Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A survey of 2,592 Hong Kong children and adolescents found a strong association between binge gaming and mental health issues. Boys were more likely than girls to report binge gaming habits, which was linked to depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.
A CU Boulder-led initiative reduced youth violence and arrests by 75% in Denver's Montbello and Park Hill neighborhoods through a 'violence prevention infrastructure'. The program worked with community organizations to provide training, screenings, and positive adult role models, leading to lasting impacts.
A new national survey finds that nearly a third of parents (30%) report their child missed more than a week of school due to fear or anxiety. The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers free resources to help parents and caregivers understand and manage school avoidance.
A systematic review of 172 studies reveals significant gaps in global representation of adolescent mental health research. Traditional bullying is reported more frequently in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
A new study reveals that autistic college students face dramatically higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to their non-autistic peers. The research highlights the need for more mental health support for this underrepresented population.
Researchers discovered a link between stomach rhythm and psychological well-being, finding stronger coordination is linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. The study suggests the stomach's 'second brain' may play a crucial role in mental health diagnosis and treatment.
A new Lancet Psychiatry Commission report emphasizes the need for lifestyle interventions in mental health care, highlighting their effectiveness in improving symptoms and overall health. The report recommends increasing investment in lifestyle interventions, upskilling mental health staff, and enabling access to allied health professi...
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.
The study examines the effects of broader criminal justice reforms on public health and safety. It found little evidence that Measure 110 was responsible for rising crime or overdose deaths, but rather attributed these trends to the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl emergence.
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.
The report warns that immigration enforcement is a public health emergency for millions of children, causing constant anxiety and harm to their emotional development and academic performance. Clinical case studies reveal how trauma is transmitted across generations, shaping the mental health of immigrant children.
A special issue of the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development explores the need for culturally appropriate counseling interventions for African Americans with disabilities. The research focuses on innovative solutions in rehabilitation counseling and vocational rehabilitation services to effectively address the needs of Bl...
A new study finds that up to 18% of women are advised to stop breastfeeding due to medication, while chronic illness increases this number to 58%. The research highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about medication safety during breastfeeding.
Researchers found a high prevalence of mental disorder symptoms among adults who claim past-life memories, with religiosity and spirituality being protective factors. Childhood phobias were associated with lower happiness and more symptoms of mental disorders.
Research shows that the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires resulted in an estimated 440 excess deaths, while the 2023 Maui wildfires led to immediate increases in suicide and overdose deaths. Higher social support was linked to improved mental health outcomes but did not buffer physiological effects.
Researchers found that older adults who challenge themselves to learn new things are less likely to experience loneliness or depression, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued skill learning is associated with improved mental health outcomes, including greater resilience to external stressors and reduced depressive symptoms.
A new study published in JAMA found that the August 2023 Maui wildfire led to a 46% increase in statewide suicide and overdose death rates, with a 97% increase in Maui alone. The researchers suggest direct exposure and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, contributed to the rise in deaths.
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 large intergenerational study of over 20,000 participants found that childhood verbal abuse has a significant and long-lasting impact on adult mental health, comparable to physical abuse. The study suggests that verbal abuse may be overlooked but can still exert toxic stress on children's neurobiological development.
A review of research on solastalgia and mental health found positive associations between the two, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and somatisation. Solastalgia is linked to feelings of helplessness and resignation due to a perceived loss of control over environmental changes.
The latest American Psychiatric Association journal issues feature groundbreaking research on psychiatric genetics, exploring the role of genetics in mental health. Additionally, studies examine the effectiveness of telehealth prescribing for controlled substances and mental health advocacy efforts to drive policy change.
New research from UT Arlington reveals that nature-focused livestreams help people reconnect with nature and form new online communities. The study shows that these streams offer more than passive entertainment, sparking natural conversations and promoting environmental attitudes.
A recent study found that urban forests and small green spaces have significant benefits for mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Young adults experience greater benefits than the general population, and spending non-active time in greenspaces can be more effective than active time in nature.
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 have gained a deeper understanding of the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, a key player in regulating mood, emotion, and cognition. The study reveals that certain cellular signaling pathways are favored over others, and drugs can influence their strength of activation.
A study found that trigger warnings have little effect on students' perception of instructors and classroom environments. In contrast, safe space messages foster a positive atmosphere, increasing feelings of comfort, trustworthiness, and openness to discussion.
Researchers found that murder-suicide events occurred at an average of 820 deaths annually between 2016-2022, with the majority involving current or former intimate partners. Strengthening domestic violence screening and intervention programs is crucial to prevent these tragic outcomes.
A new study published by SWPS University reveals that poverty does not significantly impact mental health problems among children. The researchers found that parental distress and child psychopathology are linked through a direct and consistent mechanism, independent of external factors like poverty.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognizes Joseph J. Taylor, Ash, and Harnett as recipients of the 2025 Klerman and Freedman Prizes for their outstanding work in mental illness research. Long Li receives the Freedman Prize for his basic research contributions to understanding depression and PTSD.
An international survey of over 300 adults suggests that males born in summer are potentially more prone to depression. Female study participants did not show a similar association with depression.
Brown University researchers will lead a national institute focused on developing AI assistants capable of trustworthy, sensitive and context-aware interactions with people. The goal is to create AI systems that can interpret a person's unique behavioral needs and provide helpful feedback in real time.
