Mental Health Center

News and Features Related to Mental Health

101. Serotonin: 9 Questions and Answers
     

     Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another. Although serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it performs its primary functions, some 90% of our serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract and in blood platelets.

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102. Mira Sorvino Tackles Diabetes, Bipolar, and Human Trafficking
     

     Born in Tenafly, N.J., actress Mira Sorvino has won acclaim for her roles in a wide range of movies, including Barcelona, Quiz Show, Mighty Aphrodite, and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. She spoke to WebMD the Magazine about her work with the families of people with diabetes, as well as her

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103. 4 Million in U.S. Admit Drunk Driving
     

     Oct. 4, 2011 -- Four million Americans admit driving when they've had too much to drink, a CDC survey finds. Just counting those who admit drunken driving -- certainly an underestimate of the true number -- alcohol-impaired drivers were on the road an estimated 112 million times last year. That's do

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104. Omar Epps Wants to Prevent Military Suicides
     

     Omar Epps, co-star of Fox's hit medical drama House, also co-stars in a TV, radio, and online campaign to help stop suicide among members of the military. "The high rate of suicide in the military -- we wanted to shine some light on that," says Epps, referring to the star-studded cast of the public

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105. 25 Ways to Find Joy and Balance During the Holidays
     

     Feeling down during the holidays can be tough, especially since you seem so out of step with the world. Everyone else seems to be beaming, ruddy-cheeked, bursting with holiday spirit. You’re feeling wretched and exhausted. But here’s something to cheer you up the next time you’re stuck in a room of

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106. Antipsychotics Offer Modest Benefits for Non-Approved Conditions
     

     Sept. 27, 2011 -- A new research review shows that powerful drugs approved to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression may have modest benefits when they are prescribed for certain other mental and behavioral problems. The study is published in the Journal of the American Medical Associ

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107. Drink Coffee, Stay Happy?
     

     Sept. 26, 2011 -- Some coffee drinkers may have a reason to smile -- or keep smiling. Drinking several cups a day is linked with a lower risk of depression, according to a new study that looked only at women. The benefit seems to start at two cups a day. The study is published in the Archives of Int

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108. Depression May Increase Risk of Stroke
     

     Sept. 20, 2011 -- Many people become depressed after they experience a stroke, but new research shows that depression may actually increase risk of stroke and of dying from that stroke. "We didn't know whether depression, per se, could increase the risk of stroke, but now we have conclusive and comp

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109. 12 Health Risks of Chronic Heavy Drinking
     

     It's no secret that alcohol consumption can cause major health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver and injuries sustained in automobile accidents. But if you think liver disease and car crashes are the only health risks posed by drinking, think again: Researchers have linked alcohol consumpti

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110. Drinking on the Rise Among U.S. Women
     

     Sept. 15, 2011 -- Problem drinking among women in the U.S. is on the rise, a new study shows. Women are catching up to men when it comes to how much and how often they drink alcohol. As a result, they are increasingly at risk for developing alcohol problems. What's more, men and women who were born

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