Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A major meta-analysis found that nitrous oxide can offer fast-acting depressive symptom relief for adults with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The study showed significant improvements in mood within 24 hours, but repeated dosing over several weeks was needed to sustain clinical benefit.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth have successfully used transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) to change the function of a deep region of the human brain, specifically the nucleus accumbens. This tiny element is triggered by enjoyable experiences and helps us learn behaviours that lead to rewards.
A study from the University of Seville found that patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders show significant reductions in structural similarity between different brain regions, particularly in the temporal, cingulate, and insular lobes. These alterations are associated with cognitive deficits and severe symptoms.
Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day may slow the biological ageing of people with severe mental illness by lengthening their telomeres, equivalent to 5 extra biological years. However, no such effects were observed beyond this daily amount.
A new scholarship has been established at NUS Medicine to support students in the Master of Clinical Mental Health and Psychotherapy programme, enabling them to train as mental health professionals. The S$3 million gift from the Elaine and Eduardo Saverin Foundation will cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend for 18 months.
A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC's most aggressive housing quality enforcement programs reduced hazardous housing violations in targeted buildings by half, but did not lead to measurable changes in short-run health care utilization. Despite significant housing quality improvements, the a...
A 1-week social media detox in young adults was associated with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The study's findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of reducing social media use for mental health concerns.
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
Researchers identified 12 genes linked to canine behaviour also associated with human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The study provides insights into understanding dog emotional worlds and tailoring training or care to suit their needs.
A global survey of over 747 ECT recipients and 201 relatives found 25 adverse effects, with 17 reported by more than half of participants. Women, bilateral ECT, and multiple courses were linked to severe harm, contradicting claims of modern ECT's safety.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A new study shows that AI-assisted interviews can diagnose mental illnesses with higher accuracy than traditional rating scales. The AI assistant Alba was able to differentiate between diagnoses that often overlap and received positive feedback from participants for its empathic and supportive user experience.
The study gathered measures of wellbeing, anxiety, depression, sleep, eating behaviours, social support and self-compassion across the draft year, at pre-, mid- and end-of-season. Players with higher self-compassion and stronger social support reported far better mental health overall.
A new study found that remote work can improve quality of life by providing choice and autonomy, but poor support can lead to feelings of isolation and decreased job satisfaction. The research highlights the importance of access to amenities like green spaces and local services for sustainable remote work.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that about a quarter of U.S. service members and veterans who start psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) quit before finishing treatment. The study analyzed 181 studies covering over 124,000 military participants and discovered significant diffe...
A study by Fisabio found that children who owned 'other animals' had a protective effect against emotional problems, while cat ownership at ages 4-5 showed a mild association. The study suggests that less demanding pets may help create stable relationships and enhance psychological well-being.
A University of Sydney-led study found that 42% of Australian adults experienced traumatic events as children, leading to a 50% higher risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is linked to chronic physical health conditions and can have lifelong consequences.
The American Psychological Association's new health advisory emphasizes that generative AI chatbots and wellness applications lack scientific evidence to ensure user safety. Despite their low cost and accessibility, these tools are not a substitute for systemic solutions to the mental health crisis.
A 10-year follow-up study by PLOS reveals that Dutch servicemembers injured in Afghanistan maintained their quality of life. The findings suggest long-term stability for those affected by battle-related injuries.
A new study found a significant link between omega-3 intake and ADHD symptoms among Palestinian adolescents. Lower omega-3 consumption was associated with higher ADHD symptom scores, highlighting the importance of balanced nutrition in supporting cognitive health.
A recent landmark study identifies adenosine as the critical mediator of rapid antidepressant action, connecting ketamine, ECT, and hypoxia. The discovery raises questions about the potential interference of caffeine with these treatments, highlighting the need for further research on adenosinergic modulation in depression.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that growing awareness of ADHD may lead some young adults to mistakenly believe they have the disorder. However, a short educational session on the nocebo effect reduced the likelihood of mistaken diagnosis.
A Portuguese theatre company collaborated with doctors and patients to develop a play about bipolar disorder, which was performed in front of an audience of over 300 people. The play's emotional engagement helped facilitate the assimilation of scientific information and contributed to reducing stigma surrounding mental illness.
A federally funded clinical trial tested an intervention to prevent suicides among people recently released from jail, reducing suicide attempts by over half. The safety planning intervention involved in-jail programs and telephone check-ins for six months.
Researchers found a novel link between shared brain-gene patterns and autism symptom severity in children with autism and ADHD. The study suggests that focusing on specific symptom dimensions and their biological correlates may lead to more precise recognition and treatment approaches.
Cambridge scientist Dr Chris Macdonald creates the most effective treatment for public speaking fear using VR overexposure therapy. The platform has demonstrated remarkable results in reducing anxiety and improving performance.
The navigate-kidney study finds that community health workers enhance holistic, patient-centered care through improved patient engagement and emotional wellbeing. This integration into dialysis care teams may lead to better outcomes for patients with kidney failure.
A majority of U.S. adults report feeling isolated and stressed due to societal division, with nearly seven in 10 saying they need more emotional support. The survey found that loneliness can have real consequences for stress management and health, highlighting the importance of connection and social support.
A recent study revealed sharp increases in mental distress among international students in the US, with anxiety rising from 20% to 36%, depression from 20% to 35%, and suicidal ideation from 5% to 10%. Despite modest increases in counseling services, the gap between psychological needs and access to care remains significant.
Researchers found somatoform disorders impact 4.6% globally, with 662 years of life lost per 100,000 people due to these conditions. The study highlights the need for increased resource allocation and awareness about these often-diagnosed-incorrectly disorders.
