Articles tagged with Mental Health
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.
A new study finds that adverse and positive childhood experiences reported by parents of US teenagers have remained relatively stable over the past eight years. Positive childhood experiences were significantly more common than negative ones, affecting 40-90% of parents, whereas only 35% of adolescents experienced all negative experien...
This review of research on music- and nature-based strategies for mental health and wellbeing found that these interventions can offer adaptable low-cost, multi-sensory approaches for people of all ages. Studies showed that combined therapeutic use of music and nature facilitates self-expression, improving mood and emotional well-being.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that social conflicts, particularly family fighting and peer bullying, were the strongest predictors of near- and long-term mental health issues in teens. The research also revealed sex differences in how boys and girls experience stress from peer conflict.
A new computer model called CogLinks simulates brain circuit decisions and adaptability, helping researchers understand how the brain misfires in psychiatric disorders. The model's results suggest that a specific pathway is essential for adaptability, and its predictions are confirmed by an fMRI study
A recent study identifies molecular markers in children and adolescents that link childhood maltreatment to long-term brain alterations and mental health outcomes. The researchers found four DNA methylation sites associated with child maltreatment, including the 'master switch' gene FOXP1, which regulates brain development.
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.
A national study led by Athabasca University researchers found that 37% of Canadian youth reported climate change impacts their mental health. The study identified four main themes, including anxiety, stress, and concerns for the future, highlighting the need for tools and supports to help youth navigate feelings and develop resilience.
Researchers have identified a rapid physiological marker that predicts which patients with major depression will respond to magnetic brain stimulation therapy. Patients whose heart rates slowed within 45 seconds of starting treatment showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms six weeks later.
Dr. Amin's transformative insights reshape international understanding of depression genetics, identifying novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her systemic disease model challenges traditional views of depression as a brain disorder.
Research synthesizes current evidence on psychedelic therapy's potential to fundamentally alter treatment paradigms for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Chronic stress contributes significantly to psychiatric illness worldwide, leaving traditional treatments with residual symptoms or side effects.
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.
A large-scale study of over 250,000 days of smartphone usage data from 10,000 US adults found no significant correlation between phone use and lower mood scores. Demographic factors such as age and gender were stronger predictors of mood.
A study by Rutgers University researchers found that female, younger, and more educated firearm owners are more likely to seek therapy and use psychiatric medications. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to reach underserved demographics and communities.
A study of 5,794 adults found that different types of depression are associated with varying levels of risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Those with atypical/energy-related symptoms were more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes, while those with melancholic symptoms were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
A longitudinal study of over 700 university students found that stress sensitivity increases the frequency, intensity, and variability of suicidal thoughts. Stress sensitivity was also found to intensify the frequency and variability of suicidal thoughts among students with intense, frequent, and persistent ideation.
Researchers found that females with ADHD are underdiagnosed and often receive a diagnosis five years later than males. They also exhibit greater emotional and functional difficulties.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that short exposure to inspiring media can reduce stress and increase hope. Participants who watched inspirational videos or followed guided meditations reported feeling more hopeful and experiencing lower stress levels than those with no media use instructions.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation hosts a free, public event featuring research presentations on various mental health topics. Attend in-person or virtually and register now to attend the symposium.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation recognizes five leading psychiatric researchers for their groundbreaking work on mental illness. The award winners will present their cutting-edge research at the BBRF International Mental Health Research Symposium in October 2025.