The Mental Health Gift Giving Guide from Psych Central

Christmas, the biggest gift-giving holiday of them all, will be here in less than a month — which means that gift buying season is currently in full force.

Unless you are my sister — who is already done shopping and wrapping — you are probably just now starting to think about what gifts you want give your loved ones. Many people have no idea what to give certain people. Even my wildly efficient sister has issues finding the perfect gift for me, her picky big brother.

I’ve been...

[Read More ...]

Why Neighborhood Violence Affects Some Young People But Not Others

Living in a high-crime neighborhood is linked to poor health outcomes for young people, including sleep loss, asthma and metabolic syndrome. Yet some youth living in violent neighborhoods seem to avoid these negative effects.

In a new study, researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois wanted to know why some teens are affected by second-hand or indirect experience of neighborhood violence while others are not.

“Little is known about the brain networks that are involved in shaping...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: November 30, 2018

Have you ever been told you’re overreacting, oversensitive or a hypochondriac? Sometimes it’s because you’re suffering from an illness other people can’t see. Because you look “normal” on the outside, friends and family can’t relate or understand what you’re struggling with.

Whether it’s mental illness or another invisible chronic illness, such as autoimmune disease, you might want to check out Ilana Jacqueline’s Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness:...

[Read More ...]

Major Brain Scan Study Sheds Light on OCD Behaviors

In the largest brain scan analysis of its kind, researchers from the University of Michigan (U-M) have identified the specific brain regions and processes linked to the repetitive behaviors found in people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

The findings, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, suggest that the brains of those with OCD get stuck in a loop of “wrongness,” even when patients know that what they’re doing doesn’t make sense.

“These results show that,...

[Read More ...]

Video » Adolescent Depression Webinar

Dr. Kathryn DeLonga, director of the psychological treatment program with the Mood Brain and Development Unit at NIMH, discusses symptoms and treatment of adolescent depression.
[Read More ...]

Video » Behavioral Activation: Treatment of Adolescent Depression

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kathryn DeLonga of the NIMH Mood Brain and Development Unit discusses treating depressed teens with a talk therapy called Behavioral Activation.
[Read More ...]

Video » Funding webinar for NIMH Career Enhancement Award to Advance Autism Services Research for Adults and Transition-Age Youth

This technical assistance webinar covers basics for the funding opportunity announcement entitled the NIMH Career Enhancement Award to Advance Autism Services Research for Adults and Transition-Age Youth.
[Read More ...]

The Mental Health Gift Giving Guide from Psych Central

Christmas, the biggest gift-giving holiday of them all, will be here in less than a month — which means that gift buying season is currently in full force.

Unless you are my sister — who is already done shopping and wrapping — you are probably just now starting to think about what gifts you want give your loved ones. Many people have no idea what to give certain people. Even my wildly efficient sister has issues finding the perfect gift for me, her picky big brother.

I’ve been...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-mental-health-gift-giving-guide-from-psych-central/

Why Neighborhood Violence Affects Some Young People But Not Others

Living in a high-crime neighborhood is linked to poor health outcomes for young people, including sleep loss, asthma and metabolic syndrome. Yet some youth living in violent neighborhoods seem to avoid these negative effects.

In a new study, researchers at Northwestern University in Illinois wanted to know why some teens are affected by second-hand or indirect experience of neighborhood violence while others are not.

“Little is known about the brain networks that are involved in shaping...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/30/why-neighborhood-violence-affects-some-young-people-but-not-others/140820.html

Best of Our Blogs: November 30, 2018

Have you ever been told you’re overreacting, oversensitive or a hypochondriac? Sometimes it’s because you’re suffering from an illness other people can’t see. Because you look “normal” on the outside, friends and family can’t relate or understand what you’re struggling with.

Whether it’s mental illness or another invisible chronic illness, such as autoimmune disease, you might want to check out Ilana Jacqueline’s Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness:...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-november-30-2018/

Major Brain Scan Study Sheds Light on OCD Behaviors

In the largest brain scan analysis of its kind, researchers from the University of Michigan (U-M) have identified the specific brain regions and processes linked to the repetitive behaviors found in people with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

The findings, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, suggest that the brains of those with OCD get stuck in a loop of “wrongness,” even when patients know that what they’re doing doesn’t make sense.

“These results show that,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/30/major-brain-scan-study-sheds-light-on-ocd-behaviors/140813.html

Video » Adolescent Depression Webinar

Dr. Kathryn DeLonga, director of the psychological treatment program with the Mood Brain and Development Unit at NIMH, discusses symptoms and treatment of adolescent depression.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2018/adolescent-depression-webinar.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

Video » Behavioral Activation: Treatment of Adolescent Depression

Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kathryn DeLonga of the NIMH Mood Brain and Development Unit discusses treating depressed teens with a talk therapy called Behavioral Activation.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2018/behavioral-activation-treatment-of-adolescent-depression.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

Video » Funding webinar for NIMH Career Enhancement Award to Advance Autism Services Research for Adults and Transition-Age Youth

This technical assistance webinar covers basics for the funding opportunity announcement entitled the NIMH Career Enhancement Award to Advance Autism Services Research for Adults and Transition-Age Youth.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/media/2018/funding-webinar-for-nimh-career-enhancement-award-to-advance-autism-services-research-for-adults-and-transition-age-youth.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

Blog Post » It Begins with Basic Science

Those of you who follow Dr. Gordon on Twitter (@NIMHDirector) may have seen snippets of his experiences at the 2018 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), the largest gathering of neuroscientists in the world. In this Director’s message, Dr. Gordon highlights some of the excellent basic research on display at this year’s conference.
[Read More ...]

