When does conventional surgical therapy become research?

When does conscientiousness become perfectionism ?

Gordon L. Flett, PhD Canada Research Chair in Personality and Health York University Toronto Mr. C is a 50-year-old professional writer who recently made a serious suicide attempt. At his initial session, Mr. C was hesitant to discuss his situation and reason for attending. He did, however, bring a copy of his résumé so the therapist could “get to know him quickly.” He said he had been depresse...

When Does Influence Become Undue?

Does gene therapy become pharmacotherapy?

Recent progress in molecular and cellular biology has led to the development of numerous effective cardiovascular drugs. However, there are still a number of diseases for which no known effective therapy exists, such as peripheral arterial disease, ischaemic heart disease, restenosis after angioplasty, and vascular bypass graft occlusion. Currently, gene therapy is emerging as a potential strat...

When does acute pain become chronic?

The transition from acute to chronic pain appears to occur in discrete pathophysiological and histopathological steps. Stimuli initiating a nociceptive response vary, but receptors and endogenous defence mechanisms in the periphery interact in a similar manner regardless of the insult. Chemical, mechanical, and thermal receptors, along with leucocytes and macrophages, determine the intensity, l...

When does depression become a mental disorder?

How can we differentiate a depressive disorder from 'normal' sadness? This editorial summarises three approaches: the first emphasises the context in which depressive symptoms occur; the second postulates a qualitative difference between the two conditions; and the third argues that the distinction should be based on pragmatic grounds.