Latest news with #OCD
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
ITV drama set to come to an end after three series with filming for the final episode already underway
A POPULAR ITV drama looks set to end after three series as it's confirmed its upcoming run will be its final one. The Dry made its debut in May 2022, produced by the Irish broadcaster RTE, and initially aired on the UK streaming service, BritBox. 3 ITV drama The Dry is to end after three series Credit: copyrightpeterrowen2020 3 The Irish drama is currently filming its third and final series Credit: RTÉ However, for its second series, it was quickly moved to ITV amid its popularity. But now, the comedy-drama set in Dublin will come to a close with its impending third series. Production on its final episodes is currently underway in Dublin with the show likely to hit screens next year. The programme's writer, Nancy Harris, confirmed that there would be no more editions in a statement in which she reflected on the show. She said: 'It has been a true joy to see audiences embrace the Sheridan family in all their dysfunctional glory and I am so grateful to have gotten to tell this story over three seasons. "The third and final season aims to go deeper than ever before, really getting under the skin of Shiv and the family in a way that we hope is both surprising, funny and (painfully) honest.' Whilst Nana Hughes, the Head of Scripted Comedy at ITV went on to add: "ITV are absolutely thrilled to be part of the team alongside RTÉ and Element Pictures for the third and final series of The Dry. "Nancy Harris' scripts will make you laugh and may well make you cry....I did both just reading the scripts. "Nancy's award winning writing delivers more of the chaotic mess that is the Sheridan family. "I can't wait to see what Paddy and the cast will bring to the finale of this wonderful show.' Endeavour star returns in major new ITV drama in first TV role since that show was axed The programme follows Shiv Sheridan, played by actress Roisin Gallagher, a woman recovering from alcoholism who makes her way back home to Dublin. At 35 years old, she is fresh off ten years in London trying to be successful as an artist but to no avail. Her family in Dublin are not very supportive of her sobriety as they are all big drinkers and some even drug-users. The Dry follows Shiv as she navigates this and how she finds her feet back amongst her family in Dublin. Crime dramas on ITVX Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge. Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood. Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood. The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James. This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James. Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth. Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth. The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby. This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby. Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- Health
- CBS News
Dog on Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus leading way on novel obsessive-compulsive disorder therapy treatment
It has become common for dogs to be used for a variety of behavioral health solutions, including those like post-traumatic stress disorder, for instance. But at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, there is a single dog that is being used in a rather unique way: helping patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, manage their symptoms. Cate Rush, a social work fellow who works on the campus, has had Otis the Bernese Mountain Dog since her junior year of her undergraduate studies. He's helped in her in a variety of ways throughout her adult life, and she's now using him to help her patients as well. Cate Rush with Otis CBS "I just feel like it's so special that he's able to do something that humans cannot," she said. Otis is a trained therapy dog but works with a specific set of clients. Most of the patients that come see Cate have OCD. "Therapy dogs aren't commonly used for OCD so it's been a bit of a learning experience how to use him," she said. The research on the use of dogs for OCD patients is still evolving, as is most of the research around therapy dogs in general. It's only been since the turn of the 2000s that having dogs used as aids for behavioral health solutions has become more common. But it's rare to see one that is working with OCD patients. Otis is the only dog of his kind on the medical campus in Aurora. Obsessive-compulsive disorder currently affects 2.5% of the United States population and can be treated with what is called exposure and response prevention therapy, or ERPT. It usually involves exposing patients to things that trigger their obsessive behaviors while giving them tools to help prevent them from engaging in their typical compulsions. A 2010 study by the University of Pennsylvania, cited in the National Institute of Health, showed that ERPT can significantly reduce OCD symptoms in up to 80% of patients. CBS That's where Otis comes in. He can help in a variety of ways, as a supportive and helpful sidekick to those being exposed to triggering things or situations or, in some cases, being a walking exposure therapy himself. "There are a lot of patients who might have contamination fears," Rush said, "They can use him in exposure so I've had patients touch his paws or rub his belly." "I had a patient and one of her final exposures in the IOP -- the intensive outpatient program -- was to high five Otis and that was really sweet," she added. While Otis isn't part of any official research at Anschutz just yet, his presence signals an evolving approach to behavioral health solutions. One wag at a time.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Tourette Syndrome: A Look at Today's Best Treatments
