Latest news with #Asperger's
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters
Elon Musk's 'abnormal behavior' linked to hypomania, says Dr. Drew Pinsky; know what it is and why it matters In the relentless race of modern tech entrepreneurship, few names shine as brightly—or stir more debate—than Elon Musk . From co-founding PayPal to helming Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, Musk's achievements seem almost superhuman. But psychologist and addiction medicine expert Dr. Drew Pinsky, known to many as "Dr. Drew," recently shared a compelling perspective: Musk's behavior may be consistent with hypomania, a clinical mood state that exists on the bipolar spectrum. Musk himself disclosed he has Asperger's syndrome, but Dr. Pinsky suggests his energetic and erratic public behavior may indicate something more. Here you can delve into what hypomania actually is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed and treated, and why it matters—whether or not a public figure like Elon Musk lives with it. Dr. Drew on Elon Musk: A brilliant mind, but possibly 'hypomanic' On a recent appearance on Newsmax, Dr. Drew Pinsky applauded Musk's accomplishments and intelligence, but cautioned: "There's a flip‑side of that success that Musk probably has hypomania" He noted Musk's exuberant energy, nonstop tweeting, unfiltered outbursts, and sudden policy clashes—like his highly publicized feud with President Trump—as examples of behavior 'beyond Asperger's.' This suggests a possible mood dysregulation consistent with hypomanic episodes. What is hypomania Hypomania is a mood disorder characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and hyperactivity lasting at least four days. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre cómo Amazon CFD puede ayudarte a invertir como un pro Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo It sits below full mania in severity—hypomania doesn't typically involve psychosis or hospitalization—but still represents a significant deviation from normal functioning. It is one phase in bipolar II disorder, according to the DSM‑5, and can reflect both impressive creativity or productivity—what some might call 'the genius zone'—as well as impulsive and risky behavior. Causes of hypomania 1. Genetics Family history of bipolar spectrum disorders significantly increases the risk of hypomania. 2. Neurochemical imbalance Fluctuations in dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels—critical in reward and arousal—may trigger hypomanic states. 3. Life stress or overwork High-pressure roles like Musk's, with irregular schedules and intense responsibility, frequently precipitate episodes. 4. Sleep deprivation Reduced need for sleep—Musk often says he sleeps just six hours a night—is a known trigger. 5. Medication or substance use Certain drugs, stimulants, and even prescription medications can induce hypomanic symptoms in susceptible individuals. Common symptoms of hypomania Hypomanic behavior manifests in several recognizable ways: Elevated or irritable mood Decreased need for sleep, without feeling tired Rapid or pressured speech Flight of ideas, jumping between topics Distractibility Increased goal-oriented activity Risk-taking, such as impulsive investments or unfiltered tweets These symptoms must persist for at least four consecutive days. In Musk's case, frequent behaviors—such as launching companies in rapid succession, launching rockets at breakneck timelines, and administering controversial Twitter/X changes—suggest recurring hypomanic patterns. The dark side of hypomania: Know its risks Though often glorified as 'super-focus' or a creative edge, hypomania carries significant risks: Burnout Strained relationships triggered by irritability Impulsive financial or strategic decisions Rapid cycling into depression Escalation into full-blown mania if untreated Although Musk has channeled his energy into extraordinary accomplishments, Dr. Pinsky warns that 'the flip‑side' of hypomania can lead to impulsiveness and unpredictability—factors that can impact both personal life and public perception. Hypomania diagnosis and assessment Hypomania is diagnosed via a careful psychiatric evaluation based on the DSM‑5 criteria. Mental health professionals assess: Duration and nature of symptoms Functional impact on daily life History of episodic mood changes Family mental health background Exclusion of substance- or medication-induced symptoms Hypomania treatment options 1. Medication Mood stabilizers: Lithium, lamotrigine, valproate Atypical antipsychotics: Quetiapine, aripiprazole Cautious use of Antidepressants, as they can sometimes trigger hypomania 2. Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for recognizing triggers Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) to stabilize routines Psychoeducation for awareness and early detection 3. Lifestyle Adjustments Regular sleep schedules Stress reduction via mindfulness or exercise Avoid stimulant medications or substances Mood tracking through apps or journals Living with hypomania: Can it be an asset Some psychologists have argued that hypomania, when mild and well-managed, can be a 'productive' state, especially in high-achieving individuals like entrepreneurs or artists. People like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and other visionaries often display traits associated with hypomania: relentless drive, charisma, and unconventional thinking. However, romanticizing mental health conditions can be dangerous. Without proper boundaries and treatment, hypomania can quickly spiral out of control. Also read | Pandemic 2.0 alert: Wild animal markets could trigger the next global outbreak; experts warn of imminent risk One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
