Behavioral & Social Science Research

Research Highlights Iron's Significant Role in Down Syndrome-Related Alzheimer’s

According to recent USC research, iron-related oxidative damage and neuronal loss could play a key role in the faster development of Alzheimer’s in those with Down syndrome.Readmore

New Brain Scan Marker from USC Researchers Sharpens Alzheimer's Diagnosis

USC researchers have identified a brain imaging marker that improves early and accurate classification of Alzheimer’s-related changes.Readmore

Study Finds Rising Psilocybin Use Among Americans, Particularly Those with Mental Health Issues

With Poison Center Calls on the Rise, University of Colorado Anschutz Researchers Call for Improved Education, Monitoring, and Health System ReadinessReadmore

Study Reveals Psychedelics May Reverse Neuroimmune Responses That Amplify Fear

A new study from Mass General Brigham reveals that the immune system can influence fear by altering brain cell communication, and psychedelics may help reduce stress-induced fear by targeting these neuroimmune interactions.Readmore

Research has uncovered both physical and psychological symptoms associated with ketamine abuse

Ketamine addiction is linked to high levels of physical health problems and psychological consequences, with nearly half of those affected not seeking support or treatment, new research has revealed.Readmore

Vagus nerve stimulation provides long-term benefits for patients with PTSD

A pioneering study by UT Dallas and Baylor University showed that combining vagus nerve stimulation with traditional therapy kept treatment-resistant PTSD patients symptom-free for up to six months.Readmore

Study Finds Increase in Psychotherapy Outpatient Visits and Decrease in Mental Health Medication Use

A new Columbia University study finds psychotherapy is playing a larger role in outpatient mental health care, while medication use without therapy is declining.Readmore

New Study Shows How Physiology-Inspired Networks May Enhance Political Decision-Making

Researchers at Columbia have proposed a novel, body-inspired framework for political decision-making, detailed in npj Complexity, a Springer Nature journal.Readmore

A new global study aims to map the brain signatures of bipolar disorder to transform understanding of the disease

By exploring structural changes in the brain related to bipolar disorder and comparing them with major depression, two of the most devastating mental health conditions worldwide, the global initiative seeks to pave the way for more effective treatments.Readmore

Genetic links with bipolar disorder identified

In the largest genome-wide study of bipolar disorder to date, an international team involving UCL researchers has identified 298 regions of the genome containing DNA variations that increase risk for the disorder.Readmore

ChatGPT Assists Neurosurgeons by Identifying Exact Seizure Locations in the Brain

For optimal outcomes, collaboration between AI experts and epileptologists is essential a focus of ongoing research by scientists at Stevens Institute of TechnologyReadmore

Study: Stressful neighborhoods may affect children’s brain development and raise risk of depression. Would you like a more formal or more casual tone?

New research from Binghamton University shows that children living in disadvantaged neighborhoods exhibit reduced responses to rewards a potential indicator of depression. Image Credit: PixabayReadmore

Postpartum Depression Discovery Opens Door to Blood Test, Earlier Treatment

New postpartum depression research from the School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine could lead to a blood test to identify women at risk and possibly even to a preventive treatment.Readmore

Parents’ maths anxiety linked to lower numeracy skills in children, study finds

New research findings reveal that parents’ anxiety about mathematics can have a negative impact on their children’s early numeracy skills, influencing their performance in the subject as they progress through school.Readmore

Hormone levels may predict risk of postpartum depression

Women who develop postpartum depression may have distinct neuroactive steroid levels in their blood during the third trimester, according to a Weill Cornell Medicine and University of Virginia study.Readmore

Findings shed light on the dual-sided experiences of people using lisdexamfetamine, highlighting the perceived benefits and challenges of the drug

Patients taking a commonly used stimulant for the treatment of binge eating disorder experienced mixed results, according to Rutgers Health researchers.Readmore

Escitalopram, but Not Psilocybin, Reduces Brain Responsiveness to Emotional Stimuli in Depression Treatment

Psilocybin is a promising treatment for depression that may rival SSRIs in effectiveness, though their impacts on the brain's emotional processing have yet to be directly comparedReadmore

Social Media Could Be Contributing to Depression in Kids

Over three years, as kids’ average daily social media use increased from seven to 73 minutes, symptoms of depression rose by 35%.Readmore

Are TikTok’s Viral Life Hacks a Boost or a Bust for Your Mental Health?

