Vaping might be a less harmful alternative to smoking, but that still doesn’t make it safe. There are still a lot of unknowns about vaping, including the chemicals that make up the vapor and how they affect a person’s physical health over the long haul. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance even … Read More
There is a troubling disconnect between the number of people who have alcohol use disorder and those who are actually getting professional help for alcoholism — and not because they haven’t seen a healthcare provider. Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis evaluated survey data from more than 200,000 people who reported … Read More
Eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) both involve intrusive thoughts, fear, and ritualistic behaviors. The two disorders often occur together, and mental health experts continue to study their relationship to determine if one might cause the other. Regardless of the answer, there is ongoing evidence that links the two conditions, so treatment should address both … Read More
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of young people, causing a disruption to their social lives and the way they attend school. Now, as adolescents prepare to return to in-person classes in the fall, experts are interested in the stress-related growth (SRG) they may have experienced over the course of … Read More
For many, summer is the best season of the year, with a break from school, warmer weather, and fun vacations. However, for people who are struggling with an eating disorder, the summer months present new challenges in managing symptoms and maintaining recovery. Understanding why summer may be more challenging can help individuals who are struggling, … Read More
Eating disorders frequently co-occur with addiction, and stimulants are among the many substances people turn to when they are struggling with these devastating conditions. Understanding Co-Occurring Stimulant Addiction Stimulants include illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines and prescription medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Every person has unique experiences that influence why they start … Read More
Pregnancy and childbirth are typically joyful times. But when you have a mental health disorder, it can keep you from truly experiencing that joy. For some women, a history of eating disorders may increase their risk for developing depression after having a child — even years down the road. Research Finds New Link Researchers from … Read More
Drunkorexia is a term used to describe disordered eating behaviors involving heavy use of alcohol. While drunkorexia isn’t a clinical term or formal diagnosis, it shares traits with several recognized eating disorders as well as alcohol use disorder. Drunkorexia could affect college women the most, with many of its traits and other eating disorder habits … Read More
Scrolling through TikTok offers a welcome escape during the pandemic, something more adolescents than ever have been doing to stay connected with friends. But the video content the social platform serves its users is not always harmless entertainment. Many adolescents are seeing videos that promote eating disorders, and the impact on their mental health can … Read More
With the added stress, grief, and, at times, boredom that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol and drug use has spiked. We’re starting to see the dangerous effects of increased alcohol use, particularly in women, as more and more young women are being diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease. While liver disease still affects more … Read More
