Latest news with #andStatisticalManualofMentalDisorders
Hans India
29-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Eating chips, cookies can raise addiction risk akin to substance-use disorders: Study
New Delhi: Your favourite chips, cookies, soda -- ultra-processed foods -- can trigger addictive behaviours that meet the same clinical criteria used to diagnose substance-use disorders, warned a study. Researchers argued that failure to recognise this in diagnostic systems is a dangerous oversight with grave consequences for global public health. "People aren't becoming addicted to apples or brown rice," said lead author Ashley Gearhardt, Professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, US. "They're struggling with industrial products specifically engineered to hit the brain like a drug -- rapidly, intensely and repeatedly," Gearhardt added. The paper, published in the journal Nature Medicine, synthesised evidence from nearly 300 studies across 36 countries. Their findings demonstrated that ultra-processed foods can hijack the brain's reward system, triggering cravings, loss of control, and persistent use despite harmful consequences -- key features of addiction. Further, neuroimaging studies reveal that individuals with compulsive intake of these foods show brain circuit disruptions strikingly similar to those seen in alcohol and cocaine addiction. Notably, medications that reduce cravings for ultra-processed foods have also been found to reduce compulsive drug use, underscoring the shared neurobiological mechanisms. Importantly, Gearhardt and team highlighted that while conditions like nitrous oxide and caffeine use disorder have been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, despite abundant and growing support, ultra-processed food addiction has yet to receive even preliminary recognition as a condition worthy of further study. The manual classifies mental disorders based on limited evidence. "The bar for recognising addiction has been far lower in other cases," said co-author Erica LaFata, assistant research professor at Drexel University's Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science. "It's time ultra-processed food addiction was held to the same scientific standard." The study calls on public health leaders, clinicians, and policymakers to take immediate steps to formally recognise ultra-processed food addiction, fund research, and develop clinical tools for identification and treatment. They also urged the enactment of protective measures similar to those used in tobacco control -- including restrictions on marketing to children, clearer labeling, and public education. "We're not saying all food is addictive," Gearhardt said. "We're saying that many ultra-processed foods are designed to be addictive. And unless we recognise that, we'll continue to fail the people most affected -- especially kids."
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The IMA Group Acquires New York's Medical Research Network
IMA Clinical Research continues to grow; acquisition adds CNS research site in NYC and expands access to promising clinical trials to patients in high-need therapeutic areas TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The IMA Group (IMA) today announced the acquisition of Medical Research Network (MRN) LLC, a U.S.-based clinical research site located in New York City, specializing in psychiatry and neurology trials focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1997, MRN will continue operating under its current name and leadership, with core investigators and staff remaining in place, led by Founder, CEO, and Principal Investigator Michael R. Liebowitz, MD. Dr. Liebowitz is Board Certified in Psychiatry and has devoted more than 30 years to the research and treatment of anxiety, phobic, and affective disorders. He previously chaired the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) Workgroup on Anxiety Disorders. His contributions to the psychiatric and research fields span social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, atypical depression, and rapid cycling mood disorders. "The need for high-quality clinical research in mental health continues to grow, particularly as we confront rising demand for care and long-standing gaps in access," said Dr. Liebowitz. "By combining our deep CNS expertise and well-established clinical operations with IMA's growing national platform, we're positioned to reach more diverse and underserved patient populations, accelerate access to promising treatments, and deliver outstanding value to sponsors." Mark Weinberger, PhD, MPH, President and CEO of The IMA Group, emphasized how the acquisition enhances IMA's operational capacity to meet sponsor needs. "By integrating MRN's experienced team and established site into our network, we're strengthening our ability to deliver efficient, high-performing trials in the CNS space," he said. "This addition helps us reduce time to first patient, ensure quality data capture, and provide the scale and consistency that today's sponsors require to execute successful studies." The acquisition adds IMA's second research site in New York City and its first East Coast location dedicated to CNS trials. It builds on IMA's existing CNS-focused presence in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque—expanding the company's national footprint in this key therapeutic area. The move also aligns with the company's broader strategy to grow both organically and through acquisitions—positioning IMA as one of the nation's leading independent providers of outsourced healthcare evaluation and clinical research services. About The IMA Group:For over 30 years, The IMA Group, headquartered in New York, has been focused on enhancing the livelihood and productivity of individuals and organizations through a comprehensive range of Medical and Behavioral Health Services and Clinical Research at more than 150 sites and our large, affiliated provider network. The IMA Group serves the nation's top government and payer organizations through a range of Occupational Health, Workers' Compensation, Auto Insurance, and Employer Solutions. The company's Evaluation Services spans disability and independent medical exams (IME), case management services, fitness for duty/pre-employment evaluations, medical/psychological/ancillary exams, and a variety of occupational health services. IMA Clinical Research offers site-based, hybrid, and fully decentralized clinical trials that support the development of novel medicines, vaccines, and devices. Additionally, The IMA Group is unique in the marketplace in that it can bring together expertise in Evaluation Services and Clinical Research. For more information, visit or View source version on Contacts For more information, contact: Brenna Harrington706-217-7809brenna@
