Mental illness tied to cancer risk
People with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder 2.6 times increased risk of developing cancer, according to a recent study in Psychiatric Services.
Mental Health
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The Lancet Suicide series
Worrying global trends in suicide are reported in a new Lancet Series of papers . The Lancet Series reviews a range of topics relating to this issue. Click here for more.
No shame in depression
Depression can often be a lonely illness, but it doesn't have to be, says South African musician PJ Powers. She spoke to Ayanda Mkhwanazi of Health-e News Service speaks about her road to recovery.
Understanding post-natal depression
The experience of giving birth to a child should be one of great joy and happiness. However, up to 30% of new mothers experience depression after the birth of their newborn.
Coping with a mentally ill loved one
Taking care of a mentally ill person can be emotionally exhausting for friends and families. But a strong support base at home and socially is necessary for people with mental illness to have a chance of being integrated back into society.
Caring for an intellectually disabled child
Caring for an intellectually disabled child can be emotionally and physically draining. Parents are often unable to perform their daily duties, including giving other children in the family the attention they need.
‘Whoonga’ culprits arrested
Three men, accused of stealing antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to produce 'whoonga' ' a highly addictive drug - have been arrested in separate incidents.
The highs and lows of bipolar mood disorder
We all have the occasional mood swing or wake up on the wrong side of the bed some mornings. However as this insert shows, it is not just a simple case of good or bad days when your fluctuating moods are affecting your career and your relationship with loved ones. Tshidi Khumbane shares her experience of bipolar mood disorder.
Bara psych unit ‘swamped’
A growing number of people with mental illnesses are placing a strain on Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, in Soweto, as there are fewer staff and facilities to serve them.
Psych patients can adhere to ART Living with AIDS # 452
In our last 'Living with AIDS' feature we brought you news of a specialised service that provides both AIDS and psychiatric treatment for mentally ill patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. This week, we meet some of the clinic's patients who show that mentally ill patients can take their ARVs successfully.
Medical doctors refuse to treat psychiatric patients
Psychiatrists at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital are concerned about the quality of care that their patients get. They report that as a discipline, Psychiatry is being undermined and that their patients suffer incredible stigma.
Bara no place for psychiatric adolescents
A lack of space has forced psychiatrists at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to accommodate adolescents as young as 13 in the same wards as adult psychiatric patients, often risking their safety.
Communities shy away from psychiatric institutions
Overcoming stigma remains a challenge when involving communities in activities at psychiatric institutions, however there are some success stories. Lungi Langa of Health-e News Service spent a morning with the Friends of Valkenberg Trust.
Bara undermines psychiatric services
With a high patient load, the Psychiatric Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital did not expect that it would be without a ward to admit new patients.
Therapy through art
Art could help people understand those with psychiatric conditions better as they reflect on how they view their world in their art.