News from the Department

First assess whether your drinking habit is healthy. Then follow these steps to help make sure your relationship with alcohol stays that way. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this piece.

This piece, written by Jack Turban, a fellow in psychiatry and behavioral sciences, discusses how research into the determinants of gender identity may do more harm than good.

Therapists and educators explain how to manage your mental health during the 2020 election and final presidential debate. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this piece.

This story discusses a Minnesota teacher who allows students to sleep during class, as part of a unique sleep study lesson. Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment here.

Expert advice and tips for dealing with COVID anxiety and safely navigating life in the “new normal” during the coronavirus pandemic. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

Americans aged between 18 to 23, also known as adult Gen Z, are reporting the highest stress levels of any generation in the country, according to a poll. Jennifer Douglas, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this story.

Brain-wave data identifies two psychiatric subtypes and can predict best treatments for PTSD and depression, Stanford research shows. Amit Etkin, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this post.

Bharat Sampathi interviews Rona Hu, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, on her initiative Stanford CHIPAO (Communication Health Interactive for Parents of Adolescents and Others) - they discuss the theatrical vignettes addressing parent-child conflict, mental health in immigrant families, and cultural psychiatry.

Olympic swimmers race about 0.39 seconds faster in the evening than in the morning, and as insignificant as that fraction of a second may seem, gold medals are routinely won by slimmer margins. Renske Lok, postdoctoral research fellow of psychiatry, is mentioned in this article.

Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article discussing potential solutions to curbing the opioid crisis.

We tweet, we like, and we share - but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? Discover what's hiding on the other side of your screen from the documentary "The Social Dilemma." Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is featured in the film.

Losing a job is always stressful, especially if it is unexpected. Here are 6 tips on how to cope and manage your mental health. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is interviewed in this post.

Here are subtle ways that (valid) stress over politics may be messing with your mental health, plus advice on how to deal. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

Neurons derived from people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome show deficits in calcium signaling and electrical activity, pointing to possible therapeutic targets. New findings uncover factors that may contribute to the development of psychiatric conditions associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. They could also help researchers identify new therapeutic targets - Sergiu Pasca, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

The pandemic is making the US drug epidemic even worse – and many of its victims include white-collar professionals. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, these are the 8 things mental health experts want you to know right now about mental health. Rona Hu, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and associate dean of academic affairs, and Jack Turban, fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry, are quoted in this article - written by residency alumni Jessica Gold.

In a year such as this, it is perhaps no surprise that ‘doomscrolling’ is on the rise. Now mental health experts are warning of the dangers of the habit for mental and emotional well-being. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

New proposed regulations would require trans women to play with cisgender men on the rugby pitch. Athletes, scientists, and LGBTQ+ advocates are speaking out in protest. Jack Turban, a fellow in psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

This article discusses how State Sen. Scott Wiener said Thursday he plans to reintroduce controversial legislation next year that would allow for safe drug-use sites in San Francisco and Oakland. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor and a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

The American Psychological Association has released tips for how to manage anxiety caused by the 2020 election, after a survey revealed the upcoming vote is a significant source of stress in the lives of most people in the country. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Jennifer Douglas, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are quoted in this article.

Decriminalizing the use of illicit drugs involves trade-offs, but treating addiction as a disease yields a clear gain, research suggests. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

Recent research findings suggest alterations in the autism gene CNTNAP2 might relate to a vulnerability to sleep disturbances. Philippe Mourrain, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment on the studies mentioned.

Here are mental health experts' tips for addressing anxiety and practicing self-care during election season. Jack Turban, fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry, Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and residency alumni Jessica Gold, provide comment.

From pronouns to sports to puberty blockers, here are answers to the most common questions about trans issues. Jack Turban, a fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, provides comment.

Covid-19 isn't going to go away in the fall and winter. In fact, White House advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said that Americans should prepare to "hunker down." Here are some tangible ways you can stay positive while stuck at home again. Rachel Manber, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

This article offers guidance for teens and adolescents who may be having suicidal thoughts. Stephanie Clarke, clinical instructor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted here.

