Though research does not indicate that depression is a definite cause of smoking, or that cigarette smoking necessarily causes depression, recent findings have nonetheless identified an interesting correlation between cigarette smoking and depression. Results from a 2005-2008 nationwide survey of adults by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) concluded that not only are people more…
A recent study has investigated the likelihood of young people who smoke marijuana to experience delusions, hallucinations or other signs of psychosis. Findings reveal intriguing connections between long-term use of cannabis and episodes of psychosis. The study was lead by researcher John McGrath, M.D., of the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia and followed 3,801…
Results from two new studies on bullying behavior indicate that the reasons behind bullying may be more complex than researchers once surmised. Playground taunting, name calling, classroom rumors and cruel online banter may be rooted, the study reveals, in a deep need for bullies to be accepted and feel loved. “The Darker Side of Social…
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti earlier this year, which took countless lives and did untold damage to the lives of the Haitian people, an outpouring of support from around the world has created an awkward situation for those who want to help, but are being warned to tread carefully. Post-traumatic stress…
Though suicide risk is increased among children and teens on antidepressants, a recent study verifies the FDA’s claim that the risk is not heightened by use of particular formulas of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medications. SSRI antidepressants combat depression by increasing the amount of the feel-good compound serotonin that is available for absorption…
The use of opioids to treat chronic pain is growing, and with it grows the number of people who find themselves addicted to prescription pain pills. Experts estimate that up to 16% of the country can be classified as currently having a pain medication addiction. In the hope of understanding how and why addictions to…