Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A joint study by Bar-Ilan University and Sheba Medical Center found that symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression remain common among childhood cancer survivors and their parents more than a year after treatment completion. The study highlights the need for long-term follow-up care that includes assessment of psycholo...
New study finds psychosis delusions emerge from emotional experiences, bodily reactions, and linguistic fabric. Participants described intense emotional embodiment and disembodiment, with some experiencing positive feelings of awe and love.
A Dartmouth study identifies a novel target for using psilocybin to treat depression and anxiety without hallucinations. The serotonin 1B receptor is found to promote the therapeutic benefits of psilocybin, providing a potential new approach for developing safer and more cost-efficient medications.
A team from Chongqing Medical University developed a model that integrates sMRI and fMRI data to predict treatment responders, achieving high accuracy rates. The dual-branch graph attention network (DBGAN) captures coordinated brain changes linked to emotion regulation and memory processing.
A national study reveals that pharmacists are at a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. The study found that job-related stress and mental health issues are key factors contributing to these deaths, highlighting the need for improved workplace policies and resources.
A new study found that federal rental assistance distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic improved mental health and increased the appropriate use of mental health care among low-income renters. The program reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more recipients sought mental health services when needed.
A Cochrane review found that exercise can reduce depressive symptoms similarly to psychological therapy, with moderate-certainty evidence from ten trials. Long-term effects are unclear due to few studies following participants after treatment.
A comprehensive genetic investigation by Dr. Feng Liu and collaborators identifies shared genetic loci between schizophrenia and osteoporosis, suggesting overlapping biological pathways. The study found that psychiatric patients face elevated fracture risks due to these molecular connections.
Researchers at Flinders University discover a genetic mutation that silences a brain receptor, rendering it unresponsive to both natural trace amines and clinical drug candidates. The C182F variant eliminates receptor signaling and reduces cell surface expression, with profound implications for emerging psychiatric treatments.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
A Northwestern University study reveals that 2.3% of women experience unusual physical and emotional responses during orgasm, including laughter, crying, headaches, and more. These peri-orgasmic phenomena are normal but rare, with most women experiencing them only sometimes with orgasm.
Researchers propose that self-sabotaging behaviors like procrastination and perfectionism are rooted in the brain's survival instincts. By processing underlying emotional pain, individuals can break free from self-sabotage loops through self-compassion.
A national longitudinal cohort study found consistently worse mental health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Integrated screening and intervention strategies are needed to address this association.
A large national study found that even occasional cannabis use among teens can lead to worse school performance and emotional distress. The more frequently teens used cannabis, the greater the risk of these problems. Experts recommend frank conversations with teens about cannabis risks.
A new study found that playing classic video games such as Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi can evoke childlike wonder, boosting overall happiness and reducing burnout risk in young adults. The research used mixed methods, including interviews and surveys, to understand how these games resonate with students.
Adults born with heart defects are at increased risk of cardiac complications as they age. The new guideline provides recommendations for monitoring, counseling, and treating Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), including mental health assessment and physical activity guidance. It also emphasizes the importance of access to ongoing speciali...
A special issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America seeks to transform how clinicians, educators, and policymakers think about girls' mental health by focusing on systems that support or fail to support them. The issue explores intersectionality, trauma-informed approaches, and the impact of social media on bod...
Research suggests that mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, play a crucial role in linking psychological processes to physiological changes in the brain. Alterations in mitochondrial function have been linked to various mental health disorders and physical health outcomes.
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
A new study found that brief, light-intensity exercise significantly improves inhibitory control and mood in children, with potential to enhance learning efficiency. The research, conducted at Waseda University, also revealed that even short periods of physical activity can have a lasting impact on cognitive function.
Researchers found that ADHD enables high entrepreneurial alertness and risk-taking, while dyslexia fosters advanced delegation strategies. Bipolar traits correlate with creativity and a willingness to pursue bold ventures. The study advocates for business environments that value neurodiverse strengths, rather than seeking normalcy.
A comprehensive review reveals tau protein plays essential roles in brain functions while driving neurodegeneration and psychopathology. Tau deficiency enhances insulin secretion, normalizing glucose levels in diabetic mouse models.
A recent study by Jeonbuk National University researchers found that positive parenting styles can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm in adolescents. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 participants and identified three distinct parenting styles: negative, average, and positive, with positive parenting being the most protec...
Pediatric behavioral health spending surged to $41.8 billion in 2022, representing 40% of total children's health expenditures, and families faced mounting out-of-pocket costs, increasing at more than twice the rate of other medical expenses.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a smartwatch-based alert system that signals parents to intervene in children with emotional and behavioral disorders, reducing tantrum duration by an average of 11 minutes. The system uses physiological stress signals detected by the smartwatch to prompt parental intervention.
A single 20-30 minute online course can improve young adults' tolerance of uncertainty, leading to reduced anxiety and depression. The course, which took less than half an hour to complete, showed lasting effects on mental health even a month after completion.
A new study suggests that midlife depression is driven by a small cluster of specific symptoms, rather than depression overall. The six symptoms are loss of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems, and poor concentration, which can lead to reduced social engagement and decreased cognitive reserve.
A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.
A new study suggests that AI chatbots like ChatGPT can help reduce mental health stigma by making people feel more comfortable seeking support. The research found that believing the tool is effective plays a key role in reducing concerns about external judgment and increasing its perceived effectiveness.
A recent study has identified five categories of psychiatric disorders that share similar genetic factors, including compulsive features, internalizing conditions, substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and a category combining bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The research suggests that these shared genetic factors ...
A third of teenagers use AI companions for social interaction, with some reporting more satisfying conversations than humans. Experts caution against problematic chatbot use as a new environmental risk factor, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that 16% of teens exposed to both phases of the Russo-Ukrainian war experience PTSD symptoms, while over 10% experience severe depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for immediate and sustained attention to support Ukrainian youth's mental health needs.
A UK-based study found that epilepsy can be a primary cause of death in people with intellectual disabilities, with those from ethnic minorities living in the UK being particularly at risk. The research highlights significant disparities in care and service provision, calling for systemic changes to prevent avoidable deaths.
Teenagers who struggle with their bodies are at risk of developing eating disorders and depression in early adulthood, according to a new study. The research, which followed over 2,000 twins, found that body dissatisfaction at age 16 predicted greater symptoms of mental health issues well into the twenties.
Dr. Eric J. Nestler's research has fundamentally reshaped global understanding of addiction and depression by focusing on resilience rather than pathology. His laboratory identified distinct molecular, cellular, and circuit changes in resilient brains that maintain normal behavioral function despite exposure to drugs or stress.
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
A new dual-action program combines arts sessions for people with dementia with wellbeing sessions for their carers, helping families rediscover connection and confidence. The program was co-designed with those affected by dementia and has been shown to promote social interaction and reduce isolation.
A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that the US suicide rate is lowest in December, with a significant decline during the year-end holiday season. However, some news outlets continue to perpetuate the false myth that suicides increase around the holidays.
A new study found that maternal psychological distress experienced at 1 year postpartum has a stronger association with neurodevelopmental delay in toddlers compared to prenatal distress. The researchers also discovered that experiencing distress during both pregnancy and postpartum periods further amplifies the risk of delays.
A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that school reopenings significantly reduced mental health diagnoses among children, including anxiety and depression, by 43% compared to periods before schools reopened. The benefits were especially pronounced among girls.
Researchers at Cornell University used psilocybin and the rabies virus to map brain connectivity changes, finding that psilocybin weakens negative thinking loops and strengthens sensory-motor responses. The study suggests potential therapeutic applications for depression treatment.
The symposium will feature experts sharing cutting-edge research and insights on AI in clinical settings, aiming to improve chronic health outcomes and expand access to mental healthcare globally. The event is a unique platform for networking and collaboration, highlighting innovative approaches that move the field forward.
A recent study by Melissa Villodas found that interventions delivered with individual psychological and behavioral needs in mind can achieve higher completion rates. Tailoring interventions based on participant feedback can also improve treatment completion, especially for younger individuals with fewer years of incarceration.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A study by University of California - Merced sociologist Daisy Verduzco Reyes found that Latinx college graduates experience improved emotional well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic student loan repayment pause, with 37 participants carrying over $26,000 in debt.
A new study from the University of Southern Denmark reveals that depression is significantly more common among women with gynaecological disorders—both before and after receiving a diagnosis. The study highlights the need for earlier detection and a more integrated approach between somatic and psychiatric care.
A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.
Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
A recent study by UCLA Health investigators found that mental health conditions significantly raise the likelihood of developing liver cancer among US veterans living with cirrhosis and hepatitis C. The study suggests that these disorders limit access to hepatitis C care, reducing the chance of a cure.
Dr. Paul Lucassen's research on adult neurogenesis reveals the link between early life experiences, lifestyle factors, and depression/dementia risk. His work has implications for therapeutic approaches to brain health and disease.
The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature updates on substance use disorders, depression, and borderline personality disorder treatment. New research on trauma interventions in schools aims to improve mental health support for students.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals who received emergency or hospital care for hallucinogen use are at a higher risk of developing mania and bipolar disorder. The study revealed a six-fold increased risk of mania diagnosis within three years for those who received such care.
Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.
A new study found that long-term antidepressant use has increased by nearly 20% among young people aged 10-24, raising concerns about potential overprescribing. The study also found no meaningful improvement in efforts to wean patients off antidepressants, highlighting the need for a stronger framework for safely tapering medications.
A new review emphasizes the importance of smell health, highlighting its role in nutrition, cognitive function, and psychological resilience. Researchers call for a global campaign to promote smell health through education, awareness, and targeted public health policies.
A new study of 500 combat soldiers found that computerized attention training significantly reduces the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The training involves identifying neutral and threatening images, gradually training soldiers to direct more attention towards potential threats.
Research by George Mason University professor Melissa Villodas found that neighborhood amenities are linked to mental health in various ways across different racial and ethnic groups. Hispanic and Black youth had higher rates of anxiety when living in neighborhoods with sidewalks compared to White youth.
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.