Update 6/23/03

Psych-in-the-News Archive 6/23/03

1) "Shyness Shows Up in Brain Scans, Study Finds"- Reuters, 6/19/03.
Recent research indicates that the amygdala in the brains of shy people overreact when exposed to unfamiliar faces. Researchers are hopeful the finding will lead to new treatments for anxiety disorders.

2) Industrial Psych:
a) "Rested Workers Are Better Workers, Study Finds"- Reuters, 6/19/03.
According to recent research, workers who spend their evenings relaxing, rather than working, are more energetic and efficient during the day. The study specifically identified increased vigor, dedication, and absorption.

b) "Good Excuse Helps When Giving Employees Bad News"- Reuters, 6/18/03.
Researchers report that employees respond better to bad news if the news is coupled with a believable excuse; however, an inadequate explanation appears to be worse than no explanation.

3) "Study Suggests Difference Between Female And Male Sexuality"-Science Daily, 6/13/03. Recent research suggests that female patterns of sexual arousal are not as closely tied to their sexual orientation as male patterns of arousal. Researchers report that these findings indicate the need for further study of the differences in the development of men and women’s sexual orientations.

4) "Court limits involuntary medication to restore trial competence"-MSNBC, 6/16/03.
The Supreme Court voted that the government must meet specified conditions before involuntarily medicating defendants with anti-psychotics.

5) "Report highlights trends showing a decline in child-centeredness in American society"- Eurekalert, 6/18/03.
Research reveals that currently in the US, fewer children are raised in a married couple household, and fewer married couples are having children. The Census Bureau predicts that by 2010, families with children will account for only 28 percent of U.S. households.

6) "Counseling Cheers Depressed Heart Attack Patients"- HealthDay, 6/17/03.
Research indicates that while psychological counseling helps to alleviate depression among heart attack patients, it does not increase survival rates or decrease rates of a second heart attack.

7) "UCSD Researchers Identify Gene Involved In Bipolar Disorder"-Science Daily, 6/17/03.
A recent study identified a gene that causes Bipolar Disorder in a subset of patients. Researchers report the cause as a mutation in the gene that regulates the brain’s sensitivity to dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

8) "Is There An Unexpected Price For Late Night High Tech Excitement?"-Science Daily, 6/17/03.
According to a new study, playing a stimulating video game with bright backlighting before going to bed, may result in poor sleep. Researchers site disturbances in melatonin concentrations as the reason for this poor sleep.

9) "Adolescents are neurologically more vulnerable to addictions"-Eurekalert, 6/18/03.
Recent research indicates that the region of the brain that rules impulses and motivation is not fully developed in adolescents; therefore making them more vulnerable to various addictions.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 6/9/03

1) "Direction of another's gaze influences how you perceive emotion"- Eurekalert, 6/5/03.
Research indicates that emotions are perceived differently based upon the direction of a person’s gaze. Researchers report that specifically, the amygdala, detects threats and directs subsequent emotional reactions.

2) Memory:
a) "As We Get Older, Memory "Accentuates the Positive," Helping Explain Why Aging Can foster Good Feelings"- APA, 6/1/03.
According to recent research, as people age, they are more likely to remember positive emotional images than negative emotional images. Furthermore, research suggests that older adults are better able to maintain positive feelings and lower negative feelings.

b) "Rutgers researchers offer new theories about memory"- Eurekalert, 6/5/03.
Researchers have posited two opposing theories about how memory operates; however, recent research combining the two theories appears to be more probable.

3) Learning:
a) "Scientists find the root of learning in the brains hippocampus"- Eurekalert, 6/5/03.
Recent research has identified cells in the brain’s hippocampus responsible for signaling the formation of new associative memories. Researchers are hopeful that these results will lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease.

b) "Research shows similarities between infants learning to talk, birds learning to sing"- IU, 6/2/03.
According to a recent study, the way a mother’s touch and smile affects her child’s speech development is comparable to young birds’ experiences learning to sing.

4) "Among disabled, exercise can boost moods of those with most- negative traits"- UF News, 6/4/03.
Researchers report that people with personalities tending toward negativity, anxiety, and depression experience significant elevations in their mood after exercising. Furthermore, the relationship was found to be independent of positive and negative daily events.

5) "Math doesn't figure in girls' career choice"- DetNews, 6/4/03.
Research indicates that, girls’ career choices are more influenced by their values than their abilities. The study also found that women who pursue careers in the sciences tend to go into social and life sciences.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 6/2/03


"Race Has Powerful Effects on Children's Perceptions of Occupations, Study Finds" - APA, 5/25/03.
Results of a recent study indicate that young African American students attributed a higher status to occupations held predominately by European Americans. The results held for both real and “made-up” jobs.

"Is a picture worth a thousand words? Not for young children"- OSU, 5/27/03.
According to recent research, children pay more attention to sounds than they do to pictures. This is the first study to link this phenomenon with children up to four years old.

"Husbands, wives don't agree on their financial status, study shows"- OSU, 5/28/03.
Recent national research found that the average husband reports the couple earns five percent more income than his wife reports. The study suggests this discrepancy may contribute to why so many couples argue about finances.

"University Of Michigan Study Helps Define Why Fewer Women Choose Math-based Careers"- Science Daily, 5/27/03.
According to a recent study, math self-confidence plays a significantly smaller role in students’ decisions on college majors than was once believed. Furthermore, students’ values were found to have a greater role in their decision than their skills.

"Sexes have skewed view of own attractiveness, study finds"- AJC, 5/30/03.
Recent research indicates that men and women, both rate themselves as less attractive than do the opposite sex. Researchers report sixty-one percent of young adults who have pledged virginity until marriage, have broken their pledges. Research also indicates that women are more drawn to men with high status positions; men are more drawn to women with average jobs.

“As we get older, memory accentuates the positive helping explain why aging can foster good feelings” - Eurekalert, 6/1/03
Recent research has found that older adults report recalling fewer negative emotional images and greater positive emotional images than younger adults.

“Study Identifies Triggers for Risky Sex Among Gay Men” -  CFAH, 5/30/03
Recent research has linked deficits in communication skills to an increased likelihood of engaging in risky sexual activity, among gay men. The study also identified the belief of an inability to prevent HIV as another trigger.
 

Psych-in-the-News Archive 5/26/03

" Was Orton Right? New Study Examines How The Brain Works In Reading; Offers Key To Better Understanding Dyslexia "- Science Daily,5/19/03.
Recent research confirms an eighty-year old theory that children “turn off” the right hemisphere’s visual parts as they become accomplished readers. The research was also able to establish, for the first time, that different phonological skills are associated with different parts of the brain.

"Studies Suggest Seniors Memories Might Not Be So Bad, After All "- NCSU, 5/21/03.
Researchers report that age-related cognitive declines may not be as distinct as currently believed. Researchers argue that findings of previous studies may be the result of a stereotype threat.

"Memory for music: Musicians don't have to hear themselves perform after they learn a song "- OSU, 5/21/03.
According to the results of a recent study, musicians’ memories benefits from hearing themselves performing songs they are learning; however the effect is eradicated after the song is learned.

"Laser Measurements Reveal Biological Basis Of Distance Perception "- Science Daily, 5/21/03.
Recent research indicates that people tend to estimate the distance of objects as being 6 to 12 feet away from each other, because that is the average measurement in “visual scenes” people see. Researchers believe this is evidence of the evolution of the visual system.

"Some Success Seen With Depression Treatment by Phone "- CFAH,5/16/03. Research indicates that depressed patients enrolled in a disease management program offered by telephone were 6 times as likely to report some alleviation of their symptoms. The study also found that primary care providers participating in the study were more likely to prescribe treatments in line with national guidelines.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 5/19/03

"Personality Is Not Set By 30; It Can Change Throughout Life, Say Researchers"- APA, 5/11/03.
Recent research indicates that despite the popular notion that personality traits are generally stabilized during early adulthood, personality traits can change during middle adulthood.

"Fetus heart races when mom reads poetry"- QU, 5/9/03.
According to a recent study, fetuses have the ability to learn in the womb. The study indicates that fetuses can not only remember their mothers’ voices, but even decipher their voices from other women.

"Early-life Environments Shape Development Of Stress Behaviors And Learning Abilities In Mice"- Science Daily, 5/13/03.
Researchers report that genetically identical mice, placed in different environments, respond differently to stress and exhibit different learning abilities. Researchers state the findings as evidence that environment plays a substantial role in development.

"Violent Music Lyrics Increase Aggressive Thoughts and Feelings, According to New Study"- APA, 5/4/03.
Results of a recent study suggest that violent music lyrics are directly linked to increased aggressive thoughts and emotions. The study consisted of a series of five experiments and 500 college students.

"Study Links Migraine, Major Depression"- Reuters, 5/15/03.
Recent research found a two-way relationship between migraine headaches and major depression. Researchers report that this relationship is evidence that the same biologic al factors are involved in both disorders.

"Social stress related to depression in arthritic patients"-CFAH, 5/14/03.
Research indicates that arthritis, itself, may lead to depressive symptoms. However, actual depression appears to be resultant from social difficulties directly related to arthritis, as well as independent social stressors.

"Alcohol impairs executive cognitive functioning much longer than expected"- Eurekalert, 5/14/03.
Researchers report that alcohol continues to impair executive cognitive functioning even after people no longer feel stimulated by the alcohol. Executive cognitive functioning includes abstract reasoning and planning, among other functions.

"Father's absence increases daughter's risk of teen pregnancy"-CFAH, 5/14/03.  
According to a longitudinal study, the absence of fathers increases their daughters’ risk for early sexual activity and pregnancy. Researchers also note the importance of the timing of the fathers’ departures.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 5/5/03

"Counseling reduces risky behavior in HIV-positive people" - CFAH, 4/29/03.
"A year after receiving behavioral counseling about risky sexual behavior, HIV-positive people had two-thirds fewer episodes of unprotected sex with HIV-negative individuals or those who do not know their status, according to new research..."

"Counseling Some Help for Postpartum Depression" - Reuters, 5/1/03.
"The misery of postpartum depression can be alleviated, at least in the short term, by counseling or psychological therapy given at home, British researchers said on Thursday..."

"Study on world’s oldest monkeys may explain age-related mental decline, Scientists say" - Eurekalert, 5/1/03.
"Scientists may have discovered why the brain’s higher information-processing center slows down in old age, affecting everything from language, to vision, to motor skills. The findings may also point toward drugs for reversing the process..."

"The price of prejudice: Interactions with minorities can sap mental capacity" - Eurekalert, 4/30/03.
"People with racially prejudiced attitudes may suffer a previously unrecognized cost for their outlook: temporary impairment of some forms of mental functioning..."

"The elderly, alcohol dependence and risk factors for suicide" - CFAH, 4/29/03.
"New research findings linking alcoholism as an established risk factor for suicide demonstrate the need for suicide risk recognition and prevention efforts targeted to middle- and older-adults with alcohol dependence. Data also indicate that increased age may serve as a marker for more chronic, treatment refractory alcoholism associated with greater risk for suicide..."

"Social factors loom large in men's poor health" - CFAH, 4/29/03.
"Social and behavioral factors may help explain why American men, especially low-income and minority men, are less healthy than women in almost every way, according to research in the May issue of the American Journal of Public Health..."

"Women are more prone to winter depression" - Telegraph, 5/1/03.
The article presents the findings of new research which found sex differences and geographic factors relating to seasonal affective disorder.

"The False Confession" - Psychology Today, 4/30/03.
"Why an innocent person will confess guilt. a recent review of one decade's worth of murder cases in a single Illinois county found 247 instances in which the defendants' self-incriminating statements were thrown out by the court or found by a jury to be insufficiently convincing for conviction..."

Psych-in-the-News Archive 4/29/03

"Children's stereotypes of aging starts early"- Eurekalert, 4/22/03. 
According to recent research, children develop negative stereotypes of the elderly as early as age 5. Furthermore, older adults also seem to believe that they cannot perform as well as younger adults.

"Very Low Lead Levels Linked With IQ Deficits, According To NEJM Study"- Science Daily, 4/17/03.
A recent longitudinal study found that children with blood lead concentrations as low as 10 micrograms per deciliter suffer IQ deficits. Researchers report that because such low lead levels cause intellectual impairments, many more children, than previously believed, have been affected.

