Tag Archives: mental health

What Causes Someone to be an Alcoholic?

Who is considered an alcoholic? The exact reason for someone to get an alcohol use disorder (AUD) is not completely understood. The term alcohol use disorder (AUD) refers to a condition in which a person has a strong and compulsive desire to consume alcohol despite the presence of negative consequences or impact on their life. …

Read More »

What is Therapeutic Hypnosis?

What is therapeutic hypnosis? Hypnosis doesn't have a robust body of scientific evidence backing its effectiveness, but it may help people with mental health problems and addiction control symptoms. Therapeutic hypnosis (hypnotherapy) is a technique used by some psychotherapists to induce a trance-like state of mind that becomes more open to suggestions from the therapist. The technique uses focused attention, …

Read More »

How Is Hypnotherapy Performed?

What is hypnotherapy? Though there is no robust body of scientific evidence for its effectiveness, hypnosis or hypnotherapy may help control symptoms of addiction and other mental health problems. Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique to produce an altered state of consciousness (hypnosis) in a person by inducing deep relaxation. While the person in this state, the therapist makes suggestions for …

Read More »

What Triggers Bipolar Disorder?

What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that causes unusual and extreme shifts in mood. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of deep, prolonged and profound depression that alternate with periods of an excessively elevated or irritable mood known as mania. Bipolar disorder is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. Bipolar disorder does not have any cure, …

Read More »

Rexulti (brexpiprazole): Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety

What is Rexulti (brexpiprazole), and what is it used for? What is Rexulti (brexpiprazole), and what is it used for? Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and for treatment of schizophrenia. Rexulti is a prescription medicine used to treat: Major depressive disorder (MDD): …

Read More »

Nature vs. Nurture: Effects on Genes, Mental & Physical Health

What is nature vs. nurture (definitions)? Nature vs. nurture affects our mental and physical health. In the context of the nature vs. nurture debate, “nature” refers to biological/genetic predispositions’ impact on human traits, and nurture describes the influence of learning and other influences from one’s environment. The debate over whether the strengths and weaknesses of people are the result of …

Read More »

Beta blockers vs. Xanax: Facts, Side Effects & Drug Interactions

Beta blockers vs. Xanax Beta blockers and Xanax (alprazolam) are drugs prescribed for anxiety. A difference is beta-blockers are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart problems, and they are prescribed off-label for anxiety. Xanax is a different kind of drug, a benzodiazepine that is a type of tranquilizer, widely prescribed for anxiety. Beta-blockers work best for short-term …

Read More »

Gabapentin vs. Xanax (alprazolam) for Anxiety & Panic Disorders

What’s the difference between gabapentin and Xanax? Gabapentin and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. A difference is that gabapentin is primarily an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) drug used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Gabapentin is used off-label to treat anxiety. Xanax belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines, …

Read More »

Xanax (alprazolam) Side Effects, Dosage & Withdrawal

What is Xanax? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Alprazolam (Xanax XR, Niravam), is an anti-anxiety medication in the benzodiazepine drug family, the same family that includes diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others. Alprazolam and other benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical …

Read More »

Vyvanse vs. Adderall ADHD Drug Side Effects, Dosage, and Pregnancy

Vyvanse vs. Adderall comparison of differences Adderall and Vyvanse are amphetamines, which are stimulants that increase the level of important chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Amphetamines are used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Vyvanse is approved to treat these disorders as well as moderate-to-severe binge eating disorder. The difference between the drugs is that Adderall contains …

Read More »