Psychotherapy

Psychedelic substances: Who can they help – and who might they harm?

Research aims to identify underlying causes for linked mental-health issues

A study by Kelsie Forbush and colleagues used Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology to better understand how psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are connected. The findings suggest that HiTOP's symptom dimensions may support more precise, personalized mental health care.

TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief

A new study found that nearly 1,200 TBI respondents used psychedelics to treat or manage physical health conditions, with 208 participants using them to manage brain injury-related symptoms. Researchers reported a 90% self-reported symptom improvement rate.

JMIR report: Why mental health tech needs systems, not just tools

The report highlights a critical implementation gap in digital mental health tools, which struggle to reach the masses due to inadequate infrastructure. The industry has excelled in creating evidence-based tools and AI systems, but fails to deliver them at population scale without proper systems in place.

UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims

Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have made a significant breakthrough in treating combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy, showing an 85% reduction in symptoms. The study used a patented MRI-guided, robotic-controlled form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), known as navigated T...

How far can automation and AI support psychotherapy?

University of Utah researchers develop framework for assessing varying levels of automation in psychotherapy, highlighting the importance of weighing risks and benefits. They explore how automation can support therapists without replacing them, using large language models to capture core components of treatment and provide feedback.

Psychotherapists aren’t prepared to treat eating disorders in boys and men

A binational study found most psychotherapists lack adequate knowledge and confidence treating eating disorders and muscle dysmorphia in boys and men. Clinicians identified a need for specialized training on assessing unique risk factors, tailoring treatment to male-specific experiences, and addressing stigma.

Dysregulation of the immune system differentiates depression and psychosis in young adulthood

A study found distinct inflammatory biomarkers and brain signatures for early-stage depression and psychosis, differing even in the earliest stages. These findings support customized therapies and may reduce risk of severe progression.

University of Houston professor warns of nerve stimulation during MRI

Researchers found that implanted cuff electrodes can trigger unintended nerve stimulation during MRI, causing discomfort or pain. The study recommends more refined guidelines and careful safety considerations to mitigate this risk.

New resource supports trauma survivors, health professionals

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.

More than just ‘daydreaming’ – dissociation is the mind’s survival tactic

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.

Decades of suffering: Long-term mental health outcomes of Kurdish chemical gas attacks

A study of over 500 survivors found severe psychological trauma with somatic symptoms persisting decades after the attack. The results highlight the need for culturally sensitive mental health services, compensation, and ongoing care for chemical attack survivors.

Researchers survey the ADHD coaching boom

A study assessing ADHD coaching found that most coaches have ADHD themselves, providing unique benefits to patients. The field offers similar services to psychologists but operates outside of healthcare structures, lacking formal training or licensure.

Common: being wrong. Less common: admitting it

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.

Study finds non-hallucinogenic psilocybin neural receptor

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.

Call your pop-pop: Unlocking conversations between generations

Researchers study topics most frequently discussed with grandchildren, revealing cultural and gender differences. The study highlights the importance of investing in well-being for both grandparents and grandchildren, showing that digital communication is a valuable way to maintain relationships.

Epilepsy can lead to earlier deaths in people with intellectual disabilities, study shows

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.

JMIR Publications announces second annual Symposium: Advancing Digital Mental Health Through AI

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.

Could psychotherapy work by changing how we navigate our own minds?

Researchers suggest that becoming aware of unrecognized psychological and behavioral challenges can be a crucial mechanism in conversation-based psychotherapy. By framing introspection as a process of expanding one's cognitive map, therapists may help patients reframe their thoughts and change pathological ways of thinking.

Low choline levels in the brain associated with anxiety disorders

A new study found that people with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder have lower levels of choline in their brains. Choline is vital for cell membranes and brain functions like memory, mood regulation, and muscle control.

Texts as effective as live video for depression therapy

A new study suggests that message-based psychotherapy is as effective as live video therapy for treating depression. The research found that patients improved at similar rates regardless of the format used.

Life after near death: Research reveals how to improve support for near-death experiencers

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.

October issues of APA journals feature new research on ketamine and esketamine treatment, involuntary commitment, short-term psychotherapy and more

The latest October issues of APA journals feature new research on adolescent suicidality and depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and safety issues related to ketamine and esketamine treatment. The American Journal of Psychotherapy also publishes a special issue on intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP).

