Research on stress and its effects on mind and body. Covers work stress and health, mood-supporting materials, stress-response cells, and deep sleep's role.
A new study suggests that eating late at night can disrupt bowel function and lead to constipation and diarrhea. Individuals who experienced high levels of chronic stress and ate more than 25% of daily calories after 9pm were more likely to report bowel problems, highlighting the impact of meal timing on gut health.
Prenatal stress alters signaling pathways involving corticosteroids in brown fat tissue, potentially blunting the metabolic benefits of exercise. The study highlights the importance of considering maternal stress context in developmental metabolic programming.
Research found that gender-diverse teens reported higher rates of psychological stress and psychotic-like experiences, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other serious mental health disorders. Bullying and unsupportive legislation drove these findings.
Elif and Alp Tural teach interior designers to consider how spaces affect users every day, emphasizing trauma-informed design and visual accessibility. Their approach aims to create legible and comfortable environments that respond to users' needs.
A large-scale study linked loneliness to an increased risk of degenerative heart valve disease, including aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation. Researchers say addressing loneliness could help delay disease progression and reduce the clinical and economic burden of valvular heart disease.
The study brings clarity to the field by agreeing on 19 dimensions of mental wellbeing, including six essential factors that define positive mental health. Positive mental health is separate from mental illness and involves emotional wellbeing, psychological functioning, and social connection.
Researchers found that maternal anxiety about radiation exposure during the Fukushima nuclear accident was linked to increased rates of preterm births, lower birth weights, and severe birth outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, such as education level and income, played a role in mitigating these effects.
A study of over 5,000 couples found that narcissistic rivalry traits consistently linked to lower relationship satisfaction, while narcissistic admiration had no meaningful effect. The rate of decline was also found to be less severe for couples with high narcissism scores, suggesting a more nuanced impact.
A new study found that female post-9/11 veterans experienced a more significant decline in overall well-being compared to their male counterparts after the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported lower work satisfaction, higher underemployment, and less emotional support, with the sharpest difference appearing in work strain.
Researchers investigated brain mechanisms that maintain balance between intimidation and physical aggression in mice. Projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the dorsal raphe nucleus play a critical role in preserving this balance. Increasing pathway activity led to increased attacks, while inhibiting it decreased attack bites.
A study published in Brain Medicine suggests autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic and sympathetic imbalances, contributes to depressive symptoms in patients unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Low-dose medications targeting these imbalances may offer a new approach to treatment.
Researchers found a direct line of communication between the brain's stress centers and decision-making regions, which is disrupted by alcohol. This disruption can lead to unhealthy habits and relapse during recovery from alcohol use disorder.
The Transcendental Meditation technique produces a physiological state of 'restful alertness,' reducing sympathetic nervous system activity and increasing parasympathetic tone. Large international studies have shown that psychosocial stress substantially increases cardiovascular disease risk, including heart attack and stroke.
Research from the University of Georgia finds that people with unmet psychological needs are more likely to drink responsibly. Those who don't feel fulfilled are at risk for excessive drinking and related problems.
A large-scale study of over 421,000 individuals found no link between psychosocial factors and cancer incidence. However, some psychosocial factors were associated with a higher risk of lung cancer, which decreased after adjusting for known risk factors.
Researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience identified 7 distinct types of hyperarousal, a key factor in various mental disorders. The study suggests that a new, concise questionnaire can help better understand and treat these conditions, leading to more targeted treatment plans.
The study found that wildfire exposure and its socioeconomic consequences were associated with increased psychological distress beyond the burn zone. Integrating mental health care, housing stability, and economic recovery are crucial for disaster response and climate resilience strategies.
A study analyzing health survey data from over 560,000 US college students found that depression symptoms have steadily increased, especially among women, minorities, and students experiencing financial stress. Suicidal ideation also rose across all demographic groups, with the highest increase seen in this symptom.
Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. received the 2026 Legacy Award for their vision and leadership in supporting brain health initiatives, particularly for U.S. military service members and veterans. The award honors their commitment to elevating human potential and cognitive resilience.
A new study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that creativity improves daily well-being, but professional creatives experience a 'creative hangover' with more negative emotions the next day. This research challenges the idea that creativity is always good for mental health.
A new study found that Black young adults experiencing high levels of online racism are more likely to use digital mental health tools. The research also showed that these individuals were more likely to engage in online mental health communication, regardless of their anxiety or depression symptoms.
China's youth faces a growing mental health crisis, but AI platforms like DeepSeek offer promising solutions to bridge the gap. These platforms leverage natural language processing and generative AI to provide round-the-clock support tailored to Chinese society.
A landmark report reveals increasing levels of high and very high psychosocial risk across Australian higher education, driven by weaknesses in safety systems. The study offers universities a clear roadmap for action to prioritize staff wellbeing and create workplaces that support the wellbeing of their people.
