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How to Cope with War Anxiety 2023

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. War Anxiety War anxiety, also known as nuclear anxiety, is a common reaction to the news and images about conflict. This has been extremely relevant in light of the devastation of the Israel-Hamas war. Though research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of war anxiety, a Finnish study found that teens worried about a nuclear war were at increased risk for mental health disorders (ex: generalized anxiety disorder) five years later (Poikolainen et al., 2004). Research also indicates that media exposure to mass violence events can fuel a cycle of distress, and those more prone to anxiety are also more likely to seek out media coverage of crises (Thompson et al., 2019).  Symptoms Symptoms of war anxiety are similar to many symptoms of anxiety disorders. Symptoms may be more cognitive, in the form of worries and anxiety thoughts. Symptoms can also be more physical, …

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Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety: An Overview

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Ketamine Therapy for Anxiety An Overview

The symptoms can feel overwhelming, whether you experience general anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, or post-traumatic stress disorder. You are willing to try any treatment to ease the symptoms; for many, the first line of treatment is an antidepressant medication. Combined with counseling, antidepressants can be effective. Not everyone sees improvement, however. They fall into the category of treatment-resistant anxiety. They have tried multiple medications and protocols, yet nothing seems to work. Fortunately, there are new therapies to help people overcome treatment-resistant anxiety, such as ketamine therapy. What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a synthetic drug initially used as an anesthetic in the 1960s. In the following decade, ketamine was used illegally as a recreational drug for its hallucinatory effects when taken in large doses. Researchers have recently studied its effects on mental health symptoms that aren’t treated with typical antidepressants and therapies.  Findings show ketamine is an excellent alternative when administered …

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ADHD Awareness Month 2023

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes M.S. Why ADHD Awareness Month? October is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month! In 2004, ADHD Awareness Month started as ADHD Awareness Day but has since expanded to the entire month of October with the purpose of spreading awareness and providing education on this form of neurodivergence. What is Neurodivergence? In understanding neurodivergence, it is important to understand the concept of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity is the concept that there are a variety of ways that people’s brains function, present behaviorally, and process information. Like fingerprints, no two brains are the same. Neurodivergence describes how brain differences impact brain functioning and people whose brains function differently than what is deemed standard or typical. These brain differences present neurodivergent individuals with unique strengths and challenges. Possible challenges include learning disabilities, medical disorders, and differences in social functioning. Potential strengths include enhanced pattern recognition and memory. Forms of neurodivergence include …

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Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
Understanding ADHD and Co-Occurring Disorders

October is ADHD Awareness Month, and the best way to participate is to learn more about the ADHD and co-occurring conditions that often accompany the disorder. ADHD is treatable and easy to manage with the help of a mental health team, including a psychiatrist and therapist. Sharing education on ADHD helps reduce the stigma about getting proper treatment. The more you understand it, the better you can help yourself or someone you know seek help. What is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which can appear in three ways: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, or a combination. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must meet the criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM5). The requirements include the following: Inattention For someone to have attention deficits, they must have symptoms for at least six months. For children 16 and younger, they must have …

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Substance Abuse and the Brain

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war anxiety

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Substance Abuse According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of compulsive substance use marked by recurrent significant social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal adverse consequences, such as repeated absences from work or school, arrests, and marital difficulties” (2022). Addiction describes the “state of psychological or physical dependence (or both) on the use of alcohol or other drugs” (APA, 2022). Substance abuse goes hand in hand with addiction, as substance abuse can lead to addiction.  Substance Use Disorder Symptoms The following are symptoms of substance use disorders as outlined by The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: Using/drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned. Continually wanting or unsuccessfully trying to cut down or control use of drugs or alcohol. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from use of drugs or alcohol. Craving, or a strong …

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