Research News

Summaries of research findings that tell of a scientific need to "rethink psychiatry."

Research Finds Parents’ Trauma May Impact Children’s Health

10
Study uncovers some of the intergenerational consequences of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Citizens Petition Calls for Sexual Side Effect Warnings

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Researchers take action after study exposes enduring sexual dysfunction as a potential side effect of serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and isotretinoin.

Questioning the Philosophical Assumptions of Neuroscience Research

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Are philosophical misunderstandings behind the failure of neuroscience to provide useful clinical research?

Psychological Research Suggests Systemic Interventions to Tackle Racism

10
A new special edition positions psychological science as offering valuable contributions to the study of contemporary racism.

Using the Power Threat Meaning Framework in Mental Health Nurse Education

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Scholars call for international mental health nurse curriculum to shift to a rights-based approach and teach the Power Threat Meaning Framework.

Researcher Critiques Misleading Media Coverage of Lancet Antidepressant Meta-Analysis

17
The BMJ’s clinical editor takes issue with uncritical media coverage of antidepressant network meta-analysis, outlining reporting missteps.

Psychotherapists Reflect on Lack of Improvement in Therapy

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Qualitative research examines the experiences of psychoanalytic therapists in their work with patients whose symptoms either failed to improve or worsened.

Despite the Evidence, Overprescription of Stimulants Continues

17
A new study finds that stimulant prescribing rates to children continue to rise despite the well-established evidence documenting overdiagnosis of ADHD and overprescription of stimulants.

Massive Reforms for Pharmaceutical System Proposed

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The US/Canadian Pharmaceutical Policy Reform Working Group proposes universal drug coverage and ambitious reforms to the pharmaceutical system.

Psychologist Debunks Common Misconceptions of Maslow’s Hierarchy

9
Utilizing Maslow’s published books and essays, psychologist William Compton delineates common myths and attempts to respond to them.

Are Students Benefiting From the Growth Mindset Model?

12
Results from two meta-analyses reveal shortcomings with the growth mindset theory as applied in schools.

Antidepressants Are Not More Effective for Severe Depression, Study Finds

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A new study, published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, found that antidepressant efficacy was not dependent on severity.

Researchers Explore Sexuality and Gender in the Context of Psychosis

4
Nev Jones and a team of researchers examine how sex, sexuality, and gender-related content are underexplored in contemporary research on psychosis.

Psychotherapy is Less Effective and Less Accessible for Those in Poverty

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A special issue explores the connection between poverty, mental health, and psychotherapy.

Study of Online Antidepressant Forums Reveals Long Lasting Withdrawal Effects

22
Effects of discontinuing SSRIs and SNRIs reported on an online forum indicate significant and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms.

Review of Pediatric Antidepressant Studies Finds Evidence of Benefit Lacking

3
Review of pediatric antidepressant studies finds the vast majority are negative on primary outcomes and an increased risk for suicidality.

Experts Question the Benefits of Brain Imaging Research for OCD

15
Two experts—a leading neuroscientist studying OCD, and a psychiatrist specializing in OCD treatment—question whether expensive brain imaging research has added anything to the treatment of OCD.

Prominent Researcher and Psychotherapist Questions “Evidence-Based Therapy”

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Dr. Johnathan Shedler recently published a paper critiquing how the term “evidence-based” is being used in the field of psychotherapy.

High Job Strain Increases Risk of Mental Health Challenges

9
High job demands, low job control, and high job strain are associated with the development of a mental health issue at age 50.

New Clinical Guidelines on Deprescribing Benzodiazepines

0
New guidelines recommend deprescribing benzodiazepine receptor agonists for adults.

Time for a Paradigm Shift in School Psychology Interventions

9
Why do ineffective classification and intervention processes linger in school psychology, and what’s the alternative?

Review Finds Lack of Evidence for Antidepressants in Treatment of Insomnia

3
Results from a Cochrane meta-analysis find that the common practice of prescribing antidepressants to treat insomnia is not supported by current evidence.

More Evidence That Physical Activity Prevents Depression

15
Higher levels of physical activity serve as a protective factor for the future development of depression.

Intimate Partner Violence Doubles Risk for Postnatal Depression in Malaysian Women

1
Women in Malaysia exposed to intimate partner violence are twice as likely to experience postnatal depression.

Tapering Strips Help People Discontinue Antidepressants

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A new study by Peter Groot and Jim van Os has found that tapering strips help people successfully discontinue antidepressant medications.