mental illness

Lavender’s Lovely Smell Soothes Anxious Behavior in Mice

In mice, at least, lavender may also be as effective at combating anxiety as commonly-prescribed medications

Historian Identifies Subject of Van Gogh's "Gardener"

The portrait is likely of a day laborer that worked on the grounds of the asylum where the troubled artist stayed near the end of his life

When stimulated, OLM cells in the brain encourage risk-taking behavior.

The Brain's "Bravery Cells" Encourage Risky Behavior

Cells in the hippocampus help determine whether to be apprehensive in stressful situations, and they could be stimulated to treat anxiety

When persons with dementia engage with others who share their passion for the game, colorful memories can emerge.

A New Therapy Has People With Dementia Sharing Baseball Memories

Where were you when Willie Mays made 'The Catch?' Chatting with other fans, watching footage of old games and even playing wiffle ball can be therapeutic

About 13 percent of Americans over the age of 12 use antidepressants, but how well—or whether—they work is still a question for many patients.

Major Study Finds Antidepressants Work, But May Have Limitations

A meta-analysis of existing trials suggests that the drugs are mostly effective on a short-term basis for patients suffering from acute depression

A Counterintuitive Idea for Treating Severe Depression: Stay Awake

Doctors are finding that sleep deprivation actually helps lift some people out of depression. Now they want to know why

At just 18 months old, young children can show biological evidence of added stress.

How a Mother’s Depression Shows Up in Her Baby’s DNA

Researchers find that at just 18 months, infants can have cellular damage related to stress

A participant in the trial created this avatar.

Can "Avatar Therapy" Help People Confront Hallucinations?

In a recent study, schizophrenics engaged the distressing voices they hear through digital audio-visual representations

Close-up of Edvard Munch's "The Scream" (1893)

The Founder of Primal Scream Therapy Has Died. What Exactly Is Primal Scream Therapy?

Arthur Janov believed encountering trauma from childhood could help free people from adult neuroses

Is Animal Hoarding a Distinct Mental Disorder?

There are many differences between people that hoard objects and those that collect critters

The former bank where four hostages and two robbers spent six days holed up in the vault.

The Six-Day Hostage Standoff That Gave Rise to ‘Stockholm Syndrome’

Although it is widely known, 'Stockholm syndrome' is not recognized by the APA

Scientists found some of the physical imprints of Alzheimer's disease in the brains of elderly chimpanzees

Aging Chimps Show Signs of Alzheimer's Disease

Long been thought unique to humans, a new study suggests that our close ancestors exhibit some of the hallmarks of the illness

A researchers examines some of the graves unearthed in 2013

Thousands of Bodies Rest Under the University of Mississippi Medical Center Campus

The University hopes to remove the bodies and build a memorial and laboratory to study the former insane asylum patients

A smartphone could help people fight depression.

How Mobile Technology Can Help Universities Combat Depression

Using sensors on smartphones and smartwatches can shed light on patients' symptoms, even identifying ones they didn't notice or share with counselors

A new study on pilots' mental health suggests the skies may not be that friendly after all.

Think Your Job Is Depressing? Try Being an Airline Pilot

New study suggests pilots are more depressed than the average American

Postpartum depression inflicts one in seven mothers after their child's birth.

21st Century Cures Act Tackles Postpartum Depression

The new legislation includes grants to help diagnose and treat this prevalent issue

People Have Spent Years Trying to Diagnose Mary Todd Lincoln From Beyond the Grave

Abraham Lincoln's wife has been called a "wildcat," "menstrual" and "bipolar" among other things

Feeling Down? Scientists Say Cooking and Baking Could Help You Feel Better

A little creativity each day goes a long way

Conforming to masculine norms can leave men isolated and unable to cope with the stresses of life.

Sexism Sucks for Everybody, Science Confirms

Adhering to masculine norms can be toxic for men, not to mention everybody else

Doggonit: Genes That Make Fido Human Friendly Also Linked to Mental Disorders

Dogs’ diversity could make them vulnerable to disorders similar to OCD and autism

Page 4 of 6