More than Medication: The Growing Trend of Polypharmacy in Australia
Polypharmacy in Australia Speaking to my mother, who lives in the US, over the phone last week, she was lamenting the number of medicines she takes each day. “I’m like a walking pharmacy,” she often jokes. Her list includes Metformin and Lantus (insulin glargine) for Type 2 diabetes, Escitalopram for low mood, Dexamethasone for Rheumatoid […]
Untangling the Web: A Comprehensive Exploration of Disordered Eating
Disordered eating, an umbrella term encompassing a spectrum of unhealthy relationships with food, goes far beyond simply “wanting to lose weight.” It’s a complex dance of distorted body image, obsessive thoughts, and destructive behaviours, impacting millions of individuals across genders, ages, and backgrounds. Addressing this sensitive topic necessitates a deep dive into its various facets, […]
ADHD: Complexities in Diagnosis and Treatment
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has garnered significant attention over the past few decades, sparking debates, controversies, and concerns regarding its diagnosis, prevalence, and treatment. Initially perceived as a childhood disorder characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, our understanding of ADHD has evolved, shedding light on the challenges and complexities surrounding its diagnosis and treatment.
When Healing Hurts
In 2021, the number of people worldwide suffering from opioid use disorder stood at 21.39 million. Earlier this year, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) made a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Australia’s illicit drug problem, highlighting the concern over the growing trend of substance dependence here. This follows a decade of increasing numbers of deaths from prescription medication overdose. Recent tightening of restrictions on prescribing, availability and marketing are helping here in Australia. But where do you turn for help when the medications meant to heal are actually hurting you?