Could years of commuting through city smog be leaving lasting marks on our brains? A major UK birth cohort study suggests that midlife exposure to nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants may lead to smaller hippocampal volumes and slower cognitive processing in later life, even after accounting for social and educational factors.
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A large multicentre trial from Germany found that repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) significantly reduced auditory hallucinations compared to sham treatment. Could this safe and well-tolerated therapy finally offer new hope for people with persistent voices?
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Not all childhood trauma has the same biological impact. A new study finds that adversity in late childhood is most strongly linked to immune dysregulation at age 24.
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A large NHS trial found that the Circle of Security parenting programme did not outperform treatment-as-usual for parents experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. But does this mean we should stop offering it?
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Is teenage depression more likely to come back later in life? A new population study challenges assumptions and finds similar recurrence risks in both adolescents and adults.
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How safe is it to treat ADHD in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders? New long-term data offers pragmatic reassurance, but also some warnings.
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Clozapine is described as the gold standard treatment for schizophrenia but a new cohort study suggests it is associated with an increased risk of infections, particularly in older patients, further solidifying the case for holistic care.
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The UPSIDES trial demonstrates that peer support is effective across diverse global contexts, from high-income to low-income countries. While overall social inclusion scores didn’t reach significance, participants showed reduced isolation and increased empowerment and hope. This landmark study proves peer support can be successfully adapted to different cultural settings while maintaining core recovery-oriented principles.
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Sex and gender differences in mental health are real; the mechanisms are under-explored. This review pulls together evidence on sex-steroids, brain development, neuroinflammation, and the social world to show where practice and policy must catch up.
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People with severe mental illness often face years of poor health before diagnosis. A new study uses machine learning and clinical notes to map the early warning networks of symptoms that could help us intervene earlier.
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