Clinical Psychology
Articles tagged with Clinical Psychology
People who score higher on autistic traits may be more likely to label their feelings as a way of coping with uncertainty
Research at Nagoya University suggests that individuals with higher autistic traits use labeling as a way to cope with uncertainty, reducing emotional stress. The study found a link between autistic traits and lower anxiety levels when people are able to put their feelings into words.
Beyond acute-phase support: how “ibasho” aids disaster mental health recovery
Researchers propose that ibasho, community-led spaces of belonging and social purpose, support long-term recovery and resilience. By restoring routines, roles, and neighborhood connections, ibasho helps individuals regain stability, dignity, and a sense of purpose after disasters.
New UH tool measures whether lactating mothers’ psychological needs are being met
Hasanuddin University study outlines protocol for a community-driven approach to prevent adolescent female suicide
Scientists finally see inside the ‘black box’ of depression treatment
New Nature Scientific Reports study challenges the inevitability of cognitive decline and proves brain gain is possible at any age
Digital therapy outperforms referrals to campus clinics among college students
A digital therapy app was found to be more effective in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders among college students compared to traditional campus clinics. The study, which tested the app's effectiveness over six months, showed a significant increase in symptom-free students and services uptake.
Better cognition tied to higher relapse risk after depression remission
A new study with over 3,700 UK participants found that better cognitive functioning may be associated with a higher risk of future depressive episodes in those with a history of depression. In contrast, worse cognitive performance was linked to a lower risk of relapse in both individuals with previous depression and control participants.
Stereotypes of autism in TV and film may be linked to delayed diagnosis, Stirling study finds
Researchers found that portrayals in media lacked diversity, often focusing on white, socially awkward male characters. Autistic participants felt that such portrayals were exaggerated and simplified, limiting public understanding and self-understanding.
Lesions as a window into cause: a psychiatrist bets that circuits, not regions, explain psychiatric disorders
Gonçalo Cotovio uses lesion network mapping to identify the circuits responsible for psychiatric symptoms, aiming to develop personalized brain stimulation treatments. His work has produced striking findings in mania and obsessive-compulsive disorder, with ambitions to extend to disordered feeding behavior.
The boy on the balcony who never came outside
Dr. Dilek Colak's journey began with a childhood observation of a boy with mental illness, which inspired her to pursue a career in neuroscience. Her current work focuses on understanding autism and schizophrenia through the study of human brain organoids.
Brain Health emergency: Microplastic burden in the human brain now linked to stroke and dementia, with apheresis emerging as the first plausible removal pathway
A study finds microplastics in the human brain associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. Apheresis, a medical treatment, is proposed as a potential removal method for microplastics from the body.
Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental-health issues
A study by Kelsie Forbush and colleagues used Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology to better understand how psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are connected. The findings suggest that HiTOP's symptom dimensions may support more precise, personalized mental health care.
Marker of biological aging linked to cognitive symptoms of depression
Researchers found that accelerated biological aging of a type of white blood cell called monocytes is linked to cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment for depression, particularly in high-risk populations such as women with HIV.
Paul and Shelia Schlosberg Family Foundation champions military brain health with landmark $3 million contribution
The Paul and Shelia Schlosberg Family Foundation has donated $3 million to the Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters initiative at Center for BrainHealth. This gift aims to boost cognitive resilience among U.S. Special Operations Command operators, veterans, and their families.
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS): Mechanisms and clinical applications in neuropsychiatric disorders
tACS modulates brain oscillations, induces synaptic plasticity, and regulates neurotransmitter release to alleviate symptoms of various neuropsychiatric conditions. Personalized approaches are essential for treatment efficacy.
How do patients’ relatives and friends view the benefits and harms of electroconvulsive therapy?
A survey of 286 relatives and friends found that 45% experienced improvement, while 42% saw worsening symptoms. Many reported memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and relationship problems after ECT.
Preschool children born with heart defects have greater risk of developing behavioral problems
A recent study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics has found that preschool children born with heart defects are at a greater risk of developing behavioral problems, including ADHD and peer relationship issues. The study suggests that a cognitively stimulating home environment may help reduce this risk.
Pediatric investigation study reveals urbanization shapes mental health of youth in China
A recent study found that children from rural China are more prone to emotional issues, while urban children show more behavioral problems. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and underscore the impact of environment on mental health outcomes.
University of Houston psychologist reveals how distraction breaks memory
Researchers at the University of Houston found that distraction disrupts memory consolidation primarily due to demands on central executive processing. To improve short-term memory, focus attention on a task for a few seconds before switching, and avoid multitasking.
