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Researchers who have uncovered the presence of stem cells in an adult's central nervous system have not only challenged the dogma that new neurons cannot be generated during adulthood, but also shed light on the etiology and disease mechanisms underlying many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain trauma, neurodegenerative diseases, and psychiatric disorders pose enormous burdens at both personal and societal levels. Although medications for these disorders are widely used, the treatment mechanisms underlying the illnesses remain largely elusive. In the past decade, an increasing amount of evidence indicate that adult neurogenesis (i.e. generating new CNS neurons during adulthood) may be involved in the pathology of different CNS disorders, and thus neurogenesis may be a potential target area for treatments. Although new neurons were shown to be a major player in mediating treatment efficacy of neurological and psychotropic drugs on cognitive functions, it is still debatable if the altered production of new neurons can cause the disorders. This review hence seeks to discuss pre and current clinical studies that demonstrate the functional impact adult neurogenesis have on neurological and psychiatric illnesses while examining the related underlying disease mechanisms., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Psychiatric symptoms are widely distributed in the general population while psychiatric impairment or psychological ill-health is prevalent in many communities, especially those with stressful environments. Data concerning Chinese communities are scanty. The present study employed the use of a General Health Questionnaire to screen the general population for psychological ill-health in Hong Kong and the results showed that between 18.3% and 26.3% of Chinese could be considered as probable or potential candidates for mental illness. The authors discuss the significance of these findings.

The pattern of psychiatric consultation in Hong Kong is examined among 226 patients at a public outpatient clinic and 56 patients at a private psychiatric clinic. The approach to psychiatric services is marked by lengthy delay during which patients get help from their family members or close friends. Arrival at the present psychiatric clinic was diverted through other medical resources, primarily Western-style medical services, and to some extent, traditional Chinese medicine. Individual routes were diverse, characterized by frequent switches among resources especially in the private sector. The nature of the patients' presenting complaints as well as the conceptualization of their initial complaints were multi-faceted, including both psychological and somatic factors. The overall consultation pattern of patients in Hong Kong is compared with other studies on Chinese and Western patients. Questions are raised for further analysis.