Social media is full of viral wellness trends claiming to boost happiness and reduce stress but do they actually work?Readmore

Breakthrough Gene Therapy May Help Preserve Memory in Alzheimer’s Disease

Scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have created a gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease that may shield the brain from damage and help maintain cognitive abilities.Readmore

Rethinking Psychopathy: UC Berkeley Psychologist Urges Update to Outdated 1970s Checklist

If you were asked to picture a psychopath, who would come to mind? For many, it’s the image of a remorseless, violent criminal willing to do anything to get their way a portrayal reinforced by decades of movies and popular media.Readmore

How You Can Train Yourself to Be More Curious, Backed by Science

Many people wish they could change parts of their personality to be more sociable, patient, or emotionally strong. But can such traits really be transformed?Readmore

Pediatric Depression Screening and Weight Loss Supplements

Researchers are exploring how light-controlled deep brain stimulation can improve mobility and quality of life in Parkinson's patients.Readmore

From Moments to Moods: Neural Mechanisms Behind Prolonged Emotions in Humans and Mice

Shared brain responses in humans and mice reveal how negative experiences can trigger lasting emotional states offering clues to mental health disorders.Readmore

Brown researchers awarded $3.8 million grant to study links between alcohol, gut health and HIV

The research, funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, aims to uncover how alcohol and HIV disrupt gut bacteria and contribute to chronic health issues like heart disease.Readmore

Biomarkers associated with adolescent depression

A recent breakthrough by researchers may offer a more objective and earlier method for identifying adolescents at risk and predicting the progression of their symptoms over time.Readmore

Offspring of individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have an elevated risk of developing psychopathology

A recent study in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry finds that children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are at higher risk for psychopathology, influenced by parental clinical and social factors.Readmore

Psychedelic drug being tested as treatment for heavy drinking

A psychedelic drug is being tested as a novel way to reduce problematic alcohol consumption, in an ongoing study led by UCL researchers.Readmore

New cardiovascular risk score uses stress test to predict heart disease more accurately

Emory cardiovascular researchers have developed a new risk score to improve early diagnosis and treatment of high-stress, high-risk heart disease patients. Their study was recently published in a leading health journal.Readmore

Mount Sinai Researchers Discover a Promising New Method to Regulate Brain Cell Activity for Potential Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults

Researchers at Mount Sinai have identified brain potassium channels as a potential new target for treating major depressive disorderReadmore

Research shows PTSD, anxiety may affect reproductive health of women firefighters

A University of Arizona-led study found that PTSD and anxiety are linked to lower ovarian reserve in women firefighters. The research, part of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study, showed reduced anti-Müllerian hormone levels.Readmore

McGill researchers spearhead initiative to transform youth mental health care in Canada.

Study finds new program enhances access and reduces delays, particularly for Indigenous and underserved youthReadmore

Depression and other mental health conditions linked with immune response, study finds

New research from the University of Bristol links the immune system to mental health conditions like schizophrenia and depression, suggesting these disorders involve the whole body and could lead to improved treatments.Readmore

Health Literacy and Socioeconomic Factors in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Health literacy plays a crucial role in addressing chronic skin diseases like hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), assigning individuals to understand and effectively manage the situation while making informed health decisions. Readmore

Retinal Clues to Mental Health

A new study led by the University of Zurich has shown that evidence of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia can be found in the retina. This finding could help improve the early detection of the disorder.Readmore

A new personalized mental health care approach for depression targets each patient’s specific needs.

