Johns Hopkins just published an interesting summary of the research out today on treating mood disorders with hallucinogens. In the most recent Depression and Anxiety Health Alert, the author chronicles the history of hallucinogens and how they affect the central nervous system to release the right kind of neurotransmitters. Per Hopkins:   Hallucinogens (also called...

Insomnia is one of the diagnostic hallmarks of clinical depression. As many as 80 percent of persons who are depressed experience sleeplessness: interrupted sleep, difficulty falling asleep, and early morning waking. Not only does insomnia aggravate existing depression, it can also create risks for developing depression and other mood disorders. It is essential to treat...

Recent happiness studies indicate that popularity, influence, and money do not make people happiest – even as our culture suggests otherwise. Autonomy, life purpose, and relationships are found at the top of the list. In her new book, “The Happiness Choice: The Five Decisions that Take You From Where You Are to Where You Want...

Psychotherapy has been proven effective to treat persons with mild to moderate depression, and, combined with medication, is used to treat chronic or severe mood disorders. Although most people lump all forms of psychotherapy together under the umbrella term of “counseling,” the types of talk therapy vary quite a bit, and are used to meet...

F.E.A.R – Forget everything and run. We are wired to fear, as fear has kept us alive back when we had hair on our feet, and continues to save our lives today when something threatens our existence. The almond-shaped cluster within our brain known as the amygdala, or fear center, is quite effective at sending “fight...