Blog Archive

Did you know that loneliness can be as mortally dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day? Loneliness is a pervasive problem affecting people of all ages and backgrounds globally. Perhaps you're feeling lonely right now. It's easy to mistake loneliness for depression, but they're different. Loneliness is social...

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lithium Toxicity?   Lithium is widely used for treating various mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, and ADHD, all of which I've talked about extensively. However, like any medication, lithium can cause side effects, and in some cases, it may lead to...

Recently, I talked about postpartum depression and baby blues. I highlighted the impact of postpartum depression on new moms and why it's best to seek help quickly. But today, let's discuss an even more fundamental question: can stress during pregnancy lead to postpartum depression? This question is fundamental as it...

Abuse of opioids and other hard drugs is pretty common, but it's interesting to know that prescription stimulants for ADHD are being abused just as much. What's even more interesting is the fact that this misuse doesn't only happen among adults but teens as well. And not even teens with...

We've always heard about the importance of exercise to our mental health. But just how effective is it compared to medication and other techniques? Can you use physical activity as a first-choice treatment for depression? A new study has found that physical exercise is, in fact, incredibly effective for reducing...

Common treatments for depression and anxiety typically focus on your thoughts, but new research shows that changing your posture and movements may also improve depression symptoms. A depressed person usually moves around differently from a healthy person. Slumped shoulders, slower gait, and the like. It all suggests that a link...

Is moderate alcohol consumption beneficial to your mental health? One recent study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may reduce one's risk of depression, and that complete abstinence may increase depression risk, but we need to review the study analytically. Does it indeed prove a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and...

Anxiety isn't desirable at any point in life, but we've seen how detrimental it is for pregnant women and their unborn children. For example, anxiety during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm births and lower birth weight. New research shows that anxiety during pregnancy can alter the patient's immune...

You may have heard how excellent gut health benefits both physical and mental health. It might have been hard for you to imagine when you first heard it. Why not? It's difficult to envision how the intestine, far down in the torso, can be linked to the brain. They're literally...

Lithium for depression: all you need to know Lithium has been used for over 60 years to treat bipolar disorder. In recent years, there has been growing interest in its potential use as a treatment for depression. Lithium augmentation is usually deployed for treating Major Depressive Disorder that's resistant to...

Children's mental health is declining: here's why   Anxiety and depression among children and teens in the US are at an all-time high. In fact, child and adolescent mental health was declared a national emergency in 2021. It wasn't always like this. So what could be the cause of the...

New Blood Test for Detecting Anxiety Discovered   Anxiety is a common mental health issue that can be very disruptive to daily life. The current approach to treating anxiety is to talk to patients about how they feel and prescribe medication, but this approach can have negative side effects, and...

Lithium for Bipolar Disorder: All You Need to Know   Bipolar disorder affects about 1 in 40 American adults, and about 1% of teenagers live with it. Despite how common it is, there is still no cure, although several treatments, including medication, can help to manage the condition. While many...

Antidepressants for chronic pain: do they really work?   You might not have heard of it, but antidepressants are now being prescribed for managing chronic pain, such as back pain and knee osteoarthritis. That’s because some pieces of evidence show that these drugs may be effective for pain management, even...

The Risk of Psychotic-Like Experiences in Young Children   Psychotic-like experiences (such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there) are often associated with schizophrenia. While genetics plays a role in the development of schizophrenia, research has shown that environmental and socio-economic factors also contribute significantly to the risk...

Long Term Side Effects of Lithium I have written extensively on lithium and its effectiveness in managing mood disorders, particularly Bipolar Disorder. It's also an excellent med for people with suicidal ideation, protects neurons in the brain, slows down aging, and may prevent Dementia. However, like almost every other medication,...

How to prevent weight gain from antidepressant medication   Weight gain from antidepressants and antipsychotics is a universal problem. In fact, many patients will not start or stop taking their medication for fear of gaining weight, especially women. Although not everyone will eventually gain weight from the meds, it's a...

Lithium vs. stimulants: why lithium is a better medication for ADHD   Why use lithium over stimulants for ADHD I talked extensively about lithium for ADHD in my previous post. But of course, lithium isn't the only available medication out there; stimulants are the most widely used medication for ADHD...

Lithium for ADHD: Here’s all you need to know   Have you ever heard of using low-dose lithium as a supplement for mental health disorders, including ADHD? Well, you're not alone. Many people are unaware of this concept. But, did you know that high-dose pharmaceutical lithium was approved by the...

Who would have thought that a monovalent cation such as lithium would become such a powerful weapon against a wide range of mental health problems? Well, that seems to be the case. And if you're living with bipolar disorder or any other mood disorder, adding lithium into your prescription plan...

Having trouble sleeping? Intense exercise can help you sleep better   Like most people, you probably know how important sleep is for our physical and mental well-being. After all, getting a good night's sleep can help improve the outcomes of various health issues, from heart disease and dementia to stress...

Acts Of Kindness: An Easy Way To Reduce Depression   Did you know that showing kindness to others can help you out of depression? It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s true. Researchers have found that depressed people who showed kindness experienced improvements that other known depression and anxiety management techniques...

Chronic stress can cause inability to feel pleasure: here's how   Why don't I feel pleasure when under chronic stress? Let's talk about anhedonia Have you noticed how disinclined toward pleasurable activities you become when under severe stress? Even when you indulge, you don't feel as much pleasure as you...

Do antidepressants make you emotionally numb?   Do you feel emotionally numb after taking antidepressants? It's because some antidepressants also numb reward sensations (pleasure) while inhibiting the painful depressive feelings. It's a common side effect of SSRI antidepressants. But really, there's nothing to worry about. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)...

Clonidine: the blood pressure drug that can prevent PTSD   In line with the recent trend of repurposing drugs for other illnesses, clonidine seems to be the latest surprise on the list. Researchers have found that clonidine, a drug used for high blood pressure and ADHD, can be very effective...

Social Support Can Be Key To Preventing Depression   When things get tough, it's always a good idea to reach out to someone for support. But did you know that social support can be especially crucial for those who are genetically predisposed to depression? Studies have shown that doctors in...

The Role of Pharmacogenetic Testing in Psychiatry   Pharmacogenetic testing is a way to check how your genes will affect your body's response to a specific medication. Your DNA can affect whether you have a positive or negative reaction to a drug, or whether it works for you at all....

The Role Of Metformin In Treating Psychiatric Illnesses   Who would have thought that a diabetes drug could also be a long-sought solution to many psychiatric and neurodegenerative problems? And yet, that seems to be the case. Researchers are now studying the use of metformin, a diabetes medicine, in psychiatry....

The importance of self-care in improving mental well-being   You've been hearing about self-care at every turn, and more people are latching onto it these days for their mental health's sake. Maybe you've finally decided to take the leap. What could be more awesome! Well, how does self-care benefit you...

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Mental Health   2023 is finally here, and what better way to mark it than by making some New Year's resolutions? Looking for some New Year's resolutions for 2023? Maybe this is the year to give more priority to your mental health. Because, think about...

Why Christmas isn't easy for everyone and its impact on mental health   Christmas is a time we all expect to be at our merriest. With so many friends to see, families to reunite with, and parties to attend, the opportunities for fun are virtually everywhere. But it's not so...

Trending mental health topics and research findings 2022   The year 2022 is coming to an end, and what a great year it has been. And as we look back, there have been many discussions and discoveries in the world of mental health that we should ideally get up to...

Telehealth Keeps Mental Health Patients on the Road to Recovery   The Covid-19 lockdown was a period to forget, but it also had its upsides. Some people had a chance to reflect on life and spend more time with their loved ones. And in the world of psychiatry, it has...

Do ADHD symptoms get worse with stress?   Does stress increase ADHD symptoms? You might have found yourself asking, does ADHD worsen with stress? Perhaps you've noticed your child exhibiting ADHD symptoms more intensely after school, exams, or a generally hectic day. Well, the relationship between stress and ADHD is...

How virtual reality helps with addiction recovery   How fantastic would it be to imagine that virtual reality could help with addiction recovery? Yet, that seems to be the case. Virtual reality is clinically effective in helping people recover from substance abuse disorder. In the VR, they see their healthy...

Autism increases depression risks during pregnancy   How does autism affect women during pregnancy? We already know that autistic people are more at risk of depression. About 50% of people living with autism will experience depression at some point in their life. Now, it seems it doesn't end there. New...

PTSD and alcohol use disorder: breaking the link   People who have suffered abuse and trauma have the highest risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD), with up to 75% of PTSD patients reporting alcohol addiction. In fact, anyone with PTSD is more than two times as likely to develop drinking...

Clutter can cause stress and anxiety: clean up now   Ever felt like your head is about to explode whenever your house is in a mess? The kid's toys are lying everywhere, the furniture is in disarray, and a pile of dishes awaits you in the sink. At that point,...

