News Mentions for the week of February 13, 2023

Only 3.2% of state prisoners are locked up for drug possession, which three experts say flies in the face of the argument that prisons are overflowing with low-level offenders. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Afik Faerman, postdoctoral scholar, and David Spiegel, Willson Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, were interviewed by The New York Times about their work on hypnosis. In the article, Faerman and Spiegel discuss how hypnosis can benefit our health and advocate for its integration as an adjunct to ongoing treatments.

Brain cells are crucial for triggering fights — but also become active when mice merely observe fights. Nirao Shah, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of neurobiology, and by courtesy of obstetrics and gynecology, is quoted throughout.

Mental health experts in the US and Türkiye explain how to cope with post-disaster trauma. Rania Awaad, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

When mice watch other mice brawl, neurons in their brains fire as if they’re in the fight, according to a new study by Stanford Medicine researchers. Nirao Shah, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of neurobiology, and by courtesy of obstetrics and gynecology, and Taehong Yang, postdoctoral fellow, are featured.

Each year, NRHA selects 10 to 15 highly motivated individuals who have proven their dedication to improving the health of rural Americans through their educational or professional experience to participate in the association's Rural Health Fellows Program. Congratulations to Jonathan Updike, fellow in child and adolescent psychiatry, for being selected as a 2023 Fellow!

Psychology doesn't officially acknowledge the existence of porn addiction, but many people say they suffer from it. Is it real? Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

It's official: There's more to love than just one hormone. New research challenges the vital role of oxytocin, the so-called "love hormone," in social bonding. A recent study in the peer-reviewed journal Neuron has shown that prairie voles born without the ability to respond to oxytocin still formed strong bonds with their mates and young pups. Nirao Shah, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and of neurobiology, and by courtesy of obstetrics and gynecology, is quoted.

The White House is pressing ahead, saying a combination of research on cures and prevention efforts will end the scourge. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Faculty, staff, and students are rallying to support those affected by the disaster that has killed tens of thousands. Students, faculty, and staff with connections to Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon filled the Markaz Lounge last week to share their grief, anxiety, helplessness, and anger in a safe, supportive space led by Enas Dakwar, staff psychologist at Vaden Health Services and Rania Awaad, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. Another campus wide support group will be held on February 22nd.

Teenage girls in the United States are experiencing record levels of sadness, violence and suicidal thoughts, intensifying a decline that began before the COVID-19 pandemic and continued through its social upheaval, according to new federal data. Hilit Kletter, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

The concept of dopamine fasting has been all over TikTok lately so it got us wondering...what exactly is a dopamine detox, and is it worth the hype or is it just another social media trend to skip? Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Florida lawmakers are looking into whether middle and high school is starting too early in the state. Rafael Pelayo, clinical professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, testified in front of Florida's House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee last week, after which State Rep. John Paul Temple filed a bill Friday that would require later start times for most middle and high schools in the state.