"Novel new brain imaging technique pinpoints areas of brain most crucial for normal functioning"- UCSD, 4/21/03.
Researchers have developed a new brain imaging technique, Voxel-based Lesion-Symptom Mapping, which has successfully combined lesion-behavior mapping and fMRI’s. Researchers report that they will be able to use this technology to pinpoint specific areas of the brain used during critical brain activities.

"White women three times more likely to commit suicide than black women"- Eurekalert, 4/23/03.
Recent research conducted at UNC found that white women commit suicide three times as often as minority women. The study also found that patterns of suicide among women vary by age, leading researchers to believe prevention should be targeted at particular populations.

"AA helps alcoholics stay abstinent over the long term"- CFAH, 4/23/03.
According to current research recovering alcoholics who participate in AA groups are three times less likely to relapse than those who do not participate. However, this rate of relapse was significantly increased when individuals had a close relationship with a heavy drinker.

"Antidepressant Use Not Linked to Birth Defects"- Reuters, 4/23/03.
Researchers report that pregnant women who take SSRIs are no more likely to have children with birth defects. Previous research suggested that use of SSRIs during pregnancy was linked to preterm labor; however, this study did not find an elevated risk.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 4/21/03

"New research dispels popular myth that a bully's words will never hurt you"- Eurekalert, 4/15/03. "Contrary to popular belief the study reveals that verbal-victimisation has a particular impact on the victim's feeling of self-worth, and that name-calling can significantly reduce self-esteem..."

"Suicide Rates Highest in Spring, Summer Months"- Reuters, 4/16/03.
"Despite reports of "winter blues" that appear to lift with the first signs of spring, new findings show that people tend to commit suicide more often during warmer months..."

"Very low lead levels linked with IQ deficits, according to NEJM
study"- Eurekalert, 4/16/03.
"A new study suggests that lead may be harmful even at very low blood concentrations..."

"Think political news is biased? Depends who you ask"- OSU, 4/7/03.
"That’s the finding of a new Ohio State University study: Republicans who frequently talk politics with other Republicans are more likely to believe that the so-called liberal media are biased against them than are Republicans who talk with like-minded people less often..."

"Moms' high prenatal alcohol use triples childs' odds of having drinking-related problems at 21"- Eurekalert, 4/14/03.
"A woman's heavy episodic drinking during pregnancy triples the odds that her child will develop alcohol-related problems at age 21, according to a new study that has been tracking young adults since before their birth..."

"Highly educated may be at greater risk for mental health problems"- CFAH, 4/16/03. "Highly educated workers seem to be at greater risk for poor mental health than the general U.S. population, a new study suggests..."

"UCLA Study Suggests Maternal Depression, Not Antidepressant Use, Lowers Nursing Infant Weight Gain"- UCLA, 4/15/03.
"A new UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute study suggests that maternal depression, not antidepressant use, affects infant weight gain in the first six months after birth..."

"Meeting One's Twin: Perceived Social Closeness and Familiarity"- Evolutionary Psychology, 3/31/03.
"Perceptions of social closeness and familiarity were assessed among 44 monozygotic (MZA) and 33 dizygotic (DZA) reunited twin pairs, and several individual twins and triplets. Significantly greater MZA than DZA closeness and familiarity were found..."

Psych-in-the-News Archive 4/14/03

"Higher pain tolerance in males can't be bought"- Eurekalert, 4/9/03.
"Men's higher tolerance for pain is not just macho posturing but has a physiological underpinning, suggests a study in which subjects were given a monetary incentive to keep their hand submerged in ice water..."

"Social Support at Work Protects the Heart"- CFAH, 4/9/03.
"Social support at work is associated with lower blood pressure during the workday and smaller blood pressure increases during work-related stressful moments, according to a study of New York City traffic enforcement agents..."

"Two Brain Systems Tell Us To Breathe"- Science Daily, 4/2/03.
"Until now, scientists believed that a single area in the brain generated breathing rhythm, enabling breathing to speed up or slow down to adapt to the body’s activity and position. But UCLA neurobiologists have discovered that two systems in the brain interact to generate breathing rhythm..."

"Overweight Kids Have Lower Quality of Life"- Discovery Health, 4/10/03.
"Overweight kids aren't just the butt of jokes among their peers, their condition also severely compromises their quality of life, a study released Tuesday said..."

"Brain signal prompts addictive behavior"- UPI, 4/9/03.
"Using state-of-the-art technology, researchers for the first time have measured, to the split-second, the chemical trigger that makes it difficult for addicts to just say, "No," to drugs, food, sex or other over-indulgences..."

"Researchers study our need to forget"- Arizona Republic, 4/8/03.
New research explores our need to forget and possible preventative treatments that could be used to prevent such illnesses as PTSD.

"UCLA Imaging Study Reveals How Active Empathy Charges Emotions; Physical Mimicry Of Others Jump-starts Key Brain Activity"- Science Daily, 4/8/03.
"UCLA neuroscientists using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are the first to demonstrate that empathetic action, such as mirroring facial expressions, triggers far greater activity in the emotion centers of the brain than mere observation..."

"Adapting To Sandstorms, Other Confusing Threats To Our Senses"-Science Daily, 4/7/03.
"Soldiers confronting brown-out conditions from desert dust in Iraq are coping with a swirl of confusing sensory input not unlike that experienced by many ordinary people in everyday life...

Psych-in-the-News Archive 4/07/03

"Feeback to Crime Witnesses Distorts How They Feel About Their Identification of Suspects, Even When the Feedback is Delayed"-APA, 4/1/03.
Recent research indicates that feedback, up to 2 days after a line-up, affects eyewitness's confidence in their selection from the line-up. Furthermore, eyewitnesses are unaware that the feedback has shaken their confidence.

"Playtime is best way for infants to learn safely"- TimesOnline, 4/4/03.
British researchers report that parents who try to formally teach pre-school children at home, may be leading them to future mental health issues. Parents are encouraged to interact with their children through informal play.

"NIMH launches first public education campaign to reach more than six million men with depression"- Eurekalert, 4/1/03.
Research suggests that men are less likely than women to seek treatment for depression. Therefore, NIMH has announced a campaign designed to raise awareness that depression is a major health concern among men.

"New APA Survey Shows War Just One More Stress For Already-Stressed Therapy Patients"- APA, 4/2/03.
According to a recent study, people are already under so much stress in today's society, the war is only seen as the latest stressor. While the study's participants did not ignore the start of the war, their anxiety levels did not noticeably increase.

"UCR sociologist says stress, danger and ridicule on the job could mean bruises for partners at home"- Eurekalert, 4/3/03.
Sociologists report that men who work in female-dominated fields and experience danger and violence in the workplace, are more likely to be abusive to their female partners.

"Slowing Disease's Ravages Alzheimer's drug study successful"-Newsday, 4/3/03.
Researchers report that for the first time, a drug has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, among patients in the advanced stages of the disease.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 3/31/03

"Leadership Styles That Use Rewards and Shared Values Help Platoons Perform Well in Simulated Combat Situations"- APA, 3/26/03.
"Two styles of leadership - rewarding performance and building identification for the mission -- used in combination are good predictors of simulated Army platoon unit performances during times of high stress and uncertainty, according to a study on leadership styles and performance...

Resilience in a Time of War Articles - APA, 3/03
The APA offers a variety of free war-related and resilience articles for professionals & the public.

"Mothers' psychological symptoms influence which children go to the doctor"- 3/26/03.
"Children whose mothers are the most depressed, anxious, and report high levels of psychosomatic symptoms are twice as likely to be taken to a doctor when they complain of a stomach ache or abdominal pain than are children whose mothers report the least amount of such mental stress...

"Adolescents' Perceived Importance of Religion Found to Lessen Their Drug Use"- APA, 3/30/03.
"When adolescents perceive religion as important in their lives, it may lower rates of cigarette smoking, heavy drinking and marijuana use, according to a study that tracked urban adolescents from middle school through high school..."

"Age-Related Changes in the Brain's White Matter Affect Cognitive Function in Old Age; Hypertension May Contribute"- APA, 3/23/03.
"Age-related changes in the brain -- the appearance, starting around age 60, of "white-matter lesions" among the brain's message-carrying axons -- significantly affect cognitive function in old age..."

"Studies Show Parents, Pediatricians, And Schools Critical In Identifying And Treating Social Anxiety Disorder In Kids"- Yahoo, 3/27/03.
"Social anxiety disorder is very common in children and associated with significant personal impairment, yet infrequently discussed with pediatricians..."

"Research shifts to examine role of myelin and suggests new therapies may be on the horizon"- Newsday, 3/25/03. New research out of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York examines the role of myelin in mental illness.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 3/26/03

"Visual attention attuned to grabbable objects"- Eurekalert, 3/16/03.
" Dartmouth research group has found a new and unexpected way our attention can be grabbed ñ by grabbable objects..."

"Pheromones in male perspiration reduce women's tension, alter hormone response"- Eurekalert, 3/14/03.
"Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia have found that exposure to male perspiration has marked psychological and physiological effects on women.."

"Testosterone levels and marriage:  High is not all bad"- Eurekalert, 3/17/03.
"A low-testosterone man newly married to a high-testosterone woman might seem destined to be henpecked but a Penn State study found that such a coupling actually produced a marriage where the wife provided better social support for her mate..."

"Tattoos OK for Bikers, Not Businessmen: Study "- Reuters, 3/17/03.
"New research suggests that people don't mind tattoos--as long as the tattooed person fits certain stereotypes..."

"ADHD affects adults, too"- UPI, 3/17/03.
"Researchers said Monday that they have found attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, which many people normally associate with children, also affects adults and can have a major impact on their work and health..."

"Sleep Debts Accrue When Nightly Sleep Totals Six Hours Or Fewer; Penn Study Find People Respond Poorly, While Feeling Only 'Slightly' Tired"- Science Daily, 3/14/03.
"Those who believe they can function well on six or fewer hours of sleep every night may be accumulating a "sleep debt" that cuts into their normal cognitive abilities, according to research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine..."

"College students report more stress, depression"- Billings Gazette, 3/17/03.
"Depression, suicidal thoughts and other worrisome conditions appear to have increased dramatically among college students seeking on-campus counseling, a new study suggests..."

Psych-in-the-News Archive 3/17/03

"Childhood Exposure to Media Violence Predicts Young Adult Aggressive Behavior, According To New 15-Year Study"- APA, 3/9/03.
Recent research indicates that, both male and female, children who are exposed to media violence and perceive it as reality, are more prone to aggression in their adolescent years. This longitudinal study also found that previous aggression levels had no bearing.

"'Sleep debts' accrue when nightly sleep totals six hours or fewer"- Eurekalert, 3/13/03.
Researchers report poorer performance in cognitive abilities among participants who get six, or less, hours of sleep. The study also found that many participants were too sleep-deprived to realize their performance was impaired.

"Elderly pain complaints tied more closely to life satisfaction than
health"- CFAH, 3/11/03.
According to a new study, the amount of complaints elderly people express may be more closely associated with their life satisfaction than their physical health. Researchers caution that their results should not be generalized to the entire elderly population because the study's participants were inpatients.

"Identifying depression in preschoolers"- Eurekalert, 3/7/03.
Researchers report that depression can be recognized in children, under 6 years of age, by watching them play. Findings indicate that depressed children explore themes of death and suicide in their play.

"Are Married People Happier Than Unmarried People?"- APA, 3/16/03.
A German study indicates that although previous research has reported an increase in happiness among married people, the increase is minimal.

"Smell, emotion processor in brain may be altered in depressed patients"- CFAH, 3/10/03.
According to recent research, the area of the brain responsible for processing smells and emotions may be impaired among those suffering from severe depression. Researchers are hopeful that the results will lead to a better understanding of the physiological aspects of depression.

"Its not you that makes vision mistakes, its your brain"- Eurekalert, 3/12/03.
A study conducted by David Heeger of NYU and David Ress of Stanford shows brain activity responds to what we think we see, even when itís wrong

Psych-in-the-News Archive 3/10/03

"Emotional distress leads children to doubt their competence"-Eurekalert, 3/4/03.
A long-term study of elementary school students reveals that children who experience emotional distress from depression and anxiety tend to doubt their abilities. Researchers believe that these doubts are detrimental to development over time.