Using a new online mental health tool just once boosts teenagers’ hope and emotional wellbeing
A digital single-session intervention (SSI) has been shown to meaningfully improve young people's sense of hope and control over their lives. The tool provides short, accessible and evidence-based psychological support and wellbeing activities, increasing feelings of hope and self-agency while reducing feelings of being out of control.
Scientists engineer a tool to “edit” brain circuits and enhance memory
Researchers develop molecular tool called SynTrogo, which enables selective dismantling of synaptic connections in brain circuits. By harnessing astrocytes, the system reduces synapse number while strengthening remaining connections, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and improved memory.
Loneliness affects memory in older adults but does not accelerate brain decline, major international longitudinal study suggests
A major European study found that loneliness affects the memory of older adults, but does not speed up mental decline over time. Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on initial memory tests, but their ability to recall information declined at a similar rate as those with lower loneliness levels.
Music and traffic noise make our imagination more vivid
A study from Murdoch University found that both music and traffic noise can make people's imagination more vivid. Music was particularly effective in creating positive and emotional journeys, while adding traffic noise somewhat dampened this effect.
Binghamton University graduate programs draw national attention in new ranking
Binghamton University has seen significant improvements in its graduate school rankings, with nearly three dozen programs earning national recognition. The university's Systems Science and Industrial Engineering program has been named the #31 Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate program in the US.
Research uses AI to examine social exchanges and interactions
A new study analyzed thousands of textual descriptions of two-person social interactions using generative AI, resulting in a comprehensive taxonomy of categories. The findings provide a data-driven framework for understanding the structure of social situations, including associations with conflict, power, and duty.
What does it mean to be well? Landmark research delivers building blocks for good mental health
The study brings clarity to the field by agreeing on 19 dimensions of mental wellbeing, including six essential factors that define positive mental health. Positive mental health is separate from mental illness and involves emotional wellbeing, psychological functioning, and social connection.
Mental and physical illnesses go hand in hand. A new genetic study helps explain why
A recent genetic study analyzing DNA from 2 million people found that similar chunks of DNA are associated with both psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD, as well as various physical ailments. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments that address both mental and physical health.
First-of-its-kind study shows AI risk prediction tools in psychiatry can reinforce systemic bias
A new study from CAMH reveals that AI models used to predict aggressive incidents in psychiatric care can amplify existing social and structural inequities. The model showed higher false positive rates for Black and Middle Eastern individuals, men, and those with unstable housing, potentially leading to more distress and loss of trust.
Hearing loss makes it harder for cognitively impaired older adults to walk and think simultaneously
A study by Concordia University found that individuals with hearing loss exhibit worse dual-task performance, including slower walking and less stable gait. Exercise and cognitive training can improve these outcomes, but the effects vary by sex and severity of hearing loss.
Legacy Investment boosts mental health education at University of Houston
The University of Houston is strengthening its behavioral health programs with a $1.6 million gift from IntraCare North Hospital, supporting social work and nursing scholarships. This investment addresses Texas' critical shortage of mental health professionals, enabling the next generation of experts to serve communities in need.
Smartphone app developed by mental health researchers improves mental habits and functioning in randomized trial
A randomized trial tested HabitWorks, a smartphone app offering personalized exercises to target interpretation bias. Participants reported significant improvements in interpretation bias, functioning, and overall mental health symptom severity.
When the nervous system starves the brain: Autonomic dysfunction unmasked as a hidden driver of treatment-resistant depression
A study published in Brain Medicine suggests autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic and sympathetic imbalances, contributes to depressive symptoms in patients unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Low-dose medications targeting these imbalances may offer a new approach to treatment.
Simple blood test could spot dementia years earlier, research shows
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Burnout may lead family doctors to leave medicine
Family physicians experiencing burnout are more likely to change practices or stop practicing entirely, with 43.5% reporting burnout in a recent study. This can lead to poorer patient outcomes, including increased ER visits and lower care satisfaction.
Toward strategies for extending ketamine’s antidepressant effects
Researchers identified NOX-1 as a key molecular target to prolong ketamine's therapeutic benefits. Combining ketamine with NOX-1 inhibitors significantly extended its antidepressant-like effects. K-4, a novel AMPAR modulator, also showed rapid antidepressant effects that persisted for at least 2 weeks.
Rethinking dementia: New book argues attention — not memory — may be the earliest warning sign
A new book by Swansea University researchers argues that attention impairments, rather than memory dysfunction, are a key aspect of dementia. The authors suggest that recognizing these changes could lead to earlier identification, improved diagnosis, and better care for those affected.
TikTok’s mental health ‘minefield’
A systematic review of social media platforms reveals that TikTok contains a substantial proportion of misleading information about mental health and neurodivergence, with higher rates of misinformation than other platforms. The study emphasizes the importance of credible sources and evidence-based content to combat spreading false ide...
