| Rationale: smiline scientific bases
Depression (including related - less severe -
affective disorders) represents a major health problem throughout the Western
world, affecting about 10% of the general population; after heart disease,
depression is expected to become the second most important human disease by 2020
(Delys Index, WHO report, Scentific American; September 2005).
In light
of the growing need for a sustainable and affordable therapeutic approach to the
treatment of depression and related diseases, the WHO strongly recommends
seeking alternative therapeutic strategies to current treatments that are based
mainly on medication and psychotherapy.
Considerable scientific evidence,
over recent years, has supported the hypothesis of ‘de-synchronization’ and, in
turn, the role of psycho-neuro-endocrinological ‘dysregulation’ (biological
rhythms) in the pathogenesis of some forms of depression (Seasonal Affective
Disorders/SAD).
These and other more common disorders (Non Seasonal
Depression, Major/ Endogenous Depression) seem to respond more readily and
rapidly (as tested in association with medication) (Smeraldi and co. 2004) to
treatments based on ‘chronotherapy’ (International Society of Affective
Disorders ad hoc Committee Consensus, Cancun, 2004), namely Light Therapy and
Sleep Deprivation.
Other no-cost treatment approaches designed to reset
the human biological clock have been proposed and are under evaluation (cold
water exposure, outdoor exercise with workout).
In addition, it seems
that a significant proportion of chronic musculoskeletal pain, some neuralgias,
oro-facial pain and perhaps some headaches could be related to a central or
peripheral ‘sensitization’ process mediated by hormonal
‘dysregulation’.
In order to adequately respond to the recommendations of
the WHO and provide efficient and affordable alternative/supportive options to
complement conventional treatments, a number of scientists have decided to set
up an International Multidisciplinary Committee named the International
Board of Psycho-neuro-endocrinology/IBOP) to promote:
-
accurate information and education on
the possible role of hormones in biological rhythms and affective disorders;
-
the use of affordable supportive
treatment procedures and strategies in the prevention and treatment of
depression and other affective disorders.
-
research projects tailored to the
abovementioned issues.
Since the Mission of such a Committee is
strongly ‘Ethical’, aiming to raise the awareness of health care providers and
the public at large, the contribution of scientists representing non-medical
disciplines such as philosophers, sociologists, economists and
information/communication technology experts is desirable.
No Institutional Profile including Association and
Organization Status is presently being considered for IBOP so as to avoid the
need for financial budgeting.
A permanent forum to provide updated
scientific and clinical information and identify new findings and events related
to the topic will be available online at the IBOP web site: www.ibop.info.
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Author: Riccardo
Ciancaglini
The Author reserves complete title
and full intellectual property rights for articles, photographs, graphics,
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