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Do pacifiers help calm anxiety in adults?Anxiety is a serious medical condition and should be treated by a doctor. There is not significant medical research yet on the health benefits of adult pacifiers. And while some adults might believe that pacifiers offer them relief from tension, such a benefit would only be temporary in nature….

Faith can have both positive and negative impacts on mental health, and its influences can vary broadly from one person to another. 

 If readers are struggling with their mental wellness, they should seek out support from mental health experts who can offer advice and care. They should also keep in mind that faith leaders…

Research tells us that over 40 million adults in the United States are experiencing anxiety disorders of some type. However, only about 37% of them receive treatment for the condition, according to Healthline. That’s a big problem, leaving millions and millions of Americans experiencing anxiety that takes a toll on their quality of life and…

What are the limitations of magnesium and anxiety? A 2017 review looked at 18 different studies found that magnesium did reduce anxiety. However, these studies were based on self-reports and therefore the conclusion was that more studies were needed to fully understand the role of magnesium in potentially reducing anxiety. What type and level of…

What is magnesium? Magnesium is an important mineral that can contribute to healthy bodily function. Experts tell us that Magnesium plays numerous important functions in the body, including improving muscle and nerve function and energy production. Does magnesium work for anxiety? Why or why not?Magnesium may assist the functioning of your stress response system as…

How do traditional therapeutic interventions compare with the potential benefits of the new FDA-approved pill for postpartum depression? The new U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved zuranolone is the first oral medication for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD), a major depressive episode that usually happens after childbirth. Previously PPD was only treated with an IV…

Is AI better suited for introverts?AI will play a large role in everyone’s life in the future. But that doesn’t mean everyone will benefit the same amount. Some experts believe that since AI does not involve social standards and expectations, introverted people will experience less anxiety and be less emotionally-drained than when interacting with other…

1. What is bedrotting?Bedrotting is choosing to lay in bed for the declared purpose of self care: to recharge your batteries and take a mental health day. Staying home in bed, sick with the flu or a twisted ankle doesn’t qualify. You can commit a day over a weekend or a work day. For example,…

In general, we’ve seen an increase in anxiety amongst our younger patients. There are a number of reasons that we believe this has been the case. They include the isolation that the younger people experienced during Covid, the side effects that they experienced from not interacting with their friends during Covid and related difficulties. Lack…

How does ASMR help people relax and fall asleep? There are a number of theories on how Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) improves sleep. The Sleep Foundation states that ASMR seems to stimulate areas of the brain which produces neorohormones associated with calming and sleep such as dopamine and oxytocin and endorphins. Among people who…

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a therapy method which asserts that traumatic memories are formed in a different manner than other memories and therefore need to be treated by a different type of therapy. The phases of EMDR treatment include accessing memories including via eye movements and…

Body positivity’s roots are not as well known as you might think, and are often disputed. But many agree that they started around 1969 when Bill Fabrey, a young engineer in New York, became upset about the way people were treating his wife who was overweight. Over time he launched what was then called the…

Are there any misconceptions about bipolar disorder?Many people don’t realize that bipolar disorder can run in families. Data demonstrates that those with specific genes can have a bigger chance than others of having bipolar disorder. What are some signs of bipolar disorder that people may not realize?Many people think bipolar disorder is limited to swings…

Your body naturally produces cortisol, which is a stress hormone crucial to your health. However, if your body overproduces cortisol you can suffer serious health problems ranging from anxiety to diabetes. And over time too much cortisol can lead to Cushing’s Syndrome. There are a number of signs that can indicate you have elevated levels…

First off, people suffering from depression and anxiety should know that journaling can be a very successful way in which to put their difficult, negative thoughts to work in a therapeutic and even artistic manner. Journaling can be a genuine tool for self-expression and in this way it can help people grow and push aside…

For someone with a food addiction, will they eat because they’re unhappy and food seems like an aid to that problem?People can develop a compulsion or addiction to overeating for a number of reasons. Some people have a genetic disposition to develop addictive behaviors, for example. Sometimes people are struggling with stress and anxiety and…

