Latest news with #andStatisticalManualofMentalDisorders
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Popular Eating Habit May Be A Disorder, Experts Warn
Spend more than 30 seconds on TikTok, and you'll hear fitness influencers sing the praises of intermittent fasting. This eating plan is touted as a 'lifestyle change' rather than a diet, where people consume calories on a 16:8 plan (fast for 16 hours; eat normally for eight hours), a 5:2 plan (eat normally for five days; fast for two days) or another variation. The purported benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous: It can curb late-night eating, reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, improve gut health and, of course, lead to weight loss. But for folks who may be affected by disordered eating, intermittent fasting could lead down a slippery slope. An estimated 9% of the U.S. — or about 28.8 million people — will have an eating disorder in their lifetimes. While eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia must meet specific diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, disordered eating can apply to anyone with body image issues, dieting and/or psychological distress around food. People with disordered eating behaviors might hide in plain sight behind popular diets and wellness trends like intermittent fasting, which provides the perfect cover for restrictive eating. It's A Socially Acceptable Disguise Most people would be concerned to hear a friend say they were starving themselves, but no one bats an eye with intermittent fasting. 'Intermittent fasting can sometimes serve as a socially acceptable disguise for disordered eating behaviors,' said registered dietitian nutritionist Becky Mehr, director of outpatient nutrition at The Renfrew Center, a network of eating disorder treatment facilities. 'While it is often marketed as a tool for weight loss, improving metabolic health or simplifying eating patterns, it can become problematic — especially for those with a history of eating disorders,' she said. Mehr explained that because scheduled fasting requires skipping meals and ignoring hunger cues, it'll hide your disordered eating without raising concern. In fact, it could promote the opposite: praise for weight loss or 'perceived discipline' that could reinforce harmful behaviors. Mehr adds, 'Our bodies are not machines or calculators — they don't thrive on rigid calorie restrictions or time-bound nourishment.' Dr. Anne Marie O'Melia, chief clinical and quality officer at the Eating Recovery Center, told HuffPost, 'For individuals who are genetically and environmentally vulnerable to developing eating disorders, any form of caloric restriction or adherence to rigid food rules — including intermittent fasting — significantly increases their risk.' In fact, recent research has shown that many young women who participated in intermittent fasting had traits of eating disorder behaviors such as overeating, binge eating, vomiting, laxative use, compulsive exercise and fasting. 'We know that dieting and restriction are the number one predictors of eating disorder onset, particularly in adolescents and young adults,' O'Melia explained. 'The promise of short-term benefits like weight loss or metabolic changes pales in comparison to the real and devastating risks: Eating disorders have significant psychiatric and medical consequences, and the highest mortality rate among mental illnesses.' Intermittent fasting 'may seem harmless or even beneficial at first, but for too many people, it is a gateway into long-term, life-threatening struggles with food and body,' she added. Bottom line: The potential benefits of intermittent fasting do not outweigh the risks of developing or worsening an eating disorder. So how do you know if it's safe to try intermittent fasting? Our experts shared that it's all in your head — or, more specifically, in your mindset. 'The key difference lies in mindset, intent and impact on daily life,' Mehr said. If you are able to do intermittent fasting without obsessive thoughts about food or body image, and without rigid food rules that impair your daily functioning, then it might be OK. For everyone else, it can quickly spiral into disordered eating. This might look like 'experiencing intense anxiety about breaking 'rules,' obsessing over food, feeling shame about eating, avoiding social events involving food or using fasting as a way to control weight at all costs,' according to O'Melia. 'No one sets out thinking, 'I want to develop an eating disorder,' but for individuals with certain genetic, psychological and environmental risk factors, seemingly healthy choices can inadvertently lead to dangerous patterns,' O'Melia said. Signs intermittent fasting is triggering disordered eating include: Compensatory behaviors, like excessive exercise or purging. Avoiding social meals that don't fall in your eating window. Increasing preoccupation with food, body image or weight. Low energy, mood disturbances, sleep issues or trouble concentrating. Only eating 'safe' or 'healthy' foods. Eating in isolation; secrecy or hiding of eating behaviors. Binge eating symptoms, feeling of loss of control when eating. Feeling anxiety, guilt or shame if you eat outside your 'allowed' window. Experiencing medical issues such as fainting, amenorrhea, GI distress, or fatigue, dizziness, weakness, irritability or obsessional thinking about food. Negative or emotionally reactive responses to expressions of concern about changes in behavior. Any additional or increasing behaviors that can be associated with eating disorders, such as laxative use, changes in exercise patterns, developing food rules about the types of food eaten rather than just the times that food is eaten. If fasting starts to feel like an obligation instead of a choice — or affects your ability to enjoy life — it may be time to reevaluate. 