Mental Health and Addiction + Original Articles

A significant number of older Americans hit the bottle hard on a regular basis, and it's wreaking havoc on their health. Listening to news reports lately, you'd be forgiven for thinking that binge drinking is the exclusive province of college students or bachelor-party attendees in Las Vegas. But you'd be surprised to know that a significant number of older Americans hit the bottle hard on a regular basis-and it's wreaking havoc on their health.

New treatment for depression may be possible based on study that shows how this mood disorder affects areas of brain involved in pleasure. It's common knowledge that depression can cause less enjoyment and interest in previously enjoyed activities. Recently, a study revealed that this mood disorder actually affects the function of certain areas of the brain responsible for enjoyment. In the study published in NeuroReport, researchers observed the brain activity in 16 recently depressed people and 15 healthy people.

Every fall season millions of Americans suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a form of major depression. As the long days of summer fade away with the warm weather, many of us start to feel blue. But, that sinking feeling may not be just a normal reaction to the approaching chill of winter - for millions, it's a form of major depression called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Once widely considered an inhumane practice, electric shock therapy finds increasing support as a treatment for depression. Six days after receiving electric shock therapy for depression, renowned writer Ernest Hemingway killed himself. He'd suffered severe memory loss after the treatment. Although mental health professionals are well aware of the severe side effects associated with this electric shock therapy, some regard it as one of the best treatments for severe depression, especially when antidepressants and counseling are not effective.

Feeling anxious? Regain a sense of calm with these easy tips. Anxiety can strike at any time, and some of us are more susceptible than others. Family issues, workplace worries, and the day-to-day obligations of our busy schedules can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these easy methods for stress reduction.

You have the power to change your attitude for the better. It's not easy to be around people who are downers. But if you're the type who sees the bad in everything, you might be hurting more than just your social life. Several studies have revealed that those who think positive actually live better and longer than those whose glass is perpetually half empty.

The deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, and DJ AM spark concerns about deadly drug interactions. Learn how to prevent them from happening to you. This week the Los Angeles coroner ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide due to interactions of several drugs found in the pop star's blood, including propofol, an anaesthetic normally used only in hospitals. Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, admitted to giving the singer this potent drug to treat his insomnia.

Recent research suggests that not only is daydreaming extremely common (experts say we spend one-third of our lives doing it) it’s actually good for us, too. Daydreaming gets a bad rap. How many times were you scolded by teachers or parents for letting your mind wander when you were supposed to be paying attention to something else? And even now, while you're at work, you may feel flashes of guilt when you realize you've been far, far away mentally.

The next time you feel your blood boiling, try a few of these strategies to calm yourself before things get out of hand. Imagine this scenario: You're stuck in traffic on the freeway, crawling toward an exit that seems impossibly far away. Suddenly the car in front of you stops and lets a few other vehicles with their blinkers on into your lane. Do you a) shrug and figure that everyone else on the freeway has someplace to be, just as you do, or b) start yelling and cursing the driver in front of you, perhaps leaning on your horn for emphasis? If you answered b, you may have a problem taming your temper.

Boredom? Conflict? Communication breakdown? Learn how to solve some of the most common relationship-killers. Few feelings in the world can top the sheer exhilaration of finding your other half or soul mate. But unlike the blissful Hollywood portrayals, romance isn't always all it's cracked up to be. In real life, love can be challenging and difficult. Has your relationship taken a few wrong turns? These six couple-saving strategies can help you get your love life back on track.

How using the Internet to diagnose your symptoms can be dangerous for your health Whether it’s a strange ache in the abdomen, dizziness, or a sudden rash, millions of Americans are rushing to Google their symptoms instead of rushing to see the doctor. It’s a trend commonly referred to as cyberchondria—consumers conduct their own web health research, which frequently leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments.

When it comes to treating depression, is there a better option? In a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry a group of individuals suffering from depression was treated with either medication, cognitive therapy or a placebo. Cognitive therapy, as defined by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is an empirically supported treatment that focuses on negative patterns of thinking in an attempt to reprogram the inner message into a more positive one that doesn't deride the patient and drive them into depression.

Depression has been linked to a higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease and depression share a circular relationship: In some cases, heart disease can bring about depression, with an estimated one in six heart-attack sufferers facing clinical depression after the event, which can increase their mortality rate to 17 percent.

