Is My Anxiety Normal?
Node Smith, ND Is Anxiety a Question of Denial or is there more to this Question? Approximately 45 million Americans suffer from during any given year. It is the most commonly recognized mental health condition in the United States. “Anxiety disorders” include a handful of psychiatric diagnoses, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and […]
Certain Personalities May Protect Against Anxiety and Depression
Node Smith, ND Multiple Layers of Personality Impact Specific Symptoms A new research study has found that the personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness may have a protective effect against depression and anxiety.1 It is generally known that high levels of neuroticism predispose people to depression or anxiety, or both. However, if those same individuals […]
“Nomophobia” – Phone Separation Anxiety
Recent Study on this ‘Phone’omenon A recent article has elucidated quite nicely some specific considerations which may not be intuitively obvious to an older generation when it comes to the idea of “smart-phone addiction” or overuse. A study, which was recently published, has been researching this very real phenomenon, and has some very interesting points, […]
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Anxiety
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (say that 3 times fast!) Device Approved for Treatment of Depression Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that is FDA approved for the treatment of depression, even major depressive disorder. It is also now being researched as a possible effective treatment for anxiety. A recent study from Germany has shown […]
ACT Psychotherapy for Anxiety/Depression of Chronic Pain
Last week, at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR) 2017, a group of researchers showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) significantly reduced both anxiety and depression amongst participants suffering from chronic pain.1 ACT is an empirically studied psychotherapy that works to increase psychological flexibility within individuals as a means of working with symptoms […]
Cannabis Dosing and Effects on Anxiety
At doses that are low enough for most people not to experience a “high,” the psychoactive compound in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was shown to cause significant relaxation and anxiolytic effects.1 There is a cultural stigma surrounding marijuana, that the drug creates a state of calmness when used, and many people use the drug to “relieve […]
Using Mindfulness in Postpartum Depression
A study last month supports using mindfulness to reduce the fear surrounding labor while also decreasing the likelihood of developing postpartum depression in new mothers.1 I have a been working with a new mother who has been struggling with postpartum depression, and reading this article resonated with what I have experienced with her. When Expectation […]
Arsenicum: A Homeopathic for Anxiety
I know that many of our readers enjoy case vignettes, especially when they employ a homeopathic remedy. This is a case which beautifully demonstrates the dynamic employment of a homeopathic remedy, for a specific acute condition: Arsenicum album. Complaints of Heartburn and Acid Reflux A 50 year old woman presents to our clinic with complaints […]
Do You Need A Media Diet?
Alethea Fleming, ND Root Complaint: Anxiety In recent months primary care physicians have noticed a substantial uptick in the number of visits that have anxiety at their root. The chief complaint varies, sometimes it’s insomnia, or irritability, heartburn, headaches, or sometimes just a frank “I feel more anxious.” No matter your political leanings, the last […]
Psychotherapy Helps Rewire Brain Changes Linked to Social Anxiety Disorder
Some estimates propose that as many as 10% of the population struggle or suffer from social anxiety Social anxiety may manifest as increased sweating, heart palpitations, nervousness, and generalized discomfort from being in a social situation. Needless to say, these individuals tend to avoid crowds, and sometimes even intimate gatherings can be trying. This is […]