"An extra hour of sleep can make a big difference for kids"-Eurekalert, 3/4/03.
Results of a recent study stress the importance of adequate sleep among children. Researchers found even one additional hour of sleep per night to be associated with improved neuropsychological functioning.

"Many depressed patients have low satisfaction with care"-Eurekalert, 3/4/03.
Research indicates that many people recently diagnosed with depression were only offered anti-depressant drug treatment; only half were also advised to see a mental health therapist. The results also found patients to have a low satisfaction with their care.

"Stimulant treatment of children with ADHD reduces subsequent substance abuse"- Eurekalert, 3/5/03.
Recent research suggests that stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, lead to reduced rates of future substance abuse among children with ADHD. Researchers found that children treated showed a reduction in substance abuse risk by half; while no treatment showed the risk to double.

"Psychology professor maps choice-making in the brain"-Eurekalert, 3/6/03.
Researchers studying decision making found that two systems in the brain are used to make choices: deliberative and emotional. Deliberative systems work through areas in the brain associated with mathematical and rational functions; emotional systems work through areas associated with more primal sections.

"Compromise is name of the game in how brain works, say University of Toronto researchers"- Eurekalert, 3/5/03.
Results of a recent study suggest that when the brain intakes information, it discounts interpretations of this information that are unlikely. Researchers liken the process to the completion of a jigsaw puzzle.

"Brain grey matter loss in panic disorder"- Health-News, 3/5/03. h
Spanish researchers report abnormalities in the brain's grey matter among people suffering from panic disorder; specifically a lack of grey matter in the parahippocampal gyrus. Future research is slated to look at the potential differences in grey matter across various types of panic disorder.

"Cocaine use may alter brain cells, play role in depression"-Eurekalert, 3/5/03.
Recent research indicates that chronic cocaine abuse can damage areas of the brain responsible for producing feelings of pleasure, possibly leading to depression. Researchers are hopeful that their findings will lead to new and improved treatments.

"Brains of dyslexic children can be 'rewired' to improve reading skills"- Rutgers.Newark Online, 3/4/03.
For the first time, researchers have found evidence to suggest that remedial training of dyslexic children can improve their reading skills.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 3/4/03

"Rutgers researcher advances understanding of attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia" - Eurekalert, 2/27/03.
A Rutgers University Researcher is using magnetic imaging to identify what areas of the brain are involved in certain cognitive functions in order to learn more about specific neural pathways and how they may relate to mental illness.

"Smoking, drinking at school may be contagious for teens"- CFAH, 2/24/03.
"Teens are more likely to share smoking and drinking habits with their peers when they attend schools with a relatively large number of students who use tobacco or alcohol, according to a new study..."

"Keeping tabs on teens may curb alcohol use and risks"- Eurekalert, 2/24/03.
"Adolescents whose parents closely monitor their activities are less likely to use alcohol or to be in risky situations involving alcohol, suggests new research published in the American Journal of Health Behavior..."

"Dyslexic children`s brains operate more like those of normal readers following training"- Eurekalert, 2/24/03.
"For the first time, researchers have shown that the brains of dyslexic children can be rewired - after undergoing intensive remediation training - to function more like those found in normal readers..."

"Remedial programs lessen dyslexic function"- CNN, 2/25/03.
"When dyslexic children took part in a program to teach them better reading skills their brains began functioning more like the brains of normal children, a new study reports..."

"Both antidepressant therapy and counseling may help smokers achieve short-term abstinence"- Eurekalert, 2/20/03.
"A study to determine whether counseling increases the efficacy of antidepressants in smoking cessation programs found that such combination therapy did not add benefit to antidepressant therapy..."

Psych-in-the-News Archive 2/24/03

"Self-control comes in limited quantities, must be replenished"-CFAH, 2/19/03.
In a recent study, researchers found that after performing tasks requiring self-control, participants displayed less stamina and impulse control. Researchers believe further research may lead to treatments for addictions.

"Gender stereotypes strong in teenagers' stories: study"- University of Toronto, 2/18/03.
According to current research, gender stereotypes are prevalent among adolescents' writing. Researchers report that even when male participants wrote about relationships, they did so in a competitive nature.

"Infants may offer clues to language development"- Eurekalert, 2/17/03.
Research indicates that infants learn sound patterns from hearing people speak that unable them to understand speech. The development of this ability appears to come with age.

"Brain's response to addictive drugs, stress"- Eurekalert, 2/19/03.
Stanford researchers report that regardless of the drug of choice, addicts experience the same increase in sensitivity of addiction-related neurons. More research needs to be done to determine how to block the addictive effect of a drug without impairing the neurons' normal functioning.

"Pain and the brain: Sex, hormones & genetics affect brain's pain control system"- Eurekalert, 2/18/03.
Research indicates that gender, sex hormones, and genetics affect various ways in which people feel pain. According to the study, lower estrogen levels are associated with a lower level of effectiveness in the brain's ability to suppress pain.

"Infants learn to fill in perceptual gaps by 4 months of age"-Cornell University, 2/11/03.
According to results of recent research, children as young as four months old have the perceptual skills necessary to understand that that two objects, which seemingly disappear when traveling on a trajectory, are actually the same object.

"Cognitive abilities increase significantly with time in most prematurely born children"- Eurekalert, 2/11/03.
Researchers report that over time, cognitive functioning abilities among children born prematurely, increase significantly. In fact, research indicates that by age 8, these children reach the normal range on verbal comprehension and intelligence.

"Preemies Show Cognitive Improvements Later"- Discovery Health, 2/12/03.
Research has found that many children born prematurely display nearly twice as much improvement in cognitive functioning as children born full-term. Home environment was also found to have a significant effect on the children's cognitive development.

"Stress during pregnancy can affect fetal heart rate"- Eurekalert, 2/12/03.
Researchers report that alterations in heart rate and blood pressure during pregnancy, in addition to chronic anxiety, can affect the heart rate of the fetus. However, these fluctuations in heart rate were not found to be detrimental to the fetus.

"UBC research offers new hope for people crippled by obsessive, repugnant thoughts"- Eurekalert, 2/12/03.
Researchers report they are conducting a new study on a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder, involving "repugnant thoughts," in which they will treat those suffering from the disorder over a four-year period of time. Because the disorder has been thought to be untreatable, this is the first study of its kind.

"Classes may be effective treatment for ADHD patients, parents"-Eurekalert, 2/12/03.
Recent research suggests that in addition to medical treatments, ADHD sufferers might benefit from courses in the development of behavioral and social skills. Researchers did note, that the study's findings may have resulted partially from parents increased understanding of the disorder.

"New study shows narcissism plus social rejection equals aggression"-Eurekalert, 2/11/03.
Evidence from a new study indicates that narcissistic people are more aggressive when faced with social rejection, as their less self-involved counterparts. Researchers believe this finding to be a positive step toward dealing effectively with school violence and its prevention.

"Secret to Romantic Intimacy: Skip the Nagging "- Reuters, 2/13/03.
A current study reports that steering clear of nagging and yelling in romantic relationships, as a response to conflict, is actually more important than positive responses. This study's findings are in agreement with previous research on the subject.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 2/10/03

"IU research examines gender differences in excuses for failure"-IU, 2/6/03.
Recent research on self-handicapping has revealed gender differences. The study found that women generally have a lower tolerance, than men, for self-handicapping among men and women.

"Brain images reveal effects of antidepressants"- Eurekalert, 2/5/03.
Researchers are beginning to understand how anti-depressant medications affect brain structures and circuits through imaging technology. Researchers suspect that depressed people have stronger reactions to negative emotions.

"Expressing anger may protect against stroke and heart disease"-CFAH, 1/31/03.
Researchers recently found an association between occasional expressions of anger and reduced heart disease and stroke among a male population. These findings indicate that the association between heart disease and anger is more complicated that once thought.

"3-D images show how Alzheimer's engulfs brain"- Eurekalert, 2/6/03.
Neuroscientists have developed the technology to create the first three-dimensional video map of Alzheimer's engulfment of the brain. Researchers believe that this new technology will lead to earlier diagnoses and interventions.

"Alzheimer patients who scored well on memory tests -- show unique compensatory brain activity"- Eurekalert, 2/5/03.
Canadian researchers have identified a link between compensatory activity in the brain and better memory performance among Alzheimer's patients. However, this activity decreases as the disease progresses.

"Psychotherapy for HIV-related pain may have limited appeal"- CFAH, 2/4/03.
A recent study, on HIV-related limb pain, reports the loss of nearly half its population. Researchers state this to be an indication of the limited appeal for treating this pain with psychotherapy.

"Sexually Abused Kids Don't All Become Adult Abusers: Study"-Healthscout, 2/6/03.
Recent research with adults who were sexually abused as children, contradicts the previously held belief that abused children are likely to be abusers as adults. The study also found common risk factors among abusers, such as a history of cruelty toward animals and abuse by a female.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 2/3/03

"What's love got to do with health? Plenty, OSU studies find"-Eurekalert, 1/30/03.
Researchers at Ohio State University are studying the affects of marriage on health. Their findings indicate that healthy marriages are associated with better overall health.

"Teens prefer talking to mom about drug use topics"- Eurekalert, 1/27/03.
Research at Penn State found that approximately 70 percent of teenage participants reported feeling more comfortable talking about serious issues, such as drug use, with their mothers than their fathers.

"Parents Tend to Doubt Girls' Math, Science Ability"- Reuters, 1/30/03.
According to recent research, parents generally believe science is uninteresting and difficult for girls. The research also suggest that parents use different language when talking about science dependent upon their children's sex.

"Kids of Single-parent Homes Often Less Stable"- Discovery Health, 1/30/03.
Children raised in single-parent homes have an increased likelihood of suffering from depression, killing themselves, and developing drug addictions. Researchers did state that divorce was not seen as the reason for the higher prevalence of problems among single-parent families.

"Dramatic Increases Seen in College Students' Mental Health Problems Over Last 13-Years"- APA, 2/2/03.
According to a major 13-year study involving over 13,000 participants, mental health problems have significantly risen. The incidence of depression doubled; suicide tripled; and sexual assault quadrupled.

"Study is first to confirm link between exercise and changes in brain"- Eurekalert, 1/27/03.
Research with participants over 55 years old, indicates that those who stayed physically fit had less deterioration of three key areas of the brain. The key areas are the frontal, temporal, and parietal cortexes.

"Pain, poor coping skills diminish quality of life for HIV patients"-CFAH, 1/24/03.
A new study reports that higher levels of pain and inadequate coping techniques are associated with decreased energy and increased inhibition in physical, social, and professional activities among HIV patients.

"Magnet Therapy May Quiet 'Voices' in Schizophrenia"- Reuters, 1/30/03.
Recent research suggests that auditory hallucinations resistant to medications in schizophrenic patients, may be treated with magnet therapy. This experimental therapy directs magnetic waves to certain regions of the brain.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 1/27/03

"Study shows preschool can prevent abuse" - Eurekalert, 1/21/03.
Recent research indicates that preschool not only provides children with heightened school readiness, but also protects them from abuse and neglect. The study also provided children's parents services.

"Tufts University Research Shows TV Carries Messages That Influence Infants' Behavior" - Science Daily, 1/23/03.
Researchers at Tuft University found that babies, as young as 1 year old, allowed their interactions to be influenced by what they had previously viewed on television. However, 10-month-old babies were unable to understand and incorporate televised stimuli in future interactions.

"Even Minor Risk of Oxygen Deprivation at or Immediately After Birth May Place Premature Babies at Greater Risk for Cognitive and Language Problems, Proportionate to the Degree of Hypoxia" - APA, 1/26/03.
According to a recent study, lower levels of cognitive functioning are proportionately associated with the degree of hypoxia in preterm infants. Furthermore, blood pH levels also affected cognitive and language skills.

"Peer groups influence early adolescent bullying behavior" - Eurekalert, 1/21/03.
A new study reveals that middle school students who associate with peers who bully others are more likely to bully students, as well. The research also found that while the same trend existed in terms of physical fights, it was not as strong of a relationship.

"TV Soothes Low Self-Esteem" - ABC News, 1/23/03.
Researchers report that people tend to watch television longer and more intently when they are feeling badly about themselves.  Furthermore, the study found that participants' chosen self-images were not challenged after watching television.

