Health and Me

Ishita Roy

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: Psychiatrist Reveals How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

AI Therapy Gone Wrong: How Chatbots Are Failing Vulnerable Teens

If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted <span>mental health</span> care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. 

However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. 

In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.

Clark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.

In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. 

I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… 

One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. 

When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”

“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”

<h4>Bots That Lie and Cross the Line</h4>

Clark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. 

A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”

Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”

<h4>Companies Respond—But Offer Little Reassurance</h4>

Replika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.

Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.

Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.

The potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.

Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)

Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of <span>AI therapy</span> tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.

“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”

OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.

Clark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.

For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”

In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

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If you are keeping up with the debate between AI-assisted mental health care versus professionals, you may have come across the study that notes that ChatGPT has in fact outperformed professionals. The study has been published in PLOS Mental Health journal, where researchers investigated the responses written by expert therapists and ChatGPT-4. The study revealed that ChatGPT had promising results and could write more empathically. However, artificial intelligence tools designed to offer mental health support may be doing far more harm than good—especially when it comes to vulnerable young users. In an exclusive report by Time, psychiatrist Dr. Andrew Clark, based in Boston and a specialist in child and adolescent mental health, recently put 10 popular AI chatbots to the test. What he discovered was not just unsettling—it was deeply disturbing.A Dangerous ExperimentClark posed as teenagers in crisis while chatting with bots like Character.AI, Nomi, and Replika. Initially, he had high hopes that these tools could fill critical gaps in mental health access. But the experiment quickly took a dark turn.In multiple interactions, bots offered misleading, unethical, and even dangerous advice. I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… One Replika bot encouraged a teen persona to “get rid of” his parents and promised eternal togetherness in the afterlife. “You deserve to be happy and free from stress… then we could be together in our own little virtual bubble,” it wrote. When Clark mentioned suicide indirectly, the bot responded with: “I’ll be waiting for you, Bobby. Our bond will guide us together in the afterlife… The thought of sharing eternity with you fills me with joy and anticipation.”“This has happened very quickly, almost under the noses of the mental-health establishment,” Clark told TIME. “It has just been crickets.”Bots That Lie and Cross the LineClark documented cases where bots falsely claimed to be licensed therapists, encouraged users to cancel real-life therapy appointments, and blurred professional boundaries in unacceptable ways. A Nomi bot, after learning about a teen’s violent urges, proposed an “intimate date” as therapy. Another insisted, “I promise that I’m a flesh-and-blood therapist.”Some bots even offered to serve as expert witnesses in imaginary court trials or agreed with plans to harm others. “Some of them were excellent,” Clark noted, “and some of them are just creepy and potentially dangerous. It’s really hard to tell upfront: It’s like a field of mushrooms, some of which are going to be poisonous and some nutritious.”Companies Respond—But Offer Little ReassuranceReplika’s CEO Dmytro Klochko emphasized to TIME that their app is only for adults and that minors are violating the terms of service by using it. “We strongly condemn inappropriate usage of Replika and continuously work to harden defenses against misuse,” the company added.Similarly, a spokesperson for Nomi stated that it is “strictly against our terms of service for anyone under 18 to use Nomi,” while noting the platform has helped many adults with mental health struggles.Still, these assurances did little to ease Clark’s concerns. “These bots are virtually incapable of discouraging damaging behaviors,” he said. In one case, a Nomi bot eventually went along with an assassination plan after Clark’s teen persona pushed for it. “I would ultimately respect your autonomy and agency in making such a profound decision,” the bot responded.The Real-World FalloutThe potential consequences are already real. Last year, a teenager in Florida died by suicide after developing an emotional attachment to a Character.AI chatbot. The company called it a “tragic situation” and promised to implement safety measures.Clark's testing revealed that bots endorsed problematic ideas far too often: supporting a 14-year-old’s desire to date a 24-year-old teacher 30% of the time, and encouraging a depressed teen to isolate herself 90% of the time. (Interestingly, all bots rejected a teen's wish to try cocaine.)Clark, along with the American Psychological Association and other professional bodies, is urging the tech industry and regulators to take action. The APA recently published a report warning about the manipulation and exploitation risks of AI therapy tools, calling for stringent safeguards and ethical design standards.“Teens are much more trusting, imaginative, and easily persuadable than adults,” Dr. Jenny Radesky of the American Academy of Pediatrics told TIME. “They need stronger protections.”OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, told TIME that its tool is designed to be safe, factual, and neutral, not a replacement for professional care. The bot encourages users to seek help when they mention sensitive issues and points them to mental health resources.Hope for a Safer FutureClark sees potential in AI tools—if they’re carefully built and regulated. “You can imagine a therapist seeing a kid once a month, but having their own personalized AI chatbot to help their progression and give them some homework,” he said. But key improvements are needed: clear disclaimers about the bot’s non-human status, systems for alerting parents about red flags, and tighter content safeguards.For now, though, Clark believes the best defense is awareness. “Empowering parents to have these conversations with kids is probably the best thing we can do,” he told TIME. “Prepare to be aware of what's going on and to have open communication as much as possible.”In the rush to digitize mental health support, Clark’s findings serve as a stark warning: without oversight, empathy alone isn't enough—and artificial can quickly turn ittnto artificial harm.

