Other News Stories
Infections linked to mood disorders
June 13, 2013, Fox News
Infections and autoimmune disorders may increase the risk of developing a mood disorder such as depression later in life, a new study suggests.
How poverty might change the brain
June 13, 2013, CNN
Researcher looks at how social class relates to the brain.
Sleep mechanism identified that plays role in emotional energy
June 12, 2013, ScienceDaily
Researchers have identified the sleep mechanism that enables the brain to consolidate emotional memory and found that prescription sleep aids heighten the recollection of and response to negative memories.
AIDS drugs halve HIV risk for intravenous drug users in study
June 12, 2013, Reuters
A daily dose of anti-HIV medicine the risk of AIDS infection by 49 percent in intravenous drug users in a study that showed for the first time such a preventive step can work in a high-risk population.
Study helps predict response to depression drug
June 12, 2013, The Wall Street Journal
Predicting whether a depressed patient will respond to a particular treatment is difficult, but a new study shows that more effective treatment may be possible using a brain scan.
Scientists find clues to early onset Alzheimer's
June 12, 2013, WebMD
People with genetic mutations that lead to inherited, early onset Alzheimer's disease overproduce a protein fragment that clumps into plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
How do people survive solitary confinement?
June 12, 2013, BBC News
Given the devastating effect of solitary confinement on mental health, what techniques can kidnap victims, hostages and prisoners use to get through the ordeal?
Suicide risk factors described
June 10, 2013, ScienceDaily
Study shows being young, single and having a low level of education are stronger risk factors for suicide among men, while mental illness was a stronger risk factor among women.
A coffee withdrawal diagnosis
June 10, 2013, The Wall Street Journal
Caffeine intoxication and withdrawal are conditions now considered mental disorders when they impair a person's ability to function in daily life.
Airport therapy dogs take the stress out of travel
June 10, 2013, Fox News
The dogs are intended to take the stress out of travel —looking for people who need a buddy, a belly to rub or a paw to shake.
Anorexia, bulimia linked to disturbance in brain region
June 10, 2013, Psych Central
Study suggests that the altered function of neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia.
Treatments of physical and mental health are coming together
June 9, 2013, Los Angeles Times
Physicians and therapists traditionally haven't collaborated much when treating the same patient, but the federal healthcare law is spurring a change.
Sexual problems may linger after rape
June 7, 2013, Reuters
Rape victims treated with psychotherapy are still more than twice as likely to have sexual difficulties and pelvic pain than unvictimized women, according to a new study.
Study explains how people become obsessed with forbidden pleasures
June 7, 2013, Medical News Today
Research shows that when people are forbidden from something, it takes on a new level of focus.
Humans turn to science in times of stress
June 7, 2013, Psych Central
A new study discovers that when we face significant stress or anxiety — a belief in science often is cited as a method to explain the condition.
Early "Down's" test 'more sensitive'
June 7, 2013, BBC News
A more accurate test for Down's syndrome which can also be given earlier in pregnancy than current checks has been developed, say experts.
Sleepaway camp: A remedy for overparenting?
June 6, 2013, U.S. News & World Report
Experts say sleepaway camp is the perfect occasion for parents to let go and let their kids grow.
Depression associated with half of all PTSD
June 6, 2013, Psych Central
New research suggests that half of the people diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also suffer symptoms of depression.
Suicide risk in bipolar disorder
June 6, 2013, BBC News
There are suggestions that at least a quarter to even half of bipolar patients make at least one suicide attempt.
PTSD may be prevented, researchers find
June 5, 2013, Los Angeles Times
Scientists identify a gene in traumatized mice that is also linked to post-traumatic stress disorder in humans – and find that a drug can treat symptoms in mice by triggering a key brain receptor.
Group therapy helps rape victims in poor countries
June 5, 2013, Reuters
Group therapy works better than individual support for women in low-income countries who have been victims of sexual violence, according to the results of a new study.
Stress, anxiety and pain disturb Americans' sleep
June 4, 2013, Chicago Tribune
A new survey says 83% of Americans don’t get a good night’s sleep on a consistent basis.
HIV discovery 'will change your life forever'
June 4, 2013, CNN
French scientist Francoise Barre-Sinoussi almost didn't get the chance to make one of the greatest medical discoveries of the 20th century.
