News Mentions for the week of January 22, 2024

In an exploratory and preliminary clinical test, a team of researchers at Stanford University has obtained “initial evidence” suggesting that a psychoactive compound called ibogaine, when co-administered with magnesium, “could be a powerful therapeutic” to safely treat a variety of psychiatric symptoms, including PTSD, major depression and anxiety, and suicidality, all of which may emerge following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nolan Williams, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is featured.

Congratulations to recipients of the 2023 -2025 AIMI-HAI Partnership Grants, including Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and Co-PI on the project entitled, "CBT-AI Companion: A Therapy Skill Training Application to Improve Mental Health Treatment" with co-PI Johannes Eichstaedt! This program funds new and ambitious ideas that reimagine artificial intelligence in healthcare, using real clinical data sets, with near term clinical applications.

Neuroscientists have long been frustrated that they cannot access or examine brain tissue. But by reserve-engineering cells in the lab, researchers can now study brain disorders on a molecular level. Sergiu Pasca, the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Professor II of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and Bonnie Uytengsu and Family Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program, is interviewed.

Researchers across California are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom and other top state officials to stop a powerful but little-known state advisory panel that they say is hindering addiction research and hurting some of the state's most vulnerable residents. Trisha Suppes, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted on the subject.

Each year, the American Journal of Nursing releases their Book of the Year Awards. Congratulations to Shannon Wiltsey Stirman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and co-author of the second place award in the Consumer Health category for the book "Getting Unstuck from PTSD: Using Cognitive Processing Therapy to Guide Your Recovery."

Elizabeth Cook interviews Ryan Matlow, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, for the best way to talk to kids about tragedies like the Half Moon Bay mass shooting.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, women of reproductive age living in states with abortion trigger laws saw an increase in anxiety and depression, according to a new study. Kristin Raj, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment on the findings of the new research.

Many people can go through periods of feeling down and not themselves, and that can come with the changing seasons. CBS News Bay Area anchor Ryan Yamamoto talks with Kristin Raj, clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, about the causes of seasonal affective disorder and who is most at risk of developing it.

Ten scientists pursuing novel, multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding the workings of the mind and brain have been named to the 10th cohort of Neurosciences Postdoctoral Scholars. Congratulations to Xiao Yang and Zihui Zhang, both of whom have sponsors in the department.

The price of fentanyl can be three times more expensive in other cities. Keith Humphreys, the Esther Ting Memorial professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, provides comment.

Whether you’ve just arrived in a new timezone or returned to your home base, there are science-backed methods you can use to help your body readjust. Jamie Zeitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is quoted.

Inspired by Japanese paper art, a new device can record from 3D ‘organoid’ models of the developing human brain for months without disturbing their growth or structure. Sergiu Pasca, the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Professor II of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and Bonnie Uytengsu and Family Director of the Stanford Brain Organogenesis Program, and Bianxiao Cui, professor of chemistry, are interviewed in this article.

This Psychiatric Times article, co-authored by Steven Sust, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and colleagues Jane Harness and Casey Berson, discusses how the "& Juliet" show is an example of how performances can be used to improve public mental health through inclusive and authentic positive representation, and inspiring hope.