UCSF Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

05/26/2026

According to research, psilocybin appears to alter the rigid brain patterns associated with depressive thinking, potentially helping patients break free from cycles of negative, repetitive thoughts. The same effect was not been observed with traditional depression medications.

UCSF research shows psychedelics like psilocybin may treat depression, Parkinson’s, and addiction, offering new hope in clinical trials.

05/26/2026

Readings: Psychiatric comorbidity in functional tics: a scoping review

There has been a dramatic rise in the prevalence of functional tics since the COVID-19 pandemic. While the prevalence of various comorbidities has been wel

05/25/2026

Want a better night's sleep? Researchers suggest “worry scheduling”. Setting aside time during the day specifically to process concerns or write them down can reduce nighttime rumination.

Read more here, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/08/nx-s1-5670255/stressed-about-sleep-dont-make-these-mistakes.

Will I be able to show up for work? For my kid? For my partner? When you find yourself awake when you should be asleep, it’s easy to let those middle-of-the-night fears creep in. And failing to manage that anxiety can turn a few bad nights of sleep into a cycle of insomnia. Three sleep experts sha...

05/25/2026

Readings: A Behavioral Economics Substance-free Activity Session (SFAS) Approach To Reducing Substance Use: Narrative Review and Intervention Manual

https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2027-37681-001.html

05/22/2026

Readings: Childhood Maltreatment and Deviations From Normative Brain Structure: A Mega-Analysis of 3711 Individuals From the ENIGMA Major Depressive Disorder and ENIGMA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Working Groups

05/21/2026

A new study explores how stress influences children’s development and how parents can help shield them from its harmful effects.

Read the about the findings here, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_can_families_cope_with_stress_together.

A new paper looks at how stress affects children's development, and how parents can help protect kids from harm.

05/21/2026

UCSF Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor in Neurology and Psychiatry Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD, is among the world’s first researchers in the modern era to demonstrate psilocybin’s promise for treating depression.

Read about this and other innovative research into below:

UCSF research shows psychedelics like psilocybin may treat depression, Parkinson’s, and addiction, offering new hope in clinical trials.

05/21/2026

Readings: Single-Session Consultations Delivered in a Gender-Responsive Clinic: A Case Series on Implementation and Lessons Learned

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13591045261431344

05/20/2026

Professor of Clinical Psychiatry Descartes Li, MD, recently spoke at The Commonwealth Club in a lecture titled “The Invisible Water: How Culture Shapes Mental Illness and Healing,” examining how our beliefs and cultural norms construct our understanding of illness, suffering and healing. The recording is now available—listen below.

https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast/invisible-water-how-culture-shapes-mental-illness-and-healing

05/20/2026

Read about four ways UC San Francisco researchers are pioneering novel treatments in depression, Parkinson’s, and addiction.

UCSF research shows psychedelics like psilocybin may treat depression, Parkinson’s, and addiction, offering new hope in clinical trials.

05/20/2026

Your brain is constantly reading context clues. If your bedroom becomes associated with stress, scrolling, or overthinking, your mind may stay alert at night. Sleep experts suggest consistent bedtime rituals can help signal transition into sleep mode.

Will I be able to show up for work? For my kid? For my partner? When you find yourself awake when you should be asleep, it’s easy to let those middle-of-the-night fears creep in. And failing to manage that anxiety can turn a few bad nights of sleep into a cycle of insomnia. Three sleep experts sha...