How to cope with fear of flying
June 3, 2013, U.S. News & World Report
The precise treatment for the phobia depends on the individual and his or her particular fear.
Obama urges greater openness in dealing with mental illness
June 3, 2013, Reuters
President Barack Obama said that Americans need to become more open about mental health issues so that people struggling with problems are not ashamed to seek help.
Codifying mental illness
June 3, 2013, BBC News
A new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual eliminates some mental disorders while including new criteria for diagnosing other conditions.
Looking at own Facebook profile positive
June 2, 2013, Psych Central
A new study finds that looking at your own Facebook profile can boost self-esteem and influence your behavior.
Global stress relief tips
June 2, 2013, ABC News
How do people in other countries de-stress? With these cool cultural traditions—ones that work wherever you live.
Brain wave study sheds light on autism among toddlers
May 31, 2013, Los Angeles Times
How an autistic baby's brain responds to words may predict how well that child will learn language and even think and behave later in life, a new study shows.
For veterans, mental health care often fragmented
May 31, 2013, Fox News
Research shows that after deployment, veterans often go years without obtaining mental health care, and when they do, their care is often fragmented.
Healthy lifestyle choices mean fewer memory complaints
May 30, 2013, ScienceDaily
As the researchers expected, healthy eating, not smoking and exercising regularly were related to better self-perceived memory abilities for most adult groups.
New bid to find HIV vaccine begins in London hospital
May 30, 2013, BBC News
A fresh effort to find a vaccine for HIV is beginning at laboratories in a London hospital and two centers in Africa.
Stretching, meditation eases PTSD in nurses, study shows
May 30, 2013, Fox News
Nurses deal with traumatic experiences on a daily basis – a factor which puts them at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Who lies more about sex, men or women?
May 29, 2013, Chicago Tribune
Study found that both men and women appeared to lie about their sexual history, but in different ways.
ADHD meds may not up drug abuse risk in adulthood
May 29, 2013, WebMD
Children taking stimulants to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder don't face a greater risk of becoming drug addicts in adulthood, researchers report.
Which comes first: Depression or weight gain?
May 29, 2013, U.S. News & World Report
Experts recommend addressing mental health before weight issues.
Talk therapy can ease depression
May 28, 2013, WebMD
Various forms of "talk therapy" can help people with depression, but no single type stands out as better than the rest, according to a new analysis.
Dealing with mean girls — and boys — in the workplace
May 28, 2013, Fox News
Psychologist discovers that certain personality “types” can make the lives of their coworkers miserable just as they did back in school.
Good habits help manage stress
May 28, 2013, Psych Central
When stress and exhaustion dull the senses and cause mindless behavior, people fall back on established habits — some of which may be healthy.
Docs urged to address military kids' mental health
May 27, 2013, CNN
One in four children with a deployed parent experienced symptoms of depression, and more than half reported trouble sleeping.
Almost human: Lab treats trauma with virtual therapy
May 26, 2013, BBC News
Virtual assistants help treat psychological woes.
Combat troops turn to art therapy
May 26, 2013, MSNBC
For soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injury and the psychological effects of war, a Department of Defense art therapy program hopes to provide relief.
Fighting fat through furniture design
May 25, 2013, Chicago Tribune
Conventional furniture is part of the obesity problem, a growing number of scientists now say, but with the right changes it can be part of the solution.
PTSD explored on CBS Radio News
May 23, 2013, CBS News
A special radio hour will be broadcast during the Memorial Day weekend to explore the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on the nation's veterans.
Mentally disabled couple's legal battle ends with new home
May 23, 2013, ABC News
A newlywed mentally disabled couple's dream of living together is coming true now that New York State has provided them with a home of their own.
Stress may be causing your cravings
May 23, 2013, CNN
Addiction, overeating and other behaviors are all affected by stress levels.
Female breadwinners and love in a new economy
May 22, 2013, U.S. News & World Report
Couples who agree on a nontraditional parenting arrangement may be surprised by their response once they're in the situation.
Arizona law on abortions struck down as restrictive
May 22, 2013, The New York Times
A federal appellate panel struck down Arizona’s abortion law, saying it was unconstitutional “under a long line of invariant Supreme Court precedents."
What makes a risk-taker?
