Mental Health

A new meta-analysis suggests that people with major depressive disorder have lower levels of the brain antioxidant glutathione in the occipital cortex. The findings highlight a possible role for oxidative stress in depression and point to potential treatment targets.

A groundbreaking study suggests that Parkinson’s disease may begin in the kidneys, where a toxic protein builds up and travels to the brain. This discovery could reshape our understanding of the disease’s origins and risk factors.

Lower diversity in the oral microbiome was linked to higher depressive symptoms in a large U.S. sample, with especially strong associations among men and non-Hispanic Whites. Differences in microbial composition were also observed between depressed and non-depressed individuals.

Touch-related sensory decline could offer early clues to cognitive problems, according to a recent review. The findings point to tactile impairments as possible predictors of memory loss and dementia, offering new directions for early detection and prevention.

Parental bonding may influence happiness well into adulthood, according to a new study. Italian researchers found that overprotective parenting predicted greater anxiety, while caring parenting supported healthier anger control—both of which played roles in shaping overall life satisfaction.

A new study suggests that certain gut bacteria may influence the risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Using Mendelian randomization, researchers identified specific microbial taxa that appear to protect against or increase OCD symptoms.

A new study finds that teens exposed to stronger heatwaves are more likely to experience mental health symptoms, raising concerns about the psychological impact of climate change on youth.

A new study analyzing 18 years of UK survey data found that attending religious services doesn't consistently improve mental health. While previous research suggested benefits, this large-scale analysis found mostly no effect—and sometimes even slightly worse mental health symptoms.

A new study suggests that where kids exercise matters: children who played basketball outside showed sharper thinking and faster reaction times than when playing indoors, hinting at a powerful brain-boosting synergy between physical activity and nature.

Researchers have found that individuals who frequently view internet pornography show distinct brain activity and diminished cognitive control. The study suggests that heavy use may impact emotional processing and executive function in ways that resemble patterns seen in substance addiction.

A pilot study involving psilocybin-assisted therapy found possible antidepressant effects for people with bipolar II disorder. The treatment appeared well-tolerated, with no signs of mania or psychosis, offering cautious optimism for future bipolar depression research.

Dark traits like narcissism and psychopathy are often associated with dysfunction, but new findings reveal that certain facets—especially Machiavellian agency—might help people manage stress and depression more effectively through adaptive coping strategies.

New research suggests that dementia prevention should begin much earlier than previously thought—possibly as early as childhood. Experts argue that addressing risk factors like obesity, smoking, and inactivity early in life could reduce the chances of developing dementia later on.

A study of adolescents found that sleep regularity moderates the relationship between sleep difficulties and mental health symptoms. Adolescents who had trouble sleeping on one night tended to show more mental health symptoms the following day. However, the effects of...

A recent study found that a therapy designed to develop inner speech led to reduced emotional dysphoria and some improvement in emotional reactivity in autistic children, suggesting it may help support emotional regulation.