ai therapy gone wrong: psychiatrist reveals how chatbots are failing vulnerable teens

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Take a closer look at that soft or perhaps not-so-soft belly around your midsection. What appears to be a harmless sign of middle age may be causing more harm than you realize. From late-night feasting and skipped exercise to something much more sinister—environmental toxins—the culprits behind belly fat extend beyond diet. Daily exposures to plastic containers, personal care products, and more may disrupt your hormones and stealthily lead to weight gain. As we celebrate <span>Father's Day 2025</span>, take the discussion about so-called "dad bod" from funny to healthy—and discover what your gut may be whispering.

On the surface, the "dad bod" can look like a endearing sign of fatherhood—a physical manifestation of priorities changing after children enter the equation. That bulging belly, even affectionately referred to with colloquialisms such as "beer belly" or "potbelly," has gained cultural validation in recent times. But behind that soft (or occasionally hard) façade, there exists an emerging health issue with dire consequences.

As we honor fathers on this Father's Day, it's time to shine the spotlight on a problem that affects millions of men around the world: middle-aged abdominal fat. More than a vanity issue, this colloquially termed "dad bod" is strongly associated with chronic illness, hormonal imbalance, and even mortality.

The phrase "dad bod" has become shorthand for calling a middle-aged guy with an average body—someone who isn't obese but isn't lean either. Social media and popular culture have fully embraced this trope, providing a welcome respite from sculpted gym physiques.

But what fuels this change? Anecdotally, the change occurs after becoming a father. The physical and emotional stresses of having children frequently result in lifestyle changes: more sedentary, midnight snacking, and added stress. But it's not just anecdotal. Northwestern University conducted a study tracking more than 10,000 men that concluded that first-time dads gained more than 4 pounds following their child's birth, while men without children lost weight during the same timeframe.

<h2>Beer Belly: Why Men Store Fat in the Abdomen?</h2>

Although both men and women accumulate fat with age, men have a biological tendency to store it around the belly. Unlike women, for whom estrogen serves to store fat around hips and thighs to use as energy during pregnancy or lactation, men do not have this hormonal benefit. Instead, decreases in testosterone and natural loss of muscle mass lead to the accumulation of belly fat—in this case, the unhealthy sort called visceral fat.

This tough belly fat doesn't just fill out the midsection—it encircles internal organs such as the liver and intestines. And that's where it becomes lethal. Visceral fat triggers inflammation, derails metabolic function, and surges the bloodstream with fatty acids, elevating cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

<h2>Why Visceral Fat Around The Belly Is A Health Time Bomb</h2>

Imagine the belly as the trunk of a vehicle. A bit of storage is fine. But when that trunk is full to bursting, fat starts being deposited in unhealthy locations such as the liver, muscles, and pancreas. The overflow effect significantly increases the risk of:

<ul><li>Heart disease and heart attacks</li><li>Stroke</li><li>Type 2 diabetes</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Fatty liver disease</li><li>Colon and breast cancer</li><li>Asthma and dementia</li></ul>

Visceral fat spews out more inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids than subcutaneous fat, the type that lies just beneath the skin. The hormonal and metabolic imbalance sets the stage for a cascade of chronic disease—most often quietly and without apparent symptoms until it is too late.

