When April Sonier was only 16, she had to have her gallbladder removed. The year was 2006. That’s also when she began using the prescription painkiller Vicodin. “It was my first surgery ever, and I didn’t realize it was going to be that painful,” she said in a recent interview. “Vicodin helped me feel better, and ... Read More
Search Results for: anxiety
How the DSM Became the Defining Authority on Mental Disorders
There's no question that the mental health treatment community — as well as society at large — is always learning about mental illness. Every year, new research comes out that shifts our thinking slightly about certain conditions. These changes may be so incremental we hardly notice them. But a look back at how the ... Read More
What Are the Treatments for Germophobia and OCD?
The advent of COVID-19 drastically changed social mores regarding hygiene. The prospect of contracting the coronavirus sensitized many Americans—who would usually not think much about germs—to their reality and the dangers of minimizing them. It is no wonder that rates of germophobia and, relatedly, ... Read More
Understanding the Common Gateway Drug Paths
Gateway drugs are substances that people commonly use before trying other drugs. The gateway hypothesis proposes that exposure to alcohol, nicotine, cannabis or certain medications can increase the likelihood of later substance use. Research supports a common sequence of initiation, but sequence doesn't prove that one ... Read More
Modern Depression: A Mental Health Guide for Today’s Man
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in America. This mood disorder can cause one to go through long bouts of grief, low energy, sadness, and isolation. In the past half-century, there has been great improvement in the research and treatment of depression and mental health. The hardest part ... Read More
How to Stop the Anxious Ruminating at Night
As many as 30 percent of adults in this country suffer from insomnia, according to statistics from the Sleep Foundation. The disorder, which is characterized by persistent problems with falling asleep, staying asleep or getting good sleep, can be caused by various factors such as stress, worries, or ... Read More
The Diatheses-Stress Model: Life Events That Can Trigger a Disorder
Many of us are aware that our genetics may predispose us to certain conditions. For instance, we know that not everyone who develops a cigarette habit will develop cancer or that not all people who live in a smog-filled city will suffer from respiratory problems. In a similar vein, there are certain genetically ... Read More
SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome – What Everyone Should Know
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — or SSRIs — can be an incredible help for people diagnosed with depression. They're also considered very safe, with little potential for abuse because of their long-term effects. But while this is true, just like with other drugs, taking SSRIs isn't completely risk-free. When a ... Read More
