Depression - Treatments

The facts and the stats on a condition that afflicts millions of Americans.

Can vitamin D ease seasonal affective disorder?

Tis the Season to Be Sad? 10 Tips to Help You Cope

Can these inflammation fighters have an effect on symptoms of depression?

For some, even positive life changes can bring on bouts of severe anxiety or depression. But there is good news.

Not only is access to mental health care declining, a new study finds the majority of psychiatrists don t accept health insurance.

Many of us start our day with a cup, but when we start relying on coffee to feel awake and energized, we're addicted to the caffeine it contains.

Sticking to a regular routine can help balance the ups and downs of bipolar disorder, but for some, establishing a routine can be a major challenge.

Why victims of child abuse can find themselves struggling with mental health issues decades later.

There's a common belief that writers and artists are more likely to have mental health issues than the general population. We explore if there is any truth to this relationship.

What are you afraid of? We ask a few pros for their top tips on working through what scares them.

One study has found that moderate consumption of wine may improve your mental health. But don't uncork that bottle of Chardonnay just yet!

Both talk therapy and medication can help with persistent sadness. Here's how to get started.

It's not only life-threatening incidents that can lead to persistent feelings of helplessness, depression, grief, or extreme anxiety. Learn more about how to move through trauma.

Depressed? Adding meditation to your treatment plan may help. Here's why.

Though efforts are underway to raise awareness, you can do your part by acting compassionately toward those living with this condition.

While some people are at higher risk, nervous breakdowns can happen to anyone. Here's what to look for.

Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment for this mental illness can help keep it under control.

Find out why new moms are at increased risk and how to get help.

Grapefruit juice can increase the potency of certain drugs, converting them to life-threatening doses. Here's what you need to know.

Here are five common therapies that have shown promise for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Spinal manipulation is a helpful element of ongoing pain treatment for many. Learn what to expect from your visit to the chiropractor.

Stop the replays and hit "pause". Ruminating over a problem may lead to an even bigger one: depression.

With this therapy, brain waves are "trained" to keep mood more stable.

Don't let your blood sugar swings result in mood swings. Use these preventative tips to keep an even keel.

With so many stigmas surrounding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it's especially important to separate fiction from fact.

In small doses, worrying can keep you in check. But in excess, it can be downright debilitating.

A new study has zeroed in on a promising approach to erasing painful memories from the mind. This research may lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders.

Discovering new treatments for mental health diseases is a complicated endeavor with plenty of dead ends. Sometimes, however, an impractical finding opens the door to new possibilities.

In a time of high-tech medicine, can a simple technique involving nothing more than the power of your own mind be the key to health and happiness?

Dysthymia is a depressive condition that isn t quite as severe as full-blown depression, but lasts longer and can affect your life in many of the same ways.

We all have our ups and downs; however, if they're too extreme, it may be indicative of a larger issue.

Paying attention to your breath could put you on the fast track to stress relief.

While some symptoms of neurotic behavior are natural, displaying too many could have a negative effect on your relationships.

There are five main categories of intense, unrealistic fears about certain things and situations.

While bipolar disorder symptoms are similar to signs of regular depression, they are more likely to involve irritability, guilt, unpredictable mood swings.

Making small, inexpensive changes to your personal environment can go a long way toward improving your quality of life.

New research reveals that how you handle such emotions can make a big difference in your well-being.

Combining education, medication, and psychotherapy shows promise.

You look well. What are the challenges when you feel anything but on the inside?

Depression is not a normal part of aging, but it is common. Be aware of these triggers.

Some anxiety is healthy. But these signs mean it's time to get support.

Approach this sensitive situation with these steps.

Distinguish the signs of mental illness from other behaviors that may seem odd.

You probably already know that stress can have a big impact on your health. Here's how to release and let go for the sake of your health.

It's more than just a party trick. Hypnosis has been shown to deliver real mental health benefits for some.

If someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, helping them find the support they need can be frustrating, complicated, and necessary.

