January, 2025

article thumbnail

Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms Linked to Life-Altering Consequences, New Study Shows

Mad in America

A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders Reports sheds light on the profound and often devastating effects of antidepressant withdrawal. Led by Joanna Moncrieff of University College London, the research found that 80% of participants withdrawing from antidepressants experienced moderate to severe impacts on their lives, including disrupted work, strained relationships, and even the loss of jobs.

article thumbnail

How to Accept and Overcome Failure Effectively

The Online Therapist

Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Study reveals that sleep prevents unwanted memories from intruding

Psychiatry News -- Science Daily

The link between poor sleep and mental health problems could be related to deficits in brain regions that keep unwanted thoughts out of mind.

article thumbnail

Daring to argue that depression is not a physical disease

Critical Psychiatry

I mentioned the Sunday Times magazine article about Joanna Moncrieff in my last post , where I focused on the issue of whether antidepressants work. I also wanted to pick up what the article says in its introductory rubric about Jo daring to argue that depression is not a physical disease. At face value, saying that depression is not a physical disease may not appear to be so much of a challenge to psychiatry.

130
130
article thumbnail

We Tried Online-Therapy.com — Here's What We Thought

Very Well Mind

Online-Therapy.com offers counseling via messaging and live video calls for less than a traditional therapist. Find out how effective Online-Therapy.com is.

52
article thumbnail

Ask Dr. Joy: January Jumpstart Edition

Therapy for Black Girls

Weve had a beautiful month of January Jumpstart episodes. We chatted with Yolo Akili about building community, with Attorney Aimee Griffin about cementing our legacy through estate planning, and much more. But what better way to close out the series than by hearing directly from you, our community? Today, were diving into two thoughtful questions, and Im here to share insights that may connect with many of you.

52
article thumbnail

Summing up the STAR*D Scandal: The Public was Betrayed, Millions were Harmed, and the Mainstream Media Failed Us All

Mad in America

L ast spring, it seemed certain that the story of the STAR*D scandal, which Mad in America has been reporting on for 14 years, would finally attract the attention of the mainstream media. All of the ingredients for a blockbuster article were now clearly visible, including an acknowledgement from inside psychiatry that this story was of profound importance for all of our society.

More Trending

article thumbnail

5 Reasons Why A Comeback Is Powerful Than A Setback

Sanity Daily

5/5 - (1 vote) Our entire life is defined and shaped by our own thought processes. A process that involves our behaviour and reactions. Do you know when a comeback is more powerful than a setback? When you mould your thoughts in a way that prepares you to fight back and take charge of your life. Fighting back is not easy, especially when you hit rock bottom when all you see is the darkness around you, but it is also the time for you to prepare yourself to come back and face your fears.

article thumbnail

Depression is real but not a concrete thing

Critical Psychiatry

Functional mental illness is an abstract not concrete concept. It differs from organic mental illness where there is brain dysfunction. Illnesses tend to be seen as things which people have (see eg. previous post ). Since the nineteenth century with the elucidation of pathological mechanisms, our positive understanding has become that the thing that people have is a diseased organ or bodily system.

100
100
article thumbnail

How To Protect Your Mental Health

The London Psychiatry Centre

When it comes to mental health, prevention is better than cure. Sometimes the last thing we feel like doing is taking any time out of our hectic days to practice self-care, but it is easier to protect your mental health than to rebuild it after hitting breaking point. Among mental health experts, it is broadly recognised that: Early intervention is key in preventing mental health problems from getting worse If we want to protect our mental health we need a holistic and 360 degree approach that n

article thumbnail

Day # 159: Sleep Disorders Review Quiz

Bullet Psych

Today will be our review quiz on the sleep disorders theme. Take a few minutes to check your learning. 1) Which circadian rhythm sleep disorder (CRSD) would you treat with early morning light exposure? a) Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder (ASPD) b) Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) c) Shift-Work Type 2) Which of the following combinations best represents diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder?

52
article thumbnail

Reframing Antipsychotic Discontinuation: A Psychiatrist’s Personal and Professional Call for Epistemic Justice

Mad in America

There are ongoing ethical, moral, and legal challenges surrounding the prescription and discontinuation of antipsychotic medicationschallenges that a new article suggests can be addressed through the lens of epistemic injustice. Published in the Community Mental Health Journal , the article argues that epistemic injustice is a useful concept for understanding situations where clients and mental health professionals disagree about discontinuing or maintaining antipsychotic medications.

Legal 140
article thumbnail

Why Taking It Slow Matters in Love

The Online Therapist

I have sometimes been criticized for being very cynical about relationships. Stuck in the same old mindset, said someone recently. Still, I would love to see my cynicism about certain aspects of the way we behave in relationships cracked open.

