Scientific American looks at large parental age differences and questions whether they contribute to an increased the risk for psychiatric disorders.

A mother’s age is often considered a genetic risk factor for offspring, but research is now pointing the finger at fathers, too—particularly when it comes to the mental health of their progeny. Males may have the advantage of lifelong fertility, but as they grow older, the rate of genetic mutations passed on via their sperm cells increases significantly—putting their children at increased risk for psychiatric disorders, especially autism and schizophrenia. Two recent studies support this link at least associatively, but experts remain uncertain if age is the cause of these problems. link to read article

Source: Scientific American

Men More Likely To Develop Substance Abuse, Antisocial Problems; Women More Likely To Develop Anxiety, Depression

When it comes to mental illness, the sexes are different: Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, while men tend toward substance abuse or antisocial disorders, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.

Published online in APA’s Journal of Abnormal Psychology, the study looked at the prevalence by gender of different types of common mental illnesses. The researchers also found that women with anxiety disorders are more likely to internalize emotions, which typically results in withdrawal, loneliness and depression. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to externalize emotions, which leads to aggressive, impulsive, coercive and noncompliant behaviour, according to the study. The researchers demonstrated that it was differences in these liabilities to internalize and to externalize that accounted for gender differences in prevalence rates of many mental disorders. [continue reading…]

Recently the local press in Coquitlam had focused on the plight of the homeless in the Tri-Cities area and opposition to the location of a proposed shelter.

“The health of any community is not measured in dollars and cents but in how it takes care of those in need,” says Dr. Mason Turner, Chief of Psychiatry Kaiser Permanente San Francisco and Associate Director of Regional Mental Health.

What a refreshing and inspirational thought this is .

In the more than 5 years since PHC first began the program has helped 31,900 homeless people, providing them with a broad array of services, but with the economy in turmoil the number of people in need keeps rising. Learn more about Project Connect