By looking at patterns of mental illness in families with twins and those who have experienced trauma, researchers have uncovered new answers.

Statistics paint a worrisome picture when it comes to aging Americans and mental illnesses like depression.

This medication can be a blessing and a curse. Here's how to tell if you, or a loved one, have crossed the line into addiction.

Here's how to find helpful resources and know the right questions to ask.

Your condition is real. Here's what to say and do when people say your depression is "all in your head."

Do you recognize these telltale signs of the fear of being out of cell phone contact? Here's how to manage your obsession.

One startling example of the mind-body connection is the link between back pain and depression.

Commonly used to prevent coronary heart disease, statins may also lower the risk of major depression.

When it comes to mental health disorders such as anxiety, there are big differences between the genders.

Psychosocial factors like stress and depression can have an adverse effect on cardiac health. Here's what you can do.

It's a real and hidden danger among the older generation. Here are ways to combat isolation.

Typically diagnosed based on questions and answers, it's possible that the blood holds the truth about who is depressed.

This sleep disorder can do more than interrupt your rest.

Typically a treatment for patients suffering from depression, transcranial direct current stimulation shows benefits for those coping with chronic pain.

"Low T" or hypogonadism can cause undesired changes. Here's what you can do.

It's now a proven fact. Being in and around nature makes people feel good.

How do doctors measure and diagnose conditions from anxiety to personality disorders, especially when there is more than one condition involved?

There's no debating the stress of some jobs. But even enjoyable work can encourage mood disorders.

For millions of Americans, depression is more than just a bout with "the blues"; it's a serious psychiatric disorder. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

As many as 25 percent of teens suffer from a form of anxiety. Use these tips to help your child cope.

Boost your well-being with a fragrance garden. It's easy to grow therapeutic herbs and flowers with these tips.

Not only is it emotionally painful, grief takes a toll on your physical health as well.

People who live with depression often also suffer from headaches. What's the link?

Strip away the stigma and misconceptions. Here are four common myths debunked.

What are common concerns about these highly-prescribed drugs?

Here's how certain natural scents may help improve your health and overall state of mind.

Broken Heart Syndrome can be harmful to your mind and body, and it can be treated.

Get the real story on America's most prevalent mental illness from symptoms and diagnosis to treatment.

Insomnia affects more than 70 million Americans. Find out more about what's keeping you awake at night.

For students, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can present a host of unique challenges and opportunities.

It's common for seniors to experience sadness and grief, but when these feelings are persistent, they may be a sign of depression.

You've probably heard you should "forgive and forget." But new research shows old standard is flawed logic. Here's a better way to process your emotions.

Although depression is treatable, some patients, especially those with more severe cases, can suffer a relapse.

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.

Not so black and white: study concludes bipolar disease is more of a spectrum disorder.

Studies demonstrate that proper napping techniques can relax your mind and focus your thoughts. What's the right way to catch some z's?

Strange, wild, passionate, frightening. Your dreams may provide insight into who you really are.

Persevering through trying times may have long-term benefits, new research suggests. What can you reap from life's difficulties?

Mind over matter: You've heard it so many times, it may seem meaningless. But new research shows how emotional therapy helps to make pain symptoms easier to bear.

While some disobedience is a normal part of a child's development, overly troubling behavior is not. Watch out for these signs.

Bringing a pet into your home is a big commitment, but it can come with serious rewards including a potential reduction of your pain.

What do the experts say about using medicinal marijuana to alleviate symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD)?

Depression related lethargy is frustrating and can interfere in your daily activities. Here are simple steps you can take to lessen the impact.

Chronic pain doesn't just affect your body but your emotions as well. In fact nearly 30 percent of pain patients suffer from depression.

The goal of depression treatment is to put patients in remission so they are free depressive symptoms. But how can you tell if your treatment is working? Read on to find out.

Neuroeconomics, a relatively new branch of science, is slowly unraveling how specific gene variations influence how we make decisions. Read on to find out how your may be affected.

