Articles tagged with Clinical Psychology
A University of Colorado Boulder research team has identified a novel brain circuit responsible for orchestrating the innate threat response. The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) plays a critical role in helping animals process potential threats and adapt accordingly when they learn there's no real danger.
Groundbreaking research by Dr. Bruce M. Cohen has uncovered critical abnormalities in energy metabolism and cellular connectivity that contribute to psychiatric disorders. The study's findings suggest therapeutic avenues that may be better targeted and more effective than current treatments.
New University of Virginia research explores the most common and effective types of counseling and support for people who have had a near-death experience. The study found that acceptance and validation, as well as support from groups or online sources knowledgeable about NDEs, are key to successful support.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
Researchers identify abnormal sugar modifications linked to depressive behaviors, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the prefrontal cortex, triggering depression.
The American Counseling Association has launched the Counseling Compact, enabling thousands of professional counselors to practice across state lines. This mutual recognition model allows counselors to work in person or via telehealth, providing access to mental health services for millions of Americans.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that living in neighborhoods with lower incomes and high crime rates is associated with a 79% higher rate of psychotic disorders. This suggests that environmental factors can play a significant role in shaping an individual's risk for developing these conditions.
The study aims to identify better ways to predict which children with ADHD will benefit from medication treatment. Researchers will examine how the brain processes reward and frustration to understand why some children show improvements with ADHD medication while others do not.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that an autism-linked mutation disrupts brain circuits responsible for erasing fear memories, leading to PTSD-like symptoms. By reactivating specific neurons, researchers were able to reverse the behavioral and physiological abnormalities.
A study explores how Buddhist philosophy can enhance psychotherapy in the context of digital mental health. The findings focus on three key lenses: networked dynamics, reciprocity, and cognitive flexibility. These lenses frame experience as relational and evolving, highlighting the importance of overlooked connections and incidental en...
A study from the University of Waterloo found that high hair cortisol levels may signal mental health risks in children with chronic physical illnesses. The research suggests that identifying these risk factors early could help doctors and families intervene before emotional difficulties take hold.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
The RenewU program provides evidence-based interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in healthcare providers. The toolkit offers mental health support, stress management, and physical wellness resources, including yoga and exercise guides.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
A new study has identified the deeply personal reasons that suicidal adolescents give for wanting to live, with family connections being the most common reason. Young people also spoke about personal dreams, simple joys, and meaningful activities, such as getting a tattoo, as reasons to keep living.
The study found sex differences in age at diagnosis, treatment onset, illness duration, illicit drug use, and smoking among individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Females showed better functioning and neurocognitive performance than males, while males had higher rates of substance use.
Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
A new study found that nearly three out of four adults suffer from dental fear, with 45.8% experiencing moderate fear and 26.8% severe fear. Most individuals interested in overcoming their fear are open to free, brief treatment options, such as virtual dental fear treatments using apps and telehealth.
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that binge-watching TV shows can improve memory and engagement with stories. Researchers found that people who marathon episodes are more likely to remember plots and characters, leading to a stronger connection to the narrative.
A new report from Emory University reveals that certain mental health conditions can raise the risk of developing heart disease by 50-100% and adverse outcomes from existing heart conditions by 60-170%. The study emphasizes a bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and mental health, highlighting the need for an integ...
A recent study has found that 43.9% of Black women with disabilities are pursuing self-employment as a viable career option. This group is more likely to have a graduate degree and earn higher incomes compared to their non-disabled counterparts.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A new study suggests that the 'unhappiness hump' has disappeared globally, with declining mental health among younger people being a key factor. This shift is in contrast to past trends, where mental ill-being typically peaked in midlife and declined with age.
High ventilation breathwork with music is linked to altered states of consciousness, reduced negative emotions, and increased blood flow to the right amygdala and anterior hippocampus. The study found that breathwork practices can induce profound psychedelic states similar to those evoked by psychedelic substances.
Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
Researchers from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong found that additive advice bias is common in conversations, social media, and AI chatbots. This bias can leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped, with well-intentioned tips piling on extra tasks.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that avoidant coping plays a key role in lowering the quality of life for mental health providers. Long-term training in adaptive coping strategies and fostering an internal sense of control can improve provider well-being and client outcomes.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Missouri has made a groundbreaking discovery using patient's own cartilage cells to aid in healing after hip surgery. The research team successfully cultured and expanded cartilage cells, or chondrocytes, in the lab, paving the way for future clinical applications.
A recent study has found a significant positive relationship between sensitivity and common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Highly sensitive individuals are more likely to benefit from treatment plans involving applied relaxation and mindfulness.
A new study found that over 1 in 10 Medicaid-enrolled youths experiencing a mental health crisis are kept in hospital emergency rooms for three to seven days. The research highlights the shortage of appropriate care in Oregon and nationwide, with experts warning that boarding kids can worsen their conditions and demoralize families.
