Category Archives: Emotional health

Perimenopause may trigger the first episode of depression.

Perimenopause may trigger the first episode of depression.  Women in their late 40s are often in this hormonal stage called “perimenopause.” This is when the body may still have a menstrual period, but that the menstrual cycles are irregular because … Continue reading

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What are some things a doctor should know about the elderly LGBTQ community?

What are some things a doctor should know about the elderly LGBTQ community?  I recently attended a panel discussion about medically related LGBTQ issues.  Here are some of the take-home messages 50% of nursing home staff thought “their colleagues” would … Continue reading

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Premenstrual dysphoric disorder. What is it? How to treat it?

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder “PMDD”, aka “PMS.”  The strict criteria of this disorder affects up to 12% of women, although 80% of women report at least one physical (or psychiatric) symptom during the luteal phase (last 2 weeks of their “month”).  Most … Continue reading

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LGBTQ youth gets hope from “It Gets Better”

The “It Gets Better” Program was started in 2010 and it connects to youth through the internet in the form of videos of celebrities and politicians with the message… “It Gets Better.” What is LGBTQ?  This is the term for lesbian, … Continue reading

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Yoga. Ohhhhmmmmm…

Can yoga reduce symptoms of depression and/or anxiety?  Yes! Multiple randomized controlled trials used various yoga interventions in diverse study populations.  It was found that yoga improves overall symptom scores of both depression and anxiety by 40%! How great!  No … Continue reading

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Late-life depression may be prodrome to dementia

There is a relationship between elderly patients with acute depression and progression to Alzheimer’s disease.   It is unclear whether depression in the elderly is a risk factor for dementia or if it’s a prodrome of the disorder. It’s important to … Continue reading

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Seasonal affective disorder. Feeling SAD?

SAD is major depression with a seasonal pattern. This means that most feel episodes of depression during the fall or winter months.  (Scientists have seen a striking example in Scandinavia where suicide rate doubles in the winter months.) Symptoms of … Continue reading

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Depression in women. common and potentially devastating.

  How prevalent?       10% of US adults have a mood disorder. 45% of them are classified as severe. Women as compared to men are 50% more likely to experience a mood disorder during their lifetime, and 70% more likely to … Continue reading

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Tai chi, one pathway to a better life.

I have seen groups of people performing tai chi in the park and wondered what was the draw to (what seemed to me)… arm waving.  I know, I am unenlightened.  A recent internal medicine journal cites a study showing tai chi significantly improves … Continue reading

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Want to take off that “fat tire?”

Losing and keeping weight off is a touchy subject.  I saw a patient today who is emotionally comfortable with a BMI of 45 (severely obese).  My heart goes out to her.  She is aware that she looks imposing and unapproachable … Continue reading

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