Brochure | Psychiatry | Psychology | Wellness

Psilocin IV Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder

2025-04-14 - 2025-04

Researchers at Swinburne University, in collaboration with Tryptamine Therapeutics, have initiated a groundbreaking clinical trial using intravenous psilocin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—to treat binge eating disorder. This method allows for precise control over the therapeutic effects and includes preparatory and post-experience psychotherapy, aiming to help patients break destructive thought patterns by enabling the brain to rewire itself.

Dopamine's Role in Cognitive Flexibility

2025-04-15 - 2025-04

A recent study utilizing PET imaging has confirmed a direct link between dopamine levels and cognitive flexibility. This finding enhances our understanding of how dopamine influences the brain's ability to adapt to new information and situations.

Chronic Stress and Depression

2025-04-16 - 2025-04

New research indicates that chronic stress can disrupt the brain's cellular housekeeping processes, leading to depression. Enhancing these processes may restore normal neuronal activity and offer new avenues for treatment.

Overdiagnosis and Social Factors

2025-04-17 - 2025-04

Experts in the UK are raising concerns about the overdiagnosis of mental health conditions, emphasizing the need to consider social and economic factors such as poverty and unemployment in understanding and treating mental illnesses.

AI in Mental Health Assessment and Virtual Reality and AI Therapy

2025-04-19 - 2025-04

The FDA has authorized initial testing of an AI-driven mental health assessment tool known as AI-COA. This system uses behavioral signal processing and machine learning to track symptoms and assess the severity of anxiety and depression. Cedars-Sinai has developed a program called XAIA, which combines immersive virtual reality with generative AI to provide mental health support, simulating human-like therapy sessions.

Advances in Schizophrenia Research

2025-04-21 - 2025-04

The April issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry presents new studies on schizophrenia, focusing on treatment efficacy, risk factors, and brain alterations. These findings aim to enhance understanding and management of psychotic disorders.

Investigational Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder

2025-04-22 - 2025-04

Several drugs are under investigation for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD), including psilocybin, lumateperone, and vafidemstat. These compounds are in various phases of clinical trials, exploring their potential efficacy and safety.

Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Child Mental Health

2025-04-23 - 2025-04

A recent study indicates that children born to mothers with gestational diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other externalizing disorders.

Rethinking Goal Setting: The 'April Theory'

2025-04-24 - 2025-04

The "April Theory" suggests that setting goals in April, rather than January, may be more effective due to increased daylight and improved mood during spring. Psychologists advocate for seasonal goal-setting approaches to enhance motivation and well-being.

Genetic Links to Personality and Life Satisfaction

2025-04-25 - 2025-04

Recent research reveals that life satisfaction and personality traits share strong genetic foundations, highlighting the interplay between genetics and psychological well-being.

Memory Formation Mechanisms

2025-04-28 - 2025-04

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health uncovers how the brain creates new memories while preserving old ones, shedding light on the neural processes involved in memory consolidation.

Closure of HIV Psychiatry Clinic in Sydney

2025-04-29 - 2025-04

The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney has closed its HIV psychiatry clinic following staff resignations, affecting approximately 200 patients. The closure raises concerns about access to specialized mental health care for individuals with HIV.

Closure of HIV Psychiatry Clinic in Sydney

2025-04-30 - 2025-04

Young Adults Report Declining Happiness

2025-05-02 - 2025-05

A global study published in Nature Mental Health reveals that young adults today are significantly less happy than previous generations. Analyzing data from over 200,000 individuals across 20 countries, the research indicates a flattening of the traditional U-shaped happiness curve, with diminished well-being reported in areas such as physical health, self-image, finances, relationships, and purpose. Factors contributing to this decline include social media overload, economic uncertainty, and climate-related anxieties. Interestingly, the happiest demographic now appears to be those around 50 years old.

Climate Anxiety Impacting Youth Mental Health

2025-05-03 - 2025-05

Climate change is increasingly affecting mental health, particularly among young people. Researchers have identified a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, stemming from direct exposure to climate-related disasters and the ongoing threat of a deteriorating climate. Studies show that youth, especially those under 25, are disproportionately affected; even preschool-aged children show signs of climate distress. A recent study found that 20% of U.S. youth aged 16-24 fear having children due to climate concerns.

