http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/mental_health/ Read the latest research as well as in-depth information on clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD and other mental health disorders in adults, teens, and children. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/mental_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523114726.htm When confronted with adverse situations such as the loss of a loved one, some people never fully recover from the pain. Others, the majority, pull through and experience how the intensity of negative emotions (e.g. anxiety, depression) grows dimmer with time until they adapt to the new situation. A third group is made up of individuals whose adversities have made them grow personally and whose life takes on new meaning, making them feel stronger than before. Wed, 23 May 2012 11:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523114726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523101929.htm Some people feel depressed because they have been eating too much, then they eat too much because they are feeling depressed. As is the case with drug addicts, a vicious cycle sets in where "food-highs" are used as a way to combat depression, experts say. Wed, 23 May 2012 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120523101929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522115030.htm Patient care nationwide may be affected when research on medications contain only 'good news' – especially when the research is industry-funded. Tue, 22 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522115030.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163853.htm Researchers have seen an increased reaction to stress in animals whose ancestors were exposed to an environmental compound generations earlier. The findings put a new twist on the notions of nature and nurture, with broad implications for how certain behavioral tendencies might be inherited. Mon, 21 May 2012 16:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521163853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104026.htm Researchers have refuted the common belief that stress always causes aggressive behavior. Mon, 21 May 2012 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120521104026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm Findings suggest that the effects of exercise on memory depend on the age of the exerciser; underlying genetic mechanisms matter, too. Fri, 18 May 2012 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120518132812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516135504.htm In a new study analyzing Internet usage among college students, researchers have found that students who show signs of depression tend to use the Internet differently than those who show no symptoms of depression. Wed, 16 May 2012 13:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516135504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070437.htm Medical researchers have identified and prioritized a comprehensive group of genes most associated with schizophrenia that together can generate a score indicating whether an individual is at higher or lower risk of developing the disease. Tue, 15 May 2012 07:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515070437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161614.htm What goes bump in the night? In many U.S. households: people. About 3.6 percent of US adults -- or upward of 8.4 million -- are prone to sleepwalking, new research shows. The work also showed an association between nocturnal wanderings and certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. A large number of people reported sleepwalking in childhood or adolescence making the lifetime prevalence of sleepwalking 29.2 percent. Mon, 14 May 2012 16:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514161614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134303.htm In one of the first studies to examine the effect of nature walks on cognition and mood in people with major depression, researchers in Canada and the US have found promising evidence that a walk in the park may provide some cognitive benefits. Mon, 14 May 2012 13:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514134303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm Researchers have uncovered a new way to stimulate activity of immune cell opiate receptors, leading to efficient tumor cell clearance. The researchers have been able to take a new pharmacological approach to activate the immune cells to prevent cancer growth through stimulation of the opiate receptors found on immune cells. Fri, 11 May 2012 17:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511175011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122236.htm Even mild head injuries can cause significant abnormalities in brain function that last for several days, which may explain the neurological symptoms experienced by some individuals who have experienced a head injury associated with sports, accidents or combat, according to a new study. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm To better understand the cause of ADHD and to identify methods to prevent and treat it, researchers have developed a new form of specially bred mouse that mimics the condition. Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510100353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123746.htm Researchers have discovered a way of identifying which women are most at risk of postnatal depression (PND) by checking for specific genetic variants. The findings could lead to the development of a simple, accurate blood test which checks for the likelihood of developing the condition. Wed, 09 May 2012 12:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509123746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105301.htm A study that was performed in Zurich and was published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics explored the role of a steroid hormone in disclosing the long term psychological consequence of an accidental injury. Wed, 09 May 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160124.htm Brain networks may avoid traffic jams at their busiest intersections by communicating on different frequencies, researchers have learned. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182755.htm Slacker or go-getter? Everyone knows that people vary substantially in how hard they are willing to work, but the origin of these individual differences in the brain remains a mystery. Now the veil has been pushed back by a new brain imaging study that has found an individual's willingness to work hard to earn money is strongly influenced by the chemistry in three specific areas of the brain. Tue, 01 May 2012 18:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501182755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501162708.htm Traumatized people who take a class of common blood pressure medications tend to have less severe post-traumatic stress symptoms, researchers have found. The finding suggests that ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) could be valuable tools for treating or preventing post-traumatic stress disorder. Tue, 01 May 2012 16:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120501162708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm Scientists have determined how specific circuitry in the brain controls not only body movement but also motivation and learning, providing new insight into neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease -- and psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429152251.htm In a large imaging study of the human brain -- involving 1,896 14-year-olds -- scientists have discovered networks that go a long way toward explaining why some teenagers start experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Scientists report that differences in these brain networks make some adolescents more impulsive. These networks appear to exist prior to drug experimentation. Other separate brain networks were discovered that connect to ADHD. