http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/mental_health/ Read current news on 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 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 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/2012/02/120215142959.htm As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is revised for the first time since 1994, controversy about psychiatric diagnosis is reaching a fever pitch. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120215142959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213084204.htm Healthy older adults reported less negative thinking compared to other age groups, leading to greater life satisfaction in seniors. The study examined the complex relationship between aging and factors leading to depression. Research suggests differences in the way age groups think can influence the onset of depression. Sufferers of negative thinking, or brooding, tend to fixate on their problems and feelings without taking action, which can intensify depressive moods and lead to the onset of depression. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213084204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208133037.htm A new study was designed to test whether Omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical symptoms, and help adolescents and young adults (ages 12 to 25) who are at elevated risk for severe psychiatric disorders function better in school, work and other social environments. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208133037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132709.htm People who are more physically active report greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm than people who are less physically active, according to researchers. People also are more likely to report feelings of excitement and enthusiasm on days when they are more physically active than usual. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120208132709.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/2012/02/120206143948.htm Researchers have found a way to study how our brains assess the behavior -- and likely future actions -- of others during competitive social interactions. Their study is the first to use a computational approach to tease out differing patterns of brain activity during these interactions, the researchers report. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206143948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202092259.htm Researchers have found that multiple exposures to anesthesia at a young age are associated with higher rates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120202092259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120930.htm The initial assessment of a blood test to help diagnose major depressive disorder indicates it may become a useful clinical tool. Researchers report that analyzing levels of nine biomarkers accurately distinguished patients diagnosed with depression from control participants without significant false-positive results. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120201120930.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175631.htm Over the past 30 years, numerous studies have linked Borna disease virus with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder and dementia, but study results have been inconsistent. Now, the first blinded, case-control study to examine this issue finds no association between the virus and psychiatric illness. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131175631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170147.htm School-age children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress. The new research, by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists, is the first to show that changes in this critical region of children’s brain anatomy are linked to a mother’s nurturing. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130170147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131511.htm A new brain imaging study suggests stress robustly activates areas of the brain associated with craving in cocaine-dependent women, while drug cues activate similar brain regions in cocaine-dependent men. The study suggests men and women with cocaine dependence might benefit more from different treatment options. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130131511.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/2012/01/120126133959.htm Could depression in adulthood be tied to a parent's level of education? A new study by a medical sociologist suggests this is the case. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126133959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126092542.htm Survivors of Hurricane Katrina have struggled with poor mental health for years after the storm, according to a new study of low-income mothers in the New Orleans area. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126092542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172317.htm The odds of a major depressive episode are more than double for those working 11 or more hours a day compared to those working seven to eight hours a day. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125172317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132605.htm Scientists now have a better understanding of the way that stress impacts the brain. New research reveals pioneering evidence for a new mechanism of stress adaptation and may eventually lead to a better understanding of why prolonged and repeated exposure to stress can lead to anxiety disorders and depression. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm Researchers have found a genetic variation predisposing children to six-times greater risk of developing metabolic syndrome when taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The study showed a close association with two conditions in particular: high blood pressure and elevated fasting blood sugar levels, which is a precursor to diabetes. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124140311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm Every year between 3 and 10 percent of school-age children in this country are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Increasingly, families are using natural or complementary therapies to improve their child’s attention or behavior, and often seek advice from an integrative pediatrician, according to a new study. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124134425.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.htm The solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) widely used in industry and to dry clean clothes is a neurotoxin known to cause mood changes, anxiety, and depression in people who work with it. To date the long-term effect of this chemical on children exposed to PCE has been less clear, although there is some evidence that children of people who work in the dry cleaning industry have an increased risk of schizophrenia. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120120183040.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/2012/01/120118122827.htm As the last U.S. troops return home from Iraq, new research lends timely insights into the rates and impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among military personnel serving in Iraq/Afghanistan, according to a new research. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118122827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104058.htm A new study found that employees with depression who receive treatment while still working are significantly more likely to be highly productive than those who do not. This is the first study of its kind to look into a possible correlation between treatment and productivity. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102052.htm People with schizophrenia showed greater brain activity during tests that induce a brief, mild form of delusional thinking. This effect wasn't seen in a comparison group without schizophrenia. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110102052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093559.htm Patients simultaneously treated for both Type 2 diabetes and depression improve medication compliance and significantly improve blood sugar and depression levels compared to patients receiving usual care, according to a new study. Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120110093559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to depression, according to psychiatrists. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm An important ongoing debate in the field of psychiatry is whether inflammation in the body is a consequence of or contributor to major depression. A new study has attempted to resolve the issue. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm Psychiatric disorders can be described on many levels, the most traditional of which are subjective descriptions of the experience of being depressed and the use of rating scales that quantify depressive symptoms. Over the past two decades, research has developed other strategies for describing the biological underpinnings of depression, including volumetric brain measurements using magnetic resonance imaging and the patterns of gene expression in white blood cells. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104111904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm Use of torture around the world has not diminished but the techniques used have grown more complex and sophisticated, according to new research. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180852.htm Children exposed to maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and low socioeconomic status, particularly in combination, appear to be at an increased risk of developing childhood ADHD, according to a new report. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm Women with celiac disease -- an autoimmune disorder associated with a negative reaction to eating gluten -- are more likely than the general population to report symptoms of depression and disordered eating, even when they adhere to a gluten-free diet, according to researchers. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227093059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227092931.htm Left-handedness is sometimes the expression of a genetic defect or an early developmental disturbance. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111227092931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm Scientists report that abnormal sequences of DNA known as rare copy number variants, or CNVs, appear to play a significant role in the risk for early onset bipolar disorder. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091918.htm Despite improvements to diagnostic tools and therapies in the two last decades, significant disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of depression remain, according to new research. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221091918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135853.htm Researchers are reporting what could become the first reliable method to predict whether an antidepressant will work on a depressed patient. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215135853.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/2011/12/111205165855.htm Over a 10-year period, spending for Medicaid-enrolled patients with depression increased substantially but only minimal improvements in quality of care were observed, according to a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm Adolescents who were abused and neglected have less gray matter in some areas of the brain than young people who have not been maltreated, a new study shows. The brain areas impacted by maltreatment may differ between boys and girls, may depend on whether the youths had been exposed to abuse or neglect, and may be linked to whether the neglect was physical or emotional. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140515.htm Children who experience the stress of separation at birth from biological parents and are brought up in orphanages undergo biological consequences such as changes in their genome functioning, researchers report in a new study. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140515.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140400.htm When children have been exposed to family violence, their brains become increasingly "tuned" for processing possible sources of threat, a new study reports. The findings reveal the same pattern of brain activity in these children as seen previously in soldiers exposed to combat. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102305.htm A new study shows that children with ADHD have nearly 50 percent less of a protein that is important for attention and learning. The finding may mean that there are other biochemical disturbances in the brains of individuals with ADHD than was previously believed. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102305.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144650.htm Pediatric researchers analyzing genetic influences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have found alterations in specific genes involved in important brain signaling pathways. The study raises the possibility that drugs acting on those pathways might offer a new treatment option for patients with ADHD who have those gene variants -- potentially, half a million US children. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm Depression may have more far-reaching consequences than previously believed. Recent data suggests that individuals who suffer from a mood disorder could be twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to individuals who are not depressed. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128132658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm Thoughts about killing oneself and engaging in suicidal behavior may begin much younger than previously thought. While about one of nine youths attempt suicide by the time they graduate from high school, new findings reveal that a significant proportion make their first suicide attempt in elementary or middle school. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120138.htm Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, researchers have identified abnormalities in the brains of children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that may serve as a biomarker for the disorder, according to a new study. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128120138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm They say time heals all wounds, and new research indicates that time spent in dream sleep can help. Researchers have found that during the dream phase of sleep, also known as REM sleep, our stress chemistry shuts down and the brain processes emotional experiences and takes the painful edge off difficult memories. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:33:33 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123133346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117202935.htm Research provides the first evidence that depression can be treated by only targeting an individual's style of thinking through repeated mental exercises in an approach called cognitive bias modification. The study suggests an innovative psychological treatment called 'concreteness training' can reduce depression in just two months and could work as a self-help therapy for depression in primary care. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111117202935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm New research identifies the brain chemicals and circuits involved in mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety, giving potential new directions to their treatment. In addition, research with children shows that early-life depression and anxiety changes the structure of the developing brain. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111809.htm Adults with congenital heart disease and implanted cardioverter defibrillators often have a high level of fear and anxiety about the device delivering a shock during sex -- resulting in sexual performance problems, according to new research. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114111809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093409.htm Just as in humans, there are also the tough types or those with a more delicate personality among mice, researchers confirm. Some adopt an active strategy when faced with stressful situations and somehow try to tackle the problem, whereas others display a passive attitude. Those in the second group are more vulnerable: some of the physiological characteristics resemble those attributed to human depression. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:34:34 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114093409.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm The negative effects of depression in young people on the health of their hearts may be stronger than previously recognized. Depression or a history of suicide attempts in people younger than 40, especially young women, markedly increases their risk for dying from heart disease. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111111152242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142352.htm As a fetus grows, it's constantly getting messages from its mother. It's not just hearing her heartbeat and whatever music she might play to her belly; it also gets chemical signals through the placenta. A new study finds that this includes signals about the mother's mental state. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093729.htm People with recurrent depressions or those exposed to chronic stress exhibits shorter telomeres in white blood cells. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109093729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143518.htm Problems like anxiety and depression are caused by psychological and environmental factors, and are known to be influenced by genetic proclivities. However, it is still not clear how each factor affects the brain's functions to induce anxious and depressive symptoms. To shed light on these interactions, scientists have investigated the amygdala, a part of the brain that is hyperactive in individuals suffering from anxiety and depression. The researchers have shown that its activity can be modulated depending on the subject's genetic makeup, personal history and cognition. These results suggest that the effects of psychotherapies on the cerebral activity of patients could vary according to their genetic traits. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143518.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102190026.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125359.htm A newly published article reports that Web-based assessments for outcome measurements of patients in treatment for depression are valid and reliable. The findings indicate that the Internet version of the depression scale was equivalent to the paper version, and that patients preferred the Internet version. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111102125359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171042.htm Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. This is shown by one of the largest studies on elderly Europeans to have been carried out. Research also shows that self-determined motivation and perceived competence are important factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101171042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220558.htm Obesity and depression both dramatically increase health care costs, but they mainly act separately, according to a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031220558.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031154134.htm In times of stress, we're often encouraged to pause for a moment and simply be in the 'now.' This kind of mindfulness, an essential part of Buddhist and Indian Yoga traditions, has entered the mainstream as people try to find ways to combat stress and improve their quality of life. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031154134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031120245.htm They're the prime demographic for developing eating disorders, yet new research suggests that it could be difficult for college students to notice the warning signs of disordered eating. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031120245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115101.htm The psychological and emotional traumas experienced over a lifetime -- such as the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disaster, house fire or car accident, physical or mental abuse -- may contribute to adult irritable bowel syndrome, according to the results of a new study. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115101.htm