Mental Health News and Research

Latest Mental Health News and Research

Some people are more than twice as likely to become depressed as others

The paper, which has just been published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, has found more than a fifth of the population has a genetic predisposition to depression, in response to a series of stressful life events.

7 Mar 2006

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may influence mood, personality and behavior

In a study of 106 healthy volunteers, researchers found that participants who had lower blood levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were more likely to report mild or moderate symptoms of depression, a more negative outlook and be more impulsive.

7 Mar 2006

Skinny fashion not to blame, anorexia in the genes

Researchers say that genetic factors and neuroticism may be linked with anorexia nervosa.

7 Mar 2006

SSRI use associated with increased risk for heart patients

In a surprising finding, patients with coronary artery disease who take commonly used antidepressant drugs may be at significantly higher risk of death, Duke University Medical Center researchers have found.

7 Mar 2006

Researchers see individual differences in brain activation depending on person's preferences or aversions to risk

Distinct regions of the human brain are activated when people are faced with ambiguous choices versus choices involving only risk, Duke University Medical Center researchers have discovered.

7 Mar 2006

Researchers identify brain activity that determines if something will be remembered

Researchers have identified the neural activity that occurs when the brain "sets the stage" for retaining a memory.

6 Mar 2006

Veterans research indicates mantrams can control post-traumatic stress disorder

Repeating mantrams can help control the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, have a calming effect in traffic and even ease the boredom of exercise, according to a study in the latest issue of Journal of Advanced Nursing.

6 Mar 2006

Eating fish keeps mind as well as heart, happy and healthy

According to researchers in the U.S., Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may have more of an influence on mood, personality and behavior, than previously thought.

6 Mar 2006

Rhodium quinones promise better drugs

By combining a common organic compound with a rare metal, a team of Brown University chemists has created a new class of molecules that have potentially important applications for the pharmaceutical, chemical and energy industries.

1 Mar 2006

Effective oral treatment of erectile dysfunction can improve relationships

The inability to perform sexually can have a significant negative psychosocial impact on a man's overall health including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

1 Mar 2006

Parents are a powerful influence in keeping their teens off of drugs

And according to new data, the majority of teens say the greatest risk in using marijuana is upsetting their parents (69%), followed by losing the respect of friends and family (67.2%).

1 Mar 2006

Many nursing home residents have poorly controlled pain due to inadequate medication treatment

Data revealed the mean total PMAS was 64 percent of optimal, suggesting a generally poor score. In fact, they found that less than half of residents with predictably recurrent pain were being prescribed scheduled pain medication; 23 percent received at least one high-risk medication.

1 Mar 2006

Effects of stress on the brain could trigger Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have identified for the first time a certain area of the brain which can shrink in old age and cause depression and Alzheimer's disease.

1 Mar 2006

Popular painkiller linked to 2000 deaths

One third of soldiers returning from Iraq have mental health problems

According to a new study, as many as one-third of U.S. military personnel in the war in Iraq received mental health services following their return home, and one in every ten were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

1 Mar 2006

Premature babies pre-disposed to psychiatric problems in teens

According to British researchers, being born very premature can affect a child's personality into adulthood.

28 Feb 2006

Self harm issue to be tackled by TV campaign

A new campaign has been launched in the UK highlighting the often ignored issue of self harm.

28 Feb 2006

Anabolic steroids flip the adolescent brain's switch for aggression

Anabolic steroids not only make teens more aggressive, but may keep them that way into young adulthood. The effect ultimately wears off but there may be other, lasting consequences for the developing brain.

27 Feb 2006

Eating seafood still beneficial in many ways

Though some species of fish around the world's are likely to be contaminated with mercury, PCBs and other toxins, the benefits of eating seafood continue to outweigh the risks, a panel of scientists recently said at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

27 Feb 2006

Depression increases ecstasy use in children

Children with symptoms of anxiety and depression may have an increased tendency to use ecstasy in adolescence or young adulthood, finds a study published online by the British Medical Journal.

27 Feb 2006