'It's critical to remember that the human body is incredibly complex — and it thrives when treated with compassion, not punishment,' O'Melia said. 'Most people' should not do intermittent fasting, Mehr said, and 'especially those with a history of eating disorders, mental health struggles or nutrient deficiencies.' O'Melia added, 'Anyone with a personal history or a significant family history of an eating disorder, disordered eating, body dysmorphia, significant anxiety or depression, trauma history, or compulsive exercise patterns should avoid intermittent fasting.' If you have a fragile relationship with food and could be affected by self-imposed rules or restrictions around when you can eat, then intermittent fasting is not for you. 'Our bodies are designed to let us know when they need fuel,' Mehr explained. 'Ignoring those cues can lead to preoccupation with food, disrupted metabolism and emotional distress. [Intermittent fasting] is like telling someone to only use the bathroom during certain hours — it creates fixation, not freedom.' Our experts agreed that no one should do intermittent fasting without close guidance by their medical provider. Our experts were quick to slam any structured diet or food group restriction (other than for allergies). 'Eating should be a source of nourishment and pleasure, not a battleground,' O'Melia explained. 'I encourage patients to focus on balanced meals, variety, satisfaction and listening to their bodies.' Both experts recommend intuitive eating that listens to hunger and fullness cues. This includes eating a wide variety of foods without guilt (yes, desserts too!); respecting body diversity; participating in joyful movement; managing your stress and getting enough sleep; and centering mental, emotional and social health alongside physical health. And be gentle with yourself when unlearning toxic diet culture ideals. 'Food is not just fuel; it's joy, connection, culture and comfort,' Mehr said. 'A healthy eating pattern respects both your body's needs and your lived experience.' 'Instead of listening to external rules, we should be learning to trust our bodies,' Mehr added. 'All bodies are different. All bodies are valuable. And food should never be a source of shame or punishment.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Got ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome?' GOP lawmakers want the NIH to study an ‘epidemic on the left'
Pointing to an 'epidemic on the left,' two Republicans in the U.S. House are calling for a government-funded study of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' The bill sponsored by U.S. Reps. Warren Davidson, of Ohio, and Barry Moore, of Alabama, would direct the National Institutes of Health to "study the psychological and social roots" of "a phenomenon marked by extreme negative reactions to President Donald J. Trump." The pop affliction has 'divided families, the country, and led to nationwide violence—including two assassination attempts on President Trump. The TDS Research Act would require the NIH to study this toxic state of mind, so we can understand the root cause and identify solutions,' Davidson said in a statement. And 'instead of funding ludicrous studies such as giving methamphetamine to cats or teaching monkeys to gamble for their drinking water, the NIH should use that funding to research issues that are relevant to the real world,' Davidson added, referring to a malady that does not yet appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. And 'some individuals who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome have participated in nationwide political and social unrest, even trying to assassinate President Trump twice,' Moore chimed in, arguing that Davidson's 'common-sense bill will use already appropriated funds on an NIH study that can make a difference.' It's probably worth noting here that, in the annals of political affliction, TDS isn't new. In the early 2000s, columnist George Will asserted that President George W. Bush's fiercest critics suffered from 'Bush Derangement Syndrome.' And if you guessed that it was followed by 'Obama Derangement Syndrome,' give yourself a gold star. So is Trump Derangement Syndrome a mental illness or not? Writing for Psychology Today," Rob Whitley, who's in the psychiatry faculty at McGill University in Canada, said it could be, like its predecessors, what's broadly known as a 'folk category' of mental illness. 'The name itself explicitly suggests a 'syndrome,' which the Oxford English Dictionary defines as 'a characteristic combination of opinions, emotions, or behavior.' Several commentators have run with this, putting forth suggestions about opinions, emotions and behaviors characterizing TDS,' he wrote. The bottom line? It's probably too soon to tell. 