http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/mental_health/ Find current news and in-depth information about clinical depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ADHD in adults, teens, and children. Expand your understanding of mental illness and the learn techniques for managing stress. en-us Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:05:01 EDT Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/mental_health/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709095431.htm Researchers are producing topographical maps of people's healthy and schizophrenic brains in an effort to develop the first scientific tool for early and more definite diagnosis of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. The scientists have already found differences in the hippocampus in people who have schizophrenia. Diagnosing the beginning stage of mental disorders remains elusive, although this when they are most treatable. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709095431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161217.htm We've all been asked at routine visits to the doctor to record our family's history with medical problems like cancer, diabetes or heart disease. But when it comes to mental disorders, usually mum's the word. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201130.htm Psychological interventions intended to prevent the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in the early stages after a traumatic experience have not been shown to be effective, researchers have concluded. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161302.htm College students with depression are twice as likely as their classmates to drop out of school, new research shows. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701135533.htm Researchers have, for the first time, identified additional genes that confirm what scientists have long suspected -- that the immune system may play a role in the development of schizophrenia. Further, they have also identified genetic anomalies that disrupt the cellular pathways involved in brain development, memory and cognition, all markers of schizophrenia. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701135533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.htm Combining antidepressant drugs with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) does a better job of reducing symptoms of severe depression and causes less memory loss than using ECT alone, according to a new study. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090438.htm Nearly a quarter of married and cohabiting women who took part in a survey said that they had been sexually, psychologically or physically abused by their partner. Researchers who studied the 2,746 responses found a clear link between abuse and poor health and are calling for policy initiatives to help primary care nurses tackle the problem in a holistic way. 18.2 per cent of the respondents had been psychologically abused, 3.3 per cent had been physically abused and 1.3 per cent had been sexually abused. Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706090438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622064703.htm Response and remission rates to antidepressants are significantly affected by study type and duration. Clinicians and researchers must consider the study design when interpreting and designing RCTs of antidepressant medications, researchers urge. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622064703.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065222.htm Mental stress causes carotid artery dilation and increases brain blood flow. A series of ultrasound experiments also found that this dilatory reflex was absent in people with high blood pressure. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630132017.htm It is well documented that police officers have a higher risk of developing heart disease: The question is why. In the most recent results coming out of one of the few long-term studies being conducted within this tightly knit society, researchers have determined that underlying the higher incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis -- arterial thickening that precedes a heart attack or stroke -- may be the stress of police work. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630132017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082710.htm Postpartum depression may aggravate an already impaired sleep quality, as experiencing difficulties with sleep is a symptom of depression. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701131303.htm Scientists have discovered that many common genetic variants contribute to a person's risk of schizophrenia, providing the first molecular evidence that this form of genetic variation is involved in schizophrenia. The researchers also found that many of these DNA variations also are involved in bipolar disorder but not in several nonpsychiatric diseases. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701131303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's include digestive and sleep problems, loss of sense of smell and depression. A mouse with a mutation in a gene responsible for packaging neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine reproduces the major non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms. The finding sheds light on nonmotor symptoms' causes and their relationship with the neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson's. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100641.htm Time does not heal all wounds, according to a new study. Since the September 13, 2006, mass shooting at Dawson College in Montreal, Canada, 40 percent of respondents have reported mental health problems, while others experienced severe post-traumatic stress symptoms. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100641.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165611.htm Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are the accepted treatment to stem hyperactivity in children with attention deficit-hyperactive disorder and improve their behavior. Now a recent review of research by pediatric psychologists suggests that such medication, or the assumption of medication, may produce a placebo effect -- not in the children, but in their teachers, parents or other adults who evaluate them. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629165611.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629114538.htm Pioneering therapeutic trials to investigate the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in hard-to-treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette's syndrome are underway at multiple medical centers around the world, according to a new article. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629114538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210421.htm Researchers have uncovered some of the central characteristics of genes underlying mental retardation. The research shortens the list of genes whose changes lead to this disorder from thousands to several dozen. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625210421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090711.htm A good partner relationship can act as a buffer for those exposed to work-related stress. The relationship reduces the negative effects of this kind of stress on our health. But poor relationships will amplify the negative effects, says a young researcher. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074512.htm New research concludes that cognitive behavioral therapy is of no value in schizophrenia and has limited effect on depression. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624193504.htm The first international comparison of cognitive function in nationally representative samples of older adults in the US and England has revealed that US seniors performed significantly better that their English counterparts. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624193504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152943.htm Diagnosing children with bipolar disorder is challenging and controversial. Some children with bipolar disorder are diagnosed based on irritable mood alone. Findings support current diagnostic criteria. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150133.htm Greater influence over everyday life, emotional support, and cultural and recreational activities help to enable teenage girls to withstand stress. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074629.htm Over the years, research has shown that Latino youth face numerous risk factors when integrating into American culture, including increased rates of alcohol and substance use and higher rates of dropping out of school. But a new study shows adolescents who actively embrace their native culture - and whose parents become more involved in U.S. culture - stand a greater chance of avoiding these risks and developing healthier behaviors overall. