Archive for December, 2010
Eyeblink Conditioning May Help Diagnose Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Children
New research suggests that eyeblink conditioning may help physicians diagnose children with fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition which is currently extremely difficult to diagnose. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are irreversible conditions in children that affect the regions of the brain that control learning, resulting in lifelong cognitive and behavioral impairments. Fetal alcohol syndrome is the most severe form of the disorder.
Alcohol a Key Player in Crime
We all know about the obvious dangers of overindulging in alcohol. Aside from making us physically ill, drinking in excess can cause a whole host of other physical and social problems. Some chronic users suffer from brain or liver damage, while others increase their risk of cardiovascular and respiratory dangers such as stroke, heart failure and pneumonia. Additionally, those who abuse alcohol often have problems in their relationships with spouses, co-workers, and other family members and friends.
People Who Perceive Stigma Less Likely to Seek Treatment for Alcohol Disorders
A new study from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health found that people diagnosed with alcoholism were about 60 percent less likely to seek treatment if they felt they would be stigmatized once others found out about their diagnosis. This is the first study to look at the stigma related to alcoholism and the under-use of treatment.
