The Causes of ADHD

We all know ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. However, not much focus is put on the cause. Unfortunately, a simple, definitive answer is not fully known or understood. While no one truly knows, evidence strongly points to genetic factors.

OCD Triggers Runaway Fear Response, Study Finds

Canadian scientists have learned that a key factor in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) prevents patients from stopping certain compulsive behaviors.1 This discovery was recently documented in a study entitled, When Too Much Is Not Enough: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a Pathology of Stopping, Rather Than Starting. Scientists from McMaster University and the University of Waterloo found that [...]

The Facts on Hypertension

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by blood circulating on the walls of the blood vessels, and it is one of the common vital signs. Our hearts pump blood through our arteries and throughout our body. It is when people develop high blood pressure (hypertension) that problems can arise.

A normal blood pressure range is considered less than 120/80. People at risk for hypertension are considered to have pre-hypertension, which is blood pressure ranging 120-139/80-89. Anything higher is considered hypertension. Stage 1 high blood pressure ranges from 140-159/90-99 and Stage 2 high blood pressure is anything 160 and above/100 and above.

The Facts About Anxiety

Anxiety has been around since the beginning of human civilization. However, it was not until recently that so much focus has been put on it. Anxiety is generally characterized by an overwhelming feeling of fear, nervousness and worry. For some anxiety comes and goes; for others it can be a debilitating condition affecting almost every aspect of life. Anxiety before taking a test or a big interview is normal; everyone experiences this kind of worry. It is when the anxiety won’t leave even when you’re at home when it becomes a problem. Anxiety can manifest itself in many different forms.

The Facts About Anxiety

Anxiety has been around since the beginning of human civilization. However, it was not until recently that so much focus has been put on it. Anxiety is generally characterized by an overwhelming feeling of fear, nervousness and worry. For some anxiety comes and goes; for others it can be a debilitating condition affecting almost every aspect of life. Anxiety before taking a test or a big interview is normal; everyone experiences this kind of worry. It is when the anxiety won’t leave even when you’re at home when it becomes a problem. Anxiety can manifest itself in many different forms.

Can Meditation Reduce Work-Related Stress?

We live in difficult times. Employees work harder than ever and have fewer opportunities. That’s what the market research firm, Harris Interactive, found after questioning over 1,500 American workers.

Harris published these findings in a survey that the firm conducted for the American Psychological Association.

According to the survey, thirty-six percent of American workers are stressed out.

The Benefits of Hobbies

Some people think of hobbies as a waste of time that provide little benefit to life; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Whenever I have a friend who is depressed or is just going through a tough time, I always ask what they do for fun. Most of the time they reply “nothing”, which in many cases is a cause of the depression. I immediately tell them to find a hobby; there is no better way to get out of a slump than to find something you enjoy doing.

Is Depression a Normal Part of Aging?

Maybe you’ve noticed a change in one of your parents, an elderly friend, or even your spouse. Once-loved activities now elicit sighs of boredom or have become shunned altogether. He or she may seem always “on edge”, restless, or conversely, unusually fatigued. These symptoms could all be subtle signs of depression, a condition becoming more common in older adults, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 Americans 65 and up.

Scientists Find New Clues to Cause of ADHD

Two recent studies have linked ADHD to possible problems with the body’s ability to create serotonin, a neurotransmitter that’s essential for good psychological health.

According to the research results, the abnormalities could involve the amino acid, tryptophan, and a gene that helps produce serotonin.

Internet Addiction Linked to Childhood Depression

According to research printed in the Journal Pediatrics, children who have an unhealthy addiction to the internet are almost twice as likely to suffer from depression. That is an alarming number, and parents should be concerned. The study tracked 1,041 teens in China, where internet addiction is a serious problem. The teens were asked a series of questions in order to assess their risk of depression. Out of the teens studied, 94% were considered unhealthy internet users, and the other 6% were found to be moderately unhealthy internet users.