Related Experiment Videos

Losing the symptoms: weight loss and decrease in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Kim Berg Johannessen1, Dorthe Berntsen

  • 1Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark. kimbej@psy.au.dk

Summary

Weight loss significantly reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in obese individuals. This study highlights a bidirectional relationship between PTSD and obesity, with weight loss improving mental health outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

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Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
Dissociative Disorders01:27

Dissociative Disorders

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Traumatic Memory01:20

Traumatic Memory

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Stress and Mental Health01:30

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Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

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