The Latest In Psychology News
Psychology can be considered an ever-evolving field. Recent developments generally include learning that a positive mindset may prevent the onset of seasonal affective disorder, that exercise may help with depression and aging, that psychological stress can directly impact mitochondria, and that people can become addicted to social media. Another shift in the field of psychology may be that online therapy is generally becoming more popular and has gained more evidence suggesting it can be as effective as in-person therapy.
Recent developments in psychology
Psychological stress at the cellular level
Recent studies have shown that psychological stress may have a direct impact on mitochondria, the organelles that typically produce energy within every cell in our bodies (apart from red blood cells). Mitochondria are generally the only organelles with their own genome (their genes are usually referred to as mtDNA).
Some researchers posit that stressful psychosocial experiences, including chronically stressful experiences such as discrimination, adverse childhood experiences, job strain, low socioeconomic status, social isolation, and caregiving, can be “sensed” by mitochondria, thus affecting their release of certain chemical signals and even altering their mtDNA. When mitochondria must consistently alter their functions to react to chronic stress, the rest of the body may be affected as well. Some consequences may include heightened risk for certain diseases, chronic inflammation, and accelerated aging.
A lifetime of accumulated mutations in our mitochondria may instigate the aging process. However, a related finding may shed some light on how to keep our mitochondria thriving, even as we age. Since the 1960s, scientists have generally known that endurance exercise can increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells. Researchers have since tested whether endurance exercise could reduce the effect of aging in mice that were prematurely aging due to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mice that were made to run for 45 minutes, three times a week, for five months typically showed remarkable changes. None died prematurely, and despite their mitochondrial condition, they usually showed fewer physical signs of aging. They also tended to have greater physical capacity than sedentary mice with and without the condition.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be defined as a type of depression often linked to the lower amounts of sunlight that normally occur in the winter. One study surveyed residents of several Norwegian towns north of the Arctic Circle that receive no direct sunlight during the winter months. Most residents expressed positive emotions and attitudes toward their polar night. Instead of dreading winter and its days of longer darkness and cold, people typically celebrated it and concentrated on what they loved about the season. They often spoke of their love of skiing, cozy nights at home, and beautiful snow.
The study concluded that it was generally the residents’ mindsets that seemed to be the determining factor in their winter well-being. Their positive mindset toward winter in the months leading up to the season may be correlated with their higher sense of life satisfaction and mental health during winter.
Exercise for teen depression
Over one in 10 teens may report experiencing a depressive episode at least once a year. Therapy and medication often relieve the symptoms of depression, but when these treatments are concluded, depression symptoms may return.
One review of existing studies on exercise as a treatment for adolescent depression found a moderate but sustained improvement in depression among teens who participated in exercise interventions. Researchers found several factors tended to be especially helpful when prescribing exercise for depression:
- Doing multiple kinds of exercise (such as a weekly habit of running, dancing, and weightlifting) typically kept teens more interested in their exercise routine than just practicing a single type of exercise.
- Group exercise activities, such as team sports, often helped relieve depression symptoms more quickly than solo sports. Group activities usually allowed teens more social connection and support.
- The positive effects of regular exercise were typically seen after at least three months of incorporating the habit.
- Moderate to vigorous exercise three or more times a week for 20 to 60 minutes per session was generally found to have a more significant effect on alleviating depression symptoms than light exercise and fewer or shorter sessions.
When exercise was added to therapy and medication, there was usually a lasting improvement in the teens’ depression symptoms. This could be attributed to the endorphins released during exercise, but other factors, such as exercising with other people, working with a trainer, and finding a type of exercise that the teen enjoyed, also tended to help their symptoms.
Social media addiction
There may now be a name for a particular social media addiction: Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD). Although it’s not currently included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), this disorder may manifest in Facebook users who show similar behaviors to people with substance use disorders. People with FAD may think about Facebook frequently throughout the day, even when not using the platform. They may develop a tolerance to the uplifting effects of time spent on Facebook and need more and more time on the platform to feel the same positive effects. They may even experience withdrawal symptoms like anxiety when they lack access to Facebook.