'Elon Musk suffers from hypomania': Dr Drew Pinsky breaks down Tesla CEO's 'abnormal' behavior
Dr Drew said Elon Musk might be bipolar. Addiction medicine specialist Dr Drew Pinsky broke down Elon Musk's abnormal behavior that prompted an exchange of salvos with President Donald Trump. Appearing on Newsmax to discuss on Elon Musk's Asperger's syndrome that Musk himself admitted in 2021 on Saturday Night Live, Dr Pinsky said there's more than just Asperger's. Dr Pinsky said he respect Elon Musk, read his biography and thinks he is a great guy, a very successful man but there is a flip side of that success that Musk probably has hypomania. Dr Pinsky said he got to know from Musk's biography that Musk had has phases of hypomanic binges where he worked for hours without sleeping. Musk probably suffers from hypomania that many successful people have. Hypomania has the risk of turning into mania which makes one irritable with a lack of risk assessment which means they can't grasp the significance or the repercussion of what they are doing. "Is he bipolar, I don't know," Dr Pinsky said adding to what Donald Trump called as Trump Derangement System. Talking about Elon Musk's outburst over the Big, Beautiful Bill, Trump said Elon Musk is probably missing the White House and getting affected Trump Derangement Syndrome, something that he came up with to describe the condition of his detractors. But it was not just a hilarious comment, the Newsmax panel commented adding that not being able to accept change is associated with Asperger's syndrome. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 최대 할인 지원해드려요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Elon Musk raged on his social media platform X calling Donald Trump ungrateful, liar and then made the massive allegation that Trump was named in Epstein Files and that's why the administration was not releasing it. According to reports, this took the fight beyond any repair and Donald Trump rejected to even talk about Elon Musk. A day later, Musk deleted that particular post. Musk spoke extensively about his Asperger's and said he grew up with it. The social cues were not intuitive to him and he used to take things very literally, he said on one occasion. He took time to realize that people were not saying what they meant.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Injured Wichita Falls man's family shares update on recovery journey
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — We're learning more about the man who was hit on Maplewood Avenue earlier this week. His mother is now speaking out as he remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Juanita Pecot said her son, Chance Pecot, was headed to work but unfortunately ended up in a hospital bed fighting through multiple traumatic injuries. Juanita said he had just stepped off the bus and walked around the front as usual, but what happened next left him unconscious on the pavement. He had just stepped off the city bus Monday morning when the side mirror of a passing box truck struck him. The impact caused multiple skull fractures, cracked ribs, and damage to his spine. Doctors at United Regional have kept him heavily sedated, but his mother says he's stable and slowly improving. For now, the family is focused on his recovery, one small step at a time. His mother said Chase is a loving young man who has never met a stranger. 'He is such an amazing man. He has Asperger's. That being said, he it's supposed to be a social disorder. And he has to be the most social butterfly you'll ever meet. He makes an impression wherever he goes,' Juanita Pecot said. Chase has even recently gotten baptized, and his church is behind him and the family every step of the way. Heritage Church even held a blood drive today in his honor. As Chase embarks on his journey of recovery, his family remains hopeful and thankful. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Criminal Justice spotlights Asperger's; real patients still battle daily inequity
In India, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Asperger's though often folded into the broader ASD category, remains clinically distinct in many respects. It is marked by significant impairments in social interaction and communication, alongside restricted interests, despite otherwise intact language co-morbidities such as anxiety and depression are common, yet public understanding remains dismally Rohan Sippy, otherwise known for his comedy flicks, delivers a taut narrative in his latest season of 'Criminal Justice'. The ongoing series steers clear of the histrionics that often plague Indian OTT content. Importantly, it takes a bold step by putting Asperger's syndrome in the front and right in the centre. It's not just a passing mention; the name is spoken, the condition is respected, and the portrayal of the syndrome is responsibly rendered. The result: A rare moment of clarity in Indian entertainment's murky representation of mental REAL ASPERGER'S For better context, Asperger's doesn't go by its own name any more in official