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Can a narcissist truly change? What psychology says
Neurotherapy shows your brain what it's doing in real-time and teaches it how to stay calm, focussed and balanced. In South Africa, just like everywhere else, these terms are now part of our everyday conversations from campus WhatsApp groups to personal relationships. Scroll through your Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter feed for just a few minutes, and you'll stumble over story times with words like trauma, boundaries, gaslighting, and the ever-trending term - narcissist. But behind the hashtags and headlines lies a deeper and more urgent question: Can a narcissist change?That question has never felt more relevant than now, as the world watches high-profile figures like Sean 'Diddy' Combs face a public reckoning for alleged abuse and manipulation. Take the recent court testimony of Cassie Ventura , one of Combs' ex-girlfriends. She described enduring years of emotional abuse, and her path to recovery led her to neurofeedback therapy, a cutting-edge brain training technique. Kerry Rudman, a Neurofeedback Specialist and founder of Brain Harmonics in South Africa, sees the impact of these traits firsthand. According to her, these behaviours, including gaslighting, exploitation, and emotional detachment, leave a long trail of trauma for all involved. It's easy to throw the term 'narcissist' around, but what does it really mean? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) includes traits like grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, lack of empathy, and manipulative behaviour. The stories are shocking, but for many South Africans, they're also painfully familiar. Whether it's a toxic boss, a controlling partner, or a charismatic friend who leaves emotional chaos behind, narcissism is no longer just a clinical label, it's a lived experience. The goal of neurotherapy is to help your brain stay calm under stress, heal from trauma or mental strain, improve focus and clarity and feel more emotionally balanced. Neurotherapy is a type of brain training. It helps your brain learn how to work more effectively, just like exercise helps your body become stronger. Neurotherapy shows your brain what it's doing in real-time and teaches it how to stay calm, focussed, and balanced. It's mainly used to help with things like: anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, trauma, PTSD or trouble sleeping. It works by placing sensors on your head to read your brainwaves. You watch a screen, maybe a movie or video game, while the machine watches your brainwaves. The screen changes based on your brain activity. When your brain is calm or focussed, the video plays clearly. When your brain is overactive or stressed, the video dims or pauses. Your brain slowly learns what patterns feel better and starts to self-correct. The goal of neurotherapy is to help your brain stay calm under stress, heal from trauma or mental strain, improve focus and clarity and feel more emotionally balanced. 'It's incredibly validating for survivors to hear someone speak about real recovery,' says Rudman. Cassie's experience mirrors what we see with South Africans who come in after toxic, narcissistic relationships. There's hope, but the journey is real.' Common signs of narcissistic behaviour In everyday settings, narcissistic traits can show up at work (like taking credit for someone else's idea), in friendships (being unreliable unless it benefits them), or in family dynamics (expecting special treatment).They often create tension, especially in group settings, because they struggle with collaboration or compromise. This can lead to toxic environments where others feel drained or emotionally controlled. What about romantic relationships? In love, narcissistic behaviours can be even more intense. Dr Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist and expert on narcissism, explains that narcissists often create 'trauma bonds' with their partners - a cycle of love bombing, devaluation, and emotional manipulation. Here's how that might look: In the beginning: They may overwhelm you with affection, compliments, and gifts, also known as "love bombing". Later on: They begin to criticise you, withdraw affection, or control your actions. Eventually: They might make you feel confused, guilty, or emotionally unstable while still demanding loyalty and admiration. This pattern can leave partners feeling anxious, doubting themselves, or stuck in a toxic dynamic. Can narcissists change? Here's where things get complicated. While traditional talk therapy often struggles to reach people with entrenched narcissistic traits (because real change demands insight, empathy, and accountability), neurofeedback offers a different angle. But let's be clear, neurofeedback is not a magic wand, explains Rudman. She adds, 'Someone with deeply ingrained narcissism has to want to change. Without willingness, no tool will work. But for those whose narcissism is rooted in trauma, we've seen real shifts in emotional awareness and behaviour.' For survivors, is healing possible? If you've ever been in a relationship with someone who made you question your worth, gaslit your reality, or left you emotionally exhausted, you're not imagining things. And you're not broken. 'Narcissistic abuse leaves an imprint. The effects of narcissistic abuse aren't just emotional, they're neurological. 'Victims often walk away questioning their reality, battling low self-esteem, anxiety, brain fog, and emotional exhaustion,' says Rudman. The climactic question remains: why should we care? South Africa has among the highest rates of gender-based violence and emotional abuse in the world, according to the South African Medical Research Council. The discussions buzzing from the US and online resonate profoundly here, as many seek clarity and healing in the wake of narcissistic relationships. So, can narcissists truly change? While there may be multiple layers to the answer, it ultimately boils down to confronting their behaviour and providing them with adequate support. For survivors, healing is undeniably attainable, and for all, comprehending the neurological impacts of trauma can be transformative.
Buzz Feed
08-06-2025
- 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.