A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a significant impact on the UK economy, with average annual costs exceeding £14,781 per person. The total economic burden is estimated to be around £40 billion, which is expected to rise further due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 published in JAMA Network Open found that gestational carriers are at a higher risk of developing new-onset mental illness during and after pregnancy. The study analyzed data from over 767,000 births in Ontario, Canada and found that nearly 1 in 5 gestational carriers had a prior mental illness diagnosis before pregnancy.
Researchers used IntelliCage to assess spontaneous behavioral changes in a mouse model of schizophrenia, finding increased hyperactivity and exploratory behavior after treatment with MK-801. However, cognitive flexibility was impaired, suggesting schizophrenia-like behaviors.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A team of researchers from Waseda University investigated the effects of new communication media, including video-conferencing and embodied virtual reality, on self-disclosure. They found that embodied VR, especially with unrealistic avatars, resulted in higher self-disclosure of personal feelings compared to face-to-face conversations.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that ketamine's antidepressant effects involve the brain's opioid system, which works together with glutamatergic systems to produce rapid treatment effects. The study also identified a sex-related effect, where males with depression showed a more pronounced response to naltrexone.
A UN-backed study highlights the lasting effects of Gambia's state-sponsored witch hunt, including stigma, social exclusion, and trauma. Researchers found a strong desire for official recognition and reconciliation, with recommendations for reparations and rebuilding social roles.
A recent study found that adolescents using e-cigarettes or conventional tobacco products report higher symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from the U.S. National Youth Tobacco Survey on over 60,000 middle and high school students.
A study of 175 female perpetrators of lethal violence in Sweden found that they usually act under high arousal due to reactive motives. Women with severe mental disorders had a slightly longer time thinking about acting violently, but no lengthy preparations were made.
A study analyzed social determinants' impact on mental health, identifying variables that predict problems, such as physical health, loneliness, and satisfaction. Implementing policies like financial stability, local community engagement, and volunteering may reduce mental illness rates by up to 3 percentage points.
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 recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that US adolescents with cannabis use disorder have low treatment completion rates, ranging from 34.2% to 33.8%. The most common reasons for not completing treatment were dropping out, transferring facilities, and being terminated. Adolescents who began using cannabis at a younger age...
A new Northwestern University study suggests that teen dating apps may provide valuable social connections for adolescents, particularly those in sexual and gender minority populations. The study found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use dating apps and those who don't.
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 study published in Scientific Reports found that 44% of autistic teens can mask their diagnosis in school settings, showing faster brain responses to faces and reduced emotional reactivity. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to better support for these teens.
A major study by researchers at Aarhus University found that most cases of depression and schizophrenia occur in people without a family history of the condition. The study used data from over 3 million Danes to estimate absolute and relative risks of mental disorders in families.
Studies have shown that emotional or psychological stress enhances pain responses, but the effects of social pain transmission remain elusive. Researchers found that ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by mice in response to pain stimuli can induce emotional transmission and hyperalgesia in other mice.
A digital mental health intervention reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in displaced Ukrainian children and adolescents. The study found that a small, low-cost intervention delivered through mobile devices significantly improved mental health outcomes.
Researchers from Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute examined hospitalizations for mental health conditions in autistic adults and found that nearly 1.5 times more autistic adults were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of initial discharge compared to non-autistic adults.
A new report by NTU Singapore and Research Network found that prolonged social media use is associated with difficulties in sustaining focus, increased emotional fatigue, and behaviours resembling addiction. The study suggests the need for platforms to redesign their systems with user well-being at the core.
A new music therapy approach called MELODIC showed promising results in reducing distress symptoms and improving quality-of-life scores among dementia patients. The intervention, which costs £2,025 per month, could provide a low-cost and scalable alternative to current methods of managing severe distress.
The Center for BrainHealth has received a new $1 million match gift from retired Admiral William McRaven to enhance its Optimal BrainHealth for Warfighters program. This program provides critical training for proactive brain health and introduces essential tools to measure and track change over time.
Researchers have identified seven family and social actors linked to better mental health outcomes for preterm children, including self-regulation, strong parent-child relationships, and protection from bullying. These modifiable factors can be altered with interventions, suggesting a broader path to improving outcomes beyond medical i...
A small collection of neurons in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus, acts like a 'memory reset button' during meaningful changes. This region predicts later memory separation and influences the hippocampus to map experiences. Chronic stress may weaken this neural signal.
The study found that alopecia stigma affects over 80% of patients with anxiety or depression, while those with more positive perceptions have lower anxiety symptoms. The researchers hope to assess patients' illness perceptions and stigma in routine check-ups to provide targeted support.
A recent study of over 5,500 widowed individuals found that emotional loneliness increases significantly after a spouse's death and continues for years. Despite stronger parent-child relationships, particularly among mothers who act as kin-keepers, social and emotional loneliness persists.
Researchers developed a non-invasive questionnaire to identify children at risk of maltreatment, highlighting seven behavioral problem areas linked to maltreatment. The study found critical timing patterns and type of abuse matters, offering a more comprehensive approach to support maltreated children.
Researchers found that adults with autism perceive visual body information similarly to neurotypical adults, challenging long-standing assumptions about social difficulties in ASD. The study used fMRI to compare brain activity patterns in adults with autism and typically developing adults while viewing images of body parts.