Here's what you need to know about this crucial topic. Are you pregnant and feeling confused, afraid, sad, stressed or depressed? According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10 to 20 percent of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy. And of those women, a quarter to half will suffer from severe depression.

A service of The National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health reports that a study has been published suggesting that measuring the levels of hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy may predict whether a woman is likely to develop postpartum depression or not. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase greatly. In the first 24 hours after childbirth, hormone levels quickly return to normal. These hormonal changes may trigger symptoms of postpartum depression Researchers think the dramatic change in hormone levels may lead to depression.

Is medication necessary, or is talking it out enough? Depressed? Feeling blue or just down right despondent? The good news is that depression, even the most severe cases, is a highly treatable disorder. As with any disease early detection is helpful in increasing the effectiveness of treatment and preventing a recurrence or relapse.

Learn how to address the largest threats to your child's health. In the 2008 National Poll on Children's Health adults ranked obesity as the number one health concern. For this poll conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital adults rated 20 health concerns for children in their communities along the following criteria: Big problem; somewhat of a problem; not much of a problem; and not a problem at all.

If you’re thinking of moving, these cities might not be the best for your mood. Most depressed, saddest, or worst city in the country-labels that any city hardly covets; however, each year, numerous surveys and studies cast an unwanted spotlight on cities with the worst standards of living. Depending on which data you rely on and the focus of the reporting agency, the cities may vary.

Certain foods really can enhance your memory and overall cognitive function. Are they part of your diet? In general, any food that's good for you is good for your brain. That's because nutritious foods that lower your risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes naturally encourage blood flow to the brain. Your brain, like the rest of your body, needs quality nutrients to work at its highest level.

Learn how fitness can have a positive effect on your mind. Although exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you're down in the dumps, research shows that it can definitely help. Exactly how exercise boosts your spirits isn't fully known, but there's evidence showing it increases neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood.

From causes to treatments, learn more about this common problem. If you've got a "grumpy old man or lady" in your life, he or she may be depressed. According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation (GMHF), depression affects 15 percent of Americans seniors. Depression is a serious illness characterized by a combination of symptoms that disrupt normal living.

See how this disorder that affects 6 million Americans can be a burden to your heart. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some 6 million Americans have been diagnosed with panic disorder, a condition in which one is frequently besieged by an inexplicable, intense bout of fear that manifests itself through a range of physical ailments and lasts anywhere from 15 seconds to an hour.

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood. If you're feeling down, it can be an effort just to get through the day. While major depression generally isn't something you can alleviate on your own, and you should speak to your doctor about any symptoms you're having, some simple lifestyle changes may be enough to banish a mild case of the blues: Exercise.

If you're leaving carbs out of your diet, you may be losing more than just a quick pound. Few would argue the fact that no-carb diets work in the short run. What no-carb dieters may not realize are the effects on other parts of their body. A study conducted at Tufts University in Massachusetts found that diets that eliminate carbohydrates can have a negative effect on memory.

Sweet tooth or addiction? Find out for yourself. There's nothing wrong with the occasional post-dinner sweet. In fact, some studies suggest that, in moderation, chocolate can be beneficial. One study conducted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science's (AAAS) found that the natural nitric oxide in coca can help lower blood pressure and aide in overall heart function.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year. What's the cost of poor health? A lot more than you may think. The nation's 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Learn how to navigate through minefields of misinformation and uncover the truth. Honesty may be the best policy, but it's not a policy people follow very often. In fact, according to a Cornell University study, people lie in roughly 25 percent of their daily interactions. How can you detect dishonesty in relationships, friendships, and business? It's easy, if you know how to spot the clues.

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits. One of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages, beer has served many roles since it was first brewed nearly 7,000 years ago. It's been featured in religious ceremonies, praised in literature, and prized for its medicinal properties. What the ancients suspected about the health benefits of beer, modern-day science continues to prove.

Certain things are better left unsaid—especially these six bombshells. You can't stand your spouse's family. You make more money than your coworker. You've been sleeping with your boss for months. It's often said that honesty is the best policy, but by spilling certain secrets, you could be opening a Pandora's box. Which...