Tourette syndrome (TS) is more than just a childhood phase of twitching or making sounds—it's a chronic neurodevelopmental condition that can disrupt daily functioning and emotional well-being. Characterized by both motor and vocal tics that begin before age 18 and last for more than a year, Tourette's often brings along other challenges like ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety. While some kids see symptoms lessen as they age, others need long-term, individualized treatment plans to manage both the tics and associated psychiatric conditions. Tourette syndrome is diagnosed when an individual has at least two motor tics and one vocal tic for more than 12 months, with onset before age 18 [1]. These tics are sudden, repetitive, and involuntary—for example, blinking, throat clearing, or shoulder shrugging. A helpful diagnostic clue is that people with TS can often suppress their tics briefly, unlike those with habit cough or psychogenic cough [1]. Differentiating TS from other movement or psychiatric disorders is key, especially since tics can wax and wane in intensity. That fluctuation, combined with the ability to voluntarily hold back tics for short periods, helps set Tourette's apart from conditions like dystonia or chorea. Behavioral therapy is the foundation of TS treatment, and CBIT is the gold standard. This structured approach combines habit reversal training with relaxation techniques and functional intervention strategies. CBIT helps individuals recognize premonitory urges—the sensations that precede tics—and teaches them to respond with competing behaviors that prevent the tic. CBIT has been shown to be effective across different delivery formats. A 2024 review found it worked in both in-person and telehealth settings—even when ADHD or OCD were present [4]. In fact, recent studies show that tele-CBIT sessions are almost as effective as in-office visits [5], making it a convenient option for families with busy schedules or living far from specialists. Medications like clonidine and guanfacine are often used for kids with mild to moderate tics—especially when ADHD is also present. These medications work on the brain's norepinephrine pathways to reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity which in turn can reduce tic severity. Their appeal is their safety profile. Compared to antipsychotics, alpha-2 agonists are less likely to cause serious side effects, making them a good starting point for young patients [2] [3]. When behavioral therapy and alpha-agonists don't work, antipsychotic medications may be added. These drugs target dopamine pathways—known to be involved in tic generation—but come with trade-offs. Aripiprazole and risperidone are commonly prescribed because they are better tolerated than older drugs like haloperidol. Meanwhile pimozide, a dopamine receptor blocker, has shown better outcomes than haloperidol in clinical trials [1]. For individuals with focal tics—like persistent eye blinking or neck movements—botulinum toxin injections can provide targeted relief by weakening overactive muscles [6]. Despite their effectiveness, antipsychotics require close monitoring. Side effects like sedation, weight gain, and movement disorders (e.g., tardive dyskinesia) can emerge especially with long-term use. Clinicians must weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the risk of side effects and adjust treatment accordingly [3]. For the small percentage of individuals with treatment-refractory TS, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may be considered. DBS involves surgically implanting electrodes into specific brain regions to modulate abnormal activity. While still relatively rare and not standard care, DBS has shown promising results in reducing severe tics in select patients [6]. Beyond medical interventions, holistic care is key. Support groups, patient education and school-based accommodations—like extended test times or breaks during class—can make a big difference in a child's social and academic success. TS isn't just about the tics—it's about the whole person. Comorbidities like OCD, ADHD, and anxiety often impact daily life more than the tics themselves. So treatment plans must be individualized and medication choices should consider these overlapping conditions [2]. Clinicians must also distinguish tics from other movement disorders. Features like premonitory urges, voluntary suppression and the episodic nature of tics can help differentiate TS from other hyperkinetic disorders [1]. Tourette syndrome may be lifelong but it doesn't have to be life defining. With the right combination of behavioral therapy, medication, support and education most people can manage their symptoms and live well. As research advances—especially in digital therapy delivery and neuromodulation—there's more hope for more personalized, accessible and effective treatments for people with TS. [1] Irwin, R. S., Glomb, W. B., & Chang, A. B. (2006). Habit cough, tic cough, and psychogenic cough in adult and pediatric populations: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest, 129(1 Suppl), 174S–179S. [2] Egolf, A., & Coffey, B. J. (2014). Current pharmacotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of Tourette syndrome. Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998), 50(2), 159–179. [3] Whittington, C., Pennant, M., Kendall, T., Glazebrook, C., Trayner, P., Groom, M., Hedderly, T., Heyman, I., Jackson, G., Jackson, S., Murphy, T., Rickards, H., Robertson, M., Stern, J., & Hollis, C. (2016). Practitioner Review: Treatments for Tourette syndrome in children and young people - a systematic review. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 57(9), 988–1004. [4] Kohler, K., Rosen, N., & Piacentini, J. (2025). Description, Implementation, and Efficacy of the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics as First-Line Treatment for Tourette and Other Tic Disorders. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, 35(3), 126–134. [5] Morand-Beaulieu, S., Szejko, N., Fletcher, J., & Pringsheim, T. (2024). Behavioural Therapy for tic disorders: a comprehensive review of the literature. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 24(12), 1181–1191. [6] Billnitzer, A., & Jankovic, J. (2020). Current Management of Tics and Tourette Syndrome: Behavioral, Pharmacologic, and Surgical Treatments. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 17(4), 1681–1693.
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
'I applied for PIP three times and it was gruelling and horrific'
A woman who has applied for personal independence payments (PIP) three times fears proposed benefits by the UK Government will have a "harrowing" impact on the most vulnerable North Wales families. Dinah, from Colwyn Bay, has launched a petition urging her local Labour MP, Gill German, who represents Clwyd North, to vote against her government's plan to cut £5billion from the welfare budget. The changes are due to be introduced this week before being voted on before the end of the month. Dinah, who asked for her surname not to be published, is one of tens of thousands of people who now fear their lives could be severely affected by the cost-cutting measures. Dinah, 29, has endured mental health problems since childhood including PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and depression, since childhood. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox She explained her own experience of applying for the payment which gives financial support to people living with long-term physical or mental health conditions. Dinah, who does work, described the assessment process as 'gruelling and horrific' requiring her to share extremely personal details, even relating to showering, washing, and toilet needs. She added: "If the proposed changes to welfare benefits go through, I will have absolutely no chance of getting PIP under the new scoring criteria. "I do work, but I struggle to make ends meet as a single adult with no family support - I struggle to afford my rent and bills, and I have to occasionally rely on food banks. I have been suicidal in the past due to historical trauma and financial stress. 'PIP would enable me to afford specialised therapy that will enable me to not only stay healthy and able to work, but to sustain me and prevent my mental health from spiralling.' She added: 'Over the past few weeks, I've been out meeting fellow residents of Clwyd North, listening to their stories, raising awareness of the proposed welfare cuts, and collecting signatures for a petition I will be delivering to MP Gill German. 'I spoke recently with Gill, sharing my own story and that of other local PIP claimants, and she told me she intends to vote for these proposals with no plans for any replacement support to speak of. The DWP's own impact assessment suggests that 400,000 households, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into poverty as a result of the cuts. Other independent experts put this figure even higher. 'Some of the stories I've heard from local people have been harrowing, including from homeless people and seriously mentally and physically disabled people who literally rely on PIP to survive. Every single person I've spoken to opposes the cuts. These changes are going to impact our society's most vulnerable, and it's absolutely crystal clear that local constituents do not support them.' Clwyd North MP Gill German defended the government's bid to cut the welfare bill. She said: 'Our health and disability benefits system and employment support system needs urgent reform. Since our Pathways to Work Green Paper was published in March, I have engaged extensively on this with constituents as well as national and local organisations in this field, including person-roundtable events in Clwyd North and through work as a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee. 'These have informed my representations to government ministers and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. I will continue to work with government on this important issue.' Conwy County Council's carers' champion Cheryl Carlisle said had been contacted by many residents distressed by the Government's proposals.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
