MedBlog

Brain; COVID; Mental Health

Why we touch our faces so much – and how to break the habit

Why is it so hard not to touch our own faces? Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic? UT Southwestern's neuropsychologist Dr. Nyaz Didehbani explains this instinctual, soothing behavior and how to resist it now more than ever.

Nyaz Didehbani, Ph.D.

March 26, 2020

COVID; Mental Health

COVID-19 distress: Managing your mental health in a pandemic

For the 500 million people worldwide who are already struggling with depression and anxiety disorders, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can feel downright paralyzing because our brains are designed around predictability and structure. There are some practical, common sense and clinical solutions to manage the distress.

Ahmad Raza, M.D., Ph.D.

March 23, 2020

Mental Health; Prevention

7 ways to cope with holiday stress

Whether you’re dealing with financial worries, family dynamics, or health concerns, it’s important to keep your holiday stress levels under control. Licensed social worker Rita Smith offers seven easy but effective ways to navigate the pressures of the season in today’s MedBlog.

November 27, 2019

Aging; Mental Health; Prevention

Sleep: The real Fountain of Youth

Whether we like it or not, sleep patterns change as we age and consistently poor sleep can lead to larger health problems. UT Southwestern's Natalia David, Psy.D., offers practical solutions on how you can get a better night's sleep and feel more vibrant because of it.

Natalia David, Psy.D.

October 23, 2019

Digestive; Mental Health; Nutrition

What causes GI issues in teens – and how to get them to talk about it

For some students, heading back to school sparks excitement. For others, it's a source of new or worsening gastrointestinal pain. In this week’s MedBlog, Nandini Channabasappa, M.D., discusses why school stress can provoke GI issues and how to treat them.

Nandini Channabasappa, M.D.

September 11, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Mindful meditation can reduce stress, risk of cardiovascular disease

An integrative approach to health includes not only good nutrition, adequate exercise and sleep, but also engaging in positive relationships and stress management. The last six decades have brought forth extensive evidence that meditation and the mind-body connection can have tangible effects on your health.

August 15, 2019

Brain; Mental Health; Prevention

6 tech tips to get a better night's sleep

We know that smartphone use before bed disrupts our sleeping habits. But it’s impractical today to say mobile devices should be banned from the bedroom. Natalia S. David, PsyD., discusses how technology can promote better sleep – rather than hinder it.

Natalia David, Psy.D.

August 7, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Debunked! 4 myths about electroconvulsive therapy for depression

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression, though misinformation abounds online. In this MedBlog, Kala Bailey, M.D., debunks ECT myths and describes an exciting new research study. Learn more.

Kala Bailey, M.D.

July 25, 2019

Cancer; Mental Health

Alternative medicines and cancer treatment: Can they help?

A new study by a UT Southwestern physician showed that one-third of people with a cancer diagnosis use complementary and alternative medicines such as herbal supplements and some don’t tell their doctors about it. Learn how this potentially interferes with conventional treatments.

Nina Sanford, M.D.

May 15, 2019

Brain; Mental Health

Anticholinergic drugs: A potential link to dementia

A new study suggests that certain anticholinergic drugs commonly prescribed for depression, Parkinson’s disease, and bladder conditions might increase the risk for dementia in patients who took the medications long-term.

Molly Camp, M.D.

March 28, 2019