Psychiatrist Answers Mental Health Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

Summary

In 'Mental Health Support,' psychiatrist Dr. Eric Bender addresses a range of mental health topics, from defining psychosis and depression to discussing stress's contagious nature and the potential of hypnotherapy. He clarifies the roles of psychologists and psychiatrists, touches on the brain-gut connection, and explores treatments like ketamine therapy and the use of shrooms for PTSD. The script also debunks TikTok as a reliable mental health source and emphasizes the importance of professional guidance.

Takeaways

• 🧠 'Psychotic' means experiencing a break from reality, which can involve hallucinations or delusions, but does not necessarily imply a propensity for criminal behavior.
• 🌙 Depression can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to early waking and a disrupted sleep cycle, which is linked to neurotransmitter imbalances.
• 🤯 Stress can be contagious, as evidenced by studies showing increased cortisol levels in both the stressed presenter and the audience.
• 🚫 Hypnotherapy is not a cure for depression, as it cannot alter the neurotransmitter levels associated with the condition.
• 🧐 The difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is that the latter has medical training and can prescribe medication.
• 💧 Depression and anxiety can cause memory issues due to a lack of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.
• 🤔 Intrusive thoughts can become obsessive, and cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage these by addressing the neural pathways involved.
• 📱 TikTok and other social media platforms are not reliable sources for mental health information, with many misleading or inaccurate videos.
• 🍄 Psilocybin in mushrooms shows promise in treating PTSD and depression, potentially through its effects on serotonin receptors and the guided therapeutic experience.
• 🔥 Omega-3 supplements may improve mental health by increasing blood flow in the brain and potentially helping with depression and ADHD.
• 🧬 Schizophrenia has a strong genetic component with over 200 genes implicated, but environmental factors also play a role in its development.

Q & A

What does the term 'psychotic' refer to in the context of mental health?

Psychotic refers to a break from reality, where an individual experiences things that others might not, such as auditory or visual hallucinations and delusions, which are fixed false beliefs held despite evidence to the contrary.

How does depression affect a person's sleep patterns?

Depression often disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to a phase-shift in sleep cycles. People with depression tend to wake up early, even without setting an alarm, due to a lack of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine.

Can stress be contagious, and if so, how is this demonstrated?

Yes, stress can be contagious. A study involving an audience watching an anxious presenter showed increased cortisol levels in the saliva of both the presenter and the audience, indicating the transmission of stress.

Is it possible to hypnotize someone to rid them of depression?

No, hypnotherapy cannot cure depression. While it can be effective for issues like smoking cessation or temper control, it does not alter the neurotransmitter levels associated with depression.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and when should one see each?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication, while a psychologist focuses on therapy and does not have prescribing rights. One should see a psychiatrist if medication is suspected to be necessary, otherwise, a psychologist or therapist can be appropriate for talk therapy.

How does the brain-gut connection potentially influence mood and mental health?

Preclinical data suggests a relationship between the brain, gut, and gut microbiota. Stress can cause inflammation in the gut, affecting the vagus nerve's function, which is linked to depression. A healthy gut and microbiome may contribute to improved mood.

Can depression cause memory loss, and if so, what is the underlying mechanism?

Depression can indeed cause memory issues, potentially due to a lack of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. With less glutamate, memory formation can be impaired, and cognitive processing speed may be reduced.

What is the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in mental health, and how do SSRIs work to treat depression?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with mood and anxiety. Low levels of serotonin in the synapses are implicated in depression. SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors) block serotonin receptors, increasing serotonin levels in the synapses, which can lead to the growth of dendrites and an elevation of mood.

What are some common misconceptions about mental health information found on social media platforms like TikTok?

Social media platforms can spread misleading or inaccurate information about mental health. A study found that a significant portion of 'mental health tips' videos on TikTok contained misleading or damaging information, with very few creators having relevant qualifications.

How do omega-3 fatty acids potentially impact mental health, and what is the recommended dosage?

Omega-3 fatty acids may improve blood flow in the brain and are reported by some to help with mood improvements related to depression and ADHD. The recommended dosage is one to two grams, with no significant benefits observed beyond four grams.

What is the significance of the psychopathy checklist developed by Robert Hare, and how is it used?

The psychopathy checklist is a tool used to assess traits of psychopathy in individuals. It consists of 20 items scored from zero to two, with a maximum score of 40. A score of 25 or above can meet criteria for psychopathy in research settings, and it is distinct from but often overlaps with antisocial personality disorder.

Can personality disorders develop as a result of environmental influences or are they strictly genetic?

While personality disorders have genetic components, environmental factors can also play a role. For example, certain personality traits may be adopted from family members, and phenomena like folie à deux can lead to the shared mental health experiences among individuals in close proximity.

What is the role of the neurotransmitter dopamine in mental health, and how is it implicated in conditions like depression and ADHD?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with joy, pleasure, motivation, and attention. Low levels of dopamine are implicated in both depression and ADHD, contributing to symptoms like lack of motivation and difficulty focusing.

How does ketamine therapy work for treating depression, and what are the current research directions in this field?

Ketamine therapy involves administering a controlled dose of ketamine, which blocks glutamate binding, potentially increasing glutamate levels and providing temporary relief from depression. Current research is exploring the use of drugs like rapamycin alongside ketamine to prolong its effects by preventing neuron degradation.