Latest news with #DiagnosticandStatisticalManualofMentalDisorders
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Breaking down resurfaced rumors that Harvey Milk was a pedophile
In early June 2025, also known as Pride Month, rumors circulated that Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, was a ped*ph*le. The claim spread online as reported U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth had ordered the U.S. Navy to rename one of its ships that bore the name "Harvey Milk." For example, an X user relayed the rumor (archived): As of this writing, the post had gained nearly 50,000 views and 2,100 likes. The claim further appeared on several other X posts, one of which sought to support its assertion by recounting a relationship Milk, then 33 years old, had started with Jack Galen McKinley, who was 16 years old at the time, in "true groomer fashion" (archived): In 2021, the U.S. Navy sought to honor Milk by christening a ship in his name. Milk served in the Navy for four years. He resigned in 1955 following a psychiatric examination that identified him as a homosexual person rather than being court-martialed. Hegseth's order revived old rumors that the gay rights leader, who was assassinated in 1978, was a ped*ph*le. Snopes found an instance of the claim in 2011, reportedly shared by a group known as SaveCalifornia, which attacked a successful statewide initiative to celebrate Milk's legacy in schools. The SaveCalifornia website also posted about "Harvey Milk Day" in California's public schools in 2019, calling for an end to the commemoration for the sake of protecting children. On the page, a three-minute YouTube video appeared calling Milk a "predator of teens." It is true that in 1964, Milk, then 33 years old, entered a relationship with Galen McKinley, who was 16 years old, according to the Milk biography, "Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death." The relationship started in New York City. Snopes reached out to the New York State Library to confirm what the age of consent was in the state and city that year and we will update this report should they respond. Later, the pair spent time in California, where the age of consent has been 18 years old since at least 1920. Their California sojourn occurred around 1969, when Galen McKinley was 23 years old. The two remained a couple until at least 1970 and they stayed in touch for years after that. Absent a clear age of consent in the state of New York, however, Snopes examined psychiatric criteria to determine whether Milk would be considered a ped*ph*le for entering into a relationship with Galen McKinley. Pedophilia is not a legal term but a clinical one. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) treats pedophilia as a mental disorder, defining it as "a paraphilia in which sexual acts or fantasies involving prepubertal children are the persistently preferred or exclusive method of achieving sexual excitement." Prepubertal children can be as old as 11 years old. In other words, a 16-year-old boy is not prepubertal. The APA and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders have yet to define the attraction to children older than 11 years of age. For example, while California has established the age of consent at 18, it also includes a statute according to which "a person who willfully and lewdly commits any lewd or lascivious act, including any of the acts constituting other crimes provided for in Part 1, upon or with the body, or any part or member thereof, of a child who is under the age of 14 years, with the intent of arousing, appealing to, or gratifying the lust, passions, or sexual desires of that person or the child, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, six, or eight years." In other words, the law of the state makes a distinction between the age of consent and sexual crimes committed against children younger than 14 years old. In sum, while it is possible Milk's relationship with Galen McKinley may have violated the laws of consent in the state of New York in 1964, it does not appear that modern psychological standards would deem him a ped*ph*le. We will update this report when we can determine what the age of consent was in the state at the time the relationship took place. "A Complete Genealogy and Family History Resource Center." 2025, Accessed 4 June 2025.. Archive: Adminstrator 1. "Harvey Milk Day// - 2019, Accessed 4 June 2025. Blanchard, Ray, et al. "Pedophilia, Hebephilia, and the DSM-V." Archives of Sexual Behavior, vol. 38, no. 3, Aug. 2008, pp. 335–50, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Children and Youth in History | Age of Consent Laws [Table]." 2021, Accessed 4 June 2025. Kratz, Jessie. "Harvey Milk: Veteran." Pieces of History, 28 June 2023, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Law Section." Accessed 4 June 2025. Mehta, Kalika. "US Navy to Rename Ship Named after Gay Activist Harvey Milk." Deutsche Welle, 3 June 2025, Accessed 4 June 2025. Milk, Harvey. "Jewish Lives." Jewish Lives, 2024, Accessed 4 June 2025. "Pedophilia | APA Dictionary of Psychology." Accessed 4 June 2025. Writers, Staff. "Milk Pedophile Claim." Star Observer, 31 May 2011, Accessed 4 June 2025.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
Social Media Addiction and Its Mental Health Impacts
