Compared to adults, children continue to explore other options than using knowledge to capitalize on reward, to see if the value has changed. Children approach exploration systematically to make sure they don't miss anything. Read More
Jealousy can be a useful tool in maintaining friendships, a new study report. Feelings of jealousy were linked to the value of the friendship and motivated behaviors to retain the relationship. Read More
Prenatal 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
Two new studies from USC reveal the implications of air pollution on brain development and neurological health in children and older women. Read More
Placebos reduce biomarkers in the brain of emotional distress, even when a patient knows they are taking one. Read More
Cortisol levels are altered in people experiencing bereavement, causing possible consequences for health. Read More
The facial muscle activity it takes to smile helps to generate more positive emotions. Read More
Preschool-aged children on the autism spectrum were 2.7 times more likely to experience gastrointestinal problems, including pain, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting than their typically developing peers. Almost 50% of those with ASD reported frequent GI symptoms, compared to 18% of those without the disorder. 30% of autistic children experienced multiple GI symptoms. Multiple GI problems were associated with sleep and attention problems, as well as self-harm, aggression, and repetitive behaviors in both children with ASD and those not on the autism spectrum. Read More
People experience loneliness differently in adult life, depending on their age. The strongest association with loneliness is feeling excluded from society. Read More
Study of personality traits during the coronavirus pandemic reveals a slight decline in neuroticism. Read More
Brain responses of ten-month-old babies could predict whether the child would enjoy watching fast-paced television shows six months later. Read More
Depression 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
These research articles involve depression, seasonal affective disorders, grief, pain, sadness, happiness and generally news regarding mental health research.
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
Study reveals Google searches for information about financial difficulties and disaster relief increased significantly during March and April compared to pre-pandemic months, while searches related to suicide decreased. Previous research found financial distress was strongly linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Researchers warn that, despite the decrease in searches related to suicide directly, the increase in searches linked to financial hardship may be an indicator of increased death rates from suicide. Read More
During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, people reported an increase in symptoms of depression, fear, anxiety, psychological trauma, and suicidal ideations. Read More
Study reports that almost 30% of women and 17% of men experience major depressive disorder episodes over the course of their lives. Read More
Laughing and smiling more might help to buffer against the effects of stress, researchers report. Read More
Research news involving schizotypal personality, anxiety, paranoia, unconventional thoughts and beliefs is covered.
PTSD research articles are listed here as well as news about stress, pain, fear, painful memories, trauma and mental health information.
How Traumatic Experiences Can Leave Their Mark on a Person’s Eyes
Patients with PTSD not only showed an exaggerated response to threatening stimuli but also to stimuli that depicted positive images.
