An eating disorder can affect almost anyone, regardless of whether they are underweight or overweight. Eating disorder is a term that covers a range of conditions involving abnormal or disrupted eating. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, an estimated 10 million men and 20 million women living in the United States will develop an
Mental Health
Vomiting is one of the body’s natural defenses against germs, poisons, and drugs. Some people wish to induce vomiting to relieve nausea, whether the cause is an illness or a substance such as alcohol. Others induce vomiting if they believe that they have overeaten — this is a sign of an eating disorder. However, vomiting
Brain tumors can cause both physical and mental symptoms. The symptoms can differ depending on the type, location, and stage of the tumor. Some symptoms can be quite general. These include headaches, vision problems, and mood changes. Seizures and personality changes can also signal the presence of a brain tumor. If a person notices any
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a condition in which the symptoms of concussion or a head injury last long after the initial injury. PCS can last for months or years, but the symptoms improve over time, and, in most cases, people make a full recovery. In this article, we look at the symptoms of PCS and
A recent study that used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health suggests that people who quit smoking are likely to develop depression or pick up another habit. Quitting smoking may put a person at risk of other addictions. Over the years, a huge number of scientific studies have concluded that smoking
FDA warnings This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Sedation. Spravato can cause sedation (sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, inability to drive or operate heavy machinery). This can make certain activities
FDA warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children This medication has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the strongest warning that the FDA requires. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Trintellix can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in
Millions of people around the world experience symptoms of anxiety in social situations. In this Spotlight feature, we offer some tips and tricks on how to cope with social anxiety to make your life easier and more fulfilling. In this Spotlight feature, we offer some top tips on how to beat social anxiety. The Anxiety
Diabetes and stress appear to be linked in several important ways. Namely, stress can both contribute to and be a consequence of diabetes. For example, a person may feel that their stress levels rise when having to plan meals and measure their blood sugar, especially in the early stages of a diabetes diagnosis. However, stress
Anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, if a person feels unable to control their anger, it can cause problems in relationships and at work. It might also affect their quality of life. Anger is an integral part of the body’s “fight, flight, or freeze” system, which helps protect
A recent study has concluded that exposure to air pollution, particularly during the first 10 years of life, could play a significant role in the development of psychiatric disorders. However, not everyone is convinced by the data. High levels of pollution may considerably raise the risk of mental health conditions. The study, which appears in
For reasons as yet unknown, Alzheimer’s disease is more likely to affect women. However, new research sheds light on the potential impact of stress on their cognitive functioning. Stress during midlife can put older women at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Affecting millions of people in the
Dopamine and serotonin are chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, that help regulate many bodily functions. They have roles in sleep and memory, as well as metabolism and emotional well-being. People sometimes refer to dopamine and serotonin as the “happy hormones” due to the roles they play in regulating mood and emotion. They are also involved in
There is growing evidence that exercise can help to treat symptoms of depression and lift mood, although the reasons have been unclear. Now, a new study finds that the body’s endocannabinoid system may play a role. New research helps explain why exercise improves mood. The researchers propose that a better appreciation of the relationship between
FDA warning: Severe sedation and loss of consciousness This drug has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Zulresso can cause severe sedation, with symptoms such as sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, and
New research over a 28-year follow-up period finds significant evidence that frequent social contact at the age of 60 can lower the risk of developing dementia later on. Spending time with friends could stave off dementia for those 60 and older. The link between having a rich social life and brain health has received much
After assessing numerous specialist studies, a new review concludes that exercise can help to both prevent depression and treat its symptoms. However, current treatments for depression often fail to include this lifestyle adjustment, despite the strong evidence. A new review of the specialist literature emphasizes the need to add exercise to recommendations for the treatment
New research examines the brains of people with schizophrenia and finds disrupted patterns of expression in genes linked with sleep-wake cycles. New research into schizophrenia finds disruptions in the rhythmicity with which some genes are expressed in the brain. Worldwide, schizophrenia is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability, affecting about 1% of
Although there is evidence that exercise can boost mental health, scientists know less about whether physical fitness can prevent the onset of mental health conditions. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis take a closer look. Can physical fitness protect against mental health conditions? Common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are a growing
Pathological liars tell compulsive lies without a clear motive. This type of lying is different than nonpathological lying, where the lie is often beneficial in some way. Lying is a common feature of social interactions among humans. This behavior even occurs in some animals, such as monkeys. Lies often lead to some benefit. For example,
New research finds “significant associations” between a person’s optimistic disposition and their sleep quality. New research suggests that optimistic people are likelier to sleep better. Sleep deprivation is a major public health concern. In fact, around 30% of adults in the United States do not get the amount of sleep that is optimal for health.
The moon has held the human mind in its thrall since the dawn of time. Throughout the ages, peoples across the world have worshipped it as an important deity, believing it held real power to influence their lives — and their health. But is this really true? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. Can the
While most people have accidentally bitten the inside of their cheek before, some people bite their cheek compulsively over a long period. Chronic cheek biting is a body-focused repetitive behavior that has an association with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Cheek biting and the biting of other areas in the mouth affect 750 out of every 1 million
Celexa is the brand name of a generic drug called citalopram, which is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Doctors prescribe Celexa to treat major depressive disorder. Some doctors may also prescribe Celexa for other conditions that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not yet approved it to treat. These
A survey-based study looking at chocolate consumption and depression finds that people who eat dark chocolate are less likely to report depressive symptoms. What do these findings mean, and can we trust them? Could dark chocolate lighten our mood? Over the years, chocolate has been the focus of a great deal of research. Thanks to
New research compares the long term effect of two different forms of therapy for chronic depression and finds that the benefits of one approach, which experts developed specifically for this form of depression, fade 2 years after the treatment ends. New research assesses the long term benefits of a form of CBT for people with
Resveratrol, a compound that occurs naturally in red wine, has intrigued researchers for decades. A recent study in mice investigates how doctors might be able to use this chemical to reduce depression and anxiety. Could a red wine compound be useful in the treatment of depression? In the United States and further afield, anxiety and
Music therapy works, but no one is really sure how. Now, a novel type of brain scan may provide key insight. A new study unravels the brain mechanisms behind the benefits of music therapy. Music is a powerful thing. In fact, it forms the basis of a type of therapy, the aptly named “music therapy.”