'As such, further research is necessary to investigate the extreme reactions toward President Trump, in the same way that researchers investigate other extreme social phenomena, such as Beatlemania or the like,' Whitley wrote for Psychology Today. Trump uses 'personal time' to meet with mysterious crypto investors UPDATE: Harvard foreign students feel like 'poker chips,' consider transfer after Trump attacks Federal judge blocks Trump admin from revoking Harvard enrollment of foreign students Trump threatens Apple with 25% tariff if it doesn't make iPhones in the US Trump Commerce boss gets put on blast with 'no pain' tariff claim 'TDS has divided families, the country, and led to nationwide violence—including two assassination attempts on President Trump. The TDS Research Act would require the NIH to study this toxic state of mind, so we can understand the root cause and identify solutions.' said Rep. Davidson (R-OH). 'Trump Derangement Syndrome has become an epidemic on the Left,' said Rep. Moore (R-AL). 'Some individuals who suffer from Trump Derangement Syndrome have participated in nationwide political and social unrest, even trying to assassinate President Trump twice. Rep. Davidson's common-sense bill will use already appropriated funds on an NIH study that can make a difference.' Background: The TDS Research Act addresses a critical issue: the instinctual negative and often violent reaction to any supportive statement or event related to President Trump. By leveraging NIH's existing programs at the National Institute of Mental Health, the bill will: Investigate TDS's origins and contributing factors, including the media's role in amplifying the spread of TDS. Analyze its long-term impacts on individuals, communities, and public discourse. Explore interventions to mitigate extreme behaviors, informing strategies for a healthier public square. Provide data-driven insights into how media and polarization shape political violence and social unrest. Require an annual report to Congress. No Additional Spending: Uses existing NIH resources and avoids new spending. Read the original article on MassLive.
San Francisco Chronicle
25-04-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: Who benefits from Trump's tariff zigzagging? It won't be businesses or most Americans
Regarding 'Wall Street rises and markets rally worldwide as Trump softens his tough talk on tariffs and the Fed' (Biz & Tech, April 23): It seems we're caught in a loop: Donald Trump giveth and Trump taketh away. What's really going on, and what's the point of this jerking around? The president claims the tariffs are for our own good and that short-term pain will lead to long-term gain. But if that's the strategy, why the back-and-forth? Why the sudden 'pauses' or talk of 'nice conversations' with China? If tariffs are the cure, why not just take the medicine and move on? Our trading partners can't respond meaningfully to U.S. trade policy because there is no consistency. Without stability, trade stagnates. U.S. businesses are similarly paralyzed. Without a clear direction, how can they decide whether to expand, downsize or reconfigure supply chains? Planning becomes nearly impossible in a policy environment that shifts by the tweet. And there's the markets. Investors — including everyday Americans with 401(k)s and retirement accounts — watch helplessly as their savings swing wildly. Meanwhile, speculators with insider knowledge of what Trump will say next can potentially profit handsomely from these market shocks. I hate to think this is by design, but I struggle to see who else benefits from this chaotic approach. If the economy collapses under this weight, there won't be any winners, and I fear that the consequences of this recklessness could be severe. David Posner, Napa Research is worthy The money is not an entitlement but an investment in our society. Much of the funding awarded to Harvard University is for science, including research regarding obesity, organ transplants, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Harvard also gets funding from other sources, but after World War II, it became an initiative of the U.S. government to invest in science and research with our universities, which has made us the world's leader in innovation. Important research should not be held hostage to the whims of our president, and universities need to be able to educate and conduct research without the oversight of a political agenda. Michael McNally, Concord Gender identity matters Regarding 'UK right about sex' (Letters to the Editor, April 21): Letter writer Curtis Carlson's usage of 'performative' and 'superficial' is problematic. One cannot simply dismiss gender identity in that manner. While most of the time biology and identity are in alignment, sometimes they are not, creating a condition called gender dysphoria, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the primary reference for psychiatry. Gender dysphoria affects a minuscule percentage of the population, which is why it's shocking that it has become headline-grabbing. I've known people who have transitioned, and they've gone from being in distress to being strong, confident and comfortable with themselves. As a society, I'm not sure why it's so hard to just be supportive, understanding and loving to them. Roger Feigelson, Belmont Why the negativity? What's next, bemoaning the decrease in fentanyl overdoses because it hurts the livelihood of drug dealers? Matt Goldberg, Oakland The real rube Regarding 'Warriors assistant rallies behind Steve Kerr after ex-part owner's 'hapless rube' jab' (Scott Ostler, April 22): Tech billionaire Chamath Palihapitiya criticized Warriors head coach Steve Kerr for expressing support for Harvard University because it is an 'institution that hinders free speech and fosters antisemitism.' There is a rube in this discussion, and it is not Steve Kerr. Bret Yeilding, South Glastonbury, Conn.
