Public Release: 12-Jun-2012
Avatars may help children with social anxiety overcome fears
Researchers want to find out if practice conversations with avatars help children overcome social anxiety as much as the "gold standard" -- real conversations with socially comfortable peers. If successful, the study could provide a much more feasible way for clinicians around the country to help children overcome their fears.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Public Release: 6-Jun-2012
Neuron
Brain cell activity imbalance may account for seizure susceptibility in Angelman syndrome
New research by scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine may have pinpointed an underlying cause of the seizures that affect 90 percent of people with Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder.
NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Simons Foundation, NIH/National Eye Institute, NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Public Release: 5-Jun-2012
UC San Diego to study accelerated aging in schizophrenia
Researchers at the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at the University of California, San Diego have received a $4 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, to study accelerated biological aging in schizophrenia.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Public Release: 5-Jun-2012
JAMA
Therapists phone it in and keep more patients
New research shows patients who had telephone therapy were more likely to complete treatment than those who had face-to-face sessions. Both were equally effective in reducing depression during treatment. The JAMA-published study is the first large trial to compare the benefits of these two therapies. Phone therapy is a rapidly growing trend among therapists because patients have difficulty getting to therapists' offices.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Public Release: 30-May-2012
Journal of General Internal Medicine
Patient mental health overlooked by physician when a family member is present
New study finds that patients with poor mental health function may experience more communication challenges during physicians visits if accompanied by a loved one.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health

Public Release: 28-May-2012
Archives of Internal Medicine
Less couch time equals fewer cookies
Simply changing one bad health habit has a domino effect on others, a new study reports. It's a two-for-one benefit because many behaviors are closely related, like noshing in front of the TV. The most effective way to rehab a delinquent lifestyle requires two key behavior changes: cutting time spent in front of a TV or computer screen and eating more fruits vegetables. The simplified strategy is less overwhelming for people and their doctors.
NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH/National Cancer Institute, NIH/National Institute of Mental Health