Until recently there were 44 million caregivers in the United States. Now in the midst of a global pandemic, we are all caregivers. Caregivers include medical teams, grocery workers, truck drivers, and others working to find balance, trying to perform at work while all at the same time, not jeopardizing the care provided to their loved ones. For this special episode of HealthChangers we hear a personal story from Ranak Trivedi, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating patients are facing novel challenges as in-person care is on hold. Can tech tools fill in the treatment gaps? Cara Bohon, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Body image is a key part of well-being, yet many of us have a conflicted relationship with our bodies. Kristine Luce, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, offers guidance.

A common genetic deletion boosts the risk for schizophrenia by 30-fold. Generating nerve cells from people with the deletion has showed Stanford researchers why. Sergiu Pasca, the Bonnie Uytengsu and Family Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program and an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is senior author.

Here are six foods to eat that can help alleviate symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), from an expert. Shebani Sethi Dalai, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

COVID-19 is changing how many scientists, like Stanford sleep expert Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, view their field. Listen in as Dr. Pelayo talks sleep on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

In a segment on The Future of Everything, Andrew Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology and of ophthalmology, discussed the science of stress and ways to manage it. Russ Altman, the Kenneth Fong Professor and professor of bioengineering, of genetics, of medicine and of biomedical data science, is host. The work of David Spiegel, the Jack, Samuel and Lulu Willson Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, director of the Stanford Center on Stress and Health, and medical director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Stanford, was also highlighted here.

On Season 2, Episode 3 of The LowDOWN: A Down Syndrome Podcast, Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, gives us the lowdown on sleep issues for people with Down syndrome.

Stanford scientists have identified key brain circuitry that plays a role in the mysterious experience called dissociation, in which people can feel disconnected from their own body and from reality. Karl Deisseroth, the D. H. Chen Professor, professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is senior author of the study, and is quoted in this article.

A new docuseries aims to showcase the realities of teen addiction, but also the hope of recovery. Anna Lembke, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this piece.

This piece highlights a recent study that found not getting enough sleep or having inconsistent sleeping patterns is associated with a higher body mass index. Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Stanford scientists have identified key brain circuitry that plays a role in the mysterious experience called dissociation, in which people can feel disconnected from their own body and from reality. Senior author Karl Deisseroth, the D. H. Chen Professor, professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this piece.

The prolonged coronavirus pandemic is proving increasingly stressful for most of us. During these challenging times, here are some ways to reduce your emotional stress. Shebani Sethi Dalai, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are quoted.

According to a recent review of studies about early life adversity and development published in Psychological Bulletin, the wear and tear of threatening experiences might also lead to early puberty, faster cellular aging, and accelerated thinning of a prefrontal cortex area important for decision-making and social and emotional regulation. The damage of trauma extends well beyond the brain. Victor Carrion, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, discusses cue-centered treatment as a way to address trauma.

Written by residency alumni Jessica Gold, this InStyle article focuses on election stress. Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

A small study showing that a new treatment designed by Stanford professors for severe depression has a 90% success rate was published in early April. Brandon Bentzley, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Nolan Williams, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are featured in this article.

Parents are stressed to the max and there’s no end in sight. That resilience many had in March and April has transformed into fatigue and frustration - Nina Vasan, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted in this article.

Stanford scientists have identified key brain circuitry that plays a role in the mysterious experience called dissociation, in which people can feel disconnected from their own body and from reality. Senior author Karl Deisseroth, the D. H. Chen Professor, professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, was interviewed during this segment.

New state legislation in California targeting suicide prevention could stand to benefit communities like Humboldt County, where the suicide rate among Native youth is three times higher than the state average. Dr. Virgil Moorehead Jr., executive director of Behavioral Health Services at TF-NAFS and a member of the Big Lagoon Rancheria (Yurok, Tolowa Dee-ni’) described TF-NAFS as striving to provide more intensive, cultural-based service access to the kids and families who have not been consistently reached by other providers in the county. Between Sept. 15-18, Moorehead will co-emcee the 2nd Annual Native Youth Mental Health and Wellness Conference with Yahmonee Hedrick. The virtual suicide prevention program is sponsored by California Indian Health Services and the conference, hosted with the Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, will include youth-driven, youth-focused information for program administrators and providers.

Stanford scientists have identified key brain circuitry that plays a role in the mysterious experience called dissociation, in which people can feel disconnected from their own body and from reality. Karl Deisseroth, the D. H. Chen Professor, professor of bioengineering and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is senior author of the study.