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429152251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm When children behave badly, it's easy to blame their parents. Sometimes, however, such behavior may be due to a mental disorder. Mental illnesses are the No. 1 cause of medical disability in youths ages 15 and older in the United States and Canada, according to the World Health Organization. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085413.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm Newborns whose mothers are under stress during the first trimester of pregnancy may be at risk for low iron status, which could lead to physical and mental delays down the road, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085404.htm The challenges that come with battling a chronic medical condition or developmental disability are enough to get a young person down. But being left out, ignored or bullied by their peers is the main reason youths with special health care needs report symptoms of anxiety or depression, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429085404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429081136.htm Efforts to prevent obesity among low-income infants should focus not only on what babies are being fed but also the reasons behind unhealthy feeding practices, according to a new study. Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120429081136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120428000103.htm A new study finds overweight teens who are satisfied with their bodies are less depressed, less prone to unhealthy behaviors. Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120428000103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm Chronic pain sufferers who learn to dwell less on their ailments may sleep better and experience less day-to-day pain, according to results of research conducted on people with chronic face and jaw pain. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426104343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205137.htm New findings could help explain why women are more likely than men to have coronary symptoms after emotional upsets. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424121904.htm Child and adolescent psychiatrists have just completed an extensive report which reviews the studies which have been done so far on the significance of diet for children and young people with ADHD. The report shows that there are potential benefits in changing the diets of children with ADHD, but that key knowledge in the area is still lacking. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424121904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423184159.htm A regulator of glucocorticoid receptors may provide a path towards resilience to stress by modulating glucocorticoid signaling in the brain. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423184159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102440.htm Researchers have found that children who have experienced severe trauma are three times as likely to develop schizophrenia in later life. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419102440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102032.htm Scientists have developed the first blood test to diagnose major depression in teens, a breakthrough approach that allows an objective diagnosis by measuring a specific set of genetic markers found in a patient's blood. The test also is the first to identify subtypes of depression, raising hopes for individualized treatment. The current method of diagnosing depression is subjective. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417102032.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413101110.htm A survey on the mental health of eight-year-old children could help identify those individuals who are highly likely to require psychiatric treatment in their teens or early adulthood, shows a new study. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 10:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413101110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410130851.htm We all have them -- positive memories of personal events that are a delight to recall, and painful recollections that we would rather forget. A new study reveals that what we do with our emotional memories and how they affect us has a lot to do with our gender, personality and the methods we use (often without awareness) to regulate our feelings. Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120410130851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404101824.htm Yoga classes have positive psychological effects for high-school students, according to a pilot study. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404101824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403111954.htm Depressed individuals with a tendency to ruminate on negative thoughts, i.e. to repeatedly think about particular negative thoughts or memories, show different patterns of brain network activation compared to healthy individuals, report scientists of a new study. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403111954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403111536.htm Negative thinking is a red flag for clinical depression. Stopping such thoughts early on can save millions of people from mental illness, according to new research. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403111536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162816.htm According to new research, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is more than one disorder. It's an entire family of disorders, much like the multiple subtypes of cancer. The research, which highlights various versions of the disease, each with differing impacts, demonstrates that there is likely not going to be a "one-size-fits-all" approach to treating patients. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. Until now, it has not been clear exactly how stress influences disease and health. Now researchers have found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The research shows for the first time that the effects of psychological stress on the body's ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093750.htm Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, appears to have antidepressant properties, but the exact mechanisms underlying its effects have remained unclear. Scientists have now discovered that a specific pathway in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory formation and regulation of stress responses, plays a major role in mediating testosterone's effects. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093746.htm Parents of children with autism are more likely to get common ailments such as colds, coughs and headaches as a direct result of the increased stresses linked to their caring duties, according to new research. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093509.htm Scientists have linked two genes to a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The study suggests that PTSD susceptibility is inherited and could explain why some persons succumb to the disorder while others who suffered the same ordeal do not. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081735.htm What experts and the public have already long suspected is now supported by representative data: ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is over-diagnosed. The study showed that child and adolescent psychotherapists and psychiatrists tend to give a diagnosis based on heuristics, unclear rules of thumb, rather than adhering to recognized diagnostic criteria. Boys in particular are substantially more often misdiagnosed compared to girls. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081735.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081352.htm A new study along the same lines as its predecessors shows how eating fast food is linked to a greater risk of suffering from depression. Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120330081352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329171601.htm Greater lifetime exposure to the stress of traumatic events was linked to higher levels of inflammation in a study of almost 1,000 patients with cardiovascular disease. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329171601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329124523.htm Almost everyone reports experiencing 'mind-pops' at some time or another, but some experience them more than others according to new research. New findings suggest that mind-pop experiences -- when unrelated thoughts pop into your head -- are related to hallucinations in those people suffering from schizophrenia. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120329124523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160921.htm Working with genetically engineered mice and the genomes of thousands of people with schizophrenia, researchers say they now better understand how both nature and nurture can affect one's risks for schizophrenia and abnormal brain development in general. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326160921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134906.htm Fatigue and unrealistic expectations of parenthood may help contribute to post-adoption depression in women, according to a new study. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323134906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323001246.htm The number of people living on their own has doubled, over the last three decades, to one in three in the UK and US. New research shows that the risk of depression, measured by people taking antidepressants, is almost 80% higher for those living alone compared to people living in any kind of social or family group. For women a third of this risk was attributable to sociodemographic factors, such as lack of education and low income. For men the biggest contributing factors included poor job climate, lack of support at the work place or in their private lives, and heavy drinking. Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120323001246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322161251.htm Scientists have successfully harnessed neurons in mouse brains, allowing them to at least partially control a specific memory. Researchers have known for decades that stimulating various regions of the brain can trigger behaviors and even memories. But understanding the way these brain functions develop and occur normally -- effectively how we become who we are -- has been a much more complex goal. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322161251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321132054.htm Researchers have shown that a stress management program tailored to women with breast cancer can alter tumor-promoting processes at the molecular level. The new study is one of the first to link psychological intervention with genetic expression in cancer patients. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120321132054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319134214.htm The number of American children leaving doctors' offices with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis has risen 66 percent in 10 years, according to a new study. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319134214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145018.htm For dementia caregivers, researchers have found that engaging in a brief, 12-minute yogic practice that included an ancient chanting meditation, can lead to improved cognitive functioning, and lower levels of depression for caregivers. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145015.htm Neuroscientists have discovered stark developmental differences in brain network function in children of parents with schizophrenia when compared to those with no family history of mental illness. Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120313145015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308062541.htm A new study reveals how manipulating the endocannabinoid system can modulate high levels of impulsivity. This is the main problem in psychiatric illnesses such a schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance abuse. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308062541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307132202.htm Anyone who has ever been subject to chronic stress knows that it can take a toll on emotions and the ability to think clearly. Now, new research uncovers a neural mechanism that directly links repeated stress with impaired memory. The study also provides critical insight into why stress responses can act as a trigger for many mental illnesses. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307132202.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307094657.htm Stimulating the brain with a weak electrical current is a safe and effective treatment for depression and could have other surprise benefits for the body and mind, a major Australian study of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation has found. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307094657.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306181159.htm Getting rid of a protein increases the birth of new nerve cells and shortens the time it takes for antidepressants to take effect, according to a new animal study. The protein, neurofibromin 1, normally helps prevent uncontrolled cell growth. The findings suggest therapeutic strategies aimed at stimulating new nerve cell birth may help treat depression better than current antidepressants that commonly take several weeks to reach full efficacy. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:11:11 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306181159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131644.htm An new article reviews evidence that yoga may be effective in treating patients with stress-related psychological and medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and cardiac disease. Tue, 06 Mar 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm Vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of developing stress fractures in preadolescent and adolescent girls, especially among those very active in high-impact activities, according to a new report. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305173453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305103203.htm If stress is giving you high blood pressure, blame the immune system. T cells, helpful for fighting infections, are also necessary for mice to show an increase in blood pressure after a period of psychological stress, scientists have found. The findings suggest the effects of chronic stress on cardiovascular health may be a side effect of having an immune system that can defend us from infection. There also are potential implications for treating both high blood pressure and anxiety disorders. Mon, 05 Mar 2012 10:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120305103203.htm