Psychiatry / Psychology

Many children ‘hear voices’; most aren’t bothered

Nearly 1 in 10 seven- to eight-year-olds hears voices that aren’t really there, according to a new study.

But most children who…    

Gene linked to schizophrenia may reduce cancer risk

People who inherit a specific form of a gene that puts them on a road to schizophrenia may be protected against some forms of…    

USF studies show link among Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome and atherosclerosis

Nearly 20 years ago Huntington Potter kicked up a storm of controversy with the idea that Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s were the same disease.…    

Five Reasons People Start and Continue to Smoke

It’s the advice we hear from cradle to grave these days, from teachers, parents, the media, and everyone in between. So why is it…    

Movies for kids still depict unsafe behaviors

While movie makers have gotten better at portraying appropriate injury-prevention tactics in movies made for kids, many scenes still show characters riding bikes…    

One in Four Girls Aged 12-17 Were Involved in Serious Fights or Attacks in the Past Year

A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that, in the past year, one quarter (26.7 percent) of adolescent…    

A new ally in the battle against cocaine addiction

A recent study shows that a bacterial protein may help cocaine addicts break the habit.

Cocaine esterase (CocE) is a naturally-occurring bacterial…    

Researchers find clues to why some continue to eat when full

The premise that hunger makes food look more appealing is a widely held belief – just ask those who cruise grocery store aisles on…    

Autism Expert Available to Speak on CDC’s New Autism Rates

Drexel University’s Dr. Craig Newschaffer, a renowned autism expert and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Drexel University School of…    

Premature birth tied to later behavioral problems

Children who were born prematurely and at a very low weight may have an increased risk of certain behavior problems and symptoms of depression…    

Study Confirms Association between Tobacco Smoke and Behavioral Problems in Children

Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke during their early development can develop abnormal behavioral symptoms by the age of ten years. This association…    

People affected by autism believe increase is ‘real,’ not diagnostic

There has been a major increase in the number of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders over the last two decades - the question…    

Hormone replacement therapy tied to mental benefits

Older women who use certain forms of hormone replacement therapy seem to perform better on tests of memory and mental speed than other women…    

As moms age, more babies born with Down syndrome

The percentage of children born with Down syndrome has increased by about one percent per year since 1979, according to new findings from the…    

Parents’ age tied to child’s autism risk

Children born to relatively older mothers or fathers may have a higher risk of autism than those with younger parents, a new study finds.…    

Exposure to smoke, lead ups risk of ADHD

If you need another reason to stop smoking while pregnant, or to rid your home of lead, a new study suggests that children whose…    

Harmful effects seen with repeated ketamine abuse

Abuse of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, is on the rise in many countries and now new research shows that repeated use of the club…    

Health issues in middle age can lead to dementia

People who smoke or who have high blood pressure or diabetes in middle age are more likely to develop dementia, a new study…    

Internet Predators, Privacy, Porn: Are Parents Concerned?

When your daughter goes online, how likely is it she’s being stalked by a stranger or bullied by a classmate? When your son surfs…    

Moderate drinking may not preserve thinking skills

Think that a drink or two a day help keep your mind sharp into older age? Researchers from the United Kingdom may have poked…    

New Study Reveals Handwriting Is Real Problem for Children with Autism

Handwriting skills are crucial for success in school, communication, and building children’s self-esteem. The first study to examine handwriting quality in children with autism…    

Mom’s antidepressants tied to child health risks

Babies whose mothers used antidepressants during pregnancy visit the doctor more often and have higher risks of certain health problems than other children their…    

Patch plus lozenge equals more quitting success

Smokers who are ready to quit will have the most luck if they combine the nicotine patch with nicotine lozenges and some counseling or…    

Older Patients with Dementia at Increased Risk for Flu Mortality

An epidemiological study on pneumonia and influenza (P&I) in adults age 65 and over reports that patients with dementia are diagnosed with flu less…    

Diagnosis, abortion of Down’s babies rising in UK

A rise in older women becoming pregnant has led to a big jump in Down’s syndrome diagnoses in Britain, but fewer babies are born…