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Behavioral problems in trauma-exposed youth linked to later smoking, drug and alcohol use and poor diet

Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2026

Lobbying trends in psychiatry and psychology

This economic evaluation characterizes U.S. lobbying spending in the mental health field from 2014 to 2024, revealing significant growth. The study highlights increasing lobbying efforts in psychiatry and psychology, suggesting a shift towards more prominent advocacy for mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2026

Psilocybin shows context-dependent effects on social behavior and inflammation in female mice modeling anorexia

Researchers found that psilocybin reduced novelty-seeking in control mice, but heightened it in anorexia model mice. Inflammation levels were also altered, contradicting expectations based on human studies. The study's findings have implications for understanding anorexia nervosa and the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalPsychedelics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2026

Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it

Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJan 14, 2026

Systematic review reveals psilocybin reduces obsessive-compulsive behaviors across clinical and preclinical evidence

A systematic review synthesizes clinical and preclinical evidence on psilocybin's effects on obsessive-compulsive behaviours, revealing consistent anti-compulsive effects in human patients and validated animal models. Single doses of psilocybin led to rapid symptom reductions in clinical populations.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalPsychedelics·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2025

New Pitt research suggests cellphone data could help clinicians identify and treat mental health disorders

Researchers found that cellphone sensor data can be linked to a wider array of mental disorder symptoms, including those not specific to any one condition. The study used statistical analysis to correlate sensor data with symptom dimensions, revealing correlations with both specific behaviors and a general p-factor marker.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2025

Global study of more than 100,000 young people latest to link early smartphone ownership with poorer mental health in young adults

A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Human Development and Capabilities·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

Social stress, problem-solving deficits contribute to suicide risk for teen girls

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teen girls who experience greater interpersonal stress and have difficulty solving interpersonal problems are at a higher risk of suicidal behavior. The research suggests that problem-solving deficits under distress may contribute to this link.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·DateMay 25, 2023

New research shows children exposed to natural disasters in the womb have higher rates of developmental psychopathology in a sex-specific manner

Researchers found that children prenatally exposed to Superstorm Sandy had substantially increased risks for depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorders. Male children had elevated risks for attention deficit and disruptive behavioral disorders, while female children had elevated risks for anxiety disorders.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

Problems persist for kids exposed to cannabis in the womb

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that children exposed to cannabis in the womb continue to exhibit increased signs of psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. The study, which followed over 10,500 children, revealed no significant changes in psychiatric condition rates as they aged into adolescence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 12, 2022

September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover combining molecular and neuroimaging measures, the promise of digital mental health and more

The September issues of American Psychiatric Association journals focus on combining molecular and neuroimaging measures to understand psychopathology and inform new treatment development. Featured research includes studies on early childhood psychotic experiences and schizophrenia imaging signatures.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 2, 2022

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP): A new model that addresses limitations of traditional taxonomies

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) proposes viewing mental health as a spectrum, rather than categorizing it. This system simplifies diagnosis by recognizing that most patients have co-occurring disorders and classifying psychopathology at multiple levels of hierarchy.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMar 24, 2017

Don't worry, be happy; just go to bed earlier

Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. The study suggests that improving sleep timing may be an effective intervention for reducing symptoms of internalizing disorders.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 5, 2014

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014

Positive effects of depression

A new study finds that depressed individuals perform better than non-depressed peers in sequential decision tasks, approximating an optimal strategy more closely. This discovery provides evidence that clinical depression may carry some benefits, which could help uncover its evolutionary roots and open avenues for treatment.

SourceClarkson University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateMay 4, 2011

Study finds similar personality types in male and female domestic violence perpetrators

A study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that subtypes of domestically violent men and women share similar personality traits and characteristics. The analysis of 567 civil psychiatric patients revealed three common subtypes among both genders, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

A healthy mind makes a healthy body in teens

A new study published in Applied Research in Quality of Life found that positive emotions and life satisfaction are strong predictors of physical health in teenagers. Researchers analyzed data from 401 students aged 12-14 and found that subjective well-being was a significant unique predictor of physical health outcomes.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateJul 8, 2010

British Academy Wiley prize in psychology

Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.

SourceWiley·DateApr 29, 2010