Mindfulness refers to the practice of focusing on the present moment and taking a non-judgmental stance. Numerous research studies have documented the benefits of mindfulness, including improved self-compassion, acceptance, lower stress, and reduced symptoms of mental illness. A recent study examined why exactly mindfulness might be so effective. Researchers proposed that mindfulness is effective because it…
DetailsWeill Cornell Medical College study finds that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured therapy that focuses on changing maladaptive thoughts, emotions and behaviors, is the most effective treatment for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Researchers compared three therapies among about 200 patients diagnosed with panic disorder: cognitive behavioral therapy; panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy, a treatment that…
DetailsA recent study finds that fermented foods may be associated with lower social anxiety. Fermented foods contain probiotics, which may have a protective effect against social anxiety symptoms. Have you ever experienced “butterflies” in your stomach or had a “gut feeling”? The enteric nervous system has been referred to as the “second brain”. It comprises of…
DetailsCathing up on television shows and reading an ebook may seem like relaxing ways to end the day; however, tablets may actually be contributing to poor sleep quality. Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital conducted a study to examine the effects of reading a light-emitting device on sleep quality. Participants read ebooks on their iPads for…
DetailsGrief is common after a death of a loved one, relationship break-up, loss of a job, or withdrawal from substances. Grieving is an essential and universal process that helps us process our emotions and accept life changes. When faced with a loss, people tend to go through common stages. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of…
DetailsCook County Sheriff Tom Dart appointed clinical psychologist, Nneka Jones Tapia, to run the Cook County facility. Dr. Jones Tapia will be the first mental health professional to run a major U.S. jail. This leadership change signifies the need to address mental health issues in the jail system. Compared to the general population, inmates have higher…
DetailsDespite the risks associated with gambling, many individuals who are addicted to gambling are drawn to the potential windfall. Yet, statistically, we know that over time, losses exceed wins. Some research suggests that cognitive distortions contribute to the development and maintenance of pathological gambling. Cognitive distortions are irrational thought patterns that precipitate negative emotional states and maladaptive…
DetailsWhen we think about medical diseases, such as cancer, hypertension or diabetes, we are much more prone to seek treatment immediately. When we experience dizziness or fatigue, for example, we look to immediately reverse these symptoms by seeking medical treatment. Put simply, we typically don’t ignore the early signs of disease. So, why aren’t most individuals doing…
DetailsThe National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) released the “Nine Truths About Eating Disorders” to address common misconceptions about eating disorders. These Nine Truths were developed by experts in the field and address facts about the eating disorder treatment and how eating disorders are thought to develop. There continues to be a stigma associated with eating disorders,…
DetailsWe often hear that meditation can help one manage stress and improve health, but for some people, this is difficult to accept. In medicine, we often fall into a trap of only measuring our health through test results. We need concrete evidence to prove that something is helping. It is often difficult to measure the…
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