Core Viewpoint - The article addresses common misconceptions about mental health and treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding mental disorders and the role of both medication and therapy in treatment [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Group 1: Misconceptions about Psychological Treatment - Misconception 1: Psychological therapy is merely chatting; it is a structured, goal-oriented process requiring professional techniques [3]. - Misconception 2: Medication alone suffices for mental illness; combined treatment with therapy is more effective for conditions like depression and anxiety [4]. - Misconception 3: Psychiatric medications are addictive and impair cognitive function; most psychiatric drugs are non-addictive and help restore cognitive balance [5][6]. Group 2: Misunderstandings about Mental Disorders - Misconception 4: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is just a preference for cleanliness; it involves uncontrollable thoughts and behaviors that significantly disrupt daily life [7]. - Misconception 5: Anxiety disorders are just normal stress; they are persistent and can severely impact daily functioning [8]. - Misconception 6: All individuals with mental illness are violent; most mental disorders do not correlate with violent behavior [9]. Group 3: Stigmas and Awareness - Misconception 7: Simple encouragement can help those in mental distress; genuine understanding and professional help are necessary for effective support [10][11]. - Misconception 8: Children do not experience mental health issues; they can face various psychological problems that are often overlooked [12][13]. - Misconception 9: Memory loss and depression in the elderly are normal aging signs; these symptoms can indicate serious health issues that require medical attention [14][15].

Core Insights - The study led by scientists from Leipzig University demonstrates that mutations in the GRIN2A gene can cause mental disorders, marking it as the first known single gene responsible for such conditions [1][1][1] Summary by Categories Research Findings - The research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry analyzed data from 121 individuals with genetic variations in the GRIN2A gene [1] - Certain variants of the GRIN2A gene are associated not only with schizophrenia but also with other mental disorders [1] - Notably, some individuals affected by mental disorders only exhibit psychiatric symptoms, while GRIN2A mutations are typically linked to epilepsy or intellectual disabilities [1] Implications - The GRIN2A gene plays a crucial role in regulating the electrical excitability of nerve cells, with specific variants leading to reduced NMDA receptor activity, which is essential for brain signaling [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article addresses common misconceptions about psychiatry and mental health, emphasizing that mental disorders are a broad category encompassing various conditions beyond just schizophrenia, and that seeking help is a normal and necessary step towards recovery [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Misconceptions about Mental Health - Misconception 1: Mental illness is synonymous with schizophrenia, while in reality, it includes a wide range of disorders such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with schizophrenia being a rare condition at a lifetime prevalence of only 0.6% in China [3] - Misconception 2: Mental illness is a sign of personal weakness; however, it is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, and is linked to brain function abnormalities [4] - Misconception 3: Seeking psychiatric help is shameful; in fact, millions globally seek mental health services, and it is becoming a common health management choice [5][6] - Misconception 4: Only those who have experienced significant trauma develop mental illness; many patients have no history of major stressors, as biological factors often play a more significant role [7] - Misconception 5: Only introverted individuals suffer from depression; in reality, various factors contribute to mental illness, and both introverted and extroverted individuals can be affected [8] - Misconception 6: Depression is merely feeling sad; clinically, it is a serious disorder characterized by persistent low mood and can lead to severe consequences if untreated [9] - Misconception 7: Psychologists and psychiatrists are the same; they have different training and roles, with psychiatrists being medical doctors who can prescribe medication [10][11] - Misconception 8: Psychiatrists only prescribe medication; their role includes comprehensive diagnosis, treatment planning, and the potential for psychological therapy [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article aims to clarify common misconceptions about psychiatry and mental health, emphasizing that mental illnesses are complex medical conditions rather than personal weaknesses or character flaws [2][3][4]. Misconceptions about Mental Health - Misconception 1: Mental illness is synonymous with schizophrenia. In reality, schizophrenia is just one of many mental disorders, with more prevalent conditions being depression, anxiety, and insomnia. A 2019 epidemiological survey indicated that the lifetime prevalence of various