Psychology news

• Objective measurement to identify individuals at risk of developing depression?

  18-12-2015 22:14
  A network of interacting brain regions known as the default mode network (DMN) was found to have stronger connections in adults and children with a high risk of depression compared to those with a low risk. These findings suggest that increased DMN connectivity is a potential precursor, or biomarker, indicating a risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD).
  
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• Teens with fewer mental health issues turn to e-cigarettes

  18-12-2015 22:12
  Teenagers with moderate mental health problems who may not have considered smoking conventional cigarettes are turning to electronic cigarettes, a new study has found. Today's teens perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful, addictive, smelly and difficult to obtain than conventional cigarettes.
  
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• Stroke recovery in mice improved by Ambien, study shows

  18-12-2015 22:12
  Mice that had strokes rebounded significantly faster if they received low doses of a popular sleeping aid, according to researchers. Zolpidem, better known by the trade name Ambien, has long been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating insomnia. But it has never before been definitively shown to enhance recovery from stroke.
  
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• Grid cells: Reading the neural code for space

  18-12-2015 22:12
  The cognitive map for spatial navigation is thought to rely on grid cells. Scientists ahave now put forward a mathematical theory that explains key grid-cell features and how these give rise to a neural metric for space.
  
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• Childhood concussions impair brain function

  18-12-2015 19:03
  Pre-adolescent children who have sustained sports-related concussions have impaired brain function two years following injury, new research indicates. Over a million brain injuries are treated annually in the U.S. While organized sports at all levels have implemented safety protocols for preventing and treating head injuries, most pediatric concussions still result from athletic activities.
  
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• Brain imaging technology offers new approach for studying Parkinsonian syndromes

  18-12-2015 17:33
  Using a portable device, researchers have identified differences in brain activation patterns associated with postural stability in people with Parkinsonian syndromes and healthy adults. The findings describe the critical role of the prefrontal cortex in balance control and may have implications with respect to detecting and treating Parkinsonian symptoms in the elderly.
  
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• Gene controls stress hormone production in macaques

  18-12-2015 14:54
  Some people react more calmly in stressful situations than others. Certain genes, such as the so-called COMT gene, are thought to play a role in determining our stress response. Researchers have now studied this gene in macaques, a genus of Old World monkeys, and for the first time have shown that a specific variant of the gene is associated with higher excretion of the stress hormone cortisol. The gene variant may also influence social rank among the animals.
  
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• Is it ok to cry in the workplace? | Dean Burnett

  18-12-2015 12:00
  
  Apprentice candidate Charleine Wain recently caused a bit of a stir for crying during a board meeting. Why would this matter? What can prompt people to cry in the workplace, and is it necessarily a bad thing? Among the thousands of things Apprentice candidates can end up being criticised for, there’s being seen to cry. However, although there are plenty of legitimate reasons to have a go at anyone who actively wants to take part in that show, this one doesn’t seem fair. It’s Ch
  
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• Finally, New Year's Resolutions That Work

  18-12-2015 09:00 via pr.com
  Experiencing true life change is more than setting intentions, reading affirmations or the annual and most-always-failing New Year’s “Resolutions.” [PR.com]
  
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• Veterans' PTSD may recur down the line

  18-12-2015 06:20 via foxnews.com
  
  Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan had a spike in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in the months immediately after their return, but also five years later.
  
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• Drug overdose deaths reach all-time high

  18-12-2015 06:19 via cnn.com
  
  Deaths from overdoses of prescription drugs and heroin continue to be the leading cause of unintentional death for Americans.
  
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• How helping others can help keep stress in check

  18-12-2015 06:18 via npr.org
  
  Research finds that helping others works to buffer stress and improve emotional well-being.
  
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