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Study shows how music may help tackle addiction

A study published in Addiction Neuroscience found that music therapy reduces cravings and alters brain activity in people with substance use disorders. The therapy was shown to improve emotional regulation and reduce negative emotions, providing encouraging evidence for its role in addiction treatment.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAddiction Neuroscience·DateSep 30, 2026

Fit for life: childhood fitness linked to lower risk of adult depression

A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that children and teenagers with better cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of developing depression as adults. The research, which spanned over 30 years, examined the fitness of Australian children aged 7-15 and found that cardiorespiratory fitness was the strong...

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeCase study·DateSep 30, 2026

New UMSOM research shows promising results for health care professionals using ketogenic diet therapy to treat mental illness

A new study from UMSOM shows that an immersive training program can improve healthcare provider confidence in using ketogenic dietary treatment plans for patients with mental health conditions. The program, which combines guided education and firsthand experience, increased confidence in explaining benefits and risks to patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2026

Fighting depression with humour. SWPS University study: Laughter can bring relief, but not any moment is right

A SWPS University study investigated the potential of using humour to treat depressive states, finding humour can improve mood and boost resilience, but not during acute phase, when it can worsen mood. The study highlights the importance of tailored humour interventions and caution when using humour with individuals with depression.

SourceSWPS University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 24, 2026

Teaching autistic children to ‘think like a reporter’ calms overly sensitive brain activity

A UCLA study found that teaching autistic children to 'think like a reporter' using cognitive reappraisal reduces brain activity in sensory regions and increases activity in areas regulating emotional responses. The technique, already used in cognitive behavioral therapy, shows promise in easing sensory difficulties in daily life.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2026

Before psychosis strikes

Researchers at UCI are developing a countywide system of care to identify youth at risk of psychosis and connect them with support, with the goal of preventing first episodes. The four-year initiative aims to provide treatment and coordinated care to over 150 young people, with outreach to families, schools, and community organizations.

Combined screening and online cognitive-behavior skills-building program reduces burnout, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in nurses

A randomized clinical trial found that nurses experiencing mental distress benefited from combining mental health screening with a digital cognitive-behavior skills-building program, resulting in significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The program also improved healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalWorldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing·DateSep 9, 2026

New approach to mental health care reduces hospital admissions

A new approach to mental health care, Open Dialogue, has been shown to reduce hospital admissions and improve satisfaction with care. The study found that those treated with Open Dialogue had a higher odds of never being admitted to psychiatric inpatient hospital care and lower odds of re-referral to crisis care.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2026

Severe mental illness linked to higher dementia risk even at young age, and greater stroke risk earlier in life

A large study found a significant association between severe mental illness and dementia at every age, with adults aged 30-39 showing a 20-fold increased risk of dementia. The study also found a higher risk of stroke in early and middle adulthood, particularly in those with severe mental illness.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 17, 2026

Digital training program helps support consistent symptom monitoring in outpatient psychiatry

A digital training program called Measurement-based Care Training for Resilient Implementation in a Clinical Setting (METRIC) helps clinicians consistently incorporate patient-reported outcome measures into routine care. The study found that clinicians maintained positive attitudes toward measurement-based care after completing the tra...

SourceCarilion Clinic·JournalImplementation Research and Practice·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

Increased social media use linked to anxiety, suicidal ideation among young adults, UTHealth Houston researchers find

Researchers at UTHealth Houston found that teenagers spending six or more hours a day on social media were twice as likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and three times as likely to report suicidal ideation. The study, published in Pediatrics Open Science, suggests that excessive social media use can contribute to poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPediatrics Open Science·DateJul 24, 2026

Vibrating pill could help predict relapse risk for anorexia nervosa patients

A new study found that individuals with anorexia nervosa may struggle to detect subtle stomach sensations and update their expectations when signals are present, which can lead to higher relapse risk. The vibrating pill could help doctors identify patients at higher risk of relapse and track treatment effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 17, 2026

Can obesity make the brain age faster?

A new study investigates whether obesity contributes to faster brain aging and earlier memory decline. Researchers found that high K63 polyubiquitination levels in young obese rats matched those seen in older brains, suggesting a connection between obesity-induced and age-related memory loss.

Screens are rewriting childhood: a new framework says the developing brain integrates experience until age 25, with profound stakes for mental illness

A new framework, criticome, integrates experience until age 25, reframing autism, schizophrenia, depression, and trauma as developmental disorders. The study suggests that screen-saturated childhoods may produce adult dysfunction, highlighting the importance of early experience in brain development.

SourceGenomic Press·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 2, 2026