat due to marijuana. Stress can be caused by anything from school to life at home, therefore making marijuana the perfect substance to “ease ones mind” and take their mind off of the stress they are dealing with. Although marijuana is illegal, marijuana should be legalized because studies have shown that marijuana, helps relieve side effects of cancer treatment, eating disorders and stress. Since marijuana's first recorded use dating back five thousand years ago, it has never gained much popularity until the last century with prohibition and antiwar movements. Now, more than ever, propositions to legalize the plant have risen and been subject to controversy and heated debate. Marijuana is the most widely used drug in the United States and considered to be the most harmful by the government with its anti-marijuana stance and laws aimed at controlling its use. With marijuana use rapidly growing, the United States national debt has never been so high, and the search for seemingly 'incurable' diseases raging on, marijuana has the potential to solve many...
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...Medical Marijuana The human body naturally makes its own form of cannabinoids that can modulate pain. THC-An abbreviation for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the main component responsible for marijuana's mind-altering effect. It also may help treat signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting that are associated with a number of medical conditions. Cannabinol and cannabidiol-These compounds have some of the properties of THC, but cause less psychoactive effects — the high. Dronabinol (Marinol). Dronabinol (dro-NAB-in-ol)-is a man-made version of THC available by prescription. It's used to prevent nausea and vomiting after cancer chemotherapy when other medicines for these side effects don't work, and to increase appetite in people with AIDS. It has been shown ot be an effective treatment in reducing nausea for people under going chemtheraphy treatment. There is also evidence that it reduces nausea and weight loss in AIDS patients. Glaucoma is a disease that leads to blindness. It increases the pressure in the eyeball, which can then lead to vision loss. It was discovered by scientists in the early 1970s, that by smoking marijuana it was able to reduce the pressure in the eyes caused by glaucoma. Scientists were not able to understand how it worked. Scientists have since discovered that CB1 receptors in the eyes, may provide the clues for future research on how marijuana affects glaucoma. In the 1800's people were known to smoke marijuana for...
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...The description of PTSD diagnostic features, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V, the development of fear-based emotions which usually include feelings of helplessness and horror in reaction to an actual or threatened traumatic experience or abuse. PTSD can also occur as a result of indirect exposure such as learning of or witnessing an event (aside from electronic media sources) that is particularly violent, horrific, or accidental that happens to a loved one or even to people the individual may not know. The individual must also have had repeated exposure to these extreme events and may experience disturbing, tormenting memories and/or dreams that are involuntary, recurrent, and long-lasting. Outbursts...
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... Nishant Grover, Michelle Hollcraft PHIL210 4/9/13 Marijuana and its Dangers Marijuana is a substance that has been known to impact the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of users. It creates a sense of euphoria, known as a “high”, which gives users a false sense of security and assures them a period of bliss and tranquility. This intoxicated state proves harmful when a user tries to operate a motor vehicle or perform other tasks. When high, one tends to ignore daily responsibilities, such as going to work or tending to family and friends, and instead becomes a vagabond with an aimless future focused on simply getting high. Smoking marijuana over a long period of time can lead to the development of emphysema, chronic asthma & bronchitis and even cancers of the lung & windpipe in the rarest of circumstances. Neurological and cardiovascular effects have been reported as well in strong users such as shortterm memory loss and the possibility of heart disease. And for casual users, the propensity to frequently smoke exists since the high is a feeling that can’t be replicated outside the drug due to the high concentration of THC, the main addictive property in marijuana. Marijuana abuse can cause brain damage, such as shortterm memory loss and the inability to perform motor functions, for an extended period of time, perhaps irreparably. It is not heroin, crack cocaine or methamphetamine but pop culture references portray the results of marijuana use albeit to the extreme. There are no...
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