Blog Post » It Begins with Basic Science

Those of you who follow Dr. Gordon on Twitter (@NIMHDirector) may have seen snippets of his experiences at the 2018 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), the largest gathering of neuroscientists in the world. In this Director’s message, Dr. Gordon highlights some of the excellent basic research on display at this year’s conference.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2018/it-begins-with-basic-science.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

Out of the Closet with OCD

I came out of the closet about my OCD shortly after the release of the film, As Good As It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson in 1997. I figured if a cool (but mean) character played by Nicholson could be afflicted, why not a nice guy like me? I hasten to admit that I don’t usually confess my predicament to just anyone; on the other hand, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s pure hell, of course, but it’s nothing to hide.

I have read that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder often starts between...

[Read More ...]

Out of the Closet with OCD

I came out of the closet about my OCD shortly after the release of the film, As Good As It Gets, starring Jack Nicholson in 1997. I figured if a cool (but mean) character played by Nicholson could be afflicted, why not a nice guy like me? I hasten to admit that I don’t usually confess my predicament to just anyone; on the other hand, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s pure hell, of course, but it’s nothing to hide.

I have read that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder often starts between...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/out-of-the-closet-with-ocd/

Are You Making Your Days More Complicated in These Ways?

Life isn’t easy. But sometimes we make it a lot harder than it has to be. We engage in habits that unwittingly create problems in our lives—or exacerbate them. Sometimes, the complications we create are simple. That is, they’re straightforward, and have a clear-cut solution.

Other times we need to delve deeper, so we can resolve the issue at the root. Below you’ll find examples along with some fixes and solutions.

You’re making to-do lists that you know you won’t get done....


[Read More ...]

We May Be More Vulnerable to Stress in the Evening

A new Japanese study finds that the body’s central nervous system reacts less strongly — or releases fewer stress hormones — in response to acute psychological stress in the evening compared to the morning.

The findings, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, suggest we may be more vulnerable to stressful events in the evening.

For the study, medical physiologist Dr. Yujiro Yamanaka and his colleagues from Hokkaido University recruited 27 young, healthy volunteers...

[Read More ...]

Podcast: Defying Bipolar Disorder

Charita Cole Brown was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 21. After reaching recovery, she became very active in her local NAMI affiliate for many years. Recently, her book – Defying Bipolar: My Bipolar Life – was published. Her goal with the book is to show that people can live well with bipolar disorder, despite how the disease is often portrayed in the media. In this episode, she talks about her story and also shares her views on the ways mental illness is viewed in...
[Read More ...]

Are You Making Your Days More Complicated in These Ways?

Life isn’t easy. But sometimes we make it a lot harder than it has to be. We engage in habits that unwittingly create problems in our lives—or exacerbate them. Sometimes, the complications we create are simple. That is, they’re straightforward, and have a clear-cut solution.

Other times we need to delve deeper, so we can resolve the issue at the root. Below you’ll find examples along with some fixes and solutions.

You’re making to-do lists that you know you won’t get done....


[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/are-you-making-your-days-more-complicated-in-these-ways/

We May Be More Vulnerable to Stress in the Evening

A new Japanese study finds that the body’s central nervous system reacts less strongly — or releases fewer stress hormones — in response to acute psychological stress in the evening compared to the morning.

The findings, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology Reports, suggest we may be more vulnerable to stressful events in the evening.

For the study, medical physiologist Dr. Yujiro Yamanaka and his colleagues from Hokkaido University recruited 27 young, healthy volunteers...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/29/we-may-be-more-vulnerable-to-stress-in-the-evening/140802.html

Podcast: Defying Bipolar Disorder

Charita Cole Brown was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 21. After reaching recovery, she became very active in her local NAMI affiliate for many years. Recently, her book – Defying Bipolar: My Bipolar Life – was published. Her goal with the book is to show that people can live well with bipolar disorder, despite how the disease is often portrayed in the media. In this episode, she talks about her story and also shares her views on the ways mental illness is viewed in...
[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-defying-bipolar-disorder/

Is Your Personality Type Healthy?

Investigators believe they have determined the basic traits that characterize a psychologically healthy individual. The revelation comes after decades of scientific interest on personality types and how people differ from one another.

In the new study, researchers from the University of California, Davis, used a contemporary trait perspective to determine that a healthy personality can be described in terms of the 30 facets of the “big five” model of personality traits.

This model...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/29/is-your-personality-type-healthy/140755.html

6 Tips to Let Go of a Toxic Relationship and Heal Yourself

Put your toxic relationship behind you for good.

If falling in love is the most wonderful feeling in the world, then letting go of it is the most horrible feeling in the world — even when you know full and well it’s a toxic relationship.

Deciding that it’s time to bite the bullet and figure out how to break up with someone you love because your relationship isn’t healthy doesn’t make the act of letting go any easier.

There is nothing worse than the physical pain of losing a love...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-tips-to-let-go-of-a-toxic-relationship-and-heal-yourself/

Is Your Personality Type Healthy?

Investigators believe they have determined the basic traits that characterize a psychologically healthy individual. The revelation comes after decades of scientific interest on personality types and how people differ from one another.

In the new study, researchers from the University of California, Davis, used a contemporary trait perspective to determine that a healthy personality can be described in terms of the 30 facets of the “big five” model of personality traits.

This model...

[Read More ...]

6 Tips to Let Go of a Toxic Relationship and Heal Yourself

Put your toxic relationship behind you for good.

If falling in love is the most wonderful feeling in the world, then letting go of it is the most horrible feeling in the world — even when you know full and well it’s a toxic relationship.

Deciding that it’s time to bite the bullet and figure out how to break up with someone you love because your relationship isn’t healthy doesn’t make the act of letting go any easier.

There is nothing worse than the physical pain of losing a love...

[Read More ...]

Drop the Struggle and Embrace Your Emotions

Society tries to convince us that we can control our internal experiences. We constantly hear messages like “Don’t worry about it. Relax. Calm down.”

That’s dead wrong. Just hearing the words “Don’t worry” can make us anxious.

