Archive for January, 2011
Bipolar Disorder and Teens – Everything You Need to Know
Bipolar disorder in teens is a mental disorder that is characterized with abnormal behaviors that involves mood swings. When the moods go up and the teen is more active than usual then the situation is referred to as mania. If a teen feels so sad and has a low self esteem, the condition is termed as depression.
The signs that should give you a warning that your teenager may be suffering from bipolar disorder includes; social withdrawal and isolation from the rest, the teenager will often react harshly to situations and emotionally which may include sobbing and screaming at someone. The teen will also suffer from severe anxiety and fearfulness and may sleep too much or too little. If the teen usually drinks then you will notice that he or she will drink more alcohol than usual. Abusing drugs is one factor that teens which suffer from bipolar disorder will often rush to as a source of comfort. Remember drug abuse is one way of self medication that mentally ill people will often opt for. However, a parent should take teens who abuse drugs for medical tests so that a medic will advise whether the teen is mentally ill or not.
Teens can develop bipolar disorder in their early or late teens or during early adult hood stages. The major factors that cause the disorder in teens and even young children includes genetic factors. If the teen comes from a family background that a member had the disorder, chances of developing the disorder are very high. Teens who also suffer from abnormal brain structure and brain function may also suffer from the disorder. The other factor that can cause the disorder include anxiety disorder where a teen suffering from it is at a higher risk of contracting bipolar disorder.
Teens who suffer from the disorder, just like any other serious illness, will subject parents and other members of the family to a period of stress. This is because of the mood swings, risky activities that the teens often undertake, and temper tantrums. If a teen is suffering from the disorder, it is highly advisable that take him or her to hospital so that they can receive treatment. With effective treatment you will notice a change in the general behavior of the teen and the youngster will be happy and fun to stay with. Teens suffering from bipolar disorder can be treated using different medication and other therapies that will change their lives.
Human Genetic Disorder – Cystic Fibrosis
Cells form tissues, and these tissues collectively form organs. And organs no doubt form a Human Being. Every Cell inside its nucleus has DNA (deoxy ribonucleic acid). A Gene is a sequence of DNA.
An organism grows as a result of cell division. And when these cells divide, the genetic information is also copied. Hence we inherit qualities of our parents. However a mutation in a single gene can cause over 4000 human diseases.
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) a known disorder characterized by breathing difficulties, poor growth, sinus infections, affects the entire body and a persons well-being. It is a Human genetic disorder. Mutation in the gene (CFTR) responsible for the normal functioning of sweat, mucus and Digestive juices causes CF. Normally everyone has two such genes, while only one gene is needed to overcome Cystic Fibrosis. Common in Americans, Cystic Fibrosis is known to affect Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews.
Cystic Fibrosis can be diagnosed before birth by the procedure of Genetic testing. Also can be diagnosed by newborn screening and sweat tasting. Symptoms of this human genetic disorder include poor growth and poor weight gain. An individual who has been affected by CF has salty tasting skin. Frequent chest congestion and infections, mucus accumulation, coughing and breathings problems are characteristic of CF. Symptoms can be seen in early childhood, such as bowel obstruction in newborn babies. Exercise is needed in a growing child, to release the mucus in the lungs.
The mucus build-up in the Lungs overtime can cause structural changes to it. Frequent coughing, increased phlegm production can reduce the capacity to exercise. When the bacteria in the thick mucus multiply, they can cause pneumonia. It can lead to coughing up blood, high blood pressure and heart failure.
The Pancreas is responsible for producing digestive juices, which help break down food in our body. Islets of Langerhans contained in the Pancreas, produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates glucose in blood. Hence any damage to the Pancreas can cause diabetes. Cystic Fibrosis related diabetes is a main complication in this disease and shares characteristics with Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes.
CF can also lead to infertility. This affects both men and women. Most of the men affected by CF are infertile. It is due to the absence of the vas deferens which connects the testes to the ejaculatory ducts of the penis. Assisted reproductive techniques can help such men in having children, as they are not sterile.
Active and a healthy lifestyle, coupled with good nourishment are proactive ways of managing this human genetic disorder. Treatment of airway infection and making the organ function to the best of its ability help in enhancing the progress of ones life. The organs targeted for therapy are the Lungs, the gastrointestinal tract and the reproductive organs.
Oral antibiotics are used to treat major as well as acute infections. Priority is to limit lung damage due to thick mucus and infection. Leading a normal life and incorporating all the therapies and prescribed treatments is a challenge for a person affected by CF.
Summary: mutation in genes causes human genetic disorders. An example of genetic disorder is cystic fibrosis. It causes mucus accumulation in lungs, sinus infections. Lungs, Pancreas, reproductive organs are affected. Can lead to heart failure and infertility.
Egg Donation, Part 1 – Qualifications for Donors
Many women are unable to have genetic children because of fertility problems related to egg production. As result of cancer, congenital absence of eggs, or early onset menopause these women no longer produce eggs that can successfully be fertilized. These women are usually candidates for an infertility treatment called in vitro fertilization with a third party egg donor. If you have considered becoming an egg donor but are unsure of the requirements to qualify as one here’s what you need to know.
In order to qualify to be an egg donor you need to be a female between the ages of 21 and 36 and who has given birth before. You need to be healthy and devoid of genetic disorders. Stable mental health is also a qualifier as a history of depression is contraindicated with some of the medications used in the process. Lactation can reduce the effects of the fertility drugs used which might result in lower egg production. If you are considering becoming a donor you will need to stop breastfeeding a few months before egg donation will be possible. If you have met these pre qualifiers here is what you can do next.
Contact an egg donation center and set up an assessment appointment. At this appointment they will obtain your medical history, give you a physical examination, and conduct a psychosocial evaluation. They will be trying to determine the health of the eggs to be donated, as well as the psychological impact on you, the donor, of giving up your eggs. They will also draw blood to test for infections. During your physical exam they will obtain cervical cultures to rule out sexually transmitted diseases. If your blood tests and cultures are negative for any infectious agents or STD’s they will check for normal levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH in women stimulates the production of eggs.
The normal level for FSH in a menstruating woman is between 5mlU/mL – 20mlU/mL. Having a normal level of FSH in your blood stream is required to be an egg donor. If you’ve met all of these qualifications the egg donation center will invite you to an informative counseling session about the ethical, legal, and financial side of donating your eggs. Some egg donation centers offer financial compensation for the donation of your eggs. At the end of this session, if you are still ready and willing to donate your eggs you will move on to the next phase in the process of egg donation.
Make a list of any questions or concerns you might have and don’t be afraid to ask. If you qualify as a donor then be sure to educate yourself about the procedure of egg removal and what your involvement will be in the process. Donating your eggs can bring about the hopes and dreams of yourself and others.