130
130
article thumbnail

The Launch of The Therapeutic Journal – A guided self-care journal for mothers

Sanity Daily

5/5 - (1 vote) Monday the 27th of January 2025 was truly one for the books! We successfully hosted a physical launch of The Therapeutic Journal – a self-care journal for mothers at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Dundee, in the presence of my mentors Biran McNicoll, Christopher Smyth and Cat Ward. I decided to do the launch on my mother’s birthday and she was overjoyed with the gesture.

52
article thumbnail

The disadvantages of antidepressants

Critical Psychiatry

As Ive said before (see eg. previous post ), Im inclined to believe that antidepressants are no better than placebo. I cant prove this but it is possible that the statistical difference between antidepressant and placebo in short-term clinical trials is an artefact because of methodological problems, such as unblinding (see eg. another previous post ).

100
100
article thumbnail

What Are Important Differences Between Telehealth And In-Person Care?

Center for Integrative Psychiatry

Telehealth has revolutionized the way healthcare is delivered, offering patients the convenience of virtual consultations. However, its essential to understand how telehealth compares to traditional in-person care. Both approaches have unique advantages and limitations, and knowing their differences can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.

article thumbnail

Introduction Statement for the BIC Project

World Psychiatric Association (WPA)

World Psychiatric Association (WPA) President, Prof. Danuta Wasserman, Introduces the Brief Motivational Intervention and Long-term Regular Follow-up Contact Program (BIC) As part of my 2023-2026 Action Plan , I wish to introduce you and welcome your collaboration on a crucial global health initiative led by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) in collaboration with the Swedish National Centre for Suicide Research and Mental Ill Health Prevention (NASP) at Karolinska Institutet (KI) and a WHO

article thumbnail

Burnout: How Mental Health Systems Fail Neurodivergent Professionals

Mad in America

F or a long time, I was the picture of a good therapist. Productive. Efficient. Great with clients. My performance reviews glowed, and supervisors held me up as an example. I navigated high caseloads, endless paperwork, and constant crises like clockwork. On paper, I was thriving. But heres the thing: I wasnt. Im autistic, though I didnt know it until later in life.

article thumbnail

10 Bad Dating App Behaviors to Spot and Avoid

Very Well Mind

From ghosting and breadcrumbing to catfishing and trolling, dating apps can be full of red flags. Spot these toxic behaviors early and safeguard yourself.

52
article thumbnail

16 Proven Ways to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Anxiety Relief

The Anxiety Guy

If youve been struggling with anxiety, learning how to stimulate your vagus nerve regularly may be the very thing you need to bring about true inner healing. Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like a constant hum of tension that you cant quite shake. But what if I told you theres a part of your body designed to help you calm down, reset, and find inner peace once again?

article thumbnail

Emotional blunting more a reflection that antidepressants don’t work than how they do

Critical Psychiatry

Ive mentioned before my concerns about the notion that antidepressants work through being emotional suppressants (see eg. previous post ). In fact, Im more inclined to think antidepressants dont work any better than placebo (see eg. last post ), so theres no need to explain how antidepressants work, as such. Although the emotional numbness theory has been promoted by Joanna Moncrieff, in her recent book she does qualify this hypothesis by saying she thinks we should be cautious about assuming em

100
100
article thumbnail

Expressive Arts Therapy: Unlocking Emotional Wellness

Lightwork

Introduction Have you ever found it hard to express your emotions with just words? Expressive Arts Therapy can help you heal emotionally by using your natural creative abilities. This type of therapy combines different art forms like painting, sculpture, dance, and music to create a safe space for you to express yourself and grow as a person. At LightWork Therapy and Recovery , a mental health treatment center in Woburn, Massachusetts, we’ve seen how powerful creative expression can be in

article thumbnail

Understanding How Expert Psychiatric Care Supports Mental Health Recovery

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee Blog

Understanding How Expert Psychiatric Care Supports Mental Health Recovery Mental health recovery is a deeply personal journey, often requiring professional guidance to navigate its complexities. Seeking expert psychiatric care can be transformative, providing the foundation for understanding, managing, and ultimately overcoming mental health challenges.

article thumbnail

Peer Support and Resistance: Becky Brasfield’s Vision for Mental Health Justice

Mad in America

B ecky Brasfield has emerged as a formidable advocate for change in the complex landscape of mental health care.A certified recovery support specialist and policy researcher at the Human Services Research Institute, Ms. Brasfield has dedicated her career to elevating the voices of service users and dismantling systemic inequities. Her lived experience with psychosis, combined with her leadership in peer support, has made her a powerful critic of traditional psychiatric models that often marginal

article thumbnail

How to Kick Your Bad Relationship Habits, From a Relationship Coach

Very Well Mind

If you're looking to break bad, or unhealthy, relationship habits-read this relationship coach approved guide for tips to start the process.

52
article thumbnail

Session 396: Decoding Popular Food and Wellness Trends

Therapy for Black Girls

Whether its a juice cleanse, miracle pill, detox tea, or weight-loss hack, it seems like every week a new food and wellness trend pops up with the promise of helping us achieve maximum results. For this final episode of this year’s January Jumpstart series, were exploring a healthy approach to nutrition and unpacking popular wellness trends with expert guidance.

article thumbnail

The sorry state of modern academic psychiatry

Critical Psychiatry

Im not sure who advised the king about the appointment of Ed Bullmore as Regius Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN) at Kings College London (see announcement ). I wrote a satirical, even rude, review of Bullmores book The inflamed mind a few years ago (see previous post ). As Ive always said, psychiatry has been too dominated by biomedical psychiatrists, like Bullmore (see eg. previous post ).

article thumbnail

The Power of Journaling: What Science Says About the Benefits for Mental Health and Well-Being

Child Mind Intitute

You might have kept a diary at some point in your life to record your thoughts or details about your day. But did you know that this simple practice of putting pen to paper has decades of scientific backing as a tool for mental health and personal growth? Heres why mental health professionals recommend journaling and what research tells us about its benefits.

article thumbnail

Key Traits of a Great Psychiatrist Every Patient Should Know

Dr. Sagnik Mukherjee Blog

Key Traits of a Great Psychiatrist Every Patient Should Know Choosing the right psychiatrist is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your mental health journey. Making an informed choice of psychiatrist is important. Let’s explore the essential characteristics that distinguish the best psychiatrists in their field. The Importance of Professional Expertise Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

article thumbnail

Kids Are Not the Problem: An Interview With Gretchen LeFever Watson

Mad in America

I n this interview, Brooke Siem, who is the author of a memoir on antidepressant withdrawal, May Cause Side Effects , interviews Gretchen LeFever Watson, PhD. Gretchen is a developmental and clinical psychologist with postdoctoral training in pediatric psychology. She has served as a professor in multiple disciplines at universities and medical schools in the United States and abroad and as the patient safety director for a large healthcare system.

Education 120
article thumbnail

NatCon25 Bound? Here Are Five Things To Do in Philly

National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW - the

Whether youre traveling with family or just looking to take in the sights, here are five must-see recommendations to make the most of your trip: Fairmount Park: As the weather warms up, Fairmount Park offers the perfect setting for a leisurely walk, bike ride or scenic horse-drawn carriage tour. Dont miss the Philadelphia Zoo, the oldest zoo in the U.S.!

article thumbnail

Can My Therapist Give Me Diet Tips? Understanding Their Role

Center for Integrative Psychiatry

Therapists play a crucial role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, but their expertise is generally focused on psychological health. If youve ever wondered whether your therapist can provide dietary advice, the answer depends on their training and qualifications. Lets explore the nuances of this topic, address common concerns, and offer guidance on seeking the right support for your mental and physical health needs.

article thumbnail

Confusing brain and placebo effects of antidepressants

Critical Psychiatry

Jo Moncrieff in her new book Chemically imbalanced (see eg. previous post ) discusses Peter Kramers 1993 book Listening to Prozac (see Wikipedia entry ), which I mentioned in a previous post. As the New York Times said at the time (see article ) Kramers best seller described how Prozac transformed his patients, making them calm, confident, cheerful and somehow better than well.

100
100
article thumbnail

People with schizophrenia have an altered ability to visually perceive contrast

Psychiatry News -- Science Daily

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects around 1% of the world's population. Researchers have identified a deficit in contrast perception in people with schizophrenia. According to a review of more than 600 studies, these patients have an impaired ability to see differences in light intensity between adjacent areas, which allows us to identify shapes, textures and details in the environment.

52
article thumbnail

Limerence vs. Love in Long-Distance Relationships

Love & Life Toolbox

Most people have felt that rush of intense emotion when first attracted to someone: the butterflies, the obsessive thoughts, the constant yearning. Long-distance relationships can be a breeding ground for intense emotions, and the distinction between limerence and love is important to have awareness of with the intensified aspect of longing. Is this whirlwind of feelings truly love, or is it something else entirely?

article thumbnail

A Psycho-Spiritual Journey

Mad in America

A number of mental health approaches like Soteria, Diabasis, Open Dialogue and various others operate on what has become known as the Wellness principle. While often dismissed or derided by conservative vested interests, there is substantial evidence that this approach offers a proven and credible alternative to the predominant biomedical model. Two important elements found in all the Wellness approaches include a supportive environment and a practice known as Active Listening.

article thumbnail

How Alcohol Addiction Impacts Mental Health in Women

Sanity Daily

3.7/5 - (3 votes) When we explore the realm of alcohol addiction and its effects on women’s mental health, it’s akin to popping open a can of sparkling soda – there are some lively bubbles, but overall, it feels a bit flat. While alcohol may appear to be an appealing companion, underneath that shine lurks the risk of anxiety, depression, and a sprinkle of good old stress.