Photo by Yoga Vidya Mandiram[/caption]
The physiological benefits of mindful movement have transitioned from holistic theory to empirical science. Medical researchers and clinical practitioners increasingly view structured physical recovery programmes as essential interventions for mitigating chronic stress. For decades, the medical community evaluated these practices based on subjective patient reports. Today, clinical evaluations measure highly specific biomarkers, such as salivary cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines, to determine exactly how short-term immersive practices affect the human body. Understanding the precise biological mechanisms behind active recovery has never been more relevant.
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Without a doubt, living with a long-term health condition can affect so much more than just the body. For instance, a chronic illness can impact emotions, thoughts, and everyday habits. It is quite self-explanatory why many people dealing with chronic illnesses experience low mood, worry, and stress, which can make it even harder for them to manage their health.
This is exactly where the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy comes in.
In simple terms, CBT is a structured approach that focuses on the link between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Essentially, CBT helps people understand how their thoughts influence their actions and general well-being.
Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet
Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research
Huddinge, Sweden
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.
Francis J. Gesel[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Francis J. Gesel
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Scranton, Pennsylvania
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Conflicts of interest (COIs) in psychiatric research represent a longstanding ethical challenge, given the close relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and psychiatry. Journals require authors to disclose these relationships, while the U.S. Open Payments database, created under the Sunshine Act, provides a record of payments from manufacturers to physicians. However, whether physician-authors in psychiatry’s most influential journals consistently disclose these relationships had not been systematically assessed. We focused on the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) and JAMA Psychiatry (JAMA-PSY), two of the highest-impact journals in the field, to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of undisclosed financial COIs.
Photo by SHVETS production[/caption]
Photo by SHVETS production[/caption]
Dr. Cutttler, Ph.D.[/caption]
Carrie Cuttler, Ph.D.
The Health & Cognition (THC) Lab
Associate Professor
Director, Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program
Co-Director, Cannabis Research Center (CRC)
Department of Psychology
Washington State University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: One of the most well-documented effects of acute cannabis intoxication is impairment in memory. However, memory is not a single process. It is a complex system made up of multiple distinct subsystems that rely on different neural mechanisms and support different types of remembering.
Most prior research examining the acute effects of cannabis in humans has focused on a relatively narrow set of memory tests—primarily verbal memory tasks, which involve recalling lists of words, and working memory tasks, which require temporarily holding and manipulating information in consciousness.
Far fewer studies have examined how cannabis affects other types of memory that are more relevant to everyday life. These include temporal order memory (remembering the order in which events occurred), prospective memory (remembering to perform tasks in the future), source memory (remembering where information came from), false memory (recalling information that was never presented), and episodic content memory (recalling personally experienced events).
To address this gap, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the acute effects of cannabis across multiple memory domains. In total, 120 participants were randomly assigned to vaporize either a placebo, a moderate dose of cannabis (20 mg THC), or a high dose of cannabis (40 mg THC).
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Life can sometimes throw challenges that feel insurmountable. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, a period of severe illness, a financial setback, or struggles with addiction, these difficult times can leave people feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. However, many individuals find ways to rebuild their lives, often emerging stronger and more resilient than before. Understanding the steps people take to recover and grow can offer hope and guidance to those navigating their own hardships.
Acknowledging the Pain
The first step in rebuilding life after a difficult period is acknowledging the pain. Denying or minimizing struggles can prolong the healing process. By confronting emotions head-on, people begin to understand the impact of their experiences and take ownership of their healing journey. This can involve seeking support from friends, family, or professional counsellors who can offer a safe space to express feelings without judgment. Journaling, art, or other forms of creative expression can also provide an outlet for processing complex emotions.
[caption id="attachment_72613" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Unsplash image[/caption] Music has always held a quiet power over the human mind. Long before modern medicine, ancient Greek and Egyptian healers used rhythm and melody to calm distress and restore balance. That intuitive understanding has now evolved into a clinical discipline. Music therapy became formalized after World...