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090701.htm What are the costs of caring? A new project explores nurses’ experience of distress and aims to determine if empathy with patients is associated with traumatic experience in nurses. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090701.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120837.htm New research indicates the way our brain handles how we move through space -- including being able to imagine literally stepping into someone else's shoes -- may be related to how and why we experience empathy toward others. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder than in children without ADHD. Many of those genes were already known to be important for learning, behavior, brain function and neurodevelopment, but had not been previously associated with ADHD. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623120835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112106.htm Children who live in Afghanistan are more prone to developing PTSD. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623133531.htm Depression in older adults too often goes unrecognized and untreated, resulting in untold misery, worsening of medical illness, and early death. A new study has identified one important remedy: adding a trained depression care manager to primary care practices can increase the number of patients receiving treatment, lead to a higher remission rate of depression, and reduce suicidal thoughts. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623133531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616163950.htm Stressful life events are strongly associated with a person's risk for major depression, but a certain gene variation long thought to increase risk in conjunction with stressful life events actually may have no effect. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616163950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616182601.htm Affective disorders comorbid with medical, somatic illnesses have been found to have a major impact on health-related quality of life and disability with more pronounced effects in dysthymic disorder than in major depressive disorder. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616182601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615203104.htm Neurological diseases including Parkinson's, Tourette's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are all associated with alterations in dopamine-driven function involving the dopamine transporter (DAT). Researchers suggest that a number of estrogens acting through their receptors affect the DAT, which may explain trends in timing of women's susceptibility to these diseases. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615203104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182818.htm Government warnings about suicidality among children taking antidepressants appear to be associated with unintended and persistent changes in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in children and adults, according to a new report. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142520.htm A new study connects abnormalities of the "stress" hormone cortisol with symptoms of depression in obese children, and confirms that obesity and depression often occur together, even in children. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072719.htm Meditation may be an effective behavioral intervention in the treatment of insomnia, according to new research. Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072719.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133555.htm Researchers trying to uncover why premature birth is a growing problem in the United States and one that disproportionately affects black women have found that pre-pregnancy depressive mood appears to be a risk factor in preterm birth among both blacks and whites. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610133555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091431.htm In a discovery that could lead to new treatment approaches for depression, researchers in Australia have shown that Internet-based therapy programs are as effective as face-to-face therapies in combating the illness. Patients in a clinician-assisted Internet-based treatment program experienced rates of recovery similar to those achieved by face-to-face therapy, the research found. Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091431.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120744.htm The Nintendo Wii may help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including depression, a researcher says. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612115417.htm Ninety-three percent of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus suffer anxiety and depression which significantly affects both their physical and emotional quality of life (QoL), according to the results of a new study. Logistic regression analysis revealed that depression was the most significant factor shown to affect QoL. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612115417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612092737.htm Over half (63 percent) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also suffer from psychiatric disorders, with the majority of these (87 percent) occurring in the depressive spectrum, according to a new study. Interestingly, over half (52 percent) of the patients studied indicated that they had experienced stress events before the onset of their RA. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612092737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072717.htm Earlier parental-mandated bedtimes could help protect teens from depression and suicidal thoughts by lengthening sleep duration, according to new research. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072815.htm Self-reported nightmares among patients seeking emergency psychiatric evaluation uniquely predicted elevated suicidal symptoms, according to new research. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090609072815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125114.htm Issues affecting boys are more serious than those affecting girls, but they have been neglected by policy makers, according to expert opinion. Researchers review issues characterizing American boyhood, how they compare to those affecting girls, and the lack of initiatives in place to address them. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608125114.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091236.htm People with chronic stress report shorter sleep duration, worse sleep quality, and more daytime functioning impairments, according to new research. Conversely, daytime functioning impairments and shorter sleep duration demonstrated a predictive relationship with habitual stress complaints. Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610091236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071814.htm Napping may have a significant influence on young children's daytime functioning, according to a new research. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605075217.htm Both blood pressure and serum lipid levels have improved in Swedish middle-aged women during the past 30 years. Levels of perceived mental stress, however, have increased significantly. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090605075217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071804.htm The genes that play a role in adolescent insomnia are the same as those involved in depression and anxiety, according to a new research. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090608071804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124804.htm A new study of Chinese-American youth has found that family obligation, for example caring for siblings or helping elders, plays a positive role in the mental health of Chinese-American adolescents and may prevent symptoms of depression. The study found that 14-year-olds who reported a greater sense of family obligation reported fewer depressive symptoms by the time they reached 16. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604124804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602111808.htm Adolescents at an increased risk of depression who participated in a group cognitive behavioral intervention significantly reduced their symptoms and episodes of depression compared to teens who received usual care, although this effect was not seen for adolescents with a parent with current depression, according to a new study. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602111808.htm