Emotional maturity is characterized by the ability to think through issues and interact with others in an appropriate manner, with the goal being to make a given situation better, not worse. The best way to do this is to accurately recognize emotions in yourself, as well as others, and respond constructively. Emotional maturity is usually,…

We are starting to see increased support for the idea that people can be addicted to food. There are a number of reasons for this, including brain imaging and various studies demonstrating the way that food can stimulate the brain pleasure centers. This scientific evidence shows that humans and animals experience similar feelings of reward…

The act of emotional suppression is often described as holding in any outward signs of inner feelings. When somebody does not exhibit to others how they really feel inside, it lowers the chances that they will receive the kind of emotional support and medical care that they need to prevent anxiety and depression and even…

For effective communication to take place you must share your thoughts, opinions and knowledge in a way that it is comprehended clearly and accurately. Effective communication has taken place when the involved parties are satisfied that their exchange has resulted in a complete, shared experience. Effective communication in the workplace has taken place when both…

Nature can often serve as a very helpful aid in relaxing for a number of reasons. People associate nature with peace and quiet. In fact, Harvard and Frontiers in Psychology magazine have both reported that even a 20 to 30 minute walk through a park or on a hike can lower your stress hormone levels…

It sounds as if the supposed ‘amnesia’ the Taylor Swift fans are experiencing is common for people who have gotten super-excited about a certain event or life experience. In a state such as this, people usually remember snippets of an experience, as opposed to hours of very specific memory. For example, if you’ve been at…

It’s true that you can feel better just by receiving another’s affectionate touch. After all we all have receptors in our skin that send messages directly to the brain. Just think about the last time you were given a hug or a pat on the back or someone putting their arm around your shoulders. And…

We know that anyone can suffer from PTSD, but there is a clear gender difference in how common PTSD is in men vs. women. According to the National Center for PTSD, about one in ten women suffer sometime in their life with PTS. About half the number of men suffer from PTSD. Data shows us…

Nearly one-fifth of U.S. workers rate their mental health as fair or poor. Generalized across the U.S. workforce, this results in missed work estimated to cost the economy $47.6 billion annually in lost productivity. Although many people and organizations do not treat it as such, mental health is as important as physical health and needs…

Depression can drain people of initiative and desire. When this happens, lots of important things in their life can fall by the wayside, personal hygiene being one of those things. When depression has somebody feeling at their lowest point, the last thing on their mind can be marshaling the strength and focus to take a…

Stress often has a very negative effect on healthy sleep, impacting quality and duration. It does this in a number of ways, including extending how long it takes to get to sleep and fragmenting sleep. A lack of healthy sleep can then actually increase your stress levels and have a severe impact on physical and…

The FDA just approved Rexulti (brexpiprazole) for the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. The FDA approved the drug based on new data from two separate three month studies in which patients showered “statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements” on the commonly used Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory scale. This is a widely…

The new study by Jennifer A Rieker et al. published in International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (May 2023) shows us very clearly that, as one would image, an active social life outside of work is crucial to a person’s ability to undertake professional responsibilities in a productive, positive and competent manner. And interestingly…

The news media have been covering ways to reduce stress – and whether “holding you hand over your heart” like actor Pablo Pascal can work in this regard. It’s important to understand that stress or anxiety causes your body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can in turn make you even more…

Isolation and loneliness can have a terrible effect on a person’s health. They contribute to more hospital visits, dementia, anxiety and depression. Fully one-third of adults state they are feeling increased isolation and loneliness, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In fact, just today US surgeon general, Vivek Murthy, issued a report on loneliness and…

It’s been said many times that “we are what we eat.” And as a psychiatrist, I believe it’s clear that the food we put in our bodies has a large effect on our mood, including whether we experience anxiety and/or depression. There’s lots of research out there on this topic, which is sometimes referred to…

It can be a very trying time when starting a regimen of anti-depressants. For that reason, amongst others, it’s not the right time to also plan an exit strategy to get off anti-depressants. People just getting started on antidepressant should stay focused on feeling better and laying the groundwork for a healthier future.
If somebody has…