International Yoga Day 2025: Can this ancient practice help beat OCD? Experts recommend 5 poses that may make a difference
Yoga is a set of spiritual, physical, and mental health practices that originated in ancient India. It has been found to help people manage their stress levels, improve their mood, and even reduce symptoms of depression, but can yoga beat OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)?. Ahead of International Day of Yoga, let's find out what experts say. OCD is a mental health condition that is characterised by persistent unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to act on. "Yoga can be a beneficial complementary approach for managing symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), but it is not a standalone cure," says Dr Shorouq Motwani, psychiatrist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. Numerous studies suggest that yoga may help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being, which can be particularly advantageous for individuals grappling with OCD. Can yoga help beat OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)? The practice of yoga emphasises mindfulness, breath control, and physical postures, all of which can foster greater awareness and self-regulation. "Mindfulness techniques cultivated during yoga can help individuals observe their thoughts and compulsions without immediate reaction, potentially reducing the urge to engage in compulsive behaviours," explains Dr. Motwani. Additionally, the physical aspects of yoga can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, leading to an improved mood and increased emotional resilience. "Engaging in regular yoga sessions may help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and enhance their ability to manage OCD symptoms," adds Dr. Motwani. However, it's essential to note that yoga should be considered as part of a broader treatment plan, which may include therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) and medication. Consulting with a mental health professional is crucial to create an effective treatment strategy tailored to the individual's needs. According to Dr. Motwani, "While yoga can provide valuable support, it is not a replacement for traditional OCD treatments." 5 yoga poses to beat or manage OCD According to Vidya Jha, Yoga Guru – Aatma Yog Studio, Karampura, New Delhi, "There are certain yoga poses to help manage symptoms of OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) by reducing anxiety and promoting mental clarity." Here are 5 poses that can help manage OCD: 1. Balasana (Child's Pose) Why it's recommended: It's a soothing, grounding pose that activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest state) and supports the reduction of intrusive thinking and compulsive worry. Tip: In this pose, practise deep belly breathing for 3–5 minutes each day to ground attention in bodily sensation as opposed to obsessive thinking. 2. Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose) Why it's recommended: This restorative inversion softly balances the nervous system and is frequently employed by therapists to support patients in moving out of repetitive thinking loops. According to Jha, "Somatic-oriented neurologists have noted that this posture reduces cortisol and norepinephrine—both elevated in OCD—and increases limbic system stability." Tip: Place a bolster under your hips and remain for 10 minutes to allow deep nervous system repair. 3. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) Why it's recommended: Although not a pose, this pranayama can be highly recommended by integrative psychiatrists. It harmonises the left and right hemispheres of the brain, soothing repetitive thought patterns and compulsive behaviours. Anecdotal case reports have established that daily practice (10 minutes/day) results in enhanced response inhibition, a cognitive impairment present in OCD. Tip: Always begin and conclude with the left nostril for a soothing effect. 4. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) Why it's recommended: This position releases tension accumulated in the pelvic and abdominal area and heightens present-moment awareness. 'Physicians highlight that backbends such as this one engage the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain involved in regulating impulses and executive functioning, commonly under pressure in OCD,' says Jha. Tip: Pay attention to synchronising breath with movement to interrupt obsessive focus loops. 5. Padmasana with Jnana Mudra (Lotus Pose + Gesture of Wisdom) Why it's recommended: Seated in meditation with a mudra representing wisdom assists in developing a non-reacting awareness, which is essential in dealing with intrusive thoughts. 'Psychotherapists applying mindfulness in OCD therapy observe that this coupling enhances metacognition—your capacity to monitor thoughts yet refrain from interacting with them,' he adds. Advice: Even when full lotus is challenging, any cross-legged seated pose with Jnana Mudra can aid self-regulation. Always combine yoga practice with professional mental health care, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is the gold standard for OCD.
