Tag

Psychotherapy

All articles tagged with #psychotherapy

Therapy Off the Mark for Many Autistic Adults, Large Study Finds
mental-health1 day ago

Therapy Off the Mark for Many Autistic Adults, Large Study Finds

A large Nature Mental Health study analyzed routine therapy data from 7,175 autistic adults receiving psychological treatment for anxiety or depression and found that most did not show meaningful improvement across the first eight sessions; while a small group improved rapidly, many remained stable or worsened. Outcomes varied with factors such as daily functioning difficulties, camouflaging/autistic burnout, ethnicity, and social-leisure engagement, underscoring the need for neurodiversity‑affirming, burnout‑aware, and more tailored mental-health therapies.

Outdoor therapy goes mainstream as clinicians embrace nature-based sessions
wellbeing-mind17 days ago

Outdoor therapy goes mainstream as clinicians embrace nature-based sessions

A growing number of therapists are offering outdoor therapy—such as walk-and-talks and nature-based sessions—citing mood and memory benefits. Clinicians report clients opening up more during movement and in natural settings, drawing on research and real-world experiments, while weather and practicalities can affect how widely the approach is adopted.

FDA Panel Reviews MDMA Therapy for PTSD
health1 year ago

FDA Panel Reviews MDMA Therapy for PTSD

The FDA’s Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee is reviewing Lykos Therapeutics’ New Drug Application for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The meeting includes presentations from both the FDA and Lykos, public comments, and a vote on two questions that could influence the FDA's decision on August 11th. Key discussions involve the role of psychotherapy, trial misconduct, patient recruitment, and safety concerns. The meeting is being live-streamed on YouTube, with periodic updates provided by Psychedelic Alpha's Founder & Editor, Josh Hardman.

"Exploring the Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery"
health-and-wellness1 year ago

"Exploring the Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery"

EMDR therapy, developed in 1989, helps individuals process and heal from disturbing life experiences by reprocessing unhelpfully stored memories in the brain. Sessions involve bilateral stimulation to activate both sides of the brain, and typically consist of eight phases, with treatment duration varying based on the complexity of the trauma. EMDR is primarily used to treat PTSD and trauma-related disorders, but can also benefit individuals with anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, addictions, grief and loss, and those on the autism spectrum. While EMDR has minimal risks, it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or those using specific substances.

"MDMA's Impact on Positive Social Feedback Uncovered in New Study"
science-and-medicine2 years ago

"MDMA's Impact on Positive Social Feedback Uncovered in New Study"

A new study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, may uniquely enhance positive emotional responses to social interactions, shedding light on its potential to influence social perception and treat conditions characterized by impaired social processing. The research, led by Anya Bershad and her colleagues at UCLA, found that MDMA increased feelings of happiness and acceptance in response to positive social feedback, aligning with its empathogenic properties. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into MDMA's prosocial effects and its potential integration into psychotherapeutic settings to improve social connectivity and emotional well-being.

"Key Steps Before Divorce: What to Know and Do"
relationships-and-marriage2 years ago

"Key Steps Before Divorce: What to Know and Do"

A licensed psychotherapist specializing in marriage and family counseling emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and seeking counseling before deciding to divorce. By understanding the meanings we make about ourselves in stressful situations, individuals can take responsibility for their own worth and transform old ideas about themselves, potentially leading to significant changes in their marriage. The article recommends finding a counselor specializing in family systems to evaluate personal upbringing and its impact on relationships, ultimately encouraging individuals to do their own work before making the decision to end their marriage.

"The Lingering Impact of Childhood Trauma: 8 Subtle Ways It Continues to Shape Your Life"
mental-health2 years ago

"The Lingering Impact of Childhood Trauma: 8 Subtle Ways It Continues to Shape Your Life"

Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental health, leading to symptoms of PTSD such as hypervigilance, a sense of impending doom, fear of anger, and distrust of relationships. It can also contribute to anxiety, depression, OCD, and substance abuse. Seeking psychotherapy with a specialist in childhood trauma can help individuals understand and address the unconscious meaning of their symptoms, learn to trust again, and work through their fears and trauma to ultimately find healing and safety.

"Brain Zapping Technique Increases Susceptibility to Hypnosis"
health-and-medicine2 years ago

"Brain Zapping Technique Increases Susceptibility to Hypnosis"

Stanford Medicine researchers have discovered that targeted electrical stimulation of the brain can temporarily increase a person's hypnotizability, which may allow more individuals to benefit from hypnosis-based therapies, especially for pain relief. The study, which will be published in Nature Mental Health, showed that less than two minutes of transcranial magnetic stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex enhanced hypnotizability for about an hour. This finding could lead to new approaches in pain management and psychotherapy by altering stable traits like hypnotizability.

Ukraine's Battle Against Combat Stress and Russian Aggression
militaryhealth2 years ago

Ukraine's Battle Against Combat Stress and Russian Aggression

Ukraine's citizen army, comprised of many volunteers with little combat preparation, is struggling with combat stress as the war with Russia enters its second year. The army is facing exhaustion as it tries to hold off the larger enemy, and mental health issues among soldiers are becoming a growing challenge. Psychotherapists and volunteers across Ukraine are treating soldiers for mental health problems, offering basic psychological theory and coping techniques. However, the limited time and resources available make it difficult to provide full recovery for soldiers, and more serious cases are sent for further treatment at rehabilitation points away from the front. The Ukrainian military is trying to recruit more people for psychological support, but details on the scale of the recruitment drive and the number of soldiers treated for psychological conditions remain undisclosed.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Mental Health Conditions
health2 years ago

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Psilocybin for Mental Health Conditions

A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials has highlighted the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as a treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The analysis found that patients receiving psilocybin therapy showed significantly more improvement in depressive symptoms compared to those who did not receive the treatment. Response rates and remission rates were higher in the psilocybin group, and the positive effects of psilocybin therapy were observed shortly after administration and could last for several months. While psilocybin was generally well-tolerated, some participants experienced non-serious side effects. However, careful screening and monitoring of participants, especially those with a complex psychiatric history, is necessary. Further research is needed to establish psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy as an accepted medical alternative.

Breakthrough Study Shows Psilocybin's Potential in Treating Bipolar II Depression
health2 years ago

Breakthrough Study Shows Psilocybin's Potential in Treating Bipolar II Depression

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that a single dose of psilocybin, combined with supportive psychotherapy, may significantly reduce depression symptoms in individuals with bipolar II disorder. The study involved 15 participants who had not responded to previous treatments, and they experienced a 76.3% reduction in depression symptoms three weeks after psilocybin administration. Secondary outcomes showed improvements in self-reported depression symptoms and quality of life. The study also found no significant adverse events associated with psilocybin dosing. However, the study's limitations, such as the small sample size and lack of a control group, highlight the need for further research to confirm these findings and explore long-term effects.

Psilocybin's Potential in Treating Bipolar II Depression Shown by Recent Study
mental-health2 years ago

Psilocybin's Potential in Treating Bipolar II Depression Shown by Recent Study

A clinical trial conducted at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore and published by the American Medical Association has found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy shows efficacy and safety in treating bipolar II depression. The trial involved 15 participants with treatment-resistant BDII depression, and after seven psychotherapy sessions, including one with a single dose of psilocybin, the study subjects displayed strong and persistent antidepressant effects without worsening mood instability or increased suicidality. The study also found improvements in patients' self-reported quality of life scores, and safety metrics such as suicidal ideation and mania did not change significantly. However, the authors caution against casual or unsupported psilocybin use and note that further follow-up studies are needed.