Early Screen Time Linked to Long-Term Brain Changes, Teen Anxiety

Summary: New research following children for more than a decade links high screen exposure before age two to accelerated brain maturation, slower decision-making, and increased anxiety by adolescence. Infants with…

Depression Quietly Damages the Heart Through Stress Circuits

Summary: Depression and anxiety may heighten cardiovascular disease risk through chronic stress pathways in the brain and body. In a large analysis of more than 85,000 adults, those with depression…

Stress Levels Predict Cannabis Use

Summary: New research shows that rats with naturally higher baseline stress hormone levels are significantly more likely to self-administer cannabis vapor. Over several weeks, rats were allowed to nose-poke for…

Anti-Inflammatory Treatments Show Promise for Depression

Summary: A new analysis shows that anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce symptoms for a subset of people with depression who also have chronic, low-grade inflammation. By reviewing randomized controlled trials…

PTSD Linked to Accelerated Brain Aging

Summary: A new study using advanced deep-learning brain age estimation shows that World Trade Center responders with PTSD exhibit signs of accelerated brain aging. Using BrainAgeNeXt, a model trained on…

Mental Illness Can Also Bring Strengths

Summary: Mental illness is typically defined by its challenges, but growing evidence shows it is also linked to surprising strengths. Certain psychological conditions are associated with enhanced creativity, social sensitivity,…

Cognitive Profiles in Schizophrenia Are Being Ignored

Summary: A major scientific review reveals a deep knowledge gap in how cognition is affected when schizophrenia and personality disorders occur together. Despite the high prevalence and severe outcomes tied…

Abuse Survivors Show Unique Injury Signatures Tied to Suicide Risk

Summary: A new study finds that victims of intimate partner violence who also experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors show distinct and severe injury patterns on medical imaging. These patients were…

Brain Damage in Schizophrenia May Begin in Specific Neural Epicenters

Summary: New brain imaging research shows that structural damage in schizophrenia spectrum disorders may begin in specific “epicenter” regions before spreading across connected brain networks. Individuals with the condition showed…

AI Uncovers Hidden Stress Damage in the Body

Summary: Researchers developed an AI tool that detects chronic stress by measuring adrenal gland volume on routine chest CT scans. This biomarker aligns with cortisol levels, stress questionnaires, and future…