Science News

Precursor Symptoms to Autism Detected in 6-Month-Old Infants

Science Update • February 11, 2013

Some autism symptoms can be seen in 6-month-old infants, possibly leading to even earlier intervention for this disorder.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the State of Mental Health Care in the United States

Science Update • February 05, 2013

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discusses state of U.S. mental health care, commemorates JFK’s speech on the topic 50 years ago.

Imaging Biomarker Predicts Response to Rapid Antidepressant

Press Release • February 04, 2013

A boost of activity in visual cortex at the back of the brain, triggered by the processing of emotional information, predicted depressed patients’ responses to a rapid-acting antidepressant.

Brain Imaging Predicts Psychotherapy Success in Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder

Science Update • February 01, 2013

Brain imaging might soon predict which treatment options would work best for patients with social phobia.

50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy Sent a Special Message to Congress About the State of Mental Health

Science Update • January 29, 2013

Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress about the state of mental health—and changed the way Americans view mental health care.

Leading Neurobiologist Appointed NIMH Scientific Director

Press Release • January 24, 2013

Renowned neurobiologist Susan Amara recently joined NIMH as scientific director of its intramural research program.

Study Documents that Some Children Lose Autism Diagnosis

Press Release • January 15, 2013

An NIH-supported study has confirmed that some children who are accurately diagnosed in early childhood with autism lose the symptoms and the diagnosis as they grow older.

Emergency Department Suicide Screening Tool Accurately Predicts At Risk Youth

Science Update • January 04, 2013

Time-crunched ER nurses and doctors can use four questions to screen youth at risk for attempting suicide.

Different Genes, Same Risk Pathway in Schizophrenia

Science Update • January 02, 2013

Work by NIMH-supported scientists illustrates the variability of the genes and biology underlying illnesses like schizophrenia.

Guide Offers a Blueprint for End-of-Life Conversation With Youth

Science Update • December 28, 2012

A new guide can help young people with serious illness express how they would like to be cared for and supported.