mental disorders in China (excluding Alzheimer's disease) is 16.6%, with anxiety disorders at 7.6% and depression at 6.8% [3]. - Misconception 2: Mental illness reflects a lack of character strength. Mental disorders arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors, and are closely linked to brain function abnormalities. For instance, depression is associated with serotonin dysfunction, while schizophrenia relates to dopamine imbalance [4]. - Misconception 3: Seeking psychiatric help is shameful. This stigma often stems from misconceptions equating mental illness with insanity. Mental health issues exist on a spectrum, and seeking help is a step towards recovery [5]. - Misconception 4: Only those who have experienced significant trauma develop mental illnesses. The causes of mental disorders are complex, involving both biological and environmental factors. Many patients do not have a history of major trauma before their illness [8]. - Misconception 5: Only introverted or reclusive individuals suffer from depression. Depression results from multiple factors, and personality traits are just one aspect. Extroverted individuals can also experience mental health issues due to emotional exhaustion from maintaining a façade of positivity [9]. - Misconception 6: Depression is merely feeling sad or being overly sensitive. Clinically, depression (or depressive disorder) is characterized by persistent low mood and can lead to severe symptoms, including suicidal thoughts [11]. - Misconception 7: Psychologists and psychiatrists are the same. Psychiatrists are medical professionals who can diagnose and prescribe medication, while psychologists focus on emotional and behavioral issues without prescribing medication [12][13]. - Misconception 8: Psychiatrists only prescribe medication. Their role includes accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and potentially providing psychotherapy, making them comprehensive mental health care providers [14].

Group 1 - AI can assist in interpreting health check reports but should not be relied upon for authoritative diagnosis, as it may lack accuracy and context [1][2] - Anxiety disorders are real medical conditions that require proper treatment, rather than being dismissed as mere psychological weakness [2] - Vaccination schedules are scientifically determined and should not be delayed, as this can expose children to serious infectious diseases [3] Group 2 - Sunscreen is necessary even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage [4] - The primary method to prevent heatstroke is adequate hydration, rather than consuming saltwater, which can lead to health risks if overdone [5] - The gender of a fetus is determined by the sperm's chromosomes and is not influenced by the mother's diet or body pH levels [6]

Core Insights - Anxiety disorders are a widely prevalent mental health issue that often go unnoticed, with individuals taking a long time to recognize their struggles, indicating that simply "trying harder" is not a solution [1] Group 1: Public Awareness and Statistics - The recent public discussion around anxiety disorders was reignited by the admission of popular singer Eason Chan, who revealed his struggles with anxiety after a concert, highlighting the misconception that success and wealth eliminate the need for mental health support [2] - A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry in 2019 indicated that anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues in China, with an annual prevalence rate of 5.0% and a lifetime prevalence rate of 7.6% among adults [2] - Research from Harbin Medical University showed that the number of anxiety disorder patients in China reached 53.1 million in 2021, marking an increase of over 30% compared to 31 years ago [2] Group 2: Personal Experiences and Triggers - Personal accounts reveal that anxiety can stem from various life pressures, such as academic expectations and social integration challenges faced by students studying abroad [4][6] - Individuals often experience a cycle of anxiety where their self-imposed pressures and societal expectations exacerbate their mental health struggles, leading to physical symptoms and social withdrawal [10][12] - The fear of failure and uncertainty about the future are common triggers for anxiety, as illustrated by experiences of professionals facing job insecurity and financial pressures [16][20][35] Group 3: Coping Mechanisms and Recovery - Some individuals find that engaging in creative activities and establishing a sense of control over their lives can help alleviate anxiety symptoms, although complete recovery may not be achievable [15][26] - Regular psychological counseling and medication are common approaches, but their effectiveness can vary, with some individuals reporting minimal relief from medication side effects [18][22] - The transition to new environments or lifestyles, such as moving in with supportive partners or pursuing freelance work, can provide relief from anxiety by reducing external pressures [24][41]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in China, highlighting personal experiences and societal misconceptions surrounding mental health issues. Group 1: Prevalence and Impact of Anxiety Disorders - Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues