Mental Health

Find articles on stress, phobias and schizophrenia. This section offers information on a range of mental health issues.

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How the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Works

Now in its fifth edition, the DSM is the bible of diagnosing mental disorders in the U.S. Adding or removing a condition from the manual can greatly impact public opinion, as well as pharmaceutical and insurance practices.

By Alia Hoyt Mental Health / Mental Disorders

Getting a Ph.D. Can Harm Your Mental Health

Doctoral programs are extremely grueling and stressful at times, but a new study shows they can even spark some serious psychiatric problems.

By Shelley Danzy Sep 14, 2017 Mental Health / Mental Disorders

Why Seeking Therapy Can Be Taboo for African-Americans

Although African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious psychological distress than white Americans, they are far less likely to get help. Here's why.

By Alia Hoyt Aug 30, 2017 Mental Health / Coping

How Imaginary Friends Work

Many kids grow up with imaginary friends. Why do they rely on these make-believe playmates and are they a sign of trouble or great things?

By Michelle Konstantinovsky Human Nature / Human Behavior

Do We Really Need Internet Addiction Treatment Centers?

Although internet addiction is classified as a national epidemic in some Asian countries, the U.S. has been slower to make that assumption. But is that caution justified?

By Dave Roos Aug 21, 2017 Mental Health / Addiction

When Wisecracks and Puns Are Symptoms of Brain Damage

A rare neurological disorder called Witzelsucht turns joking, punning and making inappropriate wisecracks into a compulsion.

By Jesslyn Shields Aug 7, 2017 Mental Health / Neurological Conditions

Why Do People Fall Asleep in Movie Theaters?

Even if the film is full of blasting bombs and flashing lights, it might not be enough to stop some folks from nodding off.

By Dave Roos Jul 25, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Do You Have Coffee Bubble Phobia? Scientists Now Know Why

Scientists believe that coffee bubble phobia — a symptom of trypophobia, or a fear of holes — could be an evolutionary aversion to parasites.

By Alia Hoyt Jul 24, 2017 Mental Health / Mental Disorders

Blind People Don't Always Have the Same Facial Expressions as Sighted People

Are facial expressions learned or innate? A study that looked at the facial expressions of people blind from birth found mixed results.

By Alia Hoyt Jul 20, 2017 Human Nature / Emotions

Is Height a Factor in Our Health and Happiness?

Short or tall, height affects us all — but does it have the power to determine how long we live, or whether we're happy?

By Laurie L. Dove Jul 13, 2017 Human Nature / Emotions

Suicide Afflicts Farmers at Rate Shockingly Higher Than All Other Jobs

A new study shows that suicide afflicts farmers in the United States at a rate consistently higher than any other profession.

By Patrick J. Kiger Jun 22, 2017 Depression / Depression Facts

Social Jet Lag May Be Bad for Your Heart

A new study links sleeping in on the weekends with an increased likelihood of heart disease.

By Dave Roos Jun 19, 2017 Sleep & Dreams / Sleep Disorders

Are Private or Public College Students More Stressed? Reddit May Hold the Answer

Researchers have been analyzing Reddit posts to figure out which colleges have the most stressed-out students.

By Jonathan Strickland Jun 8, 2017 Mental Health / Coping

The Language You Speak Affects How You Perceive Time

Swedish speakers tend to measure time by distance, while Spanish speakers tend to say measure it by volume. But how does this difference in expression affect how people perceive time?

By Shelley Danzy Jun 7, 2017 Human Nature / Human Perception

Why All the Hullabaloo Over Handshakes? They Matter

We've all performed this social ritual thousands of times but, as it turns out, there's a right way and a wrong way to shake hands. A psychologist who has studied the art and psychology behind handshakes explains.

By John Donovan Jun 5, 2017 Human Nature / Human Behavior

How Sigmund Freud Worked

Sigmund Freud is considered the father of psychoanalysis, although today many of his theories are viewed unfavorably. Why is his legacy still so important?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Mental Health / Great Psychologists