Telling yourself “Don’t worry” isn’t much different. The more often we think, “Don’t feel anxious you can’t feel anxious don’t be depressed don’t be sad you shouldn’t be upset” the more anxious, depressed, sad and upset we’ll...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/drop-the-struggle-and-embrace-your-emotions/

Vets with Multiple Brain Injuries May Be at Greater Risk of Suicide

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are about twice as likely to consider suicide compared to those with only one TBI or none, according to a new Veterans Affairs study published online in the journal Psychological Services.

“Suicide is a major concern with veterans,” said Dr. Robert Shura, a neuropsychologist at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in North Carolina and study leader.

“Right now, the prime point of intervention is at the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/28/vets-with-multiple-brain-injuries-may-be-at-greater-risk-of-suicide/140766.html

Study Finds 1st Common Genetic Risk Factors for ADHD

In the largest genetic study of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to date, an international research team has discovered the first common genetic risk factors associated with the disorder.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

“This study marks a very important step in beginning to understand the genetic and biological underpinnings of ADHD,” said Professor Anita Thapar from Cardiff University in Wales, who leads an ADHD research group as part of the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/28/study-finds-1st-common-genetic-risk-factors-for-adhd/140773.html

My Journey to Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder

The last thing you think about when adopting a child is that they might have a complex psychiatric disorder. When my wife and I were getting ready to adopt Bracken almost two decades ago, we had no idea what we were in for when we said yes to adopting our son.

We thought we only had to worry about our son’s day-to-day cares. We would love him and eventually, we would bond and grow to be a happy family. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go as planned.

We adopted our son, Bracken, when...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/my-journey-to-understanding-reactive-attachment-disorder/

Drop the Struggle and Embrace Your Emotions

Society tries to convince us that we can control our internal experiences. We constantly hear messages like “Don’t worry about it. Relax. Calm down.”

That’s dead wrong. Just hearing the words “Don’t worry” can make us anxious.

Telling yourself “Don’t worry” isn’t much different. The more often we think, “Don’t feel anxious you can’t feel anxious don’t be depressed don’t be sad you shouldn’t be upset” the more anxious, depressed, sad and upset we’ll...

[Read More ...]

Vets with Multiple Brain Injuries May Be at Greater Risk of Suicide

Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are about twice as likely to consider suicide compared to those with only one TBI or none, according to a new Veterans Affairs study published online in the journal Psychological Services.

“Suicide is a major concern with veterans,” said Dr. Robert Shura, a neuropsychologist at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in North Carolina and study leader.

“Right now, the prime point of intervention is at the...

[Read More ...]

Study Finds 1st Common Genetic Risk Factors for ADHD

In the largest genetic study of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to date, an international research team has discovered the first common genetic risk factors associated with the disorder.

The findings are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

“This study marks a very important step in beginning to understand the genetic and biological underpinnings of ADHD,” said Professor Anita Thapar from Cardiff University in Wales, who leads an ADHD research group as part of the...

[Read More ...]

My Journey to Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder

The last thing you think about when adopting a child is that they might have a complex psychiatric disorder. When my wife and I were getting ready to adopt Bracken almost two decades ago, we had no idea what we were in for when we said yes to adopting our son.

We thought we only had to worry about our son’s day-to-day cares. We would love him and eventually, we would bond and grow to be a happy family. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go as planned.

We adopted our son, Bracken, when...

[Read More ...]

Helping Withdrawal Symptoms and Brain Health with NAD Therapy

During detox, NAD Therapy helps clients through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in a way that doesn’t rely exclusively on medication.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/helping-withdrawal-symptoms-and-brain-health-nad-therapy

Helping Withdrawal Symptoms and Brain Health with NAD Therapy

During detox, NAD Therapy helps clients through unpleasant withdrawal symptoms in a way that doesn’t rely exclusively on medication.

[Read More ...]

Why Are Relationships So Difficult?

Have you ever wondered why you can meet someone and “know” instantly that you’re attracted to them?  You feel your heart pound, butterflies in your stomach, and an intense desire to “make something happen.”  This is the power of our unconscious.  Our unconscious drives us. We are unable to say, in that moment, exactly what it is that draws us to that person. It is overwhelming, an overpowering combination of sensations that have no words.

What is our unconscious? It is a...

[Read More ...]

Why Are Relationships So Difficult?

Have you ever wondered why you can meet someone and “know” instantly that you’re attracted to them?  You feel your heart pound, butterflies in your stomach, and an intense desire to “make something happen.”  This is the power of our unconscious.  Our unconscious drives us. We are unable to say, in that moment, exactly what it is that draws us to that person. It is overwhelming, an overpowering combination of sensations that have no words.

What is our unconscious? It is a...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-are-relationships-so-difficult/

Scientific Meeting » The NIMH Director’s Innovation Speaker Series: Changing the Landscape of Mental Health Services for the 21st Century

On December 18, 2018, Dr. Margarita Alegría will describe the need for a paradigmatic shift in how mental health services are delivered and by whom, to be ready for the 21st Century.
[Read More ...]

9 Powerful Ways to Care for Your Emotional Health

We tend to dismiss our emotional health. We certainly don’t talk about it around the dinner table, at the office, or really anywhere. If we talk about any kind of health, we prefer to chat about our physical wellness: what we’re eating, and not eating, what kind of exercise we’re trying, and not trying, how much we’re sleeping or not sleeping.

One reason we do this is because talking about our physical health offers external validation from others, said Marline Francois-Madden,...

[Read More ...]

UK Study: Many Former ICU Patients Report Anxiety, Depression Months Later

Patients who have survived a critical illness after staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently report symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression a few months to a year after discharge, according to a new U.K. study published in the open access journal Critical Care.

The findings show that former ICU patients who reported symptoms of depression, in particular, may be at greater risk of death. The researchers say that depression following ICU care...

[Read More ...]

Suppressing Negative Feelings Around Kids May Be Wrong Advice

New research contradicts the commonplace advice to avoid showing conflict and strong negative emotions around one’s children. It may be better to express negative emotions — in a healthy way — rather than hiding feelings.

