{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "Harvard Health Posts by Ann MacDonald Feed", "home_page_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/ann-macdonald", "feed_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/ann-macdonald/feed/json", "language": "en-US", "icon": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/img/logos/hhp-logo-mark-lg.jpg", "items": [{ "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-better-perfectionist-201109123326", "title": "How to become a better perfectionist", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-to-become-a-better-perfectionist-201109123326", "content_html": "Perfectionism has a dark side—it is often seen as obsessive and sometimes pathological. But it has a bright side, too. Desirable aspects of this personality trait include conscientiousness, endurance, satisfaction with life, and the ability to cope with adversity. This helps explain why some perfectionists become corporate leaders, skilled surgeons, or Olympic champions. In his new book, The Perfectionist’s Handbook, Dr. Jeff Szymanski describes how to become a better perfectionist—by building on the strengths of this quality and learning to minimize its drawbacks. A key step in becoming a better perfectionist is to learn how to turn mistakes into strategic experiments, says Szymanski, a clinical instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and executive director of the International OCD Foundation.", "summary": "Perfectionism has a dark side—it is often seen as obsessive and sometimes pathological. But it has a bright side, too. Desirable aspects of this personality trait include conscientiousness, endurance, satisfaction with life, and the ability to cope with adversity. This helps explain why some perfectionists become corporate leaders, skilled surgeons, or Olympic champions. In his new book, The Perfectionist’s Handbook, Dr. Jeff Szymanski describes how to become a better perfectionist—by building on the strengths of this quality and learning to minimize its drawbacks. A key step in becoming a better perfectionist is to learn how to turn mistakes into strategic experiments, says Szymanski, a clinical instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School and executive director of the International OCD Foundation.", "date_published": "2011-09-12T17:05:52-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-09-12T17:05:52-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8066/conversions/The-Perfectionists-Handbook-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-201108023210", "title": "How do you know if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-201108023210", "content_html": "Are you worried that certain rituals might be obsessive or compulsive? If they aren’t interfering with your ability to function, relax. It’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) only when obsessions and compulsive behavior become so severe that they interfere with your ability to work or have relationships. These behaviors help people with OCD deal with overwhelming feelings of anxiety that are usually triggered by intrusive images and thoughts, explains Dr. Jeff Szymanski, a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and author of The Perfectionist’s Handbook, which will be published in September. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help many people with OCD live more balanced lives. A mainstay of treatment is called exposure and response prevention—a sort of “face your fears” therapy.", "summary": "Are you worried that certain rituals might be obsessive or compulsive? If they aren’t interfering with your ability to function, relax. It’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) only when obsessions and compulsive behavior become so severe that they interfere with your ability to work or have relationships. These behaviors help people with OCD deal with overwhelming feelings of anxiety that are usually triggered by intrusive images and thoughts, explains Dr. Jeff Szymanski, a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and author of The Perfectionist’s Handbook, which will be published in September. A combination of medications and psychotherapy can help many people with OCD live more balanced lives. A mainstay of treatment is called exposure and response prevention—a sort of “face your fears” therapy.", "date_published": "2011-08-02T00:00:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-08-02T00:00:00-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/therapy-dog-offers-stress-relief-at-work-201107223111", "title": "Therapy dog offers stress relief at work", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/therapy-dog-offers-stress-relief-at-work-201107223111", "content_html": "One of the newest therapists at Harvard Medical School is a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu who recently joined the school’s Countway Library as a registered therapy dog. From the confines of his very own office, Cooper is on duty at the Countway to help students, staff, and faculty members who need a little midday stress relief.", "summary": "One of the newest therapists at Harvard Medical School is a 4-year-old Shih-Tzu who recently joined the school’s Countway Library as a registered therapy dog. From the confines of his very own office, Cooper is on duty at the Countway to help students, staff, and faculty members who need a little midday stress relief.", "date_published": "2011-07-22T14:30:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-07-22T14:30:00-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8061/conversions/Cooper-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mind & Mood","Mental Health","Stress" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/some-natural-therapies-may-be-safe-effective-for-mental-health-201106202878", "title": "Some “natural” therapies may be