The expanding influence of psychologists
Psychologists are frequently becoming consultants and leaders in diverse roles outside of the therapy office. For example, many technology companies are hiring psychologists to be part of their design teams. As smart devices become more ubiquitous, applied psychology can make their use easier and more productive.
Psychologists may also be giving their input on workspace design, such as color schemes and room layouts that may be the most supportive of collaboration and concentration. Psychologists can also advise companies on how to prevent burnout, stress, and fatigue from affecting their employees.
The rise of online therapy
Benefits of online therapy
Online therapy, whether offered by a psychologist’s practice or a platform like BetterHelp, can make therapy more accessible for people who may not have the time or ability to travel to a therapist’s office. Clients can schedule an online session from anywhere they have a stable internet connection and a smart device. BetterHelp can also reduce wait times for finding a therapist. Potential clients can get matched with a licensed mental health professional within 48 hours of completing a simple intake questionnaire.
Effectiveness of online therapy
Regardless of the type of mental health concerns you may be experiencing, a growing body of evidence suggests that online and in-person therapy typically have the same level of efficacy. Either option may be a valid choice for those seeking professional help with their mental health.
Takeaway
What are some issues in psychology today?
The field of psychology today is grappling with many of the same issues confronting the world at large:
- The impact of climate change — a new study suggests that volatile weather may disrupt fetal development and lead to increased risk of psychological disorders
- Escalating global violence — the American Psychological Association (APA has warned that violence in Israel and Palestine is likely to cause long-term harm to mental health
- Social disconnection in the digital age — a novel intervention called the Friendship Project is working to foster in-person connections
- The rise of artificial intelligence — more and more researchers are exploring the possibility of using chatbots to deliver short-term mental health care
Other emerging issues may be more specific to the mental health field, but could still have major implications. For example, some researchers are exploring the possibility that addiction might be treatable using drugs designed for weight loss, potentially opening up a new understanding of the neurobiology of compulsive behavior. Meanwhile, the APA reports that the demand for psychologists is skyrocketing as people in a wide variety of fields seek more insight into the workings of the brain and mind.
What are the future trends in psychology?
A variety of emerging trends may reshape the future of psychology. One is the increasing awareness of the vital role that brain connectivity may play in mental wellness. For example, a neurosciences study published in September 2023 reported that disruptions in connections between cortical neurons may be a significant factor in the development of schizophrenia.
Another trend is a sharp rise in serious psychological difficulties among children. The New York Times reported in May of 2023 that pediatric emergency room visits for mental health-related crises have nearly doubled over the past decade. Addressing the psychological needs of kids and teens may be a major healthcare priority moving forward.
Psychological and neurological researchers are also continuing to explore new ways to use technology to address difficult challenges in mental health and wellness. The FDA recently approved human trials of the brain-computer interface technology Neuralink, which is intended to offer new options for people with physical disabilities. And virtual reality is being used to enhance exposure therapy for people with phobias and trauma.
What is the latest in psychology news?
Some of the latest news highlights in psychology include:
- An experimental procedure that turns immune cells into neurons appears to reverse brain damage in mice
- Researchers reported that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among university students, especially people who belong to groups that are in the minority at a given school
- A large-scale study is working to capture as much data as possible about bipolar disorder in hopes of gaining new insights into its causes and treatment
- Neurological researchers may have discovered how selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) achieve their effects: by increasing the density of brain cell connections in specific cerebral regions.
What is the biggest psychological problem in the world?
Deciding which psychological problem is most pressing worldwide may depend a great deal on personal values. Going strictly by prevalence, depression might be one candidate — a 2021 study reported that it was the most widespread form of mental illness, affecting over 28% of the global population.
