Q Is depression common in children? If yes, how common it is?

Yes. Depression in children, though missed many times, is a common childhood condition. Teen age is the most affected age in children. Chances of depression increase as the child ages. It is most commonly found in girls. About 11% children can develop depression. Symptoms and signs of depression may vary in children and hence is commonly get misdiagnosed.

Q Sir, what is severe eccentric mitral regurgitation which my wife has got in the recent echocardiogram...??

Human heart has four chambers. Between each chambers there are flaps which prevent back flow of blood. Mitral valve is one such flap that is present between left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation means that mitral valve is not functioning adequately and causing back flow or leakage of blood from left ventricle into the left atrium. Mitral valve prolapse is one the most common cause for this. You must get your wife examined by a cardiologist at the earliest.

Q Does stress affect lutenizing hormone?

Stress such as excessive physical or metabolic stress causes release of corticotropin releasing hormone. This hormone inhibits the release of gonadotropin releasing hormone. Suppression of gondotropin releasing hormone causes reduce levels of leutenizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone in women.

Q My aunty is suffering from abdominal pain since 4 days without any noticeable reason

Abdominal pain can arise due to several causes. It can range from something as simple as indigestion or menstrual cramp to something as serious as kidney stone or an internal injury. The best approach would be to get a USG done and visit a gastroenterologist for an examination and diagnosis.

Q I get angry very often. How can I control my anger?

Getting angry is normal. One needs to concentrate not on "not feeling angry" or "controlling anger" but on how to manage that anger correctly. First of all try to identify the things, people, or situations that trigger anger. You can even keep a dairy. Note the ways in which you react to these situations. Then look for alternative ways of responding to the same situations. Practice this alternative adaptive response till it becomes a part of your nature. Recognizing anger and triggers, practicing alternatives and doing this persistently with positive attitude is the key.

Q What Psychological Factors Contribute to Mental Illness?

The reasons which cause mental illness- Significant interpersonal loss and family instability, such as death of loved one, misfortune, poor relationship with family, domestic partner violence, separation, and divorce, emotional detachment have all been identified as risk factors. Financial stress, unemployment, and a drop in socioeconomic status can also be triggers for mental illness. This is also the case for a range of acute and chronic health problems, such as pain syndromes, or diagnoses of conditions like HIV or cancer. Some mental illnesses have been linked to an abnormal balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain communicate with each other. If these chemicals are out of balance or are not working properly, messages may not make it through the brain correctly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. In addition, defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental conditions.

Q Does smoking can lower sperm count?

Apart from the other major side effects of smoking, prolonged smoking can affect sperms. The effect is seen on the quantity as well as quality. Smoking can decrease the motitlity of the sperms. So if you are worried that your chance of being a father will be blown away with the puff then it is the right time either to reduce or quit smoking.

Q Will cystoscopy cause impotency??

Cystoscopy simply consists of viewing the urinary bladder through a scope. It is a very safe procedure with no major side effects. There is no evidence regarding cystoscopy causing impotency.

Q Is it normal for a 12-year-old boy to play and fondle with his penis?

Its normal for kids of of all age groups to play with genitals out of curiosity about their growing body. This is seen in both boys and girls. Younger kids do it because they feel good about the way it feels. It is not harmful or abnormal in anyway. Do not get angry or reprimand your child. Try and educate them that it might lead to infection sometimes. Some kids even do it to seek attention but this is rare.

Q How to avoid dandfuff?

There are many reasons for dandruff - Stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive dryness of the scalp, fungal infection, vitamin C deficiency, pregnancy, long illness, thyroid imbalance, as well as hair damage caused by procedures like hair coloring/dyeing, bleaching, straightening, perming, etc. You can do following things to prevent hair loss: Getting proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair. Water, protein, biotin (part of the vitamin B complex), vitamins A, B6, B12, C, copper, iron, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, folic acid, and magnesium all play a part in maintaining a healthy scalp, skin, and hair. Using your fingertips to massage your scalp will increase circulation in your scalp which is important for hair growth. Take 10-12 jaswand (hibiscus) flower +200gm methi (fig) seeds soaked in coconut oil for 7 days then boil it sleeve it and use it daily for head massage it prevent hair loss, promote new hair growth and hairs become thick and restrict dandruff formation. In a week massage your scalp with yoghurt(curd) or aloe-Vera pulp or neem leaves paste which has antibacterial properties which help to clear dandruff formation. Instead of using chemical shampoo, use rita to wash the hairs; take 7-8 rita soaked for whole night boil in the morning in water gently massage and wash the hairs with this mixture.Gentle combing or brushing of your hair will help break up hardened oils that clog your pores. It is recommended that you comb or brush 100-200 strokes in the morning and at night. Avoid excessive wind, sun, and heat (such as from hair dryers, hot showers, and curling irons) on your hair. Tight fitting caps and hats will cause poor circulation in your scalp and will also cause buildup of sweat and grime. Take plenty of water keep yourself hydrated. Take care.