May 22, 2013, The Wall Street Journal
New research shows that often-cautious people become daredevils in the right context.
'Emotional paramedics' there in times of trauma
May 22, 2013, Chicago Tribune
Trained volunteers serve as 'emotional paramedics' to help strangers when crisis strikes.
Practice may not make perfect, but it helps
May 21, 2013, Psych Central
New research suggests it takes more than just practice to reach an elite skill level.
Meditation helps kids chill out, reduce impulsivity
May 21, 2013, ABC News
Children's meditation is gaining ground as studies find meditation is good for growing minds.
Can you catch up on lost sleep?
May 20, 2013, The Wall Street Journal
Banking sleep in advance of a long night can actually offset upcoming sleep deprivation.
Not my kid: Most parents unaware teen is using study drugs
May 20, 2013, Fox News
New "study" drugs have more subtle effects than drugs such as heroin and cocaine, which allow teens to more easily hide their drug use from parents.
Bans of same-sex marriage can take a psychological toll
May 20, 2013, NPR
When several states passed laws to prohibit same-sex marriage, the mental health of gay residents seemed to suffer, while stress-related disorders dropped in at least one state after gay marriage was legalized.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder linked to adult obesity
May 20, 2013, Chicago Tribune
Having childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could lead to a life of obesity, even if ADHD symptoms disappear in adulthood, a new study shows.
How to buy happiness
May 19, 2013, Los Angeles Times
The new science of spending points to a surprising conclusion: How we use our money may matter as much or more than how much of it we've got.
President demands reform of military sex assult handling
May 17, 2013, CBS News
President Obama, along with military leaders and members of Congress, are calling for prioritized and comprehensive reform of the handling of sex assault cases across U.S. military branches.
Staying in touch with college kids can improve their health
May 17, 2013, Psych Central
A new study suggests college kids eat healthier and exercise more on the days when they talk with a parent.
Up to 1 in 5 children suffer from a mental disorder
May 17, 2013, Fox News
Up to 20 percent of children in the United States suffer from a mental disorder, and the number of kids diagnosed with one has been rising for more than a decade, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why you keep playing the lottery
May 17, 2013, CNN
Part of the allure of buying a ticket is that everyone else is doing it and you don't want to feel left out.
Study: Happiness comes easier with upbeat music
May 16, 2013, The Atlantic
Research subjects were better able to will themselves into positive moods while listening to rousing symphonies.
Depression tied to stroke risk in middle-aged women
May 16, 2013, WebMD
Women in their 40s and 50s who suffer from depression are almost twice as likely to have a stroke as women who aren't depressed.
Brain stimulation promises 'long-lasting' math boost
May 16, 2013, BBC News
Applying high-frequency electrical noise to the brain can boost maths skills up to six months later.
White kids will no longer be a majority in just a few years
May 15, 2013, CNN
White, non-Hispanic kids will no longer make up the majority of America's youth in just five to six years, according to Census Bureau.
Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk
May 15, 2013, ScienceDaily
People in the military who suffer more than one mild traumatic brain injury face a significantly higher risk of suicide.
Weight gain among men and women
May 15, 2013, WebMD
People with specific gene variations were more likely to put on pounds in 10-year study.
Are we over-connected?
May 14, 2013, Fox News
Experts concede that an over-reliance on gadgets can stifle our intuition and creativity.
Most obese workers
May 14, 2013, The Huffington Post
Jobs associated with greater obesity rates were also more poorly paying jobs that required less education.
Number of abused U.S. children unchanged since 2008
May 14, 2013, Reuters
Research suggests that the rates may have remained steady, in part, because there are programs to help curb violence available to families.
Brain scan study to understand workings of teenage mind
May 14, 2013, BBC News
Researchers in England will scan 300 people aged between 14 and 24 to see how their brains change as they grow older.
Potential treatment for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia discovered
May 10, 2013, Fox News
A drug used to treat leukemia helps halt the production of toxic proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other forms of dementia.
How fetuses learn language
May 9, 2013, BBC News
Babies are born with the ability to recognize familiar sounds and language patterns, according to new research.
Shift in goals improves treatment for severe anorexia
May 9, 2013, Psych Central
A new clinical trial has found that focusing on quality of life and enhanced social adjustment, rather than weight gain, improved results for patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa.
Can stress affect a fetus?