Depression stems from a mix of psychological, biological, and social factors, making its treatment equally complex and personalized, often involving therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.Readmore

WHO research suggests expanding mental health care within primary health care settings

WHO/Europe has released a new policy paper outlining how countries can improve access to mental health care and reduce stigma by integrating it into primary health care systems.Readmore

Ableism Is a Major Barrier to Mental Healthcare

One in four Americans has a disability, and many face challenges in accessing the mental health care they need, despite being more likely to experience mental health issues. Readmore

Optimizing ADHD Treatment: Revealing Key Components of Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy

Researchers reviewed past studies to find the best CBT techniques for ADHD. They highlighted organizational methods, third-wave techniques, and problem-solving approaches.Readmore

Adderall shortage may be associated with increased use of alternative ADHD medication in kids

Prescription fills for ADHD treatments among children aged 5-17 fell after pandemic but increased again; mixed trends seen amid medication shortageReadmore

Nearly 60 million people in the US experience mental illness

Nearly 60 million people live with mental health illnesses in the United States, according to the organization Mental Health America. Younger adults those 18 to 25 years old experienced the highest prevalence of mental health episodes.Readmore

Study on Daily Habits and Behaviors That Promote Mental Well-Being

New research from Curtin University reveals that simple, everyday behaviors such as regular conversations with friends, spending time in nature, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities are strongly associated with improved mental health.Readmore

Vistagen Initiates Fasedienol Repeat Dose Study for the Acute Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

All planned clinical studies in fasedienol U.S. registration-directed Phase 3 program for the acute treatment of social anxiety disorder are underwayReadmore

New models of care needed to meet increasing youth mental health demand, experts recommend

A dramatic increase in the number of young people accessing mental health care is putting strain on the system, with “urgent changes” required to meet growing demand, according to experts at the University of Sydney. Readmore

The WHO has issued new guidance urging a swift overhaul of mental health policies

The WHO has issued new guidance calling for stronger mental health systems, as many remain underfunded and outdated, leaving up to 90% of people with severe conditions without care in some areas.Readmore

Largest study of the genetics of bipolar disorder

Genetic factors significantly influence bipolar disorder, prompting large-scale genomic studies like the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium's GWAS, with Professor Andreas Forstner playing a key role in the latest findings published in Nature.Readmore

A study suggests that adolescents with mental health conditions engage with social media in ways that differ from their peers

A pioneering study using clinical diagnoses finds key differences in social media use between youth with and without mental health conditions, including mood shifts and time spent online.Readmore

Inflammation and the Brain: How Immune Activity Can Alter Mood and Fuel Anxiety

Studies detailing brain-immune crosstalk could inform treatments for autism, anxiety Readmore

Conversational/Accessible: My Robot Therapist: Exploring the Ethics of AI Mental Health Chatbots for Children

Mental healthcare can be difficult to access in the U.S. Insurance coverage is spotty, and there aren’t enough mental health professionals to cover the nation’s needs, leading to long waits and costly care.Readmore

New study investigates effects of ADHD medications on the heart

A University of Southampton study found that ADHD medications have only minor effects on blood pressure and heart rate after weeks or months of use.Readmore

Adults diagnosed with ADHD may have reduced life expectancies

Adults who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be living shorter lives than they should, finds a world-first study led by UCL researchers.Readmore

New WHO guidelines urge an immediate overhaul of mental health policies

The WHO has released new guidance to support countries in reforming and strengthening mental health policies and systems. Despite growing needs, global mental health services remain underfunded, with significant gaps in access and quality.Readmore

Brain-cell periodic table for psychiatric disorders reveals new schizophrenia clues

Stanford Medicine scientists are generating a periodic table of sorts for psychiatric disorders, providing better understanding of these conditions and paving the way toward targeted treatment.Readmore

Standing with Ukraine: The Netherlands Commitment to Security, Justice, and Peace

The Netherlands remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine through military aid, humanitarian assistance, and sanctions against Russia. This commitment helps uphold European security, justice, and global stabilityReadmore

Researchers Propose a Periodic Table of Psychiatric Disorders

For 150 years, the periodic table has guided discoveries and predicted element properties.Readmore

Research examines links between human and planetary health

Climate change and environmental degradation will cause new health problems that health professionals need to manage, says University of Auckland research fellow Dr Eileen Gilder.Readmore

New research and art instillation demonstrates the viability of using fog as a water source

In drought-prone California, where recent fires have worsened conditions, UC Santa Cruz professors launched Art+Fog, a scientific and artistic study on natural water sources.Readmore

Helen Chin wins NIH grant to study air pollution's impact on puberty onset

Funding will support children's health research using ECHO program data.Readmore

Only seven out of 100 people worldwide receive effective treatment for their mental health or substance-use disorders

