Publications on Mental Health Topics

Handshakes Make a Difference for Social Connections, by Rick Nauert, Psych Central , Oct 22 2012.

“In the new paper published online and for the December print issue of the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, researchers studied the neural impact of a handshake and how important the practice is to the evaluations we make of subsequent social interactions. ”

Bullying And Mental Health: Study Links Anxiety, Hyperactivity In Kids To Bullying, by Catherine Pearson, Huffington Post , Oct 22 2012.

“The study, presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics' national conference in New Orleans on Monday, found that kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) -- which is characterized by frequent tantrums and revenge seeking -- were six times more likely to be identified as bullies than children with no mental health disorders, while children with depression were three times more likely. Children with anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were also around three times more likely to be bullies, according to parental reports. ”

Cyberbullying Rarely Sole Factor in Teen Suicides, by Janice Wood, Psych Central , Oct 20 2012.

“Cyberbullying - the use of the Internet, phones or other technology to repeatedly harass or mistreat peers - is often linked with teen suicide. But new research shows that teen suicide victims are bullied both online and in person and they often suffer from depression as well. In the new study, researchers searched the Internet for reports of teen suicides where cyberbullying was a reported factor. ”

How Teen Rejection Can Lead to Chronic Disease Later in Life, by Maia Szalavitz, Time , Oct 18 2012.

“A new study of teenage girls shows that "targeted rejection," in which students are singled out for taunting or personally rejected by a friend, can have measurable effects on the immune system. If sustained, these changes can increase risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, mental illness and some cancers later in life, even among those considered to be at the top of the teen social hierarchy. ”

Social Rejection May Induce Immune Response, Set Stage for Depression, by Rick Nauert, Psych Central , Oct 17 2012.

“A new study warns that stress associated with a challenge of our social standing may harm our physical or mental health in years to come. In a new study published in Clinical Psychological Science, researcher Michael Murphy and colleagues examine the human immune response as a potential link between social stressors like rejection and later mental and physical health outcomes. ”

6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes or Less, by Jordan Shakeshaft, Time , Oct 8 2012.

“Controlled breathing not only keeps the mind and body functioning at their best, it can also lower blood pressure, promote feelings of calm and relaxation and help us de-stress. While the effects of breathing techniques on anxiety haven't yet been studied at length (at least not in a controlled clinical setting), many experts encourage using the breath as a means of increasing awareness, mindfulness or, for the yogis among us, finding that elusive state of Zen. ”

Study: Parents Get Little Help for Autistic Kids Who Wander, by Alexandra Sifferlin, Time , Oct 8 2012.

“Parents of autistic children say that one of the most stressful behaviors they have to contend with is their child wandering off alone -- so much so that it prevents families from engaging in activities outside the home -- and half of parents with concerns about their child's straying say they haven't received any guidance or advice on preventing the behavior. ”

How to Recognize Teens at Risk for Self-Harm, by Janice Wood, Psych Central , Oct 6 2012.

“It's a startling statistic: Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response, a University of Missouri public health expert has identified factors that will help parents, medical professionals and educators recognize teens at risk for self injury and suicide. ”

Stoney the Pony's Most Inspiring Year: Teaching Children About Addiction Through Metaphor, by Linda Myers, Oct 3 2012.

Youth in the Adult Criminal Justice System, by Liz Ryan, Campaign for Youth Justice, Oct 2012.

Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia Drugs Can Increase Risk of Car Accident, by Rick Nauert, Psych Central, Sep 14 2012.

“A new study warns that medications used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia may increase an individuals’ risk of a car accident. Because of the risk, researchers suggest physicians should consider advising patients not to drive while taking these drugs. The new research stems from knowledge that psychotropic drugs affect the way the brain functions and can impair a driver’s ability to control their vehicle. ”

Exercise Can Help Protect Against Future Emotional Stress, by Janice Wood, Psych Central , Sep 14 2012.

“Exercise may help people cope with anxiety and stress for an extended period of time after the workout, according to a new study. Researchers compared how moderate intensity cycling for 30 minutes versus a 30-minute period of rest affected anxiety levels in a group of healthy college students. ”

Math Anxiety Hits High-Achieving Kids Hardest, by Janice Wood, Psych Central , Sep 13 2012.

“A study of first and second graders found that many high-achieving students experience math anxiety, with worry and fear undermining them so much that they can fall behind other students who don't have that anxiety. Researchers at the University of Chicago found that math anxiety was most detrimental to the highest-achieving students, who typically have the most working memory. ”

Predicting how patients respond to therapy, by Anne Trafton, MIT , Sep 6 2012.

“A new study led by MIT neuroscientists has found that brain scans of patients with social anxiety disorder can help predict whether they will benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy. Social anxiety is usually treated with either cognitive behavioral therapy or medications. However, it is currently impossible to predict which treatment will work best for a particular patient. The team of researchers from MIT, Boston University (BU) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) found that the effectiveness of therapy could be predicted by measuring patients’ brain activity as they looked at photos of faces, before the therapy sessions began. ”

Girls with ADHD and self-harm/suicide risk, by Traci Pedersen, Psych Central , Aug 16 2012.

“As girls with ADHD become adults, they are especially prone toward internalizing their problems and feelings of inadequacy--that in turn can lead to self-injury and even attempted suicide, according to new findings from the University of California, Berkeley. ”