Gary Wenk Ph.D

1 month ago | psychologytoday.com | Gary Wenk Ph.D

A recent review of the literature found ample evidence that some sedative hypnotic drugs can cause vivid sexual hallucinations. The analysis discovered that sexual fantasies are most often associated with the use of benzodiazepines, propofol, nitric oxide, ether, chloroform, and ketamine. Health care professionals need to be aware of the potential risks to the patient and legal risks for themselves.

1 month ago | psychologytoday.com | Gary Wenk Ph.D

Today, medical science still has too little to offer individuals who suffer with mental illness. Current treatments are generally safe but are rarely completely effective for every patient. This situation is mainly due to our incomplete knowledge of the neural mechanisms of these illnesses. Historically, whenever there is a vacuum of ignorance about the best way to treat a mental illness, the void is quickly filled by pseudoscientific nonsense.

1 month ago | psychologytoday.com | Gary Wenk Ph.D

What if someone asks you, “How do you feel?” and you honestly don’t know the answer? One of the most significant indicators for many common mental disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, is called interoceptive dysfunction. Interoceptive means that you perceive, recognize, and understand your own emotions, moods, and mental well-being. Interoception is the act of paying attention to your body’s internal senses.

1 month ago | qoshe.com | Gary Wenk Ph.D

1 month ago | psychologytoday.com | Gary Wenk Ph.D

Drug-induced weight gain is a common problem for patients, especially those with severe mental illnesses who must take their medications indefinitely to reduce the risk of symptom relapse. Patients taking antipsychotics typically gain more than 10 pounds during the initial phase of treatment. The impact is usually dose-dependent, however, even low doses of some of the most prescribed drugs in this class caused significant weight gains.