Babies with low birth weight at risk of mental health problems   The causes and risk factors of mental disorders keep extending with new research. A recent study has found that babies with low birth weights are more at risk of developing mental disorders like depression and anxiety in their...

Anxiety about pregnancy can cause preterm births   Did you know that being anxious about your pregnancy can lead to preterm delivery? It's like that moment when something bad happens just because you thought about it. New research shows that women who experience anxiety during pregnancy are at risk of...

PTSD patients can benefit from Blue light therapy   Poor quality sleep is one of the major symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, up to 90 percent of PTSD patients suffer from sleep disturbance. Nightmares and memories of the traumatic incidents are just some factors that disrupt their...

Childhood trauma can triple one's risk of mental illness   Childhood trauma and mental illness: what's the link? People suffer from mental disorders for many reasons, and some are even unknown. Certain factors can also predispose one to mental illness, and one of these factors is childhood trauma. New research...

What to do when you can't sleep   Having trouble falling asleep? That can be very annoying, especially when you're bored. Luckily, there are things you could do to help you fall asleep faster, such as breathing techniques and creating a relaxing environment. You may have difficulty falling asleep for...

Lost Boys: How Societal Pressures Can Ruin Lives   On May 14, 2022, 18-year-old college dropout Payton Gendron opened fire at a Buffalo supermarket in a predominantly Black neighborhood, killing 10 black people and injuring three others. All of that he did for one purpose: to defend the white race....

Working longer hours can lead to depression   A new study on new graduate doctors suggests that people who work more hours at a stressful job have a higher risk of depression.   Do you work long hours, say 70-90 hours a week? And is the job a stressful one?...

The cause of postpartum depression found at last   Many new moms suffer postpartum depression, which can be very dangerous for them and the newborn. Postpartum depression usually involves severe mood swings, anxiety, and self-doubt in caring for the child, which may lead to suicidal thoughts. In fact, about 20%...

Low alcohol use can lead to addiction   Most people believe alcohol addiction results from extensive and heavy usage. But new research has debunked that theory. According to a recent study on rodents, even the smallest amounts of alcohol activate the part of the brain associated with the development of...

Schizophrenia patients are 2.5 times more likely to develop dementia   A new study has found that psychotic disorders like schizophrenia can increase your likelihood of developing dementia by 2.5 times. A psychotic disorder is a severe mental illness in which one loses touch with reality. The patient's thinking and...

Stress management: Eating together in groups can help you de-stress   Did you know you can reduce stress by eating together with family and friends? Well, now you do. A new study finds that most parents say their families are less stressed when they eat together. Who would have thought...

Bipolar Disorder Can Now Be Quickly Diagnosed Using Blood Test   Bipolar disorder affects over 60 million people globally. Unfortunately, diagnosing the condition is often challenging as it's usually mistaken for depression. Thankfully, that's about to change. A team of researchers has developed a blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder...

Junk food might be causing your anxiety and depression   Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or simply having a "mentally unhealthy" day? Ultra-processed foods might be the culprit. New research shows that people who consume much ultra-processed foods are likely to experience poor mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression....

Sound can suppress pain: new research shows how   A new study has identified how sound blunts pain. Using state-of-the-art brain imaging, an international team of researchers has discovered the neural mechanism through which sound numbs pain. Interestingly, lower volumes were more effective than loud music. We have known for...

Chemical imbalance theory debunked, but antidepressants still work   The chemical imbalance theory of depression has been debunked. However, it doesn't mean antidepressants don't work. In fact, they very much do. Some scientists have always been skeptical about the effectiveness of antidepressants. But it's not surprising why they are. Their...

Non addictive pain medicine: non-opioid treatment for pain   Opioid drugs such as morphine and oxycodone are very effective for treating pain, but they can lead to overdose and addiction after long-term use. But millions of people out there are struggling with one chronic pain or the other, and they...

How to talk to a loved one about their mental health   Talking to a loved one about their mental health and offering support is one of the first steps towards their healing. To have an effective conversation, find the time and place where you can discuss in-depth without interruptions...

How to talk to someone about your mental illness   Should I tell my friends about my mental illness? Mental health challenges can be debilitating and disrupt your life. One of the best things you can do for yourself when going through mental health issues is to talk to someone...

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia linked with an overactive brain   The search for well-targeted treatment for schizophrenia continues. Researchers have conducted several studies, and some have uncovered insights that could help with treatment procedures. Interestingly, a new study has shed more light yet on the topic. New research shows that...

Serious mental illnesses increase heart disease risks at younger ages   New research has discovered that young people with serious mental illnesses are prone to heart diseases. The mental illnesses include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder. These disorders increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases up to two times that...

What to Do When You Can't Sleep at Night   Having trouble sleeping at night? What can you do to fall asleep faster?Research shows that over 40 million people in North America suffer from sleep disorders, and a further 20 million experience occasional sleep problems. With the right approach, including...

Do you find yourself getting angry and lashing out at the slightest offence? So many things can cause anger. But if you've ever asked yourself, "Why do I get angry easily for no reason," it may be a disorder -- intermittent explosive disorder. Intermittent explosive disorder -- one reason you...

Why do I sleep better with my partner? "Why do I sleep better better with someone else on the bed?" If you've ever found yourself asking this question, you're not alone. Many people have observed that they fall asleep so easily with their boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner, and the the...

How Hunger Influences Your Emotions: “The Hangry Man”   You probably have heard the saying, “a hungry man is an angry man.” Well, nothing could be truer. You must have noticed how irritable and lackluster you get when hungry. That’s the “hangry” effect, and it’s purely scientific. Study findings show...

How To Deal With Guilt When You Hurt Someone   The feeling of guilt can be horrible. It’s a place none of us wishes to find ourselves. But unfortunately, things happen, and it’s not uncommon to discover we’ve hurt someone so terribly that we become trapped with guilt. But how...

8 Anxiety Triggers You Must Be Aware Of   Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by feelings of worry, uncertainty, and fear. It may also cause panic attacks in some people as well as physical symptoms like chest pain, hyperventilation, fatigue, and sweating. Anxiety can come and go due...

Fruits and Vegetables for Mental Health: When Frequency Matters   "An apple a day keeps the doctor at bay." We know the saying, and it applies to our mental health, too. Fruits and vegetables are highly beneficial for mental health, and people who frequently consume raw ones are less likely...

Distinctive Personality Traits of People with Social Anxiety Disorder   Are mental health disorders developed spontaneously, or are specific individuals at risk? Can you tell if a person is likely to develop a mental illness from their personality traits? This is a problem that has challenged researchers for decades. We...

Religion and Mental Health   Many studies suggest that religion can help with depression as it is a way to have meaning and purpose in life. When we put things into perspective, the link between religion and mental health is not in any way farfetched.   How Religion Helps with...

A Simple Eye Test Could Help with ADHD and Autism Diagnosis   Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are children’s two most common neurodevelopment disorders. Because they share many similarities, diagnosing these conditions can be challenging for experts. They have to go through a lengthy and...

Does Going on Vacation Boost Mental Health?   Many of us must have heard about music therapy and art therapy and how they can help the mind. Perhaps, travel therapy deserves a place among these as it promises real health benefits. One significant benefit of vacation is that it can...

How to Live with OCD - 6 Tips to Cope   Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive behavior that interferes with one's daily life. A person with OCD will feel an intense compulsion to act a certain way or think obsessively about something....

How Does Depression Affect Relationships?   Persistent sadness, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness characterize depression. About 1 in 12 American adults experience these debilitating signs daily. And sadly, these effects of depression can destroy relationships. Some people who battle Major depression describe it...

Treating Anxiety and Depression in Children   Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health disorders. Although they're different, they often occur together and have similar treatments. But, sadly, they're not only found among adults but children as well. Anxiety disorders and depression can be lifelong, but getting...

Tackling Depression? Good Bacteria May Just Be the Boost You Need   Intestinal flora—the bacteria living in your guts—plays a role in your general wellbeing, including mental health. Wait… Intestine and mental health? Where's the relationship? It may sound pretty far-fetched, but it's anything but that. The gut and brain...

Diet Influences ADHD Symptoms in Children   We've read about how certain food and nutrients can help with some health conditions. Well, it seems attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't left out of it. A new study has found that children who consume more fruits and vegetables have less severe...

Mass Shootings and Mental Illness – Is There A Link?   Are mass shooters mentally ill? Are they simply angry with the world? Why leads people to mass shootings? Well... On May 24, 2022, 18-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire, killed 19 students and two teachers, and wounded 17 other people...

Anorexia During Pregnancy: A Huge Cause For Concern   There are many mental health disorders, and some are more common than others. But if there's one criminally under-investigated mental health disorder, it would be anorexia, especially among pregnant women. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an obsessive desire...