Contrary to popular belief, your intelligence quotient (IQ) isn't set in stone. Follow these tips to boost your brainpower. Intelligence quotient may be one of the greatest predictors of human potential. And for years, scientists believed IQ was fixed (so the score you earned in grade school determined whether you'd be an Einstein or have the mental capacity of a spoon). But new research suggests that by flexing your gray matter, it is possible to up your score.

These surefire strategies can help you win every debate—without losing your cool. Whether it's a friend, a family member, or a coworker, we all know someone who manages to win every argument, even when they're in the wrong. How do they do it without raising their voice or coming to blows? According to psychologists, it's simple: These master debaters have perfected the art of persuasion—knowing what to say and how to say it in every situation.

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge? Many of us love good revenge stories--tales in which victims ultimately become victors by wielding vengeance on all who've wronged them. But in real life, retribution isn't always all it's cracked up to be. In fact, according to experts, letting go of revenge fantasies may be one of the best things you can do for your health.

Learn about the symptoms of alcoholism and what kinds of treatment are available for this disease. Most Americans can't go a whole day without viewing a beer ad on the television, passing the neon signs of a bar, or glimpsing a billboard promoting the newest brand of vodka. Alcohol permeates American culture, and it's unlikely to change anytime soon.

In these metropolitan areas, inebriation abounds, and residents rarely find themselves thirsty. Most cities can claim plenty of bars, liquor stores, and hard-partying residents. But according to government data, some metropolitan areas do a lot more drinking than others. Which cities are the most sloshed? The answers might surprise you (several towns known for their nightlife, like Miami and New Orleans, didn't even make our list).

Find out how to control your excessive spending. Americans just love to spend money. The average American has about five credit cards. Our national debt is more than $10 trillion. A political campaign spent a reported $150,000 on a vice presidential candidate's wardrobe. Because of our culture, it can be easy to laugh off or ignore excessive spending habits.

Is your city getting you down? Find out if where you live made our list. Feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Depressed? Did you ever think that where you live could be making you miserable? According to experts, environmental factors can have a major impact on your mood. And if you live in a dangerous place or a city known for high stress levels, it's possible that your location could be dragging you down, too.

We all feel a little bummed from time to time, but could your diet be the cause? Find out here. In our modern American society, anxiety, stress, and depression can play a large role with respect to work, relationships, and money. In fact, 33.9 percent of adults report having poor mental health, according to the Kaiser Family Health Foundation. Many people eat when they're depressed, but few realize that what they eat may be at the cause of their woes.

Although the holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, they can also be a time of stress and depression. Find out how you can avoid the holiday blues. Many of us will attend or host a winter holiday party this season. We have to balance normal work and home demands with special holiday events and shopping for gifts. Festive lights, warm fires, and family gatherings are common during the holidays, but unfortunately so are stress, anxiety, and sometimes, depression.

Learn about the four classes of antidepressants, from their indications and efficacy to possible side effects. If you're among the 17 million Americans suffering from depression, a condition in which prolonged feelings of sadness and hopelessness interfere with the ability to function normally, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the alphabet soup of medications--SSRIs, SNRIs, NDRIs, TCAs, MAOIs--from which to choose.

Feelings of depression are significantly more common in people with chronic back pain. Find out more about how to manage your pain and your emotions. Chronic pain and depression are two of the most common health problems Americans face. What's more, studies have found that these two conditions are often linked, afflicting the same sufferers. Close to 6 million American adults report suffering from back pain, and studies have shown that depression is four times greater in people with chronic back pain than in those without.

These five do-it-yourself techniques can help you kick the cigarette habit. For many smokers, knowing why to quit is easier than knowing how. Even though most smokers know the health and financial costs, many view the process of quitting as being even more painful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20.

Some shades are calming, others inspire conversation. Find out how colors can improve your surroundings and your mood. Have you ever wondered why a clear blue sky puts you in a good mood? Or how the off white walls of your office seem to put you to sleep? Studies show that colors have a profound affect on our emotions. Marketing companies and advertisement campaigns have long used color schemes to sway our mood in one direction or another.

Some studies suggest our favorite foods might be as habit-forming as controlled substances. Whether you're constantly craving chocolate or have an uncontrollable urge for French fries, you probably think your food impulses are simply the result of hunger, boredom, or a lack of willpower. And some experts would agree—ultimately, you're in control of what you're eating.