safe, effective for mental health", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/some-natural-therapies-may-be-safe-effective-for-mental-health-201106202878", "content_html": "A symposium on complementary and alternative medicine put on by Massachusetts General Hospital’s Mood and Anxiety Disorders Institute indicates that a handful of so-called natural supplements may be worth trying against depression and other mood disorders. The symposium focused on several for which there is good evidence. These include omega-3 fats, St. John’s wort, maca root, and valerian. Just because these remedies come from plants and animals doesn’t automatically mean they are safe. Herbal remedies have unwanted side effects and can interact with medications just like antidepressants and other drugs do. Talk with your doctor before trying any alternative approach, especially if you take any medications.", "summary": "A symposium on complementary and alternative medicine put on by Massachusetts General Hospital’s Mood and Anxiety Disorders Institute indicates that a handful of so-called natural supplements may be worth trying against depression and other mood disorders. The symposium focused on several for which there is good evidence. These include omega-3 fats, St. John’s wort, maca root, and valerian. Just because these remedies come from plants and animals doesn’t automatically mean they are safe. Herbal remedies have unwanted side effects and can interact with medications just like antidepressants and other drugs do. Talk with your doctor before trying any alternative approach, especially if you take any medications.", "date_published": "2011-06-20T20:01:31-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-06-20T20:01:31-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8046/conversions/St-Johns-wort-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-mental-and-emotional-challenges-of-surviving-cancer-201103282146", "title": "The mental and emotional challenges of surviving cancer", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-mental-and-emotional-challenges-of-surviving-cancer-201103282146", "content_html": "New government statistics show that there are nearly 12 million cancer survivors in the United States. In many ways this is terrific news, and a testament to improved diagnosis and treatment options. But there’s a flip side to surviving cancer, and many survivors are never totally “free” of the disease. The ongoing psychological and emotional issues can be almost as much a challenge as cancer treatment was. Harvard Health editor Ann MacDonald explores the ongoing fear of recurrence, survivor guilt, the “Damocles syndrome,” and more.", "summary": "New government statistics show that there are nearly 12 million cancer survivors in the United States. In many ways this is terrific news, and a testament to improved diagnosis and treatment options. But there’s a flip side to surviving cancer, and many survivors are never totally “free” of the disease. The ongoing psychological and emotional issues can be almost as much a challenge as cancer treatment was. Harvard Health editor Ann MacDonald explores the ongoing fear of recurrence, survivor guilt, the “Damocles syndrome,” and more.", "date_published": "2011-03-28T21:03:47-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-03-28T21:03:47-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8006/conversions/Road_and_clouds-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Cancer","Mental Health","Breast Cancer" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/teens-who-smoke-pot-at-risk-for-later-schizophrenia-psychosis-201103071676", "title": "Teens who smoke pot at risk for later schizophrenia, psychosis", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/teens-who-smoke-pot-at-risk-for-later-schizophrenia-psychosis-201103071676", "content_html": "Teenagers and young adults who use marijuana may be messing with their heads in ways they don’t intend. Ongoing research shows a possible link between early use of marijuana and later development of psychosis or schizophrenia.", "summary": "Teenagers and young adults who use marijuana may be messing with their heads in ways they don’t intend. Ongoing research shows a possible link between early use of marijuana and later development of psychosis or schizophrenia.", "date_published": "2011-03-07T00:00:00-05:00", "date_modified": "2011-03-07T00:00:00-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/7992/conversions/marijuana2-288x300-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pediatric health","Mental Health","Memory","Addiction" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/feeling-sad-it-might-be-seasonal-affective-disorder-s-a-d-201101261250", "title": "Feeling S.A.D.? Lighten up if it’s seasonal affective disorder", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/feeling-sad-it-might-be-seasonal-affective-disorder-s-a-d-201101261250", "content_html": "This picture shows the view from my office window in Boston: dull, dreary, and depressing — at least on overcast days like today. Lack of light is one of the reasons that people feel mentally foggy. One of the bloggers I follow, Rachel Zimmerman of WBUR’s CommonHealth blog, recently wrote that she’s been drinking three […]", "summary": "This picture shows the view from my office window in Boston: dull, dreary, and depressing — at least on overcast days like today. Lack of light is one of the reasons that people feel mentally foggy. One of the bloggers I follow, Rachel Zimmerman of WBUR’s CommonHealth blog, recently wrote that she’s been drinking three […]", "date_published": "2011-01-26T15:10:27-05:00", "date_modified": "2011-01-26T15:10:27-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/7980/conversions/gloomy_boston-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/good-investigative-reporting-may-finally-debunk-the-myth-that-vaccines-cause-autism-201101061067", "title": "Good