Genetic Insights into Bipolar Disorder

2025-05-06 - 2025-05

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supported the largest-ever genome-wide study of a diverse group of people with bipolar disorder, shedding new light on the genetic architecture underlying the disorder. This research enhances understanding of the biological underpinnings of bipolar disorder and may inform future therapeutic strategies.

Treatment-Resistant Depression Prevalence

2025-05-07 - 2025-05

Recent findings indicate that nearly half of patients diagnosed with depression may be considered treatment-resistant, as many do not respond to multiple antidepressant therapies. This underscores the need for alternative treatment approaches and further research into the mechanisms of depression.

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD

2025-05-08 - 2025-05

In Australia, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has been utilized to treat complex PTSD, following its legalization in 2023. Patients have reported transformative experiences, with the therapy facilitating emotional breakthroughs and trauma processing. While promising, experts emphasize the need for more extensive clinical trials to assess long-term efficacy and safety.

Investigational Drugs for Borderline Personality Disorder

2025-05-09 - 2025-05

Several drugs are under investigation for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), including:
Quetiapine: An atypical antipsychotic in Phase 3 trials.
Psilocybin: A psychedelic compound in Phase 2 trials.
Vafidemstat: A lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor in Phase 2 trials.

Nitrous Oxide for Treatment-Resistant Depression:

2025-05-12 - 2025-05

A study led by Monash University researchers found that nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, may effectively treat drug-resistant depression. In a clinical trial with 81 adults, about 20% achieved remission after four supervised 60-minute sessions, with another 20% experiencing significant symptom reduction.

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD:

2025-05-13 - 2025-05

Following its legalization in Australia in 2023, MDMA-assisted therapy is being used to treat complex PTSD. Patients report transformative experiences, though experts urge caution due to limited long-term data and high treatment costs.

Increased Access to Psychotherapy:

2025-05-14 - 2025-05

A study from the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that psychotherapy is becoming more accessible, with a rise in its use and a decrease in reliance on medication alone.

Mental Health Screening Insights:

2025-05-15 - 2025-05

Mental Health America reports that in 2024, over 5.9 million people took mental health screenings, with 78% of U.S. participants showing moderate to severe symptoms. Depression screenings were the most common.

Big Pharma's Renewed Interest:

2025-05-16 - 2025-05

After a period of decline, pharmaceutical companies are reinvesting in mental health treatments. Notable moves include Bristol Myers Squibb's acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics and Johnson & Johnson's purchase of Intra-Cellular Therapies, signaling a resurgence in psychiatric drug development.

Challenges in Drug Development:

2025-05-17 - 2025-05

Experts highlight that stigma and regulatory hurdles have historically impeded psychiatric drug research. Calls are being made for policy changes to encourage innovation in this field.

Punjab to involve private psychiatrists in deaddiction efforts

2025-05-17 - 2025-05

To strengthen deaddiction services across Punjab, health minister Dr Balbir Singh announced the inclusion of private psychiatrists in government-run deaddiction centres. The move aims to address the growing patient load and improve the quality of care for individuals battling substance abuse.

Mother’s childhood trauma linked to emotional and behavioral issues in her children, study finds

2025-05-20 - 2025-05

A new longitudinal study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry provides compelling evidence that a mother’s exposure to adversity in childhood can influence the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development of her own children. The research found that these early experiences are not only linked to a child’s outcomes, but also shape the environment in which a child is raised—by affecting socioeconomic status, maternal mental health, relationship conflict, and caregiving behavior.

National Mental Health Awareness Month:

2025-05-21 - 2025-05

May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., with initiatives aimed at highlighting the importance of mental well-being and addressing the challenges faced by those with mental health conditions.

Abolish Psychiatry, Abolish Neurology: Toward a Unified Discipline of Brain Medicine

2025-05-26 - 2025-05

The longstanding division between psychiatry and neurology is a historical artifact, not a scientific necessity. Despite addressing the same organ, these fields operate as separate disciplines, fragmenting education, care, research, regulation, and reimbursement. This editorial argues for the abolition of that divide and the creation of a unified discipline of brain medicine. Drawing on advances in systems neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and neuromodulation, I present a comprehensive critique of the dual-specialty model and propose an integrated alternative.

