Mental Health

Research tracking thousands of Americans suggests the genetic link between depression and life struggles is complex. Although correlated, sibling data indicates that depression risk does not directly cause lower education or financial instability.

A new study finds that while severe childhood trauma often leads to early alcoholism, specific genetic variants are more closely linked to the disorder developing later in life.

Two decades of data reveal that a specific type of brain training can delay dementia. Researchers found that older adults practicing visual processing speed, combined with follow-up sessions, had a significantly lower risk of diagnosis.

A new perspective published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research suggests annual influenza vaccination could be a practical strategy to delay dementia. By reducing vascular inflammation, the flu shot may offer neurological protection beyond respiratory health.

Drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or tea daily is linked to better brain health outcomes, according to a study tracking dietary habits over four decades.

A longitudinal study reveals that severe ADHD symptoms in adolescence are linked to substance abuse, criminal behavior, and financial struggles in adulthood, highlighting the need for better long-term monitoring.

A new longitudinal study challenges the idea that mental illness drives racism. Instead, researchers found that holding prejudiced attitudes predicts increased psychological distress over time, suggesting that bigotry may be detrimental to mental well-being.

A new study suggests electrical brain stimulation might boost focus in patients with anxious depression, but it comes with a catch. Researchers found the treatment unexpectedly heightened sensitivity to threats rather than calming fear.

A genetic screen of human neurons has identified a protein complex that tags toxic tau for destruction. The findings explain why some brain cells are resilient to Alzheimer’s disease while others succumb to degeneration.

New research identifies distinct bacterial profiles in autistic individuals, their siblings, and unrelated controls. The study found that specific gut bacteria are associated with reduced social impairment and fewer emotional problems.

Food manufacturers use the same design tactics as the tobacco industry to create compulsive consumption, a new analysis suggests. Researchers propose regulating ultra-processed foods as addictive substances to address rising rates of physical and mental illness.

Research published in Psychology and Aging finds that grandparents who provide childcare tend to have better memories. The study suggests these cognitive advantages exist independently of how frequently the care is actually provided.

A study in European Neuropsychopharmacology finds that ayahuasca helps rats learn that a previously dangerous environment is safe. This effect appears to rely on BDNF signaling within the infralimbic cortex, suggesting a potential biological pathway for treating trauma.

For individuals recovering from depression, the body’s respiratory rhythms may signal impending happiness. Data from wearable sensors reveals that increases in breathing rate and volume are strongly linked to subsequent surges in positive mood.

Your attachment style may dictate how well you block out emotional noise. A new study finds that anxiously attached individuals struggle with emotional conflict control, but brief reminders of relationship threats can paradoxically improve their focus.