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How to Cope with Independence Day PTSD Triggers

As America gears up for the 4th of July, it is important to remember that while we enjoy the cookouts, parades, and firework displays, for the millions of Americans struggling with PTSD, Independence Day can be very triggering. If you suffer from PTSD as a result of military combat or gun violence, make sure to follow these tips to have a safe and happy 4th of July.

Talk Openly with Your Neighbors

Ask your neighbors to let you know if they plan to light fireworks. Knowing ahead of time can prevent you from being caught off guard, which will minimize your risk of having anxiety or panic attacks. If you do not feel comfortable talking about this with your neighbors, ask a loved one to talk to them instead. Many people do not realize the implications of their Independence Day celebrations. Having a frank, honest, and respectful conversation can be very helpful, providing a fun and safe environment for both parties.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Think ahead of time to which people, places, and objects make you feel safe. Plan what you want to do or have during firework displays. Some popular techniques are:

White Noise: taking a shower, running a loud fan, having noise cancelling headphones, or playing nature sounds can help block out the noise and make you feel more comfortable.
Sometimes, sitting in a hard chair or on a flat surface with your back up against the wall can make those with PTSD feel safe.
Pick out soothing music or a favorite movie to distract you.
Find some photographs that give you joy.
Pull out a book, board game, or other activity to keep you busy.
Find a [...]

Pediatric and Adolescent Migraine

If you or a loved one suffer from Migraine you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for pediatric and adolescent patients.

 

To learn more, call us at 410.602.1440 and fill out the information to the right. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours, Monday – Friday.

Migraine with Comorbid MDD

If you suffer from Migraines with MDD, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study.

 

To learn more, call us at 410.602.1440 and fill out the information to the right. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours, Monday – Friday.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

If you suffer from Major Depressive Disorder  you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study.

 

To learn more, call us at 410.602.1440 and fill out the information to the right. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours, Monday – Friday.

PTSD

If you suffer from PTSD, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study.

 

To learn more, call us at 410.602.1440 and fill out the information to the right. We will be in touch with you within 24 hours, Monday – Friday.

Treatment-Resistant Depression: What You Need to Know

Depression is a very common, mental health condition that effects roughly 264 million people per year. If you have been treated for depression but your symptoms haven’t improved, you may have treatment-resistant depression. While anti-depressants and/or therapy help many depression sufferers, this alone isn’t enough for everyone. If you think you may have treatment-resistant depression, here’s what you need to know.

Risk Factors

Not all people with treatment-resistant depression fit the same profile, but there are risk factors that may increase the likelihood of one developing treatment-resistant depression, like age, gender, and medical history.

Women are at higher risk than men.
Senior citizens are at a higher risk than all other age demographics.
The more periods of depression one has in their life, the more likely they are to develop treatment-resistant depression.
Those living with certain medical conditions, like thyroid disease or chronic pain, are also at higher risk.

Diagnosis

Treatment-resistant depression can be hard to diagnose. If you think you might have it, consult with your doctor. They’ll likely take the following measures to confirm your diagnosis.

Rule out other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or substance dependency, which can mirror the symptoms of depression.
Make sure you’ve been following the proper guidelines for your medication. If you’re not taking it regularly, it’s less likely to work.
Make sure you’ve been taking your medication long enough. Some can take up to 12 weeks to kick in.
Ensure your therapy is right for you. There are many therapies that work for different people, and the problem may be as simple as needing to change which therapy you use.

Treatment Options

There are many options to help treatment-resistant depression. If you’re diagnosed, you [...]

COVID-19 Update

To our Valued Research Participants,

As our state and region continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to remind the community that Pharmasite continues to offer cutting-edge clinical research opportunities in a safe and healthy manner.

The health and safety of our participants and staff is our top priority. If you are currently taking part in a clinical trial with Pharmasite Research, or are interested in participation, please note our office follows current CDC precautions regarding masks and social distancing while indoors.

If you experience any new symptoms of concern in the 72 hours prior to your appointment, please notify your Research Coordinator.Please also notify us if you have recently travelled abroad or have been exposed to anyone confirmed to have COVID-19.

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, please visit Maryland Department of Health, at https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/ and the Centers for Disease Control, at https://www.cdc.gov/.

