Month: April 2010

An amino acid supplement may be an effective treatment for some people with the compulsive hair-pulling disorder trichotillomania.

Positive psychology techniques attempt to shift away from traditional psychotherapy’s focus on negative emotions, and encourage patients to emphasize their personal strengths and positive emotions.

In a series of driving simulation experiments conducted by psychologists, drivers were more likely to be distracted by a cell phone conversation, even while using a hands-free device, than by talking to a passenger in the vehicle.

Although hookah or waterpipe smoking is thought to be less addictive than cigarettes, waterpipes are typically smoked for sustained periods and the smoke is inhaled more often, so smokers are still exposed to nicotine and other toxins.

People who tend to accumulate fat around the abdomen are at higher risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Research is suggesting that they may also be at increased risk of developing dementia.

Results of a survey of people in 17 countries suggest that people with arthritis are more likely to suffer from depression or a related anxiety disorder such as social phobia.

A survey of clinicians found that the language used to describe a person with an addiction problem affected the respondents’ attitude about the person.

Antidepressant medications can decrease libido or impair sexual function. Sometimes this can be overcome by switching medications, changing dosage, or waiting to see if the effect diminishes over time.

For patients who are attempting to overcome an addiction, assigning specific tasks at the various stages of the process serves as motivation to change and progress from one stage to the next.

Researchers found that less than half of a group of children who had symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had been definitively diagnosed with the condition, and fewer were receiving treatment.