Can vaping trigger a hidden mental illness? The relationship is more complicated than a simple yes-or-no answer. Vaping is not proven to suddenly activate a psychiatric disorder that would otherwise remain permanently hidden, but nicotine dependence, withdrawal, disrupted sleep, chronic stress, and exposure to THC or other substances may worsen psychological symptoms or make an … Read more
Kate Spade was an influential American fashion designer and entrepreneur whose colorful, optimistic designs helped create an internationally recognized brand. Behind her successful public image, however, Spade experienced significant mental health challenges. Following her death by suicide in 2018, her husband publicly shared that she had struggled with depression and anxiety for years and had … Read more
Carrie Fisher was an accomplished actress, writer, and mental-health advocate who became internationally recognized for portraying Princess Leia in Star Wars. Behind her successful career, Fisher openly experienced significant challenges with bipolar disorder and substance addiction, including problems involving cocaine and prescription medications. Rather than hiding these struggles, she eventually spoke candidly about her diagnosis, … Read more
Zayn Malik, internationally known as a former member of One Direction and a successful solo artist, has spoken publicly about significant mental health challenges, particularly anxiety and periods of disordered eating. His experiences developed within an environment of intense fame, demanding schedules, public scrutiny, performance pressure, and limited personal control. Malik has also discussed alcohol … Read more
Elizabeth Taylor was one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, but behind her extraordinary career and glamorous public image were significant personal and health challenges. Throughout her life, she experienced serious medical problems, chronic pain, multiple surgeries, emotional stress, and publicly documented struggles involving alcohol and prescription drugs. Eventually, Taylor sought professional treatment at the Betty … Read more
The history of OxyContin has become one of the most significant case studies in public health, pharmaceutical ethics, and addiction medicine. Introduced in 1996 as an extended-release formulation of oxycodone for the management of moderate to severe pain, OxyContin was widely promoted through an aggressive commercial marketing strategy that expanded its use beyond traditional pain … Read more
Lady Gaga has become one of the most influential voices in raising awareness about mental health by openly sharing her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. Throughout her career, she has discussed how traumatic experiences affected both her emotional and physical well-being while … Read more
Demi Lovato’s public journey with addiction and mental health challenges has brought greater awareness to the complex relationship between substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Throughout their career, Lovato has openly discussed struggles with alcohol and drug misuse, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and self-harm. By sharing these experiences, Lovato has helped reduce … Read more
Stimulants are medications and illicit substances that increase activity in the central nervous system, producing effects such as increased alertness, energy, attention, and wakefulness. Prescription stimulants are commonly used to treat conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while illicit stimulants, including cocaine and methamphetamine, have a high potential for misuse. Although prescription stimulants … Read more
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a critical role in ensuring that medications used to treat substance use disorders are safe, effective, and manufactured to high-quality standards before they become available to patients. Addiction medications, including those used to treat opioid, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders, undergo years of scientific research, laboratory testing, … Read more