Who Is at Risk for Mental Illness? Mental illness is a biopsychosocial disease with a strong genetic component. If a parent, sibling or grandparent is diagnosed with a mental illness, the likelihood of developing the same or similar kind of mental illness does increase. Although the exact etiology of mental illness ... Read More
Drug Profile: Daytrana Patch for ADHD
Approved for use in April 2006 by the Federal Drug Administration, Daytrana is a skin patch produced and marketed by Noven Pharmaceuticals. The drug is also a "methyphenidate transdermal system" (MTS). Daytrana is most commonly used as a daily treatment for "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder" (ADHD) in children ... Read More
Recognizing When Alcohol is Self-Medicating Anxiety
Alcohol has long been hailed for its ability to soothe the nerves. It acts as a sedative that affects the central nervous system, making the individual feel more relaxed and able to deal with stress. For that reason, it tends to be a popular go-to beverage during uncomfortable situations or stressful times, ... Read More
What It’s Like to Live with PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is commonly portrayed in television shows and movies, usually among war veterans returning from combat. However, even as greater visibility is given to this mental illness, there are a lot of misconceptions about what it is, who can experience it and how it affects friends and ... Read More
Five Quick Tips for Preventing a Sleeping Pill Overdose
Note: if you are concerned about an overdose, please contact poison control or immediately dial 911. Even over-the-counter sleeping pills can be dangerous in high doses. Sleep is among the most important bodily functions. Getting adequate rest is critical for brain and organ health and performance during the day. ... Read More
3 Things Michael Phelps Learned From His Depression Struggles
He is the most decorated Olympic competitor in history. The epitome of what a successful athlete achieves over a career. Lauded by fellow competitors and the media, adored by his fans, Michael Phelps' life looked like an American success story. But for Michael Phelps, depression was a constant companion, so bad at some ... Read More
Use These Workouts to Snap Out of a Depressive Spell
Nearly any type of physical fitness routine can improve psychological health. Research shows that exercise can provide relief from a more garden-variety case of the blues and from clinical depression. (In the second case, medication and therapy are typically the first-line treatment, but often are accompanied by the ... Read More
What are the Effects of Invasion of Privacy – Social Media and Mental Health
In today’s world, people face mass surveillance in more ways than ever before. A walk through cities with extensive monitoring systems can mean being captured on camera hundreds of times in a single day without being aware of it. In addition, popular social media companies expose their users’ lives to the public in ... Read More