In the digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat have become deeply embedded in our daily lives. They offer instant connectivity, entertainment, and even professional networking. But as our screen time rises, so does a growing concern: social media addiction. What starts as a harmless scroll can evolve into a compulsive habit with serious implications for mental health. Path to Recovery Overcoming dependency requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and emotional challenges. Individuals often face withdrawal symptoms and cravings that can be overwhelming without proper guidance. Support from healthcare professionals, family, and community plays a crucial role in fostering resilience. Behavioral therapies and counseling help uncover underlying causes and teach coping mechanisms. In the middle of these efforts, Drug Addiction Treatment becomes essential to stabilize and guide the patient through detoxification and rehabilitation. Continued care and relapse prevention strategies ensure long-term success, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and strength. Social media addiction is characterized by excessive and compulsive use of social networking sites, often at the expense of real-life responsibilities, relationships, and well-being. While not yet formally recognized as a clinical disorder in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), it shares similar features with other behavioral addictions, such as gambling. Individuals may feel anxious or irritable when not online, find it hard to cut down on usage, or neglect important aspects of life like work, studies, or family. Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. They use sophisticated algorithms to capture attention and keep users engaged. Features like infinite scrolling, notifications, likes, and shares provide intermittent rewards that activate the brain's dopamine system—the same system involved in other addictive behaviors. Moreover, the fear of missing out (FOMO) plays a significant psychological role. Users often feel compelled to stay constantly updated to avoid missing out on trending content, conversations, or social events. This fear can trap individuals in an endless cycle of checking and refreshing their feeds. The link between social media and mental health is complex. While these platforms can offer support and community, excessive use often correlates with increased rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Multiple studies have found a strong association between high social media use and symptoms of depression and anxiety. One reason is social comparison. Users often compare their real lives to the curated highlight reels of others. Seeing friends or influencers living seemingly perfect lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy, failure, and sadness. These comparisons can be especially harmful to teenagers and young adults, who are more vulnerable to external validation. Screen time—especially before bed—has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns. Blue light from devices can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. In addition, the mental stimulation from scrolling through content or engaging in online conversations can make it difficult to wind down. Poor sleep quality further exacerbates mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok emphasize visuals, making them hotspots for body image concerns. Filters, editing apps, and influencer culture set unrealistic beauty standards. As users strive to emulate these ideals, they may develop negative self-perceptions. This is particularly harmful to adolescents, who are still developing their identities and self-worth. Paradoxically, while social media is designed to connect us, it can also lead to feelings of loneliness. Online interactions often lack the depth and emotional fulfillment of face-to-face communication. Relying solely on digital connections may result in social withdrawal and reduced participation in real-world relationships. Constant notifications and the habit of multitasking between apps can reduce our attention span and productivity. Social media can interrupt work or study sessions, making it harder to focus and leading to feelings of stress or inadequacy when tasks remain unfinished. While anyone can be affected by social media addiction, certain groups are more vulnerable: Teenagers and Young Adults: This demographic is more impressionable and driven by peer approval. They're also among the heaviest users of social platforms. This demographic is more impressionable and driven by peer approval. They're also among the heaviest users of social platforms. People with Pre-existing Mental Health Issues: Those struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem may turn to social media for escape or validation. Those struggling with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem may turn to social media for escape or validation. Individuals with Low Offline Social Support: People who lack strong real-world connections may seek solace online, making them more dependent on digital interactions. The goal isn't to demonize social media, but to promote healthier habits. Here are some strategies to maintain balance: Set Time Limits: Use screen time trackers or apps to monitor and limit usage. Create Tech-Free Zones: Establish boundaries, such as no phones at the dinner table or during bedtime. Curate Your Feed: Unfollow accounts that promote negativity or unrealistic standards. Follow content that inspires and uplifts. Engage Mindfully: Ask yourself why you're logging in—are you bored, lonely, or procrastinating? Finding healthier alternatives for these feelings can be beneficial. Take Regular Breaks: Digital detoxes, even short ones, can help reset your habits and improve mental clarity. Seek Professional Help: If social media use is interfering with daily life or causing significant distress, talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful. Social media is a powerful tool—it can educate, connect, and entertain. But when used excessively, it can also be a source of anxiety, stress, and disconnection. Being mindful of how, when, and why we engage with these platforms is essential for protecting our mental health in an increasingly digital world. It's time to take back control and build a more balanced relationship with the online spaces we occupy. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
TikTokers are self-diagnosing. That's not all bad
