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The Hidden Cost of Pretending Your Problems Don't Exist

The Hidden Cost of Pretending Your Problems Don't Exist

Avoidance coping, characterized by efforts to sidestep stressors rather than confront them, can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including sub...
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Optimism Linked to Longer Lifespan and Healthier Aging in Extensive Studies

Optimism Linked to Longer Lifespan and Healthier Aging in Extensive Studies

Optimism Linked to Longer Lifespan and Healthier Aging in Extensive Studies
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Spravato Not Approved for PTSD Treatment Alone, May Aid Co-Occurring Depression

Spravato Not Approved for PTSD Treatment Alone, May Aid Co-Occurring Depression

Spravato, an esketamine nasal spray, is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and major depression with acute suicidal thoughts or actions. However, it is not approved to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a standalone condition. Despite this, Spravato may be considered as an appropriate option for individuals with PTSD when it co-occurs with depression that has not responded to at least two other antidepressants. The medication works on the brain's glutamate system, a different pathway than traditional antidepressants, and can potentially help form new neural connections. Treatment typically involves two sessions per week for the first four weeks, followed by weekly or bi-weekly sessions, with progress monitored through structured check-ins. Spravato is administered in certified clinics under supervision due to risks such as sedation, dissociation, respiratory depression, and potential for misuse.
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Milania Giudice reveals bipolar diagnosis, apologizes after arrest

Milania Giudice reveals bipolar diagnosis, apologizes after arrest

"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice's daughter Milania Giudice revealed she is in treatment for mental health.
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BetterHelp Therapist Christy Hinnant's Practice Details and Platform Process Outlined

BetterHelp Therapist Christy Hinnant's Practice Details and Platform Process Outlined

Christy Hinnant, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in Florida, practices through BetterHelp, the online therapy service. Her practice details, including her five years of experience and specializations in stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and self-esteem, are publicly available. BetterHelp's process for connecting clients with therapists involves an initial questionnaire to understand client needs and preferences. While clients can request a specific therapist like Hinnant, the platform primarily uses an algorithmic matching system. If a requested therapist's caseload is full, clients are offered an alternative rather than being placed on a waitlist. The first session typically focuses on history and orientation, and clients have the flexibility to change therapists if the fit is not right, a key difference from traditional private practices. Hinnant's credentials, including her license number and NPI, are cross-checked against public registers, and her listing is regularly updated.
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Study in Israel Shows Forest Medicine Improves PTSD Symptoms

Study in Israel Shows Forest Medicine Improves PTSD Symptoms

A recent study conducted in Israel by 'Forest Medicine Israel' has demonstrated significant improvements in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms through structured and guided forest medicine interventions. The study, which included 75 participants recognized by the Defense Ministry for military-related post-trauma, divided individuals into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group, comprising 54 participants, received forest medicine alongside their regular treatment, while the 21-person control group continued only with their standard care. Results showed that 70% of the intervention group experienced a daily trend of improvement in their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) index, compared to 31% in the control group. Furthermore, the intervention group saw a dramatic decrease of 9.1 points in PTSD symptoms and a 7-point improvement in the Patient Health Questionnaire, indicating a 54% improvement, versus only 7% in the control group. The positive effects of forest medicine inte...
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Twin Study Reveals Complex Link Between Teen Screen Time and Mental Health, Downplaying Direct Causation

Twin Study Reveals Complex Link Between Teen Screen Time and Mental Health, Downplaying Direct Causation

A long-running Swedish twin study, initiated in 2004, suggests that while teenagers who spend more time on screens report increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, shared genes and family life significantly explain this correlation. The study tracked over 21,000 twins from age nine into their twenties, with parents reporting screen use at age nine and twins self-reporting at ages 15, 18, and 24. National health records were then used to identify diagnoses of depression or anxiety and antidepressant prescriptions up to age 28. Initially, a strong link was observed between interactive screen use (gaming, chatting, browsing) and mental health symptoms, with teens spending over six hours daily on interactive use at 15 being three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety by 28. However, when comparing twins within the same family, especially identical twins, this link substantially weakened, indicating that shared genetic and environmental factors play a crucial role in both screen time ...
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Neuroticism Linked to Persistent Mental Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic

Neuroticism Linked to Persistent Mental Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic

A new study led by researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) has found that U.S. adults with higher levels of neuroticism experienced greater and more persistent increases in mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by worry, emotional sensitivity, and stronger reactions to stress. The findings, published in PLOS One, analyzed survey responses from 4,030 U.S. adults who participated in the Understanding America Study from 2019 through February 2024, allowing for comparisons of mental health before, during, and after the pandemic. The study examined the 'Big Five' personality traits: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Mental distress was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression and anxiety symptoms. Participants in the highest quartile for neuroticism experienced 11 to 20 percentage points higher increases in the probability of moderate or severe distress compared to those i...
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Gratitude Practices Show Potential for Enhancing Mental Well-being

Gratitude Practices Show Potential for Enhancing Mental Well-being

Gratitude Practices Show Potential for Enhancing Mental Well-being
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Howie Mandel Discusses Lifelong Struggle with OCD and Anxiety, Highlighting Temptation for Isolation

Howie Mandel Discusses Lifelong Struggle with OCD and Anxiety, Highlighting Temptation for Isolation

Howie Mandel Discusses Lifelong Struggle with OCD and Anxiety, Highlighting Temptation for Isolation
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Mindfulness-Based Interventions Advance Psychological Practice, Emphasizing Present Moment Awareness

Mindfulness-Based Interventions Advance Psychological Practice, Emphasizing Present Moment Awareness

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are significantly advancing modern psychological practice by focusing on how individuals relate to their experiences, rather than just what they think or feel. These interventions aim to cultivate present-moment awareness, regulate attention, and foster non-judgmental observation of experiences. This approach helps individuals recognize automatic reactions before becoming fully immersed in them. For instance, instead of being lost in thoughts about past arguments or future deadlines, mindfulness encourages attention to the current moment, such as noticing the temperature and flavor of a cup of tea. Key methods include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn for chronic pain and health issues, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which integrates mindfulness with cognitive therapy principles to prevent depressive relapse. MBSR incorporates practices like body scanning, sitting meditation, and mindful movement, while MBCT helps ...
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Research Highlights Potential of Psychobiotics for Psychiatric and Cognitive Disorders, Especially Depression

Research Highlights Potential of Psychobiotics for Psychiatric and Cognitive Disorders, Especially Depression

A 2024 systematic review of 51 randomized controlled trials indicates promising evidence for psychobiotics in treating psychiatric and cognitive disorders, particularly depression. The research, published in Nutrients, involved 3,353 participants and explored the gut-brain axis, an area of active scientific investigation. While the findings suggest therapeutic potential, the review also emphasizes that results varied across different conditions and interventions, highlighting the need for further high-quality research. The gut-brain axis describes the complex communication network between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, where gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters that can influence mood and cognitive functions. The study underscores that understanding the science, evaluating the evidence, and substantiating claims are crucial for translating this research into effective nutritional strategies. Postbiotics, which are inanimate microorganisms or their metabolic by-products, are also being...