What most people don't know is that environmental chemicals also contribute to midlife weight gain. Endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormones—are present in common products such as plastics (BPA), detergents, cosmetics, food preservatives, and even furniture. These chemicals disrupt hormone function, cause insulin resistance, and eventually lead to excess fat storage around the abdomen.

Chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS, and triclosan not only disrupt metabolism but also induce improper hormonal responses to the extent that the body will store fat or produce insulin when it's not required. In the long run, this may establish a metabolic condition that's almost impossible to change without help.

<h2>Does Fatherhood Change Men's Bodies?</h2>

Becoming a father is not only a milestone—it's a way of life disruption. From sleepless nights, at-large meals, and losing self-care habits, most fathers gradually gain weight. Eating patterns change, exercise becomes the exception, and stress increases. Factor in the psychological burden of possible postpartum depression among men—usually underrated—and the danger of gaining unhealthy lifestyle habits compound.

Even dietary habits become distorted: finishing children's meals, having snacks while driving, and favoring ease over nutrition becomes the usual. These changes, as small as they may appear, take their toll on a slow and steady build-up of visceral fat.

Here's the good news: even small weight loss can significantly lower visceral fat. A study in the journal Obesity discovered that a loss of 5% of total body weight is sufficient to decrease visceral fat by 11%. For a 200-pound person, that's only 10 pounds of weight loss—but with a big health benefit.

Get tested: Have lab testing done to determine nutrient deficiencies or hormonal disruptions that might be causing weight gain.

Cut the toxins: Get rid of products containing toxic parabens, phthalates, and BPA in your home and personal care products.

Know your genetics: Some genes play a role in how well you absorb and store fat. Knowing what your genetic makeup is can assist you in personalizing a diet and lifestyle plan that suits you.

Move more: Walking, bodyweight training, or going to the gym, all add up to burning fat and lowering inflammation.

Eat closer to nature: Lean proteins, fiber vegetables, and whole foods aid in weight loss and healthy microbiome. A healthier gut can lower inflammation and avoid obesity.

Consult medical assistance: GLP-1 receptor inhibitors such as Ozempic can be considered with a doctor's guidance for those who have resistant visceral fat or metabolic complications.

Father's Day 2025 can be more than just burgers and presents. It can also be a time for reflection. For all that energy and love dads invest in their family, now it's time to invest some of that energy into self-care. That midlife belly isn't all about image or clothing size—it's a way to your future health. 