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Acute trauma has long been associated with visible physical damage. However, the invisible neurological consequences often shape long-term recovery just as strongly.
Cognitive symptoms such as memory lapses, reduced attention span, slower processing speed, and emotional instability emerge after traumatic events. Growing research suggests that neuroinflammation plays a central role in determining the impact on cognitive function.
For instance, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) can be affected by injury-induced inflammation. Studies have linked BBB disruption to cognitive decline. Some of the most associated factors are inflammation, metabolic imbalance, cellular aging, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and excitotoxicity.
Studies also suggest that altering BBB permeability can produce either protective or harmful neurological effects, depending on the context.
Understanding how inflammatory pathways respond to trauma offers insight into why some individuals regain their previous level of functioning while others don’t.
Dr. Young-Wolff[/caption]
Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH
Licensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist
Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research
Associate Professor, Psychiatry
School of Medicine
UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Cannabis is widely used by adolescents, and it’s often first used during the same developmental window when many psychiatric disorders begin to emerge. At the same time, cannabis has become more accessible and more socially accepted. While prior studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to mental health symptoms, fewer large studies have examined whether it’s associated with later clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders. We wanted to address that gap.
Photo by cottonbro studio[/caption]
Many people wonder whether a diagnosed social anxiety disorder makes them disabled. The simple answer is most likely yes, it is when a person's daily life and work are affected by social anxiety that it can be considered a disability. Many people are actually unable to function normally in social interactions, a direct result of this condition.
If someone is unable to work, form personal relationships, or even perform daily tasks due to social anxiety, it is a sign that the disorder has become disabling.
Federal laws recognize mental health problems as disabilities. Social anxiety disorder is listed on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Social Security Administration's list of disabilities. These laws, on the same level, recognize that mental disorders can be as limiting as physical injuries.
Social Anxiety as a Disability
Social anxiety disorder is a common condition that affects millions of people. Most people with severe social anxiety remain stuck in patterns of fear and avoidance. They are eager to work and become functioning fellows of society, but mental barriers get in their way. Even simple tasks like answering phone messages, attending meetings, or dealing with customers become almost impossible obstacles for people with this disorder.
However, social anxiety disorder affects different people differently. While some people sweat, tremble, or feel nauseous when faced with social situations, others are so afraid that they literally run away from people they have to meet. It is most disabling when it interferes with:
Prof. Chu Chen[/caption]
Chu Chen, PhD
Professor and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Neural Physiology
Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology
Center for Biomedical Neuroscience
Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine
University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center
San Antonio, TX 78229
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, yet no effective therapies currently exist to prevent, treat, or halt its progression. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for both recreational and medicinal purposes; however, its therapeutic application has been limited by undesirable neurocognitive side effects, particularly impairments in learning and memory. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in animal models of AD, but at high doses (>5.0 mg/kg) it also disrupts synaptic function and impairs cognition.
Research from our laboratory and others has demonstrated that Δ9-THC-induced deficits in long-term synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory are associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Notably, pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of COX-2 attenuates Δ9-THC-induced synaptic and cognitive impairments. Based on these findings, we proposed a combination (“cocktail”) therapy consisting of low-dose Δ9-THC and the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. This approach is designed to preserve the beneficial effects of Δ9-THC while minimizing its adverse neurocognitive effects and COX-2-mediated inflammatory responses.
Dr. Fyfe[/caption]
Dr. Caroline Fyfe PhD
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Life Long Health and Wellbeing Theme
University of Edinburgh
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Autism (ASD) has traditionally been seen as a condition that disproportionately affects males. This study quantifies the sex bias across birth cohorts, ages, and calendar time, using the Swedish national population registers to follow ~ 2.7 million individual born between 1985 and 2020 throughout their lives. Among children under ten years old the male-to-female diagnosis ratio remained relatively stable at about 3:1.
In contrast, a rapid increase in diagnoses of ASD among females during adolescence, produced a “female catch-up effect” that resulted in near parity of ASD prevalence between males and females by adulthood.
