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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that includes a combination of problems, “such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior,” per Mayo Clinic.
The path to a diagnosis can vary significantly. While some people exhibit symptoms early in life, others, like Jennifer Salzman, may not be diagnosed until adulthood.
That’s why Salzman, who goes by @rebelwithoutadrink on TikTok, uses her social media platform to educate her followers about this often-overlooked condition.
This week, the TikToker shared a video about three “defining” ADHD characteristics that everyone “overlooks”.
Watch the clip below:An interest-based nervous systemJennifer cited ADHD specialist, Dr William Dodson, sharing: “ADHD doesn’t actually cause a deficit of attention, it causes inconsistent attention that is only activated by certain circumstances. Interest, passion, novelty, challenge, or urgency.”
Medcircle further explained this trait in a report, noting that those diagnosed with ADHD often prioritize interesting tasks over important ones – even when the latter has consequences or deadlines.
They also gain greater satisfaction from completing difficult assignments that align with their personal interests.
Emotional hyper-arousalThe creator explained that emotional hyper-arousal is having an “Intense, rapid, overwhelming emotional responses to things” – a defining characteristic Salzman says she exhibited for years before her diagnosis.
Dr. Dodson opened up about this further in ADDtitude magazine, explaining that ADHD causes an “internal feeling of hyperarousal” in some people, making it difficult for them to relax, even during simple activities like watching television.
“People with ADHD have passionate thoughts and emotions that are more intense than those of the average person. Their highs are higher and their lows are lower. This means you may experience both happiness and criticism more powerfully than your peers and loved ones do,” he added.
Rejection sensitivityIndividuals with the condition often demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to rejection.
“That feeling of intense emotional pain whenever we feel like we’re being criticized or rejected,” the Tiktoker explained.
Dr. Dodson elaborated that rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) can also be triggered by a “sense of falling short—failing to meet their own high standards or others’ expectations”.
This emotion can lead to “a full, major mood disorder complete with suicidal ideation”, which can be misdiagnosed as a “rapid cycling mood disorder”.
Many of Salzman’s followers were left stunned by the three defining traits and took to the comment section to share their responses.
“Um you just described my entire personality,” one user said, while another added: “You just defined me. Diagnosed late in life.”
What is Progeria? As tributes pour in for TikTok star Beandri Booysen who has sadly died aged 19
Beandri Booysen, a South African TikTok star known for her heartwarming videos and inspiring spirit, has sadly passed away at the age of 19 after living with the rare condition known as Progeria.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, confirmed the news on Wednesday, December 18, in a touching Facebook post shared in the “Beandri, Our Inspiration” group, which the family started 15 years ago.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” Bea wrote in the post, titled “In Loving Memory of Beandri Booysen”.
Bea noted that Beandri was the last known individual in South Africa living with Progeria, officially known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).
She requested privacy for the family during this difficult time and promised to provide details of Beandri’s memorial service in the coming days.
What is Progeria?
Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome) is an extraordinarily rare genetic disorder that results in rapid aging in children, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
While newborns with the condition typically appear healthy at birth, signs of premature aging begin to manifest within the first one to two years of life. As their growth rate slows, they fail to gain weight as expected, even as their cognitive development remains typical for their age.
The condition – although rare – can affect anyone. It is typically caused by a new (de novo) genetic mutation in the LMNA gene, meaning there is no prior biological family history of the disorder. The LMNA gene is responsible for the body’s production of a protein called lamin A.
Instead, an abnormal version of the protein called progerin is created instead. Progerin disrupts the stability of the body’s cell nuclei, making them less secure and more prone to damage over time. This cellular instability accumulates, leading to the premature aging and associated complications seen in individuals with progeria.
Children with progeria develop unique physical traits that differentiate them from their peers, including:
- Hair loss (baldness).
- Prominent eyes.
- Aged, wrinkled skin.
- A thin, beaked nose.
- Disproportionately small face compared to the size of their head.
- Loss of fat beneath the skin.