A new study in Current Biology indicates that cannabinoids hold potential for helping treat a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. For that reason, it is important to study their effect on various living beings which will help us better understand their potential benefit for humans in the future. The scientists at the University…

Do these answers look ok to send? Many women struggle with mental health challenges when they’re pregnancy, occasionally for the first time. They are frequently dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression and even panic disorders and OCD during what should be such a special time of their life. Some even develop a severe fear…

Most inpatient treatment for post traumatic stress requires a patient to remain in the treatment center at all times for the program’s full length. They are provided treatment, including medications and any other care deemed appropriate during their stay. The nature of the treatment provided is left to the discretion of the healthcare professionals, including…

Depression and menopause and both challenging, and often painful, experiences in life. So it can be very trying when they are experienced at the same time, which happens for approximately one in five women. But we should not be surprised that these two conditions often overlap, since we know there is a relationship between hormonal…

Acute social withdrawal, sometimes referred to as hikikomori, refers to an extreme version of avoiding interaction with, and spending time with, others. This includes avoiding people and activities that one might usually enjoy. Research suggests such withdrawal is caused by mental health and emotional struggles that a person might be experiencing, and it can also…

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) are a group of inherited disorders that make people susceptible to not only infections and malignancies but also psychological conditions. Even though the PID / psychological connection is considered under-researched and therefore not fully understood, research shows that PID is strongly associated with psychopathology and even suicidal behavior, especially in women….

It has been proven over many years via much research that mood can have both a positive a negative affect on our health. Anger is usually tied to a strong perception of wrongdoing and a drive to address or undo that wrongdoing. Sometimes anger is a natural response to a set of circumstances and other…

Although we need more research, the age-old practice of covering oneself in cold water has been shown to have beneficial health benefits, including helping to lift your mood. For example, studies show that cold water swimming can tamp down inflamation which is often identified as a cause of depression. And we know that dousing your…

When we exercise, a complex chemical reaction takes place in your brain which can help boost your mood. These chemicals include endorphins and endocannabinoids, which can actually work in tandem to fight depression. Exercise also often gets us out of the house, into the company of others and forces our mind to focus on things…

An inner monologue is basically the conversation that we have with ourselves, in our own heads, as we go about our days. This process is natural and almost everyone undertakes it in some form. In fact, some people speak parts of their inner monologue out loud: we often refer to this as talking to oneself….

Serotonin is central to many of our behavioral responses. In fact, serotonin has been implicated in practically every type of human behavior, including appetitive, emotional, motor, cognitive and autonomic. The Cleveland Clinic goes so far as to refer to serotonin as your body’s natural “feel good” chemical because of how it helps regulate our moods….

Caffeine is an extremely popular psychoactive substance and central nervous system stimulant. Most commonly consumed in coffee, it is generally considered safe if consumed if moderate amounts. The Mayo Clinic has concluded that, in general, adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, approximately the amount in four cups of…

We have recently seen some patients struggling to find Adderall. Last October the Food and Drug Administration announced there was a nationwide Adderall shortage. Some of the problems that created this shortage started with production issues at pharmaceutical companies, but it has also been driven by a supposed shortage of ingredients that go into the…

Many people have jobs, but not all of them are lucky enough to have healthy workplaces. One of the reasons that certain workplaces are not healthy is due to a toxic environment, defined by Wharton professor Nancy Rothbard as one where people are experiencing corrosive pressures that are draining them and making them want to…

About one in every four people experience weight gain from taking the mood stabilizer lithium, as reported by Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Based on the research conducted on this issue, the average weight gain that people who take lithium experience is usually between ten and twenty six pounds. Some studies show that people taking lithium are…

I was recently interviewed by a major media outlet regarding a serious custody issue that a woman was struggling over with with her ex-husband. As the mother of five minor children I am sure that she has her hands more than full already and that this conflict only makes taking care of her family –…

I am often asked what is known about the links between bullying and teen mental health outcomes, including depression and suicide. Medical research tells us – and many of us can observe in our personal lives – that bullying can drive feelings of sadness and even hopelessness, and that this dynamic can even result in…

Medication with serotonin such as Zoloft should not be mixed with alcohol. However, some people who suffer from depression might mix a medication such as Zoloft and alcohol in the mistaken belief that it will help their mood. They might also do it since they are not aware that these substances should not be mixed….

