Health and Me

Sakshi Arora

How Spring Months Can Also Trigger Depressive Episodes

Spring Months Depressive Episodes (Credit-Freepik))

Although <span>spring</span>time conjures up images of sunshine, blossoms, and budding life, not everyone finds the season to be equally cheery. The transition from winter's gloom to spring's brightness can, despite common assumption, set off <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">depression</a></span> episodes in certain people. Reverse SAD, also referred to as <span>spring depression</span>, is a syndrome that is frequently overshadowed by its winter counterpart, <span>Seasonal Affective Disorder</span> (SAD).

Spring sadness presents with different symptoms than classic SAD, which is marked by apathy and poor mood during the shorter winter days. While having more energy may seem good, it can also cause anxiety, restlessness, and trouble falling asleep. Changes in appetite, social disengagement, and guilt or inadequacy feelings can occur in people as a result of internal pressure to match the season's perceived external joy.

This emotional change comes about as a result of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which doesn’t exclusively occur in winter. But why, then, does spring affect this disorder in this particular way? Several factors contribute:

Disruption in Circadian Rhythm: Contrary to popular belief, too much sunlight can also throw off the circadian rhythms of people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, by impacting your typical sleep-wake cycle.

Shifting Social Expectations: The cultural component of this behaviour is also tied to the large number of festivals that have historically been tied to the spring harvest, often often carrying with them societal expectations of increased activity, social gatherings, and embracing change. These expectations may be too much for people who are depressed, making them feel inadequate and alone.

Allergy Reactions: For some people, pollen allergies during the blooming season exacerbate pre-existing depression symptoms by causing physical discomfort, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Although sunlight promotes the generation of more Vitamin D, winter's depletion may not be fully replenished by the first spring rays. Decreased levels of vitamin D can exacerbate mood swings and emotional issues, playing a role in weariness and low motivation.

Underlying <span>Mental Health</span> Conditions: People who already suffer from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be especially vulnerable to mood swings brought on by seasonal variations in weather.

If you're facing any of these symptoms, understanding that acceptance is important as the first step in order to tackle the issues presented by spring depression. Ignoring it, on the other hand, might have long-term effects and worsen symptoms. Here are a few coping mechanisms:

Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule: To assist your body's internal clock function properly, make regular sleep habits a priority, even on the weekends.

Seek Sunlight: To reshape your circadian cycle, spend time outside in the natural light, slowly increasing your exposure.

Use relaxation techniques: Yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness meditation can all help reduce the stress and anxiety that come with depressive episodes.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

seasonal affective disorder

depression

spring

spring depression

seasonal depression

Mental Health

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Although springtime conjures up images of sunshine, blossoms, and budding life, not everyone finds the season to be equally cheery. The transition from winter's gloom to spring's brightness can, despite common assumption, set off depression episodes in certain people. Reverse SAD, also referred to as spring depression, is a syndrome that is frequently overshadowed by its winter counterpart, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).Spring sadness presents with different symptoms than classic SAD, which is marked by apathy and poor mood during the shorter winter days. While having more energy may seem good, it can also cause anxiety, restlessness, and trouble falling asleep. Changes in appetite, social disengagement, and guilt or inadequacy feelings can occur in people as a result of internal pressure to match the season's perceived external joy.This emotional change comes about as a result of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which doesn’t exclusively occur in winter. But why, then, does spring affect this disorder in this particular way? Several factors contribute:Disruption in Circadian Rhythm: Contrary to popular belief, too much sunlight can also throw off the circadian rhythms of people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, by impacting your typical sleep-wake cycle.Shifting Social Expectations: The cultural component of this behaviour is also tied to the large number of festivals that have historically been tied to the spring harvest, often often carrying with them societal expectations of increased activity, social gatherings, and embracing change. These expectations may be too much for people who are depressed, making them feel inadequate and alone.Allergy Reactions: For some people, pollen allergies during the blooming season exacerbate pre-existing depression symptoms by causing physical discomfort, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating.Vitamin D Deficiency: Although sunlight promotes the generation of more Vitamin D, winter's depletion may not be fully replenished by the first spring rays. Decreased levels of vitamin D can exacerbate mood swings and emotional issues, playing a role in weariness and low motivation.Underlying Mental Health Conditions: People who already suffer from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder may be especially vulnerable to mood swings brought on by seasonal variations in weather.If you're facing any of these symptoms, understanding that acceptance is important as the first step in order to tackle the issues presented by spring depression. Ignoring it, on the other hand, might have long-term effects and worsen symptoms. Here are a few coping mechanisms:Keep a Regular Sleep Schedule: To assist your body's internal clock function properly, make regular sleep habits a priority, even on the weekends.Seek Sunlight: To reshape your circadian cycle, spend time outside in the natural light, slowly increasing your exposure.Use relaxation techniques: Yoga, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness meditation can all help reduce the stress and anxiety that come with depressive episodes.

how spring months can also trigger depressive episodes

Supriya Ramesh

Scientist Reveals the Tiny Foods That Can Transform Your Cholesterol in Just 10 Days

Credits: Canva

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If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.

