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 …
Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat nerve pain (neuropathic pain) and seizures – but it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety, insomnia, substance use disorder, alcohol withdrawal, and bipolar disorder. Although gabapentin can be a therapeutic and effective medication, not everyone needs it forever and/or can tolerate it – such that many eventually discontinue …
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 …