We all must cope at times with feeling tired – it’s just part of life. Luckily, it is usually short-lived and dealt with by taking simple steps such as getting a good night’s sleep or working out at the gym. But if left unaddressed, long-term stress can prompt simple tiredness to worsen and turn into…

Mood swings are often described as sudden, significant changes in someone’s mood or general state of mind. For example, when experiencing a mood swing, a person may quickly switch from feeling joyful and content to mournful and irritated – or visa versa. People often ask me what the common causes of mood swings are. I…

Whether we like it or not, we now live in an age dominated by the Internet. And that is a double edged sword. If you’re looking for a movie to watch, then you’re in luck. But if you have anxiety and/or depression, then you can actually worsen your mental health by endless Internet searches and…

The Covid pandemic really scrambled a lot of our traditional social cohesion. There are a number of potential reasons for why people might be socializing less. They include fears of getting sick, for one. In addition, many people are no longer working at the office. Instead they are working from home, which cuts down on…

According to the authors of the new Dartmouth COSAN Lab study, gossip is largely a means of exchanging information with others and forming relationships. It therefore can build trust between people and initiate societal links that becomes stronger the more communication takes place. People therefore can feel increasingly connected and “social” when they gossip, which…

Most people have at least heard of postpartum depression, but far fewer are aware of postpartum euphoria, also referred to as postpartum hypomania or “the baby pinks.” However, it is a serious mental health issue that can eventually result in postpartum psychosis. Often initially perceived as “super moms” who are energized and can function for…

Getting through addiction treatment can be tough for sure, but keep in mind that following it is no time to let down your guard. Rehab after-care might be a really good idea for you. This type of subsequent care or treatment is a great way to stay sober and get re-acclimated to everyday life with…

Self-care refers to an enlightened, ongoing effort taken by someone to preserve and improve their physical and mental health and wellness. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that awareness, self-control, and self-reliance are central when utilizing self-care to optimize health and well-being. When undertaken correctly, self-care can reduce stress and the risk of…

It’s always difficult to get a consensus among medical experts, especially about a topic such as psychedelic medication, which is freighted with all sorts of cultural and legal significance. Having said that, from depression to addiction, these drugs really do offer hope for those with mental health disorders according to many authorities, such as says…

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom has new survey data demonstrating that drug usage jumped and then dropped between 2020 – 2022. It is possible that Covid might have played in these fluctuations. It can be difficult to draw conclusions from just one study, and doctors and healthcare officials often try…

The side effects of anti-psychotic medications are broad and sometimes include conditions ranging from constipation and dry mouth to sedation, hormonal fluctuations that result in sexual problems, uncontrollable movements of the mouth called tardive dyskinesia and general restlessness that causes discomfort called akathisia. Weight gain is also a risk as is an increased risk of…

As a psychiatrist, I see patients every day who have medical conditions that have been triggered completely or in part by anxiety. Anxiety can have a very powerful effect on the human mind and body, especially when it’s chronic. These effects are felt in various parts of the body including the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, digestive…

There are certainly some special struggles that long-time singles face when getting back into dating or into a steady, long-term relationship. When someone has been single, perhaps for a very long time, they build up a wide gamut of habits that can sometimes be hard to leave behind when they become involved romantically with a…

As a psychiatrist, it’s clear to me that Covid has scrambled so many of the social conventions that we used to share. That goes for our understanding of “sick days.” In what now seem like the old days, if you weren’t well, you were meant to stay home and rest. This was largely to make…

Although there is confusion around the topic in the general public, cocaine and crack are actually two forms of the same drug and they are almost chemically identical. Powder cocaine comes from processing coca leaves. Crack is powdered cocaine that has been mixed with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water. It is then cooked down…

To understand the psychology behind overspending it’s crucial to recognize that there’s a lot of emotions behind money in general and the decision-making about spending. One example of this is when people spend beyond their means because they believe that buying things will make them happy. In addition, they often spend on things they can’t…