<h3>The 10-Day Cholesterol Challenge</h3>

High cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.

And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.

<h3>Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the Point</h3>

It is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.

Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.

Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.

Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.

<h3>Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and Carbs</h3>

Dr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.

Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.

Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.

<h3>Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol Menu</h3>

Swap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.

Cholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.

Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.

Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

nuts and seeds for cholesterol

cholesterol advice

lower cholesterol in 10 days

healthy fats vs saturated fats

polyunsaturated fats benefits

ldl cholesterol reduction

seeds for heart health

whole grains and cholesterol

low fat diet myths

cholesterol friendly meal swaps

If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.The 10-Day Cholesterol ChallengeHigh cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the PointIt is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.Seeds: The Cholesterol FightersSunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and CarbsDr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol MenuSwap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.Why This Works So FastCholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

scientist reveals the tiny foods that can transform your cholesterol in just 10 days

Why Your Tattoo Looks 'Cloudy' During Healing: Experts Demystify Recovery Process

Healing of Tattoo

Healing of a tattoo

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You walk out of the <span>tattoo studio</span> with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and <span>tattoo</span> artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.

As Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the <span>epidermis</span>, is made up of <span>keratinocytes</span>. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.

When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the <span>epidermis start shedding</span> (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.

“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”

<h3>What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo Ink</h3>

Sahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or <span>peeling skin</span> forms. It’s made of dried <span>plasma</span>, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”

This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.

<h3>Why <span rel="noindex">Tattoo Aftercare</span> Matters</h3>

While most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.

<strong>The golden trio of aftercare:</strong>

<ul><li>Keep it clean, but not soaking wet</li><li>Moisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotion</li><li>Avoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healed</li></ul>

<h3>The Healing Timeline: What to Expect</h3>

<ul><li>Week 1: Swelling and inflammation can make colours look slightly different. Cloudiness starts to creep in.</li><li>Week 2: Peeling is in full swing, and the haze is most noticeable. Do not pick.</li><li>Weeks 3–4: New skin settles in, clarity returns, and your tattoo looks almost like day one.</li><li>Weeks 4–6: Full healing. Your tattoo now has its true colours and crisp lines.</li></ul>

Your tattoo’s journey is a cycle: vibrant due to fresh ink, hazy during inflammation and peeling, then clear again as the skin regenerates. In short: 

<ul><li>The cloudy phase is temporary.</li><li>Don’t touch, scratch, or peel.</li><li>Follow optimal aftercare to prevent infection.</li><li>Always ensure your artist uses fresh, sterilised needles.</li></ul>

As Bali puts it, “Your tattoo is for life. A couple of hazy weeks is nothing compared to years of wearing a clear, beautiful design.”

Why Your Tattoo Looks Cloudy During Healing

tattoo studio

keratinocytes

epidermis

peeling skin

plasma

tattoo

tattoo aftercare

tattoo healing time

epidermis start shedding

You walk out of the tattoo studio with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and tattoo artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.The Science of the Skin ScreenAs Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the epidermis, is made up of keratinocytes. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the epidermis start shedding (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo InkSahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or peeling skin forms. It’s made of dried plasma, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.Why Tattoo Aftercare MattersWhile most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.The golden trio of aftercare:Keep it clean, but not soaking wetMoisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotionAvoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healedThe Healing Timeline: What to ExpectWeek 1: Swelling and inflammation can make colours look slightly different. Cloudiness starts to creep in.Week 2: Peeling is in full swing, and the haze is most noticeable. Do not pick.Weeks 3–4: New skin settles in, clarity returns, and your tattoo looks almost like day one.Weeks 4–6: Full healing. Your tattoo now has its true colours and crisp lines.Your tattoo’s journey is a cycle: vibrant due to fresh ink, hazy during inflammation and peeling, then clear again as the skin regenerates. In short: The cloudy phase is temporary.Don’t touch, scratch, or peel.Follow optimal aftercare to prevent infection.Always ensure your artist uses fresh, sterilised needles.As Bali puts it, “Your tattoo is for life. A couple of hazy weeks is nothing compared to years of wearing a clear, beautiful design.”

why your tattoo looks 'cloudy' during healing: experts demystify recovery process

Ishita Roy

ADHD medication may do more than improve focus — it’s linked to lower risks of suicide, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminality, according to a large Swedish study, highlighting benefits beyond symptom control and urging wider treatment awareness.

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Medication prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<span>ADHD</span>) not only helps them concentrate but may also reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminal activity, according to new research.

ADHD affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK. Globally, it impacts around 5 per cent of children and 2.5 per cent of adults. Despite its prevalence, in the UK just over half of those diagnosed receive medication for the condition.

