Women and Mental Health

ADHD is a developmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adults with ADHD often face challenges in organization, time management, and completing tasks, which can affect work, relationships, and daily life. ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood, though symptoms must have appeared before age 12. Treatment includes medication, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle adjustment...

ADHD is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can affect daily functioning in school, work, and relationships. While commonly diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can continue into adulthood. Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, with a focus on managing symptoms effectively.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry about everyday things like health, work, and family, often for no clear reason. It can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and sleep issues. GAD typically develops gradually and can persist for months or years, but it is treatable with therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medications like SSRIs.

Technology is revolutionizing mental health care, offering tools like apps for monitoring, treatment, and crisis prevention. These innovations, including self-management apps, cognitive remediation tools, and symptom trackers, enhance accessibility and engagement in mental health support. While these tools provide new opportunities, there are concerns about their effectiveness, privacy, and regula...

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there are resources available for help. This includes immediate assistance through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, primary care referrals, online mental health service locators, and various national and federal organizations that can guide you to the right care. It’s important to find the right provider and discuss treatment opti...

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps individuals manage mental health issues by changing troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy are examples of effective psychotherapies. Treatment is often tailored to i...

Mental health medications play a key role in managing conditions like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and psychosis. These medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and stimulants, help alleviate symptoms but may require careful monitoring for side effects. Treatment is often personalized, and combining medications with therapies like CBT can improve outcomes. It’s impor...

Coping with traumatic events involves recognizing emotional and physical reactions such as anxiety, anger, and trouble sleeping. While many recover naturally, some may experience prolonged symptoms requiring professional help. Strategies to cope include maintaining routines, connecting with supportive people, and avoiding substance use. For those with more severe reactions, mental health care can...

Mental health is essential for overall well-being, and self-care plays a key role in maintaining it. This includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition, prioritizing sleep, and engaging in relaxation activities. It is also important to seek professional help when symptoms such as mood changes, sleep disturbances, or difficulty concentrating persist for two weeks or more. Staying connected with sup...

Brain stimulation therapies involve activating or inhibiting brain activity using electrical or magnetic fields. These therapies are typically used when other treatments for mental disorders, like psychotherapy and medication, have failed. Common types include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which are FDA-appr...

People living with HIV are at an increased risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues. HIV-related infections can impact the brain and nervous system, while stress from managing the illness and social stigma can worsen mental health outcomes. Addressing both HIV and mental health through proper treatment and support is crucial for overall well-b...

Substance use disorder (SUD) often co-occurs with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Both conditions can share common risk factors, such as genetic predispositions or environmental stressors, and may exacerbate one another. Effective treatment includes addressing both the substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously, often through behavioral therapi...

DMDD is a childhood disorder marked by chronic irritability, anger, and frequent temper outbursts. Symptoms usually appear before the age of 10 and significantly disrupt daily life, affecting both home and school environments. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and sometimes medication. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to managing DMDD s...

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. It typically begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. Symptoms vary between individuals, and treatment often includes medication, behavioral therapy, and support strategies. Early diagnosis and intervention are important for managing ADHD...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Symptoms typically appear in early childhood and vary widely in severity, leading to its classification as a “spectrum.” While there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment, such as behavioral therapies, can improve outcomes. ASD is thought to result from a combination of gene...

A study found that eating disorder behaviors, such as binge-eating, alter the brain’s reward response, impacting the food intake control circuitry. This interaction between behavior and neurobiology can reinforce these disorders, making recovery difficult. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to better treatments for conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

A study on Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) asked adults to reflect on their parents’ feeding strategies. It found that coercive methods, such as forcing children to eat, were unhelpful, while strategies based on encouragement and understanding were more effective in expanding food variety. These findings suggest that a positive emotional context around food may improve eating beh...

An NIMH-funded study developed a chatbot, named “Alex,” designed to motivate individuals with eating disorders to seek professional care. The chatbot provides psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, and personalized recommendations, with repeated check-ins to support help-seeking behaviors. Early testing showed positive user experiences, indicating the chatbot’s potential as a scalable tool fo...

A study revealed that emergency department visits for mental health care increased among youth, particularly teenage girls, during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conditions such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, and eating disorders saw notable spikes. These findings underscore the urgent need for better mental health care access and resources for children and adolescents.

Kristina Saffran’s story highlights the challenges of recovering from anorexia nervosa, a serious mental illness characterized by extreme food restriction and fear of weight gain. Despite multiple relapses and hospitalizations, she found success through family-based treatment. Now, she advocates for better access to eating disorder treatment, helping others through virtual care and nonprofit work....

A study found that mothers who experienced childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, are more likely to face mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. These challenges can negatively impact their children’s mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. Brain imaging showed weaker connectivity between emotional regulation centers in children...

A study by NIH researchers revealed that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alters brain activity in children with anxiety. Before treatment, overactivity in areas like the frontal lobe and amygdala was observed. After 12 weeks of CBT, significant improvements in anxiety symptoms were recorded, along with reduced brain activity in these regions, indicating the effectiveness of CBT in managing anxi...

An NIH-supported study revealed that patterns of brain activity following a traumatic event can help predict mental health outcomes, such as PTSD and anxiety, six months later. The research, part of the AURORA study, used brain imaging to identify different stress-related activity profiles, providing insight into personalized mental health care after trauma.

A study found that persistent feelings of detachment, or derealization, after trauma may indicate a higher risk of developing PTSD, depression, or anxiety. Brain scans revealed altered activity in regions related to emotion regulation, supporting the need to screen for dissociation after trauma to identify those at risk for worsening mental health outcomes.

An NIH study identified shared genetic markers across multiple substance use disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid use. By analyzing genomic data from over a million individuals, researchers discovered links between these disorders and dopamine regulation genes. These findings could inform improved prevention and treatment strategies for substance use disorders.