This book covers both sides of the debate over Adderall prescription and use. It discusses the history of amphetamine and related stimulants, ADHD and the use of Ritalin and Adderall to treat it, related neuroenhancers, methamphetamine from Desoxyn to crystal meth, the nature of addiction and side effects, sociological effects of amphetamine compounds, and expert opinions for and against Adderall use.

Changes are occurring in the multiple sclerosis community. The disease, which has always been considered autoimmune in nature, may be related to vascular problems, in which circulation in the cerebrospinal system is impaired, thereby preventing the proper drainage of venous blood from the brain. This timely book includes a history of MS, an explanation of autoimmunity, and examines the recent research relating to this new theory of MS and how the venous model compares to the standard model of the disease. It also offers practical suggestions for people with MS who wish to seek evaluation and...

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects people worldwide. This text provides those with sleep problems or chronic insomnia an overview of research on the causes of sleep loss and the physical effects of insomnia, as well as possible treatments. Disorders are summarized and illustrated with real-life stories about sleep experiences and remedies. This is a concise guide to help readers improve their sleep habits and lives.

From the first edition: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a medically recognized disorder that develops as a result of a traumatic event; as a result of PTSD, an individual may suffer nightmares and flashbacks and become hypervigilant, angry, or emotionally numb. This work describes PTSD: causes, symptoms, effects, and coping strategies. While there is no "cure," individuals and their loved ones can find healthy ways to cope, and it is important to recognize the strengths that arise in both individuals and families as a result of living with the disorder.

Every year, 65 million people give care to their frail, ailing, or disabled loved ones. Whether caregiving begins with a crisis or builds gradually, spouses, adult children, parents with sick children, even children themselves who care for parents and grandparents can find themselves struggling to navigate the often-confusing medical world while neglecting their own health and well-being. How can caregivers care for themselves when they are consumed with tending to someone else? This indispensible guide offers the information, support, and resources needed to achieve this difficult balance....

Changes in the healthcare field have threatened the once sacred relationship between patient and physician. While much has been written on the subject of the doctor-patient relationship for physicians and other healthcare providers, information tailored for patients remains lacking. This welcome volume offers practical information to help patients make the most of their interaction with their doctors. Among the topics discussed are finding the right physicians, gaining direct telephone access to a doctor, ensuring good communication between health care providers, protecting personal health...

Early detection of breast cancer is critical. Yet efforts to cut back on mammography or even stop screening altogether have been gaining ground in the medical community's decades-long debate over testing and treatment. It is not a purely scientific debate--back-room politics and hidden agendas have played as much a role as clinical data, leading to some surprising conclusions. Written by one of the first physicians in the country to specialize in breast cancer risk assessment, genetic testing and high-risk interventions, this book focuses on the screening controversy and explains the...

This book considers the branch of heredity known as "epigenetics" and its implications for a variety of diseases in humans and animals. After background information on the growth in understanding genetics and the mechanisms of the epigenetic control of gene expression, the book moves into its main focus: the gathering body of evidence connecting genetics to a range of significant illnesses, including cancer, autism, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and others. Areas of uncertainty are stressed as well as the scientific debate concerning the role of environmental factors. The final chapters...

As of December 2014, medicinal cannabis is legal in 23 states where news and medical journals report success stories of people recovering from diverse medical conditions such as epilepsy, cancer and chronic pain. In states where cannabis remains illegal, users and providers risk arrest and imprisonment. While the United States government has restricted cannabis medical research, advances have been made in Israel, Spain and Italy. One such breakthrough was the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the brain and immune system. Endogenous cannabinoids are mimicked by THC and...

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common chronic disease affecting people of different ages, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic statuses worldwide. Research links hypertension to increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease--the leading cause of death worldwide. This book provides an up-to-date illustrated overview of hypertension, covering risk factors, increase in prevalence, cultures affected and challenges to treating and managing the disease in specific populations. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for effectively managing...