Health mind in a health brain.

The last few years have seen an increase in the research of psychic well-being and positive mental health. A positive point of view refers not only to pleasure but also to the ability to act in a constructive manner in challenging situations, and effectively regulate negative feelings and stress. Although a positive state of mind is often a passing experience, it can also be developed. Analogously, effective methods tested in a controlled manner have been established for the development of positive capabilities. It is furthermore possible to promote psychic well-being through exercise, healthy diet and practicing mindfulness.

Catatonia.

Catatonia is associated with psychomotor symptoms and severe disturbances of executive functioning. While the prognosis is good in most cases, malignant catatonia still continues to occur. The first-line choice for drug therapy is lorazepam, which usually results in a good response. In catatonic stupor, i.e. immobility and stupor, the first-line therapy is electrotherapy, preferably at an earliest possible stage. In mania, catatonia may become manifest also as psychomotor excitement. Electrotherapy can be used primarily in malignant catatonia, with dantrolene and bromocriptin also finding use in a critical situation.

Current trends in psychiatry care in Finland with special focus on private practice psychiatry and psychotherapy.

Several previous reforms decentralized Finnish psychiatric services to a great extent. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is outlining a proposal for Health Care Law, which makes an effort to centralize and reorganize healthcare. It is not yet possible to see what this will mean for the psychiatric services. In general, the health status of the Finnish population has improved. Although rates of suicides have declined considerably, rates of alcohol-related deaths have risen. Moreover, disability related to major depression has increased drastically, which has lead to a nationwide project called MASTO, which has the aim to improve early detection and treatment of depression. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health set up a work group, MIND 2009, to draft local working models for mental health and addiction services. To study the significance of psychotherapy in a private practice psychiatric context, the Finnish Psychiatric Association conducted a survey amongst its members. Most psychiatrists in private practice conduct psychotherapy.