The name “progeria” is derived from the Greek word “geras”, meaning “old age.” The most well-known form of the disorder is Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), named after Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson and Dr. Hastings Gilford, who first described the disease in the late 19th century.
Progeria is always fatal, with the average age of death being 14.5 years. However, some individuals with the condition have lived into their early 20s. Death is most often caused by complications of severe atherosclerosis, the same type of heart disease that affects millions of aging adults, but at a significantly younger age in children with progeria.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up within the walls of the arteries, making them stiffer and less elastic. This can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Although there is no cure for progeria, a drug called lonafarnib has shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease.
Progeria is exceptionally rare, occurring in approximately 1 in every 4 million live births worldwide. Currently, about 400 children and young adults around the globe are living with the condition.
As of September 2024, the Progeria Research Foundation (PRF) has identified 17 children living with HGPS in the United States, which equates to an average prevalence of approximately 1 in 20 million.
The condition is often confirmed with a genetic blood test.
Tributes Pour in for Beandri
Beandri touched the lives of many through her TikTok account, where her videos resonated with over 278,000 followers. Known for her positive outlook and resilience, her posts often received praise from fans inspired by her strength.
Following the news of her passing, a tribute video shared on TikTok quickly gained over 300,000 views by Thursday, December 19. The caption read, “WE ALREADY MISS YOU SO MUCH.”
Messages of support and condolences poured in across social media platforms.
“RIP LITTLE ANGEL WHO MADE A BIG IMPACT,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Prayers for the family for the loss of such a precious little young lady.”
“So sad. What an inspiration she was,” someone else shared. “Fly high with the angels sweet girl.”
Earlier in the year, Beandri had undergone heart surgery on Oct. 8, as her mother shared in an emotional update thanking fans for their prayers and encouragement. Despite the challenges, Bea later revealed that Beandri’s heart had stopped, prompting an outpouring of support from their community.
Beandri Booysen’s story touched the hearts of thousands, and her legacy as a source of inspiration and hope will not be forgotten. Memorial details will be shared by the family in due course.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Booysen’s family, friends, and supporters around the world at this time.
Identical twins reveal surprising results after one used botox for 20 years while the other didn’t
A pair of identical twins have shown us surprising results after one of them used Botox for 20 years while the other didn’t.
Now, Botox has become somewhat of a staple within society over the past decade or so.
While a lot of people were already getting ahead of the trend, it seems as though there is still an ongoing discussion about the pros and cons of the beauty procedure.
One study conducted on a set of identical twins might be able to give us a better insight into it all.
William J. Binder conducted the research on two women known as Twin 1 and Twin 2, one of which had been receiving regular treatments of Botox on the forehead and glabellar region (between the eyebrows) approximately two to three times each year, while the other, had undergone minimal work.
The check-in happened over a period of 13 years, initially starting in 2006.
Before-and-after pictures were taken of both women, and it was reported that Twin 2 (right) had noticeably smoother skin and lighter wrinkles on her forehead, while Twin 1 (left), who had only received a couple of Botox shots in her life, had deeper forehead lines, as well as ‘crow’s feet’ lines which became visible when she smiled.
Crow’s feet were less noticeable when the regularly treated twin smiled (even at 7 months after treatment) than when the minimally treated twin smiled.
As for the nasolabial folds, neither twin received any Botox injections in the lower half of the face, and the nasolabial folds in Twin 2 were at least as noticeable at rest as those in Twin 1.
This points to the idea that the lack of direct treatments most likely helped to keep that area in a similar condition, with only the natural process of aging affecting it.
“…The differences between the twins in the severity of their forehead and glabellar lines are attributable to the difference in the number of Botox treatments that each received over a long period of time (rather than a greater propensity for skin aging in the minimally treated twin),” the study stated.
In 2012, Binder followed up on the study to gain further insight into the impacts of Botox around the time the twins were 44 years old.
Twin 2 began her regular Botox injections and revealed even more differences between the sisters, showing that she had less noticeable wrinkles around her mouth compared to Twin 1.
