Mental Health News and Research

Latest Mental Health News and Research

Genetic change in dopamine transporter supports a role for dopamine signaling in ADHD

A genetic change in the dopamine transporter - one of the brain's dopamine-handling proteins - makes it behave as if amphetamine is present and "run backward," Vanderbilt University Medical Center investigators report this week in The Journal of Neuroscience.

9 Jul 2008

Protein found in immune cells may be a reliable marker for schizophrenia risk

Schizophrenia is a severe and complex psychiatric illness that affects about 1% of the population. Diagnosis currently relies on subjective clinical interviews and the assessment of ambiguous symptoms, which frequently leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. As such, biomarkers that would indicate schizophrenia risk or onset would be extremely useful.

8 Jul 2008

Stopping drinking may lead to health problems including depression

Scientific evidence has long suggested that moderate drinking offers some protection against heart disease, certain types of stroke and some forms of cancer.

8 Jul 2008

A suspect found for SIDS

New evidence is suggesting that a chemical imbalance in the brain may be the cause of some cot deaths.

8 Jul 2008

Black box warning for epilepsy drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling for the strongest type of warning to be placed on drugs which are used to treat epilepsy.

8 Jul 2008

Mothers and fathers of twins report more mental health symptoms than parents of singletons

Mothers and fathers of twins conceived either spontaneously or with assisted reproductive technology (ART) suffer more mental health symptoms after delivery and one year later than do parents of singleton babies, according to research presented to the 24th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona today (Monday).

7 Jul 2008

Experts say cognitive behavioural therapy effectiveness a 'myth'

According to experts the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a myth, and it is in no way superior to other methods.

7 Jul 2008

London Health Commission announces winners of community action for health and well-being awards

The winners of the London Health Commission Awards were announced last night at City Hall. The winners were all small community-based organisations.

3 Jul 2008

North Carolina mental health parity law comes into effect

North Carolina health care insurers must provide the same amount of coverage for certain mental conditions as they do for physical ailments under a state law that took effect on Tuesday, the Winston-Salem Journal reports.

3 Jul 2008

Erection problems less in men who have intercourse more often

Having intercourse more often may help prevent the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). A study published in the July 2008 issue of The American Journal of Medicine reports that researchers have found that men who had intercourse more often were less likely to develop ED.

2 Jul 2008

Effects of magic mushrooms long-lasting

Researchers in the United States say the "spiritual" effects of sacred mushrooms can last for more than a year.

2 Jul 2008

Broad differences in alcohol, tobacco and illegal drug use across countries

A survey conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) research consortium found that the United States had among the highest lifetime rates of tobacco and alcohol use and led in the proportion of participants reporting cannabis (marijuana) or cocaine use at least once during their lifetime.

1 Jul 2008

FDA approves generic Risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Risperdal (risperidone) tablets. Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric conditions.

1 Jul 2008

New clues to the biological basis of migraines

Fifteen percent to 20 percent of people worldwide suffer from migraines - excruciating headaches often presaged by dramatic sensations, or "auras." By studying a rare, inherited form of migraine, researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found clues to the biological basis of the painful, debilitating disorder.

1 Jul 2008

U.S. has highest levels of illegal cocaine and cannabis use

A survey of 17 countries has found that despite its punitive drug policies the United States has the highest levels of illegal cocaine and cannabis use.

1 Jul 2008

Spiritual effects of 'sacred mushrooms' appear to last more than a year

In a follow-up to research showing that psilocybin, a substance contained in "sacred mushrooms," produces substantial spiritual effects, a Johns Hopkins team reports that those beneficial effects appear to last more than a year.

1 Jul 2008

Children today are happier, less anxious and more sociable

According to new research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies, children today are less anxious, more sociable and are happier than children were 20 years ago.

30 Jun 2008

Watson Pharmaceuticals launches generic version of dronabinol

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that, under a supply agreement with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Watson has launched the authorized generic version of dronabinol in the 2.5, 5 and 10 mg once daily dosage strengths.

30 Jun 2008

Combination of cognitive-behaviour therapy and d-Cycloserine provides new hope for sufferers of social anxiety

Young people and adults who experience social anxiety may benefit from a revolutionary new study being carried out at the University of Sydney.

30 Jun 2008

House votes 355-59 to approve legislation that would delay Medicare physician fee cut

The House on Tuesday voted 355-59 to approve legislation (HR 6331) that would delay for 18 months a 10.6% reduction to Medicare physician fees scheduled to take effect on July 1, among other provisions, the Washington Post reports (Kane, Washington Post, 6/25).

26 Jun 2008