Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for most patients, while medication strategies depend on whether the disorder is generalized or specific.

Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Although sometimes dismissed as shyness, social anxiety disorder can cause crippling fear that interferes with school attendance, work performance, and relationships. It affects about 7% of Americans in any given year, and about 12% at some point in their lives.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) lists criteria for diagnosing social anxiety disorder and describes how the disorder ...

The evidence base for this therapy is weak, although a well-designed study addresses some concerns.

Neurofeedback is an investigational therapy being tested and marketed for a variety of psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. Most of the research on neurofeedback has evaluated its use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Although sometimes likened to physical therapy for the brain, neurofeedback is actually a form of biofeedback. The goal is to help a patient learn how to control an unconscious physiological function — in this case, electrical activity in the brain. In psychological terms, neurofeedback attempts operant conditioning, in which a ...

 

The less exposure to this toxic metal, the better.

People have used lead in innovative ways for centuries. The ancient Romans used this metal to construct water pipes, for example, while colonial New Englanders used it to make pewter pots and tableware. In the 1920s, U.S. fuel companies began adding lead to gasoline to boost octane levels.

But while lead is useful, it's also a poison that at sufficient levels can damage any organ in the body, including the brain. By the 1970s, a number of studies found that children with lead poisoning developed problems in learning, memory, and ...

Taking an omega-3 supplement along with an antidepressant for major depression and heart disease was not any more effective than taking only the antidepressant.

What is a medical home? And is it useful for people with mental health problems?

My elderly uncle can't seem to recover from the loss of his dog. Is it normal to grieve for months when a pet dies? When is it time to encourage him to seek mental health help? Read More »