diagnostic reports. It's now subsumed under an overarching ASD. The grouping may be clinically convenient, but it also heavily risks erasing the nuanced experiences of those who live with the condition. As psychiatrists like Dr Neerja Mathur point out, Asperger's is often presented with distinct psychiatric co-morbidities and behavioural traits that merit focused clinical attention and targeted interventions, not is this lack of specificity in diagnosis for AS that can have devastating consequences. Mitali Das, a mother and a social worker, recounts being shown the door by over 30 schools in New Delhi for her son's admission. "They couldn't place him because no one understood the difference between autism, Asperger's syndrome, Tourettes and dyslexia. We had to homeschool him.'While the West has made strides with specialist schools and trained support systems, India is still playing catch-up. Children with Asperger's often prefer to be homeschooled rather than attend regular schools. Even their high cognitive abilities do not mask the daily toll of social exclusion, bullying, and misunderstood irony is quite sharp. A condition identified as far back as 1944, named by British psychiatrist Lorna Wing in 1981, and increasingly common today, still goes largely unrecognised in classrooms, clinics, and is why 'Criminal Justice' matters. Not just for its storytelling, but for showing the courage to say the name, to represent reality, and to start the conversation. Whether the show will shift public attitudes or policy remains to be seen. But at the very least, it places Asperger's — finally — into the public that's a good first step.
Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I moved to Boston expecting to love it. I only lasted a year.
Shortly before my 23rd birthday, I was diagnosed with Asperger's, now known as autism spectrum disorder. I'd been studying to become a high school English teacher. However, after a difficult substitute teaching internship, I decided that path wasn't for me. The glitzy city of Boston felt like the logical next step, so in 2010, I moved from my small hometown of Stonington, CT, to Boston, expecting to love it. I hadn't considered how the city's hustle and bustle would clash with my neurodivergence, and it was a hard lesson learned. I couldn't land a consistent job I wanted I started working in retail, first at Tiffany & Co., but I didn't make it through training. Then I tried a commission-based job at Jimmy Choo, but my neurodivergence made it difficult for me to talk to people and sell them on certain items. Ultimately, this led to a conversation with my boss, during which I tearfully explained my diagnosis, and we both agreed I should give my two weeks' notice. Then, I was a transcriptionist for a company called Sten-Tel, but little work was available and didn't pay enough for me to get by. I eventually took a hostessing job at McCormick & Schmick's, where I worked up until I left the city. Riding the public transport stressed me out I loathed the "T," aka the MBTA subway system in Boston. Being autistic, I didn't like the crowds to begin with, and the MBTA subways were often packed. I also got nauseous and a bit fearful when the train swayed around turns. This was during my pre- AirPod days, and it wasn't easy putting up with these sensory issues, especially since my sensitive stomach prevented me from reading while in transit to distract myself. And despite the city's walkability, I couldn't get everywhere on foot, and I became impatient, frustrated, and stressed whenever I had to use the subway. Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role — it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. Continue By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . My living and social situations weren't ideal, either I couldn't afford to live in Boston alone, so I rented an apartment with two other people. I already knew from my college dorm days that living with multiple roommates wasn't easy, and my Boston roommates were no exception. One of my roommate's dogs kept using my room as a toilet. As an animal lover, I blamed the human and committed the petty crime of ice cream theft. Despite all the bad, there are a couple of fond memories, like the pair of Burberry rain boots I bought in the city that I still wear, and how cool it was to meet Jesse Eisenberg while he was promoting a movie. I moved back to my hometown in Connecticut 1 year after living in Boston When I told people I was moving back to Connecticut, I claimed this was mainly to save up the money needed for grad school in the fall. However, in reality, I knew it was because Boston, and perhaps any big city, wasn't for me. That lesson has stuck with me, especially as I've come to recognize my sensory sensitivity and how this clashes with the hustle and bustle of a large city. I'm still grateful for my experiences in Boston, though. It taught me that, while I can live on my own and find things to occupy my time, a city like Boston is not where I'm meant to live. I now live in Westerly, RI, a fairly quiet beach town — at least during the off season. My work is fully remote as a ghostwrite, proofreader, freelance writer, and film critic. The more laid-back lifestyle here is better suited to my personality than what I'd experienced in Boston. And whenever I feel inclined to experience city life, I head to Providence for an evening or two.
