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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers from the University of South Australia explore the connection between the gut and brain to decipher their role in mental health and wellbeing. The study found that changes in the gut microbiome can directly affect brain chemistry, suggesting a potential link between gut health and mental illness.
A study of 90 teenage girls found that those who avoided looking at potentially negative feedback during speeches reported the most anxiety three years later. The research challenges prevailing wisdom in the field and suggests that adolescent girls may be more sensitive to social feedback, contributing to the onset of anxiety disorders.
Researchers identified five distinct sleep-biopsychosocial profiles, each associated with a unique pattern of brain connectivity. The study revealed that different aspects of sleep are related but can also be separable domains influencing biopsychosocial factors.
Researchers found that Reelin-based therapeutics could help restore the integrity of the gut barrier, reducing inflammation and symptoms of depression. The study suggests a promising new treatment targeting both brain and gut processes.
A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.
Researchers found that feeling in control over everyday stressors can lead to a 62% increase in resolving the issue. The relationship strengthens with age, suggesting that controlling one's sense of control can be a resource for managing daily life and impact health outcomes.
A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of recognizing and treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among heart attack survivors. Psychological distress after a heart attack is common and can affect physical recovery and long-term heart health.
New research shows that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and patient-ventilator asynchronies for patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention that complements conventional treatments.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that high hair cortisol levels may signal mental health risks in children with chronic physical illnesses. The research suggests that identifying these risk factors early could help doctors and families intervene before emotional difficulties take hold.
A new study reveals how hotels can mirror the psychological pains of imprisonment during wartime, raising questions about displaced communities. Evacuees experienced emotional and psychological distress, feeling trapped in comfortable yet confining settings.
A new study published in Open Psychology suggests that experiencing higher levels of gratitude can lead to lower financial stress. The research, led by Dr. Rona Hart, explored the complex relationships between psychological and socioeconomic factors in forming individuals' financial behaviors and well-being.
The RenewU program provides evidence-based interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in healthcare providers. The toolkit offers mental health support, stress management, and physical wellness resources, including yoga and exercise guides.
A nationwide study of secondary school pupils in England found that bright children from poorer backgrounds are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with mental health problems. They are also more likely to be treated for alcohol and drug use, self-harm, and pregnancy-related issues.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
Professor Gregor Hasler's pioneering research reveals how psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to rewire itself and break free from depression, PTSD, and addiction. His discoveries have the potential to fundamentally alter international approaches to mental health treatment.
A new report from Emory University reveals that certain mental health conditions can raise the risk of developing heart disease by 50-100% and adverse outcomes from existing heart conditions by 60-170%. The study emphasizes a bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and mental health, highlighting the need for an integ...
A recent study has found that 43.9% of Black women with disabilities are pursuing self-employment as a viable career option. This group is more likely to have a graduate degree and earn higher incomes compared to their non-disabled counterparts.
A new UNSW Sydney study reveals that nearly 70% of Australian teachers report an unmanageable workload, leading to severe stress, depression, and anxiety. The research highlights the critical need for improved working conditions to retain skilled educators and ensure quality education.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
Researchers from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong found that additive advice bias is common in conversations, social media, and AI chatbots. This bias can leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped, with well-intentioned tips piling on extra tasks.
A study analyzing acute and chronic stress on rat brains reveals distinct effects on mental health. Acute stress triggers anxiety-like behaviors, primarily in males, whereas chronic stress is linked to depressive symptoms.
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 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.
A recent study has found that women who experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than those who did not. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 women and found a strong association between stalking and cardiovascular disease.
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.
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.
Leading trauma researcher Professor Philip Hyland's work on Complex PTSD fundamentally changed World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, impacting how clinicians worldwide assess and treat trauma survivors. His innovative measurement tools, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire, challenge decades of clinical tradition and...
A study of 3,500 Canadians aged 55 and older found that childhood adversities and chronic health conditions are linked to depression. Middle-aged adults were more likely to experience depression than older Canadians, highlighting the importance of holistic healthcare for this population.
A recent study found that Ukrainian educators who participated in a virtual mental health intervention significantly reduced their own symptoms of anxiety and depression. The PSE treatment group reported greater improvements in mental health, knowledge, and readiness to provide psychological support.
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 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 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 new study found that nearly one-third of US public schools mandate mental health screening for students, with many offering in-person treatment or referrals to community mental health professionals. Despite this, principals reported difficulties in providing adequate care due to resource constraints and knowledge gaps.
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.
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.
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.
A study using AI language models analyzed sentiments and emotions expressed by almost 400 pediatric patients on social media, finding that 94% of comments were negative, with sadness and fear prevalent. The study highlights the need for integrated care approaches to support vulnerable young patients managing complex medical conditions.
A new study by King's College London and University of Sussex found that content moderators engage in five main practices to manage distressing material, including emotion management and empathy. The research calls for regulators and platform providers to reduce the toll of this highly skilled emotional work.
A new study found that 4 in 5 adults in the US report some level of loneliness, strongly correlated with poor mental health days and physical health days. Women and Black individuals experienced higher rates of depression and poor mental health days than men and White individuals, respectively.
A study of police organisations in Australia, New Zealand, England and Wales reveals rising levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related mental health challenges. The research identifies key trends and insights into how policing organisations can enhance support systems to balance job demands with adequate resources.
Dr. Randy J. Nelson's research reveals that artificial light exposure disrupts immune function, causes neuroinflammation, and influences mood regulation. His work has significant implications for understanding depression and anxiety disorders, as well as the obesity epidemic.
Climate anxiety is growing, especially amongst young people, due to the polarized debate around climate change. Professor Beattie's book offers psychological tips on how to handle climate anxiety, including writing personal narratives about difficult emotional experiences. Strategies focus on improving mental well-being and empowering ...
A randomized clinical trial found that SMART training significantly improved cognitive gains in active-duty service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The top-down approach of SMART brain training showed faster cognitive gains compared to a bottom-up approach.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that structured exercise programs improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The study, involving 38,000 young people across 375 clinical trials, suggests benefits can emerge quickly, even for short periods of time.
A recent study published in Child Development found that early social-emotional learning curriculum led to improved teen behavior and mental health. The intervention, which focused on developing friendship skills and emotional knowledge, had a positive effect on students' social adjustment and parent involvement.
Researchers discovered that stress activates neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, leading to impaired sleep and memory. Inhibiting these neurons reduced stress-related memory issues while slightly improving sleep.
New research shows that weight stigma and not weight itself have the biggest impact on mental health and healthy behaviors in patients after weight-loss surgery. This reduction in weight stigma is linked to improvements in both mental and physical health, including lower levels of anxiety and depression.
A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.
A Wayne State University researcher is examining the long-term impact of bullying on adolescents' social and academic progress in college. The study, funded by the Spencer Foundation, aims to understand how peer victimization affects mental health and academic persistence during college.
A new study by ECU Masters student Tee-Jay Scott and Professor Joanne Dickson found that acute stress may impair key brain functions involved in managing emotions, particularly in people living with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. The researchers suggest that these disruptions could undermine the effectiveness...
A systematic review found that positive expressive writing interventions improve psychological wellbeing, including measures of happiness and life satisfaction, but effects on physical health vary across individuals and intervention types.
A study by University College London researchers found that depressive symptoms worsen long before pain begins in middle-aged and older adults. Early mental health interventions may help prevent or reduce later aches and pains.