People Mysteriously Frozen by Catatonia Surprisingly Think, Too   Catatonia is a rare neuropsychiatric condition in which the patient experiences problems with moving and talking. In many instances, the patient completely freezes and cannot speak or change position for hours.  Occasionally, the freeze can last up to days, weeks, or...

Socioeconomic Factors Influence Treatment Outcomes for Depression   We have always believed that access to mental health care is a major factor affecting people battling depression. In fact, past research concluded that depression patients with low socioeconomic status have poor treatment outcomes because they lack access to quality mental health...

Social Media Breaks May be Incredibly Beneficial to Mental Health   Social media use is a big deal. Many of us can't stay without scrolling through at least one social media app a day, and so many rely on it for doing business and marketing. However, many critics have spoken...

Anxiety Disorder 3 Times More Likely Among Older Adults with COPD   Older adults are particularly at risk of many diseases. Living through the years, it's understandable that body parts begin to wear out and pick up problems on the way, especially when adequate care is not taken. However, it...

Body Image Related to Mental Health in Teens   We cannot deny that people tend to feel the way they look -- or think they look. Those who believe they look great also often feel great and have higher self-esteem. For people with negative body image, the results can be...

Dementia's Relationship with Mental Health   In 2020, there were an estimated 55 million people living with dementia. 10 million new cases add to the number yearly, and experts believe that someone develops the condition every three seconds. Notably, researchers have always believed that there is a relationship between mental...

Mushroom Consumption May Lower Risk of Depression   Many people know mushrooms to be very healthy food. But few know that it also promotes better mental health. New research conducted by Penn State College of Medicine has revealed that people who consume mushrooms have lower rates of depression. Past studies...

Naomi Judd's Death by Suicide: The Fierce Grip of Mental Illness   On Saturday, April 30, country music legend Naomi Judd took her own life after battling mental illness for years. She died at the age of 76. Like many other people, you may wonder, what could be her reason...

How Cannabis Affects Our Cognition and Psychology   Cannabis has been in use for centuries and is now the most widely used drug available. For its ability to induce relaxation and feelings of excitement, that's pretty understandable. In short, many states have legalized its use. But we know that most...

How We View the Future May Influence How We Recover from Alcohol Use   A slow, long-term view towards life may be key to helping people recover from alcohol use disorder (AUD), a new study finds. Alcohol use disorder is a worrying problem that ravages the United States, creating an...

Treating Substance Use Also Reduces Depression in Youths with Both Problems   Many people use substances like alcohol and cannabis to curb depression. In fact, people seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and pain have the highest risk of developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). This means that substance use and depression...

Medical Marijuana May Lead to Cannabis Use Disorder   There have been claims going around for years that cannabis may effectively treat anxiety, depression, and many other health conditions. However, there aren't sound scientific studies or proofs to back such claims. Instead, contrary to the claim, new research suggests that...

Light Alcohol Intake is Risky After All   Experts have always told us that light to moderate alcohol consumption may promote better heart health. In fact, observational analysis showed that light/moderate drinkers had the lowest risk of heart disease. A more recent study also suggested that alcohol abstinence increases a...

We all go through stress at some point. But when it becomes excessive and goes on for too long, it becomes a cause for concern, for example, in pregnant women. When a woman undergoes chronic stress (not acute) for long periods during pregnancy, the surge in cortisol can affect the...

Mental Health Treatments: One Parasite Could be the Breakthrough   T. gondii, a common parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals, is known to cause behavioral changes in the infected host. Research into how this parasitic infection alters behavior suggests that the pathway may help develop treatments for schizophrenia...

Parents of Children with ADHD at Risk of Developing Dementia Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) usually progresses from childhood into adulthood. But researchers have discovered something incredibly interesting about this disorder. People with ADHD have a higher risk of developing dementia. Furthermore, parents of children with ADHD are 34% more...

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart problems can increase one's chances of developing a mental illness like depression. Of course, it's not uncommon for someone recently diagnosed with some deadly cancer to fall into deep sadness or depression. Chronic diseases are usually long-lasting and hardly ever go away completely....

Therapy and medication are some of the best ways to keep your mental health issues in check. When you're dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or some other disorder, it helps to consult a licensed mental health care provider, talk about your issues, and stay on prescriptions. But that's not all...

Childbearing can be challenging, and different women respond differently to it. While some mothers get excited after childbirth, some fall into depression as they navigate this significant life transition. Depression that occurs after childbirth is known as postpartum depression. However, some women also get depressed during pregnancy. The good news...

Some illnesses are transient, but mental health disorders are often longer-lasting and complex. They can affect one's daily life and relationships, so there's every need to be informed about certain realities while living with a mental illness. How much you understand about your mental health disorder can impact how it...

Clues to Treating Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Discovered   Although schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two very debilitating and common mental health issues, their cause has gone undetected for years. They are also very challenging to diagnose and treat. But one thing's for sure; they are both highly heritable, and...

How do people get addicted to alcohol? What causes alcohol addiction? It's popular belief that people become addicted to alcohol use the longer they indulge. That is, they grow so resistant to the pleasurable effects of alcohol over time that they now need to take larger amounts for them to...

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Associated with Hoarding   Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition characterized by attention difficulty, hyperactivity, disorganization, and impulsiveness. It typically begins in childhood, goes into adulthood, and may cause low self-esteem. Hoarding disorder is a behavioral pattern in which the individual excessively accumulates items and has trouble...

Mental health disorders can disrupt one's social behavior and mood and can hamper their ability to function. Coupled with heart disease, the situation becomes even more dreadful. But studies show that there is a relationship between heart diseases and mental health disorders. There's evidence that mental health disorders like anxiety...

How Brain Cell Development Influences Risk of Psychiatric Disorders   A group of researchers has discovered that schizophrenia and a range of mental illnesses are associated with a breakdown in brain cell development. The study was conducted by Cardiff University scientists, jointly led by Dr. Andrew Pocklington. We've always known...

Can Depression Cause Cancer? People with cancer, and even their loved ones, often fall into depression. It may appear like feelings of sadness, and that's understandable given the fears and anxiety about whether the person would survive, the thoughts of amazing dreams and bright futures that are now at stake. ...

Parkinson's is Often Linked with Depression, But There’s Good News   Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremors and difficulty walking and talking. It is progressive, and the symptoms may worsen over time to the point that the individual may freeze on the spot and fall, unable to walk....

Research shows that stress can make women consume alcohol excessively, but it's different for men. Men who experience the same stress level typically drink in excess when they have already started consuming alcohol. The difference is this: stress alone doesn't drive men to excessive drinking, but it can do so...

You experience anxiety when something troubles your mind, causing you to worry. It could be a social event that's coming up, an impending task you don't know how to handle, or a situation that causes fear. But here's the million dollar question. Will your anxiety ever go away? Or will...

Intimacy and Mental Health: The Connection   Just as much as we express affection outwards, we need to feel loved as well. In fact, intimacy is one of our greatest needs as humans.  The Importance of Intimacy Intimacy refers to a feeling of closeness with another person. This individual can...

How are Mental Health and Heart Disease Related?   Heart diseases like stroke and high blood pressure put patients at risk of premature death. At the same time, psychiatric illnesses also negatively impact life span and quality. When someone suffers from both mental health issues and heart disease at the...

Anxiety Recovery: Can You Feel Completely Normal Again?   Anxiety, considered the most common mental illness in the United States, affects an estimated 40 million adults 18 and older. Of all mental illnesses, anxiety is the most common. From 2008 to 2018, the rate of anxiety increased from 5.12% to...

Rates of Depression and Suicide Among Teenagers Are on the Rise   Of all the mental health challenges people battle, depression is one of those that sap all the juice out of life. Teenagers are struggling with depression, poor body image, and feelings of low self-esteem all over the world;...

How Effective Are Digital Solutions in Treating Depression?   For decades, we've relied solely on face-to-face interactions to treat mental illnesses. Patients need to walk into a therapist's office or discuss via live chat. But that has changed over the years. Digital solutions like software programs and mobile apps are...

Effect of a parent's mental illness on the child? A parent's mental illness can expose the child to so many health risks. Firstly, children of parents with mental disorder are at an increased risk of developing mental disorders themselves. Also, the kids may suffer neglect or abuse due to the...

Why do people relapse? Here's what we know   Why can some people use recreational drugs controllably whereas others get compulsively drawn to it? Why do some individuals get strongly addicted after using drugs like marijuana, exhibiting the drug-seeking habits typical of substance abuse disorder? And what causes relapse in...

The Link Between Mental Health and Diabetes   Type 2 Diabetes More Prevalent in People with Mental Health Disorder New research shows that type 2 diabetes is more prevalent among people with mental health disorders. Type 2 diabetes is a very common disease, but that doesn't make it any less...

How does sleep affect your mental health? The impact of sleep deprivation   Having trouble sleeping? Working long hours and feeling sleep deprived? You may want to know how sleep and insomnia affect your mental health. When you have trouble sleeping, you'll likely feel more stressed, anxious, and depressed. Insomnia...

