TLDR: A study in the UK found that severe COVID anxiety tends to decrease over 6 months from onset, both organically and with the help of CBT for Health Anxiety (CBT-HA), though many individuals still experience significant anxiety and poor social functioning, with health anxiety being a key factor that can be effectively targeted with …
TLDR: A case study reveals a 70-year-old woman developed erotomanic delusions and attempted suicide following online romance fraud. Highlights: 70-year-old woman with persistent depressive disorder. Victim of online romance fraud involving a renowned musician’s image. Developed erotomanic delusions and attempted suicide. Treatment included antidepressants, low-dose risperidone, and therapy. Significant symptom remission after four weeks of …
TLDR: A study found that veterinarians frequently euthanizing animals have higher rates of serious suicidal thoughts and are more likely to support euthanasia for humans. Working with companion animals is associated with positive attitudes towards human euthanasia. Highlights: Data from over 2,500 veterinarians in Norway. 55% of veterinarians support euthanasia for humans with terminal illness. …
Those with personality disorders face an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and deaths. Factors like childhood trauma and substance use issues may partially explain this vulnerability. While treatments like dialectical behavior therapy show promise for prevention, more research is still needed. Key Facts: 17 of 24 studies found personality disorders tied significantly to suicidal …
Pregnancy denial, also known as cryptic pregnancy, refers to a lack of awareness of being pregnant, often until late in the pregnancy or even childbirth. It is a more common phenomenon than generally realized, occurring in an estimated 1 in 500 pregnancies. Women affected are usually mentally and physically healthy. The underlying causes are complex …
Emergency medicine doctors work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment filled with interruptions and competing demands on their attention. Research suggests that despite perceptions, true multitasking is limited in how it can be applied in this setting. The ability to efficiently switch between tasks is a critical skill for emergency physicians. Key Facts: Emergency doctors experience …
Criminal behavior has complex origins. While social and psychological factors play a clear role, a growing body of research suggests biological factors also influence criminality. Here’s what the science says so far about the biology underlying criminal behavior. Key Facts: Genetics account for 40-60% of variance in antisocial behavior. Environmental factors also play a role. …
A new study reveals that people who identify as liberal or left-leaning politically exhibit greater neural empathy responses compared to conservatives. The findings provide novel neuroscientific evidence that ideological differences extend to brain function during empathy. Key Facts: Researchers used MEG brain imaging to measure neural empathy responses in 55 participants as they observed others’ …
Psychopathic individuals are known to commit a disproportionate amount of violence and crime. Yet the connections between psychopathy, intelligence and aggression are complex. A new study unpacks the links between these dangerous traits in men and women. Key Facts: Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version which divides psychopathy into 4 facets – …
Suicide is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. Social isolation is increasingly recognized as a major risk factor for suicide. Thorough understanding of this relationship is crucial to guide prevention efforts and policy. Key Facts: Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year globally, with many more attempting suicide. Social isolation significantly increases suicide …
