Depression Christian Jonathan Haverkampf, M.D. Depression is one of the most common medical conditions, which can interfere significantly with a person’s quality of life, relationships and ability to work. Several effective treatments are available, including psychotherapy and medication. This article contains a brief overview of both areas, while focusing on psychotherapy, particularly Communication-Focused Therapy® (CFT), […]
Studies have demonstrated that social support can protect against poor mental health. However, the investigators in this study found that problematic social media use was significantly associated with decreased real-life social support and increased social support on social media. Real-life social support was associated with reduced depression, anxiety, and social isolation, while social support on
Social Media versus In-Person Support against Depression, Anxiety, and Social Isolation Read More »
Investigators have found support for the hypothesis that the anterior insular cortex region in the brain regulates brain network transitions that gate conscious access. https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(21)00414-9
Gates to consciousness in the brain Read More »
Investigators found that prosocial values became more important after completing tasks that made children salient compared to tasks that made adults (or a mundane event) salient or compared to a no-task baseline. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19485506211007605
Children make adults more prosocial and generous Read More »
A drug holiday is when a patient suspends taking a medication for a length of time, from days to even years. One reason for drug holidays is to permit a drug, such as a stimulant used in ADHD, to regain effectiveness after a period of continuous use, and to reduce the tolerance effect that may
St John’s Wort is a medicinal herb with antidepressant activity and potent anti-inflammatory properties. In several countries it is used as an antidepressant for mild (to moderate) depressions. There are a large number of molecules in extracts of St. John’s Wort that are potentially active in the nervous system. St John’s Wort is known to
Work first with the individual on their negative self-talk and possibly low self-confidence and anxieties. Emphasize that there are a number of ways to feel well again, and that medication is merely one of these. Communicate that mental health conditions are not unlike other health conditions that they can affect anyone and that they are
How to help someone overcome resistance to psychotropic medication Read More »
Psychotherapy and various therapeutic or self-help groups, including AA, are first-line treatment. Medication can be helpful as a support, but does not work for all. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid relapse. They either reduce the urge to drink alcohol or trigger adverse reactions if
Treatments for Alcohol Abuse Read More »
Mood stabilisers help stabilise pronounced and prolonged mood shifts, which include hypomanic or manic phases, such as in bipolar disorder I and II. They can also help to a varying degree against depressive episodes as part of a bipolar disorder. Lithium The precise mechanism of action of lithium is unknown, and it is suspected that
Love to Live Christian Jonathan Haverkampf, M.D. Love make life full and helps against feelings of anxiety and fear. It means connecting with others in a meaningful way. But loves also goes beyond it. It helps to get in contact with the foundation that connects all of us. It reduces distances between people and builds
