Universul Psihologic

02/07/2025

18/06/2025

Adults with a history of childhood trauma show measurable differences in brain structure and function, according to new research. The study found smaller surface area and volume in specific cortical regions, along with altered patterns of functional connectivity.

30/04/2025

Ultraprocessed Foods Linked to Rising Premature Deaths Worldwide

A new international study finds that higher consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) is strongly associated with an increased risk of premature death.

Researchers showed that for every 10% rise in UPFs' share of a person’s total energy intake, the risk of all-cause mortality increases by 3%.

In countries with the highest UPF consumption, like the United States, nearly 14% of premature deaths were attributed to these foods.

UPFs not only contribute excess sugar, sodium, and trans fats but also introduce harmful additives through industrial processing.

This study highlights the growing global burden of UPF-related deaths, especially as consumption rises in low- and middle-income countries.

Urgent policy action is needed to promote traditional, minimally processed diets and curb the health risks posed by UPFs.

https://neurosciencenews.com/ultraprocessed-foods-mortality-28663/

30/04/2025

Ketamine's Hidden Physical and Psychological Damage

A new study highlights the severe physical and psychological impacts of ketamine addiction, including bladder damage, painful cramps, low mood, and anxiety.

Many users were unaware of ketamine’s addictive potential until after dependency developed, with some comparing its strength to he**in addiction.

Despite serious health issues, nearly half of individuals with ketamine use disorder had not sought treatment, and satisfaction with available care was low.

Researchers found that a lack of awareness among both users and healthcare providers contributes to delayed treatment.

Public education and better clinical recognition are urgently needed to address the growing problem.

The study calls for improved treatment strategies, including specialized therapy and targeted interventions.

https://neurosciencenews.com/ketamine-addiction-mental-health-28770/

30/04/2025

Noninvasive Sound Wave Therapy Eases Depression and Anxiety

A new study shows that low-intensity focused ultrasound can noninvasively target the amygdala to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

In a double-blind trial, patients receiving daily ultrasound sessions over three weeks experienced significant clinical improvements.

This marks the first time deep brain regions have been safely modulated without surgery or medication.

The amygdala, a critical center for mood and emotional regulation, has long been a target in psychiatric research but was previously hard to reach without invasive procedures.

Focused ultrasound opens a new frontier for treating mood disorders, especially for patients unresponsive to traditional therapies.

The treatment showed a strong safety profile, with no serious adverse events reported.

https://neurosciencenews.com/ultrasound-stimulation-ptsd-depression-28664/

29/04/2025

New research presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit suggests that erythritol, a popular sugar substitute, may impair blood vessel health by reducin...

29/04/2025

A new cross-cultural study reveals that by 10 months of age, babies show both physiological and behavioral signs of emotional contagion.

29/04/2025

Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to Psychosis Brain Changes

A new study links cannabis use disorder to elevated dopamine levels in the brain regions associated with psychosis.

Researchers used neuromelanin-sensitive MRI to detect darker spots in the brains of cannabis users, indicating excess dopamine accumulation.

These brain changes were seen regardless of whether participants also had a schizophrenia diagnosis, suggesting cannabis alone can drive this shift.

Higher dopamine levels can disrupt brain function, increasing the risk of psychotic episodes, especially in vulnerable individuals.

The study offers biological evidence explaining why cannabis-induced psychosis has become more common following legalization.

These findings highlight the need for greater public health awareness and better education about the mental health risks of heavy cannabis use.

https://neurosciencenews.com/cannabis-use-disorder-psychosis-28746/

29/04/2025

Brain Growth Charts Reveal Early Cognitive Development Patterns

Researchers have developed the first normative brain functional growth charts from birth to six years old, mapping how key neural networks mature alongside cognitive milestones.

MRI scans from over 1,000 children revealed that stronger brain connections generally signal overall development, while decreases within specific networks reflect fine-tuning for specialized tasks.

For example, the visual network peaks early and then refines its function, aligning with the emergence of facial and object recognition.

The subcortical network, responsible for emotional and automatic functions, remained stable and strong throughout early development.

These brain charts provide a new, sensitive way to detect deviations from typical brain maturation patterns.

The findings could one day support early diagnosis and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism.

https://neurosciencenews.com/brain-mapping-cognitive-development-28756/

26/03/2025

ADHD May Raise Dementia Risk

A new study reveals that adults with ADHD show biological changes in the brain that resemble early-stage dementia, including elevated iron levels and increased neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood.

These markers are commonly associated with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Using advanced MRI imaging, researchers found excessive iron accumulation in specific brain regions of ADHD patients, particularly the precentral cortex.

12/03/2025

Boost Brain Health by Following Your Heart: Simple Steps for Longevity

New research highlights the strong connection between heart-healthy behaviors and better brain health, emphasizing that cognitive decline and dementia share many risk factors with cardiovascular diseases.

The findings reveal that adopting simple, heart-healthy lifestyle changes—such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, quitting to***co, and managing sleep—can significantly lower dementia risks.

Researchers underline the increasing global prevalence of dementia as people live longer, warning of unprecedented rises in cases due to widespread unhealthy lifestyles.

26/02/2025

Adverse Childhood Experiences Impact Brain Development and Mental Health

A decade-long study reveals how childhood adversity alters brain development, increasing the risk of mental health disorders and substance use.

Researchers found that adolescents who experienced early adversity showed delayed cognitive control and unusual brain activity in self-regulation regions.

Brain connectivity, rather than cognitive control behavior, was a stronger predictor of substance use initiation.

Specifically, weakened connections between key brain areas responsible for self-regulation dropped significantly one year before substance use began.

Despite these challenges, the study also highlighted the brain’s resilience, as cognitive control function often improved in late adolescence.

These findings suggest that early interventions targeting brain development could help at-risk youth build resilience and reduce long-term mental health risks.

https://neurosciencenews.com/neurodevelopment-adversity-mental-health-28437/