Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body. Their job is to transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells. These target cells may be in muscles, glands, or other nerves. The brain needs neurotransmitters to regulate many necessary functions, including: heart rate breathing sleep cycles digestion mood concentration appetite muscle movement The nervous system controls

In the first study of its type, researchers conclude that even a brief shift in dietary habits can alleviate the symptoms of depression in young adults. The findings offer hope, but more work is needed. Is there a link between healthful food and good mental health? Science has now clearly established the impact of poor

It is not unusual for people to use alcohol to alleviate anxiety. However, over time or in excess amounts, drinking alcohol can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress. For anyone prone to anxiety, it can be easy for one drink to turn into more and lead to a growing dependence on alcohol. According

The so-called negative symptoms of schizophrenia, which include anhedonia, can be particularly debilitating. One recent study attempted to identify their neurological roots. Using PET scans, scientists investigated the origins of schizophrenia’s negative symptoms. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects an estimated 1% of the United States population. Scientists tend to divide symptoms into

A large study on over one million participants of military veterans finds an association between mental illnesses and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent study assessed the association between mental illness severity and cardiovascular disease risk using a large sample database from a cohort of military veterans receiving care in the Department of

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a useful medication for certain mental health conditions. Xanax starts to work quickly, and it stays in the body long after the effects of one dose have worn off. Doctors often prescribe Xanax for generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. It is one of the most widely used medications for these conditions,

A chemical imbalance in the brain occurs when a person has either too little or too much of certain neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that pass information between nerve cells. Examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. People sometimes call serotonin and dopamine the “happy hormones” because of the roles that they play

Emotional freedom technique (EFT), which people often refer to as EFT tapping, is an alternative therapy for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and some other conditions. According to the developer of EFT, Gary Craig, tapping on different parts of the body helps balance energy and reduce physical and emotional pain. People can see an EFT

New research looks into the effects of maternal depression on the emotional well-being of children. Maternal depression can occur during and after pregnancy, with the physical and emotional changes the body goes through during pregnancy thought to play a role. Other risk factors can include stress, a history of depression, or bipolar disorder.  Symptoms may

Hot yoga differs from traditional yoga in many ways, including its emphasis on hot and humid conditions. There are many claims about the potential health benefits of hot yoga, but there is limited scientific support for some of them. In this article, learn what hot yoga is, its possible benefits, and the risks to consider

Although stress is a natural part of life that tends to come and go, some people may find it difficult to calm down in stressful situations. If a person’s stress or anxiety levels become chronic or overwhelming, they may wish to speak to their doctor. There are also several steps that people can take to

A recent study examined the effects of spousal relationship quality on the amount and frequency of parent-child communication. The interactions between the psychological wellbeing of parents and their children are often investigated by researchers. Family psychologists often attempt to determine how different factors in one or both parents, influence their relationship to their child, and

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes feelings of intense anxiety, worry, or nervousness about everyday life. People with GAD struggle to control these feelings, and the condition tends to interfere with daily activities and personal relationships. GAD, a type of anxiety disorder, is very common. It affects 3.1% of the population (or 6.8 million adults) in

Yoga is a popular exercise that focuses on breathing, strength, and flexibility. Practicing yoga may provide many physical and mental health benefits. Between 2012 and 2017, the percentage of people in the United States practicing yoga increased from 9.5% to 14.3% in adults and from 3.1% to 8.4% in children. The 2012 National Health Interview

Compulsive sexual behavior can have a serious negative impact on the well-being of the people it affects. But what are the biological factors behind it? What drives compulsive sexual behavior? A new study looks into the possible molecular mechanisms. Compulsive sexual behavior — which researchers also refer to as “hypersexuality” — is characterized by intrusive

If pay raises and reduced hours are not options at the moment for employers, there are other ways to help improve employees’ mental health and performance — including small gestures of kindness. Kindness on the part of the employer can boost employees’ mental health and productivity, according to a new study. A study from Penn

A penis pump is one of a few nonmedicated treatment options available for erectile dysfunction (ED). ED makes it difficult to maintain an erection for long enough to engage in sexual activity. ED is common, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age. According to a review article in the International Journal of

Ahead of the World Mental Health Day on October 10, the World Health Organization are drawing attention to the high rates of death by suicide worldwide, calling for more preventive action across all countries. The WHO warn that suicide rates are very high around the world, and urge all nations to implement prevention strategies. September

Hoarding disorder is a condition that makes it difficult for people to throw things away, regardless of their value. There are a range of treatment options available. Hoarding disorder can have a significant negative emotional, social, financial, and legal impact. This article provides important information about hoarding disorder, including the symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Today is Friday the 13th, and vast numbers of people across the world will avoid going about their usual business because they fear this day will bring them “bad luck.” In this Spotlight feature, we examine the psychological mechanisms behind superstitious thinking. Some people think that encountering a black cat is a sign of bad

A clinical trial has reported the benefits of a text message-based parenting program for adolescent mental health. Globally, adolescent mental health is becoming increasingly recognized as a significant issue. In response to the National Mental Health Commission’s call for further investment in mobile health services that will ultimately reduce the demand for expensive mental health

Xanax is a benzodiazepine, while Adderall is a stimulant. Under the supervision of a doctor, the drugs may be safe to use together. Benzodiazepines slow down activity in the central nervous system and can help a person feel more relaxed and less anxious. Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up central nervous system activity, helping

Antidepressants are more effective for some people than they are for others, but what factors influence how well they work? Research in mice suggests that exposure to external stimuli may play a key role. Do stressful vs. relaxing stimuli in our environment have a real impact on how well antidepressants work? “Antidepressants” is the term

Newly published research in rodents and ongoing research in humans examines the effects of psychiatric drugs, including antidepressants, on the composition of gut bacteria. Scientists are slowly discovering the effects that antidepressants have on various bacterial strains that usually live in the gut. More and more studies are supporting the role of the gut microbiota

Controversy surrounds the inclusion of nutritional supplements in mental health treatments, with much research proving inconclusive. A major new review now explains which supplements have shown the most promise for specific mental health conditions. Some supplements, such as omega-3s, may indeed benefit mental health, according to a major new review. “While there has been a

Millions of people around the world have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that often has a significant impact on well-being and quality of life. New research from Israel outlines a new therapy option that could help people with OCD that does not respond to other treatments. Can magnetic stimulation work where other treatment options do

A recent study has examined social skills and depression among adolescents who date, compared to those who do not date, with surprising results. A study examining 10th graders’ emotional, interpersonal, and adaptive skills has reported interesting results in the Journal of School Health. In this study, 594 students in grade 10 were compared using self-reporting

Post-traumatic stress disorder has proved difficult to treat in the long term. Mixing psychological therapy with a novel drug could help. New research suggests medication may help reduce fear in PTSD. In June, researchers carried out a review to determine whether medication or psychological therapy was the best treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due