Mental Health News and Research

Latest Mental Health News and Research

Reflexology can help cancer patients manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks

A study led by a Michigan State University researcher offers the strongest evidence yet that reflexology - a type of specialized foot massage practiced since the age of pharaohs - can help cancer patients manage their symptoms and perform daily tasks.

14 Nov 2012

Neuroticism can be good for health under certain circumstances

Under certain circumstances neuroticism can be good for your health, according to a University of Rochester Medical Center study showing that some self-described neurotics also tended to have the lowest levels of Interleukin 6 (IL-6), a biomarker for inflammation and chronic disease.

14 Nov 2012

White matter alterations evident before psychosis development

Results from a UK study show that white matter integrity is reduced in patients at ultra-high risk for psychosis, although to a lesser extent than in first-episode psychosis patients.

13 Nov 2012

Speed of depression onset increased in bipolar patients

Depressive episodes take significantly less time to develop in patients with bipolar disorder than in those with unipolar depression, German study findings confirm.

13 Nov 2012

Peer victimization increases teen social phobia risk

Results from a Finnish study show there is a significant relationship between peer victimization and social phobia in adolescents.

13 Nov 2012

Metabolic syndrome linked to poorer cognition in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia patients with the metabolic syndrome have poorer cognitive functioning than those without, results from a US study show.

9 Nov 2012

Exercise may help improve posture and reduce breast cancer risk in women

The end of the year is fast approaching and you know what that means: As soon as the calendar turns to 2013, you will be vowing to get physically active. But experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say with all the benefits you can glean, why wait until you make those New Year's resolutions to get active, especially if you are a woman?

9 Nov 2012

Dream images could provide insights into people's mental health problems

Dream images could provide insights into people's mental health problems and may help with their treatment, according to a psychology researcher from the University of Adelaide.

9 Nov 2012

Longer looks: People with mental disabilities have a vote; Genome sequencing raises hope - also anxiety

I may get Alzheimer's disease, I was told after getting my DNA analyzed. I could suffer the consequences of an abnormal blood clot in my heart or my brain. Or perhaps I'll suffer from a disease called primary myelofibrosis that's caused by an overactive bone marrow. All of these were possible outcomes, based on my genetic profile. In each case, the test only gives an increased risk for disease, not a definitive diagnosis.

9 Nov 2012

Viewpoints: Bowles urges 'deficit deal now;' A doctor's take on health law; Preparing N.Y. hospitals for future storms

Going over the fiscal cliff would mean allowing a massive and immediate cut to nearly every major government agency and activity, including those vital to our national security or economic growth.

9 Nov 2012

Family history of schizophrenia ups risk for nonpsychotic disorders

Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a significantly increased risk for a wide range of nonpsychotic DSM-IV axis I psychiatric disorders, US research shows.

8 Nov 2012

Physical activity reduces dementia risk in elderly

Physical activity reduces the risk for cognitive impairment, particularly vascular dementia, in older people who have developed white matter changes, shows research.

8 Nov 2012

Exercise benefits physical, mental health in schizophrenia

Exercise therapy improves mental health and cardiovascular fitness in patients with schizophrenia, researchers report.

8 Nov 2012

Psychotic and mixed episodes linked in bipolar disorder

Results from a large Danish study show that psychotic depression, psychotic mania, and mixed affective episodes share significant associations in patients with bipolar disorder.

8 Nov 2012

Reduced hedonic capacity in euthymic bipolar patients

Euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and remitted patients with major depressive disorder show reduced hedonic capacity compared with mentally healthy individuals, Italian researchers report.

8 Nov 2012

Family history of schizophrenia ups risk for nonpsychotic disorders

Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a significantly increased risk for a wide range of nonpsychotic DSM-IV axis I psychiatric disorders, US research shows.

8 Nov 2012

Synthetic cannabinoid could treat pain in diabetes patients

Oral synthetic cannabinoid nabilone may be effective for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain, a study shows.

8 Nov 2012

FDA EMDAC votes unanimously in support of Signifor use for treatment of Cushing's disease

The US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee (EMDAC) has voted unanimously in support of the use of Signifor (pasireotide) for the treatment of patients with Cushing's disease who require medical therapeutic intervention.

7 Nov 2012

Economic impact of acute coronary syndrome goes beyond hospitals to homes and workplaces

The economic impact of a heart attack and other forms of acute coronary syndrome goes beyond the hospital to the home and workplace, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012.

7 Nov 2012

Tips for parents and caregivers to help recover children from Hurricane Sandy

After Hurricane Sandy's flood waters have receded and homes demolished by the storm repaired, the unseen aftershocks of the storm may linger for many children who were in the storm's path, particularly those whose families suffered significant losses.

7 Nov 2012