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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.

Common Antidepressant Eases Core Symptoms Within Two Weeks

A new analysis of the PANDA clinical trial reveals that sertraline, one of the most prescribed antidepressants, improves key emotional symptoms of depression—such as sadness, self-loathing, and suicidal thoughts—within just two weeks of treatment. Using network analysis to assess individual symptoms, researchers found that the drug also eased anxiety early on, while somatic effects like fatigue and low libido appeared but later stabilized.

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Toddler Gut Bacteria Linked to Childhood Anxiety and Depression

A new study suggests that a child’s gut microbiome at age 2 may influence their emotional health years later. Researchers found that higher levels of bacteria from the Clostridiales order and Lachnospiraceae family were linked to stronger connectivity across emotion-related brain networks and a higher risk of anxiety and depression symptoms by age 7½.

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$2 Saliva Test Could Help Detect Depression and Schizophrenia

Scientists have developed a portable biosensor that can detect levels of BDNF, a protein linked to mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The flexible, low-cost device analyzes a drop of saliva in under three minutes, offering a fast, affordable, and noninvasive diagnostic tool.

When Using AI, Users Fall for the Dunning-Kruger Trap in Reverse

A new study reveals that when interacting with AI tools like ChatGPT, everyone—regardless of skill level—overestimates their performance. Researchers found that the usual Dunning-Kruger Effect disappears, and instead, AI-literate users show even greater overconfidence in their abilities.

Dopamine Boost Makes People More Patient

In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers found that increasing dopamine levels with L-DOPA made people slightly more willing to wait for larger, delayed rewards—reducing impulsive decisions by about 20%. The study challenges earlier research suggesting that dopamine increases impulsivity, showing instead that it promotes patience and long-term thinking.

Brain Cells That May Prevent Schizophrenia Symptoms Identified

Researchers have identified a rare type of brain cell whose overactivity may contribute to schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as cognitive deficits and disrupted sleep. When scientists reduced the activity of these cells in mice with a schizophrenia-linked mutation, the animals’ behavior and sleep patterns normalized.

Imperfect Parenting: How Early Neglect Reshapes the Developing Brain

New research shows that even mild early-life adversity can disrupt development, attachment, and stress regulation in young mice. When mother mice had limited nesting material, their maternal care decreased, leading to higher stress hormones, slower growth, and anxiety-like behaviors in their pups.

Psychedelics May Rewire Memory Circuits Key to Mental Health

New research suggests that psychedelic drugs may work by strengthening specific brain connections linked to memory and cognition. Scientists found that under psychedelic exposure, neurons in the claustrum—a region dense with psychedelic-sensitive receptors—intensified their communication with the anterior cingulate cortex, a region involved in mood and psychiatric disorders.

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Music and Nature Work in Harmony to Ease Stress and Lift Mood

The viral phrase “touch grass” may be more than internet humor—science shows that engaging with nature and music can significantly boost emotional and physical well-being. A new review found that combining these experiences—such as listening to music outdoors, gardening while singing, or caring for animals—can improve mood, reduce stress, and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Swap 30 Minutes of Sitting for Light Activity to Boost Next-Day Mood

New research reveals that replacing even 30 minutes of sitting with light physical activity—like walking or doing household chores—can boost mood and energy the following day. The study tracked over 350 young adults using wearable monitors to assess daily movement patterns.

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Lack of Sleep in Teens Linked to Higher Suicide Risk

Teenagers who sleep less or experience frequent night awakenings are significantly more likely to attempt suicide later in adolescence, according to a major longitudinal study. Researchers analyzed data from more than 8,500 teens and found that poor sleep at age 14 predicted suicide attempts by age 17, even after accounting for other mental health risk factors.

Ketamine Fails to Outperform Placebo in Major Depression Trial

A large randomized and blinded clinical trial has found no additional benefit of repeated ketamine infusions over standard inpatient care for treating major depression. The study compared ketamine with a psychoactive placebo and found no meaningful differences in objective or self-reported depression scores, cognition, or quality of life.