Medical News Today • 12th March 2025

SSRIs: Benefits, types, and more

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of medications primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Feeling down or anxious occasionally can be a typical part of life, but for some, these feelings persist, leading to significant distress. However, there are medications to help.

Medical News Today • 28th February 2025

What to know about the suicide risk in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia suicide rates are among the highest of any mental illness, but suicide prevention strategies can make a difference.

Medical News Today • 27th January 2025

Helping a child at home with OCD

OCD can make daily life overwhelming for children, but a supportive home environment can make a significant difference. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition consisting of intrusive, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that can significantly disrupt a child’s life. These challenges can leave children feeling overwhelmed and families wondering how to help a child with OCD at home. Parents and caregivers are critical in creating a stable and supportive environment.

Medical News Today • 28th November 2024

Problem-solving therapy: Uses, techniques, and limits

Problem-solving therapy (PST) helps individuals manage stress by breaking down challenges into practical, manageable steps. The aim of the therapy is to help people cope more confidently with adversity.

By breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps, PST empowers people to take control of their circumstances, build resilience, and develop a greater sense of self-efficacy. Its straightforward nature makes it a versatile therapeutic approach, suitable for various mental health conditions.

Medical News Today • 15th October 2024

Bipolar disorder therapies: Options and how they work

Bipolar disorder therapies include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

These therapies may help people process emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and regulate mood. While medication is often essential for stabilizing mood in people with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can also be an important part of long-term management.

Medical News Today • 15th October 2024

What is the best anxiety medication for AFib?

The best anxiety medication for atrial fibrillation (AFib) depends on the individual and their situation, but some options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta-blockers.

AFib is a common heart condition involving an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Some medications that treat AFib, such as beta-blockers, can also reduce anxiety symptoms. Other drugs are only for anxiety but may still be suitable for those with AFib.

Medical News Today • 11th October 2024

The link between anorexia and OCD?

Anorexia and OCD are disorders that interconnect, often driven by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct mental health conditions that can intersect.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction due to a distorted body image. OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that attempt to reduce anxiety.

Medical News Today • 27th September 2024

Regression in autism: Signs and support

Regression in autism refers to the backtracking of skills, often in communication, social interaction, or daily functioning.

Regression in autism is a condition where an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experiences a significant loss of previously acquired skills. It can manifest in various ways, including reduced verbal communication, decreased social engagement, or challenges with previously mastered tasks, such as self-care. Autistic regression can affect children and adults.

Medical News Today • 26th September 2024

Managing political anxiety

Political anxiety refers to the stress, worry, and fear individuals experience due to political events, news, or current affairs.

Political anxiety is becoming increasingly common as politics become more contentious, uncertain, and omnipresent in various media forms. This anxiety may stem from the overwhelming amount of information available, much of which is negative or fear-inducing, leading to a persistent state of worry about the future.

Medical News Today • 26th September 2024

PTSD fracture: How psychological trauma affects bones

There is evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of fractures. This may be due to the effects of chronic stress on bone density and structure.

PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs in some people after they experience a traumatic event. It can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Without support, these symptoms may affect someone for a long time.

Medical News Today • 29th August 2024

Stress disorders: ASD, PTSD, and more

Stress disorders include acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. They originate from major stress or traumatic events.

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can lead to serious mental health issues known as stress disorders. These issues include acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Medical News Today • 29th August 2024

Sexual abuse signs in adults from childhood

Signs of childhood sexual abuse in adults can include mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also manifest as self-harming behavior. Childhood sexual abuse leaves deep and enduring damage that can profoundly affect an individual’s life well into adulthood.

The signs of trauma can be complex, affecting mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Medical News Today • 27th August 2024

Signs of sexual abuse in children

This feature mentions experiences of trauma and sexual abuse. Please read at your own discretion. Recognizing these signs and responding immediately and appropriately can significantly affect a child’s life. This article will explore the various signs of sexual abuse in children, actions to take in response, and support resources. Sexual abuse in children is a disturbing and sensitive issue that requires immediate attention and intervention.

Medical News Today • 27th August 2024

Sexual abuse signs in adults

The signs of sexual abuse in adults may include chronic pain, substance misuse, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and significant changes in behavior.

