Mental Health

A new study suggests people with a history of regular substance use understand the negative consequences of their actions. However, they struggle to consistently apply this knowledge when making decisions, leading to costly and seemingly random choices.

Researchers analyzed data from over 8,000 individuals using wearable sensors and smartphone diaries. They found that light daily activity dramatically increases energetic arousal and contentment, especially for those who generally experience lower moods.

When people feel dissatisfied with their height, they often modify other physical traits to make up for it. New research explores the surprising everyday habits and bodily changes associated with this frequently overlooked body image insecurity.

The largest study to date on hallucinogen persisting perceptual disorder suggests the condition is closely tied to anxiety and functional somatic syndromes. Researchers hope these findings will pave the way for better, more targeted treatments.

Following a traumatic event, some individuals develop mental health conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder or clinical depression. A massive new brain imaging study suggests these conditions are linked to the physical size of the brain's sensory relay station.

Many patients with Alzheimer’s disease lose their sense of smell before experiencing memory loss. New research reveals how poor communication between specific brain regions causes this sensory decline, offering insights that could lead to earlier diagnostic tests.

A new study in Nature reveals that a specific non-coding genetic sequence shapes the core social and repetitive traits of autism in males. The discovery separates these hallmark behaviors from intellectual disability, leaving learning and memory intact.

A comprehensive review of more than 50 studies has found a strong link between spirituality and a lower risk of substance abuse. Participating in religious or spiritual services significantly reduces the likelihood of harmful drug and alcohol use.

A new pilot study suggests that combining the psychedelic compound psilocybin with cognitive behavioral therapy is well-tolerated and highly effective at reducing symptoms of clinical depression. Researchers observed profound improvements in patients' moods and emotional regulation.

While many people with early signs of Alzheimer's disease remain mentally sharp for years, others experience rapid memory loss. Scientists have discovered distinct patterns of decline, which could change how future treatments are tested and developed.

When toys are present in a room, young children with autism often focus their visual attention on the objects rather than human faces. Removing visual clutter can gently encourage neurodivergent toddlers to spend more time observing social interactions.

A single snapshot of brain volume forecasts future memory decline better than tracking brain shrinkage over time. This approach highlights the brain's structural reserve, offering a practical tool to identify those at highest risk for developing clinical dementia.

A new analysis shows both antidepressants and short-term psychodynamic therapy effectively treat depression. However, for patients starting with highly severe symptoms, medication might offer slightly better improvements than therapy alone.

A massive analysis of brain scans suggests that reduced gray matter volume and white matter integrity mediate aggressive behavior in patients with schizophrenia, providing new insights into the biology of violence.