{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "Harvard Health Posts by Michael Craig Miller, M.D. Feed", "home_page_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/michael-craig-miller-md", "feed_url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/authors/michael-craig-miller-md/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/new-depression-screening-guidelines-outline-very-helpful-yet-achievable-goals-2-201602049156", "title": "New depression screening guidelines outline very helpful, yet achievable goals", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/new-depression-screening-guidelines-outline-very-helpful-yet-achievable-goals-2-201602049156", "content_html": "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently updated their guidelines on screening for depression. This time around, they recommended widespread screening through primary care practices, plus gave special attention to women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. These matter-of-fact, achievable guidelines and goals have the potential to reap enormous health benefits.", "summary": "The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recently updated their guidelines on screening for depression. This time around, they recommended widespread screening through primary care practices, plus gave special attention to women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. These matter-of-fact, achievable guidelines and goals have the potential to reap enormous health benefits.", "date_published": "2016-02-04T15:00:37-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-02-04T15:00:37-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8791/conversions/Depression-blog-02-04-16-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pregnancy","Women's Health","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-about-altruism-201601058929", "title": "The truth about altruism", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-about-altruism-201601058929", "content_html": "Many people believe that the human tendency to want to act for the greater good is rooted in kindness. But research suggests that altruism may have evolved alongside the impulse to condemn and even chasten those put self-interests first.", "summary": "Many people believe that the human tendency to want to act for the greater good is rooted in kindness. But research suggests that altruism may have evolved alongside the impulse to condemn and even chasten those put self-interests first.", "date_published": "2016-01-05T14:00:13-05:00", "date_modified": "2016-01-05T14:00:13-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8768/conversions/altruism-blog-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/if-you-think-youre-depressed-dont-wait-find-out-201510088401", "title": "If you think you’re depressed, don’t wait — find out", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/if-you-think-youre-depressed-dont-wait-find-out-201510088401", "content_html": "October 8, 2015 is National Depression Screening Day, which is the embodiment of Dr. Douglas Jacobs’s belief that screening for mental disorders should be no different than screening for other physical illnesses. If you think that you may be suffering from depression, take the first step and find out. Treatment can improve your mood, help you feel more connected, and feel more like yourself again.", "summary": "October 8, 2015 is National Depression Screening Day, which is the embodiment of Dr. Douglas Jacobs’s belief that screening for mental disorders should be no different than screening for other physical illnesses. If you think that you may be suffering from depression, take the first step and find out. Treatment can improve your mood, help you feel more connected, and feel more like yourself again.", "date_published": "2015-10-08T12:33:42-04:00", "date_modified": "2015-10-08T12:33:42-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8692/conversions/bigstock-Depressed-anxiousMan-406827-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Depression" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/germanwings-flight-9525-shows-the-limits-of-predicting-human-violence-201504087855", "title": "Germanwings Flight 9525 shows the limits of predicting human violence", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/germanwings-flight-9525-shows-the-limits-of-predicting-human-violence-201504087855", "content_html": "The tragic story of copilot Andreas Lubitz, the man who apparently crashed Germanwings flight 9525 into the Alps in an act of suicide and murder, demonstrates the opaqueness of mental illness. It is difficult to know when a person is struggling with private psychological and emotional pain that might lead to dangerous or destructive behavior. All of us tend to keep our thoughts, especially our most disturbing ones, to ourselves. Even when encouraged to speak those thoughts aloud — to a mental health professional, for example — it is very difficult to do so. This tragedy will likely spark calls for increased scrutiny of pilots. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it could lead to the unintended and undesirable consequence that pilots will become even more wary of seeking help. To honor the lives lost will require policies that protect the public while not being punitive to pilots.", "summary": "The tragic story of copilot Andreas Lubitz, the man who apparently crashed Germanwings flight 9525 into the Alps in an act of suicide and murder, demonstrates the opaqueness of mental illness. It is difficult to know when a person is struggling with private psychological and emotional pain that might lead to dangerous or destructive behavior. All of us tend to keep our thoughts, especially our most disturbing ones, to ourselves. Even when encouraged to speak those thoughts aloud — to a mental health professional, for example — it is very difficult to do so. This tragedy will likely spark calls for increased scrutiny of pilots. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it could lead to the unintended and undesirable consequence that pilots will become even more wary of seeking help. To honor the lives lost will require policies that protect the public while not being punitive to pilots.", "date_published": "2015-04-08T20:54:10-04:00", "date_modified": "2015-04-08T20:54:10-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8603/conversions/Germanwings-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-from-emotional-trauma-201304196091", "title": "Healing from emotional trauma after the Marathon bombing", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/healing-from-emotional-trauma-201304196091", "content_html": "The bombs that exploded on Monday near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people, physically injured nearly 200 others, and traumatized thousands more. Recovery and healing are beginning for the families of those who died, for the injured and their families, and for others touched by this tragedy. For some, healing will be swift. For others it will be measured in small steps over months, and possibly years. The Marathon explosions will leave a legacy of emotional scars along with the physical ones, even among those who weren’t anywhere near the blasts. Some people who were at the scene of the explosions will undoubtedly develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But PTSD is not the only response to frightening events. In fact, most people exposed to a trauma do not develop this condition. They may develop an anxiety disorder, for example, or become depressed. Most people do have some emotional response, but the majority develop no illness at all.", "summary": "The bombs that exploded on Monday near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people, physically injured nearly 200 others, and traumatized thousands more. Recovery and healing are beginning for the families of those who died, for the injured and their families, and for others touched by this tragedy. For some, healing will be swift. For others it will be measured in small steps over months, and possibly years. The Marathon explosions will leave a legacy of emotional scars along with the physical ones, even among those who weren’t anywhere near the blasts. Some people who were at the scene of the explosions will undoubtedly develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But PTSD is not the only response to frightening events. In fact, most people exposed to a trauma do not develop this condition. They may develop an anxiety disorder, for example, or become depressed. Most people do have some emotional response, but the majority develop no illness at all.", "date_published": "2013-04-19T14:52:51-04:00", "date_modified": "2013-04-19T14:52:51-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8356/conversions/Healing-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-you-become-addicted-to-chocolate-201302145903", "title": "Can you become addicted to chocolate?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-you-become-addicted-to-chocolate-201302145903", "content_html": "The term “chocoholic,” usually said with a smile, actually nods to a potentially serious question: can a person become addicted to food? There are three essential components of addiction: intense craving, loss of control over the object of that craving, and continued use or engagement despite bad consequences. People can exhibit all three of these in their relationships with food. It’s most common with foods that deliver a lot of sugar and fat — like chocolate — because they trigger reward pathways in the brain. In some animal studies, restricting these foods induced a stress-like response consistent with the “withdrawal” response seen in addiction. Much of the scientific discussion about food addiction has been sparked by the epidemic of obesity sweeping the U.S. and many other countries. Many people who are overweight crave food, lose control over eating, and experience negative health effects that should, but don’t, serve as a deterrent. The influence of stress on eating provides another link between food and addictive behavior.", "summary": "The term “chocoholic,” usually said with a smile, actually nods to a potentially serious question: can a person become addicted to food? There are three essential components of addiction: intense craving, loss of control over the object of that craving, and continued use or engagement despite bad consequences. People can exhibit all three of these in their relationships with food. It’s most common with foods that deliver a lot of sugar and fat — like chocolate — because they trigger reward pathways in the brain. In some animal studies, restricting these foods induced a stress-like response consistent with the “withdrawal” response seen in addiction. Much of the scientific discussion about food addiction has been sparked by the epidemic of obesity sweeping the U.S. and many other countries. Many people who are overweight crave food, lose control over eating, and experience negative health effects that should, but don’t, serve as a deterrent. The influence of stress on eating provides another link between food and addictive behavior.", "date_published": "2013-02-14T15:08:26-05:00", "date_modified": "2013-02-14T15:08:26-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8328/conversions/Woman-eating-a-lot-of-chocolate-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Addiction" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-bring-on-the-light-201212215663", "title": "Seasonal affective disorder: bring on the light", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/seasonal-affective-disorder-bring-on-the-light-201212215663", "content_html": "", "summary": "", "date_published": "2012-12-21T00:00:00-05:00", "date_modified": "2012-12-21T00:00:00-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8289/conversions/Northern-light-2-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Diseases & Conditions" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/in-praise-of-gratitude-201211215561", "title": "In praise of gratitude", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/in-praise-of-gratitude-201211215561", "content_html": "The Thanksgiving holiday began, as its name implies, when the colonists gave thanks for surviving their first year in the New World and for a good harvest. Nearly 400 years later, we’re learning that the simple act of giving thanks is not just good for the community but may also be good for the brain and body. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. By acknowledging the goodness in their lives, expressing gratitude often helps people recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. This can connect them to something larger—other people, nature, or a higher power. In the relatively new field of positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently linked to greater happiness. Although some people may be born with a gift for expressing gratitude, anyone can learn how to do it. And this mental state grows stronger with use and practice. Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude.", "summary": "The Thanksgiving holiday began, as its name implies, when the colonists gave thanks for surviving their first year in the New World and for a good harvest. Nearly 400 years later, we’re learning that the simple act of giving thanks is not just good for the community but may also be good for the brain and body. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have instead of what they lack. By acknowledging the goodness in their lives, expressing gratitude often helps people recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. This can connect them to something larger—other people, nature, or a higher power. In the relatively new field of positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently linked to greater happiness. Although some people may be born with a gift for expressing gratitude, anyone can learn how to do it. And this mental state grows stronger with use and practice. Here are some ways to cultivate gratitude.", "date_published": "2012-11-21T15:01:52-05:00", "date_modified": "2012-11-21T15:01:52-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8274/conversions/Thank-you-written-in-sand-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/metacognitive-therapy-a-possible-new-approach-for-adhd-201210265458", "title": "Metacognitive therapy: a possible new approach for ADHD?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/metacognitive-therapy-a-possible-new-approach-for-adhd-201210265458", "content_html": "One treatment that can help relieve depression and other mental or emotional problems is cognitive behavioral therapy. It guides individuals to change what they think. A related approach, called metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. Some preliminary but promising research suggests that metacognitive therapy may be useful for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One study of 88 adults with ADHD found that metacognitive therapy led to significant reduction in ADHD symptoms in 42% of participants, compared to 12% who received supportive therapy. Keep in mind that metacognitive therapy is not yet a proven therapy. More research is needed on its effectiveness in different settings. But that means it doesn’t yet stack up to its elder cousin, cognitive behavioral therapy. And metacognitive therapy can’t be considered as a first line treatment for ADHD.", "summary": "One treatment that can help relieve depression and other mental or emotional problems is cognitive behavioral therapy. It guides individuals to change what they think. A related approach, called metacognitive therapy, helps individuals change how they think. Some preliminary but promising research suggests that metacognitive therapy may be useful for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). One study of 88 adults with ADHD found that metacognitive therapy led to significant reduction in ADHD symptoms in 42% of participants, compared to 12% who received supportive therapy. Keep in mind that metacognitive therapy is not yet a proven therapy. More research is needed on its effectiveness in different settings. But that means it doesn’t yet stack up to its elder cousin, cognitive behavioral therapy. And metacognitive therapy can’t be considered as a first line treatment for ADHD.", "date_published": "2012-10-26T19:16:50-04:00", "date_modified": "2012-10-26T19:16:50-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8260/conversions/The-Thinker-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/magnetic-stimulation-a-new-approach-to-treating-depression-201207265064", "title": "Magnetic stimulation: a new approach to treating depression?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/magnetic-stimulation-a-new-approach-to-treating-depression-201207265064", "content_html": "For some people with depression that isn’t alleviated by medication or talk therapy, a relatively new option that uses magnetic fields to stimulate part of the brain may help. Called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), it was approved by the FDA in 2008. Although more and more centers are beginning to use transcranial magnetic stimulation, it still isn’t widely available. Transcranial magnetic stimulation directs a series of strong magnetic pulses into the brain. These pulses create a weak electrical current that can increase or decrease activity in specific parts of the brain. In two large studies, rTMS improved depression in 14% of people who underwent it, compared to 5% who underwent sham, treatment. The cost can range from $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the clinic and how many sessions are needed. Insurance may not cover the cost of treatment.", "summary": "For some people with depression that isn’t alleviated by medication or talk therapy, a relatively new option that uses magnetic fields to stimulate part of the brain may help. Called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), it was approved by the FDA in 2008. Although more and more centers are beginning to use transcranial magnetic stimulation, it still isn’t widely available. Transcranial magnetic stimulation directs a series of strong magnetic pulses into the brain. These pulses create a weak electrical current that can increase or decrease activity in specific parts of the brain. In two large studies, rTMS improved depression in 14% of people who underwent it, compared to 5% who underwent sham, treatment. The cost can range from $6,000 to $10,000, depending on the clinic and how many sessions are needed. Insurance may not cover the cost of treatment.", "date_published": "2012-07-26T19:21:01-04:00", "date_modified": "2012-07-26T19:21:01-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8217/conversions/Man-undergoing-rTMS-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-are-obsessions-and-compulsions-in-children-a-problem-201201184117", "title": "When are obsessions and compulsions in children a problem?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/when-are-obsessions-and-compulsions-in-children-a-problem-201201184117", "content_html": "It is normal for children at some points in their development to be concerned about sameness and symmetry and having things perfect. But when such beliefs or behaviors become all-consuming and start interfering with school, home life, or recreational activities, the problem may be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are irrational thoughts, images, and impulses that a person feels as unrealistic, intrusive, and unwanted. To relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, a youth may engage in compulsive rituals. Two main types of treatment are used to help youths better manage OCD: a form of talk therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. The ideal approach is to try cognitive behavioral therapy before turning to medication.", "summary": "It is normal for children at some points in their development to be concerned about sameness and symmetry and having things perfect. But when such beliefs or behaviors become