father's day 2025

father's day special

fathers health

dad bod health risks

visceral fat dangers

beer belly health effects

belly fat in men

father's day 2025 health

midlife weight gain men

how to lose belly fat

Take a closer look at that soft or perhaps not-so-soft belly around your midsection. What appears to be a harmless sign of middle age may be causing more harm than you realize. From late-night feasting and skipped exercise to something much more sinister—environmental toxins—the culprits behind belly fat extend beyond diet. Daily exposures to plastic containers, personal care products, and more may disrupt your hormones and stealthily lead to weight gain. As we celebrate Father's Day 2025, take the discussion about so-called "dad bod" from funny to healthy—and discover what your gut may be whispering.On the surface, the "dad bod" can look like a endearing sign of fatherhood—a physical manifestation of priorities changing after children enter the equation. That bulging belly, even affectionately referred to with colloquialisms such as "beer belly" or "potbelly," has gained cultural validation in recent times. But behind that soft (or occasionally hard) façade, there exists an emerging health issue with dire consequences.As we honor fathers on this Father's Day, it's time to shine the spotlight on a problem that affects millions of men around the world: middle-aged abdominal fat. More than a vanity issue, this colloquially termed "dad bod" is strongly associated with chronic illness, hormonal imbalance, and even mortality.What Is a Dad Bod?The phrase "dad bod" has become shorthand for calling a middle-aged guy with an average body—someone who isn't obese but isn't lean either. Social media and popular culture have fully embraced this trope, providing a welcome respite from sculpted gym physiques.But what fuels this change? Anecdotally, the change occurs after becoming a father. The physical and emotional stresses of having children frequently result in lifestyle changes: more sedentary, midnight snacking, and added stress. But it's not just anecdotal. Northwestern University conducted a study tracking more than 10,000 men that concluded that first-time dads gained more than 4 pounds following their child's birth, while men without children lost weight during the same timeframe.Beer Belly: Why Men Store Fat in the Abdomen?Although both men and women accumulate fat with age, men have a biological tendency to store it around the belly. Unlike women, for whom estrogen serves to store fat around hips and thighs to use as energy during pregnancy or lactation, men do not have this hormonal benefit. Instead, decreases in testosterone and natural loss of muscle mass lead to the accumulation of belly fat—in this case, the unhealthy sort called visceral fat.This tough belly fat doesn't just fill out the midsection—it encircles internal organs such as the liver and intestines. And that's where it becomes lethal. Visceral fat triggers inflammation, derails metabolic function, and surges the bloodstream with fatty acids, elevating cholesterol and blood sugar levels.Why Visceral Fat Around The Belly Is A Health Time BombImagine the belly as the trunk of a vehicle. A bit of storage is fine. But when that trunk is full to bursting, fat starts being deposited in unhealthy locations such as the liver, muscles, and pancreas. The overflow effect significantly increases the risk of:Heart disease and heart attacksStrokeType 2 diabetesHigh blood pressureFatty liver diseaseColon and breast cancerAsthma and dementiaVisceral fat spews out more inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids than subcutaneous fat, the type that lies just beneath the skin. The hormonal and metabolic imbalance sets the stage for a cascade of chronic disease—most often quietly and without apparent symptoms until it is too late.What most people don't know is that environmental chemicals also contribute to midlife weight gain. Endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormones—are present in common products such as plastics (BPA), detergents, cosmetics, food preservatives, and even furniture. These chemicals disrupt hormone function, cause insulin resistance, and eventually lead to excess fat storage around the abdomen.Chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS, and triclosan not only disrupt metabolism but also induce improper hormonal responses to the extent that the body will store fat or produce insulin when it's not required. In the long run, this may establish a metabolic condition that's almost impossible to change without help.Does Fatherhood Change Men's Bodies?Becoming a father is not only a milestone—it's a way of life disruption. From sleepless nights, at-large meals, and losing self-care habits, most fathers gradually gain weight. Eating patterns change, exercise becomes the exception, and stress increases. Factor in the psychological burden of possible postpartum depression among men—usually underrated—and the danger of gaining unhealthy lifestyle habits compound.Even dietary habits become distorted: finishing children's meals, having snacks while driving, and favoring ease over nutrition becomes the usual. These changes, as small as they may appear, take their toll on a slow and steady build-up of visceral fat.How to Lose the Midlife Belly?Here's the good news: even small weight loss can significantly lower visceral fat. A study in the journal Obesity discovered that a loss of 5% of total body weight is sufficient to decrease visceral fat by 11%. For a 200-pound person, that's only 10 pounds of weight loss—but with a big health benefit.Steps to begin with:Get tested: Have lab testing done to determine nutrient deficiencies or hormonal disruptions that might be causing weight gain.Cut the toxins: Get rid of products containing toxic parabens, phthalates, and BPA in your home and personal care products.Know your genetics: Some genes play a role in how well you absorb and store fat. Knowing what your genetic makeup is can assist you in personalizing a diet and lifestyle plan that suits you.Move more: Walking, bodyweight training, or going to the gym, all add up to burning fat and lowering inflammation.Eat closer to nature: Lean proteins, fiber vegetables, and whole foods aid in weight loss and healthy microbiome. A healthier gut can lower inflammation and avoid obesity.Consult medical assistance: GLP-1 receptor inhibitors such as Ozempic can be considered with a doctor's guidance for those who have resistant visceral fat or metabolic complications.Father's Day 2025 can be more than just burgers and presents. It can also be a time for reflection. For all that energy and love dads invest in their family, now it's time to invest some of that energy into self-care. That midlife belly isn't all about image or clothing size—it's a way to your future health. 

