Recent News Items

Asperger's History of Overdiagnosis, by Paul Steinberg. New York Times, January 31, 2012.  “Considered to be at the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, Asperger syndrome has become more loosely defined in the past 20 years, by both the mental health profession and by lay people, and in many instances is now synonymous with social and interpersonal disabilities.”

Early Intervention Key to Shaping College Drinking Habits, by Janice Wood. Psych Central, January 31, 2012.  “The first few weeks of college are a critical time in shaping students' drinking habits, according to researchers at Penn State, who say early intervention may help keep students from becoming heavy drinkers.”

Ritalin Gone Wrong, by L. Alan Sroufe. New York Times, January 28, 2012.

New Definition of Autism May Exclude Many, Study Suggests, by Benedict Carey. New York Times, January 19, 2012.  “Proposed changes in the definition of autism would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and may make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests.”

Study: Stress Shrinks the Brain, by Alice Park. Time Magazine, January 09, 2012.  “Stress is an integral part of all of our lives, so much so, in fact, that we tend to shrug off our racing pulses and insomnia and constant angst as nothing unusual. But researchers say that even everyday stress can be leading to changes in the brain that make us more vulnerable to mental as well as social disorders ranging from depression to addiction and behavioral conditions.”

Seeing Social Media More as Portal Than as Pitfall, by Perri Klass. New York Times, January 09, 2012.  “Though there are certainly real dangers, and though some adolescents appear to be particularly vulnerable, scientists are now turning to a more nuanced understanding of this new world.”

Girls on the Spectrum: Q&A with the Author of Aspergirls, by Maia Szalavitz. Time Magazine, December 27, 2011.  “Is Asperger syndrome really less common in girls and women, or are females just better than males at masking autistic symptoms?”

School Absenteeism, Mental Health Problems Linked, by Janice Wood. Psych Central, December 25, 2011.  “Students who miss a lot of school often have symptoms of psychiatric disorders, according to a new study.”

Working May Help Mom's Mental Health, by Rick Nauert. Psych Central, December 13, 2011.  “Getting out of the house and working appears to be a healthy tonic for mothers as researchers discover being a stay-at-home mom is associated with higher bouts of depression.”

Autism researchers make exciting strides, by Michigane State University. December 12, 2011.  “Teaching young children with autism to imitate others may improve a broader range of social skills, according to a new study by a Michigan State University scholar.”

The Twice-Victimized of Sexual Assault, by Jane Brody. New York Times, December 12, 2011.  “Experts on sexual assault and rape report that even today, despite improvements in early sex education and widespread publicity about sexual assaults, the overwhelming majority of both felony and misdemeanor cases never come to public or legal attention.”

Ecstasy May Cause Chronic Serotonin Loss, by Rick Nauert. Psych Central, December 07, 2011.  “Emerging research suggests recreational use of Ecstasy, the illegal drug that produces feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth, is associated with chronic changes in the human brain.”

Imaging Study Shows How Family Violence Changes Brain Activity, by Rick Nauert. Psych Central, December 06, 2011.  “Family violence appears to increase a child's sensitivity to detect potential additional threats, as researchers found brain changes are analogous to those found in soldiers exposed to combat.”

Suicidal Behavior May Begin Before High School, by Rick Nauert. Psych Central, November 30, 2011.  “Emerging research suggests thoughts about killing oneself and engaging in suicidal behavior may begin much younger than previously thought.”

A Father's Mere Presence Lowers Risky Behavior in Teen Boys, by Traci Pedersen. Psych Central, November 26, 2011.  “Teen boys are more likely to engage in risk-taking and deviant behavior if they do not have a father figure in their lives, according to a University of Melbourne study.”

Victims of Racism May Cause Symptoms Similar to Trauma, by Janice Wood. Psych Central, November 17, 2011.  “For black American adults, perceived racism may cause mental health symptoms similar to trauma and could lead to some physical health disparities between blacks and other populations in the United States, according to a new study.”

Warning signs of sexual abuse often overlooked, by Emanuella Grinberg. CNN, November 11, 2011.  “Most children are abused by someone they know and trust, according to the American Psychological Association. An estimated 60% of perpetrators are known to the child but not family members: family friends, babysitters, child care providers and neighbors.”