A sea slug taught her how the brain works, and she never looked back
Dr. Phillips's laboratory identifies abnormalities in prefrontal-striatal-limbic circuitry as biomarkers for bipolar disorder before symptoms appear. Her team tracks neural network development from infancy through young adulthood.
Brief interventions reduce risk of renewed suicide attempt
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that brief interventions after a suicide attempt can significantly reduce re-attempts. Participants who received these interventions were 28% less likely to attempt suicide again than those receiving usual medical care.
A comprehensive review charts how psychiatry could finally diagnose what it actually treats
Emerging research across conceptual frameworks, biomarker science, digital phenotyping, and artificial intelligence synthesizes a translational pathway toward a more biologically grounded and clinically useful approach to psychiatric diagnosis. The current system falls short due to standardized clinical language and lack of biological ...
Study finds depression, suicidal ideation among college students increased over past 15 years
A study analyzing health survey data from over 560,000 US college students found that depression symptoms have steadily increased, especially among women, minorities, and students experiencing financial stress. Suicidal ideation also rose across all demographic groups, with the highest increase seen in this symptom.
Nearly half of UK adults happy to use ChatGPT as a counsellor, study finds
A new study suggests that over 40% of UK adults are happy to use ChatGPT for mental health support due to long waiting times for traditional services. However, experts caution that AI should not replace human healthcare professionals and raise concerns about the potential impact on education and physical health.
Rethinking how we measure recovery from substance use
Researchers propose a new measure for recovery from substance use, recognizing incremental progress, to reduce stigma and improve quality of life. The study found strong associations between proportion of remission and quality-of-life measures, suggesting a paradigm shift in how recovery is measured.
Genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed, massive Swedish study reveals
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
Pilot clinical trial suggests low dose lithium may slow verbal memory decline
A pilot clinical trial suggests that low-dose oral lithium may help slow the decline of verbal memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with evidence of amyloid beta. The study found that participants receiving lithium showed a slower rate of decline on a sensitive test of verbal memory.
Why does chronic back pain make everyday sounds feel harsher? Brain imaging study points to a treatable cause
A new study from CU Anschutz links chronic back pain to heightened brain responses to everyday sounds and finds that Pain Reprocessing Therapy can improve sensory amplification. The research found specific brain changes associated with sound hypersensitivity, which can be treated with psychological therapy.
Eye tests reveal brain trauma more than a decade after concussions
Researchers found that veterans with prior concussions showed slower and less accurate eye movements, along with reduced performance on attention-based tasks. These subtle brain changes can be measured more than a decade after the original injury.
Does mental health affect mortality risk in adults with cancer?
A recent study published in CANCER found that adults with cancer who developed mental health conditions within the first year after diagnosis had a significantly higher likelihood of dying over the next few years. The analysis of data from University of California-affiliated hospitals revealed a 51% increased risk of death among those ...
A depression treatment that once took eight weeks may work just as well in one
Researchers found that a condensed brain stimulation therapy, known as '5x5' TMS, produced comparable results to the standard six-week course of treatment. Patients who showed little improvement immediately after finishing their five-day course still benefited significantly in the weeks that followed.
Study Finds Online Racism Associated With Black Young Adults Seeking Mental Health Support
A new study found that Black young adults experiencing high levels of online racism are more likely to use digital mental health tools. The research also showed that these individuals were more likely to engage in online mental health communication, regardless of their anxiety or depression symptoms.
GoMo Health launches The Brain Gym program during BrainHealth Week 2026, in partnership with Center for BrainHealth
The Brain Gym program combines brain science and practical tools to strengthen cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and stress management. Early adopters include the Dallas Police Department, recognizing the importance of accessible brain health support.
Nature Medicine publishes Helus Pharma’s randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2a trial of SPL026 in major depressive disorder
A Phase 2a trial of SPL026 demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms at two weeks, with effects lasting up to six months. The treatment was generally well-tolerated, and the findings provide clinical proof-of-concept for short-acting serotonergic modulation.
How AI tools like DeepSeek are transforming emotional and mental health care of Chinese youth
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
How tech-dependency and pandemic isolation have created ‘anxious generation’
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer
A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.
The genetics of anxiety: Landmark study highlights risk and resilience
A massive genome-wide association study identified 58 genetic variants associated with increased anxiety risk, pointing to 66 genes involved in stress response. The study also found strong genetic overlap with depression, neuroticism, and PTSD, underscoring the shared biology behind emotional distress.
New resource supports trauma survivors, health professionals
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
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.