Sadness is the most widely recognized symptom of depression. But it is possible to be clinically depressed without being sad. Could you or someone you know be suffering and not know it?

For many adults, there's nothing like a good, hot cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. Few people, however, know the profound effect caffeine has on their mood.

A recent study provides more evidence for what most of us know intuitively--getting along with people at work is good for you. The study reports that having a positive relationship with coworkers has long-term mental and physical health benefits.

Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders and society's increasing awareness of them, stigmas about mental illness persist. Follow these tips to get past the misnomers.

Depression is particularly prevalent and overlooked in older adults. Despite the high incidence among seniors, it's definitely not a normal part of aging.

It's a life-threatening habit for anyone, but for individuals with diabetes, smoking is even more lethal and could be tied to another dangerous condition.

If you're the partner of someone who is depressed, it can take a toll on your relationship and your own mental health. Here, a guide to keeping your relationship intact in the face of mental illness.

A healthy dependency is a two-way relationship; both parties contribute to it in positive ways. A codependent relationship, in contrast, is an unhealthy, dysfunctional, perhaps even abusive, one-sided relationship.

Being confronted with a loved one who is considering suicide is frightening and distressing, and you may be at a loss as to what to do. By responding with these six steps, you might actually save someone's life.

Research shows that people in stable, supportive marriages are generally mentally and physically healthier than couples in relationships fraught with conflict.

Everyone copes with loss in his or her own way. If you've lost a child, you can find a multitude of organizations, books, blogs, and support groups to help you. Behind them all, you'll find parents who have also suffered the same loss.

During the Great Depression, suicide rates hit their highest level ever, increasing almost 23 percent over the four years of the depression. Since then, suicide rates have consistently risen during times of economic downturns.

Sure, there may be a laundry list of activities that make you happy, but when it comes to reconnecting with your partner, these are key (and the reason is chemical).

Some mental health experts believe social networking can increase stress and anxiety, and they've have even coined names to describe this phenomenon, such as Social Media Anxiety, Social Networking Anxiety, and Facebook Depression.

Does summertime make you sad? While most people welcome the warm weather, long days, and opportunities for outdoor activities, a small percent of the population feels depressed instead.

One of the challenges in diagnosing mental health disorders is that symptoms of different diseases tend to overlap. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are two related conditions that are easy to confuse.

While talking to a trained mental health professional can be invaluable for many patients, nothing compares to talking to others who are going through the same experience. But can the Internet substitute quality interpersonal dialogue?

Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication in the country, so mental health experts are trying to understand if, when, and how patients should cease taking them. Here, a guide to the transition to life without depression medication.

Work in the United States has become a 24-hour phenomenon. Working irregular hours may also lead to a condition characterized by insomnia, excessive sleepiness during work, difficulties concentrating, headaches, and lack of energy.

Although a few short nights can make us cranky and irritable, generally our mood returns to normal once we've resumed our regular sleeping routine. For individuals who struggle with depression, however, insomnia can be a chronic problem.

You're a smart person. So why, when you're under the most stress, does it seem your brain shuts down and your intelligence disappears?

Is it possible that your pain is caused by the way you walk and sit? If so, the Alexander Technique might be for you.

When it hurts to be active, it's hard to stay connected. Read on to break free from pain's captivity.

Depression is one of the most common complications in people with chronic illness, occurring in up to one-third of chronically ill patients. Learn how to manage your symptoms with these tips.

Having children is an exciting, rewarding experience for most parents. For women suffering from depression, however, parenting is especially difficult and untreated depression can have long-lasting effects on their children.

The topic of hoarding might make good fodder for TV program ratings and mindless entertainment for viewers. But it's a real problem that affects real people. Is it possible that you're among the 15 million who suffer from it?

Just because your symptoms are gone, doesn't mean your depression is. In fact, many relapse as soon as six months after treatment. Read on for triggers and preventative measures.