<h2>Large-scale study tracks impact over two years</h2>

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from national health registers collected between 2007 and 2020. The study included 148,581 individuals aged six to 64 who were newly diagnosed with ADHD.

Of these, 57 per cent began drug treatment for ADHD, with methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed stimulant,  used by 88.4 per cent of those taking medication. The rest received no medication after diagnosis.

The study, published in the BMJ, examined how often participants experienced suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, accidental injuries, transport accidents, and criminal offences in the two years following their diagnosis.

<h2>Significant reductions in risky behaviours</h2>

After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education level, psychiatric history, and other health conditions, the researchers found notable benefits among those taking medication.

ADHD drug treatment was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in suicidal behaviour, a 15 per cent drop in substance misuse, a 12 per cent decline in transport accidents, and a 13 per cent reduction in criminality.

Although the reduction in first-time accidental injuries was not statistically significant, those with recurrent incidents saw improvements across all five areas. Among this group, medication was linked to a 15 per cent reduction in <span>suicide</span> attempts, a 25 per cent decrease in substance misuse, a 4 per cent drop in accidental injuries, a 16 per cent fall in transport accidents, and a 25 per cent reduction in criminality.

ADHD symptoms often include difficulty paying attention, high levels of activity, and impulsive behaviour. According to the NHS, stimulant medication works by increasing activity in certain brain areas that help control attention and regulate behaviour.

Study authors suggest that reducing impulsivity could lower the likelihood of aggressive acts, thereby cutting criminality rates. Improving attention may also reduce the risk of transport accidents by minimising distractions.

Samuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and one of the study’s authors, said more needs to be done to educate people on the long-term risks linked to untreated ADHD.

“Commonly people think ADHD is overdiagnosed but there are still many people who have ADHD that are not diagnosed, and many are exposed to these risks,” he said.

He added that while side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping can occur, they often improve over time or can be managed effectively.

The authors concluded that these findings should be considered in clinical decision-making and in public debates about ADHD medication. By improving attention and self-control, the drugs may help safeguard both health and social outcomes for those living with the condition.

adhd

health and wellness

suicide

adhd medicines

new study

Medication prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not only helps them concentrate but may also reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminal activity, according to new research.ADHD affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK. Globally, it impacts around 5 per cent of children and 2.5 per cent of adults. Despite its prevalence, in the UK just over half of those diagnosed receive medication for the condition.Large-scale study tracks impact over two yearsResearchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from national health registers collected between 2007 and 2020. The study included 148,581 individuals aged six to 64 who were newly diagnosed with ADHD.Of these, 57 per cent began drug treatment for ADHD, with methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed stimulant,  used by 88.4 per cent of those taking medication. The rest received no medication after diagnosis.The study, published in the BMJ, examined how often participants experienced suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, accidental injuries, transport accidents, and criminal offences in the two years following their diagnosis.Significant reductions in risky behavioursAfter adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education level, psychiatric history, and other health conditions, the researchers found notable benefits among those taking medication.ADHD drug treatment was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in suicidal behaviour, a 15 per cent drop in substance misuse, a 12 per cent decline in transport accidents, and a 13 per cent reduction in criminality.Although the reduction in first-time accidental injuries was not statistically significant, those with recurrent incidents saw improvements across all five areas. Among this group, medication was linked to a 15 per cent reduction in suicide attempts, a 25 per cent decrease in substance misuse, a 4 per cent drop in accidental injuries, a 16 per cent fall in transport accidents, and a 25 per cent reduction in criminality.Why these effects may occurADHD symptoms often include difficulty paying attention, high levels of activity, and impulsive behaviour. According to the NHS, stimulant medication works by increasing activity in certain brain areas that help control attention and regulate behaviour.Study authors suggest that reducing impulsivity could lower the likelihood of aggressive acts, thereby cutting criminality rates. Improving attention may also reduce the risk of transport accidents by minimising distractions.Need for better awarenessSamuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and one of the study’s authors, said more needs to be done to educate people on the long-term risks linked to untreated ADHD.“Commonly people think ADHD is overdiagnosed but there are still many people who have ADHD that are not diagnosed, and many are exposed to these risks,” he said.He added that while side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping can occur, they often improve over time or can be managed effectively.The authors concluded that these findings should be considered in clinical decision-making and in public debates about ADHD medication. By improving attention and self-control, the drugs may help safeguard both health and social outcomes for those living with the condition.

adhd medication may cut risks of suicide, substance misuse, and criminality, study finds

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How Spring Months Can Also Trigger Depressive Episodes

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From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

ADHD Medication May Cut Risks of Suicide, Substance Misuse, and Criminality, Study Finds

Why The Healthiest People Swear By Doing Less, Not More? Expert Explains

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From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

ADHD Medication May Cut Risks of Suicide, Substance Misuse, and Criminality, Study Finds

Why The Healthiest People Swear By Doing Less, Not More? Expert Explains