Heal Your Brain

Depression

The Broken Clock, and a Better Understanding of Depression

David Hellerstein M.D. on November 2, 2023

A new paper suggests that previous definitions of depression have missed key aspects of depression as lived experience.

A new paper suggests that previous definitions of depression have missed key aspects of depression as lived experience.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Key Questions for the Psychedelic Renaissance

David Hellerstein M.D. on June 23, 2022

The psychedelic renaissance is well underway. What do we know so far, and what do we need to know?

The psychedelic renaissance is well underway. What do we know so far, and what do we need to know?

Psychiatry

“Sane in Insane Places,” 50 Years Later

David Hellerstein M.D. on May 16, 2022

Commentary: What should be done about a famous—but flawed—research paper?

Commentary: What should be done about a famous—but flawed—research paper?

Depression

The Pain of Depression

David Hellerstein M.D. on July 31, 2019

People who are depressed often say they are in pain. Based on new research, it turns out this may be literally true.

People who are depressed often say they are in pain. Based on new research, it turns out this may be literally true.

Bipolar Disorder

The Conundrum of Bipolar II Depression: Q and A

David Hellerstein M.D. on April 29, 2019

People with Bipolar II disorder cycle between depression and hypomania but spend the most time in a depressed state. What is the most effective way to treat their depression?

People with Bipolar II disorder cycle between depression and hypomania but spend the most time in a depressed state. What is the most effective way to treat their depression?

Psychiatry

NAC: The Amino Acid That Turns Psychiatry on Its Head

David Hellerstein M.D. on October 31, 2018

Are depression and panic disorder different disorders, or do they result from the same brain abnormalities? For decades, "splitters" have argued with "lumpers." Who is right?

Are depression and panic disorder different disorders, or do they result from the same brain abnormalities? For decades, "splitters" have argued with "lumpers." Who is right?

College students commonly "get high and pull all-nighters." Can researchers study college students gone wild to treat depression and other disorders?

Psychoanalysis

Unlocking the Unconscious: 30 Years Later

David Hellerstein M.D. on July 21, 2017

Thirty years ago Short Term Dynamic Therapy was poised to take over the world of psychotherapy. What happened?

Thirty years ago Short Term Dynamic Therapy was poised to take over the world of psychotherapy. What happened?

Machine learning offers a powerful new method of exploring response to antidepressant medicine and a host of other treatments throughout medicine, a JAMA Psychiatry report shows.

OCD

The Mysteries of Habit

David Hellerstein M.D. on November 2, 2015

Neuroscience research brings together seemingly unrelated conditions...anorexia, OCD and substance use disorders...which may share common -- and difficult-to-modify -- brain circuits related to habit learning.

Neuroscience research brings together seemingly unrelated conditions...anorexia, OCD and substance use disorders...which may share common -- and difficult-to-modify -- brain circuits related to habit learning.

Depression

How Can You Exercise Your Depression Away?

David Hellerstein M.D. on August 22, 2014

How can you incorporate exercise into treatment of depression?

Practical advice for making effective changes that stick.

How can you incorporate exercise into treatment of depression?

Practical advice for making effective changes that stick.

Exercise is often prescribed for people with depression, as a supplement for therapy and medication, or even as a treatment in itself. Research shows it's effective, but for whom?

Depression

Key Brain Circuits Activate When Your Mind is at Rest

David Hellerstein M.D. on May 9, 2012

When you close your eyes and let your mind wander, where does it go? New research shows depression to be a disorder of excessive mind-wandering.

When you close your eyes and let your mind wander, where does it go? New research shows depression to be a disorder of excessive mind-wandering.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Can TETRIS Prevent PTSD?

David Hellerstein M.D. on March 27, 2012

Neuroscientists try to interrupt the deposition of traumatic memories associated with PTSD—with the video game Tetris and the old standby morphine.

Neuroscientists try to interrupt the deposition of traumatic memories associated with PTSD—with the video game Tetris and the old standby morphine.

All of us are haunted by memories of 9/11...how can we best cope with a fear-filled world?

Coping with unprecedented, unpredictable stresses of today's world--is it possible to learn to increase your resilience?

Recent research proves that physical health has a profound effect on the brain, and in turn the health of the brain has a profound impact on the course of psychiatric disorders. Brain health is thus now an essential component of the care of depression and anxiety disorders--and physical health is essential in maintaining a healthy brain!

Depression

Medications, Therapy, Exercise in Treating Depression...All Remodel the Brain

David Hellerstein M.D. on July 22, 2011

Treatments for depression, including medicines and psychotherapy, remodel the brain. It is becoming increasingly possible to undo the damage associated with major depression and anxiety disorders...and to achieve recovery.

Treatments for depression, including medicines and psychotherapy, remodel the brain. It is becoming increasingly possible to undo the damage associated with major depression and anxiety disorders...and to achieve recovery.

It is important not only to get a patient's depression to 'respond' to treatment (symptoms about half-way better) but to get the person so much better that their symptoms are basically no different from a person without depression.

Study after study shows that clinical depression and anxiety disorders cause measurable changes in key areas of the brain.