Mental Health

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Helps Those with Hypochondriasis
Just a handful (or two) of sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help reduce anxiety in patients with hypochondriasis, according to a Lancet study. Journal Watch

Largest therapy trial worldwide: Psychotherapy treats anorexia effectively
A large-scale study has now shown that adult women with anorexia whose disorder is not too severe can be treated successfully on an out-patient basis. Even after conclusion of therapy, they continue to make significant weight gains. Two new psychotherapeutic methods offer improved opportunities for successful therapy. However, one quarter of the patients participating in the study did not show rapid results. These are the findings of the world’s largest therapy trial on anorexia nervosa published in the renowned medical journal The Lancet. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität

Do sunny climates reduce ADHD?
Estimates suggest that the average worldwide prevalence of ADHD ranges from about 5 to 7%, but it also varies greatly by region. A simple visual comparison of data maps released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Energy that display ADHD prevalence rates by state and solar intensities (sunlight) across the country, respectively, reveals an interesting pattern indicative of an association. So does this mean that there could be an identifiable relationship between ADHD prevalence rates and the sunlight intensity levels of particular regions? Eurekalert!