in China, with an annual prevalence rate of 5.0% and a lifetime prevalence rate of 7.6% among adults [4] - As of 2021, the number of anxiety disorder patients in China reached 53.1 million, marking an increase of over 30% compared to 1990 [5] Group 2: Societal Misconceptions - There is a common misunderstanding that individuals with anxiety disorders lack resilience or social skills, which overlooks the societal factors contributing to mental health issues [3] - The societal perception of anxiety disorders often fails to recognize them as a product of the environment rather than solely individual experiences [3] Group 3: Personal Experiences with Anxiety - Individuals report that their anxiety often stems from overwhelming pressures, such as academic expectations and job-related stress, leading to a cycle of self-doubt and fear of failure [8][29] - The experiences shared illustrate how anxiety can manifest physically, affecting social interactions and daily functioning [15][17] Group 4: Coping Mechanisms and Recovery - Some individuals find that engaging in creative activities or changing their environment can help alleviate anxiety symptoms, suggesting that personal agency plays a role in managing mental health [20][37] - The article emphasizes the importance of recognizing the interplay between personal choices and external pressures in understanding and coping with anxiety [38][56]

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising prevalence of anxiety disorders in China, highlighted by singer Eason Chan's public admission of his struggles with anxiety [1][2] - It emphasizes the need for better diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders, which are often misdiagnosed or overlooked in clinical settings [5][6] Summary by Sections Prevalence and Impact - Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues in China, with a one-year prevalence rate of 5.0% and a lifetime prevalence rate of 7.6% among adults [1][3] - The number of anxiety disorder patients in China increased from 40.5 million in 1990 to 53.1 million in 2021, marking a 31.2% rise [1] Types and Symptoms - Anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, each requiring specific medical attention [2][3] - Common symptoms include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues [3][5] Diagnosis Challenges - The diagnostic process for anxiety disorders is often lengthy, requiring the exclusion of organic diseases that may present similar symptoms [5][7] - Many patients experience a lack of clear diagnosis, leading to frustration and self-doubt [5][6] Treatment Approaches - Effective treatment involves both medication and psychological therapy, with an emphasis on early intervention [10][11] - The article highlights the importance of social support from family and friends in the recovery process [11][12] Prevention Strategies - Preventive measures include cognitive adjustments, physical exercise, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle [12] - Understanding anxiety as a common response to stress can help reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant impact of high fructose consumption, particularly during early life, on neurodevelopment and the potential increase in anxiety disorders in adolescents. It highlights the mechanisms by which fructose affects microglial function and brain development, emphasizing the role of the GLUT5 protein in this process [1][3][11]. Group 1: Fructose Consumption and Health Implications - Fructose is a common sugar that has been widely used in food and beverages, often perceived as a "healthy sugar" due to its low glycemic index and high sweetness [1]. - Over the past 50 years, fructose consumption has surged, primarily due to the use of high fructose corn syrup in processed foods and drinks, which is linked to metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver [1][6]. - Excessive fructose intake has also been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and anxiety disorders, particularly among adolescents [1][6]. Group 2: Research Findings on Fructose and Neurodevelopment - A study published in Nature indicates that high fructose intake during early life impairs microglial phagocytosis and neurodevelopment, potentially leading to increased anxiety risk later in life [2][3][11]. - The research found that high fructose consumption significantly reduces the phagocytic activity of microglial cells in the brains of young mice, which is crucial for clearing dead neurons and ensuring proper brain development [5][7]. - The negative effects of high fructose on brain function are mediated by the GLUT5 protein, which is responsible for fructose transport into cells. The absence of GLUT5 can reverse the adverse effects of high fructose on microglial function [7][9]. Group 3: Implications for Dietary Habits - The findings suggest that early life exposure to high fructose may lead to cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behaviors during adolescence, highlighting the importance of dietary choices during pregnancy and early childhood [9][16]. - The research team is exploring fructose analogs as potential substitutes to mitigate the negative impacts of fructose in modern diets, acknowledging the challenges in changing dietary habits [12][13].