However, others might argue that uncovering effective ways to reduce anger and aggression is a more urgent concern, given the rise of seemingly purposeless explosions of mass violence.
The World Economic Forum has suggested that anxiety might be the most critical mental health concern. Though not quite as common as depression, it may cause an even greater worldwide burden on people’s ability to function effectively and pursue lasting happiness. Anxiety disorders can be associated with avoidant behaviors that cause people to miss out on opportunities, debilitating panic attacks, and even physical health problems.
What is the biggest mental health issue today?
One of the most significant issues in mental health today is the limited availability of treatment. While there are effective treatments for many of the psychological disorders discussed above, many people living with mental illness struggle to find the care they need. Long waitlists for therapists, limited numbers of clinics in rural areas, and rising diagnosis rates can all make it difficult to meet the demand for treatment.
The increasing adoption of Internet-enabled therapy may help to close this “treatment gap” to some extent. Mental health experts continue to look for new solutions to increase access to mental health care.
What's next in mental health?
Many experts believe that the future of mental health will be shaped to a large extent by factors like:
- Information technology. Even many people who don’t fully embrace online therapy will likely employ technological solutions to supplement their mental health care in the future.
- Workplace mental health. Research is increasingly revealing the potential psychological impacts of stress and toxicity at work. Both employers and therapists may respond with an increased focus on workplace wellness.
- Psychedelic therapy. Evidence is mounting that augmenting psychotherapy with medications like methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) or psilocybin may produce stronger and longer-lasting reductions in symptoms of conditions like anxiety, addiction, and depression.
- Genetics and epigenetics. Advances in the scientific understanding of genetic influences on mental health may enable more individualized approaches to psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Will therapists be needed in the future?
Although there’s increasing interest in the possibilities of apps and chat-based AIs in mental health care, many healthcare professionals doubt that these technologies will completely replace the need for therapists. Current evidence suggests that the human connection between counselor and patient may be an important factor in the effectiveness of therapy. While digital tools can often provide accurate information about psychology, therapists will still likely be needed to provide the empathy and care that people with mental health difficulties need.
What is the #1 most diagnosed mental disorder?
The most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the United States may be anxiety disorders, with an estimated past-year prevalence of 19.1%. However, this includes several distinct diagnostic categories, including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Major depressive disorder might be the most diagnosed condition if anxiety disorders are counted separately.
What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
The difficulty of managing life with mental illness can vary a great deal, not just from person to person but from day to day. The specific diagnosis a person receives may not be the most important factor. Instead, quality of life when living with a psychological disorder may depend on things like:
- The severity of your symptoms
- How much social support you receive
- Whether your disorder limits your ability to engage in enjoyable activities
- Stigma or acceptance from the people around you
- Level of cognitive functioning
- Ability to socialize
What are the main types of psychology?
According to the American Psychological Association, the main subfields of psychology are:
- Brain science and cognitive psychology — studying how the brain and mind generate behavior or process information and emotion
- Climate and environmental psychology — investigating the interactions between environment and mental health
- Clinical psychology — the science of treating mental and behavioral illness
- Counseling psychology — developing psychological methods to help people with self-improvement and social relationships
- Developmental psychology — learning how the mind and brain grow and change from infancy to the end of life
- Experimental psychology — exploring how humans and animals think, learn, and behave
- Forensic and public service psychology — using psychology to address issues of criminal justice, public health, and public safety
- Health psychology — understanding how mental and physical health interact, and how to help people make better health choices
- Human factors and engineering psychology — studying how people interact with products and technology
- Industrial and organizational psychology — the psychology of the workplace
- Psychology of teaching and learning — using psychological science to enable effective education
- Quantitative psychology — improving the statistical and analytic methods used in the study of psychology
- Rehabilitation psychology — studying how people recover from illness or manage chronic conditions to help support them better
- Social psychology — the study of human relationships
- Sport and performance psychology — researching the mental aspects of athletic achievement
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