Category: harvardhealth_news_UNDEFINED

Researchers are exploring the many ways in which music may influence health, from stress relief to athletic performance.

Research suggests that prolonged stress is linked to high blood pressure, clogged arteries, anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and obesity.

Women who experience severe premenstrual symptoms may have a condition called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Antidepressants may relieve these symptoms and, depending on the person, can be taken intermittently instead of daily.

Mental health clinicians traditionally viewed sleep disorders as a symptom of a psychiatric disorder, but research suggests that in some patients sleep issues may be a cause of the disorder.

Pain, anxiety, and depression often coincide because the parts of the brain and nervous system that handle sensations and touch interact with those that regulate emotions and stress.

I am 53 and have experienced heavy menstrual bleeding. An ultrasound showed fibroids and polyps. My doctor gave me three choices: monitor with ultrasound, get a hysterectomy, or freeze the fibroids and polyps. I am not sure what to do.

Many people, especially those over 65, experience delirium during illness or hospitalization. In its more common form a person is likely to act withdrawn or appear drowsy, making diagnosis more difficult.

Proton-pump inhibitors are the strongest type of medicine available for treating stomach acid. There is some concern about their potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revises its immunization guidelines every year, and there are some changes for 2011, in particular ones that apply to people at middle age or older.

For people who have had shingles, the question of whether or not to get the vaccine to prevent a recurrence is not easily answered.