A sense of humor and perspective can help you maintain your dignity—even in the most humiliating circumstances. You mistakenly sent a scandalous email about your love life to your entire company. Your mother-in-law accidentally walked in on you in the bathroom. You received an award, then tripped and fell on your way to the podium. Some embarrassing scenarios are unavoidable, while others can be prevented.

Follow these tips to start improving your self-worth. Your confidence not only affects how you see yourself; it also impacts the way in which others view you. Positive self-esteem isn't an overnight acquisition, but there are steps you can take to immediately boost your self-esteem. Get on the right track with these 10 important strategies: Surround yourself with friends.

Skepticism and pessimism can wreak havoc on your health. Here, how to make some important attitude adjustments. We all know someone who is deeply cynical: a friend, a relative, or perhaps even ourselves. A cynic is someone with an attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, who usually doesn't hide their feelings from anyone. In fact, cynics seem to be almost compelled to make others feel negative about their own lives as well.

When it comes to decision-making, relationships, and even health, intuition may be one of the greatest tools we have. Do you trust your gut instead of rationalizing your way through problems? Are you likely to stick with your first instincts about people rather than waiting to make character judgments? Do you ever question the beliefs of others because you had a hunch that you were right? If you answered yes to two or more of the above, chances are, you're an intuitive person.

Before you jump into an office relationship, ask yourself these important questions. Jim and Pam from The Office, Sam and Diane from Cheers, Meredith and Derek from Grey's Anatomy. They're all workplace sweethearts whose relationships, albeit fictional, have met with varying degrees of success. But what about in the real worldare office romances a good idea or an automatic career buster? A Common Occurrence According to a 2006 CareerBuilder.

As it turns out, heartbreak may be more than just a metaphor. You've seen the movies, read the books, and heard the stories of love and loss of people not being able to go on without their significant others. But is there really such a thing as a broken heart? A growing body of research suggests that the emotional trauma of losing someone you love may lay the groundwork for a genuine medical condition.

For years, researchers had been debunking the age-old notion of a midlife crisis. But a new global study may prove them wrong. Do you feel confused about who you are and where you're going? Do you feel trapped by your career, lifestyle, family, and friends? Do you find yourself second-guessing decisions you made years ago or even questioning the meaning of life? Not long ago, if you answered yes to these questions and were between the ages of 30 and 60, most experts probably would have chalked your feelings up to a midlife crisis.

Bipolar disorder represents not a single disease, but a spectrum of disorders. Learn about the most common forms. Some 10 million Americans are suffering with bipolar disorder. Also known as manic-depression, the disease is characterized by intense periods of elevated mood, or mania, alternating with periods of depression. Sufferers may seem euphoric one minute and despondent the next.

An addiction to your job could compromise your health. Find out whether you're workaholic, and get on the road to recovery. Lately, your spouse has been complaining about the long hours you're putting in at work. Maybe you really want that promotion, or perhaps you just don't trust anyone else to get the job done. Whatever the reason, you've been glued to your desk for weeks, and your personal relationships are starting to suffer.

Do people walk all over you? Follow these tips to start becoming more assertive. We've all met those people who can't stand up for themselves. Even when they know they should be assertive, they can't express their opinions. When others try to take advantage of them, they can't seem to take charge of the situation. And no matter how overwhelmed they are, they'll never say no or ask others for help.

Everyone worries from time to time, but too much worrying can affect your health. Here, 10 ways to stop stressing. Did you forget to turn off the lights? Weren't you supposed to call your friend? What ever happened to your high-school yearbook? For many of us, worrying just seems like a natural part of our daily lives. But experts warn that too much worrying can affect your emotional and physical health.

Do you see the glass as half-empty or half-full? Your answer could have major effects on your health. They're like night and day: Optimists manage to maintain a sunny outlook, even in the worst of times; pessimists assume the darkest possible outcomes, even when things are going their way. Which one are you? A growing body of research suggests that your answer could affect not only your attitude, but also your health, success, and longevity.

Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from depression, but the disease is often misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction. Persistent feelings of hopelessness, mood disturbances, sleep problems, weight gain or loss these are just some of the symptoms that characterize clinical depression. Also known as major-depressive disorder, the condition affects approximately 14 million Americans each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

An ever-growing topic among psychologists, emotional intelligence can play a significant role in your job, your relationships, and your own self-worth. Emotional intelligence (EI) is a hot topic these days. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why is it so important? According to Daniel Goleman's groundbreaking book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, while intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measurement of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence is more difficult to quantify.