Dr. Sara Waters, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development on the Washington State University Vancouver campus, and co-authors from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco, discuss their findings in...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: November 27, 2018

We made it through family gatherings, an overload of food and Black Friday. Now we’re heading straight to the chaos of the holiday season. Even my inbox is brimming with explanation points.

I hope you’ll read this and find respite from the hustle and bustle. Take a moment to hide away from the noise and distraction to focus deeper on yourself. Bringing awareness to why you’ve always felt alone, are overly responsible and constantly being picked apart for the way you do housework, can...

[Read More ...]

Science News » Team-based Care Optimizes Medication Treatment for First Episode Psychosis

Findings from NIMH’s Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project indicate that team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) for first episode psychosis (FEP) results in more optimal prescribing of antipsychotics and fewer side effects when compared with typical community care.
[Read More ...]

Scientific Meeting » The NIMH Director’s Innovation Speaker Series: Changing the Landscape of Mental Health Services for the 21st Century

On December 18, 2018, Dr. Margarita Alegría will describe the need for a paradigmatic shift in how mental health services are delivered and by whom, to be ready for the 21st Century.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/events/announcements/the-nimh-directors-innovation-speaker-series-changing-the-landscape-of-mental-health-services-for-the-21st-century.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

9 Powerful Ways to Care for Your Emotional Health

We tend to dismiss our emotional health. We certainly don’t talk about it around the dinner table, at the office, or really anywhere. If we talk about any kind of health, we prefer to chat about our physical wellness: what we’re eating, and not eating, what kind of exercise we’re trying, and not trying, how much we’re sleeping or not sleeping.

One reason we do this is because talking about our physical health offers external validation from others, said Marline Francois-Madden,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-powerful-ways-to-care-for-your-emotional-health/

UK Study: Many Former ICU Patients Report Anxiety, Depression Months Later

Patients who have survived a critical illness after staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) frequently report symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression a few months to a year after discharge, according to a new U.K. study published in the open access journal Critical Care.

The findings show that former ICU patients who reported symptoms of depression, in particular, may be at greater risk of death. The researchers say that depression following ICU care...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/27/uk-study-many-former-icu-patients-report-anxiety-depression-months-later/140726.html

Suppressing Negative Feelings Around Kids May Be Wrong Advice

New research contradicts the commonplace advice to avoid showing conflict and strong negative emotions around one’s children. It may be better to express negative emotions — in a healthy way — rather than hiding feelings.

Dr. Sara Waters, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Development on the Washington State University Vancouver campus, and co-authors from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, San Francisco, discuss their findings in...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/27/suppressing-negative-feelings-around-kids-may-be-wrong-advice/140731.html

Best of Our Blogs: November 27, 2018

We made it through family gatherings, an overload of food and Black Friday. Now we’re heading straight to the chaos of the holiday season. Even my inbox is brimming with explanation points.

I hope you’ll read this and find respite from the hustle and bustle. Take a moment to hide away from the noise and distraction to focus deeper on yourself. Bringing awareness to why you’ve always felt alone, are overly responsible and constantly being picked apart for the way you do housework, can...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-november-27-2018/

Science News » Team-based Care Optimizes Medication Treatment for First Episode Psychosis

Findings from NIMH’s Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project indicate that team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) for first episode psychosis (FEP) results in more optimal prescribing of antipsychotics and fewer side effects when compared with typical community care.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2018/team-based-care-optimizes-medication-treatment-for-first-episode-psychosis.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

5 Important Reminders to Make Holiday Sobriety Easy

With the right priorities, getting through the holidays sober is no problem.

[Read More ...]

5 Important Reminders to Make Holiday Sobriety Easy

With the right priorities, getting through the holidays sober is no problem.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/5-important-reminders-make-holiday-sobriety-easy

Sluggish Brain Waves May Be Early Sign of Dementia

Tracking brain wave activity in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease may be a promising new method for early detection, according to a new Canadian study by researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto, Ontario.

This is possible because brain waves tend to slow down in certain regions likely to be affected by the disease next, even before neurons have been lost.

The findings, published online in the journal Human Brain Mapping, show that individuals potentially...

[Read More ...]

Resilience May Be Key to Moving On After Wife’s Death

A new study finds that men who lack resilience are especially vulnerable to becoming severely depressed after their spouse dies.

But resilience did not significantly impact whether a women would develop depression, a finding that Florida State University researchers believe may be explained by women having stronger social networks.

Their findings appear in The Gerontologist.

In the research, Brittany King, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology, along with Assistant Professor...

[Read More ...]

Comfort Zones: An Alternative Perspective

Comfort zones. They usually get a lot of bad press. We’re regularly told that they’re something we need to “break out of” or “smash” in order to progress and grow as a human being. I’ve lost count of the number of meme diagrams I’ve come across depicting this. You know the ones, with the “where the magic happens” mentality.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found there’s something a little conflicting about the language used here. “Comfort” versus “break...

[Read More ...]

Sluggish Brain Waves May Be Early Sign of Dementia

Tracking brain wave activity in individuals at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease may be a promising new method for early detection, according to a new Canadian study by researchers at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto, Ontario.

This is possible because brain waves tend to slow down in certain regions likely to be affected by the disease next, even before neurons have been lost.

The findings, published online in the journal Human Brain Mapping, show that individuals potentially...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/26/sluggish-brain-waves-may-be-early-sign-of-dementia/140646.html

Resilience May Be Key to Moving On After Wife’s Death

A new study finds that men who lack resilience are especially vulnerable to becoming severely depressed after their spouse dies.

But resilience did not significantly impact whether a women would develop depression, a finding that Florida State University researchers believe may be explained by women having stronger social networks.

Their findings appear in The Gerontologist.