investigative reporting may finally debunk the myth that vaccines cause autism", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/good-investigative-reporting-may-finally-debunk-the-myth-that-vaccines-cause-autism-201101061067", "content_html": "For years now, both individual researchers and respected scientific organizations such as the Institute of Medicine have tried to refute a persistent myth — that childhood vaccines cause autism. The myth began after a small study published in 1998 in the Lancet by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues at Royal Free Hospital and School of Medicine […]", "summary": "For years now, both individual researchers and respected scientific organizations such as the Institute of Medicine have tried to refute a persistent myth — that childhood vaccines cause autism. The myth began after a small study published in 1998 in the Lancet by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues at Royal Free Hospital and School of Medicine […]", "date_published": "2011-01-06T21:22:31-05:00", "date_modified": "2011-01-06T21:22:31-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-insights-into-treatment-resistant-depression-20101209891", "title": "New insights into treatment-resistant depression", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-insights-into-treatment-resistant-depression-20101209891", "content_html": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.  […]", "summary": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.  […]", "date_published": "2010-12-09T23:15:24-05:00", "date_modified": "2010-12-09T23:15:24-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/using-the-relaxation-response-to-reduce-stress-20101110780", "title": "Using the relaxation response to reduce stress", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/using-the-relaxation-response-to-reduce-stress-20101110780", "content_html": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "summary": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "date_published": "2010-11-10T22:33:59-05:00", "date_modified": "2010-11-10T22:33:59-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Stress","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/painkillers-and-drug-addiction-an-ongoing-dilemma-20101027677", "title": "Painkillers and drug addiction: An ongoing dilemma", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/painkillers-and-drug-addiction-an-ongoing-dilemma-20101027677", "content_html": "On October 16, 1846, Dr. John Collins Warren, a renowned surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, removed a tumor from a printer named Gilbert Abbott. The operation was noteworthy for one reason: Abbott did not scream out in pain, as virtually every surgical patient did in those days. The age of anesthesia was born. A Boston […]", "summary": "On October 16, 1846, Dr. John Collins Warren, a renowned surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, removed a tumor from a printer named Gilbert Abbott. The operation was noteworthy for one reason: Abbott did not scream out in pain, as virtually every surgical patient did in those days. The age of anesthesia was born. A Boston […]", "date_published": "2010-10-27T20:15:52-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-10-27T20:15:52-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/7971/conversions/Ether-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health","Addiction" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-eating-slowly-may-help-you-feel-full-faster-20101019605", "title": "Why eating slowly may help you feel full faster", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-eating-slowly-may-help-you-feel-full-faster-20101019605", "content_html": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "summary": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "date_published": "2010-10-19T14:21:14-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-10-19T14:21:14-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Diet & Weight Loss" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/distinguishing-depression-from-normal-adolescent-mood-swings-20100913335", "title": "Distinguishing depression from normal adolescent mood swings", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/distinguishing-depression-from-normal-adolescent-mood-swings-20100913335", "content_html": "Parents often wonder how to distinguish normal teenage mood swings and rebellions from actual symptoms of depression. I asked Dr. Nadja N. Reilly, a member of the editorial board of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, for some advice on this topic. Dr. Reilly has a particular interest in finding ways to identify and prevent youth […]", "summary": "Parents often wonder how to distinguish normal teenage mood swings and rebellions from actual symptoms of depression. I asked Dr. Nadja N. Reilly, a member of the editorial board of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, for some advice on this topic. Dr. Reilly has a particular interest in finding ways to identify and prevent youth […]", "date_published": "2010-09-13T13:41:32-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-09-13T13:41:32-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-fear-our-readers-suggest-coping-techniques-20100825327", "title": "Dental fear? Our readers suggest coping techniques.", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-fear-our-readers-suggest-coping-techniques-20100825327", "content_html": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "summary": "ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified […]", "date_published": "2010-08-25T00:00:00-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-08-25T00:00:00-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Ann MacDonald" } ], "tags": [ "Dental Health" ] } ] }