Latest News from WebMD
WebMD
2 days ago
- General
- WebMD
The Bipolar 1 Warning Signs I Ignored
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that is characterized by dramatic mood episodes that include mania or hypomania. These 'high' moods alternate with periods of depression. People who manage the condition can live fulfilling, happy lives. According to a study on the prevalence of bipolar disorder I and II in The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, it takes, on average, six years for a person to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. When the condition is undiagnosed, it can wreak havoc on a person's life. The mood episodes can become more severe the longer a person is untreated. Luckily, I received a diagnosis within one year of the symptoms starting, but that's probably because I developed more serious psychotic symptoms. Looking back, I realize that there were red flags that I ignored before my diagnosis. Hyperfixation on Goals About a year before I was diagnosed, I officially started my mental health marketing company. At this time, I started working upwards of 80 hours a week. I felt super motivated, adopted a 'hustle mindset,' and became hyper-focused on my goals. I considered this healthy ambition and didn't think much of it. However, looking back, I realize that this was an increase in goal-directed activity, which is a sign of bipolar disorder. Brain Fog In the year leading up to my diagnosis, I had pretty bad brain fog. I would forget what I was doing just five minutes prior. I knew that wasn't normal. I felt like something was wrong, and this feeling wouldn't go away. So, I made an appointment with my primary care doctor. I described my brain fog to him. He dismissed it as normal age-related memory changes. I wasn't quite satisfied with this answer. But I think it's what I wanted to hear. So, I ignored my concerns and didn't bring the issue up to him again. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn't list "brain fog" as a specific symptom of bipolar disorder. However, it turns out that memory and cognitive issues are common in bipolar disorder (International Journal of Bipolar Disorders). Sleep Changes I started experiencing sleep changes about a year or so before my diagnosis. I would stay up very late, well into the early morning hours, working. Sometimes, I wouldn't go to bed until close to dawn. At the time, I was not tracking my sleep (now I do). But I probably wasn't getting enough sleep. Because of the changes in my sleep patterns, I saw a sleep specialist. He diagnosed me with a delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, which is a circadian rhythm disorder. I've since learned that circadian rhythm disorders are common in people with bipolar disorder. Anxiety A couple of weeks before my first manic episode, I had what I would call 'anxious distress.' This went way beyond regular stress. I felt as though I couldn't handle or manage things. I worried that I was losing control. This was different from normal for me. I'd never had anxiety like this before. I was later diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as well. People diagnosed with bipolar disorder are more likely to also experience anxiety. Paranoia I started to have paranoia right before I was diagnosed. Most people experience feelings of paranoia from time to time. So, I brushed it off. However, paranoia is a sign of psychosis, which can occur with bipolar disorder.
WebMD
2 days ago
- General
- WebMD
FDA OKs First Meningococcal Vaccine for Infants
May 30, 2025 – The FDA has approved the first-ever meningococcal vaccine for babies as young as 6 weeks old. Sanofi Pasteur's quadrivalent MenQuadfi shot was first cleared in 2020 for adults and children ages 2 years or older. It protects against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by the four most common strains of meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis): A, C, W, and Y. IMD is rare but can turn deadly within hours, causing brain swelling, blood infection, or death. Even with fast treatment, 10% to15% of patients don't survive, and many survivors face serious complications such as hearing loss or nerve problems, according to the CDC. Infants younger than 1 year old are at the highest risk, followed by children up to 4 years old. Teens and young adults (ages 16 to 23) are at higher risk, by being in college dorms, kissing, and sharing drinks. Early vaccination is key to preventing infection and long-term harm. The approval was based on positive results from clinical studies involving 4,273 infants ages 6 weeks to 23 months, who received at least one dose of either a four-dose or two-dose series of MenQuadfi. After each shot, they were monitored for immediate reaction, and parents worked closely with doctors during follow-up visits. The results showed the vaccine was effective, safe, and well-tolerated in the newly approved age group, with no new safety concerns reported. Infants can be given the shot at 6 weeks old, with four doses given at 2, 4, 6, and between 12 and 18 months. Babies ages 6 to 23 months will get two doses, with the second given in their second year and at least three months after the first dose, whereas anyone age 2 years or older only needs one dose. A single booster shot of MenQuadfi can be given to people ages 13 years or older who are at a continued risk of IMD if it's been at least three years since their last meningococcal vaccine. MenQuadfi doesn't protect against strain B of N meningitidis. Common side effects of MenQuadfi in infants ages 6 weeks to below 2 years include soreness, redness, or swelling where the needle went in, crankiness or fussiness, unusual crying, sleepiness, loss of appetite, fever, and sometimes vomiting. Older people may have pain where the needle went in, muscle aches, headaches, and tiredness.
