Sleep latency is the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Normal is considered to be 15-25 minutes (some say 30minutes). I’ve had many people tell me with disappointment that it takes them 30 minutes to fall asleep and how they know people who can fall asleep instantaneously. They are surprised to hear that […]
Old Brains Can Still Learn
We used to believe that we were born with all of the new brain cells we would have for life. Once we reached adulthood, we can’t learn any more new tricks. Actually it’s not quite that way, but in general neural stem cells (undifferentiated brain cells, like fetal brain cells) were thought to only exist […]
Obesity Worsens Risk of Birth Defects with Antidepressant Use in Pregancy
Two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2007 reported on the risks of birth defects when women took selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy (sources: Louik, C et. al NEJM Volume 356:2675-2683 June 28, 2007 Number 26 and Alwan S. et al. NEJM Volume 356:2684-2692 June 28, 2007 Number 26). […]
Internet Addiction Part 2
Some researchers still question whether problematic Internet use should be considered a disease. An argument against this is that the internet can be a means to satisfy other compulsive behaviors such as gambling, shopping, pornography use, etc. So it’s a medium of exchange to fuel other addictions and is not the source of the addiction. […]
Do You Have an Internet Addiction? Part 1
In Psychiatry we define addictions as habitual usage of something that creates physical and psychological dependence. Furthermore, when the activity is discontinued, the individual experiences withdrawal. Substances such as alcohol and drugs fall under this addiction model. When considering behaviors such as sexual activity, shopping, eating and more recently internet use, these behaviors don’t quite […]
Depression Versus Unhappiness – Are We Over-Prescribing?
I saw a segment on The Today Show this morning about the millions of antidepressants prescribed. Questions arose as to whether or not this is an indication of Americans wanting a quick fix or are doctors over-prescribing the medications. This opens a pandora’s box of issues ranging from who should treat depression to the state […]