Substance Abuse/Addiction

New research contends that ketamine can reduce problematic alcohol use but does the data support the claims?

During a period of self-doubt, I chose to see a psychiatrist because I was engulfed in negative thoughts and couldn't find a direction in life. The slightest joys came only when I was high. Though my weed addiction was likely causing all of my symptoms, my psychiatrist’s response was to prescribe antipsychotics.

Researchers investigate trends in opioid use, prescriptions, misuse, and access reported by adolescents and young adults.

A new article explores how psychiatric diagnoses are differentially applied to people of different racial and class backgrounds.

A new study examines longitudinal, intergenerational patterns associated with marijuana use.

Could the statistical phenomenon of regression to the mean be responsible for the dramatic effects of placebo—as well as the supposed effectiveness of some psychiatric drugs?

“Converging lines of evidence now suggest that depression—a common comorbidity in the setting of chronic pain—may in some patients represent an unrecognized yet potentially reversible harm of opioid therapy.”

A new study explores feelings of belongingness as a protective factor for childhood trauma and adult mental health outcomes.

A discourse analysis conducted by sociologists finds problematic assumptions and practices in the field of neurocriminology.

White race and size of initial prescription, along with poor sleep quality, are associated with long-term benzodiazepine use in older adults.

Two new articles find that rates of ADHD diagnosis and stimulant prescription continue to rise all over the world.

New data shows that calls to US poison control centers have increased significantly for children taking stimulant ADHD drugs.

A new study examines the extent to which patterns in prescription drug misuse and substance use disorder symptoms can be predicted by education level

Study of students without an ADHD diagnosis finds that stimulants (Adderall) have little impact on cognitive performance.

High job demands, low job control, and high job strain are associated with the development of a mental health issue at age 50.

Results from a Cochrane meta-analysis find that the common practice of prescribing antidepressants to treat insomnia is not supported by current evidence.

A meta-analysis of mindfulness-based interventions shows efficacy for treating depression, physical pain, smoking, and addictive disorders.

A new study suggests that epigenetic changes that have been associated with trauma may actually be due to environmental toxins.

Meta-analytic study detects upsurge in patterns of perfectionism in young adults and explores how neoliberalism contributes to this trend.

Researchers Identify risk factors for long-term benzodiazepine use to prevent harmful effects.

Correcting unnecessary long-term antidepressant use is difficult and met with apprehension by providers and service-users.

New research on a brief self-compassion focused course aimed at the college students.

Majority of top-selling and most promoted drugs in Canada are rated as having very limited safety and efficacy.

Our current, reductionistic approach to mental health issues doesn’t offer any insights or explanations on the etiology of most mental disturbances. Similarly, medication assisted treatment (MAT) focuses on the surface symptoms of opiate abuse without addressing the underlying causes of overwhelming distress and pain.

A new article, just published online in the journal Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties, presents research suggesting that the diagnosis of ADHD is philosophically inadequate.