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The study, which was published in JAMA Open on March 29, followed more than 270 children who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Canada from roughly age 2 until they were around 10 years old—making it one of “the biggest longitudinal research studies of its kind in the world.” The results showed that 80% of the participants achieved proficiency or growth in at least one of five key development areas, such as communication or socialization....

In this study, 773 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were analyzed, and differences were found in the motor, language, and visuospatial attention systems of the brain that differed between sexes. These key differences in the brains highlight sex differences among autistic children, which may hold promise for more equitable diagnosis. Understanding the Research Since much of what is used as the criteria to diagnose autism comes from research that has been done on males, they are four times as likely as females to be diagnosed....

This year, consider incorporating new habits that will reduce stress and increase happiness and overall life satisfaction. Here are some important steps you can take to be a happier, healthier, and more relaxed you in the new year. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts This year, you can gain significant benefits by striving for better quality and a greater quantity of sleep at night. Having a regular hobby can provide a necessary outlet for mental stimulation and stress relief, and help you maintain a balanced lifestyle....

Even though people with OCD feel driven to engage in these behaviors, they probably don’t want to. Though the behaviors do lessen the negative feelings of anxiety, guilt, or fear, they do so only temporarily, and they take a lot of time. Obsessive behavior may significantly impact quality of life. Common Compulsions in OCD A compulsion can be a physical act or a mental one. Examples of common compulsions among people with OCD include:...

Clinicians and researchers suggest that OCD can be divided into different types based on the nature of the symptoms experienced. There are also other disorders that include elements of obsession or compulsion. This article discusses the main OCD subtypes, how the symptoms differ for each, and how they are treated. It also cover similar conditions that may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms of OCD Subtypes Although specific symptom types appear to be relatively stable over time, it is possible to experience a change in the nature and focus of your symptoms....

Collectively, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the world to experience additional stress over the past year and a half. The question is, how has this increased stress impacted individuals’ sleep, and what can you do about it? The Research A recent study from Frontiers in Neuroscience looked at the impact of pandemic stress on sleep quality and length. Researchers surveyed 909 pairs of twins between March 26, 2020 and April 5, 2020....

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Paxil was the first medication approved for the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). Paxil CR is the longer-acting, controlled-release version of Paxil. A selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI), Paxil slows reabsorption of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is believed to play a role in the regulation of mood and anxiety. Usage Paxil comes in tablet form and must be swallowed whole—not chewed or crushed....

Certainty, the boost in mental health discussion has made great strides for visibility, reducing stigma, and helping people gain the insight they may have no other way to access. However, along with this has come an increase in people self-diagnosing based on unregulated information. Certainly, there are few downsides to the boost social media has provided in the realm of mental health—particularly when it comes to visibility, access, and destigmatization....

Studies have shown that people with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa have higher levels of perfectionism than people who don’t have eating disorders. Perfectionism may also affect people who have binge eating disorder. This article describes perfectionism and its relationship to eating disorders. It also discusses treatment strategies that can help. What Is Perfectionism? Perfectionism is a complex personality characteristic with no universally accepted definition. It is sometimes viewed as a personality trait or symptom....

Apparent Distance Theory According to this possible explanation for the moon illusion, depth perception plays an important role in how we see the moon at the horizon versus high in the sky. This theory is centered on the idea that when you view the moon at the horizon, you are seeing it in the presence of depth cues such as trees, mountains, and other scenery. When the moon has moved higher into the sky, those depth cues disappear....

Signs of Racing Thoughts Racing thoughts are more than just thinking fast. Rather, they are a rapid succession of thoughts that cannot be quieted and continue without restraint. They can progressively take over a person’s functional consciousness and gallop out of control to a point where daily life can be affected. This symptom can become so severe that it interferes with the ability to sleep. This outward manifestation of racing thoughts is called flight of ideas....

Yes, it takes work and yes, it takes some time. That said, the hard part happens early on, and with some understanding about what’s ahead and the support to get through it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that recovery from nicotine addiction is doable and a finite task. In other words, you won’t always miss smoking. It also helps to keep these facts in mind. Tobacco Use Is Dangerous When thinking about quitting, consider the statistics....

You might hear it called cannabis or marijuana dependence, cannabis or marijuana abuse, or cannabis or marijuana misuse. These terms have fallen out of favor, even in the medical profession. However, it is taking time for people to catch up, even for some who have been working in the field for a long time. People who use marijuana often think addiction is not possible. But it is important to be aware that you can become addicted to marijuana....

The effects of salvia are often called a “legal” trip because they mimic those of illicit substances such as LSD and ecstasy. However, salvia’s effects don’t last as long—usually around eight minutes—and then taper off. Also Known As: Magic Mint, Sally-D, Diviner’s Sage, Ska Maria Pastora, Seer’s Sage, Shepherdess’s Herb, Lady Sally, Purple Sticky, and Incense Special Drug Class: Hallucinogen Common Side Effects: Visual distortions and hallucinations, intense dissociation and disconnection from reality, disorientation or dizziness, synesthesia (“hearing” colors or “smelling" sounds), cartoon-like imagery, improved mood, uncontrollable laughter...

This article covers the difference between separation anxiety and SAD, as well as the symptoms of SAD. It also discusses how separation anxiety disorder can manifest in both children and adults, and how you can seek treatment for your child or yourself. Separation Anxiety vs. Separation Anxiety Disorder Your infant will likely experience some separation anxiety when you or other caregivers are out of sight. This is normal in the development process and usually begins around eight months and lasts through the child’s second year....

William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, human sexuality researchers, first introduced the idea of sex surrogate therapy in their 1970 book Human Sexuality Inadequacy. Their belief was that people could only learn about sexual intimacy experientially. Over the course of their research, couples explored sexual intimacy exercises together; however, the single people in the study were paired off with surrogates in lieu of a committed romantic partner. The surrogates worked closely with therapists to act as a mentor or coach to the clients....

This research found that traumatic experiences were linked with white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are lesions in the brain that show up in brain scans and might be an early marker for dementia. Sexual assault was the most reported traumatic experience, at 23%, and the most significantly related to WMHs. As factors that increase the risk for dementia are better understood, public health efforts can further target intervention programs to address them....

An estimated one in five women and a quarter of men in the United States have experienced unwelcome or forceful sexual contact. This can lead to damaging outcomes for a survivor. Children are also commonly affected by sexual trauma. Around one in nine girls, and one in 53 boys under 18 will face sexual assault at the hands of an adult. The effects of sexual violence may sometimes manifest in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors....

These feelings of depression are usually triggered by a traumatic event, sudden stress, or major life change. Triggers can include events like a serious accident, divorce, job loss, or death of a loved one. Situational depression may be diagnosed as adjustment disorder with depressed mood. While this condition is characterized by mood-related symptoms, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes adjustment disorder as a type of trauma or stressor-related disorder....