Unhinged

Renowned neurosurgeon, and my DBS doc, Andres Lozano on TED (Jan 2013)

by Doug 0 Comments

Parkinson’s, depression and the switch that might turn them off

Deep brain stimulation is becoming very precise. This technique allows surgeons to place electrodes in almost any area of the brain, and turn them up or down — like a radio dial or thermostat — to correct dysfunction. Andres Lozano offers a dramatic look at emerging techniques, in which a woman with Parkinson’s instantly stops shaking and brain areas eroded by Alzheimer’s are brought back to life. (Filmed at TEDxCaltech.)

Unhinged Episode #006: Celebrities, Ketamine, and Family

by Ed 0 Comments
Unhinged Episode #006: Celebrities, Ketamine, and Family

We start by listing some celebrities known to have Major Depressive Disorder. Though their fame does bring much needed focus to mental illness, we strive for the day when it’s accepted as a disease that is out of the control of its victims. We also discuss the use of ketamine in the fight against treatment-resistant depression. Doug participated in ketamine trials and walks us through its dissociative effects and how it brings relief to some.

Lastly, we talk about the importance of family as a support system, and how TRD can tear families apart when their support is needed the most. Our podcast has started a conversation between Doug and some members of his family. The hope for reconciliation is there.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:18 — 52.6MB)

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Unhinged Episode #003: Deep Brain Stimulation, Cody Glode

by Ed 0 Comments
Unhinged Episode #003: Deep Brain Stimulation, Cody Glode

Episode #3 gets into some details of Doug’s most radical depression treatment: brain surgery. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical procedure involving the implantation of a device that sends electrical impulses, through implanted electrodes, to specific parts of the brain. It’s used to treat Parkinson’s, dystonia, and chronic pain, but has also proven effective in helping with Treatment Resistant Depression.

We also cover the unfortunate suicide of up and coming MMA fighter Cody Glode. A lack of immediate psychiatric help in Nova Scotia, and not being able to schedule a timely appointment with his doctor, partially contributed to his untimely death. Is there a healthcare crisis in Canada?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:51 — 57.5MB)

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Unhinged Episode #001: Introduction

by Ed 3 Comments
Unhinged Episode #001: Introduction

Welcome to Unhinged! This is our very first podcast, where we discuss who we are and what we will be talking about in this series. We introduce Doug, who has been suffering from treatment resistant depression for most of his life, and me (Ed), an old college buddy who leads what most would consider a “normal” life. In this episode, we touch on early childhood triggers and phobias and the differences between how I handled things versus Doug, and how our two roads diverged over the years.

Nature vs. Nurture is another topic discussed, as much of Doug’s issues were found to be neurological, yet the stigma of mental illness kept many people at a distance.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:54 — 45.2MB)

 

Welcome to the Unhinged Podcast

by Doug 0 Comments

The Unhinged Podcast is an in-depth look at a 30 year friendship, one that started in an instant, and so incredibly meaningful and magnetic. More importantly though, is that one has spent a lifetime afflicted with Treatment-Resistant Depression all along, while the other has had to watch, helplessly, year after year, as his best friend battled this dreadful disease.

Doug (left) and Ed, Syracuse, NY, 1989

Doug (left) and Ed, Syracuse, NY, 1989

More often than not, this disease kills friendships, as well as causes major family conflict, mainly because this is a disease people most often cannot see, and simply are not capable of dealing with it’s many challenging issues.