Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
Expectant mothers in the Philippines used creative coping strategies to manage sociopolitical stressors, including reframing difficult circumstances and maintaining a positive outlook. The study suggests that how new moms cope with stressful news may be more important than the news itself, with 67% of participants citing financial stre...
Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
People with unresolved health concerns may experience invisible work to maintain productivity and stability, while uncertainty can unsettle taken-for-granted assumptions about the body, identity, and routines. The study highlights the importance of workplace and relational support in managing health uncertainty.
Researchers found that teens use subtlety and systematized harm online, while adults often overlook. LGBTQ+ students, gender nonconforming students, and students from disadvantaged backgrounds are most likely to experience bullying. Social media becomes a primary way young people learn about diversity and create support systems.
Consuelo Walss-Bass's family was affected by schizophrenia, yet her sister was spared. Her laboratory addresses the genetic gap by exploring signaling alterations in neurons derived from affected sibling pairs, identifying convergent abnormalities in PI3K/GSK3 signaling.
William Gordon Frankle, MD, MBA, will lead the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, focusing on innovation and community psychiatry. He succeeds Charles R. Marmar, who completed 17 years of distinguished leadership, and builds on NYU Langone's excellence in clinical care, research, and education.
Researchers found associations between gut microbiome and brain chemistry in specific brain regions, including GABA and glutamate levels. The study suggests a regionally specific picture of the gut-brain axis, with different microbial pathways linked to different brain regions and psychological wellbeing.
The September 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on treating substance use disorders, mood disorders, and pediatric anxiety disorders. Journal highlights include studies on the effects of parental social media use and the implementation of measurement-based care in mental health services.
A new study identifies 26 treatment targets for children and 30 for adolescents with disruptive behavior and callous-unemotional traits. The study suggests that treatments need to address emotional, cognitive, and relationship stresses associated with CU traits, particularly in adolescents.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze daily pet-owner conversations, finding that no two owners sound alike and that one-tenth of daily interactions are unique to each owner. The tool, AURAL-Pet, may help explain why pets affect some owners' well-being more than others.
A cross-sectional study suggests that seeking emotional support from generative AI is a unique marker of psychological distress in children and adolescents. Clinical frameworks and digital literacy programs should distinguish between functional AI assistance and algorithmic interfaces as a digital refuge for emotional needs.
Research reveals individual breaths at rest create unique brain wave patterns, affecting mental processes such as thinking, attention, and emotional regulation. The study suggests that brain-body interactions are crucial for assessing and treating neuropsychiatric patient populations.
Researchers aim to identify biological differences among patients to guide treatment with precision therapeutics and computational approaches. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes for schizophrenia, a condition that affects perception of reality.
The new study, known as SENTINEL, aims to predict both risk factors and protective factors for depression and suicide using patterns in brain activity and behavior. It will track approximately 210 USC students for up to 36 months, using a combination of lab tests, wearable sensors, and smartphone data.
Researchers propose a new understanding of moral distress that links ethical awareness with clinician well-being, organizational culture, and patient care. The framework offers a clearer foundation for future research, suggesting that moral distress may sometimes be a sign of strong ethical awareness rather than personal weakness.
A new guideline from the American Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of early, individualized rehabilitation to help survivors of stroke regain independence and quality of life. The comprehensive approach addresses physical, cognitive, communication, and emotional challenges throughout recovery.
A University of East Anglia report suggests that tens of thousands of new mothers in Britain may be suffering from undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth. The report highlights the need for better guidance and training for GPs to identify post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
A study found that the FKBP5 gene, regulating stress hormones, is 'stuck on' in schizophrenia brains, leading to increased stress response and vulnerability to psychiatric conditions. The research suggests new treatment targets, targeting the gene, may develop to address this altered stress response.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were associated with lower mortality and cardiovascular events in serious mental illness patients. The benefits were evident within 1 year and were consistent across subgroups, driven by semaglutide and tirzepatide.
