Electroconvulsive therapy still has a stigma, with the reputation of being a painful, disturbing procedure that wipes out memories and, if movies are to be believed, even creates zombies. Experts explain the reality—that ECT is a quiet procedure that provokes a short brain seizure, releasing huge amounts of neurotransmitters to reset the brain in what is the quickest and most dependable treatment for severe and often suicidal depression.

Lung transplants are the least done of all major organ transplants because the lungs are so easily damaged in the death process. A lung transplant surgeon explains, using one particularly difficult case as an example.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 26, 2020 including: Evidence is piling up that face masks cut the risk of getting COVID-19 by up to 65 percent. Then, a study finds that, at least in the laboratory, a common asthma drug can prevent the formation of tangles. Then, A study finds that cord blood helps some children with autism improve their social communication skills. And finally, if you feel especially insecure about your romantic partner… it may be all in your genes.

State and local public health officials have been under pressure like never before in the COVID-19 pandemic, as citizens and elected officials push back against tough restrictions designed to curb the virus. Some officials have even been threatened. Feeling their bosses don’t have their backs, a higher proportion of officials are quitting than normal, and these essential jobs will be hard to fill with qualified health experts.

Mental health experts once believed that children were too young to remember traumas well enough to suffer much from post-traumatic stress disorder. Now they know that children as young as 2 or 3 can be affected, often for the rest of their lives. An expert discusses PTSD in children and its treatment.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 19, 2020 including: Do-it-yourself COVID swabs could be just as accurate as those taken by a medical professional. Then, researchers say access to air conditioning is far more important than officials have planned for... especially when some people are still in isolation. And finally, for many people, one casualty of the coronavirus pandemic has been the grocery store they used to shop at.

Osteoporosis is increasing as America ages. However, fewer people are being tested for bone density and are agreeing to treatment because of side effects of osteoporosis medications. Experts discuss the devastating effects of increased broken bones and what can now be done to prevent them.

Doctors already say they’re burned out, but the COVID-19 pandemic is making it worse. A noted physician educator discusses how burnout starts with the way future doctors are taught.

A look at the top medical headlines for the week of July 12, 2020 including: An analysis showing states that stuck to tough shelter in place rules are now recovering. Then, your blood type could be a more factor that can raise your risk of contracting coronavirus. And finally, Americans are less happy than they’ve been in at least 50 years. Scientists at the University of Chicago have been surveying happiness nationwide since 1972… and the results have never been worse.

Therapists report an increase in orthorexia, a not-yet recognized eating disorder where people become fixated on eating only healthy things and/or exercising hours per day. It can take over an afflicted person’s life and result in physical symptoms much like anorexia. Experts discuss diagnosis and treatment.