managing symptoms

When Sarah, a 40-year-old marketing professional, was 14 years old, her father suffered a massive heart attack and died suddenly. In the immediate aftermath, she and her four siblings all handled the loss differently—her middle sister, in particular, was rocked by it. For Sarah, though, she couldn’t help but feel…

When we think about approaching perimenopause, most of us brace for the obvious stuff: irregular periods, hot flashes, maybe some new chin hairs. But many women are less prepared for the mental and emotional symptoms that can completely upend how you feel day to day. Research shows that up to…

Misplacing your keys, missing an appointment, or redoing tasks at work happens to everyone now and then. But if these slip-ups are a constant part of your life—meaning you regularly forget plans with friends, struggle to meet deadlines, or feel overwhelmed by everyday organization—you might wonder, “Is it supposed to…

If you’re on Prozac (fluoxetine) or considering it, you might wonder: can you drink on Prozac? Prozac is an antidepressant designed to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, supporting your healing process. However, if you enjoy an occasional drink, it’s natural to question how alcohol might interact with your medication….

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant sometimes used to treat ADHD symptoms, although it is not FDA-approved for this purpose. If you’re considering Wellbutrin for ADHD, it’s essential to weigh its pros and cons against other ADHD medications, such as Adderall. To use Wellbutrin for ADHD, you’ll need a prescription from a…

Antidepressants, and medications in general, work differently for different people. It’s common for there to be a bit of an experimentation phase when trying to find the right medication and dosage for you. A healthcare provider can help you determine if your antidepressant dose is too low or too high…

Why is there a bipolar 2 and a bipolar 1? There’s no depression 2 or depression 1. There’s no anxiety 3.0. What makes bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) different? The quick answer is that people with bipolar 2 have enough variation in their symptoms from type 1 bipolar…

Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when anxiety goes beyond standard stress or fear, it can have a negative impact on life and relationships. Those with untreated anxiety might withdraw from or get irritable with their friends, and anxious parents might model fears and worries to their children. …

Schizoid personality disorder is a condition that causes a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotions in interpersonal settings. Someone with schizoid personality disorder typically will avoid social interaction and others may perceive the person with schizoid personality disorder as odd or cold or…

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will affect nearly seven million adults in the U.S. each year. Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder often have difficulties controlling even the most mundane of daily worries. They may worry more than is realistically necessary about actual events or expect the worst outcome when there seems…

Psychiatric medications come in all different forms. One specific type of psychiatric medication is the NDRI—or norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor.   NDRI medications are highly effective for many people when prescribed for specific conditions. Keep reading to learn about NDRIs, how they compare to SSRIs, and whether the two medications can…

Imagine that you’re going about your morning as usual – making coffee, feeding the cat, tidying the bedroom – when your chest starts to hurt. The pain quickly mounts. Within minutes you’re drenched in sweat and you feel as if you’re suffocating. You close your eyes and try to take…