The NHS 10 Year Health Plan fails to mention nature or biodiversity, a critical omission in mental health care and prevention strategies. The authors argue for a shift towards nature-based approaches to address the growing burden of mental health issues.
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.
A study by the University of Queensland suggests that urban parks lack vital midstorey vegetation, which is essential for small animals and birds. The researchers propose designing parks with denser, midstorey vegetation to improve the quality of urban green space and support wildlife, while also promoting community wellbeing.
A study of 79,000 Chinese university students found that team ball sports showed the most favorable mental health outcomes, while individual aerobic activities were less beneficial. The study also found that exercise frequency and duration, such as 3-4 sessions per week and 90-120 minute sessions, were linked to improved mental health.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop mental health conditions, while men experience more cardiovascular and renal complications. The researchers analyzed data from 28,720 men and women in the UK, revealing significant sex differences in disease trajectories.
Despite improved mental health challenges post-pandemic, Ontario students still face elevated stress, excessive screen time, and online gambling concerns. Drug use continues to decline, but barriers to seeking mental health support persist, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and targeted prevention initiatives.
A cross-sectional study found that adolescents increasingly use AI chatbots to discuss mental health concerns, with significant implications for young people's well-being. The study's findings highlight the need for increased awareness and support for adolescents' mental health needs.
Research suggests that easy access to well-maintained woodlands in deprived communities leads to reduced antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication use. People living near improved woodlands are 10% less likely to be prescribed antidepressants and 6% less likely to be prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
Researchers at PolyU developed a screening tool to identify seniors at risk of social frailty, a state of vulnerability linked to poorer health. The Social Frailty 10-Item screening tool assesses five domains and guides practical next steps for care, including referrals to financial or healthcare support.
A new study by the University of Birmingham reveals that TikTok's design can make it difficult for young people to distinguish between trustworthy and misleading mental health advice. The study found that young people tend to rely on relatability rather than reliability when seeking mental health advice on the platform.
A nationwide quality improvement initiative led by UC Davis Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics increased screening and follow-up care for adolescent substance use and mental health concerns. Clinics implemented evidence-based strategies, including validated screening instruments, and reported significant improvements in pati...
A Drexel University study analyzing 26 songs written by cancer survivors during music therapy sessions found that music therapy helped reduce anxiety and identified themes such as prioritizing self-care and redefining identity. The study also highlighted the importance of music-based strategies for managing mental health and well-being.
Researchers analyzed 16 enacted laws across 10 states to understand the patchwork of state social media laws, finding that limiting access had the least supporting evidence, while media literacy training showed promise
A nationwide Swedish study found that people with bipolar disorder who took semaglutide had significantly lower rates of psychiatric hospitalization. The study suggests that GLP-1 signaling may help protect the brain and improve mood stability.
The True Grit program, a Rutgers Health study, evaluates a model for supporting independence in young people with spinal cord injuries as they transition from high school to adulthood. Participants in the 2024 cohort demonstrated progress toward their individual goals, with gains seen in participation scores and emotional resilience.
A study by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University found that anxiety and psychological flexibility are stronger predictors of mothers' perceived readiness for newborn care than postpartum pain or physiological changes. Readiness to care for a newborn reflects a woman's perception of her current physical and emotional resources.
A new app, WeCareAdvisor, has shown promise in improving the quality of life for dementia caregivers by providing a systematic approach to manage behavioral symptoms. Caregivers who used the app reported significant reductions in distress and behavioral symptoms, as well as improved well-being.
A meta-analysis of 9 studies on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) found no evidence of symptom worsening in patients with recurrent depression. In contrast, MBCT was shown to decrease the risk of symptom worsening compared to other treatments, including antidepressants.
A multisite cohort study of 346 adults receiving psilocybin services in Oregon found significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, as well as enhanced well-being and life satisfaction. The study suggests that Oregon's regulated psilocybin services are generally safe and effective for mental health treatment
A large-scale Curtin University study found that 21.4% of children who experienced parental loss had a diagnosable mental disorder, compared to 10.8% of children who had not experienced parental loss. The study also found that losing a parent to death had the strongest impact on children's mental health.
Researchers found that cannabis users develop psychosis an average of two-and-a-half years earlier than non-users, with the difference increasing with age. The study, which examined 149 studies involving over 71,000 people, suggests a cumulative effect of cannabis use that builds over time.
A 15-year study found that tracking trauma symptoms during the first two years after a disaster is a better predictor of long-term mental health than a single assessment. Continuous monitoring identifies those at risk of long-term psychological distress, highlighting the importance of regular mental health check-ups.
A new UCLA study found that teenage girls who experienced the highest levels of childhood trauma showed the largest gains in social connectedness after participating in a breathwork course combined with social-emotional learning. The program, developed by the International Association for Human Values, increased social connectedness by...
A new study suggests that a video game designed to raise teens' awareness of mental health issues can reduce symptoms of depression on par with in-school programs. The game, PlaySmart, was played by 269 students for up to six weeks, with significant reductions in symptoms reported after only six weeks.
A randomized controlled trial shows that an internet-based Master Your Worries programme significantly reduces anxiety symptoms and improves functional ability in children, even after two years. The study found the positive effects of therapy to be greatest among children with more severe symptoms.
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.
A cross-sectional study found that exposure to Agent Orange and open-air burn pits were independently associated with poorer mental and physical health outcomes among US veterans. The study highlights the need for continued support and resources for veterans affected by these toxic exposures.
A cohort study of 1,582,834 veterans with MDD found that most received recommended treatment, but there was an increasing trend in the proportion who did not. This highlights the need to investigate potential undertreatment and examine mental health service availability that influences treatment selection decisions.
A systematic review of 68 studies finds varied psychological responses to collective trauma, with exposure intensity and social circumstances playing key roles. Social connection also offers protective benefits.
Engineers at MIT have created an interactive platform that maps habitat design factors to behavioral health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation in extreme environments. The study's findings can be applied to designing habitats in space, submarines, polar expeditions, and other isolated settings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that nearly four in ten inpatient psychiatric mental health registered nurses experience high burnout. However, researchers discovered that a supportive work environment significantly reduces burnout, job dissatisfaction, and nurse turnover rates.
Integrating improvisational theatre, mindfulness meditation, and board games into the classroom can help stabilize—and even improve—students' mental health. The most anxious participants showed a protective effect, with self-efficacy remaining stable.
A statewide study of Mississippi's public universities found that nearly 1 in 4 students gamble, with 7% showing signs of a gambling problem. Students with gambling problems are more likely to report mental health concerns.
Researchers found that meaning in life and healthy digital habits are strong predictors of better mental health outcomes. These factors can be strengthened through interventions, regardless of religious affiliation.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that a pan-Canadian youth mental health program saved the public healthcare system an average of $4,355 per patient annually. The program, ACCESS Open Minds, shifted care from hospitals to community-based services, reducing reliance on emergency departments and inpatient programs.
The International Olympic Committee recommends routine screening and monitoring of elite athletes' mental health, addressing contributory factors in training and competition. The statement also emphasizes the importance of organisational culture fostering good mental health and wellbeing.
A cohort study found associations between perinatal factors and changes in brain maturation among adolescents. The study used conditional-longitudinal models to assess individual growth trajectories and mental health symptoms.
A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated changes in mental health symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found significant differences in symptom changes between sexes and genders, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. The study highlights the importance of early screening and integration of psychological care into routine IBD management to improve quality of life.
A study found that telemedicine is commonly used for problem-based primary care, particularly for children with endocrine or behavioral health issues. The availability of telemedicine may help increase appointment volume, making more patients accessible to care.
A new study challenges long-held assumptions about autism by showing that autistic people can understand others' emotions just as well as non-autistic people. Researchers found that autistic participants were similarly accurate at tracking emotional experiences and may have been slightly more accurate when understanding other autistic ...