In the research, Brittany King, a graduate student in the Department of Sociology, along with Assistant Professor...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/26/resilience-may-be-key-to-moving-on-after-wifes-death/139784.html

Comfort Zones: An Alternative Perspective

Comfort zones. They usually get a lot of bad press. We’re regularly told that they’re something we need to “break out of” or “smash” in order to progress and grow as a human being. I’ve lost count of the number of meme diagrams I’ve come across depicting this. You know the ones, with the “where the magic happens” mentality.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found there’s something a little conflicting about the language used here. “Comfort” versus “break...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/comfort-zones-an-alternative-perspective/

Procrastination: The Stalling Game Your Mind Loves to Play

When you have an assignment, presentation, or a job interview, you know it is essential that you prepare for it. Yet, getting started feels like a monumental task. You may check your email and feel like you need to respond right away, or your friend texts, and you feel the urge to reply. Maybe you go on social media for a few minutes before you embark on the task at hand. You fidget, get a drink and a snack. You get another text, and your assignment just keeps getting further and further...

[Read More ...]

In England, Gap in Life Expectancy Between Rich and Poor Widens

The life expectancy gap between England’s most affluent and most deprived sectors of society has widened significantly between 2001 and 2016, particularly among women, according to a new study published in the journal Lancet Public Health.

The researchers from Imperial College London, who say the findings reflect a “deeply worrying” trend, analyzed data from the Office for National Statistics on all deaths recorded in England between 2001 and 2016, 7.65 million deaths in total.

For...

[Read More ...]

CBT Can Ease Anxiety in COPD Patients, Trim Hospital Visits

A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by respiratory nurses reduces anxiety symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

COPD is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the lungs, narrowing of the airways, and damaged lung tissue, making breathing difficult. Anxiety often occurs alongside COPD and can mean that patients get less physical activity, leading to loss of fitness, isolation and deteriorating health overall.

The new...

[Read More ...]

Podcast: Visiting a Psych Ward as a Guest after Having Been a Patient

Recently, Michelle had to take a friend to the hospital because of her friend’s thoughts of suicide. This was the first time Michelle had experienced the mental health system from any viewpoint other than that of a patient. In this episode, she describes everything she experienced and how it made her feel.

For many people living with mental illness, being committed to a psychiatric hospital is one of our deepest fears. Even people who aren’t mentally ill fear psychiatric hospitals...

[Read More ...]

Video Chat Can Help Combat Depression in Seniors

A new study finds that of four online communication technologies, using video chat to connect with friends and family appeared to hold the most promise in staving off depression among seniors.

Social isolation and depression have become commonplace in older adults, with estimates suggesting almost 5 percent of adults aged 50 and above lived with major depression in 2015.

For example, family may have moved across the country; a spouse may have passed away; retirement leaves a void; and the...

[Read More ...]

Procrastination: The Stalling Game Your Mind Loves to Play

When you have an assignment, presentation, or a job interview, you know it is essential that you prepare for it. Yet, getting started feels like a monumental task. You may check your email and feel like you need to respond right away, or your friend texts, and you feel the urge to reply. Maybe you go on social media for a few minutes before you embark on the task at hand. You fidget, get a drink and a snack. You get another text, and your assignment just keeps getting further and further...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/procrastination-the-stalling-game-your-mind-loves-to-play/

In England, Gap in Life Expectancy Between Rich and Poor Widens

The life expectancy gap between England’s most affluent and most deprived sectors of society has widened significantly between 2001 and 2016, particularly among women, according to a new study published in the journal Lancet Public Health.

The researchers from Imperial College London, who say the findings reflect a “deeply worrying” trend, analyzed data from the Office for National Statistics on all deaths recorded in England between 2001 and 2016, 7.65 million deaths in total.

For...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/26/in-england-gap-in-life-expectancy-between-rich-and-poor-widens/140701.html

CBT Can Ease Anxiety in COPD Patients, Trim Hospital Visits

A new study shows that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered by respiratory nurses reduces anxiety symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

COPD is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the lungs, narrowing of the airways, and damaged lung tissue, making breathing difficult. Anxiety often occurs alongside COPD and can mean that patients get less physical activity, leading to loss of fitness, isolation and deteriorating health overall.

The new...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/26/cbt-can-ease-anxiety-in-copd-patients-trim-hospital-visits/140631.html

Podcast: Visiting a Psych Ward as a Guest after Having Been a Patient

Recently, Michelle had to take a friend to the hospital because of her friend’s thoughts of suicide. This was the first time Michelle had experienced the mental health system from any viewpoint other than that of a patient. In this episode, she describes everything she experienced and how it made her feel.

For many people living with mental illness, being committed to a psychiatric hospital is one of our deepest fears. Even people who aren’t mentally ill fear psychiatric hospitals...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-visiting-a-psych-ward-as-a-guest-after-having-been-a-patient/

Video Chat Can Help Combat Depression in Seniors

A new study finds that of four online communication technologies, using video chat to connect with friends and family appeared to hold the most promise in staving off depression among seniors.

Social isolation and depression have become commonplace in older adults, with estimates suggesting almost 5 percent of adults aged 50 and above lived with major depression in 2015.

For example, family may have moved across the country; a spouse may have passed away; retirement leaves a void; and the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/26/video-chat-can-help-combat-depression-in-seniors/140546.html

Significant Genetic Overlap Found Between Schizophrenia, Autism

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia from different populations around the world may share common genetic variants, according to a new Japanese study published in the journal Cell Reports.

Supporting previous work conducted with Caucasians, the researchers found that Japanese individuals with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia also have overlapping copy number variations. A copy number variation (CNV) is when the number of copies of a particular gene varies...

[Read More ...]

Older Adults’ Abstract Reasoning Skills May Predict Later Depression

Age-related declines in abstract reasoning skills can predict worsening symptoms of depression in later years, according to a new study of Scottish older adults published in the journal Psychological Science.

Previous research has shown that cognitive impairments and depression are often linked in older adults. In general, as cognitive abilities decline, depressive symptoms tend to increase.

But researchers have been unable to conclusively identify the direction of causation. In other...

[Read More ...]

Air Pollution Linked to Intellectual Disabilities in Children

A new study has found that British children with intellectual disabilities are more likely than their peers to live in areas with high outdoor air pollution.

