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Research conducted as part of the NIH-funded Infant Brain Imaging Study Network used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to document crucial differences in the visual processing system in the brains of infants who went on to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism spectrum disorder is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed in […]
A new study investigates whether taking a one week break from social media platforms can improve well-being. Social media use is quite common nowadays, as 4.65 billion people globally use at least one platform.1,2 Within society, it has revolutionized communication in a variety of ways. Social media serves as an outlet to learn, share, and […]
A new study investigates the rates of sleep impairments and adverse mental health in COVID-19 patients. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted individuals and populations around the globe in a variety of ways. The implications on public mental health have been particularly significant, as recent studies have highlighted increased rates of anxiety disorders and depression since the […]
A pilot study was done of a new medication on a group of adolescents. How does it work, what were the results, and were there any side effects? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects roughly 1 in 44 eight-year-olds in the United States as of 2018.1 Its manifestations can vary significantly between individuals; however, it is often […]
A new study published in the British Medical Journal reports on the risks of negative mental health outcomes in patients who had COVID-19 infection. Researchers compared information from patients who survived SARS-CoV-2 infection with a group of people who had not been infected with the virus. The researchers also compared this information with a ‘historical control’ group […]
A new study investigated whether wearable activity trackers could detect biomarkers associated with depression, and whether this could be an effective screening method for depression. Depression is a very common mental health condition, affecting roughly five percent of adults globally.1 Depressive disorders are complicated, and they ultimately impact people in different ways. However, they can bring significant […]
Two studies have emphasized the need for early screening and treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Unlike previous research that suggests children should be screened at or after age three, these studies show that autism may be detectable within the first 15 months of life.1 Early treatment between age 1-2 showed significantly more alleviation in ASD […]
A new study has found that people who reported higher amounts of stress, anxiety, and depression, were more likely to contract COVID-19. Researchers set out to determine whether these factors were associated with the risk of COVID-19 infection. In addition, they also investigated whether these factors had any correlation with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms […]
An analysis of over 80 studies investigates the potential effectiveness of online therapy for depression in comparison to traditional, in-person sessions. The current COVID-19 pandemic initiated changes to many industries, including the medical field. When the pandemic first started, many private healthcare providers exchanged in-person office visits for remote appointments. Given that COVID-19 is still a pressing […]
Do you enjoy watching videos of cute animals on social media? Do you find that it helps you cope with stress? If you do, you are not alone. A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that engaging with nature-related content through social media has provided important support for well-being.1 This University of Surrey […]
A recent study by Stanford University suggests that being insulin resistant may contribute to the development of major depressive disorders.1 This link between insulin resistance and depression may lead to the development of more effective treatment and prevention options for those with depressive disorder. Depressive disorders are the number-one cause of disability.2 People who develop […]
A new study investigates whether depression in parents around the time of pregnancy is associated with increased rates of depression in their children. Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a mental health condition that can often affect mood, concentration, sleep, and eating habits.1 In 2017, over seven percent of U.S. adults experienced at least […]
Having too much time can be as bad as having too little time. People are often busy and are looking for more free time to contribute to their sense of well-being.1 But how much free time do you need to be happy? Free time is often associated with a higher sense of well-being, but we […]
Exercise has a variety of health benefits, but can exercise be associated with a reduced risk of anxiety disorders? Regular exercise can positively affect physical health by improving cardiovascular and lung health, building lean muscle mass and strong bones, and promoting healthy weight management. Studies suggest that daily physical activity may help reduce the risk […]
A recent study examined whether the quality of a mother’s relationship with their infant will be affected by a history of depression. Psychologists have long been interested in the importance of a mother’s relationship with her child, and in particular, how depression in mothers may affect that relationship. Many studies have examined the effects of […]