May 9, 2013, WebMD
Some stress during pregnancy is normal, but if stress becomes constant, the effects on mother and baby could be lasting.
Kindness makes us happier and healthier
May 9, 2013, Time Magazine
There’s a reason why being kind to others is good for you — and it can now be traced to the vagus nerve.
Parental addictions linked to adult children's depression
May 9, 2013, ScienceDaily
The offspring of parents who were addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to be depressed in adulthood, according to a new study.
Flu in pregnancy 'may raise bipolar risk for baby'
May 8, 2013, BBC News
Research shows the overall bipolar risk remained low, but it echoes similar findings linking flu and schizophrenia.
Link between weight gain and personality trait changes
May 8, 2013, Medical News Today
People who gain weight are more likely to give in to temptations but also are more thoughtful about their actions, according to a new study.
How autism is different in girls vs. boys
May 8, 2013, Fox News
A growing consensus believes that sex differences exist in genetic susceptibility, brain development and social learning in autism.
Women's brains more likely than men's to respond to crying babies
May 7, 2013, Chicago Tribune
The cries of hungry infants prompted brain activity in women but not in men, according to a recent study.
New figures show sexual assault in the U.S. military is on the rise
May 7, 2013, CBS News
The incidence of sexual assault against women in the military is just over 6 percent, and research found the incidence in the general population is 2 percent.
Religious support tied to intensive end-of-life care
May 7, 2013, Reuters
People tend to get more aggressive care at the end of life and spend more time in the intensive care unit if they have spiritual support from their religious communities.
For long-separated families, reunions can be a struggle
May 7, 2013, CNN
People who return to their families after years away often feel conflicted about it.
Cleveland women face trauma, like prisoners of war
May 7, 2013, ABC News
The three women held captive for more than a decade most likely suffered the same kind of deprivation as prisoners of war.
Preschoolers with ADHD often treated incorrectly
May 6, 2013, Fox News
Doctors usually do not follow guidelines for treating very young children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new study suggests.
Survey says: Three is the most stressful number of kids
May 6, 2013, MSNBC
Survey of 7,000 mothers found moms of three have more stress than moms of one or two, and women who have four or more report lower stress levels.
Family of many schizophrenia patients report positive personal growth
May 5, 2013, Psych Central
Amidst the heavy emotional toll of taking care of a loved one with schizophrenia, new research reveals that, for many family members, there is a positive personal growth aspect.
Cyberbullying rampant among high school students
May 5, 2013, ScienceDaily
Electronic bullying of high school students threatens their self-esteem, emotional well-being and social standing.
A new way to care for young brains
May 5, 2013, The New York Times
Doctors are pleased that the dangers of concussions are receiving more attention, but they often see overreactions from parents alarmed by high-profile cases.
Invisible wounds of war
May 5, 2013, CBS News
Tens of thousands of servicemen and women are dealing with lasting brain damage as the Pentagon scrambles to treat these invisible wounds.
Traffic noise linked with kids' hyperactivity
May 2, 2013, Fox News
A growing number of studies are showing that environmental stressors, including noise and chemical pollution, may affect children's behavior and mental health.
US suicide rate rises sharply among middle-aged whites
May 2, 2013, ABC News
One theory suggests the recession caused more emotional trauma in whites, who tend not to have the same kind of church support and extended families that blacks and Hispanics do.
Video game may help keep aging brains sharp
May 1, 2013, WebMD
Older gamers may gain more mentally than crossword puzzle solvers, study suggests.
Performer launching HIV campaign aimed at women
May 1, 2013, CNN
Alicia Keys hopes to start a global dialogue about HIV and women.
Developers dive in to create a wealth of autism apps
April 30, 2013, Chicago Tribune
Parents, therapists and developers are eager to tap into what they view as a powerful tool to reach people with autism.
Stong personalities are weak when faced with change
April 30, 2013, ScienceDaily
Management teams with members who have strong personality traits have difficulty adapting to rapid changes in their surroundings, according to new study.
Diet may help stave off dementia
April 29, 2013, WebMD
Large study showed better retention of mental skills in seniors who had followed Mediterranean diet.
Big sibling's big influence: Some behaviors run in the family
April 29, 2013, NPR
Psychologists interested in how siblings affect one another are taking a new look at all kinds of behavior, particularly anti-social behavior.