The trauma of sexual abuse can linger long after the event, often surfacing in ways that deeply affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Adults who have survived these experiences may exhibit various signs that reflect the depth of their trauma.

Medical News Today • 27th August 2024

Sexual abuse: Healing and recovery

Healing from sexual abuse involves addressing trauma, building a support network, and empowering oneself. Sexual abuse can leave behind physical wounds and emotional and psychological scars that can linger for years. People who experienced sexual abuse need to contend with complex emotions such as pain, shame, and guilt as they work to reclaim their lives. For many people, the healing journey begins with acknowledging the trauma and seeking the proper support.

Medical News Today • 27th August 2024

Myers-Briggs: 16 personality types and their accuracy

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known personality assessment tool based on the theories of psychologist Carl Jung. Research on its accuracy has had mixed results.

MBTI classifies people into 16 distinct personality types based on preferences in four key areas: extroversion or introversion, sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving. These categories aim to capture differences in how people interact with others, interpret information, and make decisions.

Medical News Today • 20th August 2024

What is moral distress?

Moral distress occurs when someone feels constrained from acting on their ethical beliefs due to institutional or other external pressures. Moral distress is a significant challenge that may confront professionals in high-stakes fields, particularly in healthcare. It happens when a person feels they have to act against their ethical convictions due to external factors, such as institutional policies, legal requirements, or limited resources.

Medical News Today • 16th August 2024

C-PTSD vs. BPD: Symptoms, differences, and treatment

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two distinct mental health conditions that can share overlapping symptoms.

Both C-PTSD and BPD may cause feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or emptiness. Both conditions also have links to trauma to varying degrees. However, while traumatic experiences directly cause C-PTSD, their role in BPD is less certain.

Medical News Today • 2nd August 2024

Vitamins for stress

Vitamins that help with stress include vitamin D, C, and B complex. Other potentially helpful supplements include ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, melatonin, and ginseng.

Modern lifestyles can be high-pressure, so stress has become an inevitable part of many people’s lives. From demanding jobs and academic pressures to personal responsibilities and unforeseen challenges, stressors are everywhere, and their impact on mental and physical health is significant.

Medical News Today • 24th June 2024

What to know about gender socialization

Gender socialization is a fundamental development aspect, shaping how people perceive themselves and interact with the world. Gender socialization is the process of a person learning and internalizing the norms, behaviors, and roles that a particular society expects of their gender. From a young age, individuals experience exposure to specific messages about what it means to be male or female, influencing their behaviors, interests, and self-perception.

Medical News Today • 19th June 2024

Can gender dysphoria go away? What to know

Gender dysphoria may be a lifelong condition, but people can find ways to change their feelings about their bodies. Gender dysphoria is a condition involving significant distress or discomfort due to a discrepancy between an individual’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. It can lead to profound emotional, psychological, and social challenges. The intensity and experience of gender dysphoria can vary widely among individuals.

Medical News Today • 14th May 2024

Self-fulfilling prophecy: Meaning, examples, and impact

A self-fulfilling prophecy is when a person’s expectations about a situation come true due to changes in their own behavior. It is a psychological phenomenon that can play a role in mental health. Self-fulfilling prophecies occur due to a person’s beliefs about what will happen in the future. This prediction or assumption then guides how they act, which makes the expected outcome more likely.

Medical News Today • 22nd December 2023

Laxative abuse: Consequences and getting help

Laxative abuse can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, organ damage, and dependence. Anyone who misuses laxatives should seek medical advice. Laxatives are a convenient solution for addressing occasional constipation or related discomfort. Options such as sennosides (Senokot, Ex-lax, Senna) and others are readily available over the counter without a prescription. Although laxatives are safe for occasional and legitimate use, there exists potential for misuse.

Medical News Today • 19th December 2023

Bipolar disorder vs. mood swings: What is the difference?

Bipolar disorder causes significant and sustained fluctuations in mood. This differs from the fleeting mood swings that many people experience from time to time. Mood swings are very common and may happen in response to daily stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. They are usually short-term, lasting less than a day. In contrast, bipolar mood episodes can last and may affect a person’s decision making or judgment. People may experience euphoria, depression, or a combination.