"The Cause of Mental Health Disorders" Finally Answered     We used to think that mental health disorders just happened randomly and that anyone could develop them, regardless of their background or personality. However, new studies show that this belief was wrong. Recent findings suggest that mental health disorders like...

The Benefits of Sleep in Teens’ Mental Health Sleep is important for everyone's physical and mental, and teenagerss are not left out. But these young people are getting less sleep these days, even when you might think they have less to worry about that may keep them awake. Why do...

Curbing the Mental Health Challenge in Cities   City dwellers generally face many issues that negatively impact their mental health. Notably, countries where more people reside in cities have higher rates of addiction, anxiety, and depression than rural countries. This is somewhat in line with the theory than people are...

How Meditation Can Help You Make Fewer Mistakes   Meditation has gained so much mainstream acceptance in recent years for its benefits. It can help you manage stress, increase tolerance and self-awareness, and even reduce negative emotions. But there's more. New research shows that meditation may help you make fewer...

What happens when you overdose on pills?   Drugs are prescribed for various medical conditions. Many people also resort to prescription pills like opioids to "feel good." This is true for patients battling some mental health problems. Whether it's opioids or some other regular pill, an overdose can be very...

Treating Depression May Benefit Heart Failure Patients   Heart failure is a common heart disease that affects many older adults in the United States. Surprisingly, about half of these patients also develop depression over time. This is due to many factors, such as returning to the hospital and the fear...

Mental Health Benefits of Meditation   Meditation isn't just for religious folks. It's a technique that uses mindfulness to help you concentrate and redirect your thoughts. It's about immersing yourself in the present rather than getting caught up in what's already happened or what's coming up in the future. When...

How omega-3 fatty acids can help improve bipolar disorder symptoms Did you know that consuming more of omega-3 fatty acids can help if you have bipolar disorder? Yes, eating more foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish and walnuts, can improve bipolar disorder symptoms, helping you control your...

6 simple techniques for coping with bipolar disorder   An estimated 4.4% of Americans experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life. That is, in the midst of 100 people, there's a good chance about 4 of them must have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience bipolar disorder. It's...

Feeling Sad or depressed? Unlock eternal Happiness through Gratitude   We all want a happy life. We want to have a well-paying job, a happy family, a beautiful house, and a good social status. But while pursuing all of these, we often forget to show gratitude for what we already...

Social media may benefit teen mental health Last Updated October 23, 2020 These days, a teen's typical day involves a considerable amount of technology use. Young people use social media to reach out to friends, make new ones, get updated on social events, entertainment, and while away time. However, it's...

Sitting Too Much Can Increase Anxiety and Depression Risk   Do you sit for long periods due to your line of work? We know that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor physical health and can increase one's risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. But research shows...

Sibling bullying can lead to poor mental health in teenage   While we may think that bullying starts and ends in childhood, it's not always so. The physical pains may go away, but not the psychological effect. New research has found that sibling bullying leads to poor mental health later...

The connection between childhood trauma and drug addiction   Most people who battle opioid addiction have experienced childhood trauma. From all that we know, intuition tells us that addiction is just these people's way of dealing with pain, to help them suppress the effect of the traumatic childhood memories. But...

Trauma may lead to anxiety and other mental disorders Does truama cause mental illness? If there's something called post-traumatic stress disorder, then it's safe to say that someone exposed to trauma may develop a mental health condition later. Research shows that one's future mental health can be predicted by the...

Poor Quality Sleep is Affecting Students' Mental Health   Being a student is never a piece of cake, especially for college students. Several things call for your attention as a student, one of which is getting good grades. Home works, tests, and exams put pressure on students to devote a...

In a study done at the Imperial college London and the University of South Carolina, it has been found that inflammation and release of the molecule histamine could be responsible for mood in the brain. This has become a molecule of interest where depression is a concern. There is a...

Why Recreational Activities Are Good For The Mind Thinking that the time and resources a person spends on leisure are wasteful is misguided. Leisure and recreational activities can bring feelings of happiness and reduce stress. By taking a step back from the worries of daily life to do something more...

Effects Of Social Isolation On Mental Health Social isolation can cause severe negative mental health impacts, including increasing depression and anxiety rates. When people become isolated from their friends, coworkers, family, and social activities, they can feel lonely and depressed. And the Covid-19 pandemic made us see how profound the...

Many youths suffering from mental illness are exposed to triggers when they hop on social media. From the cyberbullying to the show-offs and peer pressure, it can be hard for depressed and anxious teens to cope. Furthermore, even healthy youths can become vulnerable to mental health problems due to continous...

Is Ketamine an Anti-depressant? Ketamine has been a popular pain-killer for years. In fact, it is one of the safest anesthetics available today. Interestingly, this powerful anesthetic can help fight treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine has been found to help people with severe depression. These are new findings raising the hopes of...

A study has shown that one in four adults is estimated to be obese in the UK, this number keeps growing daily. Another study suggests that people with obesity have a 55% risk of developing depression, and a similar percentage of depressed people may become obese over time. All over...

Physical exercise is advocated in many areas as a way of improving health. It is also good for mental health and well done regularly, the long-term effects are many. Exercise has been associated with mood improvement, self-esteem improvement, mood enhancement, and many more positive effects. People with mental health can...

Nitrous Oxide for Treatment-Resistant Depression For a long time, doctors have been looking for treatment for different kinds of depression. Many people are having a difficult time adjusting to the changing economy. Seeing how mental health problems have spiked post-pandemic, it is important to deal with depression head-on. Research shows...

When the Coronavirus hit, there was panic and anxiety all over the world. The fear of death, the end of the world, was just an air of fear crippling in every part of the world. Things did not get better when there was a countrywide lockdown in most countries. Staying...

Stress can turn hair gray One of the ways to take care of your mental health is by reducing or managing stress. Not only does stress affect our mental health, but it could cause overall physical adverse effects. For example, we know that stress can cause wrinkles and make one...

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash I read an opinion piece in 2017 that was right on target. Its main point: We need to stop apologizing for our mental health. Now in 2020, it rings more true than ever.  The author recognizes how far we’ve come in reducing the stigma...

Photo by Mario Azzi on Unsplash   Are You Feeling Suicidal? There's Hope! Realizing you’re suicidal is unquestionably a low point in life, but it should not be an end point. The oft-heard adage is true: Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. With time and help, everyone can...

Photo by Alvin Mahmudov on Unsplash It’s true that there have always been countless distractions around us, but smart phones have taken that to a new level. With notifications dinging regularly, we’ve gotten used to taking a minute to respond to a message no matter what we’re in the middle...

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash In 2015 I read a study that examines the relationship between spirituality and body image. Its conclusion? Strong religious beliefs coupled with a positive relationship with a higher power are connected to  lower levels of disordered eating and body image concern.  The authors identified a couple particularly...

Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash I always think it's fascinating to read up on current research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Check out this article from the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH):  "When in a relaxed state, the brains of children and adolescents with...

Photo by Matteo Vistocco on Unsplash Depression is pretty common among older adults. It also tends to worsen with age. Around 7 million people above 65 experience depression each year in the US. Some reasons depression is prevalent in older adults include feelings of loneliness and empty nest, poor health...

Image from Neurohacker.com. Between 1 and 3 percent of the world’s population suffer from debilitating obsessions and compulsions. Their thoughts and behaviors interfere with their relationships, jobs, and quality of life. The good news is that effective drugs and therapies exist for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The bad news is that these established treatments only work...

Photo by Francisco Gonzalez on Unsplash For decades, mental health professionals have heavily emphasized medication in the fight against schizophrenia symptoms. A 2015 study and a follow-up study in 2017 says we should turn that approach around: Focusing more on therapy than on medication yields better results.  That’s good news for the hundreds of...

Photo by Miikka Luotio on Unsplash When it comes to sleep, it looks like alcohol has an effect opposite the one many think it has. It turns out that not only is a nightcap a bad way to  send you off to bed, your drinking habits overall could be affecting the way you sleep....

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash I specialize in treating bipolar disorder. It is a troubling reality for millions of individuals and families around the world. About 1 percent of people across all nations and cultures have the disorder, which can disrupt relationships, cognitive function,  and more. It’s the leading cause of disability...

Photo by Chien Nguyen Minh on Unsplash Serotonin levels are one of the first things you learn about when looking into the biology behind depression and other mental disorders. If there’s not enough of it in your brain, you learn, you’re more likely to be depressed. We’ve always known it’s...

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash There was a 2015 study on suicide that took a different approach: Researchers looked at common characteristics among the relatives of people who had committed suicide. Study participants, including a set of mentally healthy individuals who were parents, brothers, or sisters to suicide completers, were...

