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Psychology News

These research articles involve many aspects of psychology such as cognitive psychology, depression studies, mental health, stress, happiness and neuropsychology, Scroll below for more specific categories.

Understanding how tics are suppressed may help some at risk for tic disorders

Almost 20% of children develop facial or vocal tics by the time they are elementary school age. For many children, knowing others are watching them helps to reduce tic behaviors. A histor of anxiety disorder has been associated with tics in young children. Understanding more about tic behaviors in children may help to develop new strategies to help those with Tourette suppress tics.

Can Facebook improve your mental health?

Contrary to popular belief, using social media sites like Facebook can actually help improve mental health in adults. Researchers found adults who use Facebook regularly are 63% less likely to experience psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, over time.

Boosting amino acid derivative may be a treatment for schizophrenia

Reduced levels of an amino acid called betaine is associated with schizophrenia pathology. Supplementing betaine levels improved cognitive and behavioral deficits in mouse models of schizophrenia. The amino acid also reduced oxidative stress at the molecular level.

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Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle

Pre-existing neural circuit function can predispose rats to different fearful responses to threat.

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Bystanders will intervene to help victims of aggressive public disputes

Reviewing CCTV footage, researchers report in nine out of ten instances of public violence, bystanders will intervene to help the victim.

Researchers explore social cognitive deficits in progressive multiple sclerosis

Study reports those with progressive multiple sclerosis were more likely to experience deficits with Cognitive Theory of Mind.

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Common antidepressants interact with opioid med to lessen pain relief

SSRI antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil, interact with opioid medications to make them less effective at providing relief from chronic pain. Tramadol relies on activation of the CYP2D6 enzyme to control pain, but SSRIs inhibit this enzyme. Researchers suggest prescribing different classes of antidepressants which do not suppress the enzyme may benefit those in need of opioid medications. Alternatively, non-opioid pain killers should be considered for those who can not switch from SSRIs.

Mechanisms underlying early life stress and irritable bowel syndrome discovered

Mice that experienced early life stress and later developed irritable bowel syndrome had significantly higher levels of intestinal stem cells and enterochromaffin (EC). Additionally, the mice expressed elevated secretion of serotonin as a result of the increased EC cell density.

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How people want to feel determines whether others can influence their emotions

People have more control over how their emotions are influenced by others than previously thought. Researchers found people who wanted to stay calm when presented with upsetting stimuli remained unfazed by angry emotions expressed by others. However, when they wanted to feel angry, they were more highly influenced by others who were angry.

Fake news ‘vaccine’ works: ‘Pre-bunking’ game reduces susceptibility to disinformation

A new online game where users take on the role of fake news producers improves people's ability to discern real information from disinformation, irrespective of education, age, cognitive style or political views.

Physical evidence in the brain for types of schizophrenia

Post-mortem examination of 42 brain tissue samples of people with schizophrenia revealed a buildup of abnormal proteins similar to that found in people with neurodegenerative diseases. Many of the abnormal proteins were involved in nervous system development, specifically neurogenesis.

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