If you’re asking yourself, “Am I the problem in my relationship?”, you probably know that some of your relationship behaviors are problematic. Maybe you shouted at your partner and said hurtful things you didn’t mean, and now you’re full of regret. Do small annoyances turn into massive fights where both parties get defensive, and nothing gets resolved? Poor conflict management skills may be a factor here. Do you get annoyed easily by your partner’s habits or behaviors that shouldn’t actually matter that much in the grand scheme, like how they chew or organize the closet?...

They represent the “high” phase of bipolar disorder, during which people experience heightened and often disorganized goal-directed behavior, risk-taking, impulsivity, and euphoria intermixed with tension or anger outbursts. While full-blown manic episodes involve severe impairment, hypomania refers to attenuated manic symptoms that do not significantly debilitate functioning. Key Points Rationale To understand the mechanisms underlying manic mood states, research during active manic states is needed. However, inducing clinical mania ethically is not feasible....

A focus group is aqualitative research methodthat involves facilitating a small group discussion with participants who share common characteristics or experiences that are relevant to the research topic. The goal is to gain insights through group conversation and observation of dynamics. a focus group of people sat on chairs in a circle. one person is making notes on a clipboard. In a focus group: Rationale It is important that participants feel comfortable expressing diverse viewpoints rather than being pressured into a consensus....

As with all relationships, friendships can go through challenging phases, especially when faced with unexplained behavior from a close friend. If you find yourself wondering why your friend is ignoring you, this article can help you consider ten potential reasons behind their withdrawal. We also provide practical guidance on how to handle each situation effectively. By following the suggested strategies, you can either rekindle the friendship or gracefully move forward, prioritizing your own well-being and happiness....

Watching the ball drop, raising a glass, and hugging loved ones at midnight the moment 2023 becomes 2024 can feel a little magical, even if your rational mind knows the new year is a human invention without scientific significance. But the distinct before/after of starting a new year can be hugely significant for us humans— because it helps us create meaning and make sense of our lives.The New Year’s holiday is a valuable chance to reflect on the past and think about how our futures should look....

Key Points The paper presents a systematic review of the use of virtual reality (VR) technology for neuropsychological assessment. The key findings are: The paper makes a case for VR tests as a complementary evaluation methodology alongside traditional tests. But, it also highlights the need for further evidence of ecological validity, clinical utility, and accessibility before widespread implementation. Rationale Prior research has questioned the ecological validity of paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests in relating test performance to real-world functioning (Chaytor & Schmitter-Edgecombe, 2003)....

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)continues to be misunderstood as mainly a male childhood condition, yet increasing evidence reveals it persists more often into adulthood than previously thought and manifests distinctly in girls and women. Compared to males, females with ADHD tend to display less outward hyperactivity and more inward symptoms of inattention and disorganization. Girls with ADHDmay have a high risk for internalizing problems like anxiety or depression and exhibit self-injury more frequently....

Computerized cognitive training programs aim to help adults with ADHD improve cognitive skills like working memory through regular practice on computer-based mental exercises. However, recent research suggests the benefits of these programs for reducing ADHD symptoms and improving daily functioning are quite limited so far. More study is needed to determine if tailored approaches can help adults manage persistent attention deficits. Key points Rationale ADHDpersists into adulthood for many individuals, with prevalence around 4-5% in ages 18-44 years (Young & Goodman, 2016)....

Those suffering from social anxiety often fear embarrassing themselves or losing status, leading to avoidance of interactions like public speaking, starting conversations, or asserting opinions around others. Physiological arousal,distorted negative thoughtsabout oneself, and self-conscious emotions like shame characterize the condition that affects millions of people to some degree. Social anxiety varies in severity as an experience common to almost everyone, to the chronic disorder hampering connection. Key Points Rationale Decades of research have shown that childhood social trauma increases the risk for adult social anxiety (SA)....

Emotion regulationinvolves our ability to manage feelings. It encompasses the strategies and thought processes we use to shape what emotions we have, when we have them, and how these emotions are mentally and physically expressed. For example, taking deep breaths to calm anger or reevaluating a situation more positively are emotion regulation skills. Deficits in regulating emotions adaptively are linked to difficulties coping as well as mental health problems. Essentially, emotion regulation determines how skillfully we handle feelings....

Key Points Rationale AN is a severe disorder with high mortality and often involves obsessions related to eating, weight and shape (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). AN also commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression, which are linked to poorer treatment outcomes (Fewell et al., 2017). However, the connections betweeneating disorder(ED) symptoms, anxiety, depression, and related cognitive factors are not well understood (Elliott et al., 2020). Method Participants completed standard self-report measures of depression, anxiety, cognitive flexibility, weight/shape concerns, and eating disorder symptoms....

Emotion regulation training is a skills-based intervention that teaches people strategies to manage difficult emotions. It focuses specifically on enhancing abilities in identifying emotions, selecting appropriate regulation techniques like reappraisal or acceptance, and implementing those strategies effectively. The goal is to improve regulation in daily life to reduce distress, improve wellbeing, and prevent progression to future mental health problems when experienced regularly over time. Key Points Rationale Prior research shows that subclinical symptoms of psychosis, depression, and anxiety are common, co-occur, influence each other, and confer heightened risk for developing mental disorders (Lewinsohn et al....

Key Points The paper reports on three studies examining whether music can positively impact cognitions related to stressful events. The key findings are: Taken together, Studies 2 and 3 indicate familiar, upbeat music may help facilitate more adaptive thinking duringcognitive restructuring activitiesin therapy. However, more research is needed on real-world efficacy. Familiar, personally enjoyable upbeat music was uniquely able to increase positive moods and lead to less negative thinking about hypothetical stressful events....

An app, including a perfectionism module, was designed to help users identify and reduce maladaptive cognitions related to perfectionism. A recent study found the mobile app intervention lowered symptoms of perfectionism and related impairments compared to a control group. Key Points Rationale Perfectionism is increasingly prevalent among college students and is associated with substantial distress and impairment (Curran & Hill, 2019). However, barriers like stigma limit the utilization of needed mental health services (Duffy et al....

Social competence refers to effectively applying interpersonal skills to initiate and maintain positive social interactions.Autism spectrum disorderand social anxiety disorder both involve deficits in social competence – difficulties perceiving social cues, interpreting others’ behaviors, adjusting one’s own verbal and nonverbal communication, or navigating group dynamics. These differences in social skills mayincrease anxietysurrounding social situations.Stark, C., Groves, N. B., & Kofler, M. J. (2023). Is reduced social competence a mechanism linking elevated autism spectrum symptoms with increased risk for social anxiety?...