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A recently published study looked at how brain responsivity to emotional faces differs in men and women with and without a history of alcohol use disorder (AUD). “We investigated brain activity in response to facial expressions,” study author Kayle S. Sawyer told us, “and how abnormalities in brain activity differed for men and women with a history of alcohol use disorder.” [More]

It’s a conundrum… hang in there or make a fresh start? Whether the decision is about a relationship, job, move, organization, or other… it’s often hard to determine the best course of action. [More]

Many believe in the perfect lives of those perceived to be at the top live perfect, effortless lives. The top 1%. Bystanders have a tendency to equate monetary wealth, good looks, good connections, and charisma with “happily ever after”. Many of these observers would deny that there is any disadvantage to holding a position at the summit of the pedestal. [More]

In the American culture, dealing with loss, especially death, is a theme that few know how to handle. How long do I mourn? Am I allowed to laugh? These are among the questions that arise. There is, of course, no consensus as to what is appropriate. It is hard for mourners to accept that often the direction is dependent on the beliefs of the survivor. [More]

new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry looked at subjective responses to alcohol in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder. “There are heuristic scientific models as well as common folklore surrounding the issue of responses to alcohol in those who are at risk for, and who do become addicted,” study author Dr. Andrea King told us. [More]

It has been asserted that one of the reasons that many individuals view those who are homeless with disdain is so that the observer can feel better about him/herself. These particular people, with no knowledge of the road that led to homelessness, assume that anyone without a sheltered residence is damaged and “less than”. They, can,(the judges) then, flatter themselves that they are substantial and first-rate. [More]

Across the country, the New Year means some new laws take effect. These state laws affect how mental health treatment is covered, how schools tackle the issue with kids, and how to help patients in the future. [More]

Even if someone that we do not know insults us, it is likely that our feelings get hurt. Why? That individual doesn’t even know you. Why grant creditability to strangers? [More]

The pandemic has been trying for many people this year - compounding mental health issues for those already battling them, and unveiling new ones for people who may not have realized they were bubbling beneath the surface. Now, add in a holiday season away from friends and family, and things may get even tougher. [More]

A new study published in the Journal of Nature looked at neurons, values, and our economic choices. “The behavior we engage in, for example, when we are sitting in a restaurant and contemplating the menu,” study author Dr. Camillo Paoda-Schioppa told us. “Let’s say that there are two options – pizza or burger. How do we make that choice?” Fifteen years ago, research in neuroscience demonstrated that values are real, in the sense that neurons in the brain compute and represent the values assigned to the various options. That result was a breakthrough, and a large number of studies subsequently confirmed the initial findings. However, it remained unclear whether and how neurons encoding values directly participate in the choice process. [More]