November 1, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
In a recent survey of 27,715 transgender adults in JAMA Psychiatry, gender identity conversion efforts (GICE) were associated with higher odds of attempted suicide and severe psychological distress. Many jurisdictions ban this practice and several professional organizations oppose it because they recognize the adverse mental health outcomes seen in those who experienced these efforts.
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October 18, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
Researchers at the Brain Dynamics Laboratory in Chicago conducted a trial for the hormone pregnenolone with volunteers who have high scores on a loneliness scale. The hormone may benefit the lonely person who desires human connection yet also has an instinct for self-preservation.
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September 10, 2019
by Patricia Tomasi
According to Dr. James S. Gordon, it can. Dr. Gordon believes trauma touches us all at some point in our lives and that his evidence-based program outlined in his new book, The Transformation, can reverse the psychological and biological damage caused by trauma. "The research we’ve done shows that this program is remarkably effective in relieving symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder," Dr. Gordon told us.
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June 21, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
Clinical research has identified strengths and weaknesses in treating mental illness with medication. A focus on art therapy and programs such as ‘Arts on Prescription’ are developing a growing recognition of potential benefits for mental health. And 'Arts for the Blues – A New Creative Psychological Therapy for Depression', recently shared results from a pilot study, reporting positive results of art therapy. Based on this research, I invited experts to provide insight into how art therapy benefits people struggling with mental health concerns.
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June 14, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
Experts say cartoons, comics, graphic novels, and other images can be helpful for those struggling from mental health issues in addition to spreading awareness when done correctly. Those who have not experienced a mental health condition in themselves or families and who have not received training find mental health is a difficult concept to understand.
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May 31, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
Hackathons traditionally are short term projects with a group of people collaborative on software projects. HackMentalHealth has a different focus. Recently hosting the second annual 24-hour Bay Area mental health hackathon with over 500 attendees, their goal is to positively revolutionize mental health care alongside technology.
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What is monkey chatter? The term has emerged from the practice of Zen Buddhism. It refers to the silent monologue that passes, mostly negative, judgment on an individual’s every action, thought, and perceived misstep. It is so automatic that it is not unusual for individuals to be unaware of the misery being dredged up by unconscious thoughts and beliefs.
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May 14, 2019
by Patricia Tomasi
A new study from the University of Waterloo, published in Scientific Reports, aimed to examine the way we learn to perceive the passage of time. Is time perception rigidly fixed in the brain, or is it flexible and open to change? If the latter, how rapidly can our brain adapt to changes in timing statistics?
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April 19, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
A recent study found that one social media channel, Pinterest, an image sharing site, is a source of support for people living with chronic pain. Analyzed pins reflected supportive content, both informational and educational. Mental health and social media professionals were invited to comment on the potential positive impact of social media activity for this channel.
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March 29, 2019
by Tina Arnoldi
There is some indication that the nature of ASMR may have the potential to assist people with their mental health. But is this a passing trend or could it have a legitimate physiological and therapeutic benefit?
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