Mental Health News and Research

Latest Mental Health News and Research

New brain scan tool predicts aging speed and dementia risk

Any high school reunion is a sharp reminder that some people age more gracefully than others. Some enter their older years still physically spry and mentally sharp. Others start feeling frail or forgetful much earlier in life than expected.

1 Jul 2025

Friends and social media drive teen vaping trends

Young people with friends who vape are 15 times more likely to use e-cigarettes, and more adolescents are turning to illicit cannabis products, University of Queensland research has found.

1 Jul 2025

Danish trial reveals how structured exercise and guidance affect life with chronic conditions

A large multicenter trial found that a 12-week personalized exercise therapy and self-management support program produced a small but statistically significant improvement in health-related quality of life for adults with multimorbidity. The intervention was safe, but its clinical relevance remains uncertain, as only self-rated health showed a significant benefit over usual care.

1 Jul 2025

Spaceflight exposes astronauts to hidden threats in their gut

This review highlights how the unique stressors of space travel, radiation, microgravity, and circadian disruption impact astronauts’ gut microbiomes, with potential consequences for their mood, cognition, and immunity. The authors call for targeted microbiome monitoring and dietary interventions to protect astronaut mental health on future missions.

1 Jul 2025

Prebiotics may boost brain GABA through gut microbiota

GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid functioning as the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter that can act on the brain to slow or stop the reception of certain signals to the brain, leading to a calmer and more relaxed state.

1 Jul 2025

Younger children in school face higher mental health risks

Schoolchildren born late in the year are at greater risk of developing mental health problems compared with their older peers, according to a new study.

1 Jul 2025

Quitting smoking in addiction recovery made easier with tailored support

For people recovering from substance use disorders, quitting smoking remains one of the most difficult-but most crucial-steps toward long-term health.

1 Jul 2025

AI system offers new hope for diagnosing PTSD in children

Diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder in children can be notoriously difficult. Many, especially those with limited communication skills or emotional awareness, struggle to explain what they're feeling.

30 Jun 2025

ETRI develops innovative technology for early autism screening in young children

ETRI researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) technique for the early screening of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

30 Jun 2025

One in six people worldwide affected by loneliness, WHO report reveals

The World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection has released its global report revealing that 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness, with significant impacts on health and well-being.

30 Jun 2025

Early therapy for preschool depression shows long lasting benefits

Depression affects 1%-2% of children younger than 13 in the U.S. and can arise as early as age 3, but a specialized therapeutic intervention can help preschool-aged children find relief from this condition - with benefits lasting at least four years, according to a new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

27 Jun 2025

Poor diet quality weakens resilience and mental health in food insecure populations

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.5% of American households experienced food insecurity at some time during 2023. That means 18 million families didn't have enough to meet their needs and often didn't know where the next meal would come from.

26 Jun 2025

Sleep does not block brain response to screams and alarms

During sleep, the brain must achieve a delicate balance: disconnecting from sensory input to allow restorative functions, while remaining alert enough to wake if danger arises.

26 Jun 2025

Bedfont® Scientific Limited joins IFE Group to support young people’s mental health

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a local medical breath analysis device manufacturer, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship and participation in a local charity golf day hosted by IFE Group, raising vital funds for Young Minds, a leading UK charity dedicated to fighting for the mental health of children and young people.

From Bedfont® Scientific Ltd 26 Jun 2025

Teaching emotional skills improves student wellbeing in Japan

Today, high school students worldwide face unprecedented levels of stress as they navigate academic pressures, issues with social identity, and future career decisions.

26 Jun 2025

Performance pay initially boosted GP care but gains did not last

Introducing performance related pay for UK general practices initially improved quality of care, but did not seem to provide lasting improvements beyond that expected by previous trends, finds a study published by The BMJ today.

26 Jun 2025

Experts urge shift from weight focus to patient centered care

Focusing solely on achieving weight loss for people with a high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good, argue experts in The BMJ today.

26 Jun 2025

Synthetic opioids and designer benzodiazepines linked to driving impairment

No-one could claim to be unaware of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID): drugs can increase the time needed to react, impair coordination, alertness, and cognition, and lower inhibitions, thus encouraging reckless and aggressive driving.

25 Jun 2025

Grip strength offers new clues to early psychosis

Psychosis often begins not with characteristic disturbances of the mind – delusions like paranoia or hallucinations – but with disturbances in the way we move our body.

25 Jun 2025

Virtual canine modules offer mental health support

While it's well known that spending time with dogs can ease stress, new research shows that watching a short video of a dog can have a similar comforting effect.

25 Jun 2025