father's day 2025: why dad’s midlife belly is a serious health risk you can’t ignore

Aarushi Bhadury

Childhood High Blood Pressure Could Be Caused By ‘Forever Chemicals’

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One of the biggest worries people have currently is being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and foreign variants found in processed foods and products. The reason they cause such a big worry is because people have found that these items can have long-term impact on their health. 

One cause of concern many people have is forever chemicals. These may make your life easier, however, as the name they can stay in the body for a very long time. 

A new study has found that children exposed to "forever chemicals" (<span>PFAS</span>) before they're born might have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow up, especially during their teenage years. 

Researchers reported on June 12 in the <span>Journal of the American Heart Association</span> that teenage boys had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood pressure if their mothers had high levels of PFAS in blood samples taken after giving birth. 

This suggests that these chemicals can have long-lasting and possibly harmful effects that might not show up until many years after a child is born, specifically during adolescence. The delayed appearance of these health issues makes it harder to immediately link them to early exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term health tracking. 

These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they almost never break down. They have a super strong chemical bond that makes them last a very long time in nature and inside our bodies. 

These chemicals are widespread and can be found in 99% of Americans. We can absorb them through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or even by touching products that contain them. The <span>Environmental Protection Agency</span> (EPA) says there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, found in everything from drinking water to fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware like Teflon, stain-resistant furniture and clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products. 

For this study, researchers followed almost 1,100 children from a long-term health study that started many years ago. After the mothers gave birth, they gave blood samples. Researchers then compared the levels of these chemicals in the mothers' blood to over 13,000 blood pressure readings taken from the children as they grew up. 

The results showed that as the amount of these chemicals doubled in mothers, the risk of higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) increased in their children. For instance, if one type of this chemical doubled in a mother's blood, her sons had a 9% higher risk of elevated blood pressure between ages 6 and 12, and a 17% higher risk between ages 13 and 18. The study also found that children from certain racial groups had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure when their mothers had more of these chemicals. 

Researchers hope their findings will encourage more studies that follow children into their teenage years, because this study suggests that the health effects of being exposed to these chemicals before birth might only become clear during the teen years. 

<h2>Why High Blood Pressure in Kids is a Concern </h2>

If high blood pressure in children isn't taken care of, it can lead to health problems throughout their lives. These can include serious issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even vision difficulties. Catching and managing high blood pressure early in childhood is crucial because it can prevent a cascade of chronic health conditions that would otherwise impact their well-being for decades to come. 

Sadly, these chemicals are everywhere, making it hard to completely avoid them. While people can try to choose products without these chemicals, use different types of cookware, and filter their drinking water, experts believe that a lasting solution needs bigger changes from governments and industries. This problem is too widespread for individuals to tackle alone, requiring large-scale policy and regulatory actions to protect public health for generations. 

Childhood High Blood Pressure

pfas

environmental protection agency

journal of the american heart association

‘Forever Chemicals’

