I'm Dr. David Neubauer, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins. I'll be sharing my thoughts and opinions on a wide range of topics, focusing on depression, anxiety, sleep, and achieving good mental health. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:07:42 -0800 Yahoo! http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12856/for-healthy-brains-get-the-lead-out/ In addition to causing many other toxic effects throughout the body, lead exposure, in the nervous systems of children, can permanently impair mental development. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:07:42 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12758/anger-and-depression-can-omega-3-fatty-acids-help/ Controlled clinical studies of Omega-3 have shown some improvement in symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and attention. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 01:00:54 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12733/eat-fish-for-a-healthy-brain/ While fatty acids play an important role early on in the developing brain, they may also be important for brain and mental health throughout our lives. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:53:13 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12708/when-eating-right-goes-wrong/ Making an effort to eat healthier and then losing some weight can be very satisfying, and the lost weight becomes a good motivation to continue eating right. Some people with eating disorders, however, continue to lose weight past the point where it is healthy. For patients with anorexia nervosa, extreme weight loss can cause severe medical problems and sometimes can be fatal. Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:04:08 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12572/awake-or-asleep-defining-sleep-problems/ Insomnia becomes a problem when people are unable to sleep when they expect to sleep and when they suffer undesirable consequences because of their inadequate sleep time. Wed, 21 May 2008 21:19:19 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12522/does-talking-to-yourself-mean-youre-crazy/ A reader recently asked whether it was abnormal for people to talk to themselves. I don't believe there's anything unusual in someone speaking out loud to no one in particular, or when no one else is around. For some people, it's simply a habit; they may be using it to keep themselves organized, stay focused, and remind themselves what to do next. Wed, 14 May 2008 22:52:56 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12445/could-a-breast-cancer-treatment-help-bipolar-disorder/ Surprisingly, recent studies have suggested that a breast cancer therapy might also help with bipolar disorder. Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:30:13 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12404/poetry-good-for-your-state-of-mind/ No matter what you happen to be feeling, you can try expressing a moment's moods and sensations creatively, using combinations of words. Just start writing — don't think too hard. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:11:53 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12378/strokes-create-serious-depression-risk/ The depression that may follow a stroke is often more severe than would be expected, even after suffering a physical disability. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:07:39 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D. http://health.yahoo.com/experts/depression/12358/bipolar-disorder-test-not-ready-for-prime-time/ The identification of genes that may predispose someone to develop bipolar disorder is an exciting and important research area. However, the type of genetic testing being marketed to the public is highly premature and ill advised. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:46:25 -0800 David Neubauer, M.D.