Published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, the study’s findings come from an analysis of data from the U.K.’s Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample of more than 18,000 children born in 2000 to 2002.

Researchers discovered that children with intellectual disabilities were 33 percent more...

[Read More ...]

With Early Education, Low-Income Kids Tend To Value Fairness Highly As Adults

Children from low-income families who received intensive education early in life tend to treat others with high levels of fairness in midlife, even when being fair comes at a high personal cost, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications.

The new findings come from the Abecedarian Project, begun in the 1970s. To this day, the research project is one of the longest-running randomized controlled studies of the effects of early childhood education in low-income and...

[Read More ...]

Drowning in Toxic Thoughts: A Practice for Mindfulness

Are you stressed and tormented by your thoughts, again? Even when they are benign, the spinning and sheer pace of them affronts your brain’s processing center. And there is no escape from the onslaught.

Most of us have been there. Sometimes it’s not so easy to slow things down or even take a full breath between those racing thoughts. What can you do to calm down and stop the “runaway train”?

Sometimes the only option is to temporarily engage in something that grabs your attention....

[Read More ...]

Music May Improve Social Communication in Kids with Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who receive one-on-one music therapy, which may include singing and/or playing an instrument, may experience improved social communication skills and increased brain connectivity in key networks

That can lead to enhanced quality of life for the whole family, according to a new Canadian study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

The link between ASD and music dates back to the first description of autism, more than 70 years ago, when...

[Read More ...]

Significant Genetic Overlap Found Between Schizophrenia, Autism

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia from different populations around the world may share common genetic variants, according to a new Japanese study published in the journal Cell Reports.

Supporting previous work conducted with Caucasians, the researchers found that Japanese individuals with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia also have overlapping copy number variations. A copy number variation (CNV) is when the number of copies of a particular gene varies...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/25/significant-genetic-overlap-found-between-schizophrenia-autism/138676.html

Older Adults’ Abstract Reasoning Skills May Predict Later Depression

Age-related declines in abstract reasoning skills can predict worsening symptoms of depression in later years, according to a new study of Scottish older adults published in the journal Psychological Science.

Previous research has shown that cognitive impairments and depression are often linked in older adults. In general, as cognitive abilities decline, depressive symptoms tend to increase.

But researchers have been unable to conclusively identify the direction of causation. In other...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/25/older-adults-abstract-reasoning-skills-may-predict-later-depression/140404.html

Air Pollution Linked to Intellectual Disabilities in Children

A new study has found that British children with intellectual disabilities are more likely than their peers to live in areas with high outdoor air pollution.

Published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, the study’s findings come from an analysis of data from the U.K.’s Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample of more than 18,000 children born in 2000 to 2002.

Researchers discovered that children with intellectual disabilities were 33 percent more...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/25/air-pollution-linked-to-intellectual-disabilities-in-children/140634.html

With Early Education, Low-Income Kids Tend To Value Fairness Highly As Adults

Children from low-income families who received intensive education early in life tend to treat others with high levels of fairness in midlife, even when being fair comes at a high personal cost, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications.

The new findings come from the Abecedarian Project, begun in the 1970s. To this day, the research project is one of the longest-running randomized controlled studies of the effects of early childhood education in low-income and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/25/with-early-education-low-income-kids-tend-to-value-fairness-highly-as-adults/140651.html

Drowning in Toxic Thoughts: A Practice for Mindfulness

Are you stressed and tormented by your thoughts, again? Even when they are benign, the spinning and sheer pace of them affronts your brain’s processing center. And there is no escape from the onslaught.

Most of us have been there. Sometimes it’s not so easy to slow things down or even take a full breath between those racing thoughts. What can you do to calm down and stop the “runaway train”?

Sometimes the only option is to temporarily engage in something that grabs your attention....

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/drowning-in-toxic-thoughts-a-practice-for-mindfulness/

Music May Improve Social Communication in Kids with Autism

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who receive one-on-one music therapy, which may include singing and/or playing an instrument, may experience improved social communication skills and increased brain connectivity in key networks

That can lead to enhanced quality of life for the whole family, according to a new Canadian study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

The link between ASD and music dates back to the first description of autism, more than 70 years ago, when...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/25/music-may-improve-social-communication-in-kids-with-autism/140657.html

Why Dating Sucks: Advice from a Dating Therapist

In the United States, as of April of 2017, 19% of people are using online dating or dating apps, and 84% of those people are looking for a romantic relationship. The dating industry brought in over 3 billion dollars in 2017, with the Match.com app bringing in 2.1 million dollars in one month alone!

And yet, over 1,000 people search the words “dating sucks” every month on Google.

Despite our technological advances and having access to resources that are meant to bring people together,...

[Read More ...]

9 Ways for Parents to Promote Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood

Prosocial behavior, the ability for children to voluntarily act in a positive, accepting, helpful, and cooperative manner, has been associated with many factors of well-being. Prosocial behavior has been correlated with positive social interaction skills, positive self-concept, positive peer relationships, peer acceptance, as well as a lower risk of externalizing behaviors and lower levels of problem behaviors at school. These habits of the interpersonal are a keystone of development and...

[Read More ...]

Why Dating Sucks: Advice from a Dating Therapist

In the United States, as of April of 2017, 19% of people are using online dating or dating apps, and 84% of those people are looking for a romantic relationship. The dating industry brought in over 3 billion dollars in 2017, with the Match.com app bringing in 2.1 million dollars in one month alone!

And yet, over 1,000 people search the words “dating sucks” every month on Google.

Despite our technological advances and having access to resources that are meant to bring people together,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-dating-sucks-advice-from-a-dating-therapist/

9 Ways for Parents to Promote Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood

Prosocial behavior, the ability for children to voluntarily act in a positive, accepting, helpful, and cooperative manner, has been associated with many factors of well-being. Prosocial behavior has been correlated with positive social interaction skills, positive self-concept, positive peer relationships, peer acceptance, as well as a lower risk of externalizing behaviors and lower levels of problem behaviors at school. These habits of the interpersonal are a keystone of development and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-ways-for-parents-to-promote-prosocial-behavior-in-early-childhood/

Romantic Crush Can Drive More Varied Shopping

Just in time for Black Friday, new research suggests an infatuation with someone new may prompt more variety in buying at the grocery store or the mall, rather than sticking to the usual favorite foods or brands.