India Today
23-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Pahalgam terror attack: The invisible wounds of PTSD, survivor's guilt
The Baisaran meadow, wildly popular as 'mini Switzerland' in Kashmir's Pahalgam, was rattled by one of the most horrific terror attacks on civilians on what should have been a peaceful afternoon for tourists in the south Kashmir resort, the day turned into terror, crippling shock and a brutal memory of seeing their families and fellow travellers gunned down in cold opened fire on over 40 tourists, killing 26 and injuring others. Survivors saw their close ones being shot right in front of them. An Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer from Hyderabad was shot dead in front of his wife and children. While the physical wounds sustained by those injured are being treated and will eventually heal, a deeper, less visible trauma lingers: the psychological impact on survivors, especially to such violence, whether direct or indirect, can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves long after the traumatic event has IS PTSD?Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric condition that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event."PTSD is a response to a scenario where too much has happened too soon. The mind did not have time to process it. An essential factor is trauma resides in the body and not only in the mind," said psychologist Jas K to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), PTSD is marked by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and heightened arousal such as jumpiness or irritability. Mortal remains of Pahalgam terrorist attack being brought to the Police Control Room, in Srinagar. (Photo: PTI) Symptoms could start within a month of the trauma, but in some cases, they do not appear until years World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that approximately 3.9% have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives. In conflict zones or areas struck by violence, especially in places like Kashmir, that number can increase PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF TERRORTerrorist attacks differ from other traumatic events in the sense that they are deliberate, violent, and often any situation can provoke a personal psychological reaction, intentional violence by one person or group of people can have the strongest impact on victims, damaging their health and causing physical harm."Nightmares are the most common signs after a terror attack. The mind would keep playing the entire scene on loop. Bodily reactions like involuntary shaking or jerking, crying incessantly, talking expressions of guilt are also fairly common among survivors," the expert stress disorder and depression are the most common mental disorders after a terror studies have pointed out that depression is a common co-morbidity of PTSD. Along with PTSD, survivors and those who experienced the event indirectly, suffering the death of family members, close friends or colleagues, can lead to bereavement, which itself increases the risk of depression, self-medication, and substance abuse. Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays his last respects to 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. (Photo: PTI) Since terror attacks are always unexpected, the psychological outcome of these attacks is the most disturbing type of disaster, which may include a mixture of reactions.A study in Electronic Journal of Social and Strategic Studies stated that these reactions can vary from person to person, depending on many factors, such as: the severity and extent of the damage, the proximity to the explosion, the cruelty of the incident, and the coping study published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry found that survivors of terror attacks often experience persistent fear, distrust, and social withdrawal for years after the health experts have noted that when individuals are caught off-guard in places they perceive as safe, the psychological effects are often more "shattering of the safety bubble" can result in long-lasting fear of travel, anxiety, and depressive stress disorder can occur when a person experiences a combination of symptoms, such as reliving the traumatic event, avoiding anything that reminds them of it, and feeling constantly alert or on symptoms can cause emotional distress and interfere with daily life, including relationships, work, school, and social activities, according to ON FAMILIES AND CHILDRENThe trauma doesn't end with the direct victims. People who lost their loved ones, especially those who witnessed the killings, are also at high risk of developing when combined with violent imagery, can complicate the grieving process. This condition, known as traumatic grief, has been found to impair daily functioning. advertisementChildren who were present during the attack could be especially the difference between the effects of terrorism on the mental health of adults and children after trauma is absolutely necessary to develop treatment options.A 2021 study showed that early exposure to violence can alter brain development, increase cortisol levels, and lead to behavioural and emotional disorders. These effects, if left unaddressed, can carry into