Photo by SHVETS production[/caption]
Mental and behavioral health care is often discussed in terms of access, affordability, and availability. Yet one of the most influential factors in treatment success receives far less public attention: continuity of care. Across diagnoses, age groups, and treatment settings, research consistently shows that how long a person remains engaged in care, and how well that care is coordinated over time, plays a critical role in long-term outcomes. Understanding the relationship between treatment length, care setting, and recovery is essential for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers alike.
Rather than viewing mental health care as a single episode, modern research increasingly frames it as a continuum. Individuals may move between outpatient therapy, intensive programs, and residential treatment depending on symptom severity, life stability, and response to intervention. Examining how these settings interact helps clarify why treatment duration and setting should be considered strategic clinical decisions rather than logistical ones.
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Specialized mental health care continues to gain attention as more people seek support for complex emotional and psychological needs. Nurses hold a vital place in this landscape because they understand how mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life. Their work involves careful assessment, compassionate communication, and steady guidance through moments that often feel overwhelming for patients.
Their presence helps create stability, structure, and safety at times when individuals may feel disconnected or uncertain about the future. Their involvement strengthens the entire care process since they provide consistent support throughout every stage of treatment.
Dr. Gaynor[/caption]
Leslie S. Gaynor, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist & Assistant Professor of Medicine
Division of Geriatric Medicine
Department of Medicine
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN 37203
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: The US population is rapidly aging, and the oldest members of our population are also the most vulnerable to developing clinical dementia. We are interested in studying older adults ages 80+ who display cognitive resilience despite this increased risk of dementia and actually display exceptional memory performance compared to their same-aged, typically performing peers. These “SuperAgers,”—i.e., 80+-year-old adults with memory performance that is comparable to or surpasses that of adults 20 to 30 years their junior—may hold the key to uncovering genetic factors that predict exceptionally healthy longevity.
Dr. Vyshedskiy[/caption]
Andrey Vyshedskiy, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist from Boston University
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Certain conditions, such as autism and Down syndrome, can limit a child’s ability to develop full language comprehension. In these cases, children often become “stuck” at a specific, quantized level of understanding:
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Court-mandated treatment is a type of substance use or mental health treatment that a person is required to complete as part of a legal case. It might be ordered instead of jail time, alongside probation, or as a condition to reduce charges, regain driving privileges, or meet child custody requirements. While the details vary by state and court, most court-ordered programs follow a similar structure: assessment, a required level of care, documentation of compliance, and ongoing monitoring.
If you are entering court-mandated treatment, it is normal to feel nervous, frustrated, or skeptical. Some people worry it will be harsh or purely punitive. Others worry it will not be private. In reality, many mandated programs use the same evidence-based approaches as voluntary treatment. The difference is that attendance and participation are tied to legal requirements, and progress is usually reported to the court or probation.
Dr. Pieper[/caption]
Andrew A. Pieper M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine
Professor, Department of Neurosciences
Professor, Department of Pathology
Investigator, University Hospitals Harrington Discovery Institute, Harrington Discovery Institute
Associate Director, Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and
at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: NAD+, a central cellular energy and signaling molecule, declines with age throughout the body, including the brain. When NAD+ falls below necessary levels, cells lose their ability to carry out essential maintenance and survival functions. We found that the NAD+ decline is more severe in brains from people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in mouse models of AD, whereas brains of people with AD pathology but preserved cognition show gene-expression patterns consistent with maintained NAD+ homeostasis.
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Applied Behavior Analysis, commonly known as ABA therapy, is a widely recognized and evidence-based treatment designed to support individuals, especially children, with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. ABA therapy focuses on understanding behavior, identifying its causes, and using structured techniques to teach positive skills while reducing behaviors that may interfere with learning or daily life.
So, what exactly is ABA therapy and how does it work? At its core, ABA therapy uses principles of behavioral science to shape and reinforce desired behaviors. Therapists begin by conducting a detailed assessment of the individual, identifying strengths, challenges, and specific behaviors that need attention. Based on this assessment, a customized plan is created that breaks down complex skills into smaller, achievable steps.
