Category Archives: Mental Health

Concussion (traumatic brain injury) increases the risk of dementia in seniors. Roughly 1.7 million Americans experience a minor concussion annually, and nearly 15 percent of those who experience repeated brain injuries suffer from abnormal brain functioning years later. A concussion can occur due to a sports injury, car accident, or any other injury that occurs ...click here to read more

Researchers have found a genetic overlap between schizophrenia and autism. Research from a multinational team of scientists have found that in some cases of schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual disability, malfunctions in some genes contribute to the mental disorder. The researchers examined a type of gene aberration called de novo mutation among 42 “trio” families, where ...click here to read more

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) questionnaire can also help determine the risk of depression and anxiety. OCD, depression, and anxiety can often all coexist with one another, but having OCD specifically increases the risk of additional comorbid illnesses. Researchers have found that a shortened version of a questionnaire commonly used by psychologists to determine risk of OCD ...click here to read more

Scientists from MIT and Harvard have developed a new brain imaging study that can help detect children who have a greater risk of developing depression later in life. In a report which appears in the journal Biological Psychiatry, Prof John Gabrieli, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at MIT and the Grover M. Hermann ...click here to read more

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizure patients can reduce seizures with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). A study found that psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) can become worse with antiepileptic medications and so another form of treatment is necessary in order to treat patients with PNES. The researchers assigned 38 patients to one of four groups: Medication (flexible dose sertraline ...click here to read more

Gout may lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. A 2015 study examined the protective effects of gout in regards to reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Gout is a disease categorized by an excess amount of purines and uric acid which crystallize and cause pain. Although gout increases the risk of ...click here to read more

Researchers have found that depression symptoms do not vary between the changes of seasons. Senior author, Steven LoBello, said, “In conversations with colleagues, the belief in the association of seasonal changes with depression is more-or-less taken as a given and the same belief is widespread in our culture. We analyzed the data from many angles ...click here to read more

More research seems to suggest a link between ADHD and autism that could lead to the development of useful behavioral therapy treatments. Jean Gehricke is the well- known associate professor of pediatrics at University of California, Irvine and he’s a clinical psychologist with the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Right now a great deal ...click here to read more

Schizophrenia risk may be revealed by face reading and finger length according to research. The findings uncovered that deficits in emotional recognition may be a precursor to schizophrenia symptoms and may help identify those at highest risk to develop the mental disorder. There are criteria set out to help identify those with schizophrenia but nearly ...click here to read more

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Saint Louis University, reveals that while opioids help elevate moods in the short term, prolonged usage could lead to new-onset depression. The study is published online in the Jan 11 edition of Annals of Family Medicine, under the heading “Prescription Opioid Duration, Dose, and Increased Risk of ...click here to read more

An association has been found between carpal tunnel syndrome and migraine headaches. A study has found that carpal tunnel sufferers are twice more likely to suffer from migraine headaches than those without the condition. Additionally, the association is also seen in migraine headache sufferers having a higher risk of suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The ...click here to read more

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – both gastrointestinal diseases – have been tied to anxiety and depression. In a previous study researchers found that not only is Crohn’s disease tied to depression but that depression can increase inflammatory flare-ups related to Crohn’s. The study involved 3,150 Crohn’s patients who completed online questionnaires in regards to ...click here to read more

Lupus (SLE) patients suffer from mood disorders, anxiety and depression. Although lupus is categorized by many physical symptoms it can affect mental health as well. Lupus can be a complicating illness which is caused by an overactive immune system. With medication symptoms can be managed but often the side effects of medications can contribute to ...click here to read more

The holidays are a great time to see family and friends and enjoy some great food; however, you often overexert yourself and end up drained of energy, tired and stressed out. Some days you might wake up feeling great, while other days, you wake up feeling like the day is over before it even begins. ...click here to read more