Researchers surveyed more than 50 adults with long-term mental health conditions about the role pets play in their social network and found that 60% of respondents placed pets in the central and most important circle above family, friends, and … [Read more...]
Mental Attitude
Parents Often Miss PTSD in Kids
Researchers followed more than 100 children aged two to ten who had experienced a road collision involving a car crash, being hit while walking, or getting knocked off their bicycle. They found that most parents of kids who still had PTSD after three … [Read more...]
PTSD May Affect Boys and Girls Differently
Researchers have discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the brains of girls and boys in different ways. Using MRI scans, researchers examined the brains of 59 children and found that among those with PTSD, girls and boys showed … [Read more...]
PTSD Common After Pregnancy Loss
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop in women after pregnancy loss. Researchers surveyed 113 women who'd recently had a miscarriage and found that 45% of women who miscarried and 18% of those who had an ectopic pregnancy (tubal … [Read more...]
Loneliness Could Be Early Sign of Alzheimer’s
Subtle feelings of loneliness experienced by seniors may be an early warning sign of impending Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers examined the relationship between late-life loneliness and Alzheimer’s disease among 43 women and 36 men with no signs of … [Read more...]
Menopause “Brain Fog” Is Real
Women commonly complain of forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and thinking clearly when going through menopause. Researchers often refer to this as "brain fog." In a new study, investigators used standard tests to gauge memory skills, along … [Read more...]
Work Ethic Remains Unchanged
Contrary to popular belief, baby boomers don’t have a stronger work ethic than their children or grandchildren. Using 105 different measures, including hours worked and commitment to family and work, investigators found no significant difference in … [Read more...]
Traffic Pollution Increases Parkinson’s Risk
Taiwanese researchers report that among a sample of over 55,000 adults, those exposed to the greatest amounts of traffic-related air pollution had a 17-36% greater risk for developing Parkinson's disease than those with the least air pollution … [Read more...]
Anger Plus Heavy Exertion May Result in a Heart Attack
Intense anger along with heavy physical exertion may be a trigger for a first heart attack among some people. According to a study that involved more than 12,000 men and women, both intense activity and intense emotions double one's heart attack risk … [Read more...]
Chatting Before Bedtime…
The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following for enjoying a bedtime conversation with your partner without it affecting your sleep quality: talk about the events of the day or lighthearted topics; avoid emotional conversation that can work … [Read more...]
Head Injury Test Approved
Traumatic brain injuries account for over two million trips to the emergency room in the United States each year and contribute to the deaths of about 50,000 people annually. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new computer software … [Read more...]
Games Calm Kids Before Surgery
Playing video games may help calm anxious children before surgery. Investigators assessed 112 children about to have surgery that required general anesthesia. The children were either given a sedative or a tablet device to play games on about 20 … [Read more...]
Unhappy Relationships May Drive Suicidal Thoughts
Being in a relationship does not always protect people from having suicidal thoughts. A study of 382 Austrian adults found that middle-aged people who were unhappy in an existing relationship with unresolved relationship conflicts were more likely to … [Read more...]
Bigger Brain & Blood Flow Involved in Evolution of Human Intelligence
Australian researchers are challenging the long-held theory that human intelligence evolved from bigger brains alone. The researchers analyzed the size of two holes in the base of fossil skulls and found that while brain size increased about 350% … [Read more...]