News Mentions for the week of December 11, 2023

Researchers have found that this sleep disorder called idiopathic hypersomnia may actually be much more common than previously realized. Clete Kushida, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences (sleep medicine), provides comment.

Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides testimony at the recent hearing of the United States Senate Special Committee on Aging. More coverage >

The lawsuit filed against the company in Northern California District court alleges that some kids have had backdoor access to funds on gambling sites when using the application. Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is interviewed.

More than 48 million Americans are living with a substance use disorder right now, according to the best estimates of the nation’s premier health agencies. Only about 5 percent of them are getting any kind of help for the condition. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Research found that people who use cannabis during pregnancy may be at higher risk of preterm births, stillbirths, low birth weights and hypertensive disorders. Smita Das, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

California scientists race to concoct compounds that rewire the brain without euphoria or hallucinations. Robert Malenka, the Nancy Friend Pritzker professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Boris Heifets, assistant professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine and, by courtesy, of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, are mentioned.

KCBS’s Eric Thomas and Nikki Meduro speak with Rania Awaad, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, about the role that faith plays in a person’s life when they are struggling with trauma and mental health issues.

The World Health Organization launched a Commission on Social Connection after declaring loneliness to be a pressing global health threat. The U.S. surgeon general says loneliness is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day when it comes to the mortality effects. David Spiegel, the Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, explains what's behind the loneliness epidemic, and discusses some ways to combat loneliness.

A stronger, more consistent message is needed. Read more in this article, written by Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and colleague Jonathan Caulkins.

In this episode, Karen Parker, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, discusses the biology of social connections and bonding in babies, children and adults, and our current understanding of autism and autism spectrum disorders.

Some people are using artificial intelligence chatbots to create avatars of departed loved ones. It’s a source of comfort for some, but it makes others a little squeamish. David Spiegel, the Jack, Lulu, and Sam Willson Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment on grief.