Persistent depressive disorder (PDD), once called dysthymia, involves a long-lasting, mild yet chronic form of depression. It ranges in severity from mild to severe but even in its severe form, it falls short of meeting the criteria for major depression. Essentially, it entails prolonged depression with fewer symptoms compared to major depressive disorder (MDD). Persistent Depressive Disorder vs Dysthymia In 2013, the 5th edition of the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5) merged dysthymia and chronic major depressive disorder into a single diagnosis called “persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia),” with dysthymia in parentheses. This change aimed to acknowledge that…

The Autoimmune Protocol or the AIP diet plan resembles the paleo diet but typically imposes stricter guidelines. It focuses on removing specific inflammatory foods and reintroducing them gradually as symptoms improve. Numerous individuals who have adhered to the AIP diet have reported feeling better and experiencing decreases in common symptoms of autoimmune disorders like fatigue, and gut, or joint pain. However, although research on this diet shows promise, it remains limited. What Is Autoimmune Disease? Autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. This self-attack is currently understood as an error in the…

The average person often grins sheepishly and reluctantly admits to procrastinating on certain tasks at certain times in their life when asked, “Are you a procrastinator?” Studies conducted across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have found that around 20% of adults in the general population are chronic procrastinators, with even higher rates in school or university settings (75%-95%). Thus, many people exhibit procrastination as a fairly typical behavior. However, it’s important to note the distinction between general procrastination, which is common, and more problematic procrastination. If procrastination has taken over and hindered you from leading a fulfilling life,…

When someone has alexithymia, they struggle to distinguish between emotions and bodily sensations. Certain conditions, such as depression, neurological conditions, and brain injury, can also cause this condition. What is Alexithymia?  Alexithymia, a term coined by psychoanalytic psychiatrist Peter Sifneos in 1972, refers to difficulty identifying and describing emotions. Sifneos observed this phenomenon in his patients, who struggled to perceive and articulate their emotions. Born on the Greek island of Lesbos, Sifneos borrowed from his native language to create the term; in Greek, it means “without words for emotion.” When someone has alexithymia, they find it challenging to distinguish between…

Researchers created the DASH diet after discovering that people who consume an herbal diet, including vegans and vegetarians, have much lower incidences of high blood pressure. The DASH diet focuses on fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and meats. What Is The DASH Diet? Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension or DASH strategies is a diet for people who want to avoid or treat high blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart disease. That is why the DASH diet emphasizes fruits and vegetables and incorporates some lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and beans. This diet is low in red meat, salt,…

In its simplest form, empathy entails recognizing emotions in others and understanding their perspectives on a situation. At its most developed, it empowers individuals to utilize that insight to enhance someone else’s mood and provide support during challenging situations. Definition Understanding what other people feel emotionally, seeing things from their perspective, and imagining oneself in their place constitute empathy. Essentially, it involves putting oneself in someone else’s position and experiencing their emotions. Empathy enables individuals to instantly envision themselves undergoing the same experiences and feeling the same emotions as another person when they witness them suffering, such as after the…

When experiencing a sore throat, the burning and discomfort it induces can impede drinking or eating. Selecting warm drinks and foods can alleviate a sore throat. Opting for soft foods may prevent further irritation. Read below to find the best foods for sore throat and the foods you should avoid. Foods and Drinks To Have When you have a sore throat, eating soft and easily swallowable foods is usually safe. The soft texture of these foods helps minimize throat irritation. Additionally, consuming warm foods and beverages can also help soothe your throat. You may want to eat the following: Consuming…

The term “daddy issues” genderizes and often lacks empathy, referring to the connection between relationship challenges and less-than-ideal father figures. Daddy Issues Meaning Some individuals experience distant or nonexistent relationships with their fathers during childhood, while others may have overly close relationships that become unhealthy. Both situations can lead to the development of what is commonly referred to as “daddy issues.” Although this term is frequently used, it is not an officially recognized mental health diagnosis. Origin of The Concept of Daddy Issues The concept of daddy issues may have originated with Sigmund Freud and his theory of the Oedipus…

The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats, offers delicious and nutritious benefits. It may assist in managing weight, protecting the heart, and preventing diabetes. What is The Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean diet, rooted in the traditional cuisine and eating habits of Mediterranean area inhabitants like those in Greece, Italy, and Spain, emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and moderate portions of fish, chicken, dairy, and red meat. Widely recognized as one of the healthiest diets globally, the Mediterranean diet is associated with numerous health benefits. Additionally, features…

What Is The Ketogenic Diet Dr. Russell Wilder developed the ketogenic – or “keto” – diet as early as 1924 to treat epilepsy in his patients effectively. The diet aims to accomplish weight loss by burning fat, emphasizing high-fat and low-carb intake. The goal of the keto diet is to quickly shed weight without hunger or cravings, with proponents claiming it can boost mood, improve mental focus, and increase energy. How Does it Work On the ketogenic diet, individuals consume minimal carbohydrates or sugar. Instead of relying on carbohydrates and sugars (glucose) as its primary source of fuel, the body…