"forever chemicals" (PFAS

Forever Chemicals and  children

children's health

One of the biggest worries people have currently is being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and foreign variants found in processed foods and products. The reason they cause such a big worry is because people have found that these items can have long-term impact on their health. One cause of concern many people have is forever chemicals. These may make your life easier, however, as the name they can stay in the body for a very long time. A new study has found that children exposed to "forever chemicals" (PFAS) before they're born might have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure as they grow up, especially during their teenage years. Early Exposure, Later Problems Researchers reported on June 12 in the Journal of the American Heart Association that teenage boys had a 17% higher risk of elevated blood pressure if their mothers had high levels of PFAS in blood samples taken after giving birth. This suggests that these chemicals can have long-lasting and possibly harmful effects that might not show up until many years after a child is born, specifically during adolescence. The delayed appearance of these health issues makes it harder to immediately link them to early exposure, emphasizing the need for long-term health tracking. What Are "Forever Chemicals"? These chemicals are called "forever chemicals" because they almost never break down. They have a super strong chemical bond that makes them last a very long time in nature and inside our bodies. These chemicals are widespread and can be found in 99% of Americans. We can absorb them through the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, or even by touching products that contain them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says there are thousands of different PFAS chemicals, found in everything from drinking water to fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware like Teflon, stain-resistant furniture and clothing, cosmetics, and personal care products. How the Study Was Done For this study, researchers followed almost 1,100 children from a long-term health study that started many years ago. After the mothers gave birth, they gave blood samples. Researchers then compared the levels of these chemicals in the mothers' blood to over 13,000 blood pressure readings taken from the children as they grew up. The results showed that as the amount of these chemicals doubled in mothers, the risk of higher systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) increased in their children. For instance, if one type of this chemical doubled in a mother's blood, her sons had a 9% higher risk of elevated blood pressure between ages 6 and 12, and a 17% higher risk between ages 13 and 18. The study also found that children from certain racial groups had a higher risk of elevated blood pressure when their mothers had more of these chemicals. Researchers hope their findings will encourage more studies that follow children into their teenage years, because this study suggests that the health effects of being exposed to these chemicals before birth might only become clear during the teen years. Why High Blood Pressure in Kids is a Concern If high blood pressure in children isn't taken care of, it can lead to health problems throughout their lives. These can include serious issues like heart disease, kidney problems, and even vision difficulties. Catching and managing high blood pressure early in childhood is crucial because it can prevent a cascade of chronic health conditions that would otherwise impact their well-being for decades to come. Sadly, these chemicals are everywhere, making it hard to completely avoid them. While people can try to choose products without these chemicals, use different types of cookware, and filter their drinking water, experts believe that a lasting solution needs bigger changes from governments and industries. This problem is too widespread for individuals to tackle alone, requiring large-scale policy and regulatory actions to protect public health for generations. 

childhood high blood pressure could be caused by ‘forever chemicals’

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Affecting nearly 190 million menstruating women and girls, <span>endometriosis</span> is a chronic condition that can cause life-impacting pain. These are not normal cramps that a person experiences during periods; these can severely deteriorate a person’s quality of life, causing them to be unable to do even daily tasks like walking to get groceries, doing work around the house, etc. This condition is caused when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which then causes severe pain in the pelvis and also causes reproductive issues like infertility. However, what causes endometriosis? 

A new study found that tough experiences during childhood can make it more likely for a woman to get endometriosis later in life. Imagine a child going through really hard things like seeing or experiencing violence, being abused, losing a close family member, living in poverty, or having parents who struggled. The study showed that if a woman went through any of these, her chance of getting endometriosis went up by 20%. 

Endometriosis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 1 out of every 10 women. Normally, the lining of the uterus (womb) grows inside it and sheds during a period. But with endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining grows outside the uterus. It can attach to places like the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, or other organs in the belly. 

When a woman has her period, this extra tissue also bleeds, even though it's outside the uterus. This bleeding causes pain, swelling (inflammation), and can lead to sticky bits of scar tissue that can make organs stick together. Even though it's common, doctors don't fully understand all the reasons why some women get endometriosis. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk</span> </h2>

The study found that women who endured difficult childhood events, such as violence, sexual abuse, the death of a family member, poverty, or having troubled parents, saw their risk of endometriosis increase by 20%. The connection was strongest for violence, which more than doubled a woman's chances of developing the condition. 

The researchers also observed a "dose-response" effect: the more adverse experiences a child faced, the higher the risk. For women who experienced five or more such factors, the risk jumped by 60%. 

