Therapy Can Be Affordable

Experts reveal that taking a three-week break from smartphones can significantly enhance mental health, surpassing the benefits of a two-week vacation. This finding was shared at a symposium addressing the growing issue of mobile addiction, especially among adolescents, exacerbated by the pandemic.

A tragic incident involving an 11-year-old boy who shot his father raises critical questions about youth impulse control, mental health, family dynamics, and firearm safety. While motives remain unclear, the case underscores the importance of understanding risk factors and strengthening early intervention and prevention efforts for families.

A recent study shows that mindfulness meditation can effectively reduce symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder and depression. Conducted with 70 patients, those who practiced mindfulness reported significant improvements compared to those who used progressive muscle relaxation. fMRI scans revealed positive neural changes linked to enhanced emotional control and reduced cravings.

A recent study reveals that 15.9% of youth in India struggle with internet addiction, exacerbated by the pandemic. In addition, “Reel Addiction” is a new addiction among adolescents. This addiction poses serious mental health risks, including heightened anxiety and depression, impacting daily life and social interactions.

Experts advocate for recognizing ‘profound autism’ as a distinct diagnosis to ensure better support and resources for individuals with severe cognitive impairments. Judith Ursitti highlights the shortcomings of current healthcare systems that focus primarily on milder cases, leaving profound autism patients without adequate treatment options.

Carrie Friedman, NP, sheds light on the often-overlooked comorbidities associated with autism, including POTS and GI issues. She advocates for a systems-based approach to better understand these interconnected health challenges faced by autistic individuals.

A new study reveals that children with a family history of autism or ADHD show distinct sensory processing patterns. Sensory hyper-responsivity may indicate an increased risk for autism, highlighting the importance of early intervention strategies.

A recent study highlights the potential of measuring hair cortisol levels as a method to assess long-term stress in autistic children, who often struggle to communicate their emotions. This innovative approach could enhance understanding of their emotional states and improve behavioral assessments.

New research reveals a link between maternal psychological distress during pregnancy and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children, highlighting sex-specific associations. The study, part of the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, analyzed data from over 63,000 children, emphasizing the importance of maternal mental health.

A new study reveals that autistic individuals express emotions differently than non-autistic adults, suggesting emotion recognition issues may stem from these variations. Conducted using advanced motion capture technology, the research highlights the unique emotional communication styles of autistic individuals.