We extend our best wishes for your continued health and well-being!

Sincerely yours,

Surya Korn
Director of Operations

How to Avoid Spring Migraines

Did you know? 63% of migraine sufferers experience seasonal
differences in their migraine attacks with documented increases in
migraine-related emergency room visits during springtime. With spring just
around the corner, it is important to start preparing for seasonal changes now
to limit the onset of migraines as best you can.

Reduce Allergens

Spring is a huge time of year for allergy triggers, which
are directly related to the onset and severity of migraines. Take the time to
reduce the presence of dust in your living and working spaces. Utilizing
over-the-counter allergy medications like cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine
(Claritin), or fexofenadine (Allegra) as a preventative measure when pollen
counts are high, or when you know you’ll be spending a lot of time outside may
help you prevent migraines.

Reduce Light Exposure

Warmer weather and spring sunshine can be very exciting
after a dreary winter, but make sure you’re prepared. Up to 80% of migraine
sufferers experience increased sensitivity to light, so it is very important to
always wear polarized sunglasses when in direct sunlight, and consider wearing
a protective hat to keep the sun out of your eyes as well.

Keep a Regular Sleep
Schedule

In the spring and summer, many people’s sleep patterns change
due to longer days. It is important to get about 7-9 hours of sleep each night,
even on weekends. Try as best you can to go to sleep and wake up around the
same time each day, as changes in sleep patterns have been shown to trigger
migraines.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a very common migraine trigger. Be sure to
drink a lot of water, especially in warmer temperatures. Try to plan any
outdoor activity for when it’s cooler, like the early [...]

The Truth About Bipolar Depression

Bipolar depression, sometimes known as manic depression, is a mental health disorder characterized by episodes of intense mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs. Periods of mania or depression can last anywhere from a few days to weeks or months. Bipolar depression is very common, with over 5.7 million adults in America living with this condition. Despite this fact, there are still many common misconceptions out there about the disorder.

Most people go through mood swings now and again – so, what makes people with bipolar depression different? The manic highs and depressive lows of bipolar depression are extremely different from common mood swings. Mood swings in those with bipolar depression can cause extreme shifts in energy, sleep, reliability, and judgment. Periods of intense depression and mania can last for weeks at a time.

There are four major types of bipolar depression – but what are they and what’s the difference?

Bipolar I – characterized by manic episodes that last 7 days or more, OR send you to the hospital for care. People with bipolar I also go through periods of depression that last two or more weeks on average. Some will have episodes with only mania, and some will have episodes with mania and depression.
Bipolar II – long periods of depression as well as long periods of boosted mood. However, the highs aren’t as intense as with bipolar I.
Cyclothymic disorder – many periods of elevated mood and depression. Symptoms typically last for months at a time, but are not severe enough to be considered manic or depressive episodes.

People with bipolar depression are not always in periods of mania or depression. Many people with the condition will experience long periods of [...]

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    Navigating the Holidays When Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s Disease

Navigating the Holidays When Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s Disease

While the holidays are a time of joy and cheer, they can also cause stress for many.

Life stressors like workload, financial hardships, and disease do not simply disappear when the holidays roll around; sometimes, these burdens even feel more difficult between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, you know this all too well. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks for navigating the holidays when your loved one has Alzheimer’s so that you can have a less stressful holiday season.

Create a Safe Space

Create an environment for your loved one that fosters a sense of safety and comfort. This means keeping decorations toned-down; avoid blinking lights or decorations that make sudden or loud noises. These can cause the person to become startled and confused.

Prepare Visitors with What to Expect

Keep your guests in the loop. Let them know about any changes in behavior, memory, or cognitive function since their last visit. Also make sure guests know how to communicate with the person. Remind them to be patient, not to become frustrated with repeated comments, and not to interrupt. It is important for your loved one to feel comfortable communicating with others, so make sure visitors also understand their role in fostering a comfortable environment for communication.

Keep Your Loved One Involved

Your loved one may become frustrated by their new lifestyle. Many feel that they have a lack of freedom, or that their loved ones are being overly cautious. Overcome this hurdle by involving your loved one in the preparation for the holidays. They can help prepare food, wrap gifts, decorate, or set the table. Ask for their opinions as well. What music should we listen to? Which holiday movie would [...]