all-consuming and start interfering with school, home life, or recreational activities, the problem may be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Obsessions are irrational thoughts, images, and impulses that a person feels as unrealistic, intrusive, and unwanted. To relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, a youth may engage in compulsive rituals. Two main types of treatment are used to help youths better manage OCD: a form of talk therapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication. The ideal approach is to try cognitive behavioral therapy before turning to medication.", "date_published": "2012-01-18T17:44:57-05:00", "date_modified": "2012-01-18T17:44:57-05:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8120/conversions/Pencils-lined-up-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pediatric health","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/kids-and-social-media-guidance-for-parents-201104052194", "title": "Kids and social media: Guidance for parents", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/kids-and-social-media-guidance-for-parents-201104052194", "content_html": "Confused about how to extend analog parenting into the digital world? New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers practical advice to pediatricians (and parents) to help children use social media tools safely and in ways that encourage them grow socially and emotionally. Michael Miller, M.D., editor of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, says the guidelines are “anchored in what we know about child and adolescent development rather than any perceived special influences of the social network.”", "summary": "Confused about how to extend analog parenting into the digital world? New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers practical advice to pediatricians (and parents) to help children use social media tools safely and in ways that encourage them grow socially and emotionally. Michael Miller, M.D., editor of the Harvard Mental Health Letter, says the guidelines are “anchored in what we know about child and adolescent development rather than any perceived special influences of the social network.”", "date_published": "2011-04-05T13:42:19-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-04-05T13:42:19-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8011/conversions/Social-media-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pediatric health","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-panel-finds-no-link-between-artificial-food-colorings-and-hyperactivity-in-most-children-201104012184", "title": "FDA panel finds no link between artificial food colorings and hyperactivity in most children", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fda-panel-finds-no-link-between-artificial-food-colorings-and-hyperactivity-in-most-children-201104012184", "content_html": "Artificial food coloring has been blamed for causing hyperactivity in children. For most kids, there is no connection between food coloring and hyperactivity, an FDA panel has concluded. But it also noted that certain children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be uniquely vulnerable, not just to food colorings, but to any number of food additives. The panel said that food additives themselves are not inherently toxic to the nervous system, but that some children have a unique intolerance to these substances.", "summary": "Artificial food coloring has been blamed for causing hyperactivity in children. For most kids, there is no connection between food coloring and hyperactivity, an FDA panel has concluded. But it also noted that certain children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be uniquely vulnerable, not just to food colorings, but to any number of food additives. The panel said that food additives themselves are not inherently toxic to the nervous system, but that some children have a unique intolerance to these substances.", "date_published": "2011-04-01T15:37:09-04:00", "date_modified": "2011-04-01T15:37:09-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "image": "https://domf5oio6qrcr.cloudfront.net/medialibrary/8010/conversions/Sprinkles-thumb.jpg", "tags": [ "Pediatric health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/did-lou-gehrig-have-lou-gehrigs-disease-20100818286", "title": "Did Lou Gehrig have Lou Gehrig’s Disease?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/did-lou-gehrig-have-lou-gehrigs-disease-20100818286", "content_html": "Many brain disorders are syndromes where root causes and the neurobiology are poorly understood. Two people can have similar illnesses, but have very different underlying causes.", "summary": "Many brain disorders are syndromes where root causes and the neurobiology are poorly understood. Two people can have similar illnesses, but have very different underlying causes.", "date_published": "2010-08-18T17:00:02-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-08-18T17:00:02-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "tags": [ "Men's Health","Mental Health" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/concussions-in-football-20100814260", "title": "Concussions in Football", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/concussions-in-football-20100814260", "content_html": "I have to applaud today’s editorial in the New York Times that anticipates a new football season. Here is the first paragraph — The millionaire players of professional football are suiting up for the new season with a startling caution on their locker room walls. A poster headlined “CONCUSSION” warns players that lifelong brain damage […]", "summary": "I have to applaud today’s editorial in the New York Times that anticipates a new football season. Here is the first paragraph — The millionaire players of professional football are suiting up for the new season with a startling caution on their locker room walls. A poster headlined “CONCUSSION” warns players that lifelong brain damage […]", "date_published": "2010-08-15T01:44:35-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-08-15T01:44:35-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "tags": [ "Exercise and Fitness","Mental Health","Men's Health","Memory" ] }, { "id": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unconscious-or-subconscious-20100801255", "title": "Unconscious or Subconscious?", "url": "https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/unconscious-or-subconscious-20100801255", "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": "2010-08-02T01:28:57-04:00", "date_modified": "2010-08-02T01:28:57-04:00", "authors": [ { "name": "Michael Craig Miller, M.D." } ], "tags": [ "Mental Health" ] } ] }