http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/behavior/ Brain and behavior. Read current research on behavioral problems, cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/behavior/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215342.htm Cognitive stimulation therapies have beneficial effects on memory and thinking in people with dementia, according to a systematic review. Despite concerns that cognitive improvements may not be matched by improvements in quality of life, the review also found positive effects for well-being. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214215342.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134137.htm Everyone has moments when they feel more in control of their lives than at other times. New research shows that this sense of control fluctuates more often, and more quickly, than previously thought – and that this sense of control may actively affect cognitive abilities. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202624.htm In low- and middle-income countries, mild cognitive impairment -- an intermediate state between normal signs of cognitive aging, such as becoming increasingly forgetful, and dementia, which may or may not progress -- is consistently associated with higher disability and with neuropsychiatric symptoms but not with most socio-demographic factors, according to a large study. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092628.htm A researcher believes studying people's ability to find their way around may help explain why loss of mental capacity occurs with age. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm Programs that support parents during their child’s early years hold promise for obesity prevention, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131204.htm The first few weeks of college are a critical time in shaping students' drinking habits. Now researchers have a tailored approach that may help prevent students from becoming heavy drinkers. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162411.htm When parents of middle school students participate in school-based, family interventions, it can reduce problem behavior, according to new research. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127162411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm Good news for the 13 per cent of the population with depressive personality traits: their negative outlook does not have to be permanent, according to new research from Sweden. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127140011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm A new report examines the possible association between school-based childhood obesity prevention programs and an increase in eating disorders among young children and adolescents. In a new poll, 30% of parents report at least one worrisome behavior in their children that could be associated with the development of eating disorders. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124151207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124144810.htm On any given weekend, at least 10 percent of students at a single college could be hosting a party, research suggests. How much hosts drink depends on whether they are on or off campus. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124144810.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184605.htm Quitting smoking is never easy. However, when you're poor and uneducated, kicking the habit for good is doubly hard, according to a new study. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120184605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101242.htm A new national report reveals that 45.9 million American adults aged 18 or older, or 20 percent of this age group, experienced mental illness in the past year. The rate of mental illness was more than twice as high among those aged 18 to 25 (29.9 percent) than among those aged 50 and older (14.3 percent). Adult women were also more likely than men to have experienced mental illness in the past year (23 percent versus 16.8 percent). Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119101242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101528.htm A program designed to boost cognition in older adults also increased their openness to new experiences, researchers report, demonstrating for the first time that a non-drug intervention in older adults can change a personality trait once thought to be fixed throughout the lifespan. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118101528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145059.htm Scientists have documented increased cerebral activation in patients with multiple sclerosis following memory retraining using modified Story Memory Technique. This study is the first to demonstrate that behavioral interventions can have a positive effect on brain function in MS, an important step in validating the clinical utility of cognitive rehabilitation. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117145059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193220.htm A large population-based study in Sweden indicates that there is no link between smoking during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:32:32 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120112193220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105154653.htm A new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders has just been announced. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105154653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227142541.htm Medical researchers have established a direct correlation between sensory processing and ritualistic behaviors in children. A new study suggests that when children experience heightened levels of sensitivity, they develop ritualistic behaviors to better cope with their environment -- one potential pathway to OCD. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227142541.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140448.htm A brain cell type found where habits are formed and movement is controlled has receptors that work like computer processors to translate regular activities into habits, researchers report. "Habits, for better or worse, basically define who we are," said one of the researchers. Habits also provide mental freedom and flexibility by enabling many activities to be on autopilot while the brain focuses on more urgent matters, he said. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140448.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212093738.htm A new analysis has found that breast cancer survivors may experience problems with certain mental abilities several years after treatment, regardless of whether they were treated with chemotherapy plus radiation or radiation only. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212093738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm Researchers studied how parents' financial problems and resulting mental distress affect their relationships with their children. They found that parents who experience financial problems and depression are less likely to feel connected to their children, and their children are less likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering or helping others. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207175732.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205191726.htm Children born just a few weeks too early are significantly more likely to have behavioral and/or emotional problems in the pre-school years, new research suggests. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205191726.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140607.htm In a follow-up study, researchers have found that patients who receive chemotherapy for breast cancer might experience prolonged fatigue years after their therapy. The new study is a follow-up to a study on fatigue and chemotherapy and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130202601.htm There are many different causes of dementia and, although its progression can be fast or slow, it is always degenerative. Symptoms of dementia include confusion, loss of memory, and problems with speech and understanding. It can be upsetting for the affected person, their relatives and carers. New research shows that a regime of behavioral and mental exercises was able to halt the progression of dementia. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130202601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095251.htm A functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis of long-term effects of violent video game play on the brain has found changes in brain regions associated with cognitive function and emotional control in young adult men after one week of game play. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128182428.htm Nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation intervention programs are associated with positive outcomes among current smokers, according to new studies. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128182428.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133352.htm Although many mental illnesses are uniquely human, animals sometimes exhibit abnormal behaviors similar to those seen in humans with psychological disorders. Such behaviors are called endophenotypes. Now, researchers have found that mice lacking a gene that encodes a particular protein found in the synapses of the brain display a number of endophenotypes associated with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy reduces functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The psychological intervention was found to be safe and effective, and proved to be superior to disease management education. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122113000.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121124121.htm Can the course of dementias and mild cognitive impairment be influenced by diseases and risk factors? Larger numbers of people are affected by mild cognitive impairments and dementia, which means that early detection of possible precursors as well as diagnosis and therapy of risk factors that can actually be influenced are gaining in importance. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121124121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141203.htm A researcher, developed a treatment for juvenile offenders that has become one of the most widely used evidence-based treatments in the world. Now, he has found that the treatment continues to have positive effects on former participants more than 20 years after treatment. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117141203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173959.htm Telephone-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy and an exercise program, both separately and combined, are associated with short-term positive outcomes for patients with chronic widespread pain, and may offer benefits for patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, according to a new report. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114173959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm Young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 report the highest rates of substance use and dependence, according to the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use & Health. A new study found that rural adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviors, such as volunteering and helping others, are less likely to use substances as young adults. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:17:17 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110151703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm Football players experience repeated head trauma throughout their careers, which results in short and long-term effects to their cognitive function, physical and mental health. Researchers are investigating how other lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, impact the late-life health of former collision-sport athletes. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125747.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm A web-based computer-tailored intervention aiming to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behavior, and promote healthy eating among adolescents was not associated with positive long-term outcome measures, but may have positive short-term effects on eating behaviors, according to a new report. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107162736.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161800.htm After men become fathers for the first time, they show significant decreases in crime, tobacco and alcohol use, according to a new, 19-year study. Researchers assessed more than 200 at-risk boys annually from the age of 12 to 31, and examined how men's crime, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use changed over time. While previous studies showed that marriage can change a man's negative behavior, they had not isolated the additional effects of fatherhood. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107161800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104102132.htm Addictions, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder -- such painful and harmful problems are recalcitrant to treatment. In the clinic, a person may suppress the association between the stimulus and the response -- say, a bar with ashtrays and smoking -- by learning to pair the stimulus with a new memory not involving smoking. But once out in the world, faced with bars and ashtrays aplenty, he relapses into the old behavior. Some treatment aims at helping the patient avoid locations and stimuli that trigger the harmful behavior. A new article suggests this is not the most effective route. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104102132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm People who participate in online communities are more likely to make risky financial decisions, according to a new study. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101155507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095310.htm While a majority of teens report wanting to lose weight, many engage in behavior that's counterproductive to that goal, according to new research. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095310.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028103302.htm Hypnosis has had a long and controversial history in psychology, psychiatry and neurology. For the past hundred years, researchers have debated whether or not hypnosis really involves an altered mental state unlike the normal wakeful condition, or whether it simply reflects a cognitive state similar to those occurring outside hypnosis. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028103302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026162659.htm Uh oh. Here comes temptation -- for a dieter, it's a sweet treat; an alcoholic, a beer; a married man, an attractive, available woman. How to defeat the impulse to gratify desire and stick to your long-term goals of slimness, sobriety, or fidelity? Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026162659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091220.htm A new study of 217 Canadian seven-year-old twins finds that children who were genetically vulnerable to being aggressive were more likely to be victimized by their classmates than others. However, these children were protected from acting aggressively and being the target of other children's aggression if they had a very good relationship with their teacher. The study included both identical and fraternal twin pairs who were not in the same classroom. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026091220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091640.htm Researchers in France have found that patients with mild Alzheimer's disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also showed improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091559.htm A multidisciplinary group of researchers from Finland and Sweden has found that the strange stare of patients under hypnosis may be a key that can eventually lead to a solution to a long debate about the existence of a hypnotic state. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084637.htm Exposure in the womb to bisphenol A (BPA) -- a chemical used to make plastic containers and other consumer goods -- is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084637.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm Patients with major depression do better by learning to create a more positive outlook about the future, rather than by focusing on negative thoughts about their past experiences, researchers say after developing a new treatment that helps patients do this. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025417.htm You've heard of the history of science, the philosophy of science, maybe even the sociology of science. But how about the psychology of science? Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm It is well-known that eating disorders are common among teens and college students. Heavy alcohol consumption is another well-known unhealthy habit of this age group. A new study shows that when college students combine these two unhealthy habits, their long-term health may be affected. "Drunkorexia" is a new term coined by the media to describe the combination of disordered eating and heavy alcohol consumption. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017171506.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124346.htm People who view their car as an extension of themselves have stronger aggressive driving tendencies, according to a new study. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017124346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162818.htm A low level of response (LR) to alcohol reflects at least in part a low brain response to alcohol and carries significant risk for the later development of alcoholism. A new study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain activation in individuals with low and high LRs to alcohol while they performed a cognitive task. Significant differences detected in brain activation may contribute to the inability by individuals with a low LR to recognize modest levels of alcohol intoxication. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014162818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132150.htm There is some evidence about the potential value of cognitive rehabilitation therapy for treating traumatic brain injury. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173021.htm Three randomized controlled trials examine the effectiveness of behavioral and educational interventions for patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084242.htm A gene responsible for aggressive and bold behavior has been identified in zebrafish. This specific behavioral association, whose three characteristics are boldness, exploratory behavior and aggressiveness, has been described in many animal species. In zebrafish, it could be due to the action of a single gene (fgfr-1) through its regulation of histamine levels in the brain, as histamine is the neurotransmitter involved in numerous behavioral traits. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005143722.htm Scientists have created a genetically engineered mouse with increased dosages of the Ube3 gene. And, like the patients who also harbor increased dosages of this single gene, the genetically engineered mice exhibit robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication and excessive repetitive behaviors. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005143722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005122224.htm Our behavior is often guided by the desire to obtain positive outcomes and avoid negative consequences, and neuroscientists have put a great deal of effort into looking for reward and punishment "centers" in the brain. Now, new research reveals that neural signals related to reinforcement and punishment are far more broadly distributed throughout the entire human brain than was previously thought. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005122224.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180115.htm Mice become profoundly anti-social when the creation of new brain cells is interrupted in adolescence, a surprising finding that may help researchers understand schizophrenia and other mental disorders, researchers report. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004180115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121307.htm New findings from a 16-year study confirm that the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders, the gold-standard for the classification of mental health conditions, can be used to accurately identify autism spectrum disorders in children with Down syndrome, according to new research. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161931.htm Prolonged exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and delayed prolonged exposure therapy, appear to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients who have experienced a recent traumatic event, according to a new report. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm For the first time, researchers have shown that a psychosocial treatment can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life in the lowest-functioning cases of schizophrenia. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003161702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929152058.htm Researchers are examining the use of propranolol (a drug used to treat high blood pressure and control heart rate as well as to reduce test anxiety) to improve the primary traits associated with autism -- difficulty with normal social skills, language and repetitive behaviors. Researchers say the drug is a promising new avenue for improving language and social function. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929152058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928180403.htm Smartphones may be the new hot tool in cognitive psychology research, according to a new article. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928180403.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928110008.htm Intensive control of blood sugar levels beyond standard targets provides no additional protection against cognitive decline in older people with diabetes than standard treatment, according to a national U.S. study. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928110008.htm