Gardenting is known to reduce depression, stress, and blood pressure. Going thru gardeners' motions improves circulation, remediates arthritis, and burns calories. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill sponsors much research into the causes of mental illness and offers support groups across the country. ECT has re-emerged as an effective treatment not only for depression, but is used in other disorders as well. More attention is being given to the aging population and recognizing depression.
Stress hastens bipolar relapse.
According to research presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Advancement of Behavioral Therapy in Miami Beach, the detremental effect of life stress on the course of bipolar disorder has been well documented. In one series of 57 patients, the 15 who had undergone events such as the death of a parent or loss of a job during or after an acute episode tood three times as long to recover and relapsed more quickly. In utero alcohol exposure and its link to mental illness. The risk of developing a mental illness may be increased as a result of exposure to alcohol while in the womb. Consistent strenuous exercise thoughout life appears to protect against the development of alzheimer's disease, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Minneapolis.