"Restricting TV viewing at home may only lead teens to watch favorite programs at friends' homes"- OSU, 1/22/03.
Recent research indicates that when parents restrict their children's television viewing, the children watch restricted shows elsewhere. Additionally, researchers report that these restrictions also evoke negative attitudes in children toward their parents.

"New Animal Study Clarifies How Different Parts Of The Brain Regulate Sleep"- American Physiological Society, 1/14/03.
According to a recent study, sleep deprivation can have some of the same effects as being drunk. The study's results state that after being awake for 17-19 hours, participants drove worse than those with .05 blood alcohol levels.

"Human gene affects memory"- Eurekalert, 1/23/03.
Researchers have discovered a gene that appears to negatively affect episodic memory abilities. The gene is also associated with different activity in the hippocampus and decreased neuronal health.

"Researchers discover anxiety and aggression gene in mice" - Eurekalert, 1/23/03.
Recent research has discovered a gene that, when lacking, increases levels of anxiety and aggression in mice. Researchers are hopeful about the potential for future developments in the understanding and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, as a result of this discovery.

"Researchers find link between improved memory and the use of neurofeedback" - Eurekalert, 1/22/03.
For the first time, researchers have been able to establish a link between neurofeedback training and improved memory. Researchers report the further research needs to be conducted to determine the extent, if any, to which neurofeedback can improve cognitive deficits.

"Bipolar Disorder More Common Than Previously Believed"- Health Central, 1/23/03.
According to a national survey, bipolar disorder could be three times as prevalent as previously believed. The study also revealed that many people suffering from bipolar disorder were misdiagnosed with depression.

"Study Backs Theory That Pot's a 'Gateway' Drug" - Newsday, 1/22/03.
A recent twin study supports the theory that marijuana use often leads to the use of harder drugs. It is still unclear how marijuana leads to harder drugs.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 1/20/03

"Video test developed at Cornell identifies young children who could be unreliable witnesses in legal cases"- Cornell, 1/14/03. Recent research at Cornell University has yielded a test to identify eye-witness children who are likely to change their testimony. The test measures features of suggestibility as well as distinct differences among children.

"Kids on psychiatric drugs surges"- CNN, 1/14/03.
Research indicates that the amount of children in the U.S. on psychiatric medications, such as Ritalin, has increased significantly between 1987 and 1996. Experts suggest that the increase may be due to increased awareness of mental health problems among children.

"FDA approves Prozac for children"- CNN, 1/6/03.
Prozac recently became the first antidepressant to receive FDA approval for use in children. The FDA states that research has finally confirmed the drug's effectiveness in treating depression among children 8 years and older.

"Boyfriend pressure makes black teen girls more likely to want pregnancy"- Eurekalert, 1/13/03.
According to recent research, African American girls were 12 times more likely to wish for pregnancy if they believed their boyfriends wanted a baby. At risk girls were likely to have older boyfriends, low self-esteem, and low family support.

"Research on rats reveals connection between binge eating, food addiction"- Daily Princetonian, 1/10/03.
Research suggests that binge eating encourages an addiction to food in rats. Researches are hopeful that continued research will lead to new treatments of eating disorders.

"Depression and chronic pain linked in Stanford study; may influence diagnosis and treatment"- Eurekalert, 1/15/03.
People suffering from major depression are more than twice as likely to report chronic pain. Researchers now ponder whether the depression or the pain comes first.

"Students' expectations, parental history linked to alcohol problems"- CFAH, 1/14/03.
Recent research found that college students who had a family history of alcoholism combined with positive expectations of alcohol's effects, were more likely to have alcohol related problems. Future research will study the persistence of these problems in later college years.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 1/13/03

"Our Emotional Brains: Both Sides Process the Language of Feelings, with the Left Side Labeling the "What" and the Right Side Processing the "How""- APA, 1/12/03.
With the knowledge that language is associated with the left side of the brain and emotion with the right side, Belgian psychologists decided to research how emotional language fit into this picture. Researchers found that while the right side of the brain is active processing the emotions, the left side remains active in categorizing the emotions.

"The Hard Work Of Vigilance Can Improve On Cue"- Science Daily, 1/9/03.
Researchers found that reliable cues, indicating an important signal would follow, yielded high performance and vigilance among participants in responding to the signal. Various levels of reliability in the cues were examined, and it was determined that the more reliable the cue, the better the performance was.

"When self-image takes a blow, many turn to television as a distraction"- Eurekalert, 1/8/03.
Recent research indicates that when feeling badly about themselves, people are more likely to watch television and watch it longer periods of time. Researchers believe the results of this study suggest that people who are forced into objective, self-awareness, they seek a distraction.

"Conflict with ex-wife limits involvement of fathers with children, study finds"- OSU, 1/7/03.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that fathers' lower levels of involvement with their children after a divorce were linked to geographical distance, confusion of a father's expected role, and conflict with ex-wives. The study found that the amount of conflict with ex-wives directly affected the amount of involvement fathers had with their children.

"Parents' views on toy guns vary by gender and race"-Eurekalert, 1/6/03.
Recent research indicates that male, Caucasian parents were the most likely, across categories of gender and race, to allow their children to play with toy guns. Researchers generally found that the gender and age of the child, in combination with the parent's gender and family's race, were significant aspects of parents' attitudes about toy guns.

"In Some Couples It's 'You Hurt Me, I Hurt You Back'"- Reuters, 1/9/03.
Research suggests that the way a person responds to a hurtful action by his or her partner is significantly dependent upon how well the person feels valued by that partner. Results indicated that the less valued people felt, the more likely they were to be hurtful in return; whereas people that felt valued tended to draw closer to their partners as a method of compensation.

"Study finds doubling of schizophrenia cases in past 30 years"-Health-News UK, 1/6/03.
According to UK researchers, the incidence of schizophrenia over the past 30 years in south-east London has doubled. Researchers report that the population of people under 35, regardless of gender, saw the sharpest rise in diagnoses of schizophrenia.

"Mathematical deficits in bipolar disorder"- Health-News UK, 1/2/03.
UK Researchers report that adolescents in remission from bipolar disorder, not only have lower levels of mathematical skills than their peers with no psychiatric history, but also their peers diagnosed with major depressive disorder. However, the study did not find significant variations in language skills across the groups.

"Need for social support deters HIV patients from taking their drug cocktails"- Eurekalert, 1/7/03.
Recent research has found that social support among HIV patients improves patients' adherence to their medication regimens. The study also found that if patients believed in their medication, they were more likely to adhere.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 1/6/03

"Stereotypes can affect memory when identifying criminal suspects"- Eurekalert, 12/19/02.
According to a recent study, stereotypes often lead participants to incorrectly identify African Americans suspects as perpetrators of violent crimes. Furthermore, the same group, albeit to a lesser degree, was more likely to link white suspects with nonviolent crimes.

"Newly Validated Test of Preschoolers' Suggestibility May Prove Useful in Legal Investigations"- APA, 12/29/02.
Recent research found that children's suggestibility varies even among children in the same age group. This research also validated a test which measures children's suggestibility.

"Cocaine harms brain's 'pleasure center,' addict study finds"- Eurekalert, 1/1/03.
New findings strongly suggest that cocaine damage the same brain cells that cause the user's high. Researchers are hopeful that this new information will lead to the creation of effective anti-addiction drugs.

"Teens on extreme diets likely to take other health risks"- CFAH, 12/28/02.
According to a recent study, teenagers who make use of diet pills and purging as dieting techniques are also more likely to engage in use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana. The study also found a high prevalence of extreme dieters across race and gender categories.

"Adult influences may predispose teens to smoke"- Eurekalert, 12/28/02.
Research has found that while stricter tobacco sale laws and increased prices have decreased underage purchase of cigarettes, teens are still obtaining cigarettes from parents and other adults. The study suggests that in addition to new laws and prices, strategies to reduce social availability need to be developed.

"Combination treatment shows promise for schizophrenia"- Eurekalert, 12/20/02.
Results of a recent study have found that the combined use of an anticonvulsant medication, divalproex, and either olanzapine or risperidone accelerate and augment treatment of acute psychotic episodes among schizophrenics.

"Study finds that children are exposed to too many violent movies"- Eurekalert, 12/19/02.
Research has found that a significant number of adolescents are watching extremely violent movies. Researchers will continue their work to elucidate the link between viewing these movies and adolescent development.

"Rates of Autism Higher Than Previously Reported"- Discovery Health, 12/30/02.
Researchers recently reported that actual rates of autism are about 3 to 4 times higher than reported 30 years ago. Scientists say that the discovery of a significantly higher rate of autism is likely the result of earlier and better diagnoses.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 12/23/02

"Clinicians' personal theories influence diagnoses of mental disorders"- Eurekalert, 12/17/02.
Recent research indicates that despite the efforts psychologists have made to objectify the diagnostic process, personal theories still play a strong role in diagnoses. Clinicians participating in this study were found to diagnose patients according to their own theories of disorders at a significant level.

"Teen survey reveals dangerous behavior during holidays"-Eurekalert, 12/18/02.
A new study released by New York University revealed that more than 80% of its teenage participants who suffer from depression receive no treatment. Results also indicated that risky behavior among these participants increased during the holiday season.

"Abusive Supervisors May Get Employees To Meet Deadlines At The Expense of Their Company's "Bottom Line"- APA, 12/22/02.
Results of a recent study suggest that supervisors who use abusive tactics to get their staff to meet deadlines, may cause detriment to their companies over time due to staff refusal to assist coworkers and speaking unfavorably about the company outside of work. Both verbal and nonverbal abusive behaviors were considered.

"Preemies' temperaments shift in first year of life"- CFAH, 12/18/02.
Recent comparative research on preterm and full-term infants suggest that while significant differences exist between the two categories, the gap narrows within the first year. Results found that the only significant difference between the two groups after the first year was preterm infants displayed a lower adaptability.

"Study Finds that Curiosity Is Key to Personal Growth in Many Spheres, Including Intimate Relationships"- University of Buffalo, 12/16/02.
The University of Buffalo released results of a new study that suggests a person's level of curiosity affects opportunities for personal growth and intimacy. The study made use of a new personality inventory designed to measure individual's curiosity.

"Better Housing Boosts Poor Youngsters' IQ: Study"- Reuters,12/18/02.
Results of a new study suggest that children who live in better housing have higher IQs.
The study found that it was not the physical structure of the house, but the difference in parents' attitudes across the two groups.

"Mice brains give clue to man's memories"- CNN, 12/18/02.
Researchers have discovered a technique for monitoring the spines in the brain that receive neuron signals in mice. The technique implements laser and electron microscopes which look into windows implanted in the mice's skulls.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 12/16/02

"Scientists ID Gene Key for Scary Memory Storage"- Reuters, 12/12/02.
Recent research in mice, has pinpointed a circuit in the brain associated with fear. Researchers are hopeful that the discovery will lead to treatments for "learned fear."

"The Biology Of Induced Memory"- Science Daily, 12/11/02.
According to a new study, induced fear memories may possibly be eliminated by a shot of anisomycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor. The research may also explain why traumatic memories can be easily tampered with, without a person's knowledge.

"How anti-racism advertising can backfire"- Eurekalert, 12/9/02.
Research conducted by the ESRC found that when people who are of two minds in their attitude toward ethnic minorities are exposed to anti-racism advertisements, their attitudes become more negative on a conscious and non-conscious level. This research raises serious questions about the effectiveness of current anti-racism advertisement techniques.

"Domestic violence often comes from men who repress emotions, feel threatened, study finds"- OSU, 12/9/02.
New research may shed light on a link between stress management and abuse among men. The study suggests that men who repress their emotions and allow stress to build up, let it out in violent outbursts.

"Psychiatric disorders highly prevalent among juvenile jail detainees"- Eurekalert, 12/11/02.
A recent Northwestern University study has confirmed the long held belief that juvenile detainees have a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders than the general population of the same age range.

"Pitt, VCU researchers find genetic link to bulimia nervosa"- Eurekalert, 12/11/02.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Pitt and VCU, an area of chromosome 10p has been linked to families with a history of bulimia. Although, this research is promising, scientists say that it will take years to identify the specific genes involved.