New research estimates that globally, only 6.9 per cent of people with mental health or substance-use disorders receive effective treatment for their disorders.Readmore

New Research Reveals That Meditation Induces Changes in Deep Brain Areas Associated with Memory and Emotional Regulation

Researchers using intracranial EEG found that meditation alters activity in the amygdala and hippocampus, key regions for emotion and memory.Readmore

Generation X Is in the Bullseye for Lead Exposure, Harms to Mental Health

New research from the University of Virginia has found people born between the late 1960s and mid-1980s in the United States experienced high levels of lead exposure as children, due to the use of leaded gasoline.Readmore

New research on borderline personality disorder

Borderline personality disorder is a mental illness marked by mood swings, impulsivity, identity issues, self-harm, anxiety, and depression.Readmore

Study to test deep brain stimulation for bipolar depression

A study will test if brain electrode implants can safely treat bipolar depression, tracking effects via smart devices.Readmore

Advanced Brain Circuit-Mapping Technique Reveals New Anxiety Drug Target

Weill Cornell Medicine researchers identified a brain circuit that reduces anxiety without side effects, suggesting a new treatment target using photopharmacology.Readmore

Autobahn Therapeutics Announces Initiation of Phase 2 Trial of ABX-002 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Bipolar Depression

Phase 2 trial designed to provide biological and clinical proof-of-concept for ABX-002 in bipolar depression, utilizing neuroimaging and clinical endpoints; topline data expected in the second half of 2025Readmore

The genetic key to bipolar disorder

The largest genetic study on bipolar disorder identified 36 linked genes, advancing understanding and potential future diagnosis and treatment.Readmore

Rutgers Study Shows Mixed Results for Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder

Patients taking a commonly used stimulant for the treatment of binge eating disorder experienced mixed results, according to Rutgers researchers.Readmore

Largest Genetic Study of Bipolar Disorder Identifies 298 Regions of the Genome That Increase Risk for the Condition

The largest genome-wide study of bipolar disorder identified 298 risk-associated DNA regions, over four times the previous count, per Nature.Readmore

Analysis: How people with eating disorders are negatively affected by calories on menus

Dr Nora Trompeter (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health), writing with Dr Tom Jewell in The Conversation, describes her research that found calorie labels on restaurant menus can negatively impact people with eating disorders.Readmore

Research finds alternative anxiety, depression treatment for LGBTQ individuals shows results

New research from the University of Kansas reveals that a peer-facilitated approach to addressing depression and anxiety offers promising results for those, especially LGBTQ individuals, who face barriers to accessing professional therapy.Readmore

Hundreds of new genes linked to depression in unprecedented global study

Australian researchers in the world’s largest genetic study on depression have identified nearly 300 new genetic links, potentially enabling risk prediction and paving the way for more effective treatments, including repurposing existing drugs.Readmore

Weight loss programmes improve disordered eating symptoms, new study finds

New research from the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences and Department of Psychiatry shows that weight loss programs neither worsen disordered eating symptoms nor may even improve them in individuals already exhibiting such behaviors.Readmore

Anxiety About Climate Change Is Spurring Action

A study led by researchers from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication at YSE found that Americans experiencing psychological distress about climate change are more likely to take climate action, regardless of political leanings.Readmore

Alcohol Consumption Linked to Seven Types of Cancer

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have studied why alcohol is a Group 1 Carcinogen and integrated this knowledge into their practices.Readmore

Reauthorization of Autism CARES Act to provide almost $2 billion for autism programs and research

More than 46,000 autistic people are estimated to live in Kansas. They and their families will benefit from the Autism CARES Act, which provides funding for autism research, services, training, and monitoring.Readmore

Genetic cause for main type of hearing loss in children with Down syndrome identified

The genetic cause for the most common type of hearing loss in children with Down syndrome has been identified in mice by researchers at UCL, the Francis Crick Institute and MRC Harwell Institute.Readmore

New research raises questions about the addictiveness of dexamphetamine

Dexamphetamine, a stimulant used to treat ADHD, has been restricted since the 1960s due to concerns about addiction. However, it is also an effective obesity treatment and may be a cheaper alternative to other weight loss drugs.Readmore