You know physical activity is good for you, and that lack of exercise is associated with negative physical and mental outcomes. However, did you know exercise is also an effective way to stop a panic attack in its tracks?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and chronic mental health condition that disrupts a person's ability to regulate their emotions. Read on to get the comprehensive information you need to navigate the condition.

Mental health disorders such as depression permeate every aspect of your life, and may cause a multitude of other complications, some of which are even life threatening. Most, however, are easily avoided.

Vitamins play a critical role in mental health. And insufficient intake of certain vitamins have been linked to mood disorders. So, which deficiency is resulting in your symptoms? Find out here.

While medication generally provides significant relief from depression, many patients find their symptoms persist. A variety of factors can contribute to treatment-resistant depression; however, with a bit of know-how, you can find a treatment regimen that works.

Many things can temporarily derail a relationship, including an episode of depression. It is possible, however, to get relationships back on track after treatment.

Using music as a tool to heal dates back to Aristotle and Plato. But can the right tunes address modern day emotional woes? Read on to find out.

Many symptoms of mental illnesses overlap and can fluctuate from day to day, or week to week. This problem often occurs with two common mental health conditions: bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Panic attacks are frightening and disruptive enough, and you don't need the additional stress of worrying about whether common misconceptions about panic disorders are true.

Although yoga advocates have long championed the physical and mental health benefits of yoga, the scientific community is slowly coming to the same conclusion.

Chronic pain and obesity are epidemics in the United States and new research is shedding some light on why. A new study that obesity and pain are also linked to each other as well as other conditions.

Does a loved one suffer from a Cluster A Personality Disorder? If so, coping with his actions may not always be easy. Here, a guide to help you understand and cope with the condition.

Forty to 50 percent of Parkinson s patients also suffer from depression. Not only does it cause poorer quality of life for patients, depression is associated with faster progression of physical symptoms and greater cognitive decline.

Appropriate treatment not only makes you feel better and improves the quality of your life, it helps prevent a relapse in the future. Read on for 7 tips to guarantee you're receiving the treatment you need.

What's the key to happiness? While some believe it's a genetic trait shared by a lucky few, recent studies find that true happiness comes as a result of the choices we make.

Genetics play a significant role in mental health disorders. Individuals who have one or more family members with a mental health disease are more likely to develop a brain disorder than those without a family history. This link holds true for eating disorders as well.

Personality is a combination of thoughts and behaviors that are unique to each individual. It is the way everyone views the world and yourself. In general, individuals with personality disorders have different perceptions of life and thought processes.

Mood and pain are strongly connected. We've got tips for how to control mood when you're in pain.

In fact, a new study found an inverse relationship over time between quitting smoking and a reduction in depressive symptoms.

While it's difficult to determine the exact reason, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Treating depression helps patients lose weight.

If a friend or relative has gone through a tough situation recently, you may be wondering what you can do to help. Can anything you say or do really make a difference? Yes, if you take the time to understand the different ways in which people react to trauma.

Millions of women go undiagnosed with an extremely common mood disorder called the Body Blues. Instead of showing up as sadness or depression, Body Blues are often signified by weight gain, fatigue, and a low sex drive (among other symptoms).

There's no question that antidepressants can be a tremendous help to depressed seniors. However, antidepressants, in combination with other medications, can cause adverse reactions, or drug-drug interactions.

In discussing substance dependence, most individuals focus on the use of only one substance at a time. On the other hand, some individuals do not have a drug of choice and will use any substance in order to achieve intoxication.

Psychodynamic therapy is one of the oldest forms of psychological treatment, and one that some psychologists and social workers still use

If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there may be a way to ease your symptoms.

Although many people enjoy New Year's Eve parties and festivities, if you find them a bit depressing, you're not alone. New Year's doesn't have to be a dreary occasion, however. Here are a few ideas to tip the scales and make this New Year's Eve a cheerful one.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps patients understand their illnesses and gives them strategies and tools to deal with stress.

Although the procedure may sound complex, the intended results are not. NFT seeks to teach a brain with a particular abnormality how to behave normally.

