Research has shown that there is an increased risk of psychotic episodes when certain drugs are used. Marijuana, for instance, has been linked with an increased risk of psychosis. It is unclear, however, whether drugs consistently increase the risk of psychosis or if individuals with a history of psychosis are more likely to use drugs. […]
Meth Causes Psychosis, Study Finds Read More »
Some people accept depression as a part of aging. They believe it is not uncommon that as people age, their brain functioning slows and depression may settle in. Caregivers may not be concerned because they believe it is inevitable and normal. But Dr. Deborah Barnes of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University
Depression, Bipolar Disorder May Increase Risk for Dementia Later in Life Read More »
At first glance, youth suicide statistics would not appear to be as alarming as one might suspect given the amount of publicity the problem receives. As of 2011, the suicide rate for individuals between the ages of 10 and 24 was at 7.8 per 100,000 people, which in raw numbers means that 4,000 to 5,000
The Top 10 Signs of Depression in Teenagers: A Guidebook for Parents Read More »
Munchausen syndrome is a mental health disorder characterized by either the exaggeration of existing health problems or the purposeful, false production of new health problems. It represents the most serious form of a group of conditions called factitious disorders. As a rule, people with Munchausen syndrome act out of a deep-seated need to receive attention
Understanding Munchausen Syndrome Read More »
Indoor tanning is a term that describes skin tanning achieved through use of equipment such as sun lamps, tanning booths, or tanning beds. Numerous studies have linked this practice to increased risks for developing several form of dangerous or deadly cancer. Despite growing public awareness of these risks, large numbers of people in the United
Tanning Addiction a New Form of Substance Abuse Read More »
Politics can be a tough game, especial in high-profile seats in Congress where the stakes are high and political advisors will do anything to get their candidate in office or do anything to keep their opponents out. Sex scandals are usually the top issues that can bring a campaign to a halt quickly, but recently,
Coming out of rehab and filled with ideas about how to embark on a life that is clean and sober is an ideal situation. For many newcomers to sobriety, however, the reality is something a bit less clear-cut. For one thing, there is bound to be a lot of doubt and confusion, uncertainty over what
Righteous Obsession: Can You Go Too Far in Recovery? Read More »
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a sometimes debilitating mental health condition that appears in the weeks following an overwhelmingly stressful life event. At one point, this disorder belonged to a larger group of conditions called anxiety disorders; it now belongs to a group of conditions called trauma- and stressor-related disorders. While most people probably associate
Teens, Younger Kids Can Get PTSD, Too Read More »
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by some sort of problem with the timing of the body’s circadian rhythm, which establishes the basic day/night cycle that governs sleep. Several different types of these disorders are officially recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a professional organization that plays a
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Fast food is the generally accepted term for food sold in restaurants that emphasize easy ordering, rapid preparation and quick service for their customers. Many of the foods served in these restaurants contain substantial amounts of two forms of fat — saturated fat and trans fat. Studies have shown that regular consumption of these fats
That Happy Meal Can Lead to Depression, Studies Find Read More »