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Teenage Cannabis Use vs. Cognition and Brain Development: THC vs. CBD (Toxicology Data)

Photoreal illustration of an adolescent brain with overlay of cannabis molecules and cognitive metrics, conveying developmental neurocognitive impact.

Studies of adolescent cannabis effects on cognition have been limited by self-report and confounding. A 2026 longitudinal study by Wade and colleagues uses the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) cohort with both self-report and biological toxicology, separating THC and CBD effects on developing cognition.1 Research Highlights Adolescence is a critical window for cognitive maturation, with …

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Naltrexone/Bupropion Reduced Food Intake in Binge-Eating Lab Study

Photoreal illustration of brain reward circuitry overlaid on imagery of palatable food, conveying pharmacological reduction of consummatory reward.

Lisdexamfetamine remains the only FDA-approved medication for binge-eating disorder — a serious condition affecting roughly 1.2% of adults. A 2026 human laboratory study by McKee and colleagues tests whether naltrexone/bupropion, already approved for obesity, reduces the food-reward mechanisms that drive binge episodes.1 Research Highlights Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the …

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Uncensored Media Trauma and Modern Psychological Effects

Photoreal illustration of a person scrolling through phone with overlay of trauma imagery, conveying mental health impact of uncensored media.

The internet era has dramatically changed how people are exposed to traumatic events — uncensored video of violence, war, and disaster reaches civilian audiences within minutes of occurrence. A 2026 study by Allouche-Kam and colleagues examines the mental health consequences of this indirect-trauma exposure in modern populations.1 Research Highlights Indirect trauma exposure through media has …

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Black Americans Diagnosed with Schizophrenia 2.42x the Rate of White Americans: More Negative Symptoms

Photoreal illustration representing racial stress and mental health, with conceptual imagery of contemplation, identity, and cognitive pathways.

Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42 times the rate of White Americans, and they also score higher on negative-symptom measures than White patients carrying the same diagnosis.2 A 2026 paper by Spann and colleagues asks why. Research Highlights Black Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders at 2.42x the rate of White Americans, …

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Hikikomori & Loneliness in Japan: Trends, Definitions, Demographics (2024 Report)

In Japan, a country facing unique demographic challenges, loneliness has emerged as a pressing public health issue, intricately linked with the phenomenon known as hikikomori, or extreme social withdrawal. Through a detailed analysis of a nationwide survey and various factors influencing loneliness, a new study sheds light on the complexity of social isolation in modern …

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Mass Social Media Illness with Tourette-Like Behavior Tics vs. Tourette Syndrome: What Are the Differences? (2023 Study)

In recent years, the medical community has observed a perplexing surge in cases of functional Tourette-like behaviors (FTB), attributed significantly to the influence of social media. Dubbed Mass Social Media-Induced Illness (MSMI), this phenomenon marks a departure from traditional understandings of mass sociogenic illness, leveraging virtual platforms to spread across global populations. Highlights: Surge Since …

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Pets May Help Reduce Anxiety & Depression in Young Adults: Effects of Dog & Cat Ownership (2024 Study)

In the kaleidoscope of mental health solutions, companion animals emerge as silent yet profoundly impactful healers, particularly for the youth navigating the tumultuous journey from adolescence to adulthood. The bond between young adults and their furry companions—dogs and cats alike—extends beyond mere companionship, touching the realms of emotional and psychological well-being. A recent study evaluates …

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