Anxiety

10 causes of anxiety & depression podcast

Recently I had the pleasure to be involved in the Science of Psychotherapy podcast and discussed 10 causes of anxiety and depression. These 10 causes have been discussed in my blog previously. I must say that when it comes to depression and anxiety, there are more than these 10 causes and I will offer an updated version to include other causes soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy listening to the podcast.

Understanding PANS & PANDAS

Most children with paediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) or paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal disease (PANDAS) are misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric illness, behaviour problems or parenting/family dynamic concerns. Many go through a number of psychiatric medications and therapies with minimal improvement and many progressively get worse.

Sleep and its link with depression & anxiety

This is the tenth and final post in a series on some of the physiological (non-psychological) causes of depression and/or anxiety.

The amount and quality of sleep we get has a significant impact on every system of our body. Sleep is not a state of inactivity but a necessary phase for deep regeneration. Prolonged sleep deprivation can have serious consequences including depression. Both chronic and acute sleep deprivation are associated with alterations in brain function and increased inflammation markers.

Methylation and its link with depression & anxiety

This is the ninth post in a series on some of the physiological (non-psychological) causes of depression and/or anxiety.

What is methylation?

Methylation is a process that happens in every cell of the body where one molecule passes a methyl group, which is a carbon atom linked to three hydrogens, to another molecule. Methyl groups are added to different proteins, DNA and other molecules. Methylation is involved in repairing DNA, turning genes, enzymes and neurotransmitters on and off, getting rid of toxins, energy production and regulating inflammation to name a few.

Prescription medication and its link with depression & anxiety

This is the eighth post in a series on some of the physiological (non-psychological) causes of depression and/or anxiety

There are certain prescription and over-the-counter medications that have the potential to induce or exacerbate depression and anxiety conditions. The way they do this is because a number of them cause nutrient deficiencies, upset the balance of certain nutrients, affect neurotransmitter function or cause gut flora imbalances.

Dietary fat and its link with depression & anxiety

This is the fifth post in a series on some of the physiological (non-psychological) causes of depression and/or anxiety.

The fats we choose to eat have a big impact on the function of every cell of our body, including those in the brain, where neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation are synthesised. The brain is made primarily of fatty acids, and the fat we eat is incorporated into brain cells as well as all other cells in our body.

Blood sugar imbalance and its link with depression & anxiety

This is the fourth post in a series on some of the physiological (non-psychological) causes of depression and/or anxiety.

Do you often feel tired with foggy thinking and poor concentration, experience sugar or caffeine cravings, suffer from anxiety, depression, mood swings, irritability and interrupted sleep? All these could be signs of poor blood sugar regulation.