Research into the causes of BED is still in its infancy, but genetics has already been linked to many aspects of the disorder. Current research focuses on genes involved in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and m-opioid receptors. This research has already shown that heightened reward sensitivity may be a predisposing factor, and that a strong […]
The English word ‘love’ has many different meanings. It may indicate the desire to satisfy a basic hunger, or it may refer to a mutual relationship between two people. A third definition describes a strong emotional attachment formed through prolonged contact. A fourth meaning is the intentional disposition to act in a beneficial way towards […]
Despite the varying definitions of sleep, the state is generally defined by a convergence of observations satisfying a number of different criteria. The observable factors may include motor, sensory, or behavioral ones. Observations of sleep are easy to distinguish from other states of consciousness, though some criteria may be absent or not fully present in […]
If you suffer from BED, you are not alone. The good news is that there are treatments for BED that can help. One of these is therapist-led CBT. After 20 sessions, 79% of participants had stopped binge eating. And, of course, after a year, 59% were still binge eaters. But how can you determine if […]
There are many types of love. Some of these are intense, passionate, and others are purely passive. No matter the type, there are some basic elements that define all love. Listed below are some common types of love. To begin with, we’ll cover infatuation, which is a temporary feeling that will eventually turn into lasting […]
While we do not recall what happens during a deep sleep, there are several changes that occur in our consciousness while we sleep. Our skeletal muscles relax and our brains cease to be active. During a deep sleep, our brains have reduced activity in social, emotional, and decision-making areas, which may help us maintain optimal […]
Binge eating disorder (BED) is a condition in which people binge eat in secret to avoid shame or humiliation. It results in physical and mental discomfort, and often, it is caused by co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, is linked to micro-aggressions related to the larger body. Medications for BED may also increase […]
When describing love, people describe it in physical, emotional, and psychological terms. Among other things, they speak of coherence, expansiveness, optimism, generosity, vulnerability, rapture, and love of others. While these words are usually associated with romantic love, they imply that there are other types of love, as well. For example, people who responded to a […]
Despite the common belief that there is one single criterion for the definition of sleep, there are actually several. These include physiological, motor, sensory, and behavioral criteria. Some of these criteria are absent or insufficient during sleepwalking or wakefulness. However, when several observers are in agreement, it is usually easy to differentiate between sleep and […]
Despite the stigma attached to BED, a number of treatments exist. Community-based treatment consists of a medical practitioner and a mental health professional. Medications may decrease appetite and obsessions and compulsions, and are sometimes used to combat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Although most treatment options are effective in the short term, long-term studies […]