A new study by Bournemouth University calls for faster autism diagnosis and tailored mental health support to reduce autistic people's suicidal thoughts and attempts. The research identified key priorities, including improving autism diagnostic services, tackling societal inequalities, and providing autism-specific support in crisis.
A study found that women in the public service sector tend to report satisfaction with their work, but also struggle with suppressing negative emotions. The researchers surveyed over 120 women and discovered that most never felt ashamed or scared at work, but many reported hiding their true feelings due to job expectations.
A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.
A new online tool provides information and tools for clinicians to respond to emerging patient care needs, enhancing trauma-informed healthcare for individuals with C-PTSD. The resource was co-developed by researchers and survivors, aligning with best practices and patient-centered research.
A new study in Biological Psychiatry found that emotional pain (guilt, shame, sadness, loss of joy) weighs more heavily on individuals with PTSD, impairing daily functioning more than fear. The research identified two distinct PTSD profiles: one centered on fear and the other on emotional pain.
Research found that rates of poor mental health and suicide attempts have largely recovered, but repeated self-harm is increasing, especially among females. Trans and gender-diverse young people and early school leavers are particularly vulnerable to mental distress.
A recent study found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with biological symptoms of accelerated aging. The researchers also discovered that emotional distress accounts for a significant portion of these effects. Anxiety appeared to be a major mediator between exposure and epigenetic aging.
Adverse experiences throughout life increase dementia and stroke risks, with depression as a mediating factor. Implementing life-course interventions addressing psychological trauma and mental health can reduce neurovascular disease burden.
A new book reveals personal tales from successful scientists who overcame insecurities, health issues, and cultural norms to achieve their goals. The stories highlight that self-doubt is a common part of the scientific experience, but with support and resilience, it's possible to overcome.
Research from City St George's University of London found self-employed individuals report 24% higher stress levels than non-self-employed counterparts over a six-year period. Cortisol levels also remained elevated throughout the day, suggesting prolonged exposure to daily stresses.
Dissociation is a complex survival mechanism in response to overwhelming trauma, affecting memory, identity, and perception. Research confirms its prevalence among individuals who have experienced trauma, and effective dissociation-specific treatment options are needed.
A UH psychologist's study finds that anxiety sensitivity and pain-related anxiety are linked to mental health problems and clinically significant alcohol use among survivors of traumatic sexual assault. The investigation highlights the importance of addressing both types of anxiety in reducing the risk of lifelong challenges.
A randomized clinical trial found that a smart speaker-based intervention significantly improved mental distress, quality of life, and diabetes self-care among older adults with type 2 diabetes. This easily implemented self-management strategy may enhance health outcomes in this population.
A new treatment method combining metacognitive therapy and job focus has been shown to significantly reduce absenteeism due to mental illness. By getting people back to work faster, it can save society up to three times as much as it costs.
A new study suggests that spiritual or religious affiliation can buffer against major depressive disorder symptoms in young adult online gamers. Gamers who struggled to control internet activity were 35% more likely to experience symptoms of MDD, while those with a spiritual affiliation were 62% less likely.
A cohort study found a 9-fold increased risk of suicide in Norwegian patients discharged alive after critical injury. Follow-up is recommended for possible psychological distress in this patient group.
A new analysis of wellbeing interventions shows that there is no single route to improving mental health, with mindfulness, compassion-based approaches, yoga, exercise and positive psychology interventions all showing moderate benefits. Combining physical activity with psychological interventions appeared particularly promising.
Researchers at the University of Houston found that admitting intellectual errors can increase public trust in science. In a classroom setting, professors who admit mistakes were rated higher by students for warmth, competence, and teacher effectiveness. This study highlights the importance of intellectual humility in building respect.
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...
The January 2026 issues of four American Psychiatric Association journals feature groundbreaking research on externalizing disorders, pediatric anxiety, autism, and inflammation-related depression. The studies also explore the potential benefits of psychedelic therapy in suicide prevention.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 study conducted at the University of São Paulo found that mindfulness can help reduce pain sensitivity and improve emotional regulation in women with TMD. The research involved 53 women who participated in an eight-week mindfulness program, showing significant improvement in pressure pain threshold and reduction in painful points.
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 Rutgers Health analysis found that discrimination, stigma and chronic stress contribute to increased anxiety, depression, PTSD & substance use among young sexual minority men. Chronic stress is associated with substance use, while experiences of discrimination are linked to social withdrawal from nightlife settings.
A study of 200 Chilean women released from prison found that those with substance use disorders had higher rates of recidivism, reincarceration, and victimization. The researchers also found that pre-release screening missed many women with severe symptoms, highlighting the need for improved mental health care services.
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.
Researchers found that facial self-touching, particularly around the nose, chin, and cheeks, strongly correlates with stress levels during cognitive work. The study also suggests that this behavior may be an evolutionary, self-soothing mechanism to regulate stress.
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to a heightened risk of death from cancer as well as from all causes among those with the disease. Pooled data analysis found that these conditions were associated with an 11% increased risk of death from cancer, after adjusting for small study sizes.