The Immune Mind by Monty Lyman - Radio 4

[Hezekiah]

I'm still working on getting a proper understanding of what this Book of the Week is all about. I keep setting it going, and drifting off to sleep.

However, today I was awake enough to listen (with quite a good level of attention) to episode 4, which starts off talking about rheumatoid arthritis and the introduction of biologics, and how patients on the clinical trials reported very healthy boosts in their mood as a side effect. It moves on to saying how levels of CRP (C-Reactive Protein) are linked to depression and discusses whether depression affects CRP levels or vice versa.

I found it interesting, and intend to keep listening to all the episodes, until I finally "get it".

A long long time ago, when I was very much younger, my dad suffered from very serious depression, and was bed bound for long periods, He ended up having Electro Convulsive Therapy ( ECT ) at the local mental hospital, which I think did help somewhat. I've also suffered minor depression in my time, but as the program says, 1 in 7 are likely to do so, so 'tis to be expected perhaps.

Anyways, you might find Episode 4 interesting.

I hope this link works. Please let me know if it doesn't. Cheers

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001z6pj

[Gnarli]

Thanks for posting this. We were travelling back from Tesco when I heard a small part of the programme yesterdayand it sounded very informative. I'll be setting up BBC Sounds so I can catch up properly.

[cathie]

Yes its fascinating.. The first signs for me that I need more medication is my morning mood. Its reassuring to see it properly acknowledged. Recommended - especially to medics!

[Jimminey]

Thank you for posting the link - I found the programmes fascinating generally and of relevance to myself having RA and having had anxiety/depression - though not the latter since taking immunosuppressant drugs. I thought episode one was brilliant.

Edward Bullmore wrote a book 'The Inflamed Mind' a few years ago which covers similar subject matter though with perhaps greater emphasis on RA - which I found a good read - goodreads.com/book/show/398... He was interviewed on 'Inside Health' or 'Inside Science', both on BBC Radio 4, at the same time (2018).

I also found it interesting that neither authors referenced the other although doing related studies over similar periods and despite their conclusions seeming to me fairly much the same.

[Neonkittie17]

Thank you .. very interesting indeed. I shall listen to these.

[wilbertjellyfish]

Ooh sounds interesting. I listen to a lot of radio 4 and podcasts but have missed this. Will down load now for the morning dog walk

[SheilaT3271]

yes, I also heard this and it’s really interesting and felt I learned a lot.