Social media has endless interaction possibilities; however, it can lower a child’s tolerance for solitude. Elias Aboujaoude, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this article about social media.

Before you get a sleep divorce and stop sharing a bed altogether, think about the role your bedding plays in your sleeplessness. Rafael Pelayo, sleep specialist and clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment on sleep preferences in this article.

Although stress triggers a series of responses that allow the body to cope with acute and difficult situations, it is also responsible for long nights of wakefulness. Now, a study, published in the journal Science Advances, identifies a neural circuit whose activity not only alters night rest, but also the immune system, in stressful situations. The study, led by Luis de Lecea, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is covered in this article.

A device to prevent falls and another to better diagnosis people with developmental disorders are among the AI projects funded under a new grant program at Stanford. Dennis Wall, an autism expert and associate professor of pediatrics, psychiatry, and biomedical data sciences, is one of the researchers who recently received funding through the new Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Hoffman-Yee Research Grant Program.

Written by residency alumni Jessica Gold, this Self article focuses on back-to-school season and how the pandemic is wreaking havoc on the typical college experience of students across the country. Jack Turban, fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry, provides comment.

COVID-19 has touched each of us somehow. Gaining understanding of our brain responses offers a window into how mental health symptoms arise, and allows us to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic on mental health. The Stanford Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness (PMHW), is looking at cutting-edge techniques to understand how brain circuits make us who we are – and what happens when they go awry. Leanne Williams, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is featured.

In a study involving nearly 700 women on 27 U.S. college campuses, including Washington University in St. Louis, the researchers determined that a phone-based app that delivers a form of cognitive behavioral therapy was an effective means of intervention in addressing eating disorders. C. Barr Taylor, professor emeritus of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, co-directed the study with colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine.

Written by residency alumni Jessica Gold, this Self article focuses on normalizing struggles with mental health, asking for help, and getting treatment when needed. Jack Turban, child and adolescent psychiatry fellow, provides comment.

To gather more evidence about ibogaine as a potential PTSD and TBI treatment option, non-profit "VETS" is supporting an upcoming observational and brain imaging study of the safety of ibogaine-assisted therapy in veterans with head trauma, combat, or blast exposure, led by Nolan Williams, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Amid continued uncertainty about when the COVID-19 pandemic will be brought under control, Stanford mental health experts are planning for the psychological fallout of having an entire population under prolonged stress. Victor Carrion, the John A. Turner, MD, Endowed Professor for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program; Shaili Jain, clinical associate professor (affiliated) of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; Debra Kaysen, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences; and Ryan Matlow, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are featured in this story.

This piece discusses American workers' tendency to go to work while sick, and how breaking this habit will require a cultural and policy shift. David Spiegel, the Jack, Samuel and Lulu Willson Professor and director of the Stanford Center on Stress and Health, is quoted here.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has called for the elimination of daylight saving time, in which clocks are moved an hour forward in the spring and returned back an hour in the winter. The twice-a-year transition, they argue, not only inconveniences everyone but also increases the risk of various health problems and motor vehicle accidents. Jamie Zeitzer, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment in this story.

A neuroscience startup by Elon Musk has demonstrated a prototype of its brain-machine interface that currently works in pigs. Nolan Williams, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Maheen Adamson, clinical associate professor of neurosurgery, provide comment in this article.

Mom’s voice causes a strong response in the brains of typically developing children, a Stanford study has demonstrated. The work of Daniel Abrams, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is highlighted in this piece.

David Spiegel, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, is quoted in this article on coping strategies, particularly for those who live in the Bay Area and dealing with the pandemic and wildfires.

People with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder report suffering relapses related to the stress of staying at home. Sarah Adler, clinical assistant professor, provides comment on the stress and anxiety associated with decisions about food and availability of food in this Scientific American article.

Companies are working on algorithms to transform the driving experience, not by controlling the car, but by taking better care of drivers. Pablo Paredes, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences director of the Pervasive Wellbeing Technology Lab, is featured in this Time article.

Youth are at greater risk for mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic. KCSB’s Robert Stark speaks with Steven Adelsheim, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Rachel Velcoff Hults, equity and access attorney at the national center for youth law, also at Stanford, about the social and environmental impact of this mental health crisis.