Study Finds Weak Link Between Adolescent Media Use and Psychotic Experiences in Adulthood
A study from McGill University found weak associations between adolescent media use and psychotic experiences in adulthood, with other factors such as mental health and interpersonal difficulties playing a larger role. The lead author, Vincent Paquin, stated that the results do not support the idea that adolescent media use is a significant risk factor for psychotic experiences in adulthood. The study suggests that some young people are drawn to video games as a way of coping with challenging life circumstances.
The Potential of Ketamine in Mental Health Treatment
Learn about the potential of ketamine for treating treatment-resistant depression and other mental health conditions. Although not yet FDA-approved, ketamine and its relative esketamine show promise in relieving depression symptoms. However, concerns about long-term efficacy and safety have been raised. Explore the availability of unsupervised ketamine treatment and the importance of evidence-based practices for patient safety. Discover the safety protocols and personalized treatment plans involved in ketamine infusion therapy at Being Health.
The Impact of Exercise on Brain Health
Discover the undeniable benefits of exercise on cognitive and mental well-being. Research shows how physical activity can lead to cellular changes in the brain, improving mood and cognition. Dr. Henriette van Praag’s groundbreaking finding on the growth of new brain cells in mature mice has influenced her personal approach to fitness, incorporating activities like CrossFit and running into her routine. The release of neurotransmitters during exercise plays a crucial role in attention, working memory, and executive functioning, with long-term engagement offering potential benefits for individuals at risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Study Shows Long-Term Benefits of Exercise Habits in Youth
The University of Adelaide study reveals the long-term benefits of exercise habits in youth, emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity among young people for better health outcomes. The research has significant implications for public health and policy-making, aligning with efforts to encourage participation in sports and physical activities, particularly among girls and women. As the study adds to a growing body of research on the role of exercise in maintaining overall well-being, it is hoped that these findings will inform policies and programs aimed at promoting physical activity and improving long-term health outcomes.
Study Finds Close Relatives of Individuals with Treatment-Resistant Depression at Higher Risk of Developing Depression
A recent study has found that close relatives of individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing depression that does not respond to traditional treatments. The study, conducted by Dr. Cheng-Ta Li and his team, confirms the genetic transmission of TRD across families and its association with other major psychiatric disorders. The implications of these findings are significant as they highlight the need for early treatment options for individuals at risk of treatment-resistant depression and advocate for early alternative treatments for this subgroup.
Study Reveals Brain’s Regulation of Emotions
Researchers at Dartmouth have uncovered the intricate mechanisms behind how the brain regulates emotions, offering new insight into mental health treatments. The study shows the role of specific brain regions in emotion regulation and the influence of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and cannabin.
Study Shows Link Between Food Preferences and Cognitive Function
Discover how food choices are linked to cognitive function, mental health, and brain health in a new collaborative study from Fudan University and the University of Cambridge. The study found that a healthy, balanced diet is associated with better brain health, cognitive function, and mental well-being compared to other diet types. Learn more about the impact of food preferences on cognitive and mental function.
Investigative Podcast Series Examines Perils of Intense Meditation
The new investigative podcast series, Untold: The Retreat, explores the dangers of intense meditation at Goenka retreats. While meditation has known health benefits, the series tells the stories of individuals whose mental health deteriorated during or after the 10-day retreats. The series raises important questions about the responsibility of retreat organizers in addressing participants’ mental health concerns.
Study Finds Increased Mental Health Challenges Among Adolescents in Racial and Ethnic Minorities During and After Pandemic
Recent historical, political and public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to increased stress and mental health challenges among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities. A study published in Academic Pediatrics found that rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts significantly increased during the pandemic, especially among Black, Asian, and Hispanic females.
Impact of Music on Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder
Recent research has revealed the distinct music preferences of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the psychological functions that music serves for them. The study, involving 549 participants, found that individuals with BPD exhibit a clear preference for reflective and complex music genres, such as classical and jazz, over intense and rebellious ones. The severity of BPD symptoms was found to influence these preferences, indicating that music could potentially serve as a tool for emotional regulation among individuals with higher BPD symptom severity.