“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, not until I’ve beaten my high score.” — Flappy Bird addict The latest twist in the story of the globally popular Flappy Bird phone app is that its creator pulled the game off the market after just weeks, calling it “too addictive.” The response to the removal of Flappy …
Digital devices are now the norm, and not just for adults; children are more plugged in than ever. If you have kids, they most likely have access to tablets, smartphones and computers. If you have ever wondered or worried about the effects of being plugged in on such a constant basis, you are not alone. …
Cannabis use disorder is the standard term for people diagnosed with cannabis (marijuana or hashish) addiction or a pattern of dysfunctional, non-addicted cannabis use that causes serious impairment or life disruption. People affected by this disorder commonly experience changes in their brain function that include significant memory problems. In a study published in December 2013 …
Brain Changes Pronounced in Schizophrenics Who Smoke Marijuana Read More »
With the winter weather bringing nothing but cold temperatures, gray skies and more and more snow, the appeal of the brightly lit and fully stocked mall may be great. Buying that new purse or that pair of shoes that will be perfect for showing off your first pedicure of spring probably makes you feel better …
Substance abuse is rooted in both biological and environmental causes. While genetics play a clear role, not everyone with a specific genetic makeup will develop a dependence. Likewise, not everyone with another risk factor, such as a romantic partner that drinks heavily, will also develop an alcohol-related problem. Often a combination of both a genetic …
Economic Downturn Linked to Increased Alcohol Consumption Read More »
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are two mental health conditions known for the disruptive, dysfunctional changes they can make in everyday human behavior. Mental health professionals view these two conditions as distinct from one another, and the American Psychiatric Association officially places them in separate categories of mental illness. However, according to the authors of a …
Study Underscores Similarities Between Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder Read More »
Researchers have clearly established that a chemical dependence on alcohol occurs when repeated alcohol use changes the brain’s chemical requirements. However, they have never fully understood how alcohol exposure produces its characteristic alcoholism-related effects. In a study published in late 2013 in the journal Frontiers in Behavioral Science, researchers from several U.S. institutions explored the …
A personal story about disordered eating and body dysmorphia that tells the details of these dangerous illnesses and how difficult it can be to overcome them. I was 15. A group of dancers had gathered together to celebrate a monumental performance. There were pizzas, chips, cupcakes, soda—not diet. We were lithe and limber, light as …
Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Southern California recently undertook the largest-ever survey of drug, alcohol and tobacco use among people with severe mental illnesses. They found that people with significant psychiatric problems are far more likely to use alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs. The survey, published recently in the online journal …
Heavy Alcohol, Drug Use Shortening Lives of Mentally Ill Read More »
It’s difficult to tell if a rebellious teen’s behavior is something she’ll grow out of. A new study provides evidence that teens with certain behaviors can go on to develop antisocial traits in adulthood. In most cases, adolescent rebellion is outgrown and teens will exhibit concern for others’ feelings, feel remorse for a wrong and …