Depression remission endures 5 years after psilocybin trial

A recent study found that two-thirds of clinical trial participants experienced complete remission from major depressive disorder five years after psilocybin-assisted therapy. The treatment also showed significant and large reduction in depression symptoms, with many participants reporting improved well-being measures.

Swedish psychologist transforms mental health access through digital therapy revolution

Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.

“Cracks in the system” driving high suicide rates for autistic people

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.

Cognitive Behavioural therapy can alter brain structure and boost grey matter volume, study shows

Researchers at MLU and University of Münster show that CBT leads to measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in areas responsible for emotion processing, and increases grey matter volume in the amygdala and hippocampus.

How AI will transform mental health support for patients with breast cancer

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.

The Lancet Rheumatology: Course of psychotherapy for low back pain remains effective for at least three years, finds trial

A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive functional therapy (CFT) can effectively reduce disability due to chronic low back pain for more than a year. The current trial is the first to show that these effects are sustained up to three years. CFT was shown to improve physical activity participation in patients with low back pain.

Sustained benefits from mind and body treatment for back pain in RESTORE trial three-year follow-up

A three-year follow-up study of a personalized program of cognitive functional therapy (CFT) found clinically significant improvements in pain-related activity and pain intensity compared to usual care. The treatment produced large benefits that were sustained over time, offering potential for major human and economic impact.

Be Well Texas at UT Health San Antonio to lead major statewide expansion of opioid use disorder and recovery services

The Be Well Texas initiative, led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, will expand access to opioid use disorder treatment services and recovery support across rural and urban communities. This major statewide expansion aims to reduce overdose deaths and build a lasting recovery infrastructure.

New study finds evidence of hepatitis C virus in cells lining human brain

A Johns Hopkins Medicine team found the liver-damaging hepatitis C virus in the brain's choroid plexus, a structure targeted by viruses, in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study suggests that HCV infections may be associated with disease cause rather than behaviors.

Early intervention changes trajectory for depressed preschoolers

A 4-year-old intervention program has been shown to effectively treat depression in young children, with a majority of participants achieving remission. The treatment, called PCIT-ED, helps parents interact with their children differently in the emotional domain, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

UK child sexual abuse survivors lack support - report

A new report reveals that over half of UK child sexual abuse survivors have not received support, highlighting a critical gap in local systems. The survey also found that many victims were first subjected to abuse at a young age and struggled with disclosure and healing.

New research highlights health benefits of using heritage art practices in art therapy

Heritage art practices, such as fiber arts and traditional painting styles, have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. The study collected data from participants in the US, Japan, and India, who engaged in activities like creating temporary body art or mizuhiki, tying decorative knots with thin paper strings.

How ‘magic mushrooms’ could help Parkinson’s disease patients

Researchers at UCSF found clinically significant improvements in mood, cognition, and motor function after psilocybin therapy for patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that psilocybin could provide relief from multiple symptoms of the disease by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity.

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy improve chronic low back pain

A new randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy improved physical function, quality of life, and reduced pain among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain. The benefits persisted for up to 12 months.

A depression treatment that starts with understanding yourself and others

A recent study suggests dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) can help alleviate depressive symptoms by enhancing mentalising capacity. Patients receiving DIT combined with medication showed significantly greater improvement in depressive symptoms and mentalising ability.

First therapy chatbot trial shows AI can provide 'gold-standard' care

The study found significant improvements in symptoms for participants with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. Participants reported trusting and communicating with Therabot comparable to working with a therapist.

Goethe University establishes professorship for clinical psychoanalysis using endowment funds

The university plans to recruit an outstanding researcher for a professorship focused on psychoanalytical approaches, combining psychology and social sciences. This will enable exploration of new research fields and innovative combinations of expertise between Goethe University's Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences and Sigmund Fr...

One of the largest psychotherapy trials in the world has implications for transforming mental health care during pregnancy and after birth

A large psychotherapy trial has demonstrated that trained nurses, midwives, and doulas can deliver effective talk therapy, significantly improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant and postpartum individuals. The study also found that online therapy is equally beneficial to in-person sessions.

ChatGPT on the couch? How to calm a stressed-out AI

Studies show that AI chatbots, when exposed to traumatic content, exhibit increased anxiety levels. However, researchers at the University of Zurich have found that therapeutic prompts can significantly reduce these elevated anxiety levels in language models like ChatGPT.