As we're entering a (hopefully temporary) era of mass online schooling in the U.S., it's good to be aware of your student's stress level, and teach them how to cope.  Researchers have been researching student stress for a long time. I read this study in 2015 where researchers stepped into the world...

Photo by Esther Wechsler on Unsplash Proper nutrition during pregnancy is important for all women: The nutrients they consume are the only nutrients their babies receive. Lately I’ve been thinking specifically about expectant mothers with eating disorders. The worst of it comes down to this: Women with anorexia and women...

Photo by Ola Mishchenko on Unsplash There’s an emerging field in the treatment of mental health: Nutritional psychology. Mental health professionals are increasingly viewing mental illness from a holistic perspective, and nutrition is one of the factors that come into play. In 2015 a group of researchers pulled together all...

I want to talk about a disorder that is not a mental health diagnosis, but it does affect mental health. About one in 10 women have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), so you probably know someone who has it. It’s a hormonal disorder that impacts on women’s bodies in various ways: People with PCOS...

Thanks to Duangphorn Wiriya for sharing this photo on Unsplash. Loneliness affects us physically, especially during this time of social distancing. It affects our kids, too. There's been a study already from the Journal of American Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on the effects of loneliness and isolation on children in turbulent situations throuough...

We hear about opioid addiction and alcohol addiction all the time, but hardly ever Social Media Addiction. Suprisingly, many people are getting addicted to social media use in this generation, and the effects are so subtle and latent that the issue often escapes public notice. So we don't address it.  ...

In this time of social distancing, Pokemon Go may be just the thing to beat the blues. When I first read some research on this wildly popular game in 2016, the last thing I expected to read was how it was lessening players’ depression and anxiety symptoms. But that’s what users...

People diagnosed with schizophrenia often have trouble functioning in society. Hallucinations and delusions make it difficult to understand reality, thought disorders can disrupt  logical reasoning, and memory impairment can make completing everyday tasks impossible. Psychotic symptoms can be treated effectively with medication, but drugs successfully treating cognitive impairments have been elusive....

Photo by Adam Nieścioruk on Unsplash. A 2015 study by the National Institutes of Mental Health dove into the previously murky waters of children’s antipsychotic use, and the findings are interesting: Boys are being prescribed antipsychotics much more often than girls are. In the children up to 12 years old,...

Photo by Josh Calabrese on Unsplash I, like millions of people across the world, have been taking in information on the protests going on in America, and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.  It actually got me thinking about a 2015 study about cultural empathy training.  I’ve worked with clients with...

Image from Sports Medicine. The science of mental health is evolving. In the past, we’d say someone has schizophrenia or doesn’t; they have autism or they don’t. In recent years, though, we’re talking more and more about spectra. The spectrum of light. You may be aware that instead of diagnosing different types...

Image from Khalifa University. You may or may not notice it, but when you’re depressed, your behavior changes — enough so that your phone can tell the difference. I read an article that recommended apps to track your mood. One of the highest-rated ones was called Dailyo, which is a...

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash Back in 2014, I read about a system failure for teens seeking help for self-inflicted injuries: When they go to emergency rooms, they’re often met with what they perceive as degrading treatment from the staff. This perceived lack of kindness perpetuates what researchers...

Image from Wrytin.com We are living through an incredibly divisive time on social media this year. Whether it was information regarding COVID, and now the protests in cities and towns all over the world, tempers are high on social media.  I wanted to write today about one simple tool to...

Photo by Chris Leipelt on Unsplash We’ve all experienced negative effects from lack of sleep — exhaustion, blurry vision, depression, irritability. But lack of sleep also interferes with your ability to store memories. Scientists have long been aware of this connection: Psychologists suggest sleep isolates the brain from the distractions that interrupt memory storage, and...

Vincent Van Gogh has long been a favorite example of a person suffering from mental illness reaching great heights creatively. Some even wonder whether the iconic yellow swirls in his Starry Night painting are indicative of altered vision due to medications he may have taken. Van Gogh suffered from manic depression and committed suicide...

There has been some fascinating research lately on early detection to Alzheimer's disease, and possible genetic components of it in certain people.  Researchers published findings in 2019 on a gene--the APOE4--which seems to play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. Here's a quote from BeingPatient.com and their review of the study: ...

Image from Chowhound. Depression is the leading cause of disability all over the world. Suicide rates are escalating. Families are in despair. What can we do about it? Is there anything besides medication and counseling? How can we prevent it? This answer is unconventional: we could all stand to eat...

Here in Boise we’re starting to shake off any lingering symptoms of winter. That’s good news for people suffering from depression and other mental health conditions. Exercise and sunshine are both simple but effective tools in treating depression, so why not take advantage of both at the same time? A...

My husband sent me an article from the Harvard Business Review a few years ago, and I wanted to share it again because it's full of great tips for how to turn a bad day around!  Here are some of my favorites: Be grateful! It’s impossible to feel depressed and...

For parents who are suddenly homeschooling teenagers during COVID-19, here's a tip: let them sleep in. Studies show that extra sleep for teenagers actually helps shield them against depression and anxiety. It's true! This study from 2017 showed that teenagers with school starting at 8:30am or later had better mental health...

If you’ve ever felt physically exhausted after a long day of thinking too hard, you’re right: Mental exertion is physically exhausting. And in this climate of COVID-19 uncertainty, nearly everyone in the U.S. is most likely experiencing this level of mental fatigue. A 2015 study shows that when we add mental stress...

Image from Medical News Today. Having a couple of drinks before bed may not seem like much, but a 2018 study found that even one drink can compromise the quality of your sleep.  A group of researchers in Finland found that even small amounts of alcohol can alter the quality and...

Image from Forbes. Over the years, I’ve seen mindfulness meditation make a big difference for clients dealing with depression and anxiety. I've learned that mindfulness is good for the heart not just metaphorically, but physically as well.  A 2016 study shows that people who are more mindful — in other words, they are...

I read an interesting study in 2013 about U.S. veterans who were being treated for Depression. It confirms what I have believed all along, that is to get the families involved in the treatment of those suffering with Depression. In this study after questioning patients, it was found that 64% of...

Image from Flo.health. When you first start having perimenopausal symptoms, you may not put two and two together; after all, you’re too young to be going through menopause. The changes in your body can confuse you and drive you to distraction. It is not uncommon to be confused and for...

Image from WebMD.   I don't know about you, but I've been reading up on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) and I wanted to share a few things I learned.   I read this helpful article from NPR about what are the most important things you can do to prepare for the...

Image from Genetic Literacy Project. What is ADHD? ADHD is a term that’s thrown around so frequently these days, we all assume we know what it means. Used to apply to everyone from a kid who misbehaves in school to an adult who has trouble focusing on a single TV...

Image from Psych Central.  Did you know that therapy can help with autism spectrum disorders?  It's true!  I read a research article in 2011 about children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who suffered from anxiety. Researchers broke the participants into two groups: one group tried out CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and...

Image from MarketingLand.com  In 2011 I read an article in the NY Times called, "Since Talking Doesn’t Pay, Psychiatry Turns Instead to Drug Therapy."  I found this outlook to be pretty bleak, because helping treat people was what got me into this field in the first place. Treatment means treating the...

Image from Labor Finder. In 2011, I read a statistic that really bothered me, that it was possible that 40% of adults under the age of 25 in Europe were unemployed. All over the United States as well as many other countries are showing increasing rates of mental health problems...

All this week, we've been surrounded with displays of romance. Flowers, chocolates, and jewelry are nice, but a more meaningful gift you can give anyone you love is the gift of listening. In 2018 I read about a study where the researchers measured cortisol (stress hormone) levels in subjects’ spit before and...

Let's talk about EMDR. Eye Movement Desentization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD while she was out walking off an upsetting incident as a psychology student in 1987. Here's what she had to say about that moment:  "I noticed that disturbing thoughts I had been having had...

It’s just a theory so far, but worth a try if you’re up for it: A cold shower might be just the trick to shock your brain out of a depressed mood. I stumbled upon a decade-old article this week detailing a hypothesis along these lines. It points out that modern humans...

Image from MedicalXpress.com.  I've seen fascinating research discussing what types of personality traits tend to lead to happier people.  In general, research suggests that extroverted people are happier than introverted people. This makes sense as it has been found that extroverted people are more likely to surround themselves with people, which we...

From treating neuroses to reducing chronic pain, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to help with many conditions. I wrote a piece earlier this month on how CBT works to manage symptoms of ADHD. Today I wanted to give an overview of how CBT actually works, and why I...

Image from TeaSoul.net There have been numerous articles extolling both the benefits and harmfulness of caffeine. Less often has there been research on the effects on mental health. What’s my opinion? I advise caution in its usage. There has been insufficient studies showing any benefit of caffeine on mental health....