Your child's brain on math: Don't bother?
April 29, 2013, Reuters
Parents whose children are struggling with math often view tutoring as the best way to help, but a new study suggests that for some kids even that is a lost cause.
Lack of sleep may harm men's sperm
April 29, 2013, Fox News
Study shows men who slept poorly had lower sperm counts and fewer sperm that had formed correctly, compared with men who slept better.
Federal panel says everyone 15 to 65 should have HIV test
April 29, 2013, Los Angeles Times
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force finalizes its guideline that everyone 15 to 65 be screened for the virus that causes AIDS.
Abnormal placenta may reveal autism risk
April 28, 2013, Psych Central
A relatively high number of abnormal folds and cell growths in the placenta could be a strong indicator of an infant’s risk for developing autism, according to new research.
In therapy? In Argentina, it's the norm
April 28, 2013, CNN
Argentina has more psychologists per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Gay rights groups pushing to be included in immigration reform bill
April 24, 2013, Fox News
Gay rights groups, their lobbyists and grass-roots supporters are insisting the immigration reform bill shouldn't exclude bi-national, same-sex couples.
Minorities wait longer for breast cancer surgery
April 24, 2013, Reuters
Among young women diagnosed with breast cancer, black and Hispanic patients were more likely to wait weeks for treatment, in a new study from California.
Infant responses may predict later antisocial behavior
April 24, 2013, Psych Central
New research suggests an infant’s response to a scary situation predicts if they will be at risk for conduct disorders later in life.
HIV spread in England 'could be halted within generation'
April 24, 2013, BBC News
The spread of HIV in England can be stopped within a generation, according to a new prevention campaign funded by the Department of Health.
Prescription drug abuse up among teens
April 23, 2013, WebMD
The United States is in the throes of a prescription drug abuse crisis among teens, with a new survey showing that 24 percent of high school students have abused these medications.
Not enough data to support suicide screening
April 23, 2013, Fox News
There is not enough evidence to recommend universal screening to find people at risk of suicide, according to a government-backed panel.
Understanding the teenage brain
April 22, 2013, Medical News Today
Some teens' risky behavior reflects the unique effect of peer influence on the still-developing teenage brain.
Does gender influence our diet?
April 22, 2013, Fox News
The question of whether our gender determines what we like to eat has long puzzled scientists and nutritionists.
Negative thoughts can be contagious
April 22, 2013, Fox News
The way the people around us respond to stressful events — whether negatively or positively — may be contagious when we are in the midst of a major life transition.
Social expectations help shape grief
April 22, 2013, Psych Central
New research suggests the way society relates to people who have suffered a loss is important to the way the grieving process is managed.
New TV show plays tricks on your brain
April 22, 2013, CNN
A new, nontraditional television series teaches you how your mind works.
Green spaces boosts wellbeing of urban dwellers
April 21, 2013, BBC News
Parks, gardens and green space in urban areas can improve the wellbeing and quality of life of people living there.
How sexual frequency corresponds with happiness
April 17, 2013, Medical News Today
The happiness linked with having more sex can rise or fall depending on how individuals believe they measure up to their peers.
Many teen alcohol-related deaths not due to drunk driving
April 17, 2013, Fox News
A new analysis of data released by MADD revealed that 68 percent of teenage deaths attributable to underage drinking are not traffic-related, but due to other factors like alcohol poisoning, drowning or suicide.
Acetaminophen seems to ease some existential fears
April 17, 2013, Psych Central
New research suggests acetaminophen may help individuals overcome non-specific fear and anxiety brought about by thinking about death or the human condition.
Why we’re motivated to exercise. Or not.
April 17, 2013, The New York Times
New findings suggest that the desire to be active or indolent is, to some extent, inherited.
Acute stress primes brain for better cognitive and mental performance
April 16, 2013, ScienceDaily
Research shows some amounts of stress are good to push you just to the level of optimal alertness, behavioral and cognitive performance.
Boston bombing aftermath: Fear, empathy, anger
April 16, 2013, WebMD
It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after the terrorist bombing attack at the Boston Marathon, even if you were thousands of miles away.
Babies born even Slightly early may lag behind
April 16, 2013, WebMD
Women urged to rethink early elective C-sections, inductions unless medically needed.