A University of Houston study found that positive childhood experiences, such as supportive relationships and regular household routines, can protect against disordered eating behaviors in college students. Adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect, were also linked to increased risk factors for disordered eating.
The study found that commonly used mental health screening tools may not be reliable for everyone, particularly African American youth. Research highlights the need for improved assessments that are both psychometrically sound and culturally responsive to protect vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice system.
Research by sports scientists reveals that high-performance athletes face unique mental health challenges despite the well-established benefits of physical activity for depression prevention and treatment. The study highlights specific pressures faced by elite athletes, including performance nerves, injury concerns, and identity crises.
A mobile phone app designed to deliver suicide-specific therapy reduced suicidal behavior among psychiatric inpatients by 58.3%. Users experienced sustained reductions in suicidal thoughts for up to 24 weeks after hospitalization.
A Delphi exercise with 41 therapists identified 27 statements about therapy that can improve sessions, including the importance of teamwork, outside work, and discussing concerns with loved ones. An app called EveryStep is being trialed to prepare patients for therapy, offering daily activities to aid engagement.
A new study by University College London found that stimulating the vagus nerve through small electric pulses can amplify the benefits of self-compassion meditation training. This technique shows promise in boosting self-kindness and mindfulness, particularly when combined with regular practice.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have discovered that excessive GABA produced by astrocytes impairs fear extinction in PTSD. A new brain-permeable drug called KDS2010 has reversed PTSD-like symptoms in mice, providing a promising therapeutic approach.
A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that individuals experiencing persistent and intense grief are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one. The study followed a cohort of 1,735 bereaved individuals and found that those with high grief symptom levels had significantly higher r...
A recent study found that Ukrainian educators who participated in a virtual mental health intervention significantly reduced their own symptoms of anxiety and depression. The PSE treatment group reported greater improvements in mental health, knowledge, and readiness to provide psychological support.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that how healthcare providers describe babies during ultrasounds impacts parent perceptions and can influence a child's future behavior. Positive descriptions are associated with fewer behavioral difficulties in toddlers, while negative descriptions lead to greater challenges.
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.
A new survey conducted by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center highlights the widespread emotional impact of cancer on adults when a loved one is diagnosed. Cancer anxiety can significantly impact long-term survival, with up to five times the likelihood of depression among cancer patients compared to the general population. The ...
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found transient gray matter decline in individuals isolated for extended periods in Antarctica, potentially linked to sleep, exercise, and cognition. The study's findings suggest a possible relationship between prolonged isolation and changes in brain structure.
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
A new study found that 4 in 5 adults in the US report some level of loneliness, strongly correlated with poor mental health days and physical health days. Women and Black individuals experienced higher rates of depression and poor mental health days than men and White individuals, respectively.
A study published in PLOS One found that childhood maltreatment speeds up biological aging and affects social behavior, particularly in reduced eye contact with human faces. This accelerated aging is linked to increased emotional and behavioral difficulties.
A study of police organisations in Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales reveals rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health challenges. The research identifies key trends and insights into how policing organisations can enhance support systems to balance job demands with adequate resources.
A meta-analysis of 17 studies found a link between childhood maltreatment and reduced body trust, particularly in those who experienced emotional abuse or neglect. This can impair emotion regulation, perception of one's own needs, and stress processing, increasing the risk of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
A new study reveals that PCOS patients often face dismissal and misunderstanding from the healthcare system. The study found that patients reported feeling ignored or minimized when raising concerns about their symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Danielle Beckman's research uses animal models to understand how viruses like COVID-19 trigger neurological damage and accelerate Alzheimer's disease. Her work has established critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes.
A recent study has discovered a connection between brain damage and an increased likelihood of committing crimes. The research, led by Harvard Medical School and the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, found that damage to the right uncinate fasciculus was linked to criminal behavior.
Research synthesizes evidence from dozens of studies on polygenic scores and their clinical implications, revealing consistent patterns that could contribute to personalized psychiatric care. Higher genetic risk for depression correlates with poorer treatment outcomes, including nonresponse to antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
A global roadmap aims to incorporate biological measurements in psychiatric diagnoses over the next 15-20 years, improving accurate treatment for patients. Current diagnostic methods rely on subjective responses and can be vague, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
A new study by the University of Missouri researchers demonstrates that hope is a powerful emotional force that gives life meaning. The team found that only hope consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning, which is linked to various positive outcomes, including happiness, quality relationships, and better physical health.
Dr. John Oldham's contributions have fundamentally reshaped personality disorder classification, moving from rigid categories to a more nuanced dimensional system. His Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) has marked the most significant epistemological shift in psychiatric diagnosis for decades.
A new study by researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds that people with higher levels of depressive symptoms are more susceptible to the emotional influence of negative surrounding images. This effect was not mitigated by positive imagery, highlighting an asymmetry in how depression affects emotional processing.