The desire to feel better is a major driver for patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) to turn to cannabis, new research shows. An analysis of more than 1300 individuals from six European countries showed patients with FEP were four times more likely than their healthy peers to start smoking cannabis in order to make themselves feel better. The results also revealed that initiating cannabis use to feel better was associated with a more than threefold risk of being a daily user. These findings could be used to help tailor treatment interventions, as well as offer an opportunity for psychoeducation — particularly as the reasons for starting cannabis appear to influence frequency of use, study investigator Edoardo Spinazzola, MD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK, told Medscape Medical News.

@nusrat which new technologies are ready for prime time vs limitations and resistance to adoption. To continue the progress made thus far the healthcare system must continue to move toward value-based care, and there must be incentives for health plans and healthcare providers to use the new technologies more effectively.

Investigators have found biochemical evidence of brain injury in patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19 and in those with long COVID. Combined blood biomarker evidence of neuronal damage activation of glial cells, indicating brain inflammation, correlated with symptoms of anxiety in long COVID patients. This study shows that "some patients with long COVID have evidence of brain damage or brain inflammation, which gives validity to the symptoms that these patients present with," Igor Koralnik, MD, head of the Neuro COVID-19 Clinic at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, said during a media briefing.

@aajan Widespread testing for mutations that might increase the risk of VTE is not warranted. However, in patients presenting with a VTE, testing should be considered if the following factors are present:
Age less than 50 years

Thrombosis at unusual sites

Recurrent VTE

Strong family history of thrombotic disease
Susceptibility to venous thromboembolism is very complex. Pathobiology of VTE involves both genetic and acquired factors. Patients who have had VTE have a genetic predisposition due to molecular abnormalities in the components of the coagulation cascade. Common genetic abnormalities, particularly among whites, include factor V Leiden and prothrombin gene 20210A mutations. Additionally, some abnormalities are found in gene loci antithrombin, protein C, and protein S.

Eating too much every once in a while is normal. So is eating for emotional reasons. Some people who overeat have a clinical disorder called binge eating disorder (BED). People with BED compulsively eat large amounts of food in a short amount of time and feel guilt or shame afterward. And they do so often: at least once a week over a period of at least 3 months. How do I control overeating?

Hello, I am suffering from fever, cough and headache in this winter season? How to get rid of fever and cough in this winter season? I have tried various home remedies to prevent myself from any disease. Nothing worked. Please recommend something useful.

Hello, I am suffering from excruciating pain that is generally situated in, behind or around one eye, but may radiate to other areas of your face, head and neck. One-sided pain, restlessness, excessive tearing and redness of eye on the affected side. How to manage this condition?

Hello, I am 30 years old. For last one week I am getting persistent cold and nasal congestion. Along with that I am getting headache also. Generalized weakness is present. what should I do? Please suggest some home remedy.