Featured News

Articles from April 2011

• Filling out a checklist may lead to early autism treatment, study finds

  A simple questionnaire may be able to help pediatricians detect autism in young children, a new study reveals. more...

• Study reveals new genetic risk factor for depression

  Researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Germany have discovered a new genetic factor that contributes to major depressive disorder. more...

• Study: People are quick to judge neighborhoods based on appearances

  Many individuals rely on aesthetics to determine if they are safe or not, suggests a new study from Binghamton University researchers. more...

• Women with PTSD may be at risk of developing autoimmune problems, study suggests

  A new study reveals that men and women have different immune system responses to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). more...

• Former smokers have more willpower than current smokers, neural study finds

  Individuals who successfully kick their smoking habit may have more willpower than people who struggle to quit, according to neurological tests conducted by Trinity College researchers. more...

• Report: Prescription drug overdose is America's latest epidemic

  A new study reveals that overdose deaths caused by prescription medications have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. more...

• Study: PTSD can lead to increased risk of disease

  Adults who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to childhood abuse may age at an accelerated rate, a new study reveals. more...

• Happiness does not alleviate fear, depression among some Asians

  Although many treatments for depression are based on the enhancement of positive emotions, a new study reveals that this method is not effective among all cultures. more...

• Officials prepare to spread positive vibe during Mental Health Month

  A national organization is gearing up to raise awareness and educate Americans about the services that are available to mentally ill individuals. more...

• Massachusetts bullying survey reveals troubling trends

  Approximately one-quarter of Massachusetts middle-schoolers have been bullied in school, according to a new report. more...

• Hollywood continues to sexualize female teens

  Many teenage girls develop self-esteem problems because of societal pressures to look a certain way. America's growing obsession with scantily-clad, skinny and full-figured women was examined in a recent study by University of Southern California researchers. more...

• Researchers examine links between ADHD and academic performance

  A new survey reveals that different factors contribute to academic underachievement among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). more...

• Study: Autistic children are apt to wander or abscond in social situations

  A new survey reveals that approximately half of all autistic children have went missing long enough to cause concern among their family members. more...

• Anti-depressants may not improve some symptoms of depression, study says

  Many parents of depressed teens rely on prescription medications in an effort to alleviate their children's symptoms. However, a new study reveals that anti-depressants may be ineffective. more...

• Suicide rates high in happy U.S. states, research finds

  Some of America's "happiest" states also have high suicide rates, according to new research. more...

• Music instruction can have lasting benefits

  Children who take music lessons can improve their long-term brain functioning, according to a new study. more...

• Childhood abuse can severely impact a victim's stress responses

  Physical, sexual or emotional abuse during childhood can change a person's neural response to stress, new research indicates. more...

• Happiness levels linked to political activism, survey says

  Happy people are more likely to vote than dissatisfied individuals, according to a new study. more...

• Attachment issues in children can lead to overeating, study finds

  Young children who have attachment issues with their parents are at risk of becoming obese later in childhood, according to new research. more...

• Research indicates that bipolar mood swings are predictable

  A new study reveals that the future mood swings of people with bipolar disorder (BD) can be predicted. more...

• Survey: Homosexual teens fives times more likely to consider suicide

  A new study reveals that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teenagers are significantly more likely than heterosexual children to experience suicidal thoughts. more...

• New research could be a breakthrough in Rett Syndrome treatment

  A new study in the journal Neuron examines the genetic abnormality behind Rett Syndrome, which is a brain disorder that is similar to autism spectrum disorder. more...

• Report: Physicians should track opioid-using patients better

  Prescription drug abuse has become more popular among problem teens in recent years. However, a new study reveals that far too many primary care doctors do not pay adequate attention to patients who are given these addictive substances. more...

• Teen icon opens up about eating disorders, cutting

  Pop star Demi Lovato hopes that her personal struggles will serve as an important lesson for other troubled teens. more...

