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Psychology & Psychiatry news

Psychology & Psychiatry

Mental health conditions linked to higher risk of unintentional injury

People with mental health conditions face a significantly higher risk of physical injuries, according to a new University of Michigan study.

Psychology & Psychiatry

Brain injuries linked with potential risk of suicide

Adults who experience a head injury face a substantially higher risk of attempting suicide compared to those without such injuries, according to the findings from a new UK-based study.

Psychology & Psychiatry

Exploring why some people tend to persistently make bad choices

When people learn that surrounding visuals and sounds may signify specific choice outcomes, these cues can become guides for decision making. For people with compulsive disorders, addictions, or anxiety, the associations ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Why you should spend more time with a dog this Christmas

As daylight shortens and routines slow down, many people experience a dip in mood and motivation. The run-up to Christmas is marketed as joyful, but for a large number of households it brings family strain and a surprising ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Surge in serotonin points to new treatment target for schizophrenia

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London has provided the first direct evidence that schizophrenia is associated with a greater release of serotonin in the ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

How a gourmet's palate becomes refined: Taste training mechanisms

Why are gourmets seemingly able to detect subtle nuances in taste that others miss? Researchers at Tohoku University have uncovered part of the answer by demonstrating that taste sensitivity can be enhanced through learning.

Psychology & Psychiatry

A realistic vision for the future of AI in mental health care

A new analysis examines a potential turning point for artificial intelligence in mental health care. The article, "Feasible but Fragile": An Inflection Point for Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Care, reflects on ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

How swearing makes you stronger

Letting out a swear word in a moment of frustration can feel good. Now, research suggests that it can be good for you, too: Swearing can boost people's physical performance by helping them overcome their inhibitions and push ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Energy insecurity linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression

A new study from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy identifies energy insecurity—the inability to meet basic household energy needs—as a critical, yet often overlooked, social determinant of health.

Psychology & Psychiatry

How reward modulates attention in humans

Have you ever noticed how animals instinctively choose the ripest fruits in a tree? This behavior, of seeking out the most rewarding option, offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the brain. Animals not only focus ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Lessons from the pandemic: Distress puts limits on compassion

Times of major stress can impact a person's ability to think, but the stress response is not the same for all circumstances and ages. Those who become increasingly distressed will face decreasing reserves of compassion and ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

How letting your mind wander can reset your brain

Every day, we're faced with constant opportunities for stimulation. With 24/7 access to news feeds, emails and social media, many of us find ourselves scrolling endlessly, chasing our next hit of dopamine. But these habits ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

How the pandemic altered puberty's impact on girls' mental health

When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, it brought many aspects of life to a standstill. For adolescents, this included attending school and the social interactions that happen there. But the process of growing up continued—including ...

Psychology & Psychiatry

Pets don't necessarily improve their owners' well-being

People often turn to pets to boost their mood and find companionship. Improving well-being and reducing loneliness are among the most cited reasons for adopting an animal companion.

Psychology & Psychiatry

The hidden mental health cost of climate distress

A new Stanford-led study sheds light on "an emerging psychological health crisis" that disproportionately affects girls. Published July 30 in The Lancet Planetary Health, the study is among the first to quantify how repeated ...