mental health

Gamers free to interact with and explore a game world at their own pace are more relaxed and have improved mental well-being, according to new research. It could open the door to using gaming as a therapeutic tool to counter stress and anxiety.

Researchers have used Fitbit data to train a machine learning algorithm to accurately predict mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. It opens the door to using a personalized algorithm to drive treatment of the life-impacting condition.

A study has found excessive social media use has little to no association with depression, anxiety and stress. However, another study found that men risk developing unhealthy obsessions with physique if they place too much importance on likes and comments.

Researchers have linked hotter temperatures to a rise in suicidal thoughts and behavior in young people. The new study adds to existing evidence that rising temperatures are affecting the mental health of adult men and women, too.

A recent clinical trial has shown that it's possible to safely and effectively treat depression at home using a brain stimulation device. That means patients can give themselves low-intensity impulses to see positive results with 30-minute sessions.

Using a weighted blanket overnight not only improves insomnia but mood as well, in addition to reducing the use of sleep medications, a review of existing studies has found. It’s an effective, non-drug way of improving sleep to ensure better overall health.

In a much-needed update to 2003 data on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the US, a new report has found that 15.5 million American adults have been diagnosed with the condition – and many have been let down by poor access to treatment.

Hoarding disorder is debilitating, and current treatments aren’t that effective. A new study found that modifying distressing mental images into more positive ones was an effective way of motivating people with the condition to discard their unneeded objects.

An Oxford University study showed that playing the eponymous video game Powerwash Simulator showed a small improvement in the moods of more than 70% of its participants. In fact, it was found to be more effective than watching TV or reading.

The company behind the once-a-day pill that restored lost nerve cell connections in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has now set its sights on using the pill to provide a novel treatment for another debilitating disease: schizophrenia.

A study conducted by researchers at Uppsala University shows that playing the popular video game Tetris can significantly reduce flashbacks in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Taking placebos fully aware that they contain no active ingredients can still significantly reduce stress, anxiety and depression according to a new study. It’s suggested that these 'non-deceptive placebos' might be an effective way of improving mental health.