Abstract psychedelic image.
Drugs, Mental Health

Do psychedelics really work to treat depression and PTSD? Here’s what the evidence says

Early results from studies around the world have found psychedelic therapy might be effective for treating a range of psychological issues. However, as psychedelic research has grown, limitations of the research have been identified by researchers both within and outside the psychedelic field. One issue is that we aren’t sure whether findings might be due to a placebo effect, which occurs when a treatment works because people expect it to work.

Fitness, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Women's Health

Eating disorders are deadly: What are they, who’s at risk, and what can be done about it

Adolescence is also when eating disorders have the greatest negative effects on health. Five per cent of the general population in North America will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, but few people seek treatment. The prevalence of eating disorders and struggles to access help highlight the need to increase awareness and decrease stigma.

Picture of a woman doing sit-ups
Fitness, Mental Health, Wellness

Exercise is even more effective than counselling or medication for depression. But how much do you need?

We found the higher the intensity of exercise, the more beneficial it is. For example, walking at a brisk pace, instead of walking at usual pace. And exercising for six to 12 weeks has the greatest benefits, rather than shorter periods. Longer-term exercise is important for maintaining mental health improvements. When comparing the size of the benefits of exercise to other common treatments for mental health conditions from previous systematic reviews, our findings suggest exercise is around 1.5 times more effective than either medication or cognitive behaviour therapy.