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Robert J. Hedaya, M.D., D.F.A.P.A., is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University Hospital and Founder of the National Center for Whole Psychiatry. See full bio

March 31, 2009

Depression, Inflammation, Immunity and Infection

By 2020, depressive disorders are projected to be the 2nd leading cause of worldwide disability. The burden of Mood Disorders is rising both for the individual, the family, and for the society. Currently, most people who are treated for depression are partially responsive or non-responsive. New tools are needed. Read More

March 23, 2009

Time for Health Care Solutions: Medicine and the Mask of Science: Part III

In my last two blogs, I wrote about the idea that much of the field of medicine hides behind a mask of science. I presented a very brief and minimal set of examples supporting my impression. And I promised to talk about some solutions. Read More

March 6, 2009

A Modern Myth: Medicine as Science: Part II

I am waking to the fact that there is a long-term historical pattern of disinformation. Despite the periodic real advances in medicine over the centuries, facts demonstrate that the medical field dons the mask of science on a pretty regular basis.

Here is a brief outline of some additional evidence: Read More

March 3, 2009

A Modern Myth: Medicine as Science: Part I

In a previous post ("Depression: we have been duped"), I made the following comments:

"On January 17th, 2008, the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, published a landmark paper by Eric Turner and others: Read More

February 27, 2009

Meditation on Oatmeal

Several years ago I meditated on a bowl of oatmeal. It just happened (no drugs were involved, promise). I focused on the oatmeal in my bowl, and every other thought was gone. I became aware of the miracle in my bowl. Read More

February 23, 2009

Depression: We have been duped

I predict, that when all of us look back 10 years from now, we will see that today we have reached the tipping point, a paradigm change, in the treatment of mood disorders. Having been a practicing, teaching, and writing in the field of mood disorders since my days at the National Institute of Mental Health in 1982, I am certain that that these days are the tipping point. Read More

February 4, 2009

Obama’s tax-dodging nominees: What gives with these takers?

We were rising on a nice wave of hope at the inauguration, just two weeks ago. With a series of Obama appointees who have admitted to tax ‘irregularities', not too long after the Maydoff, Nadel, and Spitzer affairs, our minds are now boggled. Read More

February 2, 2009

Depth Psychology and Health: “Honey, We’re Moving!”

Frank hates where he lives. Every morning, for the past 8 months, he wakes up, looks around, and feels oppressed by his cluttered 2-bedroom apartment. Mockingly, he refers to the décor as "middle period odds & ends".

The back-story is that Frank is a very successful, well respected, 57 year-old education lobbyist, living in Washington, DC.

January 29, 2009

The Anatomy of a Depression: Part II: Benjamin Burps

BEN'S STORY (Continued): I decided to start with the psychosocial stressors - (being a parent, having an ill wife and parents) and delve into the nature of how these stressors changed his life, and how he adapted to them. Apparently, Benjamin had to take a detour from his own career in order to manage his parents finances, control his mothers spending, and deal with his fathers business. Read More

January 28, 2009

The Anatomy of a Depression: Part I

The Anatomy of Depression: Part I

GOAL: The person with depression is in a complex homeostatic state, albeit a disturbed, negative, painful one. The task of the clinician is to develop an understanding of the homeostatic processes (social, biological, etc) involved, and the nodal points that require intervention.

Integrative Medicine Basics

Integrative or complementary medicine combines the best of standard medical treatment with holistic approaches including dietary changes, supplements, acupuncture and a focus on how one's mood and outlook impact physical well-being. Visit our Alternative Health Center for more information. &n

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