A nationwide study found that involuntary psychiatric patients have a significantly higher risk of suicide, particularly during the first month after discharge. The risk is elevated for several years and is associated with factors such as age, diagnosis, and previous self-harm.
A recent analysis of data from seven countries found that higher levels of greenness are associated with a 7% reduction in hospital admissions for all cause mental disorders. The protective effect increases with greater exposure to greenness, suggesting that urban design and health policy can be improved to protect mental health.
Researchers have discovered that stress hormones can silence crucial neuronal genes by interacting with long noncoding RNAs and the polycomb repressive complex 2. This mechanism may provide a new understanding of how stress affects gene expression, particularly in relation to synaptic function and calcium signaling.
A recent survey conducted by Orlando Health found that over one-third of men (38%) would rather endure stressful situations than discuss their prostate health. The reluctance to address this common issue often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, affecting men's quality of life.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation invites educators to explore a public-health approach for strengthening mental health in schools. This approach emphasizes the importance of incorporating universal screening and school-based mental health initiatives in the classroom.
A new study found that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Parents who encouraged open conversations and validated emotions created a safe space strengthening their children's resilience in the face of conflict.
Researchers have developed a new large-scale brain data resource that integrates data from five studies of brain development in children and young adults across three continents. The Reproducible Brain Charts (RBC) project provides a harmonized dataset for tracking changes in brain structure and function, allowing researchers to better...
A new study reveals that 11.2% of Norwegians experience reduced capacity for work due to work-related anxiety. Experts stress the importance of a supportive culture at work, including psychological support from managers and colleagues, job security, and a safe working environment.
The latest issues of three American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on schizophrenia, stimulant use disorder, and recovery-oriented approaches for schizophrenia. The publications highlight new treatments and findings on alcohol use disorder, youth mental health, and suicide risk.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that indoor hydroponic gardening significantly improves mental well-being, reduces depression levels, and enhances overall quality of life in cancer patients. Participants experienced improvements in emotional and social functioning after just eight weeks of gardening.
Researchers warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness, with potential serious ethical consequences. A better understanding of consciousness could have major implications for AI, prenatal policy, animal welfare, medicine, mental health, law, and emerging neurotechnologies.
Researchers Prof Axel Cleeremans, Prof Anil Seth, and Prof Liad Mudrik warn that advances in AI and neurotechnology are outpacing our understanding of consciousness. They emphasize the need for theory-driven research and innovative methods to advance consciousness science.
Research found that sharing happy moments with a partner can lower cortisol levels in older adults, even if they're not satisfied with their relationship. The study suggests co-experiencing positive emotions may help the body stay calmer over time.
A Griffith University study published in Nature Mental Health found that integrating nature-based therapies into clinical healthcare could address global declines in mental health. Nature experiences designed to improve mental health are not yet incorporated in regulated clinical healthcare, but embedding nature therapy into clinical h...
A two-week gratitude journaling practice increased work engagement in Japanese employees, particularly in absorption and awareness of workplace resources. Journaling also showed benefits for overall well-being, life satisfaction, and competitive motivation.
Patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder are at higher risk of postacute sequelae of COVID-19. Coordinated mental health and COVID-19 care is crucial to mitigate these effects.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a low-cost, portable biosensor that can quickly identify altered levels of BDNF associated with psychiatric disorders. The device detects extremely low concentrations of BDNF in human saliva, which is crucial for growth and maintenance of neurons and development of brain functions.
A comprehensive review of emerging neuromodulation techniques reveals their potential to treat treatment-resistant OCD. Targeting abnormal brain activity, these methods aim to normalize circuits underlying decision-making and emotion regulation.
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.
The Mount Sinai team will investigate neural mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder and pioneer novel neuromodulation-based treatment strategies.
A new study of emerging adults reveals deep divisions in sentiments about firearms, with those fearing mass violence more likely to oppose firearm restrictions, except among young Republicans, conservatives, and men who view expanded access to guns as a solution.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is hosting its 2025 International Mental Health Research Symposium, featuring leading scientists presenting their latest research on ADHD, schizophrenia, and more. The event is free and open to the public, with in-person and virtual registration options available.
A study from University of Utah Health found that combining psilocybin group therapy with mindfulness training significantly reduced depression in healthcare workers. Nearly half of participants experienced complete remission of depression after just two weeks.
A randomized clinical trial found that repeated ketamine infusions provided no additional benefit to standard care for inpatients with serious depression. The study, led by Declan McLoughlin and Ana Jelovac, highlights the need for recalibrated expectations in clinical practice and underscores the importance of blinding in trials.
Researchers identified a genetic inflammatory signature that defines specific depression subtypes and influences antidepressant outcomes. Higher CRP polygenic scores were associated with reduced weight and appetite loss, earlier age of onset, and lower employment status after treatment.
Researchers found that voluntary running exercise mitigates cafeteria diet-induced behavioral changes via hormonal and microbial pathways. The study revealed specific metabolites, such as anserine and indole-3-carboxylate, were decreased by the cafeteria diet but partially restored by exercise.
A new study by Binghamton University reveals that individuals with narcissistic, psychopathic, and Machiavellian personality traits exploit touch as a means of control in romantic relationships. They tend to have short-term, tumultuous relationships, often accompanied by violence.
A new study reveals that AI chatbots, even when prompted to use evidence-based psychotherapy techniques, systematically violate ethical standards of practice. The research highlights the need for thoughtful implementation of AI technologies and appropriate regulation and oversight in mental health settings.
The University of Oxford's OSI tool, a brief therapist-guided online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy platform, will be tested in five countries in Asia and South America. The project aims to ensure the tool works in various contexts and create conditions for its widespread implementation.
The new guideline recommends clinicians ask about mental health as part of usual care and for patients to discuss it with their providers. The task force did not find evidence that routine screening leads to better mental health.