Researchers suggested a romantic crush can fuel insecurity and expanding our range of purchases can create a sense of control.

Crushes often evoke a sense of uncertainty because it’s unclear whether an individual’s romantic feelings for another will be reciprocated, and...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/24/romantic-crush-can-drive-more-varied-shopping/140585.html

Another Year, Another Birthday: Processing Getting Older

For the past few birthdays, I’ve been telling everyone I know that “I’m turning 24 again!” Huh. What are the odds? Now of course I’m kidding, but the reality is that as I’ve gone up in my 20’s the mentality of growing older becomes more and more evident. And before anyone wants to bite my head off (please don’t), I am aware that I’m still relatively young. But this year’s birthday stung just a tad — the number signifying my last year in this decade. The number that...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/another-year-another-birthday-processing-getting-older/

Romantic Crush Can Drive More Varied Shopping

Just in time for Black Friday, new research suggests an infatuation with someone new may prompt more variety in buying at the grocery store or the mall, rather than sticking to the usual favorite foods or brands.

Researchers suggested a romantic crush can fuel insecurity and expanding our range of purchases can create a sense of control.

Crushes often evoke a sense of uncertainty because it’s unclear whether an individual’s romantic feelings for another will be reciprocated, and...

[Read More ...]

Another Year, Another Birthday: Processing Getting Older

For the past few birthdays, I’ve been telling everyone I know that “I’m turning 24 again!” Huh. What are the odds? Now of course I’m kidding, but the reality is that as I’ve gone up in my 20’s the mentality of growing older becomes more and more evident. And before anyone wants to bite my head off (please don’t), I am aware that I’m still relatively young. But this year’s birthday stung just a tad — the number signifying my last year in this decade. The number that...

[Read More ...]

NIMH’s Inaccurate Depiction of Depression Treatments

One of my life-long battles is to ensure that people get the most objective, useful information they can about mental illness and its treatment. It’s painful to me when I come across a popular website that misrepresents these illnesses or their treatment.

So you can imagine my surprise when I reviewed the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) page on depression recently. This is a super-important page to get right, because it often appears as the number one or two search result...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/nimhs-inaccurate-depiction-of-depression-treatments/

Why Kids Often Follow Relationship Patterns of Their Mothers

A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that people whose mothers had more live-in romantic partners — either married or cohabiting — often follow the same path.

While previous research has shown that children of divorce are also more likely to divorce, the new study broadens the picture.

“It’s not just divorce now. Many children are seeing their parents divorce, start new cohabiting relationships, and having those end as well,” said Dr. Claire Kamp Dush, lead...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/24/why-kids-often-follow-relationship-patterns-of-their-mothers/140660.html

Hypnotherapy May Ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

A new study shows that hypnotherapy might help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complaints for some patients for as long as nine months after the end of treatment.

The study, a randomized controlled trial of 354 adults with IBS in primary and secondary care, found that after three months of treatment, adequate relief of IBS symptoms was reported by 40 percent of the patients who received individual hypnotherapy and 33 percent of those in group hypnotherapy.

That is compared to 17...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/24/hypnotherapy-may-ease-irritable-bowel-syndrome-symptoms/140628.html

Childhood Trauma Linked to Later Psychotic Experiences

A new study from the U.K. has found greater evidence for a link between trauma in childhood and psychotic experiences by 18 years old.

According to researchers at the University of Bristol, the study’s findings are the first to comprehensively examine the association between different types of trauma and their timing in childhood with later psychotic experiences using a large population study. Psychotic experiences include abnormal experiences such as hearing voices, or feelings of...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/24/childhood-trauma-linked-to-later-psychotic-experiences/140637.html

Psychology Around the Net: November 24, 2018

Is there a ticket to happiness?

I’m not sure, but this week’s Psychology Around the Net takes a look at achieving happiness once you know what kind of happiness you actually want (that’s right; there’s more than one), as well as a productivity app that helps you avoid the bad “to do list,” how you can make the most of the rest of this year, what kind of mental health care costs we’re looking at in the next decade, and more.

Make a Resolution for the Last Six Weeks of the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-around-the-net-november-24-2018/

NIMH’s Inaccurate Depiction of Depression Treatments

One of my life-long battles is to ensure that people get the most objective, useful information they can about mental illness and its treatment. It’s painful to me when I come across a popular website that misrepresents these illnesses or their treatment.

So you can imagine my surprise when I reviewed the National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) page on depression recently. This is a super-important page to get right, because it often appears as the number one or two search result...

[Read More ...]

Why Kids Often Follow Relationship Patterns of Their Mothers

A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that people whose mothers had more live-in romantic partners — either married or cohabiting — often follow the same path.

While previous research has shown that children of divorce are also more likely to divorce, the new study broadens the picture.

“It’s not just divorce now. Many children are seeing their parents divorce, start new cohabiting relationships, and having those end as well,” said Dr. Claire Kamp Dush, lead...

[Read More ...]

Hypnotherapy May Ease Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

A new study shows that hypnotherapy might help relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complaints for some patients for as long as nine months after the end of treatment.

The study, a randomized controlled trial of 354 adults with IBS in primary and secondary care, found that after three months of treatment, adequate relief of IBS symptoms was reported by 40 percent of the patients who received individual hypnotherapy and 33 percent of those in group hypnotherapy.

That is compared to 17...

[Read More ...]

Childhood Trauma Linked to Later Psychotic Experiences

A new study from the U.K. has found greater evidence for a link between trauma in childhood and psychotic experiences by 18 years old.