A neural substrate of comorbid depressive symptoms in alcohol use

2025-05-27 - 2025-05

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is commonly associated with depression, which may exacerbate the clinical outcome and increase treatment difficulty. The neural substrates underlying such comorbid symptoms are unclear. Here, we identify the regulatory role of amygdala Menin (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1) signaling in orchestrating local GABAergic inhibition, which modulates the emotional state following alcohol use. Alcohol intake reduces Menin expression in the amygdala, decreasing GAT1 transcription. Restoring Menin signaling or overexpressing GAT1 in the amygdala could suppress alcohol preference and prevent depressive-like behaviors in these animals.

APA 2025 Annual Meeting Highlights

2025-05-28 - 2025-05

The American Psychiatric Association's 2025 Annual Meeting in Los Angeles emphasized the mental health impacts of climate change. Experts highlighted that climate-related stressors, such as heatwaves and natural disasters, can exacerbate conditions like anxiety and depression. Patients with psychiatric disorders are particularly vulnerable due to physiological factors and medication side effects that impair heat regulation.

AI vs. Therapist: Mental Health Support in a War Zone

2025-05-31 - 2025-05

Research suggests that AI chatbots can reduce anxiety during wartime, but human therapy had better results.AI chatbots can be supportive, but work best as part of a hybrid system given their current limitations. Research supports a model of AI augmentation, rather than replacement of human therapists.

New global treatment guidelines for schizophrenia

2025-06-02 - 2025-06

Schizophrenia affects almost 1% of Australians. It remains one of the most severe and complex psychiatric conditions, with high levels of disability, early mortality and comorbidity. While effective treatments exist, they are often delayed, inconsistently applied or poorly tolerated. Existing guidelines are generally country-specific, lengthy and not always easy to navigate at the point of care. In response, the international INTEGRATE collaboration has developed a concise, algorithmic and evidence-based guide to the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia.

New understanding of how antidepressants work

2025-06-03 - 2025-06

Researchers have established a new framework for understanding how classic antidepressants work in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), reemphasizing their importance and aiming to reframe clinical conversation around their role in treatment.

Psychedelics in Psychiatric Treatment

2025-06-05 - 2025-06

Recent discussions at the Indian Journal of Psychiatry highlight the potential of psychedelics like ketamine, esketamine, and MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in treating conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. While these substances show promise, concerns about their acute effects, dosing flexibility, and regulatory challenges remain.

APA's Advocacy Efforts

2025-06-06 - 2025-06

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has urged the Department of Health and Human Services to prioritize mental health and substance use, emphasizing the importance of the patient-physician relationship.

Clinical research on psychedelics gets a boost from new study

2025-06-07 - 2025-06

As psychedelics gain traction as potential treatments for mental health disorders, an international study led by researchers at McGill University, Imperial College London, and the University of Exeter stands to improve the rigour and reliability of clinical research.

The 100-Year-Old Psychologist Is Still Listening

2025-06-10 - 2025-06

At the appointed time, her patients will dial in, and the 100-year-old psychologist will pick up the phone. Increasingly hard of hearing, she presses her cordless handset tightly to her ear. She is partly blind, and can no longer rely on reading her own notes. For 45 minutes, several times a week, she listens intently to the pains and conundrums of clients who have come to depend on her counsel.

Imagery-based RIM psychotherapy might trigger psychedelic-like brain activity

2025-06-11 - 2025-06

A brief, imagery-based psychotherapy known as Regenerating Images in Memory (RIM) appears to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms after a single session, while triggering altered states of consciousness and distinct shifts in brain activity. These findings come from a new exploratory study published in Frontiers in Psychology, which tested RIM in a group of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several Psychiatric Disorders Share The Same Root Cause, Study Finds

2025-06-11 - 2025-06

Researchers recently discovered that eight different psychiatric conditions share a common genetic basis. A study published this year pinpointed specific variants among those shared genes and uncovered how they behave during brain development. The US team found that many of these variants remain active for extended periods, potentially influencing multiple developmental stages – and offering new targets for treatments that could address several disorders at once.

