Energy Drinks and Mental Health
When researchers looked at people who drink a lot of coffee versus those who regularly reach for energy drinks, an interesting and concerning pattern showed up. Higher energy drink use was linked to a greater risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially among young men. That doesn’t mean energy drinks are the direct cause. This […]
Understanding acute mania
The word “mania” carries with it some highly negative connotations. It’s easy to draw from childhood memory an image of a “maniac” – someone truly frightening and possibly dangerous. But the way the word is used today in discussions of mental health should be understood differently. Until recently, people who were showing signs of acute […]
When medications affect sex: understanding some common sexual side effects
Most people expect a prescription medication to make life easier, providing a specific benefit, such as lower blood pressure, improved mood, less anxiety. What is not anticipated is that the same little pill can start whispering into another part of life we care about deeply: desire, pleasure, intimacy. It’s awkward to bring up and easy […]
GLP-1 Medications and Aging: Benefits and Risks for Older Adults
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are gaining popularity among older adults not only for managing diabetes but also for their potential anti-aging effects. But alongside the benefits, there are real risks, especially for those over 65. Understanding both sides is key to making informed decisions that support healthy aging. GLP-1 drugs revolutionized the world […]
New Hope for Lowering the Risk of Dementia
Just this week, I was asked by a colleague to comment on a fairly technical article, and I was struck by the exact wording used in its opening question: Are cardioprotective glucose-lowering agents associated with reduced risk of dementia? I spend a fair bit of time reviewing and replying to questions and requests from our […]
Safer Alternatives to Klonopin for Sleep and Anxiety
Clonazepam, commonly known by its brand name Klonopin, is a benzodiazepine prescribed for conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and certain seizure disorders. While clonazepam is effective for these and other conditions, the fact that it is a controlled substance highlights its potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms. For many people, this makes it […]
Bipolar Disorder: Highs, Lows, And In Between
“Bipolar disorder” is a term that people can often misunderstand. You might hear someone casually say, “I’m so bipolar today,” just because they experienced some highs and lows in their moods. But bipolar disorder is far more complex than feeling happy one moment and sad the next. It’s a lifelong mental health condition that involves […]
Treating nerve pain and relieving depression
Pain relief is one of the most urgent considerations when doctors treat their patients, sometimes coming before addressing the causes of the pain. Local anesthetics can be used to reversibly block the conduction of nerve signals from near their site of administration up into the brain, thereby producing temporary loss of sensation in a limited […]
Introducing Dopamine
Dopamine is a chemical messenger that plays a vital role in transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain. It is often referred to as a “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. However, dopamine’s role extends beyond just making people feel good. It is involved in several vital processes, including […]
How to Make Friends with Your Anxiety: Lessons from Inside Out 2
The first time I saw Inside Out, I was blown away by their depiction of mental health and their gentle handling of depression in particular. It is beautiful and brilliant, and it is so easy for both kids and adults to understand. In “Inside Out 2,” Riley is entering puberty and navigating new emotions, such […]
