Q: I started seeing a therapist last year for depression. Several times she has suggested I might benefit from group therapy, but I’m not sure. When is group therapy a good idea?A: The idea of discussing deeply personal thoughts and feelings among a group of strangers may seem intimidating and … Read More
In simple terms bipolar disorder is defined as a condition in which a person has depressive episodes marked by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, as well as a range of unhealthy behaviors, and manic episodes, which are characterized by high energy, greater activity and behaviors that may be quite productive … Read More
You’ve probably experienced the mood-boosting effects of exercise after a rousing game of tennis, a night of dancing, or a brisk walk with a dear friend. Your outlook seemed brighter, more optimistic, even if it was just for a shortÊtime.
And if you think about it, there have probably been times … Read More
Your doctor may check your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and other standard health risk factors at your annual checkup. But if you’re not being asked about your mood, an important predictor of health problems is being overlooked.
In a study published recently in Health Psychology researchers found that depression and anxiety … Read More
Q: During the spring and summer, I am a happy and easygoing person, but once the winter sets in, I feel down most of the time. Can I be suffering from depression if I feel this way for only part of the year?A: Many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), … Read More
Recommendations to follow a healthy diet have usually been extended to help reduce the risk of obesity and its accompanying complications, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But recent research finds that your emotional health depends on eating the right kinds of foods and reducing your intake of … Read More
Treatment-resistant depression may have a new foe: deep brain stimulation (DBS). In a recent study, researchers found that stimulating a part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex may lead to significant improvements in mood for people with moderate-to-severe depression. These individuals don’t always experience symptom relief with traditional therapies, … Read More
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million adults and children. While to date there is no specific diet proven to prevent or cure this condition, research indicates that decreasing depression risk may be yet another reason to … Read More
When patients have residual symptoms of depression after at least six weeks of treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-noradenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), many physicians add mirtazapine. A study published in November in the British Medical Journal found that this combination was … Read More
Q: My sister has recently been going through some difficult times, including a divorce and retirement from a job she loved. She is getting counseling through her church, but would traditional therapy be better for her?
A: Faith-based counseling, often referred to as pastoral counseling, is a widely used option that … Read More