WebMD
2 days ago
- Business
- WebMD
FDA Approves New Treatment for Dry Eye Disease
May 30, 2025 -- The FDA has approved a new treatment for dry eye disease (DED) after studies showed it can help stimulate natural tear production as early as the first day of use. The new drug, known as acoltremon but sold as Tryptyr, is the first of its kind that offers hope to about 38 million people in the U.S. living with DED, fewer than 10% of whom currently use prescription treatments. DED is a condition where the eyes don't make enough tears or when tears dry up too quickly. It can cause burning, itching, light sensitivity, blurry vision, and a gritty or sandy feeling. Once thought to mostly affect older adults, it can affect all age groups, often due to long screen times. Many treatments are slow to work or hard to use, highlighting the need for better options that treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. Alcon, the maker of Tryptyr, says the FDA approved the drug based on two late-stage trials with about 930 people who have dry eye disease. Participants got either Tryptyr or a placebo. By day 14, up to four times more people using Tryptyr boosted their tear production. In the two trials, 42.6% and 53.2% of Tryptyr users improved, compared to just 8.2% and 14.4% of placebo users. The drug also started relieving symptoms as early as day one, with effects lasting through day 90. Tryptyr works by targeting TRPM8 proteins that activate nerves in the eye to boost tear production. It comes in single-use vials, with one drop needed in each eye twice a day. Alcon plans to launch it in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2025. Marjan Farid, MD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, said the new treatment option might overcome the current challenges for patients. 'Tryptyr is the first eye drop that stimulates corneal nerves to directly address tear deficiency, a known cause of dry eye disease,' she said in a statement.
WebMD
2 days ago
- General
- WebMD
Cortisol Belly: Causes and Symptoms
"Cortisol belly" is a popular term used to describe weight gain mostly around your belly area, or abdomen. Sometimes it's called "hormonal belly." It's not a medical term or diagnosis, but it could be a sign of something else happening in your body. Why Does Cortisol Belly Happen? The term "cortisol belly" describes increased levels of the hormone cortisol playing a role in where and how much fat you gain. But different things play a role in weight gain. The cause of weight gain around your belly isn't as straightforward as popular science makes it sound. Causes of weight gain Different things affect your weight, including your diet, the amount of exercise you get, medical conditions you have, your quality and quantity of sleep, and your genetics. Another key factor in fat buildup is hormones present in your system. These include sex hormones (androgen, progesterone, and estrogen), insulin, thyroid hormones, and cortisol. The levels of these different hormones can affect where and how much fat gathers in your body. For example, premenopausal women tend to have a higher share of fat in their thighs, hips, and buttocks. Women who've gone through menopause and lost much of their estrogen may have more fat in their abdomen and upper body. Weight gain at your abdomen can be just below your skin (subcutaneous) or deep inside your body around your organs (visceral). Too much visceral fat increases your risk of certain health conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease. Cortisol and Weight Gain Cortisol is a hormone doctors sometimes call the "stress hormone." Your adrenal glands make it, along with the hormone adrenaline. Both hormones play a role in your response to stress. Adrenaline is your "fight or flight" response that allows you to have energy to fight or run away from a threat. Cortisol follows up your adrenaline rush to help you stay alert for longer. "The idea is that chronic stress leads to high cortisol levels that drives excess abdominal fat accumulation, but this concept is not supported by evidence," says Rexford Ahima, MD, PhD, director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Johns Hopkins Medicine. But there are medical conditions that cause abnormally high cortisol levels, and one side effect of these conditions is weight gain around the belly. Cushing syndrome This condition causes your body to make too much cortisol. You may get it because of a tumor, or as a side effect of certain medications. One of the most common symptoms of Cushing syndrome is weight gain in your belly (while your legs and arms stay slim). If Cushing syndrome is the cause of your belly weight gain, you may also have: Weight gain in the face (sometimes called moon face) A fatty lump between the shoulders (sometimes called a buffalo hump) Pink or purple stretch marks on the stomach, hips, thighs, breasts, and underarms Thin, frail skin that bruises easily Slow wound healing Acne Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or