Reply #114: Note the clause (past 20 years)... and think about it.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1: CNS Spectr. 2004 Jun;9(6 Suppl 4):6-13. Related Articles, Links
Transcultural issues in mood and anxiety disorders: a focus on Japan.

Radford MH.

Department of Behavioral Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan. [email protected]

Accurate comparisons of the prevalence of psychiatric disorders across Eastern and Western cultures are difficult and limited by methodological problems. Nevertheless, using standardized diagnostic and evaluation techniques, recent surveys have suggested that depression and anxiety disorders exist in all countries and cultures examined thus far, although variations in the prevalence rates and symptomatology may exist. This article discusses the influence and impact that culture can have on recognizing and treating mood and anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on Japan. Over the last 20 years, studies have consistently reported an increase in mental illness in Japan, especially symptoms of depression and anxiety. While such symptoms have had an adaptive cultural role in the past, current social and economic changes in Japan have turned any adaptive advantage into a potentially significant disadvantage, with a major impact on the capacity of individuals to function adequately. The situation is compounded by the fact that Japanese patients are reluctant to openly discuss disturbances of mood, since these are considered to be indicative of personal weakness rather than treatable medical conditions. Reluctance to discuss personal mental health hinders timely recognition and appropriate treatment.

PMID: 15181380

Now.... take a look at these and decide for yourself. Besides their economy being shit, they have altered their traditional diets (many not all) and possibly are now (in the last 20 years) paying the price.

1: Hamazaki K, Itomura M, Huan M, Nishizawa H, Sawazaki S, Tanouchi M, Watanabe S, Hamazaki T, Terasawa K, Yazawa K. Related Articles, Links
Effect of omega-3 fatty acid-containing phospholipids on blood catecholamine concentrations in healthy volunteers: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
Nutrition. 2005 Jun;21(6):705-10.
PMID: 15925295

2: Peet M, Stokes C. Related Articles, Links
Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
Drugs. 2005;65(8):1051-9.
PMID: 15907142

3: Moyad MA. Related Articles, Links
An introduction to dietary/supplemental omega-3 fatty acids for general health and prevention: part II.
Urol Oncol. 2005 Jan-Feb;23(1):36-48.
PMID: 15885582

4: Moyad MA. Related Articles, Links
An introduction to dietary/supplemental omega-3 fatty acids for general health and prevention: part I.
Urol Oncol. 2005 Jan-Feb;23(1):28-35.
PMID: 15885581

5: Young G, Conquer J. Related Articles, Links
Omega-3 fatty acids and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Reprod Nutr Dev. 2005 Jan-Feb;45(1):1-28.
PMID: 15865053

6: Ohara K. Related Articles, Links

Seishin Shinkeigaku Zasshi. 2005;107(2):118-26. Review. Japanese.
PMID: 15828266

7: Alessandri JM, Guesnet P, Vancassel S, Astorg P, Denis I, Langelier B, Aid S, Poumes-Ballihaut C, Champeil-Potokar G, Lavialle M. Related Articles, Links
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the central nervous system: evolution of concepts and nutritional implications throughout life.
Reprod Nutr Dev. 2004 Nov-Dec;44(6):509-38. Review.
PMID: 15762297

8: Ruzickova J, Rossmeisl M, Prazak T, Flachs P, Sponarova J, Veck M, Tvrzicka E, Bryhn M, Kopecky J. Related Articles, Links
Omega-3 PUFA of marine origin limit diet-induced obesity in mice by reducing cellularity of adipose tissue.
Lipids. 2004 Dec;39(12):1177-85. Erratum in: Lipids. 2005 Jan;40(1):115.
PMID: 15736913

9: Naliwaiko K, Araujo RL, da Fonseca RV, Castilho JC, Andreatini R, Bellissimo MI, Oliveira BH, Martins EF, Curi R, Fernandes LC, Ferraz AC. Related Articles, Links
Effects of fish oil on the central nervous system: a new potential antidepressant?
Nutr Neurosci. 2004 Apr;7(2):91-9.
PMID: 15279495

10: Kidd PM. Related Articles, Links
Bipolar disorder and cell membrane dysfunction. Progress toward integrative management.
Altern Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):107-35. Review.
PMID: 15253674

11: Krieger K, Klimke A, Henning U. Related Articles, Links
Antipsychotic drugs influence transport of the beta-adrenergic antagonist <3H>-dihydroalprenolol into neuronal and blood cells.
World J Biol Psychiatry. 2004 Apr;5(2):100-6. Review.
PMID: 15179669

12: De Vriese SR, Christophe AB, Maes M. Related Articles, Links
In humans, the seasonal variation in poly-unsaturated fatty acids is related to the seasonal variation in violent suicide and serotonergic markers of violent suicide.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2004 Jul;71(1):13-8.
PMID: 15172679

13: Frasure-Smith N, Lesperance F, Julien P. Related Articles, Links
Major depression is associated with lower omega-3 fatty acid levels in patients with recent acute coronary syndromes.
Biol Psychiatry. 2004 May 1;55(9):891-6.
PMID: 15110732

14: Covault J, Pettinati H, Moak D, Mueller T, Kranzler HR. Related Articles, Links
Association of a long-chain fatty acid-CoA ligase 4 gene polymorphism with depression and with enhanced niacin-induced dermal erythema.
Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2004 May 15;127(1):42-7.
PMID: 15108178

15: Patten GS, Abeywardena MY. Related Articles, Links
Fish oil feeding increases gut contractility in spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) model.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12 Suppl:S64.
PMID: 15023694

16: Makrides M, Crowther CA, Gibson RA, Gibson RS, Skeaff CM. Related Articles, Links
Docosahexaenoic acid and post-partum depression - is there a link?
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2003;12 Suppl:S37.
PMID: 15023646