There is a perception that ADHD is an over diagnosed condition in children. There have been studies over the years that have challenged that perception, even suggesting that ADHD is under diagnosed. One chilling study I read in 2010 reported that of the 62% of prisoners who responded to the...

Did you know that increasing your Vitamin D can take the edge off your depression? There is a growing body of evidence that links many mental health conditions to dietary deficiencies.  Check out this 2010 study called "Where all the sunshine?" Researchers combed over many studies that analyzed the connection...

I read this study in 2010 about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an approach to treat ADHD in adults. When researchers worked with patients on medication for ADHD, CBT worked better than relaxation and educational support in lessening ADHD symptoms.  That's not all! Research supporting CBT as a supplementary treatment for ADHD cropped...

There has been years of research documenting how harmful inflammation can be for the body. In recent years of psychological study, researchers are finding that inflammation also wreaks havoc on the brain.  This research has led to some fascinating discoveries! This 2010 article in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry where researchers...

It’s resolution season, and I’ve got one for you: Make a goal to improve your mental health this year. I talk about it ways to do that in this blog often. Here’s a recap of some changes you can make: Exercise more (maybe try rock climbing?) Cut out sugar Eat more vegetables Make a...

I have some patients with depression who have asked if taking St. John’s Wort is adequate in the treatment of Depression. My answer? It depends. This meta-analysis of 27 clinical trials, totaling more than 3,800 patients, compared St. John's Wort and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common class of...

When I see patients in my office I would say that 75% have as a major complaint of insomnia or having difficulty going to sleep and/or staying asleep. Many times the problem has been going on for years. But who should you see for persistent sleep issues? Your general practitioner?...

According to the Surgeon General, about 7% of children have diagnosed anxiety. Anxiety can look different for different people. Maybe it's social phobia, or Avoidant Personality Disorder, or Panic Disorder. The point is, they all tend to have similar symptoms: sweaty palms, pounding heart, increased respiratory out put, sick or...

It’s pretty obvious that sitting around watching TV for hours a day is bad for your physical health, but new research shows it’s bad for your mental health, too. In this 2016 study researchers tracked thousands of adults for 25 years. They surveyed the participants about their TV viewing habits and their level...

I read a 2010 study on Omega-3 fatty acids--found in some foods--that it can help prevent onset of psychotic disorders in high-risk populations.  The study suggests that a common supplement that we use for heart disease and stroke prevention may also prevent the progression of psychotic illness in those who...

There's no secret secondhand smoke can cause long-term damage. But did you know it can also have harmful effects on your brain?  This 2010 study connects secondhand smoke exposure and possible links to schizophrenia, depression, delirium and other psychological conditions. It turns out that tobacco also brings on negative moods in...

Thanksgiving is here. Isn’t it such a great holiday? It’s all about being with people you love and appreciating what you have. This probably won’t come as a surprise to you, but even science is behind the idea that gratitude is good for you! To celebrate Thanksgiving, here’s a roundup...

Several years ago I had a patient tell me they had a former counselor who didn't hold them accountable. They contacted me for their therapy because they knew I would hold them accountable for the goals we set together in treatment.  This got me thinking about the role of accountability...

  A Danish study in 2016 found that depression diagnoses go up significantly (8 percent) in the month following the change from Daylight Savings Time back to standard time. Since we've just changed over to standard time this month, let’s be on the lookout for signs of depression. Better yet, let’s be...

It’s probably no surprise to you to hear that perfectionism — ever-unattainable — is bad for your mental health. People who expect perfection are often overly critical of mistakes, which can lead to depression. I read a 2018 study that showed that choosing to view yourself in a compassionate light dampens...

There’s a video going around social media about the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” and it’s a concept I believe in and love. The Japanese phrase for “forest bathing” — or taking in the forest atmosphere — is “shinrin-yoku,” and the government has been promoting it since the 1980s. Japanese...

Today I want to take a few minutes to go back to the basics: Let’s talk about prescribing medication for depression. It’s a process that my colleagues and I engage in every day, but for new patients it’s unfamiliar and deserves an introduction. When someone comes to me with depression (and we’re talking...

Image from Lancaster University. I get a lot of questions about concerns patients and family members have about troublesome symptoms of memory loss when I am treating them for Depression and Anxiety. They wonder whether they have Alzheimer’s Disease and not Major Depression.  This table is from the National Institute on...

Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette was the first to describe the syndrome that bears his name. The described patient was an 86-year-old French noblewoman who uttered blasphemies involuntarily. Tourette’s causes so much pain, especially in social interaction. If you’re not familiar with Tourette’s, it’s a disorder characterized by repetitive...

According to a new study in the journal Heliyon, published by Elsevier, dysfunctional eating patterns and habits in overweight and obese adults can be triggered by early life experiences that are deeply rooted within patients' personality features. As a result, weight loss interventions like surgery and cognitive-behavior therapy might not be...

Suicides among teens ages 15-19 are the highest they’ve been since 2000, says a new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here’s a snippet from an NBC analysis of the study: The new study found that in 2017, 6,241 teenagers and adults in their early 20s died by suicide. Young men...

This is second in a two-part series about sleep. Click here to read part one. Last week I wrote about how poor sleep can negatively affect your mental health. If you’re thinking, “It’s not my fault, I just can’t fall asleep at night!” then try this method taught to military pilots in combat zones...

I can’t stress this enough: part of managing your mental health includes getting enough sleep. I’ve written about this here before: in my career I’ve seen how poor sleep can lead to suicidal thoughts, memory issues, even weight gain. According to an article by Harvard Medical School, 50 to 80 percent of patients in psychiatric care have chronic sleep...

New evidence is emerging that some medications for ADHD put teens and young adults at risk for developing psychosis.  According to this study of more than 200,000 people ages 13 to 25, one out of 660 people had an episode of psychosis in a few months after starting a stimulant. This...

As thrilled as kids are with summer break, it can be difficult on parents to muster the same enthusiasm. You’re all out of your routine and it can take time to get used to a new schedule, and get used to each other. If you have a child with developmental...

A recent report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) makes a case for more mental health professionals–including nurses and social workers–in schools. From the report: School counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists are frequently the first to see children who are sick, stressed, traumatized, may act out, or may hurt...

In 1958, researchers in the UK began collecting data from thousands of children born in a single week that year, creating the National Child Development Study (NCDS), which has been ongoing for nearly 60 years. This is so fascinating to me! Mental health researchers have followed, interviewed and documented these...

Nurses and doctors–those critical caretakers of society!–often carry heavy mental and emotional burdens in the course of their work. Think about it: nurses often witness the worst hours and days of a person’s life. Doctors take care of patients and their families who are faced with accident, illness, disability and...

This opinion piece about civility in politics got me thinking about kindness. How can we learn to be more understanding with those we disagree with? Columnist Dave Brooks gives practical tips on curating difficult conversations you have face-to-face, whether that’s with a group of a few or dozens of people. Scramble...

There is increasing evidence that some of the preservatives, packaging and food coloring in America’s food may be harmful to kids’ physical and mental health. Also, putting plastic in the microwave and dishwasher may cause plastic to leach chemicals into your food. In a 2018 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),...

This is the third post in a series about post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can read part 1 here and part 2 here. Is there a connection between post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? I believe there is, and wrote about a study where a Dutch man recovering from a childhood rape was successfully treated for both PTSD and OCD at the same time.  This study from 2014 draws...

This is Part 2 of a three-part series on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You can read Part 1 here. On this blog we’ve established how to recognize the signs of PTSD. This can befall mothers after a dangerous birth, a newly diagnosed cancer patient, people who’ve been mugged, car crash survivors,...

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have major depression, especially when you’re living with it.    For some people, depression is a pervasive feeling of sadness or hopelessness. For some, depression means feelings of anger or extreme irritability. People with depression may swing from high levels of activity to...

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after living through extreme stress, a terrifying or distressing event, or a prolonged traumatic experience. What kinds of experiences could lead to PTSD? combat (for military veterans) or violent/life threatening encounters (for police force) a serious car...

I’ve written about this before: exposure to sunlight can help fight depression. Coupled with mild to moderate exercise, being out in the daylight can help fight carbohydrate cravings, weight gain, social avoidance, even fatigue! A 2014 study of office workers compared the mental health of those who had windows in their office, and...

In Gainesville, Florida, officer Shelly Postle teamed up with Makenzie Boyer, a mental health professional to handle calls regarding people with mental health issues. Postle and Boyer handled 434 calls in eight months, making a co-responder team that halted 92 percent of potential arrests of mentally ill people. Boyer said...

The post-Christmas season can be a real emotional low point. Maybe there’s a backlog at work. Maybe your kids’ schedule is thrown off by late nights and holiday excess. Maybe you had a blowup at a family member during Christmas. Whatever may be dragging you down, here are a few...

This title from Time Magazine really does say it all: “Being Generous Really Does Make You Happier.” Researchers from the Unviersity of Zurich in Switzerland told 50 participants that they’d be receiving about $100 in a few weeks. Twenty-five people promised to spend that money on themselves, and twenty-five people committed...

The Christmas season can be overwhelming. Managing traditions, a heavy end-of-year workload, financial stress, even time spent with extended family can contribute to poor mental health. Here are ways you can manage your stress during “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”:  Set boundaries.  This is the most important (and...

Patients with advanced Parkinson’s are singing their way to better mental health, says Elizabeth Stegemöller, assistant professor of kinesiology at Iowa State University. (Click here to see a video of Stegemöller leading her singing group in 2017.) Stegemöller saw patients’ moods improve and their stress decrease, and their motor symptoms fell as well....

The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger is an incredibly empowering book on trauma recovery, written by a woman who has sometimes been nicknamed “the Anne Frank who didn’t die.” The pain of Dr. Eger’s story is hard to fathom. Nearly her entire family, all Hungarian Jews, died in Auschwitz when...

Grandmothers, take note: in Africa, mental health professionals pioneered a method where they used grandmothers and friendship benches to screen people for basic psychiatric services. In 2004, a man named Dixon Chibanda was one of only two psychiatrists in all of Zimbabwe (a country of about 12.5 million people). He had...

I’ve written about the ways gratitude can improve your life. Gratitude can improve your romantic relationships, help you sleep better, decreases depression, even decreases suicidal thoughts. A 2017 study conducted at the University of Seoul, South Korea, focused on the effects of gratitude on neural network functional connectivity, and how gratitude affects...

If you are in your 40s and suspect your memory is already slipping, stress could be the culprit. A new study found that forty-somethings who had high levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) in their bodies also had reduced brain volumes and lower cognitive performance. This study–unlike many prior studies of...

What causes nightmares, anyway? Nightmares tend to crop up when we’re stressed, anxious, depressed, on certain medications, or when our sleep is being consistently interrupted (hello, parents of a newborn!). Occasional nightmares are normal, but consistent nightmares can be indicative of a larger problem. The most common mental health disorder associated...

I’ve written about this before: when you use cannabis to manage your mental health, the long-term risks far outweigh the short-term benefits. There is research linking cannabis use to schizophrenia in teens, as well as hallucinations, paranoia and other psychotic symptoms in people with a history of mental illness. New research also...

We’ve written about this before: treating depression can be a family affair. Recent studies are focusing on why a father’s mental health is just as important on their children. This 2017 study out of the United Kingdom drew a strong correlation between depression in fathers and their teenagers, while acknowledging that that past...

“We are not responsible for what breaks us, but we can be responsible for what puts us back together again. Naming the hurt is how we begin to repair our broken parts.”― Desmond Tutu, The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World What wounds do you carry?...

Last week Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified before the Senate judiciary committee about allegations of sexual abuse. This sparked discussions about sexual abuse in news and social media across the United States. (Several victims even called into C-SPAN to share their stories after watching Dr. Ford’s testimony.) The Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Dr....

There’s a debate swirling in American politics right now about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, a woman who alleged that Kavanaugh attempted to rape herat a party when they were both teenagers. The arguments have been fierce on both sides: is Ford lying? Is Kavanaugh lying?...

When athletes battle mental health struggles alone, the consequences can be disastrous. Tyler Hilinski, a Washingston State quarterback took his own life in January 2018, only four months after an incredible triple-overtime victory over Boise State. Hilinski’s death started a crucial conversation at Boise State: what more could they do for college athletes...

If you’re dreading the back-to-school transition, you’re not alone. We are well aware how difficult it is to shift a kid from from late night barbecues and lazy mornings into waking up at 6:30 a.m. Juggling earlier bedtimes, packing lunches and managing after-school activities can leave kids and their parents...

The sullen teenage boy is everywhere, so common it’s almost a cultural cliché. But what if it’s actually anxiety? This article from the Deseret News presents another side to the story, where several young men share their stories of grappling with feelings of anxiety, then helplessness, then anger. “There is a difference,...

To treat eating disorders or even obesity, scientists have been turning to neuroimaging–scans of the brain–to teach patients how to understand the path between mind and stomach. In a 2015 study, scientists used neuroimaging to identify what they called “biological markers” or “neural vulnerabilities” in the brains of patients with eating...

Studies on emotion in hemispheres of the brain may have been skewed exclusively toward right-handed people, according to a new study from Cornell University. In hundreds of studies conducted since the 1970s, research has shown that the left side of the brain manages how we approach the world, responding with emotions...

The City of Philadelphia has been planting grass and trees in vacant lots, and the results are extraordinary. A research team measured depression symptoms 18 months before the “greening” and 18 months after and found a 41.5 percent drop for the people living within a quarter mile of a new green space. For people...

I’m always interested in learning how supplements can improve health, and lately I’ve been researching magnesium. It turns out one study shows the supplement can be as effective as SSRIs in treating mild to moderate depression. The FDA hasn’t yet rated magnesium as an effective treatment for depression; they need to...

There’s a bacterium found on the shores of a Ugandan lake that could help reduce our stress. Scientists recently injected it into stressed-out mice with promising results. The bacterium, called Mycobacterium vaccae, reduces inflammation in the brain, which in turn prepares the brain to respond better to stress. These findings...

You’ve heard it before: Exercise is crucial for mental health. That concept is in the news again now because a recent study found exercise can help prevent heart disease in depressed people. The results aren’t surprising, but they come along with some great tips from the researcher who led the study. He...

Did you know memories can be rewritten? There’s a method of treating post-traumatic stress disorder that attempts to erase or dampen the stressful feelings associated with a traumatic memory. Mental health professionals use a few techniques to do this. With one, they distract their patient’s mind with another task while the patient attempts...

One of the most prominent theories about the cause of depression is that it’s the result of serotonin or norepinephrine shortages in the brain. But the thing is, taking drugs that add more of one or both of these chemicals back into the brain doesn’t fix depression for everyone — at least 30...

We’ve known for a long time that people with Type I diabetes are at increased risk for depression. Scientists are now closer to figuring out why. Diabetes (types I and II) and depression have all been linked to inflammation. A new study shows a more specific association: Diabetics suffering from depression have significantly higher levels...

We’ve known for years that people with depression are at higher risk for dementia, but a new study shows it’s more than that. Depression causes all kinds of signs of brain aging. A new study looked at depression’s effect on memory loss, executive function (like decision making) and processing speed in older...

A new study shows more than 40 percent of people diagnosed with depression also suffer from autoimmune thyroiditis, or AIT. The same is true for 30 percent of people diagnosed with anxiety. AIT means the immune system is creating antibodies that mistakenly attack the thyroid, leading to chronic inflammation. Then your...

A new study offers great news for women entering middle age: There’s a good chance you’ll feel less stressed as you get older. Researchers tracked women — aged 42 to 53 at the beginning of the study — for 15 years. They found that most women’s perceived levels of stress dropped significantly...

It’s Teacher Appreciation Week this week, and man, do these teachers deserve our appreciation. A recent study found 93 percent of elementary school teachers are highly stressed. That so many endure this stress and continue their work teaching children is incredible, and as a mother and grandmother, I’m grateful. Researchers suggest big-picture...

The simple answer is maybe. There are a number of studies that linkmarijuana and schizophrenia, but researchers don’t go so far as to say one leads to the other. The most recent study was published at the end of last year. It followed 6,788 people who experienced a psychotic episode induced by substances like alcohol and marijuana between 1994...

If you’re a depressed mom, you might not be giving your children everything they need to develop to their full potential. That doesn’t mean you can’t; it just means you’ve got to be aware of the potential pitfalls. A new study followed Chilean mothers and children from ages one to 16. They...

I read an article this week about college students’ declining mental health and how their schools are responding, and it reinforced my belief that parents and others can do a much better job preparing their kids for the mental and emotional challenges of adulthood. Here are some stats from the article: Anxiety...

When you’re stressed, you can respond in helpful ways or unhelpful ways. Learning early to respond in those helpful ways (“adaptive coping”) can lead to much better mental health down the road. A new study found that obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferers tend to be lacking in these healthy coping skills. Instead, they tend...

Dementia is a terrible thing to watch, and an even more terrible condition to experience. It is defined as a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. There are things you can do now to prevent later dementia, and a new study suggests that the most important is to take...

The younger a girl is when she gets her period, the more likely she is to show symptoms of depression and antisocial behavior. That association lingers into adulthood, a new study finds, with grown women who started their periods early staying more depressed than their peers. Parents and health care providers, be...

Rates of cannabis usage have more than doubled in the past decade. Medical marijuana is now legal in half of the United States and is increasing in accessibility to current and future users. Cannabis is now the most widely used illicit substance in the US, more popular than alcohol and...

We often hear that personal growth comes from the challenges we face, but this week I read about some researchers who have documented that concept. In the most recent study, scientists interviewed hundreds of survivors of the tornado that rocked Joplin, Missouri, in 2011. The disaster took 161 lives, injured...