"Volunteers Handling the Dead After Oklahoma's 1995 Terrorist Bombing Are More Resilient Than Thought, Says Study"- APA, 12/15/02.
A recent study found that the people who assisted with the clean up, even of bodies, after the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City, displayed no symptoms of PTSD or depression two years after the incident. Researchers suggest this may be a result of the volunteers being well-educated and medical experienced.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 12/9/02

"Northwestern study refutes 'sturm und drang' theory of adolescence"- Eurekalert, 12/2/02.
Researchers at Northwestern found that teenagers from traditional families are more likely to be well adjusted and have traditional families as adults. Furthermore, the research indicates that teenagers from less traditional families are more likely to experience chaotic periods of adolescence.

"Infants go to school early on grammar"- Purdue University, 12/2/02.
A recent study conducted at Purdue University suggests that infants understand much more than psychologists once believed. The study also found that visual information is of significantly importance.

"Search for sympathy uncovers patterns of brain activity"- Eurekalert, 12/2/02.
Recent research made use of PET scans and video clips of actors telling sad, happy, or neutral stories in an attempt to understand the brain activity associated with sympathy. Results showed that different regions of the brain were activated based upon whether the actor's expression correlated with the stories content.

"Study finds changes in brain activity of teens who play violent video games"-MyINKY, 12/3/02.
A recent study of violent video games and teens discovered that changes occurred in the brain activity of teens who watched a violent video game. While the study did not establish a link between video games and behavior, it did establish a need to further research the matter.

"Family Routines and Rituals May Improve Family Relationships and Health, According to 50-Year Research Review"- APA, 12/8/02.
According to a longitudinal study, routines and rituals provide families with a sense of stability during difficult times. Among other findings, the study established that children's behavior was better regulated if their family had predictable routines.

"UCLA study names 10 keys to recovery from schizophrenia"- Eurekalert, 12/2/02.
Researchers at UCLA conducted a study of variables associated with recovery from schizophrenia. The study identified the following keys to recovery: "family relationships, substance abuse, duration of untreated psychosis, initial response to medication, adherence to treatment, supportive therapeutic relationships, cognitive abilities, social skills, personal history, and access to care."

"Marriage Offers Only Slight Boost to Social Life"- Reuters, 12/4/02.
A University of North Florida study found that while single people generally tend to have as good of a social life as married couples, feelings of societal integration are better among married people.

"Friends Can Help Kids Cope with Parents' Divorce"- Reuters, 12/2/02.
Recent findings indicate that teenagers of divorced parents who have strong relationships with their peers and neighbors are less likely to internalize symptoms. Not surprisingly, the study also found that strong parental support and monitoring were also beneficial.

"Ability to cope with stress may play a role in cancer progression"- CFAH, 12/1/02.
According to the results of a recent study of breast cancer patients, effective coping with stress, depression, and anxiety can improve immune system functioning and hormone balances. The study also found that active coping elicited better results than passive coping.

"Depression More Dangerous for Elderly Men Than Women"- CFAH, 11/26/02.
Recent research agreed with previous findings that while elderly women are more likely to become depressed, depression is more detrimental to elderly men. It is unclear whether depression is an early symptom of physical decline or if it causes physiological changes which cause physical decline.

"Environmental Enrichment Reverses Learning Impairments Caused By Lead Poisoning"- Johns Hopkins, 11/26/02.
Research at Johns Hopkins indicates discovered that stimulation of brain activity through environmental enrichment can reverse deficits in cognitive and behavioral development caused by lead poisoning.

"Infants Build Knowledge of Their Visual World on Statistics"- University of Rochester, 11/25/02.
A recent study at Rochester University confirmed its hypothesis that babies pay more attention to two shapes that are paired together multiple times. The study's results provide evidence for the idea that distinguishing relationships of shapes in images is innate.

" ADHD increases risk of drug abuse"- UPI, 11/26/02.
According to the results of a University of California at Irvine, many people suffering from drug addictions have a history of ADHD. Researchers say that it is too soon to determine if ADHD causes drug abuse or drug abuse is an attempt to self-medicate.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 11/25/02

"Joint-custody arrangements good for children of divorce -- but only if there is no parental conflict"- OSU, 11/21/02.
Ohio State University released a recent study that indicates the positive aspects of a joint custody arrangement for a child can be counteracted by parental conflicts. The study's author also noted that children are more likely to flourish in an environment free of conflict regardless of custody arrangements.

"Brain's method of merging input depends on which senses supply it" - Eurekalert, 11/21/02.
The results of a recent collaboration of researchers from University of Pennsylvania, the University of California, Berkeley, New York University, and the Max-Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics suggest the brain can compensate when it receives conflicting information. The study found that when perception from the hands and eyes differed, the brain was able to condense the two perceptions into one.

"Researchers discover environment influences children s ability to form, comprehend complex sentences "- UCC, 11/21/02.
Recent research uncovered a "dramatic difference" among 3 and 4 year old children dependent upon how their parents spoke to them. Children exposed to complex sentences by their parents displayed an increased ability to use and understand such sentences.

"Genetic clash doubles schizophrenia risk"- Eurekalert, 11/20/02.
UCLA scientists report that children with a particular cell protein that their mothers lack are twice as likely to develop schizophrenia. The cell protein is called the Rhesus factor.

"Young mothers' marital status, not age, linked to later depression"- CFAH, 11/20/02.
A recent study found that unmarried teenage mothers and unmarried adult mothers displayed similar rates of depression, linking a single marital status, rather than a young age, to depression. Researchers suggest that as childbearing outside of marriage becomes more accepted, the relationship between it and depression could change.

"Suicide rate 22 years after parasuicide: cohort study" - BMJ, 11/16/02.
This cohort study indicates that people who had one episode of parasuicide were 100 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. The study stresses the importance of careful follow-up care to people after an episode of parasuicide.

Marijuana use linked to schizophrebnia- APA Online, 11/22/02
While it is still unclear whether marijuana actually causes schizophrenia and depression or it triggers the diseases among an already vulnerable group of people, research supports a link.

Report: Children don't get enough mental health care - APA Online, 11/22/02
Recent research found that more than half of the pediatricians never inquired about their patients' mental health needs. Furthermore, half of the children's parents reported the mental health services rendered to be either only slightly helpful or not at all helpful.

Study: Stress Caused by Sept. 11 Attacks Affected Heart Patients, APA Online 11/21/02
A recent study reports that after the events of September 11th, a group of heart patients' "life-threatening heart rhythms" nearly doubled. Researchers suggest that the persistent media coverage may have as much to do with the stress as the events themselves.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 11/19/02

"Study: Out with the baby talk"- UPI, 11/14/02.
The November issue of Cognitive Psychology features a study that found speaking to babies in "baby talk" does not effectively prepare the child to develop complex cognitive language skills. Furthermore, the study found that children who were exposed to complex language early were twice as likely to use complex sentences.

"Twins' distress differs by relationships with parents, others", CFAH, 11/12/02.
A recent study discovered that among a sample of adolescent identical twins, the participants who attended church more often and were closer with their mothers reported less emotional distress than their twins. Results also reported that only 11 percent of the twins shared the same level of emotional distress.

"Why isn't Willy a doctor? Study at Cornell finds that aging moms have conflicted relationship with lower-achieving adult children"-Cornell University, 11/14/02.
Research conducted at Cornell University suggests that mothers, age 60 and older, are most ambivalent to her adult children, if their children did not complete college, are unmarried, and/or still need financial support. Participants also reported that while they have more conflicts with their female children, they are also closer with them.

"Study Suggests That Tomboys May be Born, Not Made"- CFAH, 11/12/02.
According to a study published in the November-December issue of Child Development, prenatal testosterone levels seem to influence gender role behaviors among preschool girls. Interestingly, the study did not turn up results suggesting a similar influence on male children.

"Preschoolers' Thinking, Behavior Influenced by Family Income"-CFAH, 11/12/02.
Recent research found that children of low-income families do not perform as well cognitively and behaviorally as children of higher income families. Results suggest this is not only because the low-income families do not have adequate funds to provide as well for their children, but also because of the parents' stress, and resultant behavior, due to their financial instability.

"Pre-Term Infants Slower than Full-Terms at Processing Information; New Research Shows Difference Begins as Early as Five Months"-APA, 11/10/02.
Recent research has found that premature babies significantly slower processing speeds than their full-term counterparts. Furthermore, the study found that the discrepancy between premature and full-term babies does not decrease with age.

"Teen-age girls, depression, alcoholism, and brain activity"-Eurekalert, 11/14/02.
A recent study has found increased alpha wave activity in the right frontal brains of adolescent females with a history of depression. The same study also found increased beta wave activity in the left frontal brains of adolescent females with a family history of alcoholism.

"People who give, live longer: U-M study shows"- Eurekalert, 11/12/02.
Results of a University of Michigan study found that older adults who provided financial and/or emotional support to family, friends, and/or neighbors had a 60 percent less chance of dying than their less giving cohorts.

"High Hostility May Predict Heart Disease More than Other Risk Factors Such as Cholesterol and Smoking"- APA, 11/17/02.
According to recent research, participants with higher levels of hostility were more likely to develop coronary heart disease than participants who had high cholesterol levels, had high levels of alcohol consumption, or were smokers.

"Natural or synthetic secretin does not reduce symptoms of autism"-Eurekalert, 11/12/02.
A current study reports that no evidence indicates that secretin reduces symptoms of autism. Participating children were evaluated for language, social functioning, and behavior problems.

Psych-in-the-News Archive11/11/02

"UF study: Adolescent girls who set goals too high may risk anorexia"- Eurekalert, 11/7/02.
A recent study conducted at the University of Florida indicates that adolescent girls with tendencies for perfectionism have a higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Researchers also found that girls with bulimic behaviors who reported symptoms of depression were more likely to develop full-blown bulimia.

"Pre-Term Infants Slower than Full-Terms at Processing Information; New Research Shows Difference Begins as Early as Five Months" - APA, 11/10/02.
Recent research has found that premature babies significantly slower processing speeds than their full-term counterparts. Furthermore, the study found that the discrepancy between premature and full-term babies does not decrease with age.

"Babies Look to Eyes for Information: Study"- Reuters, 11/6/02.
A new study has made strides in clarifying whether babies tend to look at objects that adults are looking at because they are taking cues from the adults' eyes or from the direction of the adults' heads. This study utilized closed eyes versus open eyes and blindfolds versus headbands; results suggest babies take their cues from the adults' eyes.

"Emotions influence memory, learning"- UPI, 11/7/02.
According to Institute of Neurology in London, the brain's "emotional machinery" connects directly to the parts of the brain responsible for attention, encoding new information, developing new memories, and making decisions. Researchers believe that this may lead to new and more successful treatments of mood and psychiatric disorders, and perhaps Alzheimer's Disease.

"Brains of elderly can compensate to remain sharp, study indicates"- Eurekalert, 11/7/02.
Recent findings suggest that higher functioning elderly people make use of the left side of the prefrontal cortex; whereas lower functioning elderly people do not. While this study explored memory, future studies are slated to research other cognitive functions such as attention.

"Aging lowers activity in brain's language areas; performance unaffected"- Eurekalert, 11/6/02.
According to a Northwestern University study, while brain activity in the left frontal lobe, the area associated with language, decreases with age, the brain can compensate by performing the same tasks in different ways.

"The brain uses the same neural networks to engage in conscious and unconscious learning"- Eurekalert, 11/5/02.
Recent research utilized an MRI to compare simultaneous procedural and declarative learning. Results suggest that, in a controlled, experimental environment, the same neural pathways are used in both types of learning.

"Researchers identify decision-making area of the brain"- Queen's University, 11/4/02.
A research team from Queen's University has uncovered the first evidence linking the frontal lobes of the brain to decision making. These findings shed light on why people with damage to their frontal lobes often act impulsively.

"Scientists Pinpoint Brain's Fear Control Area"- Reuters, 11/7/02.
Scientists conducting a study with lab rats found an area of the brain's prefrontal cortex associated with fear; once this area is stimulated, fear is reduced. These findings may lead to new and improved treatment of anxiety disorders.

"Chronic Stress Can Interfere with Normal Functions of the Immune System, Suggests New Research"- APA, 11/3/02.
A recent study found that chronic stress might interfere with the immune system's response to glucocorticoid hormones. Because glucocorticoid hormones are known to terminate inflammatory responses, chronic stress could affect the progression of conditions associated with excessive inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease and allergies.