Samson Nivins PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher, specializing in Perinatal and Pediatric Neurology
[caption id="attachment_71834" align="alignleft" width="92"] Dr. Klingberg[/caption]
Torkel Klingberg, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Stockholm Brain Institute
Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm Sweden
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: In the modern era, children’s use of digital media such as watching videos, playing video games, and using social media has increased substantially, often coinciding with a decline in outdoor activities. As many school-aged children now own personal devices, particularly smartphones, it has become easier for them to spend more time on screens than intended. For example, a German survey cited in an EU briefing reported that in 2020, 27% of 8-9-year-olds and 54% of 10-11-year-olds owned a smartphone. In the U.S., ~30% of children own a smartphone by age eight, with many receiving their first device between ages 10 and 11.
With growing concerns about screen time, numerous studies have examined its potential consequences and have reported associations between higher screen use and increased ADHD symptoms. However, most of this research has been cross-sectional and has tended to combine different types of digital media such as television, video games, and social media into a single composite measure. This approach may obscure important differences, as various forms of digital media may have distinct effects on ADHD symptoms. To date, relatively few studies have examined the impact of specific types of digital media use on ADHD in a longitudinal framework, and even fewer have accounted for the heritable nature of ADHD.
To address these gaps, this U.S. longitudinal study followed children from ages 9-10 to 13-14 years. The study collected repeated measures of daily time spent on specific digital activities, including television and videos, video games, and social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. ADHD symptoms specifically inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were assessed using parent reports, and analyses adjusted for genetic factors and socioeconomic status.
Dr. Dakwar-Kawar, PhD[/caption]
Dr. Ornella Dakwar-Kawar
Hebrew University with
Prof. Mor Nahum and Prof. Itai Berger
Hebrew University
in collaboration with Prof. Jyoti Mishra from the University of California San Diego (UCSD)
Prof. Roi Cohen Kadosh from the University of Surre,
Dr. Pragathi Priyadharsini and
Ashwin Amal from ITT Karpur, India and InnoSphere Ltd
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Children with ADHD often exhibit aberrant neural activity, specifically imbalances in excitation and inhibition levels alongside dysfunction in brain networks like the frontoparietal network. While our previous research showed that Transcranial Random Noise Stimulation or tRNS improves clinical symptoms, the specific neural modulation effects during cognitive tasks remained unclear. This study investigated these mechanisms by analyzing the aperiodic exponent, a marker of excitation inhibition balance, during an inhibitory control task to compare children with ADHD to healthy controls and assess changes following tRNS combined with cognitive training.
Alexa T. Diianni[/caption]
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Alexa T. Diianni, MBS
Department of Medical Education
Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Scranton, PA 19409
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: During a previous study, my research team and I examined the financial conflicts of interest (COIs) between industry and academia- namely those that exist between authors of The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and industry (1). The DSM is a diagnostic tool widely used for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, and is thus of interest in assessing COIs (1,2). We previously found that authors of the DSM-5-TR had received over $14.2m in undisclosed payments from industry (1). Our current study examines the gender and geographic disparities of the DSM-5-TR authors, in relation to these payments.
While previous investigations have evaluated financial COIs in recent editions of the DSM (3,4), the demographic information of its authors has not yet been examined. Equitable representation of DSM authors is paramount as this manual serves a diverse population across the United States and beyond. It is important that the authorship of this manual be reflective of the population in which it serves, as there have been reported differences in both the type and prevalence of psychiatric care sought out by gender, as well as varying clinical treatment by geographic location (5-8).
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Alcohol misuse among veterans requires more than generic treatment—it requires approaches that recognize military culture, address trauma, support emotional and physical health, and build meaningful community connections. When programs are tailored to these realities, veterans feel understood, respected, and empowered to heal....
Partnerships with schools, employers, and youth programs help identify early signs of behavioral health challenges, allowing for intervention before problems worsen....