Mad in America

DECEMBER 3, 2024

What if smoking isn’t just about addiction or comfort, but about something deeper—something rooted in how trauma reshapes the brain? Research into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has uncovered startling connections between trauma and long-term health behaviors. Trauma seems to have a way of impacting brain function.

Trauma and the brain 105

Trauma and the brain Poverty and mental health Childhood trauma 105

Mad in America

DECEMBER 30, 2023

H ere we highlight the top ten of Mad in America’s most read blogs and personal stories of 2023. The relationship between childhood trauma and later development of psychotic symptoms has received increasing attention in recent years. times more likely to have experienced adverse childhood events than healthy individuals.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy 144

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Childhood trauma Trauma and the brain Sleep and mental health 144

Mad in America

MAY 2, 2024

Some neuroscientists argue that we should rather focus our efforts on the upstream social and structural factors, such as trauma and inequity , that create the conditions for mental health concerns to arise. A recent Neuroscience News article is titled “ Bipolar disorder can be detected with blood test. ”

Trauma and the brain 111

Trauma and the brain Neurotransmitters and mental health Genetics and mental health Biopsychosocial model 111

Mad in America

JUNE 13, 2024

I was still only 17 years old but it was a great relief after the horrendous years I had spent at an all-girls boarding school. My fellow students and I started our first year ‘pre-clinical’ training with 4 ½ days a week of lectures. Those who failed would have one chance to re-sit and if unsuccessful, they would have to leave medical school.

Trauma and the brain 145

Trauma and the brain Pharmaceuticals Hospitality Sleep and mental health 145

Mad in America

DECEMBER 15, 2023

The following is the second excerpt adapted from Healing Companions , a book by the MIA author Sam Ruck (his pen name) that describes his life with, and love for, his wife and her “alters.” His earlier installment addressed the problems with “psychosis.” I’ve repeatedly seen this with my wife. For instance, what are “delusions”?

Trauma and the brain 76

Trauma and the brain Childhood trauma Self-awareness 76

Mad in America

JANUARY 18, 2025

My insights come not from formal training but from lived experiences, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), brief encounters with psychiatric care, and a lot of philosophical reflection. Im not even a therapist. Im someone whos struggled with mental distress and the systems meant to help. Because, frankly, I am. Experience.

Trauma and the brain 113

Trauma and the brain Family dynamics Childhood trauma Self-awareness 113