For centuries, we have attempted to decode our dreams. Here, find out what experts say they could symbolize. Whether we're losing our teeth, falling from a tall building, or being chased by a vicious attacker, at some point, we all have dreams that may seem absurd. But according to many psychologists, the mental pictures we conjure while we're asleep can speak volumes about our waking hopes and fears.

Want to lose weight, quit smoking, or start saving this year? These simple tips can help you achieve your goals. New Year's is a time for fresh beginnings and lifestyle changes. So, making resolutions and sticking with them may seem easy for the first few weeks of the year. Once February rolls around, however, willpower often lags, and New Year's goals generally fall by the wayside.

Nearly everyone has procrastinated, perhaps putting off a load of laundry, but for some, procrastination rules their lives. Here are five reasons people procrastinate. Did you put off going to the gym last week? Is there an unfinished scrapbook buried in your closet or an expired gift card in your wallet? We're all guilty of occasional procrastination, but some people become what experts call chronic procrastinators.

Like many things in life, New Year's resolutions are easy to make but hard to keep. Follow these tips to make lasting changes. This year, you've vowed to lose weight, shape up, and cut back on caffeine. Or perhaps you're determined to quit smoking for good. Maybe you've decided it's time to get to bed early, no matter what. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone—more than 100 million Americans make New Year's resolutions every year, according to researchers at the University of Washington.

See if yours made the list. Are you a daycare worker, caregiver, or full-time waitress? If so, you may be at a higher risk of becoming depressed. A national survey recently examined 21 major occupational categories and found that people who change diapers, tend to the elderly, and wait tables have the highest rates of depression, while the lowest rates occur among engineers, architects, and surveyors.

For many, the holidays are a time to celebrate... For many, the holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends. But for some, the season can bring on feelings of intense stress and sadness. In fact, an estimated 10 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the U.S. population, experience these feelings in their most extreme form--a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Schizophrenia affects millions of Americans, but the illness and its causes are often misunderstood. Here, we dispel the disease's most common myths. Although the word schizophrenia is less than 100 years old (the term was first coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911), most experts believe the disease dates to antiquity. Back then, there were no diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia, and even now the disorder and its causes are often misunderstood among the general population.

Research points to a complex combination of known factors. As with many mental illnesses, schizophrenia remains, to some extent, shrouded in mystery. There is no single cause for the disease, but experts have long believed that it can be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Rather...

For millions of Americans, depression is more than just a bout with "the blues"; it's a serious psychiatric disorder. Here, a look at the disease by the numbers. Depression is a mood disorder that causes people to feel sad, anxious, or hopeless for an extended period of time. More than just a temporary bout with "the blues", depression can have a significant impact on people's ability to eat, sleep, work, or socialize.

Spotting the signs and getting an accurate diagnosis are the first steps toward treatment. Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling brain disorder that affects about 1 percent of Americans, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Although experiences and behaviors vary from person to person, the mental illness is most often characterized by impaired perception and/or expression of reality.

There is currently no cure for schizophrenia, but new research is improving the outlook for patients. A diagnosis of schizophrenia can be scary for both patients and their loved ones. A lifelong mental illness, the disease has long been associated with severe, and even terrifying, symptoms--hallucinations, delusions, increased risk of suicide. But a growing body of research is giving patients new reasons to hope.

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severe, but with the right treatments, patients can manage the disease. Here, a look at bipolar disorder by the numbers. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in an individual's mood, energy, and ability to function. Different from normal ups and downs, the symptoms of bipolar disorder can be severeresulting in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide.

When it comes to bipolar disorder, it can be difficult separating fact from fiction. Here, we debunk the biggest myths surrounding the disease. It's believed that more than 5 million American adults have bipolar disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. But while most people are familiar with the term "bipolar disorder," several myths about the condition still abound. Myth: It's obvious when someone has bipolar disorder, so it's easy to diagnose.

Millions of Americans suffer from irrational or excessive fears. Learn about the five most common phobias. Do you have an irrational or excessive fear of something? If so, you're not alone. According to the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education (APIRE), 7.8 percent of U.S. adults suffer from a phobia of some kind. What Is a Phobia? A phobia is defined as an abnormally emotional and physical response to an imagined or irrationally exaggerated fear.