"Americans' self-esteem undermined by focus on body image"- CFAH, 11/1/02.
A recent study found the percentage of American students concerned with the appearance of their bodies was significantly higher than the percentage of German students with the same concerns. While the study did not find substantial evidence of these concerns manifesting into a psychological disorder, the authors did note associations between poor body image, low self-esteem, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

"What Makes a Good Leader? Fairness, Selflessness"- Reuters, 11/7/02.
Researchers have found that leaders who put the wants of their group before their own are more able to inspire their groups. They also found that leaders who treat people fairly arouse more cooperation.

Psych-in-the-News Archive11/04/02

"ADHD Kids May Have Bipolar Disorder, Too: Treating ADHD Alone May Worsen Bipolar Symptoms"- WebMD, 10/29/02.
Recent research suggests that Bipolar Disorder is being overlooked in children diagnosed with ADHD. Researchers believe that treating children with the comorbid diagnosis can be done successfully with mood stabilizers and stimulants to treat remaining ADHD symptoms.

"Adults with Attention Disorder Show Memory Flaws"- Reuters, 10/25/02.
A new study has discovered different patterns of brain activity among adults with ADHD, when performing memory tasks. This research found excess activation in the posterior areas of the brain in participants with ADHD, but not among participants in the control group.

"ADHD Teens No More Likely to Abuse Drugs: Substance Use Equivalent To Others with Psychiatric Disorders"- WebMD, 10/30/02.
Not only did researchers find that teens with ADHD were no more likely to become substance abusers than teens with other psychiatric disorders, but they also found that with stimulant therapy, teens with ADHD were less likely to smoke cigarettes and engage in harmful behaviors.

"Attention Disorder Affects Teens' Driving Skills"- Reuters, 10/28/02.
Research indicates that teens with ADHD display lesser driving skills than their peers without ADHD. However, a recent study found that the driving skills of ADHD participants on stimulant therapy improved; furthermore, sustained release medication provided a stable improvement throughout the day.

"Brain Scans Reveal Clues About Asperger Syndrome"- Reuters, 10/17/02.
UK researchers discovered significant differences in nerve cells in the brains of participants diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. These researchers report that the affected nerve cells are in an area of the brain paramount to comprehending emotions.

"Many Teens Gamble, Some Already Have Problem: Study"- Reuters, 10/28/02.
A recent Florida study found that 70% of participants, under the age of 18, reported gambling. Furthermore, gambling in teens is associated with other risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug use.

"Older children remember longer"- UPI, 10/30/02.
According to a recent study, children do not display evidence of long-term memory until after their first year. Furthermore, this study also found that long-term memory continues to improve significantly into the second year of life.

"Chronic Stress Can Interfere with Normal Functions of the Immune System, Suggests New Research"- APA, 11/3/02.
Recent research found that stress can impair the immune system's anti-inflammatory response to infection and injury. However, social support was found to lessen the deficits in the immune system associated with chronic stress.

"Study finds more satisfaction in same-race doctor-patient relationships"- Eurekalert, 10/31/02.
According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, not only are people more likely to be more satisfied with physicians of the same race, but they are also more likely to choose a physician of the same race. The study posits three untested hypotheses for this relationship.

"University of Pittsburgh researchers link gene to depressive disorders in women"- Eurekalert, 10/31/02.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have isolated a small region of chromosome 2 and linked it to depression in women. Researchers are hopeful that diagnosis and treatment can be improved if a susceptibility gene is identified.

Media Psychology: "Slow download speeds capture interest of Internet surfers"- Eurekalert, 10/31/02.
Research has found that slower download speeds of erotic images increase the arousal level of viewers.

Psych-in-the-News Archive10/26/02

"Psychological, physical abuse equally harmful to health" - CFAH, 10/24/02.
According to a recent study conducted at the University of Texas, psychological abuse in intimate relationships is associated with equally detrimental effects to physical and mental health as physical and sexual abuse. Researchers believe that if the abuse is detected early, intervention could lessen the effects.

"New Brain Cell Production and Depression" - WPVI, 10/21/02.
Recent findings indicate that cells in the hippocampus are still being generated into adulthood; furthermore, that these cells could be linked to depression. However, much more research needs to be conducted to clarify the relationship.

"Questionnaire identifies depressions in children" - Eurekalert, 10/24/02.
A Developmental Psychologist from the Netherlands has developed a questionnaire that identifies depression in young children. The instrument was designed specifically for children because their depressive symptoms present differently than those in adults.

"Long-Term Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Postmenopausal Women with Alzheimer's Disease May Worsen Memory Loss, Study Suggests" - APA, 10/27/02.
According to recent findings of a study conducted at University of Arizona on rats, estrogen replacement may increase memory loss among Alzheimer's patients. Researchers are now looking at therapies devised to imitate natural hormone fluctuations.

"Men more dependent on exercise than women, UF study shows" - Eurekalert, 10/23/02.
A University of Florida study found that men were twice as likely to become dependent upon exercise as women. Furthermore, results found that men were more likely to become dependent if they were motivated by a desire to feel better mentally and physically rather than to look better.

"Schmoozing is good for the brain, U-M study suggests" - Eurekalert, 10/23/02.
A recent study discovered that across a wide age range, cognitive impairment was consistently less among participants who were more socially engaged.

"UCLA geneticists find location of major gene in ADHD; targeted region also linked to autism" - Eurekalert, 10/22/02.
While ADHD and Autism are distinctive conditions, a new study suggests they are more similar than once thought; both have been linked to Chromosome 16. Researchers are hopeful that with more research these findings will lead to better diagnosis and treatment of the disorders.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 10/21/02

"Teens who witness or experience violence at home take risks with sex" - Brown University, 10/16/02.
According to a recent study of adolescent girls conducted by researchers at Brown University, witnessing violence at home is associated with the teen-ager engaging in risky sexual activity to an only slightly lesser degree than if she were to actually experience the violence herself. (Community Psychology, Adjustment)

"Preventive sessions after divorce protect children into teens" - Eurekalert, 10/15/02.
Research funded by the National Institute for Mental Health found that child participants in group sessions for mothers and children of divorcing families had the half the frequency of mental disorders into the teenage years. Furthermore, the reduction in mental disorders in the teenage years, increased participants chances of avoiding major mental illnesses by to 4 to 1. (Prevention)

"Schizophrenia has Different Sub-Types Linked to Problems in Different Parts of the Brain" - APA, 10/23/02.
The results of a recent study published in October's edition of Neuropsychology indicate that schizophrenia may be a collection of disorders. The study further suggests that both the psychiatric and cognitive symptoms of the disorder(s) vary dependent upon what areas of the brain are affected to what degree. (Clinical Psychology)

"Study holds promise for stroke, schizophrenia treatments" - University of Toronto, 10/17/02.
A recent study uncovered a connection between the Dopamine D1 and NMDA receptors. According to the research, the interaction between D1 and NMDA receptors not only regulate, but also prevent cell death. Scientists are hopeful that this new information will lead to the design of new and more effective drug treatment. (Biological Psychology/Neuropsychology)

"Kids with Down syndrome learn language beyond adolescence" - University of Wisconsin, 10/16/02.
Research at the University of Wisconsin found results contrary to the accepted belief that children with Down syndrome cannot improve upon their language skills past adolescence. According to the study, language comprehension skills do tend plateau as adolescence ends, but language expression skills can develop into early adulthood. (Learning and Developmental Psychology)

"Young Children May Cope Better if They Remember Medical Procedure Details" - CFAH, 10/11/02.
Recent research indicates that children who undergo stressful medical procedures benefit from talking about and understanding the procedures. The study also indicates that distraction techniques can also be helpful for children during stages of the procedure that are exceptionally painful or stressful. (Cognitive Psychology)

"Memory Training May Help Some Alzheimer's Patients in the Early Stages of the Disease" - APA, 10/20/02.
A study published in the October edition of Neuropsychology, found that memory training in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease when patients are still able to learn can reduce the disability. Mnemonic devices, "vanishing cues," and "expanded rehearsal" were used as memory training strategies in the study. (Treatmemt, Cognitive Psychology)

"Children exposed to alcohol before birth show deficits" - Eurekalert, 10/16/02.
"Children exposed to alcohol in the womb continue to show effects of that exposure even at age 14, University of Pittsburgh researchers report..." (Developmental Psychology)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 10/14/02

"Men, Women and the green eye'd monster: New research reveals that men and women respond similarly on jealousy measures related to infidelity"- Northeastern University, 10/8/02.
"New research from psychology professor David DeSteno from Northeastern University debunks the myth of a gender-determined reaction to sexual and emotional infidelity..." (Human Sexuality)

"Brain anticipates events to learn routines"- Eurekalert, 10/9/02.
"A new study at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston helps explain why practice makes perfect. Baylor researchers found that neurons in the visual cortex, the part of the brain responsible for vision, were more active when study monkeys anticipated the occurrence of predictable events..." (Learning/Neuropsychology)

"UT Southwestern researcher, colleagues report drug therapy eases chronic depression"- UTS, 10/10/02.
Researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas have found that antidepressant therapy (Zoloft) improves the quality of life of many suffering from depression. (Clinical Psychology)

"Preventing Depression"- Australian Medical Journal, 10/7/02.
Article focuses on various means to prevent depression in Australia including advocacy for reseach,educating the public, and "serious government and professional commitment to improved access to effective social and non-pharmacological strategies."
(Clinical Psychology)

"Brain shrinkage in ADHD not caused by medications"- Eurekalert, 10/8/02.
"A 10-year study by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists has found that brains of children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are 3-4 percent smaller than those of children who don't have the disorder--and that medication treatment is not the cause..." (Developmental Psychology/Neuropsychology)

Psychologists Draw an "Architecture of Attention," Outlining at Least Three Brain-Based Building Blocks"- APA, 10/13/02. "Neuropsychologists have mapped different aspects of attention to different parts of the brain's frontal lobes..." (Cognition/Neuropsychology)

"Study of German children living near airports shows jet aircraft noise impairs long-term memory and reading ability "- Cornell, 10/7/02. "Excessive noise, such as jet aircraft flying overhead, impairs children's reading ability and long-term memory, a Cornell University environmental psychologist and his European colleagues conclude in a study of schoolchildren living near airports..." (Learning and Memory Motivation)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 10/7/02

"Young and Depressed"- MSNBC, 10/7/02.
This article discusses teen age depression and how help can be found to address the problem. The article is the cover story on this week's Newsweek magazine. (Depression, treatment)

"Researchers find promising new target for anxiety-reducing drugs"-Eurekalert, 10/3/02.
"Anxiety, a natural response to real or potential threats, affects all higher creatures, including humans, sometime in their lives. Under normal conditions, that protective emotion spurs action to avoid such threats..." (Anxiety)

"Stress hormone linked to memory, study says"- Globe & Mail, 10/3/02.
Article reports on research conducted at McGill University in Montreal that has found a link between stress hormones and memory. The finding raises hopes that one day a medication could be created to prevent faltering memories. (Research, Prevention)

"Hot-headed? All in the brain"- HealthNews24, 10/3/02.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that the part of the brain associated with aggression is smaller in women than in men. (Brain)

"Debate rages over safety of ECT, or shock therapy, used on elderly"- Health Canada, 9/28/02.
The article discusses the ongoing debate over the use of electroconvulsive shock therapy (ECT) on the elderly. (Treatment)

"Psychiatrists in hot demand"- DBJ, 9/16/02.
Article discusses a recent increase in the demand for Psychiatrists around the country spurred by such events as 9/11, poor economic times, and TV shows such as the Sopranos.

"Child abuse found to be global problem, WHO review reveals"-Eurekalert, 10/3/02.
"Contrary to what some health experts have believed, child abuse is a global problem that is essentially universal rather than one limited chiefly to North America, a first-of-its-kind new report shows..."

"ADHD in girls can be serious but is often overlooked, UC Berkeley study shows"- Eurekalert, 10/1/02.
"Although boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) greatly outnumber girls, girls have been underdiagnosed and their condition is greatly underappreciated, according to a pair of studies in the October issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology..."

"Job Loss and the Resulting Financial Strain Can Lead to Downward Spiral of Depression and Poor Health, Says Research"- APA, 10/3/02. "WASHINGTON - Job loss and its related financial strain put people at elevated risk for emotional and physical problems, according to researchers studying the consequences of being unemployed..."

