Screen time and physical activity habits linked to adolescent stress and depression
New research tracks over 500 Finnish children to explore how lifestyle habits affect teen mental health. The study suggests that more exercise and less screen time from a young age may reduce stress and depressive symptoms by age 15.
Antidepressant withdrawal may be more persistent than doctors realize
A systematic review finds that some people experience withdrawal symptoms for months or even years after stopping antidepressants. The study highlights the lack of reliable evidence on how common or severe these symptoms are—and how best to treat them.
New study maps psychological pathway from childhood abuse to adolescent addiction
Researchers have identified a pathway linking childhood abuse to addictive behaviors in teens, showing that impulsivity and irritability help explain why early adversity increases the risk of smoking, alcohol use, and internet addiction.
Estrogen curbs fentanyl intake by suppressing brain’s reward response
A new study in Neuron suggests that men may be biologically more vulnerable to misusing opioids like fentanyl in response to pain. The findings point to estrogen’s ability to suppress brain reward circuits and reduce drug use during chronic pain.
Adults with ADHD face long-term social and economic challenges, study finds — even with medication
Long-term data from Denmark reveals that people with ADHD face major social and economic disadvantages by age 30. Surprisingly, regular use of ADHD medication did not significantly improve their education or job prospects.
Coronavirus anxiety linked to obsessive healthy eating behaviors during the pandemic
A new study suggests pandemic-related anxiety may have fueled orthorexia nervosa—an unhealthy obsession with clean eating. The findings reveal how fear of COVID-19, combined with low cognitive flexibility, contributed to disordered eating behaviors in U.S. adults.
Five reasons young-onset dementia often goes unrecognized
Despite affecting thousands under 65, young-onset dementia is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. This article outlines five key reasons why the condition remains under-recognized—and why better awareness is essential for early support and care.
Vagal flexibility helps explain which anxious kids improve with therapy
Researchers have discovered that children who show more flexible nervous system responses during social challenges experience greater anxiety relief from intensive therapies. The findings highlight vagal flexibility as a potential predictor of treatment success in preschool-aged children.
Long-term SSRI use linked to reduced Alzheimer’s pathology but mixed effects on cognition
A new study suggests long-term SSRI use may reduce markers of Alzheimer’s disease and restore brain function in affected regions, but the impact on cognitive performance remains mixed depending on how it’s measured.
Biomarkers in spinal fluid may flag frontotemporal dementia before symptoms emerge
A large-scale analysis of spinal fluid has identified distinct protein patterns that may allow for earlier diagnosis and monitoring of frontotemporal dementia, a midlife-onset brain disorder often misdiagnosed due to its wide-ranging symptoms and lack of biomarkers.
Robot-assisted therapy improves communication in autistic children
A new randomized controlled trial shows that a humanoid robot can significantly improve social communication and interaction in children with autism. The study found that robot-led therapy was more effective than both human-only intervention and no intervention at all.
High caffeine intake linked to greater psychological distress in people with depression
A new study finds that individuals with a history of depression who consume high amounts of caffeine tend to report greater psychological distress. Genetic differences also appear to influence how much caffeine people drink and how sensitive they are.
Menopause symptoms may signal future dementia risk, new research suggests
Hot flashes and brain fog during menopause may be warning signs of more than just hormonal changes. A new study links the number of menopause symptoms to future risks of cognitive decline and behavioral changes tied to dementia.
Cannabidiol shows promise for treating Alzheimer’s in mice by targeting brain hyperactivity
In a study using an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model, researchers found that cannabidiol reduced memory loss and brain abnormalities. The compound worked by enhancing the function of glycine receptors, which help regulate neuronal activity in the brain's memory center.
Study suggests shared genetic roots between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 risk
A large-scale genetic study links depression, PTSD, and ADHD to increased COVID-19 risk, highlighting shared biological pathways involving immunity and stress response.