Twin 1 (right) also appeared to have a fuller jaw, though it’s unclear whether Botox was a factor in this outcome.
There were other factors that were taken into consideration including the fact that Twin 1 lived in Munich, Germany, while Twin 2 lived in Los Angeles, California.
However, they both worked indoors and used sunscreen when they went outside. Other than the Botox, neither twins had any other treatment to alter the condition of the skin.
“Regarding the aesthetic quality of their skin, consistent long-term treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA [Botox] seems to be the only major difference in the lives of these twins,” Binder concluded.
“With long-term treatment, the patient may become used to having little, if any, need or ability to contract the target muscle and may eventually ‘learn’ to avoid even trying to contract it,” he continued.
“It is also thought that, by relieving the mechanical pressure of chronic muscle contraction in this way, dermal remodeling may be facilitated,” Binder added.
Expert reveals why you hear your heartbeat in your ear when you lie on your pillow
Ever lie down, only to notice the steady rhythm of your heartbeat echoing in your ear? While it might seem strange, hearing your heartbeat through your pillow is actually pretty common—and usually harmless.
Dr. Anthony Youn, a board-certified plastic surgeon from Detroit, explained on TikTok why this happens. “If, every once in a while, you’re lying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow,” he says.
The carotid arteries, located on either side of your neck, carry blood to your brain and neck. When you lie on your side, the artery can press against the pillow, and in a quiet environment, the sound of blood pulsing becomes more noticeable. Most of the time, this isn’t anything to worry about.
But if the noise becomes persistent—occurring even when you’re sitting or standing—it could be a sign of something called pulsatile tinnitus.
This condition involves hearing a rhythmic sound that matches your pulse. Unlike the high-pitched ringing associated with more common forms of tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus feels more like a “whooshing” or “thumping” sound.
Dr. Youn warns, “But if you’re hearing your heart beating all the time when you’re lying on your side, or especially when you’re standing up, then it could be pulsatile tinnitus.”
There are several potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus, ranging from high blood pressure to irregular blood vessel structures.
It can also result from increased awareness of blood flow in the ears. While the condition is usually benign, it’s essential to rule out more serious underlying problems.
“Although it’s usually benign, there are some potentially concerning causes, so it’s best to see your doctor,” Youn said.
So, what should you do if this happens to you? If you only notice the sound occasionally when lying down, there’s likely no need to worry. However, if it becomes persistent or interferes with your daily life, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
A doctor can assess your symptoms and, if necessary, run tests to check for conditions like high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities.
Hearing your heartbeat through your pillow can be unnerving, but understanding the cause can provide peace of mind. Stay informed, and if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
Expert reveals what it means if you have to pee moments after you’ve just urinated
Have you ever felt the urge to want to go to the toilet even though you’ve just been? It can be frustrating but there might be a reason behind it.
Known in the healthcare industry as “frequent urination,” there could be five main reasons why this happens, according to Business Insider.
Drinking excessive fluids or irritantsOne of the main reasons this could be happening might be related to what you’re putting into your body. From drinking excessive amounts of liquid to consuming bladder-irritating foods, there’s a host of things to look out for.
According to Dr. Courtenay Moore, a urologist and clinical associate professor of urology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, some things that can cause irritation are acidic fruits or fruit juices, alcohol, fizzy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, and spicy foods.
So what can you do to stop this from happening?
The quickest and easiest thing to do, according to Moore, is to limit how many of the “irritating” foods and drinks you’re having in your daily diet.
It is also advised to try drinking smaller amounts of liquid throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once, as this can put pressure on your bladder rather than gradually filling it up.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)The next underlying reason for needing to pee frequently, even after you’ve just been, could be related to a urinary tract infection.
Now, if you’ve ever had the displeasure of experiencing this common but annoying bacterial infection, then you know just how irritating they can be.
Dr. Ramesh Krishnan, a urologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group, has previously emphasized that UTIs can cause inflammation in the bladder, which in turn causes the bladder to become overactive.