same study revealed that adolescents are more likely to use drugs to resolve their symptoms. There is no doubt that post-traumatic stress is more likely to harm academic success and psychosocial development of children and they need continuous and long-term health stated that such trauma becomes part of the lineage and there is a high probability of it becoming a generational trauma where it is passed from one generation to another."Family members have to navigate a complex set of emotions that range from anger to guilt to 'why me' and their search for answers, at times, drowns them in their own pool of feelings. In such a scenario, guilt seems to be a silent attacker, and because guilt is so personal, people rarely talk about it. Therefore, the mind experiences the incident and the body stores it," she with PTSD, survivor's guilt is a feeling of distress and negative self-evaluation after a traumatic FOR IMMEDIATE PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONIn India, PTSD is often underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness, stigma around mental health, and limited access to psychological post-crisis protocols often include psychological first aid (PFA) to help individuals manage initial such measures are not uniformly available in India, especially in tourist-heavy but conflict-prone regions like is also limited follow-up care once tourists return to their home proper screening or mental health counselling, many survivors may suppress symptoms, only to find themselves struggling with chronic stress, insomnia, and social withdrawal months later. Getting help immediately is the first line of treatment."Empathy and care with asking the right questions and providing a safe space is their first requirement," said Bhatia, adding, "If the person is open to a conversation, listen more and talk less and definitely, don't offer advice."The expert stated that while complete treatment of PTSD is rarely possible, certain exercises, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help the body and mind to be at ease."We live in a world where mental health services are enough. The question to ask is - how many trauma patients actually reach out to us? You will be surprised to know that it's a small number. Mental health in India needs education, awareness and acceptance," Bhatia incidents invoke a myriad of feelings that can lead to dysfunctional days, longer sleeping hours, lack of nutrition and hydration and either aggressive or anxious seeking help immediately is PTSD isn't just about individual healing. Left unchecked, widespread trauma can affect community trust and public morale, a problem now staring at Pahalgam and its the survivors of Tuesday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir attempt to process what they witnessed, it's essential for institutions to offer structured mental health support to cope with post-traumatic Watch
Axios
07-03-2025
- Health
- Axios
Local report highlights "acute suicidality"
A recent paper from Healthier Colorado, a nonprofit advocating for health care policy, sheds light on " acute suicidality," a condition with a growing body of research. Why it matters: Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death in Colorado, while the number of kids and teens who die by suicide in the state more than doubled between 2010 and 2020, per state data. State of play: Acute suicidality can occur when a person has a sudden onset of symptoms without the typical warning signs or indicators of someone who may be considering suicide, according to the report released last month. It includes people who attempt suicide shortly after contemplating it for the first time — sometimes within hours or minutes. Yes, but: Some medical researchers are hesitant to adopt acute suicidality as a diagnosis, citing the need for additional studies, University of Colorado School of Medicine clinical psychologist Ian Stanley tells us. Stanley, who specializes in suicide prevention, says experts have determined chronic and acute risks associated with suicide. But more research is needed to clarify the distinction between those risks before arriving at a diagnosis, he says. Context: Suicide is typically, but not exclusively, linked to long-term mental health disorders. It's often associated with major depressive, bipolar or substance use disorders, report co-author and senior policy director at Healthier Colorado Christina Walker tells us. Zoom in: The paper commemorates Maddy Lignell, who died by suicide in May 2021. Family of the 26-year-old, who grew up in Boulder, say he didn't have a preexisting mental health condition. His parents believe his death was connected to acute suicidality, since it occurred just after he started sharing work-related worries. What's next: The paper recommends a suicide-specific diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the handbook used by medical professionals for diagnosing mental health disorders. The paper identifies two potential formal diagnoses: acute suicidality affective disturbances (ASAD) and suicide-crisis syndrome (SCS). It also calls for partnering with clinicians to create new or improved screening and intervention tools. If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Ayuda disponible en español.