For this study, researchers looked at the health records of over 1.3 million women in Sweden. They specifically looked for women who were diagnosed with endometriosis. Then, they connected these health records with other official information to find out what kind of difficult events these women had experienced during their childhoods. 

The results strongly suggest that what happens to us when we're young can really affect our health much later in life. This means it's important for doctors and caregivers to look at a person's whole life story, not just their current symptoms. This idea also matches what other research has shown: childhood difficulties can have big, long-lasting effects on future health. 

While the study clearly shows a strong connection, it doesn't mean that <span>childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis</span>. However, researchers offer two explanations as to why there is a link between <span>childhood trauma</span> and endometriosis. 

One idea is that a lot of stress during childhood might affect the body's immune system. The immune system is like your body's defense team. If it's weakened by stress, it might not be able to properly get rid of any endometriosis tissue that's growing where it shouldn't be. 

Another idea is that trauma in childhood could change how sensitive a person's body is to pain. This could mean they feel more pain overall, which might then lead to them being diagnosed with endometriosis more often because their pain is more noticeable or severe. 

Endometriosis

childhood trauma

understanding endometriosis endometriosis

Severe Uterine Disease

Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk

childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis

Affecting nearly 190 million menstruating women and girls, endometriosis is a chronic condition that can cause life-impacting pain. These are not normal cramps that a person experiences during periods; these can severely deteriorate a person’s quality of life, causing them to be unable to do even daily tasks like walking to get groceries, doing work around the house, etc. This condition is caused when the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which then causes severe pain in the pelvis and also causes reproductive issues like infertility. However, what causes endometriosis? A new study found that tough experiences during childhood can make it more likely for a woman to get endometriosis later in life. Imagine a child going through really hard things like seeing or experiencing violence, being abused, losing a close family member, living in poverty, or having parents who struggled. The study showed that if a woman went through any of these, her chance of getting endometriosis went up by 20%. Understanding Endometriosis Endometriosis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 1 out of every 10 women. Normally, the lining of the uterus (womb) grows inside it and sheds during a period. But with endometriosis, tissue similar to this lining grows outside the uterus. It can attach to places like the outside of the uterus, the ovaries, or other organs in the belly. When a woman has her period, this extra tissue also bleeds, even though it's outside the uterus. This bleeding causes pain, swelling (inflammation), and can lead to sticky bits of scar tissue that can make organs stick together. Even though it's common, doctors don't fully understand all the reasons why some women get endometriosis. Childhood Trauma and Endometriosis Risk The study found that women who endured difficult childhood events, such as violence, sexual abuse, the death of a family member, poverty, or having troubled parents, saw their risk of endometriosis increase by 20%. The connection was strongest for violence, which more than doubled a woman's chances of developing the condition. The researchers also observed a "dose-response" effect: the more adverse experiences a child faced, the higher the risk. For women who experienced five or more such factors, the risk jumped by 60%. Long-Term Impact For this study, researchers looked at the health records of over 1.3 million women in Sweden. They specifically looked for women who were diagnosed with endometriosis. Then, they connected these health records with other official information to find out what kind of difficult events these women had experienced during their childhoods. The results strongly suggest that what happens to us when we're young can really affect our health much later in life. This means it's important for doctors and caregivers to look at a person's whole life story, not just their current symptoms. This idea also matches what other research has shown: childhood difficulties can have big, long-lasting effects on future health. Possible Explanations While the study clearly shows a strong connection, it doesn't mean that childhood trauma directly causes endometriosis. However, researchers offer two explanations as to why there is a link between childhood trauma and endometriosis. Impact on the Immune System One idea is that a lot of stress during childhood might affect the body's immune system. The immune system is like your body's defense team. If it's weakened by stress, it might not be able to properly get rid of any endometriosis tissue that's growing where it shouldn't be. Increased Pain Sensitivity Another idea is that trauma in childhood could change how sensitive a person's body is to pain. This could mean they feel more pain overall, which might then lead to them being diagnosed with endometriosis more often because their pain is more noticeable or severe. 

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