Psychotherapy News and Research

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Psychotherapy is “talk” therapy. It involves talking with a mental health professional to treat a mental illness. Psychotherapy can occur one-on-one or in a group. Research shows that support from family and friends can be an important part of therapy.

MDMA has been shown to improve PTSD symptoms, but how?

According to a new study, MDMA can increase the sensitivity of the brain to learning the reward value of social behaviors, which may explain its effects on PTSD.

8 Apr 2019

New genetic score reliably predicts risk, severity of depression in young people

An international team led by Munich-based researchers has found a genetic score that reliably predicts the risk, severity and age of onset of depression in young people. The study also confirms a history of childhood abuse as a risk factor.

8 Apr 2019

A new evaluation strategy for assessing stress, allostatic load in primary care

A new evaluation strategy for assessing stress, allostatic load and distress has been found of clinical value in a trial in primary care published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

29 Mar 2019

New article outlines qualities that make a good psychotherapist

You can study and get the best training, but it is unlikely that you are going to be a good psychotherapist unless you have the qualities that are outlined in an article in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.

21 Mar 2019

New study aims to reduce online sexual exploitation of children

On March 26th, the Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital in Swedenare launching a new study aimed at reducing online sexual exploitation of children. Recruitment of study participants will take place in forums on the encrypted part of the internet called the darknet.

20 Mar 2019

Deep brain stimulation offers significant relief for patients with treatment-resistant depression

Patients suffering from severe, treatment-resistant depression can benefit not only acutely but also the long-term from deep brain stimulation, as researchers from the Medical Center - University of Freiburg and their colleagues from the University Hospital Bonn demonstrate in a current study.

19 Mar 2019

New case study describes adolescent patient with rapid-onset schizophrenia and Bartonella infection

In a new case study, researchers at North Carolina State University describe an adolescent human patient diagnosed with rapid onset schizophrenia who was found instead to have a Bartonella henselae infection.

19 Mar 2019

Use of synthetic psychedelic linked to improvements in depression and anxiety

Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that use of the synthetic psychedelic 5-methocy-N,-N-dimethyltryptamine appears to be associated with unintended improvements in self-reported depression and anxiety when given in a ceremonial group setting.

19 Mar 2019

Depression screening does not improve quality of life in heart attack patients

After suffering a heart attack or unstable angina (chest pain caused by blocked arteries), patients who were systematically screened for depression and referred for treatment when appropriate did not show a significant improvement in quality of life compared with those who received no depression screening, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 68th Annual Scientific Session.

18 Mar 2019

Fear center in the brain provides protection against body perception disorders

If functionality of the brain's amygdala is impaired, illusory perceptions arise much faster and more pronounced.

13 Mar 2019

Review of research evidence suggests increased suicide rates in high-altitude areas

High-altitude areas - particularly the US intermountain states - have increased rates of suicide and depression, suggests a review of research evidence in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

11 Mar 2019

Integrated therapy is effective in treating obesity and depression

An intervention combining behavioral weight loss treatment and problem-solving therapy with as-needed antidepressant medication for participants with co-occurring obesity and depression improved weight loss and depressive symptoms compared with routine physician care, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

6 Mar 2019

Study shows neural effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients suffering from agoraphobia

Patients suffering from panic disorder and agoraphobia are significantly impaired in daily life due to anxiety about getting into a situation due to apprehension about experiencing a panic attack, especially if escape may be difficult.

27 Feb 2019

Researchers find cost-effective way to improve mental health in prisons

Of the 4 million prisoners released each year, 23 percent have suffered from major depressive disorder. Due to resource shortages, many go without adequate treatment while in prison. Oftentimes they rejoin society in worse mental shape than before their incarceration - which could be prevented with the right care.

22 Feb 2019

Brain imaging indicates potential success of drug therapy in depressive patients

Working with international partners, a MedUni Vienna research group has shown that imaging techniques carried out prior to treatment indicate the potential success of drug therapy in depressive patients.

19 Feb 2019

Mild ecstasy use linked to greater empathy, PTSD research

MDMA or ecstasy is a popular rave drug used in party circuits to generate euphoria and become more sociable. Researchers from the University of Exeter and University College London have also been studying this recreation drug of abuse for its possible medicinal use in post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol de-addiction.

11 Feb 2019

Fibromyalgia syndrome in adults may be a consequence of childhood sexual abuse

A new Tel Aviv University study finds that fibromyalgia syndrome -- a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue and cognitive difficulties -- may be a consequence of post-traumatic physical and psychological distress associated with childhood sexual abuse.

7 Feb 2019

Support from trusted adults can reduce risk of dying in suicidal teens, finds study

Building a circle of trusted adults around a suicidal teen, to support them during vulnerable times, may have long-term effects that reduce their risk of dying young, a new study suggests.

7 Feb 2019

Better diet could alleviate symptoms of depression finds study

It has been speculated earlier that a healthy diet can raise the mood and reduce symptoms of mild depression. A new study proves the cause and effect of healthy diet and improved symptoms of depression.

5 Feb 2019

Researchers report psychological placebos can also have an effect

Placebo effects do not only occur in medical treatment - placebos can also work when psychological effects are attributed to them. Researchers from the University of Basel's Faculty of Psychology reported these findings in the journal Scientific Reports, based on three studies with over 400 participants.

5 Feb 2019