OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a psychological condition that hijacks the brain, forcing us to think unwanted, “obsessive” thoughts and perform behaviors to reduce anxiety associated with these thoughts called “compulsions.” The obsessive thoughts are unpredictable and provoke extreme anxiety that leads us to believe we’ll never have control of our thoughts. To cope with …
Antipsychotics are drugs that alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. These medications are considered highly effective interventions for mitigating “positive symptoms” such as hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices) and various types of delusions (e.g. assuming others are plotting against you). Approved uses for antipsychotics include treating individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and cases of …
Many people find recreational horseback riding pleasurable and relaxing. However, many individuals are unaware that there’s a therapeutic form of horseback riding [often integrated with psychotherapy] called “equine assisted therapy.” In recent years equine therapy has garnered attention as a potential intervention for the treatment of PTSD, troubled youth, and even autism spectrum disorders. From …
Belsomra (Suvorexant) is a drug that was approved by the FDA in 2014 for the treatment of insomnia. It didn’t hit the market until 2015 and is regarded as the first of a new generation of sleeping pills called “orexin receptor antagonists.” Belsomra functions by binding to orexin (hypocretin) receptors OX1 and OX2 to inhibit …
Some sources estimate that nearly 60 million Americans have difficulties falling asleep a.k.a. a condition known as insomnia. There are many causes of insomnia, including circadian rhythm disturbances, poor diet, inadequate or excessive exercise, high stress, drugs, overworking, and mental illness. In many cases, insomnia can lead to deficiencies in both sleep quality and quantity. …
If you’re taking a psychiatric drug, you probably hope that you’re taking the one with the lowest overall risk. Sure you want the drug to be therapeutic and alleviate your symptoms, but you also don’t want to take a drug with a rapid tolerance onset, debilitating side effects, and crazy withdrawal symptoms. Many dangerous psychiatric …
Reports suggest that nearly 20% of all people in the United States are taking a psychiatric drug. This means that 1 out of every 5 people you see is on some sort of mind-altering medication. Although many of these drugs are marketed as being “safe and effective” for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, …