A new study on psychiatric disorders suggests that by focusing on temperament, childhood adversity, and dopamine, the onset of some of these disorders can be predicted with 90% accuracy. A wide range of conditions like depression, anxiety, addiction, ADHD, bulimia, and dyslexia may result from a combination of those three factors. The Research A new study from McGill University followed 52 participants from birth, collecting information on temperament and early life history, as well as brain imaging scans....

Fears Involved in Submechanophobia Many of the following fears can come into play when someone is suffering from a fear of submerged objects. Fear of the Unknown Fear of the unknown in an environment is a primal reaction that likely served our ancestors well. Even today, it is wise to be cautious around bodies of water, which can contain submerged hazards, industrial runoff, and other dangers. These may be mitigated by those who know of them....

To find out what previous surveys said about the state of mental health in the U.S., check out our previous releases. Body image is not a new problem, with 30% of Americans feeling negatively about their appearance overall. But as with many things relating to our mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it worse for some. Half of Americans have been worrying about their appearance at least weekly over the last month, and 22% worry about their appearance more than they did before the pandemic....

Ph.D. vs. Psy.D. A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is one of the highest level degrees you can earn in the field of psychology. If you’re considering pursuing a graduate degree, you might be wondering how long it takes to earn a Ph.D. in psychology. Generally, a bachelor’s degree takes four years of study. While a master’s degree requires an additional two to three years of study beyond the bachelor’s, a doctoral degree can take between four to six years of additional graduate study after earning your bachelor’s degree....

An irrational fear of someone touching you is unusual in that it is not particularly linked to other anxiety-related conditions such as social phobia (social anxiety disorder) or a fear of vulnerability or intimacy. Many people with haphephobia can form warm, tight bonds with others, although they may worry that those bonds are at risk due to their inability to show physical affection. Haphephobia can be extremely difficult for strangers and people close to you to understand....

A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience might have some answers. Researchers scanned the brains of fans of the HBO series “Game of Thrones” to see what happened when they thought about the traits of their friends, characters in the show, and themselves. It found that people who get really immersed in stories had more activity in a part of the brain that tends to activate during self-reflection when they evaluated their favorite character....

Both inpatient hospitalization and residential treatment centers for eating disorders provide patients with additional support, structure, medical care and monitoring. It may be helpful to understand what will happen in these settings for an eating disorder. Overview Inpatient hospitalization is the most intensive level of treatment. The main reason for inpatient hospitalization is medical instability. As a result, eating disorder patients needing inpatient hospitalization are often admitted to specialized units rather than general psychiatric units where patients with other mental disorders are usually treated....

Breaking a limb might be painful, but once a doctor has set it and provided you proper care instructions, chances are that your broken bone will recover. Heads and brains, though, are a bit different, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the leading cause of disability and mortality for people aged one to 45. Head injuries can be caused by anything from falling down to a car accident, and can range hugely in degree of damage caused....

Risky Play Increases Kids Mental Health The researchers, in focusing on two separate studies, found that risky (also called adventurous) play in school-aged children led to fewer internalizations of symptoms and “more positive affect.” It’s a finding that Dr. Ronald Stolberg, PhD, says matches up with what he’s seen in his practice as a clinical psychologist over the last two decades. “Play is social. Today’s children are over-scheduled, there’s a lot of pressure on them....

In order to make sense of the world, we must take in energy from the environment and convert it to neural signals, a process known as sensation. It is in the next step of the process, known as perception, that our brains interpret these sensory signals. Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Processing How exactly do people process perceptual information from the world around them? There are two basic approaches to understanding how this sensation and perception takes place....

While CNS depressants all share an ability to reduce activity in the central nervous system and lower levels of awareness in the brain, there are significant differences among substances within this drug class. Some are safer than others and several are routinely prescribed for medicinal purposes. This article discusses the different types of depressants and how they are used. It also explores how these medications work, when they should be taken, and potential risks....

Microaggressions, on the other hand, can be more subtle, but are still forms of prejudice: They could create similar feelings that racial slurs do, making you feel anxious, confused, angry, gaslit, unwelcome, or judged due to your appearance, culture, sexual orientation, or another characteristic that’s related to the marginalized group you may find yourself in. What Are Microaggressions? Microaggressions have been defined as “subtle verbal or nonverbal behavior, committed consciously or not, that is directed at a member of a marginalized group, and has a harmful, derogatory effect....

The color of a noise is determined by its mix of frequencies. That steady hum of white noise is produced by equal distribution of energy across all audible frequencies. Pink noise boosts lower frequencies, and brown noise picks up the lowest frequencies, like the sound of thunder or a roaring waterfall. Beyond their potential to induce relaxation and sleep, certain colors have shown potential benefits within neurodivergent circles and helped with focus....

Psychological research has also linked mandala-making, even just the act of coloring in, to stress-relief. In fact, renowned psychologist Carl Jung studied mandalas as a window to the subconscious and believed the creation of these images encouraged focus and personal growth in patients. Today, coloring as a mindful practice has become increasingly popular, with some adult coloring books devoted entirely to mandalas. But what is it about these shapes that gear them toward a more present, mindful state?...

It is available as a tablet taken by mouth, usually once a day. Most people who work during the day take the drug in the morning. However, shift workers who take the drug to promote wakefulness take the drug before their shifts begin. This article discusses how modafinil works to promote wakefulness. It also explores the potential side effects of the medication and its potential for misuse. How Modafinil Works Modafinil, also known by its brand name Provigil, is a central nervous stimulant....

Kids with ADHD tend to lag behind their peers who do not have ADHD in terms of emotional maturity. This means that for both boys and girls with ADHD—though their bodies are growing and developing similarly to their peers—they are having to deal with all the changes puberty brings at a “younger” emotional level. In addition, research is showing that girls with ADHD face unique challenges during the onset of puberty....

You may not realize it, but you are walking around in the world each day reading thousands of social cues in your environment. In our interacting with others, we pick up facial expressions, tones of voice, bodily movement, and more. We are constantly busy observing and interacting with the world and others as part of the human experience. As we have these interactions with others, our sense of self is being shaped....

In reality, somebody with mental illness is much more likely to be a victim—rather than a perpetrator—of violence. Calling a violent offender “crazy” spreads a dangerous stereotype and belies the complex relationship between criminality and mental illness. The media teaches us about people with whom we do not routinely interact. This constant flow of data gives us incessant social cues about the nature of other groups of people—including which groups of people should be praised or scorned....

For some people, acting spontaneously can be scary. Individuals who fear a negative outcome can have trouble doing something new. If you and your partner routinely watch TV after dinner, for example, changing that activity might feel uncomfortable. You might feel like you’re risking the loss of your security blanket. Other individuals fear that making a change, even a small one, could mean losing control. If every summer you both visit your family in the south, suggesting a road trip on Route 66 might cause concern....