strokes. People with metabolic syndrome typically have apple-shaped bodies. That means you carry more fat in your abdomen. Signs of metabolic syndrome include: A waist circumference of more than 35 inches for people assigned female at birth (AFAB) and more than 40 inches for people assigned male at birth (AMAB) High blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher Elevated blood sugar levels High triglyceride levels (more than 150 mg/dL) Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women). A doctor can make a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome when you have three or more of these signs. "Metabolic syndrome is more common in older people, post-menopausal women, and is associated with insulin resistance and chronic inflammation," says Ahima. "However, we don't fully understand what specifically causes metabolic syndrome. Genetic factors, excessive intake of high-caloric, low-quality ultra-processed foods, inadequate sleep, low physical activity, and psychosocial stress contribute." What does cortisol belly look like? "Cortisol belly" typically refers to weight gain that's mostly in the belly and less so in other places. If your weight gain in your belly is due to Cushing syndrome, you'll notice that your arms and legs stay slim as your belly gains fat. How to Get Rid of Cortisol Belly Lowering your stress levels (and therefore your cortisol levels) won't necessarily make you lose belly weight. But it's a healthy practice that improves overall health that may include weight loss. Try these practices: Get regular exercise. Do something that you enjoy so you look forward to it and make time in your schedule for it. Ahima recommends getting at least 8,000 steps a day and including resistance exercises into your weekly routine. And don't overdo it – too much exercise without enough downtime for rest between workout sessions can make cortisol go up. Prioritize sleep. Tweak your sleep habits so that you're getting quality ZZZs each night. Stick to a consistent sleep/wake schedule, aim for eight hours a night, and keep your room cool, dark, and distraction-free for restful slumber. Promote body and mind relaxation. Certain relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, tai chi, and mindfulness help regulate your nervous system and send your body signals to relax, lowering stress. Go outside. Studies show that just 20 minutes in green spaces outdoors such as parks or woods can significantly lower your cortisol levels. Don't smoke. Along with causing overall health harm, some research shows that smoking can raise your cortisol levels and disrupt healthy sleep. Cultivate relationships. Social interaction with people who bring you a sense of calm and contentment can help improve your emotional well-being and mood. If your belly fat is being caused by a medical condition such as Cushing syndrome, your doctor can prescribe treatment that will reduce your cortisol and ease symptoms. "Cortisol blockers can decrease cortisol levels in patients with Cushing syndrome who may not be able to have surgery," says Ahima. "However, there is no proven evidence supporting the use of cortisol blockers as dietary supplements in common forms of obesity." In fact, Ahima warns against companies that claim to be able to cause weight loss by controlling cortisol. These treatments are specific to these conditions – you shouldn't try them to reduce belly fat if you don't have a medical diagnosis. "While psychosocial stress and cortisol have been linked to central obesity in the media, research findings do not support a cause-and-effect relationship between cortisol and central fat accumulation in most people with obesity," he says. Is There a Detox Diet for Cortisol Belly? There's no specific "cortisol belly diet," but there are diet patterns you can adopt for nutritious eating to help reduce inflammation and slow cortisol production in your body. Research shows that certain types of foods can help lower cortisol, such as: Foods high in magnesium: avocados, bananas, dark chocolate, broccoli, and spinach Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids: fish (anchovies, salmon, tuna), chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts Foods that promote a healthy gut: Greek yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut A diet high in high-sugar foods and drinks, alcohol, and caffeine can spike your cortisol levels. A Mediterranean diet is a smart template for healthy, low-inflammation eating, and it may lower your cortisol levels. A Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats and plant-based eating: Plenty of fruits and vegetables Beans, lentils and nuts Whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and brown rice Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) as your primary cooking and dressing oil Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids Cheese and yogurt in moderate amounts Protein from chicken, turkey, fish, and beans Little to no red meat Little to no sweets, sugary drinks, or butter Wine only in moderation (or not at all) Are there cortisol belly supplements? Supplements aren't a cure-all for stress and cortisol levels. "You can get all of the vitamins and minerals you need from healthy food," says Ahima. 