Mental Health

News and Features Related to Mental Health

Lead, Tobacco Exposure Linked to ADHD

Nov. 23, 2009 -- Prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and childhood exposure to lead are linked to increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, a new study shows. The study is published in the December issue of Pediatrics. Researchers led by Tanya E. Froehlich, MD, MS
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Seasonal Mood and Hormonal Changes

Many women report mood changes linked to their monthly menstrual cycles. Between 3% and 9% of women of reproductive age experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), often with severe depression symptoms. How are these monthly mood changes -- mild or severe -- affected by seasonal weather and
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Tempted to Quit Antidepressants?

Antidepressants are designed to boost mood and relieve sadness, but for some patients, their side effects fuel another emotion: frustration. Just ask Maryland resident Jane Niziol. Her doctor prescribed Paxil after a difficult breakup left her feeling depressed and overwhelmed. Niziol recalls the me
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Treatment-Resistant Depression: Your Continuum of Care

If you've been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression, you might be wondering what happens next. You've already tried some medications. Maybe you've already tried talk therapy, too. They haven't helped. So what now? "Having treatment-resistant depression is a terrible burden for people," says
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Lifestyle Tips for Treatment-Resistant Depression

If you have treatment-resistant depression, getting expert medical and psychological treatment is crucial. But recovery isn't only about dutifully taking your medicine and seeing your therapist. There is actually a lot that you can do on your own to support your treatment. "Because some treatments h
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Is Hypochondria Stressing Your Marriage?

Sometimes recognizing hypochondria takes a little time. It wasn't until Rebecca Serrano (not her real name) had been married for a full year that she realized her new husband had a problem. Once, he was convinced he had testicular cancer -- but he wouldn't go to the doctor. Another time, when he got
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Diagnosing ADHD: Teacher Input Overlooked?

Oct. 21, 2009 -- Pediatricians are most often involved in the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, but many do not get recommended input from teachers before rendering a diagnosis, Consumer Reports says in a parent survey about their children with ADHD. The survey of pa
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Omega-3s No Help for Depression?

Oct. 20, 2009 -- Depressed heart patients don't get extra help from omega-3 fatty acids when they take the supplements along with an antidepressant drug, a clinical trial shows. Heart patients are often prescribed omega-3 supplements. There's evidence that the supplements can make antidepressants si
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Daily Pot Smokers Court Health Risks

Oct. 15, 2009 -- Marijuana smokers who take up the habit in their teens, as well as those who smoke daily or nearly every day, are at the greatest risk for dependence and other ill health effects, according to a new review of marijuana use worldwide by Australian researchers. About 9% of those who e
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Parks, Green Spaces Protect Your Health

Oct. 14, 2009 -- There is more evidence that living near parks, woods, or other green spaces may improve your mental and physical health. Close proximity to green spaces was associated with less depression, anxiety, and other health problems in a newly published study. The relationship was strongest
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