More people are unfortunately turning to social media because neuropsychological tests are costly. But there is a silver lining 'MY ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)? I figured it out on TikTok,' a new patient told me proudly. She hadn't turned to social media for answers because she wanted to; she just couldn't afford the cost of a formal psychiatric evaluation. Appointments for neuropsychological assessments, the gold standard for diagnosing conditions such as ADHD, are increasingly hard to come by. Many are also expensive and can run anywhere from US$800 to over US$10,000 (RM43,700), depending on the complexity of the tests. Even when the patient has insurance, it often doesn't cover the costs or, worse, denies reimbursement after the fact, deeming the evaluation 'not medically necessary'. Is it harmful that social media platforms are filling an accessibility gap? The answer isn't always 'yes', and the complexity of that deserves more discourse. In my patient's case, she'd only landed in my office because her new job came with decent coverage. But as I reviewed her story, something didn't add up. The symptoms she described didn't match the diagnostic criteria for ADHD as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which sits on every mental health professional's shelf. In fact, they weren't even close. Yet, despite receiving a diagnosis of anxiety, not ADHD, from two separate professionals, she struggled to move away from what Dr TikTok told her. She is hardly alone. More and more people are turning to social media for instant opinions on what ails them. The 'put a finger down if…' mental health trend, in which a person holds up 10 fingers and puts one down each time they think a symptom applies to them, is increasingly popular. Cost is one reason, but the anonymity of the Internet can be attractive, too. Even those not recording themselves are taking part in the trend behind closed doors. Another draw is that patients can retrofit their preferred answers to their symptoms. If they 'want' to have ADHD or any other condition, they can find confirmation somewhere online. It's no surprise, then, that social media platforms have increasingly supplanted actual doctors. For clinicians like me, this shift is alarming. If WebMD ushered in the age of armchair diagnosis, TikTok has kicked the door wide open. By being fast-paced, algorithm-driven and emotionally compelling, the mental health content on these platforms often simplifies, distorts or completely redefines actual science-based research. The videos create a version of mental illness that feels relatable but often doesn't line up with medical reality. One 2023 study of 600 people showed a growing disconnect between how everyday people and professionals define what counts as a 'disorder'. They found that many people thought that some sets of symptoms are mistakenly left out of the DSM while others are there but should not be. The researchers concluded: 'The public's concept of disorder is not in lockstep with organised psychiatry.' Similarly, a recent study published in Nature found that those who claimed high levels of autism traits in online questionnaires didn't much resemble people formally on the spectrum in a clinical setting. In fact, there was so little overlap between these individuals' self-assessments and professional assessments that they might have described different people. In short, self-diagnosis is often way off the mark. And that matters because once someone goes from curiosity to self-diagnosis, the risks multiply. TikTok-style checklists and unverified quizzes don't come with effective treatment plans, so checking boxes and answering questions in this format can lead people to self-medicate. These actions can also prolong unnecessary suffering since algorithms can trap users in a loop of increasingly intense content that may worsen their mental health. There are also privacy concerns for those who upload videos about their struggles — online spaces aren't bound by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Still, I don't believe the solution is to reject social media altogether. Social media platforms have opened up conversations about mental health in ways that traditional medicine never could. They've given people — especially those who've been dismissed or ignored by professionals — a space to feel seen and supported. As a trauma therapist, I've worked with many women who were invalidated by the healthcare system, and I see how powerful it is when people find community and language for their experiences online. I don't believe that only mental health professionals should get to talk about mental health. But neither can we ignore the flood of misinformation online. Instead of being adversaries, perhaps clinicians and content creators need to work together. Right now, we're not only in different lanes; we're on completely different highways. What if social media could be an on-ramp instead of a cul-de-sac? What if people started learning about mental health on TikTok but were then connected to actual treatment from trained experts? Yes, there's always a risk of misinformation. But there's also huge potential for spreading good, science-backed knowledge — if we find ways to collaborate instead of isolate. The real issue is that mental health professionals aren't trained to succeed in the world of social media. Doctors are not taught in graduate school how to make attention-grabbing videos or explain complex ideas with emojis, lip-syncs or colour-coded infographics. People such as Dr Becky Kennedy who translates mental health concepts grounded in science into bite-size morsels for the lay audience while cooking and folding laundry are the exception, not the rule. But that needs to change, at least a little. My peers need to venture forth from the safety of our clinical settings into the wild world of social media and plant our flag there. We have to put ourselves where we are most likely to be seen. Then, perhaps slowly, we can begin to meet misinformation with fact and wild speculation with sober advice. Who knows? Maybe the next time one of my patients goes online to seek a diagnosis, she'll find me there. — Bloomberg This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Medscape
15-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
1 in 4 US Children Live With Addicted Parents