"Treatable depression often accompanies even mild memory loss"-Eurekalert, 9/27/02.
"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Symptoms of depression, irritability, and apathy are common among people with mild memory loss, known to doctors as "mild cognitive impairment," and often can be successfully treated, according to researchers who analyzed data from the massive Cardiovascular Health Study..."

Psych-in-the-News Archive 9/30/02

"Right side of brain learns language skills after stroke"- Eurekalert, 9/26/02.
"When a stroke affects the language areas in the left side of the brain, the right side takes over and learns how to perform language tasks, according to research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis..." (Biological Psychology/Neuropsychology)

"Fairness of sibling treatment key to its impact, study shows"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"The sibling getting favored treatment from mom and dad feels great and has the best self-esteem, right? Not necessarily, researchers say. If a favored sibling doesn't think the preferential treatment is deserved, that child may actually suffer..." (Developmental Psychology)

"Men’s health more vulnerable to stressful life events"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"Although stressful life events may affect the health of both men and women, men are more vulnerable, according to a recent study of nearly 3,000 people in Finland..."  (Stress)

"Psychological distress may predict hypertension"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"Psychological distress, especially anger, anxiety and depression, may be good predictors of high blood pressure, new research suggests."  (Health Psychology)

"Still Mulling Over Last Night's Argument? It Could Affect Your Heart"- University of California, 9/26/02.
"Which has the greatest effect on your heart's health: arguing with a spouse or running a marathon? Arguing could have closer links to later heart disease, but for an unusual reason. Just thinking about the fight appears to lead to high blood pressure and later health problems, according to a UC Irvine-led study..."

"Repressing anxiety may protect against stress disorders"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"People who cope with a life-threatening situation by ignoring their anxiety or diverting their attention away from it may be doing themselves a favor. Such practices may act as a buffer against stress disorders, according to the results of an Israeli study of heart attack patients..."  (Stress and Coping)

"People may draw more support from furry friends than spouses, human allies"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"A few minutes alone with a pet cat or dog might do more to help people's stress than talking about their troubles with their best friend or spouse, according to a new study..."   (Stress and Physiology)

"Choc treatment: Chocolate acts as an anti-depressant"- SMH, 9/21/02.
The article discuss new research that sheds light on the potential medicinal benefits of chocolate for treating some cases of depression. (Treatment, psychiatry)

"Depression increases risk for some heart transplant patients"- Eurekalert, 9/24/02.
"Depressed patients who undergo heart transplantation because of a certain type of heart disease are about five times as likely to die in the first few years after surgery as similar patients who are not depressed, according to a new study..."  (Clinical Psychology)

"Can troubled relationships be a disorder?"- GoMemphis, 9/3/02.
According to the article top psychiatrists are advocating for the addition of a new diagnostic category (Relational Disorder) to address common interpersonal problems that people seek typically seek profession help to address.  (Clinical Psychology)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 9/23/02

"Tests of Specific Abilities Needed for Jobs, Not of General Ability, May Better Predict Performance"- APA, 9/22/02.
A new study suggests that tests that measuring specific abilities may be better predictors of job performance than general ability tests. (measurement, assessment)

"Shopping the Job Market: Study Shows Persistence and a Positive Attitude Really Do Pay Off in Job Searching"- Georgia Tech, 9/17/02.
"A new study confirms what some job seekers may suspect: The more effort people put into a job search, the more likely they are to find employment even in difficult economic times..."  (behavior, individual differences)

"'Sticky Mittens' Give Babies A Head Start"- Duke University, 9/18/02.
"Duke University psychologists have discovered that fitting infants with Velcro-covered "sticky mittens" gives them a developmental jump start in learning to explore objects..."  (developmental psychology)

"Penn study may explain cliche of 'hot-headed' men"- Eurekalert, 9/17/02.
"Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, Penn scientists illustrated for the first time that the relative size of the sections of the brain known to constrain aggression and monitor behavior is larger in women than in men..."  (behavior, brain)

"Ad repetition may confuse consumers: study"- University of Toronto, 9/16/02.
"Contrary to popular belief in marketing, repetition in advertising does not always improve consumers' memory for brand claims, says a U of T study...Instead, it can cause consumers to confuse a brand with its competitors..." (marketing psychology)

"White and Black grandmothers have different responses to raising grandchildren"- Eurekalert, 9/17/02.
"Caregiving is a bigger burden on White grandmothers than it is on Black grandmothers, according to a study published in the September 2002 issue of Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences..." (behavior)

"Affluent youth prone to high distress, substance abuse"- CFAH, 9/17/02.
"Affluent, suburban middle-school students may face certain pressures that make them susceptible to depression and more likely to smoke or use drugs and alcohol, according to a new study..." (substance abuse)

"Young black children's development affected by messages on race"-CFAH, 9/17/02.
"How young black children learn about race may affect their cognitive and behavioral development, suggest study results..." (learning, cognition)

"Conflict places the mentally ill at risk of harm"- Eurekalert, 9/18/02.
"Individuals with serious mental disorders have an increased chance of becoming victims of violence because their relationships with others are more likely to provoke conflict, according to a Penn State criminologist..." (behavior, mental illness)

"Antipsychotic drug has few side effects in Alzheimer's patients"-OSU, 9/17/02.
"A drug used to help control psychotic behavior in people with schizophrenia holds promise for controlling similar symptoms in the early stages of Alzheimerís disease, a new study suggests..." (Alzheimer treatment)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 9/16/02

"People Who "Gave Up" After 9-11 More Likely To Remain Distressed" - APA, 9/10/02.
A national study examing the effects of 9/11 on individuals not directly affected finds that people who disengaged from the event were more likely to have poorer psychological outcomes over time. (stress, psychological adjustment)

"Study results offer new hope for people with manic depression"
The results show that a new drug, quetiapine, when taken in combination with certain mood stabilizers is more effective at treating the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder than mood stabilizers alone.

"Home-based preschool helps disadvantaged kids later"- Eurekalert, 9/12/02.
New research published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology documents that an in-home program for disadvantaged toddlers can help them be better prepared to learn once they start going to school. (education, learning)

"Introvert persons are more likely to become tired at work"-Eurekalert, 9/11/02.
According to Psychologists from Tilburg University who followed more than 700 people for a period of two years, introvert people have a higher risk of becoming tired than their extravert colleagues. Differences may be due to variations in coping styles utilized by introverts and extroverts.

"Natural high wipes out bad memories"- MSNBC, 8/02.
Chemicals found in the brain similar to active drug in marijuana responsible for producing the drug high, may also diminish nerve cell action in certain parts of the brain and wipe out unpleasant memories

"Stress System Malfunction Could Lead To Serious, Life Threatening Disease"Stress System Malfunction Could Lead To Serious, Life Threatening Disease
This article explores nature of stress and discusses new research that shows long-term elevation of one's stress system can have harmful effects increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, and a variety of other illnesses.

"One Year Later: Post-Traumatic Stress Takes Toll on Children"
This article provides valuable information on the nature and severity of PTSD in children, signs and symptoms, and an interview with John A. Fairbank, codirector of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.

"People Who "Gave Up" After 9-11 More Likely To Remain Distressed"- APA, 9/10/02.
A national study examing the effects of 9/11 on individuals not directly affected finds that people who disengaged from the event were more likely to have poorer psychological outcomes over time. (stress, psychological adjustment)

"Study results offer new hope for people with manic depression"- Eurekalert, 9/12/02.
The results show that a new drug, quetiapine, when taken in combination with certain mood stabilizers is more effective at treating the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder than mood stabilizers alone.

"Home-based preschool helps disadvantaged kids later"- Eurekalert, 9/12/02.
New research published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology documents that an in-home program for disadvantaged toddlers can help them be better prepared to learn once they start going to school. (education, learning)

"Introvert persons are more likely to become tired at work"-Eurekalert, 9/11/02.
According to Psychologists from Tilburg University who followed more than 700 people for a period of two years, introvert people have a higher risk of becoming tired than their extravert colleagues. Differences may be due to variations in coping styles utilized by introverts and extroverts.

"Natural high wipes out bad memories"- MSNBC, 8/02.
Chemicals found in the brain similar to active drug in marijuana responsible for producing the drug high, may also diminish nerve cell action in certain parts of the brain and wipe out unpleasant memories

"Stress System Malfunction Could Lead To Serious, Life Threatening Disease"- Science Daily 9/02
This article explores nature of stress and discusses new research that shows long-term elevation of one's stress system can have harmful effects increasing the risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, and a variety of other illnesses.

"One Year Later: Post-Traumatic Stress Takes Toll on Children"- Science Daily 9/02
This article provides valuable information on the nature and severity of PTSD in children, signs and symptoms, and an interview with John A. Fairbank, co-director of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 9/9/02

"Study: Closeness to mother can delay first instance of sexual intercourse among younger teens"- Eurekalert, 9/4/02.
According to research out of the University of Minnesota, "teenagers are less ikely to start having sex when their mothers are involved in their lives, have a close relationship with them, and stress the importance of education."

"Study: Adult behavior may encourage teen sex"- CNN, 9/2/02.
While it is generally understood that children will engage in smoking and drinking behavior if their parents do, new research suggests that parental smoking, drinking, and inattention to health may also increase that chances that their children will engage in teen sex. (behavior, development, parental influence)

"Nearly any employee may be willing to steal from thier companies in some situations, study finds"- OSU, 9/3/02.
Most people would like to consider themselves honest, however according to new research out of Ohio State University, most of us would be willing to steal from our employers if given the opportunity. (behavior)

"Black Women at Lower Risk of Bulimia Than Whites"- ABC News, 9/5/02.
Past research has highlighted a difference between the incidence of bulimia between white and black women.  New researchers out of the University of Kentucky in suggests that black women possess fewer risk factors and symptoms of bulimia compared to white peers. (eating disorders)

"Losing Control? Study Finds Sense of Control Affects Heart Health"- ABC News, 9/4/02.
Perception of one's locus of control in the work place has been found to correlate with increased risk of mortality due to heart condition. Perception of who is in control, rather than who's really in control may be more important in for one's health.  (cognition and appraisal)

"A genetic contribution to obsessive compulsive disorder"- Eurekalert, 9/3/02.
According to a new research report published in the September issue of Molecular Psychiatry, a person who inherits a variant of the 5HT1Dbeta receptor gene has an increased chance of developing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. (genetics, abnormal psychology)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 9/2/02

"Baby babbling linked to brain's language center, not motor skills center"- Dartmouth, 8/29/02.
A strong link between baby babbling and the language processing centers in the brain has been found according to research released this week from Dartmouth. (brain, language development)

"Something to write home about: Journaling can help after trauma"-CFAH, 8/19/02.
Writing about one's emotional reaction to a traumatic event in addition to writing one's own ability to cope through those events has been found to be beneficial in recovery. (emotions, coping, trauma)

"Verbal Memory Test Best Indicator of Who Will Have Alzheimer's Disease, New Study Says"- APA, 8/25/02.
According to research out of the University of Toronto, it may be possible to predict Alzheimer's Disease using a verbal memory test. (memory, prevention)

"About 15 percent of major college athletes may have symptoms of eating disorders"- OSU, 8/23/02.
While college athletes may be the fittest people on campus, a new study reveals that the prevalence of eating disorder behaviors among 680 student-athletes at Ohio State was as high as 15 percent. (eating disorders)

"Influences on Adolescents' Experimenting With Smoking VS Becoming Regular Smokers"- APA, 8/11/02.
Data from a sample of over twenty thousand adolescents provides support that peer influences make it more likely for adolescents to experiment and/or become regular smokers. (behavior)

"Always Running Late? Your Friends May Mind"- Reuters Health, 8/29/02.
Research published in the October issue of the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology suggest that people who frequently keep their friends waiting tend to downplay the impact that this inconsiderate behavior has on their friends. (behavior)

"When Romance Cools, Others Look More Attractive"- Reuters Health, 8/22/02.
Men who reported lower levels of satisfaction in their relationships tend to show a greater attractiveness to other women compared with men who said they were satisfied. The study also revealed that women in satisfying relationships rated other women's attractiveness as less, compared to women raters in unsatisfying relationships. (appraisal, relationships)

