As of 2019, approximately 301 million people globally were living with an anxiety disorder (including 58 million pediatrics) – making them the most common mental health problem. (R) Anxiety disorders are thought to be caused by a combination of environmental variables (social, activity level, diet, stressors, medication/substance use, trauma, etc.) interacting with genetic predisposition (low …
In 2020, it was estimated that ~9.2% of Americans (around 1 in 10) aged 12+ experienced a major depressive episode within the past year (most common in 18-25 year olds at 17.2% followed by adolescents at 16.9%). (R) Some people effectively manage depression with a combination of behavior & lifestyle modifications (e.g. healthy diet; circadian …
Approximately 10% of the adult population suffers from insomnia, another 20% experiences occasional insomnia symptoms, and it has a 40% persistence rate over a 5-year period. (R) Some effectively manage insomnia with behavioral & lifestyle changes (exercise, zero stimulants, same sleep/wake times, etc.), temperature adjustments (cooler room), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), etc. – but for …
Gabapentin is a commonly-used medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain (e.g. peripheral neuropathy), restless leg syndrome, and seizure prevention & management – as well as other conditions like anxiety disorders & substance use disorders (off-label). Although many find gabapentin effective as a treatment for the aforementioned medical conditions, some are concerned about the drug …
Antibiotics are potent medications that are most commonly used to treat (or in some cases prevent) serious bacterial infections that would otherwise cripple our body’s defenses and prove fatal. One potential issue associated with using antibiotics, particularly if used for a long-term, is significant weight gain. It is known that antibiotics have been used as …
A subset of LPR patients may exhibit underlying abnormalities in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function and/or brain activation – which causes and/or sustains the LPR condition. Another subset of “LPR patients” may actually have a functional esophageal disorder or a somatic symptom disorder wherein either: connections in the brain are erroneous (functional) or anxiety is …