Dopamine and serotonin are chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, that help regulate many bodily functions. They have roles in sleep and memory, as well as metabolism and emotional well-being. People sometimes refer to dopamine and serotonin as the “happy hormones” due to the roles they play in regulating mood and emotion. They are also involved in

In a recent study, the link between the use of social network sites and mental health outcomes in adult individuals was explored. With the advent of information and communication technologies, there has been an increase in studies largely focusing on their impact on mental health. There have been connections made between these technologies and anxiety

There is growing evidence that exercise can help to treat symptoms of depression and lift mood, although the reasons have been unclear. Now, a new study finds that the body’s endocannabinoid system may play a role. New research helps explain why exercise improves mood. The researchers propose that a better appreciation of the relationship between

FDA warning: Severe sedation and loss of consciousness This drug has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Zulresso can cause severe sedation, with symptoms such as sleepiness, trouble thinking clearly, and

After assessing numerous specialist studies, a new review concludes that exercise can help to both prevent depression and treat its symptoms. However, current treatments for depression often fail to include this lifestyle adjustment, despite the strong evidence. A new review of the specialist literature emphasizes the need to add exercise to recommendations for the treatment

New research examines the brains of people with schizophrenia and finds disrupted patterns of expression in genes linked with sleep-wake cycles. New research into schizophrenia finds disruptions in the rhythmicity with which some genes are expressed in the brain. Worldwide, schizophrenia is one of the top 15 leading causes of disability, affecting about 1% of

Although there is evidence that exercise can boost mental health, scientists know less about whether physical fitness can prevent the onset of mental health conditions. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis take a closer look. Can physical fitness protect against mental health conditions? Common mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are a growing

The moon has held the human mind in its thrall since the dawn of time. Throughout the ages, peoples across the world have worshipped it as an important deity, believing it held real power to influence their lives — and their health. But is this really true? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. Can the

New research finds “significant associations” between a person’s optimistic disposition and their sleep quality. New research suggests that optimistic people are likelier to sleep better. Sleep deprivation is a major public health concern. In fact, around 30% of adults in the United States do not get the amount of sleep that is optimal for health.

While most people have accidentally bitten the inside of their cheek before, some people bite their cheek compulsively over a long period. Chronic cheek biting is a body-focused repetitive behavior that has an association with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Cheek biting and the biting of other areas in the mouth affect 750 out of every 1 million

Pathological liars tell compulsive lies without a clear motive. This type of lying is different than nonpathological lying, where the lie is often beneficial in some way. Lying is a common feature of social interactions among humans. This behavior even occurs in some animals, such as monkeys. Lies often lead to some benefit. For example,

New evidence reveals that exposure to higher prenatal estrogen levels may be predictive of a higher risk of autism. Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than females. This male bias for autism has suggested that sexual differentiation may be involved with its development. Although autism is strongly heritable and specific

A survey-based study looking at chocolate consumption and depression finds that people who eat dark chocolate are less likely to report depressive symptoms. What do these findings mean, and can we trust them? Could dark chocolate lighten our mood? Over the years, chocolate has been the focus of a great deal of research. Thanks to

A new technique has recently been developed at The University of Waterloo, which will hopefully allow doctors to detect autism more effectively. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 2% of the population. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving limitations in social communications and repetitive behaviours. Those with ASD also display attention biases during social interactions,

A study has shown that hearing loss can have physical, mental, and social impairments in older adults. The gradual onset of hearing impairment, or presbycusis, occurs naturally with age. As humans, speaking and listening are one of our fundamental forms of communication and experiencing difficulty with hearing can lead older adults to feelings of depression,

New research compares the long term effect of two different forms of therapy for chronic depression and finds that the benefits of one approach, which experts developed specifically for this form of depression, fade 2 years after the treatment ends. New research assesses the long term benefits of a form of CBT for people with

Music therapy works, but no one is really sure how. Now, a novel type of brain scan may provide key insight. A new study unravels the brain mechanisms behind the benefits of music therapy. Music is a powerful thing. In fact, it forms the basis of a type of therapy, the aptly named “music therapy.”

Resveratrol, a compound that occurs naturally in red wine, has intrigued researchers for decades. A recent study in mice investigates how doctors might be able to use this chemical to reduce depression and anxiety. Could a red wine compound be useful in the treatment of depression? In the United States and further afield, anxiety and

In a world where it seems as though the pressure to perform is always on, more and more people are admitting to burnout at work. What is this phenomenon, and how can you cope with it if it happens to you? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. What does burnout feel like, and how can

People may pick their skin occasionally. For example, they might itch a scab or pop a pimple. However, occasional skin picking can develop into a chronic behavior called skin picking disorder, or excoriation disorder. The exact cause of skin picking disorder remains unknown. That said, it may develop alongside other health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive

If you lie to someone, you may find it more difficult to tell what that other person is thinking or feeling. This is the main takeaway of a new study that examines the ‘unintended consequences of dishonest behavior.’ Even a minor dishonest deed can impair our ability to read others’ emotions, new research finds. Whether

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can reduce anxiety during dental procedures. Other healthcare providers may also use nitrous oxide for pain and as a mild sedative. People often refer to nitrous oxide as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide slows down a person’s reaction time and causes a feeling of euphoria. Once a person

New research suggests that using controlled electric currents to stimulate certain parts of the ear could readjust the body’s metabolic balance, thus reducing the risk of age related health problems. Can ‘tickling’ the ear with electric stimuli improve health later in life? Scientists from the United Kingdom believe that it can. Vagus nerve stimulation is

Before undergoing an operation, most people experience some form of anxiety. Although this response is common, it is not unproblematic, and treatment often involves a sedative with a whole host of possible side effects. But new research may have found an alternative. New research finds that relaxing music can have effects similar to those of

Monogamy is still very much the norm in today’s societies, but different types of romantic relationships are gaining ground. For this Spotlight feature, we have spoken to some polyamorous people and asked: What is fact and what is fiction about polyamorous relationships? What is polyamory, really? In this Spotlight feature, we investigate. In most societies

The therapeutic activity of Prozac (Fluoxetine), a widely used anti-depressant, includes more than changes in serotonin levels, study shows. Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a chemical produced in the brain and intestines. It is a neurotransmitter that transmits chemical messages between different parts of the brain. Serotonin is thought to regulate mood, appetite, and sleep,

Can participating in a local food cooperative improve mental health? Researchers investigated the mental health benefits of local food projects. Worldwide, mental health disorders affect one in four people during their lifetime Due to the associated stigma, almost 66% of those who suffer from mental illness never seek treatment. Researchers have previously identified a link

New research has explored the link between sleep apnea and depression and suggests that the former may be one reason that depression treatments fail. Treating sleep apnea with a CPAP machine may reduce the symptoms of depresson. Around 20–30% of people with depression and other mood disorders do not get the help they need from