"Choosing an antidepressant gets tougher"- CNN, 8/27/02.
This article discusses a new drug that Psychiatrists will be able to prescribe to treat depression called Lexapro. While the maker of the drug promises advantages over other medications on the market, the article suggests that Lexpro will likely further complicate the issue of which antidepressant to choose without providing a major improvement over its predecessors.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 8/19/02

"Program to reduce impact of TV violence on kids shows promise"- OSU, 8/13/02.
Changing children's attitudes about TV has been found to be effective in decreasing the amount of violent television shows they watch. (behavior)

"Interpersonal psychotherapy effective in treating binge-eating disorder"- Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
According to a report published in the August issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry, group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) may be equally as effective as group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating binge eating disorder. (treatment)

"Children aren't hurt or helped by sharing bed with parents"-Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
Routine bed sharing has not been found to be harmful children's well being and may actually be helpful especially when done purposefully. (child development)

"People with Autism Lack Self-Consciousness: Study"- Reuters Health, 8/13/02.
According to a report published in the August issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, people with autism have a tendency to see themselves in the third person. This finding may be help in terms of understanding problems autistic people often have relating to others. (autism)

"Gene May Protect Abused Kids Against Behavior Problems"- Science Daily, 8/5/02.
Researchers at University Of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a genetic variation associated with low levels of a certain brain enzyme that may make some abused children nine times more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior. (genetics)

"Catch Your 40 Winks to Boost Performance"- Reuters Health, 8/12/02.
Sleeping after learning a new task has been found to boost performance on that activity compared to people who stay awake after learning. (learning, sleep)

"Brand names really do stick in brain"- MSNBC, 8/14/02.
Familiarity breeds recognition and so the wisdom of Madison Avenue in advertising has been supported by new research out of UCLA. According to this research, people recognize and more quickly process products with familiar brand names. (learning, memory)

"Managing anger, boosting activity helps substance abusers stick with treatment"- Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
New research out of the Center for the Advancement of Health suggests that encouraging substance abusers to participate in more rewarding activities in addition to helping them manage their negative emotions if over. (treatment, substance abuse)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 8/12/02

"Program to reduce impact of TV violence on kids shows promise"- OSU, 8/13/02.
Changing children's attitudes about TV has been found to be effective in decreasing the amount of violent television shows they watch. (behavior)

"Interpersonal psychotherapy effective in treating binge-eating disorder"- Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
According to a report published in the August issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry, group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) may be equally as effective as group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating binge eating disorder. (treatment)

"Children aren't hurt or helped by sharing bed with parents"-Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
Routine bed sharing has not been found to be harmful children's well being and may actually be helpful especially when done purposefully. (child development)

"People with Autism Lack Self-Consciousness: Study"- Reuters Health, 8/13/02.
According to a report published in the August issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, people with autism have a tendency to see themselves in the third person. This finding may be help in terms of understanding problems autistic people often have relating to others. (autism)

"Gene May Protect Abused Kids Against Behavior Problems"- Science Daily, 8/5/02.
Researchers at University Of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a genetic variation associated with low levels of a certain brain enzyme that may make some abused children nine times more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior. (genetics)

Catch Your 40 Winks to Boost Performance"- Reuters Health, 8/12/02.
Sleeping after learning a new task has been found to boost performance on that activity compared to people who stay awake after learning. (learning, sleep)

"Brand names really do stick in brain"- MSNBC, 8/14/02.
Familiarity breeds recognition and so the wisdom of Madison Avenue in advertising has been supported by new research out of UCLA. According to this research, people recognize and more quickly process products with familiar brand names. (learning, memory)

"Managing anger, boosting activity helps substance abusers stick with treatment"- Eurekalert, 8/14/02.
New research out of the Center for the Advancement of Health suggests that encouraging substance abusers to participate in more rewarding activities in addition to helping them manage their negative emotions in treatment may improve their chances of success after treatment if over. (treatment, substance abuse)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 8/5/02

"Brain can reorganize after traumatic injury: Study shows damaged brain finds new ways to function"- Eurekalert, 8/2/02.
Can alternate networks inside the brain help a body recover some if its memory function? A new study done by The Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care says it could be possible. (neuropsychology)

"Complex physical learning may compensate for prenatal alcohol exposure, study shows"- Eurekalert, 8/7/02.
After being exposed to alcohol during a significant period of brain development, a new system of complex motor training helped lab rats generate new synapses and improve their learning skills. Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are now trying to see if this can work on human newborns with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. (development, learning)

"People with low self-esteem less motivated to break a negative mood"- Eurekalert, 8/5/02.
Having a high self-esteem or a low self-esteem may be key in telling how long it will take for someone to snap out of a bad mood. (depression, cognition)

"Influences on Adolescents' Experimenting With Smoking VS Becoming Regular Smokers"- APA, 8/11/02.
A new study shows that alienation from school, peers who smoke, and parents who smoke are some of the leading influenced to teenagers who begin smoking. (behavior)

"Suicide attempt rate high among urban gay men, UCSF study finds"- Eurekalert, 8/5/02.
Sexual harassment and "coming out" have been linked to high suicide-attempt rates in urban gay men, according to a study done by the University of California at San Francisco. (suicide, depression)

"What are kids saying about violence? Survey: Emotional abuse a bigger concern than physical"- CNN, 7/30/02.
What do you think of when you think of violence in school? In a shocking new study done by the Family and Work Institute shows that students think more of emotional violence rather than physical violence.

World News: "Schizophrenic suicide rate 'soars'"- INA, 8/5/02.
Schizophrenia has impacted Australians so much that it is the leading cause of suicide, and is a bigger health burden to Australia than major diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, etc. (schizophrenia)

"Study Slams Video Violence" - CBS News, 8/2/02
A new report has found a correlation between kids' exposure to high levels of television and video game violence and what researchers called "relational aggression" -- behavior that includes name-calling, making threats and spreading rumors. (aggression, behavior)

"The Science of Making Memories" - MSNBC/WebMD
Scientists are looking at a gene that may be the key to finding a significant treatment -- if not a cure -- for mental retardation, and diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. (research, treatment)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 7/29/02

"Anger 'Attacks' May Accompany Depression"- Reuters Health, 7/25/02.
Depressive disorder patients have more anger than patients with other mental disabilities. A new study shows that depressed people tend to have more problems with anger and hostility.

"Negative Stereotypes About Aging May Shorten Your Life By Affecting Will To Live"- APA, 7/28/02.
We have all come to learn that not smoking, eating healthy, and regular exercise will help us to live longer. However, positive self-perceptions of aging may increase your lifespan more than any other health factor.

"Doctors study why elderly so prone to suicide"- CNN, 7/23/02.
Senior citizens commit suicide at a higher rate that any other age group, and often do not show any signs of being suicidal. After studying several cases of suicide among the elderly, some physicians now have clues to look out for in senior citizens who may potentially be another statistic.

"UCSD study finds girls' attitudes about achievement can influence drop-out rates among female engineering students"- UCSD, 7/30/02.
Many female have been told throughout their life how good they are in mathematics and science, believing that their aptitude is natural. A new study looks at why females who enter engineering courses drop out at a higher rate than males.

"Some sports linked to unhealthy eating behaviors in girls"- CFAH, 7/30/02.
Girls who enter into sports that are dependent on weight are more likely to practice unhealthy eating habits. From self-induced vomiting to taking laxatives, new research says athletic women are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders.

"Attention acts as visual glue"- Eurekalert, 8/1/02.
How exactly does your brain know what color and what shape bananas, apples, and oranges are? A new study tests the attention theory.

"Medication effective in treating children with autism"- Eurekalert, 7/31/02.
Is a drug that has been effective in treating adults with schizophrenia safe for use on children with autism? A new study suggests that risperidone, reduces severe behavioral symptoms in youths with autism.

"When mistreated children act out later in life: Brain gene may play a role, study says"- 8/1/02.
Is there a specific gene that determines whether or not a mistreated child will become antisocial later in life? Scientists from the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand say that their findings may be able to identify children who are at a risk for engaging in criminal activity as an adult.

"Teen drug use linked with later health problems"- Eurekalert, 7/30/02.
Drug use in a person's adolescent ages has been linked to increased health problems during the early adulthood years.

"Narcissists Make Lousy Long-Term Lovers: Study"- Reuters Health, 7/26/02.
Having trouble finding that special someone? It may be because you love yourself too much. A new study says that narcissism severely hinders your chances of being in a long-term realtionship.

Psych-in-the-News Archive 7/22/02

"Study: Women have better emotional memory"- CNN, 7/23/02.
A new study finds differences in brain reactions to emotional stimuli between men and women. Study provides evidence that a women's brain is much more ready to perceive and remember emotions. (brain, emotions)

"Researchers discover region of brain linked to dyslexia"- Nando, 7/22/02.
Evidence from brain scans of dyslexic versus non impaired children has identified an area of the brain associated with dyslexia. (dyslexia, learning disorder)

"Researchers Shed Light On Early Brain Growth And Autism"- Science Daily, 7/24/02.
Researchers say that children with Autism exhibit abnormal brain development early in life possessing larger cerebral volumes than normal children. Differences appear to diminish by age 12. (biological foundations, psychological development)

"Doctors Probe Suicide Among Elderly"- Miami, 7/22/02.
Article explores issues associated with suicide among the elderly who possess the highest rate of suicide across all age groups. (stress, health and coping, prevention)

"Suicide Risk Factors in Bipolar Illness Identified"- Reuters, 7/19/02.
Investigators from Taiwan have found that suicide for people diagnosed with Bipolar illness is highest among adults before the age of 35, who live alone, and have had a family member who committed suicide in the past. (stress, health and coping, psychological disorders)

"Emory Brain Imaging Studies Reveal Biological Basis For Human Cooperation"- Science Daily, 7/18/02.
Functional MRI scans taken of the human brain reveal a biological basis for altruistic behavior. The article explores the researhc methodology in arriving at findings (biological foundations)

"Personality Trait May Link Smoking to Panic Attacks"- Reuters, 7/24/02.
Neuroticism a personality trait often described as a tendency to perceive and experience the world in a negative manner. New research suggests that it is the factor associated with panic attacks in smokers. (personality, stress, health and coping)

Psych-in-the-News Archive 7/15/02

"Survey: Teen drug, alcohol use lowest in decade"- CNN, 7/18/02.
According to a recent national survey taken amongst 6th to 12th graders, drug and alcohol use is the lowest within the past ten years. The article also examines these results in the wake of 9/11. (drug abuse, posttraumatic stress)

"Report: 3 million U.S. teens contemplate suicide"- CNN, 7/14/02.
According to a recent survey conducted by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 13 percent of teens between the ages of 14 and 17 have considered suicide. (suicide, depression)

"Gene may bias amygdala response to frightful faces"- Eurekalert, 7/18/02.
The amygdala is well known as a central brain structure involved in the emotion process. The National Institutes of Health announced last week that a certain gene may influence this structure and play a role in how people respond to fear. (Genetics, emotion, neurology)

"Emory brain imaging studies reveal biological basis for human cooperation"- Eurekalert, 7/17/02.
Researchers at Emory University announced last week that functional MRI scans taken of the human brain may reveal a biological basis for altruistic behavior. (Neurology, brain, physiology, human behavior)

"Panel Calls for Greater Attention to Cancer Patients' Pain, Depression, and Fatigue"- NIH, 7/18/02.
Despite the availability of a variety of interventions for treating cancer pain, a panel report released from the National Institutes of Health suggests that cancer pain is often undertreated and that more attention needs to be directed toward assessment, research, and treatment that enhances quality of life. (depression, treatment, research)

"What motivates human behavior?"- Eurekalert, 7/12/02.
Nurturing and caring for others along with more base human characteristics such as greed and aggression are genetically wired into our make-up and development according Shelley Tayor, professor of Psychology at the University of California (motivation, human behavior).

"Cigarette marketing can undermine good parenting"- Eurekalert, 7/16/02.
New research from the Center of the Advancement of health suggests that marketing practices by cigarette companies may more easily lure into smoking children of more authoritative parents.

"Lingering cognitive impairment may be linked to coronary bypass surgery"- Eurekalert, 7/14/02.
According to new research out of the University of North Carolina, cognitive declines in memory and attention often follow coronary bypass surgery. Although post operative declines have been documented before, this is the first study to demonstrate them beyond a 2 week period (memory, attention, neuropsychology).