Many patients report pain several months or more after having surgery and scientists are developing clues as to why. Several studies have focused on understanding the interlinking roles of genetics, anxiety and pain.

There's a potential new treatment for depression that is showing promising results in studies and clinical trials, especially for patients who don't respond to traditional therapy.

Psychotherapy is noted to be very beneficial for individuals struggling with substance abuse. The delivery model can be individual or group.

We generally equate testosterone with male characteristics, such as a deep voice and facial hair. However, testosterone is responsible for a host of other body functions and may even affect a man s mood.

People with depression typically lose interest in many activities they once enjoyed, including sex. This can significantly reduce their quality of life. Because many patients are reluctant to discuss sexual problems with their physician, the problem often goes unidentified and untreated.

Social phobia, also called social anxiety disorder, is a debilitating mental health condition that affects about 15 million Americans each year and is the third largest psychological illness in the world.

Antidepressants are one of the first lines of treatment for depression. While antidepressants are invaluable for many depression sufferers, they re not always the best choice for some people.

Ragweed allergies can consist of never ending itchiness and a terrible time of coughing and sneezing. But did you know it can also depress you?

Medications for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders can be lifesaving for people who need them. However, they come with potential risks and side effects including weight gain.

Do you or does someone you know feel distrustful of others, suspecting their motives and finding hidden meanings in their comments? This persistent and unfounded mistrust is the cornerstone of paranoia disorders.

Don t let your moods get the better of you. Here are some ways to increase your feelings of happiness.

For every news report touting the mental or physical health benefits of a supplement, there is another discrediting it, or, worse, warning that it is dangerous. With so many conflicting reports and persuasive marketing promotions, how do you know if what you read is true or just hype?

Mental health professionals have used lithium for years to treat people with bipolar disorder, especially to prevent the major depressive episode so characteristic of that disease. But is lithium also effective for depression without bipolar disorder?

You ve probably heard of anorexia and bulimia, two widely recognized eating disorders. However, binge eating disorder is far more prevalent.

Believe it or not, there s scientific evidence that forcing a smile, even when you don t feel like smiling, can really change your mood for the better.

There is good news for these patients: a new study shows that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by phone seems to provide the same therapeutic benefits.

A recent study found that massage reduces anxiety to the same degree that listening to music does.

People with anxiety have a significantly higher incidence of insomnia, and insomniacs are at much greater risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

Antidepressants don t work the same way for everyone. The effectiveness can vary over time and from person to person. Here are a few tips to help you determine if your antidepressant is working.

The stigma of alcohol and substance addiction is lifting as scientists learn more about the biology behind addiction. Understanding what drives people to become addicted can help you develop strategies for staying sober.

You know it as the club drug. However, ecstasy may also play a role in treating a prevalent anxiety disorder called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Depending on the severity of your depression, massage therapy alone may control your symptoms, or it may be one component of a multi-pronged approach to treating your depression.

Pregnancy is normally a time of joy and anticipation. For women who suffer from depression, it can also create confusion and concern about how antidepressant medications might affect their baby s health. Fortunately, acupuncture may be a good alternative for treating pregnancy-related depression.

Popularized by cable TV, hoarding has become a well-known occurrence. Here, forensic psychologist Debra Warner examines this phenomenon in part 2 of her weekly series.

Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression.

We all experience the occasional night where we can t seem to fall asleep or we toss and turn all night. It s frustrating, but generally, not detrimental. However, chronic insomnia can be harmful to our health, and stress is often the behind-the-scenes culprit.

Popularized by cable TV, hoarding has become a well-known occurrence. Here, forensic psychologist Debra Warner examines this phenomenon in part 1 of her weekly series.

Temperature, sunshine, humidity, and barometric pressure influence how we feel physically and how well we perform mentally. Despite skeptics, many scientists believe weather is an important factor in mood and mental functioning.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches patients strategies, and provides tools, for dealing with stress and unhealthy thoughts. Unlike traditional therapy, which can last for years, CBT is generally a short-term treatment.

