FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 30, 2020·2 min readLet Your Brain Rest: Boredom Can Be Good For Your HealthFrom inspiring creativity to promoting overall brain health, researchers say it's important to embrace boredom from time to time.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsPsychology·August 25, 2020·5 min readOne Step Closer to Earlier Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and PsychosesGenetic risk score for bipolar disorder is associated with an increased risk of developing bipolar symptoms. The genetic risk factor for schizophrenia is linked to an increased risk of those with depression developing psychosis.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 25, 2020·4 min readFrequent Soft Drink Consumption May Make Adolescents More AggressiveSoft drink consumption during early adolescence predicted more aggressive behavior later in teen years. Aggressive behavior at 13 also predicted increased soft drink consumption at age 16. Soft drink consumption at 13 predicted fewer depressive symptoms, but depressive symptoms did not predict soda consumption. Findings suggest reducing soda consumption during adolescence could help curb aggressive behaviors.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 24, 2020·4 min readNone of the Most Common Blood Pressure Medications Increased the Risk of Depression, Some Lowered the RiskNone of the 41 most commonly prescribed blood pressure medications increases the risk of depression. Nine medications that lower blood pressure were found to significantly lower depression risks.Read More
FeaturedNeurologyPainPsychology·August 22, 2020·1 min readIs There a Link Between Pain and Depression?Researchers explore the close relationship between depression and pain. For some people, unexplained symptoms of pain, such as back or headaches, could be an early indicator of depression before mood changes occur.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 19, 2020·4 min readBisexual People up to Six Times More Likely to Self-InjureBisexual people are over six times more likely to engage in non-suicidal self-injury than people of other sexual orientations, a new study reports. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were contributory factors to the self-harming behaviors.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 17, 2020·4 min readTargeted Treatment for Depression Could Benefit Patients With PsychosisDepression treatments, including antidepressants, may be effective first-line treatments for psychosis if used in combination with established interventions for the condition.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 15, 2020·4 min readStudy Identifies Social Connection as the Strongest Protective Factor for DepressionActive social connection is the strongest protective factor for depression, a new study reports. Additionally, reducing sedentary activities such as watching TV or taking a nap can also help lower depression risk.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 10, 2020·1 min readPrenatal Depression Alters Child’s Brain Connectivity and Affects BehaviorPrenatal depression can have a significant influence on a child's brain development and behavior. Greater symptoms of prenatal depression were associated with weaker white matter connections between areas of the brain involved in emotional processing. The weakened white matter connectivity was linked to increased aggression and hyperactivity in male children. The change could lead to dysregulated emotional states in children and explain why children whose mothers experienced PND are more prone to developing depression later in life.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·August 5, 2020·2 min readYour Amygdala Gets Bigger If You’re Anxious and DepressedDepression and anxiety have a profound effect on brain areas associated with memory and emotional processing. In people with depression and anxiety, researchers noted shrinkage to the hippocampus. By contrast, the amygdala increased in size.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 4, 2020·5 min readVitamin D Does Not Reduce Risk of Depression in AdultsVitamin D3 supplements do not help to lift mood in those who suffer from depression. Researchers say there is no significant benefit for vitamin D supplements to help prevent depression or to improve mood.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·August 2, 2020·5 min readWhat Is Bipolar Disorder?Bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the population and typically begins during adolescence. Researchers explain the biological, psychological, and behavioral implications of bipolar disorder.Read More