News by Subject Social & Behavior

In a study of sleep-deprived versus well-rested individuals, UC Berkeley researchers found that the brains of those lacking sufficient sleep exhibited heightened activity in areas that deal with perceived human threats and a shutdown of areas that encourage social interaction. People shown videos of sleep-deprived individuals felt more alienated, suggesting that antisocial feelings are contagious. This is the first study to show a two-way relationship between sleep loss and becoming socially isolated.

An analysis of posts made by males to a subreddit for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts suggests that the online forum may function, for some males, as a safe space to anonymously share vulnerabilities and receive gender-specific support. University of Arizona sociology graduate student Darla Still presented the work today at the American Sociological Association Annual Meeting.

The bond between parent and child extends far beyond sharing similar looks or behaviors, as symptoms of depression in teens and parents appear to be linked, according to research presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.

The study demonstrates that employees do not need to spend actual time on work in their off-hours to experience harmful effects. The mere expectations of availability increase strain for employees and their significant others -- even when employees do not engage in actual work during nonwork time.

Researchers suggest dysfunction in mitochondria -- the main source of energy for cells -- may be the root cause of depression. The finding brings new insight to long-held theories of the causes of depression and could lead to the development of novel and more effective antidepressant drugs.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could identify morphological and functional brain changes of major depressive disorder (MDD). These alterations may potentially serve as MRI biomarkers that are clinically useful for the early diagnosis and evaluation of the treatment outcomes of MDD.

MIT neuroscientists have shown that stimulating the caudate nucleus can generate negative moods that lead to irrational decision-making. Stimulating the caudate nucleus causes animals to give far more weight to the anticipated drawback of a situation than its potential benefit.

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found new evidence of how certain transport proteins are working at the molecular level, paving the way for new, improved drugs to treat psychiatric disorders.

In a collaborative study by Lawson Health Research Institute, The Mind Research Network and Brainnetome Center, researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that analyzes brain scans to better classify illness in patients with a complex mood disorder and help predict their response to medication.