Individualized neuromodulation could help sufferers of major depression who don’t respond to traditional treatments. — As the doctor gave her a physical exam, Mary* was unable to maintain eye contact. Although her depression had left her with a limited range of emotions, she still struggled to keep from crying. “Restricted and tearful affect,” wrote the examining physician. The results of her physical examination and routine…

If you don’t have carbs on you you’re no good to me — Like many people in the time of COVID-19, I’d put on a few pounds. I’d gone beyond adding my normal layer of winter padding to having to rotate between the two outfits I had left that fit. And when I say they didn’t fit, I mean they physically hurt to…

And shame on you for suggesting them. — You’ve seen the articles. “15 Foods That Are Bad for You,” or “Stop Eating This You Fat Slob.” They’re usually written by a registered dietitian or nutritionist and contain such groundbreaking revelations as “too much sugar is bad for you,” and “bacon is a bullet that you eat.” They then…

Two new research studies report evidence of toxic chemicals in marijuana smokers and withdrawal symptoms in most people using cannabis for pain relief. — As President-elect Joe Biden prepares for his inauguration Wednesday, stakeholders in the US cannabis industry eagerly anticipate the increasingly likely prospect of federal legalization of cannabis. House Democrats intend to re-introduce the MORE Act, which would federally legalize cannabis, and pass it relatively quickly. …

Three recent studies show the benefits of healthy eating, probiotics, and vitamin B6 supplements for alleviating depression and anxiety — Last month, headlines flashed the news that a major review article had found “no clear evidence” that low serotonin levels cause depression and called into question whether taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants is worthwhile. However, most experts were not surprised that low serotonin levels are not the sole…

Inside My Manic Mind: A Bipolar Neuroscientist Examines Notes and Art From His Manic Episodes Several years ago, I was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder when I cycled into a severe manic episode. Over the course of about six months, my thoughts and actions became increasingly erratic, and my ability…

Increases in funding for mental health resources are welcomed; conflation of mental illness with violence is not. — A bipartisan group of negotiators in the U.S. Senate announced last week that they had reached a deal on a framework for legislation meant to address public mass shootings. The proposal includes increased money to encourage states to enact “red-flag” laws to restrict gun access for individuals threatening violence, expands…

Childhood Lead Exposure from Car Exhaust Decimated Gen Xers’ IQs Although leaded gas for cars was banned in the U.S. in 1996, the findings suggest that any Americans born before then, and especially during the 1960s and 1970s, may be at a greater risk for lead-related health problems such as…