$4.9 million grant enables test of psychedelic MDMA as enhancement for PTSD therapy

A new clinical trial will use MDMA in combination with Prolonged Exposure therapy to enhance treatment outcomes for individuals with PTSD. Researchers believe MDMA shows potential in improving PTSD symptoms by increasing neuroplasticity and processing traumatic memories.

ChatGPT has the potential to improve psychotherapeutic processes

A study published in PLOS Mental Health found that ChatGPT's responses were generally rated higher than those written by therapists, particularly in terms of core psychotherapy guiding principles. The AI model was also found to contextualize more extensively, leading respondents to rate its responses higher on common therapy components.

Antidepressant use before, during, and after pregnancy

The study found a significant decrease in antidepressant use during pregnancy without an accompanying increase in psychotherapy. This suggests that pregnant women with depression or anxiety may be able to effectively manage their symptoms with medication alone.

AAAS announces addition of Journal of EMDR Practice and Research to Science Partner Journal program

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has partnered with the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) to add the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research to its Science Partner Journal program. The journal, launched in 2007, publishes state-of-the-art research on EMDR therapy and its application to clinical practice.

Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection

Researchers found that participants who received early therapeutic interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. The interventions, which typically lasted six to twelve sessions, reduced symptoms and lowered the risk of depression by 42% in the first six months.

Psychedelic drug therapy may address mental health concerns in people with cancer and addiction

Two studies suggest that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes for patients with cancer and alcohol use disorder, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive thoughts, while also promoting lasting personality changes.

Psilocybin therapy helps clinicians process COVID despair

A study found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced depression among clinicians providing front-line COVID-19 care. The treatment was more effective than a placebo, with participants experiencing greater reductions in symptoms over time.

Trends in outpatient psychotherapy among adults in the US

The study highlights growing disparities in teletherapy access among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Outpatient psychotherapy use has increased significantly among several socioeconomically advantaged groups.

Study shows significant rise in psychotherapy use among adults, but gains are uneven across socioeconomic groups

A recent study found a substantial increase in psychotherapy use among US adults with mild to moderate distress since 2018. However, the benefits of this growth have not been equally distributed, with privately insured individuals and those with higher family incomes experiencing greater gains.

Germany’s first-ever professorship in suicide studies and suicide prevention established at Goethe University Frankfurt

A new professorship in suicide studies and prevention has been established at Goethe University Frankfurt, led by Dr. Ute Lewitzka. The goal is to develop effective preventive measures through systematic tracking and analysis of suicide attempts and suicides.

Biological damage in the brain of people with PTSD responds to a special protocol of hyperbaric therapy

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that a special protocol of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve the condition of PTSD sufferers, reducing typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. The study showed improvements in brain connectivity and clinical symptoms, offering new hope for millions of PTSD suff...

October issues of APA journals cover schizophrenia and psychosis, PTSD treatment, college mental health and more

The latest APA journal issues explore schizophrenia spectrum disorders, PTSD treatment, and college mental health. Research highlights include new approaches to psychosis treatment and findings on mental health in higher education.

Child-parent therapy has biological benefits for traumatized kids

A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.

How did mental health parity laws affect new moms?

After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.

Processing traumatic memories during sleep leads to changes in the brain associated with improvement in PTSD symptoms

Researchers found that reactivating therapeutically-altered memories during sleep leads to more brain activity related to memory processing, associated with a reduction in PTSD symptoms. Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) also reduced the inclination to avoid traumatic memories in patients.

July Issues of APA Journals cover new research on pharmacogenomics, ADHD medication use, associations between mental health and cardiometabolic complications later in life, and more

The July issues of APA journals feature new research on pharmacogenomics, ADHD medication use and associations between mental health and cardiometabolic complications later in life. The studies highlight the importance of personalized medicine and effective treatment strategies for psychiatric disorders.

Why schizophrenia and apathy go hand in hand

Researchers found individuals with schizophrenia struggle to discriminate between reward levels, leading to apathy and motivation deficits. The study suggests potential treatments, including brain stimulation and targeted psychotherapy.

Hope for men affected by ‘overlooked’ sexual issue

A study published in Trends in Urology and Men's Health found that several treatments have been effective in treating delayed ejaculation, including vibration stimulation therapy and psychotherapy. The research highlights the need for health professionals to be aware of a patient's full medical and sexual history and offers hope for mi...