Other symptoms can also range from painful urination, pressure in the abdomen or pelvis, and pee that’s bloody, cloudy, or smelly.
In terms of treatment, UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Drinking extra fluids can also help to flush the infection out of the area.
Overactive bladderHaving a generally overactive bladder can also increase the amount one needs to go to the toilet.
While it is considered normal to be going to the toilet between six to eight times a day, if you’re having to go more than that, then you’ve probably got an overactive bladder, if it’s not anything else on this list.
To confirm this, a healthcare professional would need to identify the underlying cause – whether it be Bladder obstructions, hormonal changes or the introduction of new medication – before they could work on the appropriate treatment.
Interstitial cystitisThe next reason can be related to something known as interstitial cystitis.
Business Insider states that interstitial cystitis sometimes referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is a “chronic condition that results in pain in the pelvic region and frequent urination.”
As per Moore’s advice, many of those who experience this sensation find relief when they go to the toilet as the pressure builds up over time as their bladder fills up.
The pain can range from mild to severe but in the most extreme cases, Moore says some people may even go to the bathroom about 50 times a day.
The condition is much more common in women than men, experts say.
There isn’t a particular treatment for this one, but it can be managed better using tactics such as pelvic physical therapy, botox injections into the bladder, and dietary modification to avoid bladder irritants.
Prostate issuesAnd one of the final reasons some people need to pee just after they’ve gone to the toilet could be a prostate issue.
In men, prostate issues, particularly an enlarged prostate, can cause frequent urges to pee, Krishnan told the outlet, noting that it could be related to signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Other symptoms include peeing in the middle of the night, trouble emptying the bladder, and having a weak flow of pee.
So there we have it.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any of the above, please seek medical advice from a trained professional.
An identical twin went vegan for 12 weeks and the other ate meat to see how it affected their bodies
Now, experts have long preached the importance of a balanced, healthy diet.
From colorful fruits and veggies to legumes and grains and of course, the world’s current health obsession protein, we’ve been told that a balanced diet is key to living a long and fulfilling life.
While most people generally take this advice on board, a set of identical twins decided to put it to the test by embarking on two different types of diets.
Hugo and Ross Turner wanted to see if eating different foods would alter their bodies physically as well as impact their mental state.
They tested a vegan diet versus a meat diet over a period of 12 weeks in the hopes that they would be able to see which one had the better outcome.
So they controlled what they could – their DNA, the amount of calories they consumed, and the amount of exercise that they did – and Hugo vowed to strictly eat vegan for the duration of the experiment while Ross stuck to a diet that included meat, dairy, and fish.
In an interview with the BBC, the pair opened up about the results of the test as well as any difficulties they may have faced.
“I think the first couple of weeks it was really craving and wanting meat and dairy and cheese. I love cheese,” Hugo said, noting that his body definitely took a “hit” when he first embarked on the diet.However, he later added he saw the benefits of giving up animal products.
“I was now having to eat fruit and nuts and alternatives that didn’t have any dairy in them – and so that meant I was eating a lot more wholesome food, which meant that my sugar levels were a lot more satiated during the day,” he explained. “I felt like I had more energy.”
While also losing weight and boosting his resistance to type 2 diabetes, Hugo also saw his cholesterol levels drop “off the scale.”
However, there were some downsides to the diet too, as it affected his gut bacteria.
The gut microbiome should be filled with a diverse range of healthy bacteria to keep everything running smoothly in the area, but Hugo discovered that the levels dropped “severely” due to the limited foods he was eating.
Ross, on the other hand, stated that his days were a little bit more unpredictable.
He said that on some days he felt “energetic”, while on others he experienced “huge lulls.”
Ross also put on 10 pounds of muscle but gained fat, bringing his end body fat percentage up from 13 to 15 percent whereas Hugo lost one percent of his overall body fat.
In a 12-week period, both men found that there wasn’t “a huge difference if any” between the two diets.
