As more states legalize the use of medical marijuana, researchers have conducted studies that explore how marijuana use affects various conditions. Individuals with certain psychiatric disorders seem to benefit from marijuana use, while others may experience adverse effects. Read through the slideshow to see how marijuana may positively or negatively affect different psychiatric illnesses based…
Virtual reality has been explored for several decades as a treatment for various conditions including anxiety, PTSD, and phobias. Often, researchers use virtual reality devices to immerse patients in virtual exposure therapy, a form of behavior therapy where patients are exposed to feared or traumatic experiences. As advancements make this technology more affordable, virtual reality…
Although pharmacotherapy can be effective in treating many psychiatric disorders, some patients may be looking for a more natural approach to supplement or take the place of other treatments. Many complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) exist for common psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems. If your patients ask about CAM, consider these…
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by uncontrollable obsessions. In order to relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, a patient with OCD feels compelled to perform specific rituals or routines, called compulsions. This cycle of obsessions and compulsions significantly interferes with daily life. Read through the slideshow to learn more about the…
The Cleveland Clinic has selected the top 10 medical innovations that they predict will have the biggest impact on improving patient care in 2015. The selections include more effective medications, new vaccines, and novel devices that improve upon existing treatment options. View the slideshow to learn more about each of the 10 innovations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that some people get after seeing or living through a dangerous event. When in danger, it is natural to feel afraid. This fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to prepare to defend against the danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy…
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as “manic-depressive disorder,” is mood disorder in which the individual most commonly experiences episodes of depression and episodes of mania. It is more common in women than men, with a ratio of approximately 3:2. The median age of onset for bipolar disorder is 25 years, with men having an earlier age…
Nerve damage affects approximately 20 million Americans. There more than 100 different types of nerve damage with a range of different causes including compression, trauma, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, motor neuron diseases, nutritional deficiencies, infections, cancer and drug side effects and toxicities. Learn more about the symptoms of and treatments for neuropathic pain with this slideshow.
Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are eating disorders that cause serious medical problems. Anorexia and bulimia frequently develop during adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur during childhood or later in adulthood. An estimated 8 million Americans – 7 million women and 1 million men – have an eating disorder. Malnutrition due to anorexia and…
Attention-deficit hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral childhood disorders, according to the CDC. American Psychiatric Association data reveal that between 3% and 7% of U.S. school age children have some form of ADHD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria, and that prevalence has been increasing in…