'There are no proven supplements to reduce 'cortisol belly.' " One study on stress levels in health care workers suggested there are some herbs and supplements that may lower cortisol. (This doesn't mean they will promote weight loss.) These include: Ashwagandha Rhodiola Lemon balm Chamomile Keep in mind that more research needs to be done before any of these herbs could be recommended. You should always talk to your doctor before trying any herbs or supplements. Takeaways "Cortisol belly" is a non-medical term some people use to describe weight gain in the abdomen. The idea is that weight gain is linked to high cortisol levels, often due to chronic stress. But there's little scientific evidence that cortisol is a primary cause of belly fat in most people. Abdominal fat can result from many things, including diet, stress-eating, genetics, hormone levels, sleep quality, and medical conditions like Cushing syndrome. Healthy weight loss generally involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking and too much alcohol. Cortisol Belly FAQs What does "cortisol face" look like? "Cortisol face" is a popular term on social media platforms that is used as a description of a swollen, puffy face. There's a condition called moon face (moon facies) that some people call cortisol face. Moon face is a buildup of fat deposits in the sides of your face that causes severe swelling. You can get this when you use corticosteroids, or from medical conditions such as Cushing syndrome or hypothyroidism. If this happens to you, fat deposits on the side of your skull can make your face so round you can't see your ears from the front.
WebMD
2 days ago
- General
- WebMD
Faith, God, and Dopamine
During my most severe manic episode, I became fixated on questions of spirituality and religion. I was a frequent visitor to a Buddhist temple near our house, and I began to revisit the Catholic faith of my youth. I even started entertaining thoughts that I might be a prophet or messiah. Interesting, given that I've been an atheist and a skeptic of all things spiritual my entire adult life. In the U.S., it's estimated that 15% to 22% of bipolar individuals with mania experience religious delusions, such as thinking that demons are watching them or that they are Christ reborn, according to a review of studies on the frequency of religious delusions in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental disorders in the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry (São Paulo). Short of delusions, hyperreligiosity can be hard to identify among those actively practicing a faith. Many people turn to the comfort of their faith to help them through trying times, so an uptick in religious thought and activity can be viewed by family, friends, and even mental health providers as a normal response to one's illness. It's only when behavior falls outside of social norms that it becomes concerning. Kanye West is arguably an example of this difficulty playing out against the backdrop of artistry and fame. Kanye's public on-again, off-again approach to medication for treating his bipolar disorder has been linked to erratic behavior. While he has referenced God and Jesus throughout his career, his adoption of the nickname 'Yeezus,' statements about his single 'I Am A God,' and leading of public and private worship services have been alternately interpreted as a 'God complex,' an artistic device, or an evolution of his personal faith. So there I was. An atheist turned dime-store Yeezus. What was going on? A clue lies in reports of patients dealing with a very different type of neurological disorder: Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease experience a degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in certain prefrontal circuits. Because mania is associated with excess dopamine production in those same circuits, it's compelling to think that dopamine may be the fuel for religiosity in the brain. It also explains why, when my dopamine levels were curbed with antipsychotic medications, my hyperreligiosity was, too.[1] In my Roman Catholic boyhood, I had to choose a confirmation name based on a saint with whom I felt some affinity. I chose Saint Paul because he was smart, stubborn, and hard to win over. He only converted to Christianity after being struck temporarily blind by a bright heavenly light. Something about a saint who was a nonbeliever until God smacked him in the face resonated with me. I don't consider myself anti-religious, and I don't see religion and science as inherently at odds with one another. I think that science can elucidate the physiological mechanisms by which our brains work, regardless of whether you see the hand of God working through those mechanisms or not.