According to researchers at the University of Bristol, the study’s findings are the first to comprehensively examine the association between different types of trauma and their timing in childhood with later psychotic experiences using a large population study. Psychotic experiences include abnormal experiences such as hearing voices, or feelings of...

[Read More ...]

Psychology Around the Net: November 24, 2018

Is there a ticket to happiness?

I’m not sure, but this week’s Psychology Around the Net takes a look at achieving happiness once you know what kind of happiness you actually want (that’s right; there’s more than one), as well as a productivity app that helps you avoid the bad “to do list,” how you can make the most of the rest of this year, what kind of mental health care costs we’re looking at in the next decade, and more.

Make a Resolution for the Last Six Weeks of the...

[Read More ...]

Report Looks at Citizenship & Justice in An Aging Society

A special report from the Hastings Center asserts that our society must now look at the concept of good citizenship in an aging society – a view that goes beyond health care relationships. This concept is articulated by Nancy Berlinger and Mildred Z. Solomon in the introduction to the report “What Makes a Good Life in Late Life? Citizenship and Justice in Aging Societies.”

The report is a product of a two-year grant-funded initiative at The Hastings Center — an independent,...

[Read More ...]

Humor for the Heartbroken

Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come. ~ Matt Groening

Social psychologist Daniel Gilbert of Harvard University said, “In many ways, navigating the social world is more complicated than a voyage to the moon. But it’s a journey we have to take, because whether we like it or not, our happiness is in each other’s hands.” Our sadness is also in each other’s hands, and is most easily...

[Read More ...]

Report Looks at Citizenship & Justice in An Aging Society

A special report from the Hastings Center asserts that our society must now look at the concept of good citizenship in an aging society – a view that goes beyond health care relationships. This concept is articulated by Nancy Berlinger and Mildred Z. Solomon in the introduction to the report “What Makes a Good Life in Late Life? Citizenship and Justice in Aging Societies.”

The report is a product of a two-year grant-funded initiative at The Hastings Center — an independent,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/23/report-looks-at-citizenship-justice-in-an-aging-society/139598.html

Humor for the Heartbroken

Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come. ~ Matt Groening

Social psychologist Daniel Gilbert of Harvard University said, “In many ways, navigating the social world is more complicated than a voyage to the moon. But it’s a journey we have to take, because whether we like it or not, our happiness is in each other’s hands.” Our sadness is also in each other’s hands, and is most easily...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/humor-for-the-heartbroken/

Annual Bipolar Disorder Meets My Birthday Article

Over the past year, I learned to never start a podcast with a schizophrenic. Honestly, it could be to never start a podcast with a New Yorker or a millennial, but since I operate in the mental health space, I’m going to pin this on my co-host’s mental illness. Which, of course, she’d correctly point out is exactly how stigma works.

I learned that grandchildren, even the loophole variety, are time consuming and expensive. I figured out that, when you’re a traveling speaker, becoming...

[Read More ...]

Small Study Uses MRI to Predict Dementia

A pilot study suggests MRI brain scans may help predict whether older people will develop dementia. MRI scans are relatively inexpensive, widely available and give doctors a glimpse into what’s going on inside a person’s brain.

In the study, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of California San Francisco used MRI brain scans to predict with 89 percent accuracy who would go on to develop dementia within three years.

The findings,...

[Read More ...]

Orange Juice, Leafy Greens May Be Tied to Reduced Memory Loss in Men

Drinking orange juice and eating leafy greens may be linked to a reduction in memory loss over time in men, according to a new study published online in the journal Neurology.

“One of the most important factors in this study is that we were able to research and track such a large group of men over a 20-year period of time, allowing for very telling results,” said study author Changzheng Yuan, ScD, of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. “Our studies provide further...

[Read More ...]

Sit-Down Family Dinners Improve Teens’ Eating Habits

A new Canadian study shows that teens and young adults who sit down for family dinners — even when the family unit is less than functional — tend to have healthier eating habits than if they graze or fend for themselves at dinner time.

Lead researcher Kathryn Walton, dietitian and Ph.D. student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, conducted the study with family relations and applied nutrition professor Jess Haines.

“Gathering around the dinner table is sort of a magical thing,”...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: November 23, 2018

I’m writing this on Thanksgiving morning. Hoping you had a memorable holiday!

I’m going in the two party event with something I’ve been experimenting with lately. I’m trying to see things as either an experience to be savored and enjoyed or an opportunity for growth and learning.

Doing so drops expectations I have for an event and helps me stay present and focused on what’s most important.

As you recover from yesterday’s festivities, I hope you have a chance to either savor the...

[Read More ...]

Annual Bipolar Disorder Meets My Birthday Article

Over the past year, I learned to never start a podcast with a schizophrenic. Honestly, it could be to never start a podcast with a New Yorker or a millennial, but since I operate in the mental health space, I’m going to pin this on my co-host’s mental illness. Which, of course, she’d correctly point out is exactly how stigma works.

I learned that grandchildren, even the loophole variety, are time consuming and expensive. I figured out that, when you’re a traveling speaker, becoming...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/annual-bipolar-disorder-meets-birthday-article/

Small Study Uses MRI to Predict Dementia

A pilot study suggests MRI brain scans may help predict whether older people will develop dementia. MRI scans are relatively inexpensive, widely available and give doctors a glimpse into what’s going on inside a person’s brain.

In the study, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of California San Francisco used MRI brain scans to predict with 89 percent accuracy who would go on to develop dementia within three years.

The findings,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/23/small-study-uses-mri-to-predict-dementia/140571.html

Orange Juice, Leafy Greens May Be Tied to Reduced Memory Loss in Men

Drinking orange juice and eating leafy greens may be linked to a reduction in memory loss over time in men, according to a new study published online in the journal Neurology.

“One of the most important factors in this study is that we were able to research and track such a large group of men over a 20-year period of time, allowing for very telling results,” said study author Changzheng Yuan, ScD, of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. “Our studies provide further...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/11/23/orange-juice-leafy-greens-may-be-tied-to-reduced-memory-loss-in-men/140612.html