Addressing Untreated Mental Illness in the U.S.

The side effects of anti-psychotic medications are broad and sometimes include conditions ranging from constipation and dry mouth to sedation, hormonal fluctuations that result in sexual problems, uncontrollable movements of the mouth called tardive dyskinesia and general restlessness that causes discomfort called akathisia. Weight gain is also a risk as is an increased risk of…

Caffeine is an extremely popular psychoactive substance and central nervous system stimulant. Most commonly consumed in coffee, it is generally considered safe if consumed if moderate amounts. The Mayo Clinic has concluded that, in general, adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, approximately the amount in four cups of…

As a psychiatrist, it’s clear to me that Covid has scrambled so many of the social conventions that we used to share. That goes for our understanding of “sick days.” In what now seem like the old days, if you weren’t well, you were meant to stay home and rest. This was largely to make…

According to the authors of the new Dartmouth COSAN Lab study, gossip is largely a means of exchanging information with others and forming relationships. It therefore can build trust between people and initiate societal links that becomes stronger the more communication takes place. People therefore can feel increasingly connected and “social” when they gossip, which…

The new study by Jennifer A Rieker et al. published in International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health (May 2023) shows us very clearly that, as one would image, an active social life outside of work is crucial to a person’s ability to undertake professional responsibilities in a productive, positive and competent manner. And interestingly…

“Long periods of stressful activities can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. As a mental health professional I know that research shows that small, positive, daily activities can make a big, positive difference in our wellness. This data has been published in numerous places including BBC Radio 4’s program ‘The Anatomy of…