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Balanced

A Psychiatrist’s Notes on Integrative Treatments

Coronavirus Disease 2019
Vocal Biomarkers and COVID

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on July 17, 2020

A group of researchers has discovered that they can determine if a person is infected with the coronavirus by analyzing signals hidden in their speech.

A group of researchers has discovered that they can determine if a person is infected with the coronavirus by analyzing signals hidden in their speech.

Health
Technological Change and Mental Health

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on June 22, 2020

Some now posit that we are entering into a Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will be characterized by rapid technological developments. Will this radically change society?

Some now posit that we are entering into a Fourth Industrial Revolution, which will be characterized by rapid technological developments. Will this radically change society?

Coronavirus Disease 2019
The Widowhood Effect and COVID-19

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on June 12, 2020

COVID-19's death rates in elderly communities will leave behind grief-stricken widow(er)s who may be more susceptible to illness, a phenomenon known as the widowhood effect.

COVID-19's death rates in elderly communities will leave behind grief-stricken widow(er)s who may be more susceptible to illness, a phenomenon known as the widowhood effect.

Depression
Diabetes, Depression, and Diet

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on April 27, 2020

Three of the most burdensome and common conditions affecting people in the US are obesity, diabetes, and depression. Having one increases the probability of having another.

Three of the most burdensome and common conditions affecting people in the US are obesity, diabetes, and depression. Having one increases the probability of having another.

Antioxidant
Anxiety in the Time of COVID-19

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on March 25, 2020

It seems extremely likely that there is a strong correlation between a diet lacking in antioxidant-rich foods and symptoms of anxiety.

It seems extremely likely that there is a strong correlation between a diet lacking in antioxidant-rich foods and symptoms of anxiety.

Memory
The Science of Memory Extinction

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on February 17, 2020

Forgetting isn’t always a curse. In fact, the pruning of unnecessary memories is an integral part of brain health.

Forgetting isn’t always a curse. In fact, the pruning of unnecessary memories is an integral part of brain health.

Vaping
Vaping and EVALI

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 31, 2020

There continues to be confusion about the causes of EVALI and the dangers of using e-cigarettes and similar “vaping” technologies developed within the cannabis industry.

There continues to be confusion about the causes of EVALI and the dangers of using e-cigarettes and similar “vaping” technologies developed within the cannabis industry.

Insomnia
The Anatomy of Insomnia

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 24, 2020

While sleep problems are extremely common, the neurobiological mechanisms behind insomnia are not entirely understood.

While sleep problems are extremely common, the neurobiological mechanisms behind insomnia are not entirely understood.

Depression
Sunshine as an Antidepressant?

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 20, 2020

Some researchers have offered a potential, neurophysiological explanation for the association between vitamin D and mental health.

Some researchers have offered a potential, neurophysiological explanation for the association between vitamin D and mental health.

Depression
Let There Be Light

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 3, 2020

Many individuals struggle with low mood and lack of motivation during the late autumn and winter. For some, these symptoms may be indistinguishable from depression.

Many individuals struggle with low mood and lack of motivation during the late autumn and winter. For some, these symptoms may be indistinguishable from depression.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Can MDMA Help Patients with PTSD?

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on October 1, 2019

MDMA is an unconventional treatment for PTSD. However, the underlying theory behind why it is effective at treating the non-dissociative subtype of PTSD appears to be sound.

MDMA is an unconventional treatment for PTSD. However, the underlying theory behind why it is effective at treating the non-dissociative subtype of PTSD appears to be sound.

Suicide
Addressing Suicide and Depression on Campus

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on September 17, 2019

As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, it seems appropriate to discuss how one can help prevent suicide on campus.

As September is National Suicide Prevention Month, it seems appropriate to discuss how one can help prevent suicide on campus.

Personality
Borderline Personality Disorder and Suicide

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 28, 2019

While suicide can be linked to severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI), it is also associated with personality disorders like borderline.

While suicide can be linked to severe and persistent mental illnesses (SPMI), it is also associated with personality disorders like borderline.

Genetics
How Schizophrenia Affects Circadian Rhythms

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 20, 2019

In patients with schizophrenia, one's circadian rhythms get disrupted, which can lead to difficulties sleeping, suboptimal sleep consolidation, and abnormal sleep architecture.

In patients with schizophrenia, one's circadian rhythms get disrupted, which can lead to difficulties sleeping, suboptimal sleep consolidation, and abnormal sleep architecture.

Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 14, 2019

“Bipolar disorder” is an umbrella term used to describe a cluster of afflictions with similar symptomatology.

“Bipolar disorder” is an umbrella term used to describe a cluster of afflictions with similar symptomatology.