Hoarding is a mental health disorder in which people pack their homes with so many items of limited or no use that they can create health risks to themselves and anyone they live with. This need to save items is often compounded by getting upset when they are confronted about their hoarding and the need…

By their very nature, humans are social beings. The vast majority of them expect and enjoy interaction with others. Sitting alone in your house all day long in front of a computer turns this natural propensity on it’s head. Therefore, in my opinion, social isolation is a significant threat to the mental well-being of remote…

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression related to the change of seasons. People experience SAD mostly in the autumn and winter months and it leaves them with symptoms including feelings of depression and lethargy. The shorter days, reduced sunshine and stresses of the holiday season might contribute to SAD. There are various…

Hydrocodone is an opioid prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain control in patients with trauma, post-operative patients or patients with cancer. Studies have also shown that certain formulations of hydrocodone are effective to relieve chronic pain. Regardless of what it’s prescribed for, all use of hydrocordone must be closely monitored by a physician since it can be…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It is a common disorder that affects people of all ages around the world. Most cases of OCD occur by the age of 19, although boys tend to experience OCD earlier than girls. OCD can take various forms, including…

The body and brain work to maintain a state of balance called homeostasis. But ingesting strong substance alters that balance and then your body has to take steps to adjust, including via your neurotransmitters. So basically the human body makes a physiological adaptation when a foreign substance is introduced or maintained in the system. Opioids…

The power balance in marriages and relationships can be a constant source of stress and anxiety since most people want to have a fair say in the important decisions made in their lives. And when there is a financial inequality, it can even threaten the very foundation of a relationship. In fact, American Psychological Association…

There are lots of natural remedies promoted for depression – but that does not mean they actually work. For example, regarding herbal remedies, the National Institutes of Health cites a large 2018 study (Yeung, Hernandez, et al) which concludes available evidence suggests there is some “utility of some herbal medicines in mitigating anxiety and depression,…

This past year has been one for the history books. Emerging from the pandemic has been a challenging but fulfilling process, especially for healthcare providers and business leaders. As a psychiatrist as well as the CEO of PsychPlus, this has been doubly the case. It’s important for everyone to take a bit of time and…

We live in a complicated world and are presented with challenges on a daily basis. Sometimes it just seems too much when you look around and see pandemics, war, economic challenges, and environmental problems. These kinds of challenges often result in excess stress and anxiety, and even depression. Many people feel like they’re not prepared…

For many years mental health professionals like myself have been aware of the “gut-brain axis” or GBA, which refers to the belief that prolonged psychological stress can create intestinal conditions that are experienced as similar to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As the National Institutes of health puts it: “The gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of bidirectional communication between…

New data shows that moms are experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress as well as depression. In fact, one in ten first-time mothers reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety, while almost one in seven reported moderate to severe depression in the first year after giving birth. Recent research from Ireland’s well-respected Trinity College’s…

More and more people are getting their mental health information online. Lots of information on Tik Tok, for example, is valid, but there is also a lot of false and misleading information out there as well, especially in the age of COVID. And lots of what you read is just “sales talk” masquerading as valid medical advice. So, when…

I subscribe to the guidelines of The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which state that the objective of any opioid-based pain care strategy is to safely reduce pain and increase a patient’s ability to undertake everyday activities. Working with their doctor, patients can usually find safe and effective care options to help them reach their…

Mental illness, including depression, can be overwhelming. It can work its way into many parts of one’s life. It can even affect seemingly simple tasks, like brushing your teeth or showering. And personal hygiene is often a difficult topic to discuss to begin with, compounding the struggle. To be specific, the definition of hygiene, according…

Initially developed as an anesthetic or pain reliever in the 1950s and 1960s, Ketamine was first approved for use in humans by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1970 and has been studied for use against depression since that time, especially in the last 10 or 12 years. And there are now extensive studies…

We are seeing a lot more focus on anxiety treatment these days. In fact, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force on Anxiety Screenings for Adults has just announced its recommendations, which you can read about on their website. As they state “Created in 1984, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel…