It is not unusual for people to use alcohol to alleviate anxiety. However, over time or in excess amounts, drinking alcohol can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress. For anyone prone to anxiety, it can be easy for one drink to turn into more and lead to a growing dependence on alcohol. According
Mental Health
The so-called negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which include anhedonia, can be particularly debilitating. One recent study attempted to identify their neurological roots. Using PET scans, scientists investigated the origins of schizophrenia’s negative symptoms. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects an estimated 1% of the United States population. Scientists tend to divide symptoms into
Researchers who monitored people with deep brain stimulation implants for 8 years suggest that the treatment can benefit those with severe depression. In the longer term, deep brain stimulation may relieve symptoms of depression. Regulators in the United States have already approved deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, essential tremor, and
Scientists have long been trying to find out why some people do not respond to antidepressants. Now, new research suggests that it may be possible to predict how well a person with depression will respond to medication by analyzing scans of their brains. The research includes an example of how artificial intelligence (AI) can help
Although stress is a natural part of life that tends to come and go, some people may find it difficult to calm down in stressful situations. If a person’s stress or anxiety levels become chronic or overwhelming, they may wish to speak to their doctor. There are also several steps that people can take to
Hot yoga differs from traditional yoga in many ways, including its emphasis on hot and humid conditions. There are many claims about the potential health benefits of hot yoga, but there is limited scientific support for some of them. In this article, learn what hot yoga is, its possible benefits, and the risks to consider
Alprazolam (Xanax) is a useful medication for certain mental health conditions. Xanax starts to work quickly, and it stays in the body long after the effects of one dose have worn off. Doctors often prescribe Xanax for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It is one of the most widely used medications for these conditions,
A chemical imbalance in the brain occurs when a person has either too little or too much of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that pass information between nerve cells. Examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. People sometimes call serotonin and dopamine the “happy hormones” because of the roles that they play
Emotional freedom technique (EFT), which people often refer to as EFT tapping, is an alternative therapy for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and some other conditions. According to the developer of EFT, Gary Craig, tapping on different parts of the body helps balance energy and reduce physical and emotional pain. People can see an EFT
Compulsive sexual behavior can have a serious negative impact on the well-being of the people it affects. But what are the biological factors behind it? What drives compulsive sexual behavior? A new study looks into the possible molecular mechanisms. Compulsive sexual behavior — which researchers also refer to as “hypersexuality” — is characterized by intrusive
Yoga is a popular exercise that focuses on breathing, strength, and flexibility. Practicing yoga may provide many physical and mental health benefits. Between 2012 and 2017, the percentage of people in the United States practicing yoga increased from 9.5% to 14.3% in adults and from 3.1% to 8.4% in children. The 2012 National Health Interview
The average weight of a 13-year-old can vary, depending on a number of factors. Puberty, for example, can significantly affect a child’s weight and appearance, and the timing of these changes is different for boys and girls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have set guidelines for healthy weight and body mass index
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes feelings of intense anxiety, worry, or nervousness about everyday life. People with GAD struggle to control these feelings, and the condition tends to interfere with daily activities and personal relationships. GAD, a type of anxiety disorder, is very common. It affects 3.1% of the population (or 6.8 million adults) in
Sertraline, an antidepressant that doctors commonly prescribe, appears to work by reducing anxiety first and doesn’t start tackling depressive symptoms until weeks later. New research sheds fresh light on how antidepressants work. This was the main finding of a study on the use of antidepressants in primary care settings in the United Kingdom. The researchers
If pay raises and reduced hours are not options at the moment for employers, there are other ways to help improve employees’ mental health and performance — including small gestures of kindness. Kindness on the part of the employer can boost employees’ mental health and productivity, according to a new study. A study from Penn
A penis pump is one of a few nonmedicated treatment options available for erectile dysfunction (ED). ED makes it difficult to maintain an erection for long enough to engage in sexual activity. ED is common, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. According to a review article in the International Journal of
FDA warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Taking Aplenzin may cause you to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will monitor you
Ahead of the World Mental Health Day on October 10, the World Health Organization are drawing attention to the high rates of death by suicide worldwide, calling for more preventive action across all countries. The WHO warn that suicide rates are very high around the world, and urge all nations to implement prevention strategies. September
Hoarding disorder is a condition that makes it difficult for people to throw things away, regardless of their value. There are a range of treatment options available. Hoarding disorder can have a significant negative emotional, social, financial, and legal impact. This article provides important information about hoarding disorder, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Today is Friday the 13th, and vast numbers of people across the world will avoid going about their usual business because they fear this day will bring them “bad luck.” In this Spotlight feature, we examine the psychological mechanisms behind superstitious thinking. Some people think that encountering a black cat is a sign of bad
Controversy surrounds the inclusion of nutritional supplements in mental health treatments, with much research proving inconclusive. A major new review now explains which supplements have shown the most promise for specific mental health conditions. Some supplements, such as omega-3s, may indeed benefit mental health, according to a major new review. “While there has been a
Newly published research in rodents and ongoing research in humans examines the effects of psychiatric drugs, including antidepressants, on the composition of gut bacteria. Scientists are slowly discovering the effects that antidepressants have on various bacterial strains that usually live in the gut. More and more studies are supporting the role of the gut microbiota
Xanax is a benzodiazepine, while Adderall is a stimulant. Under the supervision of a doctor, the drugs may be safe to use together. Benzodiazepines slow down activity in the central nervous system and can help a person feel more relaxed and less anxious. Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up central nervous system activity, helping
Antidepressants are more effective for some people than they are for others, but what factors influence how well they work? Research in mice suggests that exposure to external stimuli may play a key role. Do stressful vs. relaxing stimuli in our environment have a real impact on how well antidepressants work? “Antidepressants” is the term
Millions of people around the world have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that often has a significant impact on well-being and quality of life. New research from Israel outlines a new therapy option that could help people with OCD that does not respond to other treatments. Can magnetic stimulation work where other treatment options do
Post-traumatic stress disorder has proved difficult to treat in the long term. Mixing psychological therapy with a novel drug could help. New research suggests medication may help reduce fear in PTSD. In June, researchers carried out a review to determine whether medication or psychological therapy was the best treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due
Bacteria and other microbes in the gut help the body digest food. These bacteria may also play an important role in helping the body fight harmful bacteria, yeast, and other microbes. Foods that promote gut health can feed good bacteria or add more helpful bacteria to the gut. Less healthful foods may promote gastrointestinal problems
Sertraline (Zoloft) is an antidepressant drug. People who take Zoloft may have mild to severe side effects. These can fade over time or persist. Zoloft belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Doctors prefer to prescribe SSRIs over other classes of antidepressants because their side effects are often less troublesome.