Redemption in Psychiatry, Part 2: Collegial Reactions

2025-06-13 - 2025-06

The request was not to demand that attention be paid to redemption in psychiatry, but to consider its relevance, and a good many did so. Here are some representative anonymous samples beyond what was covered in the original column. Relevance: Either “very interesting or “thought provoking” was by far the most common responses from other psychiatrists.

Psychiatric counsellor caught smuggling mobile phone for undertrial in central prison in Bengaluru

2025-06-16 - 2025-06

The accused was identified as Navyashri K.M., a resident of KR Pet, working on contract at the prison hospital’s psychiatric wing. She was caught by head constable Smitha while being frisked. The metal detector began to beep, after which she was subjected to physical frisking when the police allegedly recovered the mobile phone. The accused was handed over to the commandant of Karnataka Industrial Security Force, who handed her to the jurisdictional Parappana Agarahara police along with the seized phone for further investigation.

Linking prolonged childhood and adolescent loneliness to schizophrenia spectrum disorders: results from EU-GEI study

2025-06-17 - 2025-06

Prolonged childhood and adolescent loneliness (CAL) is linked to various adverse mental health outcomes, yet its impact on schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has been understudied. While loneliness is associated with psychosis and worsens symptoms in SSD, few studies have explored the long-term effects of early loneliness on SSD risk. Understanding how CAL interacts with genetic liability to schizophrenia is essential for identification of high-risk individuals.

Psychology shows signs of recovery from replication crisis

2025-06-18 - 2025-06

As if political broadsides weren’t enough to undermine public confidence in science, a deep-seated issue became apparent from within science itself in the 2010s: the replication crisis. Researchers began to realise many published papers, especially in psychology and medicine, contained results that couldn’t be replicated. It was a surfeit of bad science that also undermined the work of others that was erected on faulty results.

International Conference on Psychiatry and Psychology

Brochure Form

Psilocin IV Therapy for Binge Eating Disorder

Dopamine's Role in Cognitive Flexibility

Chronic Stress and Depression

Overdiagnosis and Social Factors

AI in Mental Health Assessment and Virtual Reality and AI Therapy

Advances in Schizophrenia Research

Investigational Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder

Impact of Gestational Diabetes on Child Mental Health

Rethinking Goal Setting: The 'April Theory'

Genetic Links to Personality and Life Satisfaction

Memory Formation Mechanisms

Closure of HIV Psychiatry Clinic in Sydney

Closure of HIV Psychiatry Clinic in Sydney

Young Adults Report Declining Happiness

Climate Anxiety Impacting Youth Mental Health

Genetic Insights into Bipolar Disorder

Treatment-Resistant Depression Prevalence

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD

Investigational Drugs for Borderline Personality Disorder

Nitrous Oxide for Treatment-Resistant Depression:

MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD:

Increased Access to Psychotherapy:

Mental Health Screening Insights:

Big Pharma's Renewed Interest:

Challenges in Drug Development:

Punjab to involve private psychiatrists in deaddiction efforts

Mother’s childhood trauma linked to emotional and behavioral issues in her children, study finds

National Mental Health Awareness Month:

Abolish Psychiatry, Abolish Neurology: Toward a Unified Discipline of Brain Medicine

A neural substrate of comorbid depressive symptoms in alcohol use

APA 2025 Annual Meeting Highlights

AI vs. Therapist: Mental Health Support in a War Zone

New global treatment guidelines for schizophrenia

New understanding of how antidepressants work

Psychedelics in Psychiatric Treatment

APA's Advocacy Efforts

Clinical research on psychedelics gets a boost from new study

The 100-Year-Old Psychologist Is Still Listening

Imagery-based RIM psychotherapy might trigger psychedelic-like brain activity

Several Psychiatric Disorders Share The Same Root Cause, Study Finds

Redemption in Psychiatry, Part 2: Collegial Reactions

Psychiatric counsellor caught smuggling mobile phone for undertrial in central prison in Bengaluru

Linking prolonged childhood and adolescent loneliness to schizophrenia spectrum disorders: results from EU-GEI study

Psychology shows signs of recovery from replication crisis

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