Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based approach for treating a range of mental health challenges, from depression and anxiety to insomnia and certain eating disorders. One of CBT’s strengths is its flexibility: clinicians use it to treat clients, and many people learn CBT skills for self-help. The books below cover both professional training and … Read more

Link between intelligence and longevity is mostly genetic. New research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology demonstrates that the observed tendency for people with higher intelligence to live longer is largely explained by genetic factors. By analysing data from multiple twin registries, researchers conclude that roughly 95% of the association between intelligence and lifespan … Read more

Summary: A recent review examines evidence connecting the gut microbiome to brain development and depressive disorders. The authors highlight how disruptions to gut bacteria—caused by diet, stress, antibiotics, or early-life events—may influence mental health and suggest that nutrition-based strategies could complement existing treatments. Linking the Gut Microbiome, Neurodevelopment, and Depression Overview Researchers are increasingly investigating … Read more

Summary: New research finds little evidence that higher testosterone has a meaningful impact on socioeconomic status, health, or risk-taking in men or women. Source: University of Bristol As major sporting events like the Olympics prompt attention to hormone-related performance, testosterone is often credited with success both on and off the field. However, a new large-scale … Read more

Positive psychotherapy: at first glance the phrase may seem paradoxical. The word psychotherapy often conjures images of tense patients lying on couches, a serious therapist taking notes, and lengthy explorations of childhood trauma. While that stereotype is outdated and incomplete, it can make the idea of pairing positivity and therapy feel surprising. Traditionally, psychotherapy addresses … Read more

Advanced brain imaging links specific schizophrenia symptoms to distinct anatomical features, a study at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis reports. The results could help refine diagnosis and lead to more targeted treatments for schizophrenia. The study, published online in the journal NeuroImage, used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor imaging … Read more

Summary: Multisensory gamma-wave stimulation improves recognition and spatial memory in mice and reduces amyloid burden in the auditory cortex and hippocampal CA1. These findings indicate that combined sensory stimulation strengthens hippocampal function and diminishes Alzheimer’s-related pathology across the neocortex. Source: MIT By exposing mice to a coordinated combination of light and sound, MIT neuroscientists have … Read more

Our family of origin plays a powerful role in shaping who we become. From our habits and emotional responses to the choices we make in life, family dynamics influence us whether we feel close to our relatives or distant from them. Bowenian family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit: individual behavior is … Read more

Summary: Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can reduce negative emotional responses in people with borderline personality disorder. Source: MHH Botulinum toxin (BTX), widely known as Botox, is commonly used to smooth wrinkles. Research now shows that when injected into the forehead it can also reduce depressive symptoms and dampen intense negative emotions in people with borderline … Read more

Summary: Researchers using zebrafish models found genes with altered expression linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced ATP production, suggesting early energy deficits could play a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Source: University of Adelaide Rethinking the Origins of Alzheimer’s Disease Despite decades of research, the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear. … Read more