Mood tracking can be more effective for bi-polar sufferers than prescription drugs, reports The Times. Plotting your moods on a chart and making changes based on these patterns can be an effective tool for treating bipolar disorder, or anyone suffering from negative moods. Psychologists have long since used this method. Encouraging patients to write a read more »

The Times recently reported a controversial and little known condition in men that has been coined ‘Love shyness’. ‘Love shyness’ is the term used to describe a specific type of chronic shyness in men. The term was coined in 1987 by the American professor Brian Gilmartin, but is still not officially recognised as a condition. read more »

Times online have recently created a number of questionnaires to help you determine if you might have a mental illness. If you are worried that your winter blues might be something a little more serious then find out if you need to seek help. We are all guilty of using the terms stressed and depressed read more »

A recent article featured in The Daily Mail has reported that mental illness does indeed run in the family and a breakthrough has been made in finding the genetic cause. Manic depression is characterised by frantic highs, known as ‘manias’ and periods of depression. Scientists have now made a breakthrough in finding the genetic cause read more »

A new project in cornwall is to help people living with post tramatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a career in the armed forces reports the BBC. One of the most difficult aspects of PTSD is that it isn’t apparent straight away and can often go unnoticed for years before it rears its head. Suffers have read more »

New research has shown that there may be a link between a genetic variation and developing schizophrenia, reports the BBC. Three separate teams analysed thousands of DNA samples in the biggest study ever into the genetics of schizophrenia, and the findings showed that the illness can come from common as well as rare genetic forms. read more »

Research shows that children whose fathers suffer from mental health problems are more likely to suffer themselves, reports the BBC. Reviewing previous research, the team from Oxford University said too much emphasis had been placed on mothers’ mental health rather than fathers, as mothers are considered to provide the most childcare. However, with shifting roles read more »

An exhibition opening in London today shows pictures by those who use art to deal with their mental illness, reports The Guardian. The paintings are by artist Bobby Baker, who created over 711 paintings which charts her battle with depression over the last 11 years. Whilst receiving psychiatric treatment, she also decided to paint to read more »

The Guardian has reported how new research shows that ‘locking up’ those with mental health conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia, has no benefits. Patients who are locked up due to safety fears end up feeling singled out and like prisoners, which can contribute to destructive behaviour and promote suicidal thoughts. The number of patients read more »

Controversial new laws which will allow mentally ill people with severe or violent personality disorders to be held against their will even if they haven’t committed a crime are to be debated in the Commons later today. Ministers say the proposals will help to keep the public safe, but this has been attacked by the read more »