Follow these tips to help reduce the likelihood of a manic episode. One of the best ways to manage bipolar disorder is to prevent manic episodes before they start. Although that's not always doable, it is possible to identify triggers that may lead to mood disturbances. Follow these tips to reduce the likelihood of a manic episode: Stick to a daily routine.

It's not always easy to pinpoint ADHD in adults, but spotting the symptoms is the first step toward getting the right diagnosis and treatment. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is usually associated with children. And given the statistics, it's no surprise: The condition affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness, from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment. Depression has been called the "common cold of mental health"--and is it any wonder? Approximately 18.8 million American adults, or 9.5 percent of the U.S. adult population, suffer from a depressive disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression. Although depression is common among older Americans, experts say it's not just a normal part of the aging process. Whenever feelings of sadness and grief are persistent and interfere with daily activities, they may be signs of major depression--a disease that affects 1 to 5 percent of senior citizens in the mainstream community, the National Institute of Mental Health reports.

Learn how to spot the warning signs--and break the vicious cycle. Controlling spouses, unstable siblings, friends you just can't trust. Does any of this sound familiar? If so, you may be in a toxic relationship--and you're not alone. According to experts, most Americans have struggled with at least one unhealthy social bond by the time they're in their late teens, and sadly, many continue to endure these connections throughout their lives.

Get the top eight signs, and learn how to break the cycle. Perfectionists often believe that doing everything right can win them success, acceptance, even love. But sadly, their seemingly flawless behavior can actually undermine their efforts. According to counselors at the University of Illinois, the desire to be perfect can rob people of their sense of personal satisfaction, preventing them from achieving as much as those with more realistic goals.

Find out if you're sending the right signals. According to a groundbreaking UCLA study, it takes just 30 seconds to make a lasting impression on someone--and 55 percent of that impression is based on a common set of nonverbal cues. For example, crossing your arms may be perceived as standoffish, while raising your eyebrows could gain you a reputation as a flirt.

Are your feelings of discomfort just shyness, or a sign of a more serious health condition? Here's how to tell the difference. Imagine this: A woman hates to stand in line at the grocery store--not because she's impatient, but because she's afraid that everyone is watching her. As she approaches the clerk, she becomes anxious and self-conscious. Her heart begins to race, her face turns red, and she begins to sweat.

It's often said that you can never be too rich or too thin--but can you be too nice? According to a recent University of Iowa study, excessively nice people often feel as if they have no control over their decisions, thoughts, or opinions. As a result, they can become resentful, frustrated, even depressed. Are you too nice for your own good? 10 Telltale Signs That You're Too Nice 1.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be overwhelming. Follow these tips to help deal with the diagnosis and cope with the holidays. Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease (AD) means that each new day brings a unique set of challenges. Coping with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior can become overwhelming at times. Not surprisingly, research has shown that caregivers often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

Feeling stressed out? Regain your calm with these tips. Sometimes daily life can get the best of us, and our stress levels can zoom off the charts. With family issues, workplace worries, and day-to-day obligations, anxiety can take a toll on how we feel, both physically and emotionally. To ease feelings of anxiety or tension, try these methods of stress reduction: 1.

According to a new study, bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder than a black-and-white illness. A new study supports earlier findings that bipolar disease is underrecognized, often improperly treated, and may be more accurately characterized as a spectrum disorder than a black-and-white disease. The study, published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (NCS-R), a nationwide survey of mental disorders among 9,282 Americans ages 18 and older.

An estimated 5.7 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. Here's one man's story of despair, diagnosis, treatment, and hope. "I'll never forget the day when my doctor put his comforting hand on my shoulder and said the two words that cleared up a lifelong mystery: "Bipolar disorder. "Until then, I simply couldn't figure out why, like an out-of-control roller-coaster, I plunged into a downward spiral from extreme happiness to extreme depression, why I plummeted from such highs to such lows.

If you experience great highs and lows, you may have bipolar disorder. An estimated 5.7 million Americans have bipolar disorder--a condition that can strike anybody, regardless of age, income, race, or gender. Although the disorder lasts a lifetime, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be managed. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, it's important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, so be sure to make an appointment with your doctor.