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Mental health

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The brain’s reading of the body’s state is key to mental health

The neural basis of ‘interoception’ – the interpretation of bodily signals – is affected in many mental health conditions

by Camilla Nord

Blurred close-up of a woman’s face with an out-of-focus reflection of a shop window displaying signage in the background.

Mental health

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Mental disorders aren’t diseases, they’re networks of symptoms

Mental disorders are usually seen as the causes of symptoms. In the network perspective, symptoms are causes themselves

by Richard J McNally

Blurry photo of a dimly lit interior with a person in swimwear under red lighting.

Work and vocation

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In an unstable economy, I found freedom and security in sex work

Speculation about the mental health of sex workers is undermining. Focus instead on how to improve our working conditions

by Tamara MacLeod

A person and two children stand on shore promenade, surrounded by seagulls, with a large water fountain and cityscape in the background.

Mental health

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Many people not only survive mental illness – they thrive

For people with depression, anxiety and other conditions, reaching high wellbeing – not just recovery – is a real possibility

by Jonathan Rottenberg & Andrew Devendorf

Close-up of a person lying down on a sofa and looking away, their hand resting on their head.

Brain interventions

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Mental disorders are brain disorders – here’s why that matters

The most vital quandary of mental health disorders and therapies today is not whether they change the brain but how

by Camilla Nord

People sit on tiered grass steps, some chatting or relaxing. Two cyclists ride on a path below the steps.

Mental health

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If you stay mentally well your entire life, you’re not normal

Surveys suggest only a minority of people live lives entirely free from mental disorder. What can we learn from them?

by Jonathan D Schaefer

A girl swinging with a cityscape in the background, under a cloudy sky. The Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are visible.

Mental health

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Why does early puberty pose a risk to girls’ mental health?

Girls who start puberty earlier are at greater risk of depression and anxiety. To know why, we must look beyond biology

by Marjolein E A Barendse & Michelle L Byrne

Man smoking outdoors, smoke swirling around and sunlight filtering through trees.

Addiction

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Mental illness and substance use: genes show a two-way street

Why are smoking, alcohol and cannabis use linked to mental illness? The answer is complex but valuable for mental health

by Jorien Treur

Silhouette of a person using a phone, leaning on a railing under trees with a building in the background.

Mental health

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How a feeling that you belong could protect your mental health

Research on young adults at a time of social transition highlights the significance of feeling that you belong to a group

by Janine M Dutcher & Amber Quinn

Several men sit in a waiting area, one of them holding a cup and looking pensive, while another reads a book.

Mental health

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Bias in mental health diagnosis gets in the way of treatment

Some groups are at risk of receiving less accurate mental health diagnoses. The expanded use of diagnostic aids could help

by Howard N Garb

A person leans out of an open window on the second floor of an old brick building with ornate trim, near a fire escape and traffic light.

History and philosophy of mental health

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Can we diagnose suffering without knowing a person’s history?

Human bodies and mental states are always transforming. How can the DSM portray the full range of human suffering?

by Christos Tombras

a frightened child whose face is partially obscured peers down from by a play area structure

Trauma and PTSD

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The shadows cast by childhood abuse and neglect are not the same

Unravelling the pathways from different forms of childhood maltreatment to mental illness could lead to better treatments

by Anne Alkema & Marco Boks