It s difficult to watch someone you care about hurting. Here are a few tips to help you cope when a loved one is self-medicating.

Recent studies have raised concern about the safety of antidepressants in women who are, or hope to become, pregnant.

Many people suffering from depression or anxiety seek alternative treatments such as herbal remedies. The root of the Kava plant is an example of an herb used to treat anxiety disorders.

As its name implies, individuals with this mental health disorder alternate between obsessive thoughts and behaviors, and compulsive rituals to try to control the obsessions. This cycle is disruptive and causes stress and anxiety. In many cases, OCD interferes in an individual s ability to engage in work, school or other daily activities. Approximately 2.2 million Americans suffer from OCD.

If you're prescribed antidepressants, you may have a few questions concerning how long you should keep taking them. Here, the answers to your most pertinent questions.

Sometimes you know what you need to feel better and other times you think you know. Find out when you need to rethink you treatment habits.

Forensic psychologist Debra Warner answers a reader's question about how to help a loved one that suffers from severe depression.

If your doctor recently diagnosed you with depression, you probably have many questions about what to expect from treatment. Here s what you need to know about the most frequently used treatment options.

Experts talk about the blurring of the distinction between normal sadness and depression.

While it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you have ongoing anxiety that's interfering with your work, relationships, and daily activities, it's time to do something about it. Try out 10 tips to get relief.

Good health ups the odds that you and your partner will have a better time in bed.

A new study shows that enjoying a little dark chocolate on a regular basis may lower your stress level.

Antidepressants are a common choice of treatment for adults with moderate to severe depression. Studies show that although antidepressants may not cure depression, they can reduce depression symptoms. But are antidepressants right for you?

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

Culture is a defining aspect in many people's lives. Sometimes one's culture can have a profound effect on the type of treatment one receives.

Stress affects millions of people in the US every year. If untreated, stress can cause serious health problems and speed-up the aging process. Health professionals encourage patients to integrate natural stress busters into their daily routine to reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

New treatment for depression may be possible based on study that shows how this mood disorder affects areas of brain involved in pleasure.

Suffering from fibromyalgia? Learn more about the risks of depression and what you can do to protect yourself from this mood disorder.

Here's what you can do to stay emotionally healthy during this important period of your life.

Once widely considered an inhumane practice, electric shock therapy finds increasing support as a treatment for depression.

People aren t judged for having cancer or multiple sclerosis or any other number of diseases. But depression is a different story.

Can a few cups of green tea each day actually cure your mental woes?

Coping with a diagnosis of depression could certainly be difficult. Here, tips to get you moving in the right direction.

Depression--it s not all in your head and it does matter.

Learn more about this controversial treatment.

Learn more about this over-the-counter dietary supplement.

Learn what to expect from aromatherapy treatment.

Find out if simply expressing your feelings with a professional can help alleviate depression.

Learn how a furry (or scaly) friend can help lift your spirits.

More than 200 million days of work are missed each year due to employee depression. Get the whole story here.

According to a study conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), people with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to suffer from depression.

The disease can wear a very different face on men than it does on women.

When it comes to treating depression, is there a better option?

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.

Is medication necessary, or is talking it out enough?

Learn how fitness can have a positive effect on your mind.

Some simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve your mood.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year.

Find out how to control your excessive spending.

Learn about the four classes of antidepressants, from their indications and efficacy to possible side effects.

When you've been wronged, can you forgive and forget, or do you need to exact revenge?

Some shades are calming, others inspire conversation. Find out how colors can improve your surroundings and your mood.

Follow these tips to start improving your self-worth.

Nearly 7 percent of Americans suffer from depression, but the disease is often misunderstood. Here, we separate fact from fiction.

The way you view your body can affect your health. Follow these tips for an instant body-image boost.

Follow these basic strategies to manage your time more efficiently in the coming year.

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.

According to some researchers, a four-legged friend can add years to your life.