If you’re traveling for work, keep an eye on your mental health! A recent study found those who travel two weeks or more per month are more likely than those who travel less than that to suffer from anxiety and depression. Additionally, they’re more likely to drink too much, smoke, be sedentary,...

If you’re one of those people who can’t fall asleep because tomorrow’s tasks are trampling through your head, consider taking up a simple habit: Spend 5 minutes writing a to-do list before bed every night. Researchers recently assigned a group of people to do just that, and they determined the practice...

When it comes to mental health, there’s a difference between being antisocial and being unsociable, a recent study shows. Where antisocial behavior (avoiding social contact because of dislike or anxiety) can be bad for mental health, being unsociable (preferring alone time because you enjoy it) can actually be good. In this study,...

If you’re anorexic or obese, there’s a good chance you’re depressed, too. More than 50 percent of anorexic women and 43 percent of obese people suffer from depression. Surprisingly, a new study shows the biochemistry contributing to depression and anxiety in those two opposite physical conditions appears to be the same. Both obese...

My headline overstates it — not all people who were spanked as children grow up to suffer from depression — but a new study shows there is a link. Children who are spanked are more likely than children who are not spanked to feel depressed, attempt suicide, have drinking problems, and use drugs as...

We’ve known for years that social media — with Facebook being one of the most prominent platforms — can negatively effect mental health. You probably saw about a week ago that Facebook came out with a blog post about that topic. In the post, the company acknowledges research asserting that technology can drive people...

October 10th was World Mental Health Day, and the world took note. Publications across the web published articles and opinion pieces about mental illness, and public figures as well as everyday people spoke up about their own experiences on social media. Here are some highlights: “It’s an important day because we’re...

I never cease to be amazed at how we can physically change our brains with the thoughts and behaviors we choose. This week I read about a study focused on determining how different mental exercises affect our brains and our responses to social  stressors. The study found that each of three mental...

Depression and excessive alcohol drinking can each be debilitating issues. When someone struggles with both — which is common, each leading to the other — treatment is critical. A new study shows depression and harmful drinking can be successfully treated with counseling, and the results are lasting. Because not everyone has easy access to mental health care...

The evidence has been building up for years: Inflammation and depression are linked, and treating inflammation can lead to improvement in depression symptoms. It looks like scientists have gotten to the point where the connection is no longer a maybe. Here’s what Cambridge’s head of Psychiatry said at a recent forum: “In...

Good news for schizophrenic people who hear voices: Scientists have found the region of the brain involved in the delusion. It’s a specific spot in the temporal lobe, where language originates. Even better, targeting that area with magnetic pulses decreased the symptom for some patients. The magnetic pulse success ratio was not...

A new study shows it’s not the popular teens who are setting themselves up for good mental health later in life; it’s the ones who form close friendships, however few they are. A group of researchers followed 169 teenagers over 10 years. They questioned them every year about friendships and mental health....

Recently I was talking to a family member about his struggles with anxiety, and I gave him this advice: Do one thing every day that makes you uncomfortable.  Even the thought of doing that is distasteful, but the concept is the basis of something called Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), a...

By the time they hit 15, teenage girls are twice as likely as teenage boys to suffer from depression. This could be because girls tend to think more negatively, dwelling on social and body image stressors. They’re also more likely to have experienced sexual abuse and other negative events. On a biological...

Sleep is so important for your mental health, but 45 percent of Americans say lack of quality sleep regularly affects their daily activities. A possible culprit these days, according to a recent study, is the blue light coming from the screens we all love. Blue light keeps us alert and regulates our internal clock. We get...

In a recent email to her colleagues, a Michigan software developer dealing with depression and anxiety wrote: “I’m taking today and tomorrow to focus on my mental health. Hopefully I’ll be back next week refreshed and back to 100%.” Her CEO’s response was perfect: “I just wanted to personally thank...

It’s not official yet, but a new study suggests taking probiotics could relieve symptoms of depression. Remember several months ago, when I wrote about the relationship between your gut and your mental health? I recommended changing what you eat to develop a healthier gut. Well, this new study is along those same...

A new study brings good news for young people who have suffered a traumatic experience: Children and adolescents with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can be successfully treated with just a few hours of therapy. Researchers timed the therapy with a stop watch. They found that 2 hours and 20 minutes of Eye Movement...

In honor of Father’s Day, I wanted to highlight a study that shows the wonderful impact a good dad can have on his family. This relates specifically to families with depressed mothers. A study published last month detailed the depressed mom’s typical parenting style. She tends to be less sensitive to her...

I’ve written before about how social media can be bad for your mental health, but let’s get site specific: Instagram is the worst of the bunch. A new study surveyed 1,479 teens and young adults in the U.K., asking them about how social media affects them both positively and negatively. They asked about...

photo:John Cade, the psychiatrist who discovered Lithium’s effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. There are drugs far more fashionable than Lithium these days: Pharmaceutical companies pay their representatives big money to promote their latest offerings, both with mental health care providers and in advertising. The thing is, I’m not convinced...

It’s well established that exercise is a great way to relieve depressive symptoms, but there might be some forms of exercise that are better than others.  Take bouldering, for example. A recent study showed participating in the sport — which involves climbing rocks without ropes or harnesses — reduced depression symptoms from moderate...

Did you know that simply being around dirt can ease your depressive symptoms? If you’ve found gardening to be a good a stress reliever, this could explain it: Scientists have determined that a bacterium in soil, Mycobacterium vaccae, activates serotonin-producing neurons in an area of the brain that regulates mood — an effect similar to...

You’ve probably noticed — not everyone who goes through a traumatic event experiences Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Scientists have noticed, too, and they wondered why that is. After analyzing the DNA of 20,000 people, they found that genes are partially to blame for the difference. To be more specific,...

About a month ago, Netflix added “13 Reasons Why” to its  streaming content, and teens are obsessed. The 13-episode series follows a teenage boy trying to wrap his mind around the suicide of his friend, a teenage girl, as he listens to the 13 tapes she left behind to describe events leading up to her...

I’ve written before about how prescribing medication for depression can be an imprecise science. Often it takes multiple tries before we find the right drug or combination of drugs to send your depression into remission. A study from Dr. Madhukar Trivedi (front) demonstrated that measuring a depressed patient’s C-reactive protein level can...

Does depression change the brain, or are brain abnormalities the cause of depression? There’s a new study out that sheds some light on that question. A group of scientists took their research all the way back to the beginning of life: They scanned the brains of newborn babies. Two years later, they...

When you think of depression, symptoms like sadness, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness probably come to mind. Another symptom — one with a lower profile than its companions — is impaired cognitive functioning. Some depressed people experience difficulty focusing, learning, remembering, understanding, and more. It can be distressing to notice...

I often see patients whose brain power is not what it used to be. It’s a common tale with mental illness–it can slow down and blur your thoughts. It’s also a common tale with aging, so brain health should be a topic on everyone’s minds. There are supplements you can take which...

I read about an interesting finding this week: Teens with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often look at a sad or angry face and see fear. This sheds new light on a disorder tied to heightened threat perception, which can trigger fight-or-flight responses. Misreading social cues could contribute to the stress PTSD sufferers...

Ever heard of cognitive reappraisal? It’s where you take a negative thought or experience and recast it in a positive light. (Failed a test? At first maybe you dwell on your shortcomings, but then you “reappraise” and think of it as a chance to see where you can improve.) A new...

You have a lot of options when it comes to who to see about your mental health. I want to talk today about the category I fall into: Advanced Practiced Registered Nurses (APRNs), specifically PMHCNSs (Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialists) and PMHNPs (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners). That’s a lot of...

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 11  percent of children (ages 4-17) have been diagnosed with ADHD and about 6 percent are taking medication for the disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates about 4 percent of adults have ADHD. With so many people in the U.S. being treated...

If you’re feeling stressed, try turning on some nature sounds. A new study added some scientific enlightenment to the easily believed idea that nature sounds help people relax. Researchers played nature sounds and artificial sounds, in turn, for study participants while measuring brain activity with an MRI scanner and nervous system...

With widening legalization of marijuana for both medical and recreational uses, including some usage for mental health purposes, it’s important to know what side effects come along with it. One of these side effects is decreased motivation. A recent British study had adults inhale a small dose of cannabis vapor and then choose a...

I’ve been reading a lot about a supplement called NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) lately. If you google it, the first thing you’ll see is that it’s used to loosen mucus and treat Tylenol overdoses. But keep reading, and you’ll se it has all kinds of uses — including helping to treat...

I frequently get calls from people wondering how I involve spirituality with my patients. Some wonder if they have to be a certain religion to benefit from the spiritual aspect of my counseling. The answer is no. In most cases, my practice is supportive of all types of spirituality that...