Nearly 19 million US children live with at least one parent meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition; DSM-5) criteria for substance use disorder (SUD), representing one quarter of all US children in 2023. Over 6.1 million of these children have parents with comorbid SUD and mental illness, making them particularly at risk for adverse childhood experiences. METHODOLOGY: Analysis included nationally representative data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health of the civilian, noninstitutionalized US population aged ≥ 12 years. Researchers followed the STROBE reporting guideline, with institutional review boards deeming the study exempt from review due to the use of deidentified data. Data collection involved interviewing one adult per selected household, who reported relationships to other household members, including biological, step, foster, or adoptive children aged < 18 years. Statistical analysis estimated weighted counts and 95% CIs of youth exposed to parental DSM-5–defined SUD, including disorders related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants, methamphetamine, and prescription medications. TAKEAWAY: Based on the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health total weighted number of 62,637,851 parents, researchers estimated 18,968,894 (95% CI, 16,806,368-21,261,446) children lived with at least one parent meeting DSM-5 SUD criteria. Among affected children, 7,643,244 (95% CI, 6,468,786-8,911,360) lived with a parent having moderate or severe SUD, while 3,409,675 (95% CI, 2,568,782-4,358,248) had parents with multiple SUDs. Researchers found that 6,148,289 (95% CI, 5,012,046-7,389,039) children lived with a parent having comorbid SUD and mental illness, defined as major depressive disorder and/or serious psychological distress. Parental SUDs predominantly consisted of alcohol use disorder, followed by cannabis use disorder, prescription-related use disorder, and noncannabis drug use disorder. IN PRACTICE: 'Children exposed to parental SUD are more likely to develop adverse health outcomes than their peers without parental SUD exposure, including early substance use initiation, substance-related problems, and mental health findings signal the need for more attention at the federal, state, and local levels on the children and families affected by addiction. Evidence-based, family-based treatments for SUD and mental illness can prevent adverse health consequences in this population,' the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Sean Esteban McCabe, PhD, Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking, and Health, University of Michigan School of Nursing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was published online in JAMA Pediatrics . LIMITATIONS: According to the authors, the study faced limitations common to large-scale national surveys, including potential sampling bias, selection bias, and self-report bias. Additionally, the number of offsprings in households was truncated at three or more, suggesting that the estimates represented the lower bound of youths exposed to parental SUD. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by grants RO1DA031160 and RO1DA043691 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health. McCabe reported receiving grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse during the conduct of the study. Additional disclosures are noted in the original article.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Nearly 19 Million U.S. Children Live With a Parent With Substance Use Disorder
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A staggering 19 million U.S. children were estimated to be living in a household with at least one parent battling a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023, according to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This figure accounts for nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States, highlighting the prevalence of parental substance abuse among young individuals. The findings also revealed that more than 6.1 million children lived with a parent facing both SUD and a mental illness, such as major depressive disorder or serious psychological distress. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 62 million parents—and defined SUD according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These criteria include disorders related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, prescription drugs and other substances. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears. Alexander_Safonov Researchers highlighted the serious risks faced by children exposed to parental SUD. Compared to their peers, these children are more likely to develop a range of adverse outcomes, including early substance use initiation, substance-related problems and mental health disorders. The study provided a detailed breakdown, revealing that 7.6 million children lived with a parent experiencing moderate or severe SUD, while 3.4 million lived with a parent struggling with multiple SUDs. Among parental substance use disorders, alcohol was the most common, followed by cannabis, prescription-related issues and other non-cannabis drug use disorders. Experts emphasized that these findings are a call to action for federal, state and local governments to invest in family-centered interventions. These children are particularly vulnerable to adverse childhood experience, the researchers noted—and without support, they may continue the cycle of substance use and mental health struggles. The study also acknowledged its limitations, including the reliance on self-reported data, suggesting that the actual number of children affected may be even higher. "Additionally, the number of offspring in the household was truncated at three, suggesting that estimates represented the lower bound of youths exposed to parental SUD," the researchers noted. "Direct comparison of the impact of DSM-IV-defined vs DSM-5-defined parental SUD severity is an important step for future research," they wrote. With nearly one in four American children impacted by a parent's substance use disorder, the study's authors are urging greater awareness and support for these families. Evidence-based treatments for both SUD and mental illness, particularly those that include family support, could help mitigate the long-term consequences for these vulnerable children. Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about substance use disorder? Let us know via science@ Reference McCabe, S. E., McCabe, V. V., & Schepis, T. S. (2025). US children living with a parent with substance use disorder. JAMA Pediatrics.
