Why Getting out of our Head is Good for us
From Philosophy for Life: Though often pathologized by psychiatry and western science, spiritual experiences and altered states of consciousness can actually be highly therapeutic and valuable.
"Having...
The White-Mortality Crisis Shows the Impact of Distress
From Science of Us: A recent study found that working-class white Americans are dying in middle age at a faster rate than minority groups, and...
Study Explores Cognitive Effects of Antipsychotics
Reduced usage of antipsychotics in first-episode psychosis was associated with improved executive functioning.
This is the Fastest way to Calm Down
From TIME: A recent study suggests a neurological explanation for why deep breathing can be so effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
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Up in Smoke: Speculative Claims about Smoking Cessation Drug
From HealthNewsReview: A recent news release from Florida Atlantic University has urged wider use of Chantix, a prescription medication for smoking cessation. The release made...
Could ‘Treatment Resistance’ be an Effect of Antidepressants?
Previously taking antidepressants could make individuals less likely to respond to treatment for bipolar II depression.
Veterans with both PTSD and Dementia More Likely to be Prescribed Antipsychotics
Researchers found that veterans with both conditions had higher odds of being prescribed second-generation antipsychotics than those presenting with just PTSD.
Researchers Question Link Between Genetics and Depression
A new study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, found no link between genetics and the occurrence of depressive symptoms.
The Original Natural Remedy for Burnout: Nature
From Science of Us: Studies show that spending time in nature has a number of positive effects on mental health, including decreased rumination, reduced depression...
New Findings Suggest Masculinity is a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thinking
Men who report being self-reliant may be at greater risk of suicidal thinking.
Lancet Psychiatry Needs to Retract the ADHD-Enigma Study
Lancet Psychiatry, a UK-based medical journal, recently published a study that concluded brain scans showed that individuals diagnosed with ADHD had smaller brains. That conclusion is belied by the study data. The journal needs to retract this study.
UPDATE: Lancet Psychiatry (online) has published letters critical of the study, and the authors' response, and a correction.
How Long Should you Stay on Antidepressants?
From The Guardian: Antidepressants may be addictive; many people experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping them. Some psychiatrists suggest that long-term usage may be harmful and...
Deadly Drugs Misused in U.S. Nursing Facilities
From AARP: The family of Bobby Glenn Tweed recently settled a lawsuit with a nursing home over his wrongful death. Tweed was prescribed psychotropic drugs without...
Added Evidence for Yoga for Major Depression
Randomized controlled trial finds yoga intervention reduces depression severity.
Might Antidepressants Create Treatment Resistance?
From Psychiatric Times: A recent study of individuals diagnosed with bipolar II disorder found that patients who have taken antidepressants in the past are less likely to respond...
Big New Study Challenges a Genetic Link to Stress, Depression
From Psych Central: A new meta-analysis found no evidence for a previously reported connection between the serotonin gene, depression, and stress.
"For years, scientists have been trying...
Crazy Talk: The Dangerous Rhetoric of Mental Illness
In this piece for Eidolon, Jessica Wright discusses the ways that labeling people as "crazy" and "mentally ill" has served to justify oppression throughout history....
Physical Activity Predicts Fewer Symptoms of Depression in Children
An article published in Pediatrics is the first to examine the relationship between physical activity and depression in middle childhood (years 6 to 10) longitudinally.
Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising Linked to Dangerous Overtreatment
A new study links direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising to increased testosterone treatment, even when patients do not have a diagnosable condition.
Trump’s Pick to Oversee Big Pharma has Ties to Opioid Industry
From The Intercept: Newly released documents show that Dr. Scott Gottlieb, President Trump's nominee to lead the FDA, has received almost $45,000 in speaking fees...
Economic Stress as a Driver of Global Depression and Suicide
From Truthout: According to the World Health Organization, poverty and unemployment are leading causes of depression and suicide. Still, recommended solutions for depression tend to...
Depression: Let’s Talk About how we Address Mental Health
From the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights: United Nations Special Rapporteur Dainius Pūras calls for our global community to rethink...
TV Documentary Funded by Doctor with Industry Ties
From STAT: A new documentary, "The Painful Truth," chronicles the plight of several patients struggling to find treatment for their chronic pain, suggesting that physicians...
Fighting the fog of Mental Illness
In this special report for the Journal Sentinel, Meg Kissinger tells the story of Amanda Farrell, a woman labeled severely mentally ill who eventually recovered...
Femme Fatales, ‘Female Psychopaths,’ and Narrative ‘Science’
In this piece for Repeater Books, Tristam Vivian Adams discusses the ways sociopaths and psychopaths are portrayed in the media, and the ways we...