• Brain anomalies may explain impulsive decision-making among alcoholics

  A new study reveals that individuals who are dependent on alcohol may have functional anomalies in their brains which impacts cognitive and emotional control. more...

• Guardian Scholars to help at-risk teens enter college

  Foster care teens unfortunately do not enjoy some of the same benefits as children living with their parents, including all-important guidance with their college preparations. more...

• Report: Teen HIV prevention programs need to be upgraded

  Many problem teens are regularly advised about the dangers of drug use, academic underachievement and violent behavior. However, a new study reveals that more juvenile offenders need to be educated about HIV prevention. more...

• Observing media can cause second-hand embarrassment

  In today's age of reality television and social networking, many people's flaws are broadcast to a large audience. more...

• Economic struggles lead to higher suicides in U.S., CDC reports

  The economic state of the U.S. significantly impacts the nation's suicide rate, according to a new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. more...

• Weight-related anxiety should be taken seriously, researchers conclude

  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) states that social anxiety disorder (SAD) should only be diagnosed if the individual's anxiety is unrelated to a medical condition. more...

• New research reveals how anti-depressants work in human brain

  A new study reveals that scientists have made a breakthrough in the treatment of depression. more...

• Pollutants may lead to behavioral problems for children of pregnant mothers

  It is common knowledge that cutting down on pollution can help preserve the environment. However, a new study reveals that reducing harmful chemicals in the air may also lead to more obedient children. more...

• Discrimination can cause weight gain, study shows

  Individuals who are discriminated against are at risk of developing weight problems, according to a new study from Purdue University researchers. more...

• Mother's happiness impacts child's well-being, survey reveals

  New research indicates that a child's overall satisfaction is influenced more by Mom than Dad. more...

• Experts say primary care doctors, nurses need to help prevent suicides

  Breaking down the barrier between mental health and physical well-being may help save lives, according to a team of experts. more...

• Natural disasters can cause severe stress in children, research finds

  Last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan provided a sobering reminder about the physical capabilities of a natural disaster. However, recent studies have concluded that the emotional repercussions of these devastating events are likely to last longer than the physical damages. more...

• Antidepressants have long-term benefits for many patients, study says

  Past research has shown that untreated depression during adolescence may lead to serious problems during adulthood, including substance abuse or thoughts of suicide. more...

• Study: Gene variant linked to social problems among autistic children

  A lack of social skills is one of the defining characteristics of autism. Many children who have the developmental disorder struggle to identify other people's emotions and facial expressions. more...

• Male abuse victims at risk of developing emotional problems

  Most reported incidents of relationship violence involve a male aggressor and a female victim. However, many people are unaware of the long-term effects of female-on-male abuse. more...

• Medicine used for alcoholism may help treat autism, researchers find

  A new study indicates that a drug that is commonly used to treat alcoholism may help individuals who have developmental disorders such as autism and Fragile X syndrome. more...

• Study: Young people highly dependent on media for emotional comfort

  A new global study reveals that many young people around the world are addicted to media devices. In fact, some individuals even develop depression and anxiety when they abstain from using these services for too long. more...

• Effects of alcohol associated with drinking habits among young adults, study says

  A new study by University of Chicago researchers debunks the old notion that people who experience the depressive effects of alcohol are more likely to become problem drinkers. more...

• Report: Prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD affect learning in different ways

  A new study reports that many children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulty learning, but in different ways. more...

• Listening to music linked to depression among teens, researchers find

  Although listening to music can serve as a therapeutic activity for some individuals, a new study reveals that adolescents who spend an excessive amount of time listening to music over other pastimes are more likely to be depressed. more...

• Study: Violent video games may affect children's moral development

  A new study that appears in the Journal of Children and Media warns parents that video games can have a dangerous effect on children. more...

• Rethink Autism to offer online video series throughout April

  Educational technology company Rethink Autism has announced that it will launch a new video series in April to recognize Autism Awareness Month. more...