Many people use the words stress and anxiety interchangeably. They can feel very similar. Both can cause worry, tension, trouble sleeping, or a racing heart. But medically, stress and anxiety are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help people recognize when what they’re experiencing is a normal response to life versus when it may be a mental health condition that deserves professional attention.

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in attention, motivation, and executive functioning. Dopamine signaling is already altered in ADHD, which means changes in estrogen levels can have a noticeable impact on symptoms. When estrogen levels drop or fluctuate—as they do after childbirth and during menopause—dopamine pathways can become less efficient.

Midlife represents a meaningful turning point. Between the ages of roughly 40 and 65, many of the conditions that shape long-term health begin to emerge. Blood pressure rises, metabolic changes occur, and the risk of chronic disease increases. But midlife is not only a time when health problems appear. It is also one of the most powerful opportunities to influence the decades ahead.

The future of mental health isn't a choice between a human or a machine. It is about using the best technology available to remove the "noise" of healthcare—the paperwork and the guesswork—so that we can focus on the most important "technology" of all: the conversation happening between two people in a room.

I realized that psychiatry as a field tends to be more reactive than preventive. More focused on intervention than prevention. Many other fields of medicine do an excellent job educating patients about prevention. Psychiatry, however, is focused on intervention, typically after symptoms are already disruptive.

Erikson’s theory reminds us that development is lifelong. Growth does not stop after adolescence: identity can evolve, relationships can deepen, and meaning can expand.

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is much more thoughtful and detailed than most people realize. It’s not just about checking boxes. It’s more about understanding you as a whole person.

Adult ADHD in women is frequently missed, delayed, or misattributed, especially in those who appear high functioning. Understanding why can be deeply validating and can open the door to more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

For more than eight decades, the Harvard Study of Adult Development has followed individuals across their entire adult lives to understand what predicts happiness, health, and longevity. Across generations, social classes, and life circumstances, one factor stands out above all others: the quality of our relationships.

Deciding whether to see a psychiatrist can feel overwhelming and, for some, intimidating (this is what I hear from patients themselves). Meeting with a psychiatrist is about getting the right level of expertise when symptoms begin to affect your quality of life, functioning, or overall sense of well-being.

Progesterone is often described as a “reproductive hormone,” but its role in the body goes far beyond fertility and pregnancy. Progesterone affects menstrual cycles, mood, sleep, brain function, and overall well-being, and changes in progesterone levels can have real physical and emotional effects throughout a woman’s life.

GAD is fairly common, affecting about 6% of people at some point in their lives in the United States. For many, symptoms are chronic and can significantly impact quality of life. People with GAD often worry about everyday responsibilities or future possibilities. Living with generalized anxiety disorder can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and isolating, but it is also highly treatable with the right support.

Although OCD and OCPD may look similar on the surface, the treatment plans differ significantly. Someone with OCD may need medication and exposure-based therapy, while someone with OCPD may benefit more from long-term therapy focused on identity, behavior patterns, and meaningful change.

Worry time is a cognitive-behavioral strategy that involves setting aside a daily 20–30 minute window for worrying. This approach has been shown to reduce excessive worry and anxiety and is supported by research as a helpful component of cognitive behavioral therapy, including for generalized anxiety disorder.

Welcoming a new baby is one of the most meaningful transitions in someone’s life, but it is also a time of major physical, emotional, and hormonal change. I never want new parents to enter the postpartum period feeling alone, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to expect. This is why I walk all my expecting moms and dads through a postpartum care plan well before delivery.

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective ADHD treatments. Explore the differences in this blog post.

Lavender oil has gained attention for its potential calming effects. In this post, I’ve summarized the key findings from the best study to date examining the oral lavender oil preparation Silexan in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Summarizing this JAMA Psychiatry article Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, published in 2025. GLP-1 medicines (like semaglutide and liraglutide) did not increase psychiatric side effects versus placebo. On average, mood didn’t worsen, and people showed small improvements in well-being and eating patterns.

Supplements are everywhere. Some supplements are helpful, but mostly only if you’re deficient or have a specific medical need. Most are driven by marketing, not science, and can interact with medications, give a false sense of security, or just cost you a lot of money.

Wellbutrin is a commonly prescribed antidepressant for depression. It’s also prescribed off-label for ADHD. Learn more in this blog post.