Scientists are reporting a possible explanation for the symptoms of anxiety and depression that occur in some patients taking the popular statin family of anti-cholesterol drugs, and reported by some individuals on low-cholesterol diets. These symptoms could result from long-term, low levels of cholesterol in the brain, the report suggests. It appears in ACS’ weekly [...] Read more »

Creativity can be enhanced by experiencing cultures different from one’s own, according to a study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (published by SAGE). Three studies looked at students who had lived abroad and those who hadn’t, testing them on different aspects of creativity…

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Scottish men have a reputation for being tough guys but is this reputation stopping them recognising the signs of emotional distress and mental problems? Dr Ewan Gillon, a Chartered Psychologist, will discuss this on Saturday 10th July at 12.00pm-13.00pm, in his lecture ‘The making of Scottish men’ at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow…

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New research shows that a unique strain of laboratory mice characterized at Penn State University has behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical characteristics that are similar to those of human patients with drug-resistant forms of depression…

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A child doesn’t need a diagnosis of mental illness to be suffering. Sleep problems, anxiety about school, or sadness about parents’ separation are examples of issues that may not rise to the level of a disorder, but they all diminish a child’s resilience and enjoyment of life…

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The AMA welcomes the Coalition’s substantial funding commitment on mental health services, including much needed funding for additional acute and sub-acute mental health beds. In terms of improved mental health care in Australia, the AMA hopes to see further commitments that will improve patient access to care from specialist psychiatrists in community-based settings…

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On June 28, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic version of Effexor XR capsules (venlafaxine hydrochloride) to treat major depressive disorder. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in 37.5 milligram, 75 milligram and 150 milligram strengths have been approved to be manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals, North Wales, Pa…

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How fast you can judge whether a person of the opposite sex is looking at you depends on how masculine or feminine they look, according to a new study. The researchers speculate that there may be an evolutionary advantage to quickly noticing when a hottie is looking at you. Psychologists have debated how we determine [...] Read more »

Many women today are dissatisfied with their weight, body shape and size, and often strive to be unrealistically thin. A University of Missouri graduate student has found that black women actually differ from white women in their perceptions of the ideal body shape and size…

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A study of university students found no overlap between those reporting excessive Internet use and those with problem gambling…

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