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<td><span style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;">PsyPost – Psychology News</span></td>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/new-sexting-study-reveals-an-alarming-reality-for-teens-who-share-explicit-images/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">New sexting study reveals an “alarming” reality for teens who share explicit images</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 16th 2026, 08:00</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.12.253" target="_blank">Journal of Adolescent Health</a></em> indicates that while most American teenagers do not engage in sexting, those who do face a high probability of negative consequences. The findings suggest that nearly half of adolescents who send sexually explicit images experience nonconsensual sharing of those images or become targets of sextortion. These risks appear to increase dramatically when the content is shared with individuals who are not current romantic partners.</p>
<p>The integration of digital technology into the daily lives of young people has altered how they explore their identities and sexuality. As adolescents navigate their developing romantic lives, some experiment with sending or receiving sexually suggestive images or videos. This behavior is commonly known as sexting. While this can be a form of consensual exploration, it carries potential legal, social, and emotional costs.</p>
<p>Educators and mental health professionals have expressed concern regarding the misuse of these digital images. Once an image is sent, the sender loses control over its distribution. This can lead to the image being shown to others without permission. In more severe cases, it can lead to sextortion. This crime involves threatening to disseminate explicit images to force the victim to provide money, sexual acts, or additional images.</p>
<p>Past estimates regarding the prevalence of sexting have varied. Some earlier reports suggested widespread participation, while others indicated it was less common. The researchers behind this new study sought to provide updated, nationally representative data. They aimed to determine how many teens are currently sexting and, more importantly, how frequently these interactions result in victimization.</p>
<p>“It is important to know the extent of teen sexting, as well as the likelihood of negative experiences when one participates. There is a lot of hyperbole or anecdotes about teen sexting, but not a lot of scientific evidence,” said study author <a href="https://justinpatchin.com/" target="_blank">Justin W. Patchin</a>, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of <a href="https://cyberbullying.org/" target="_blank">the Cyberbullying Research Center</a>.</p>
<p>To investigate, the scientists collected data from a national sample of 3,466 adolescents. The participants were between the ages of 13 and 17 and resided in the United States. The survey was conducted in 2025. The research team used specific quotas to ensuring the sample accurately reflected the U.S. population in terms of age, gender, race, and geographic region.</p>
<p>The survey defined sexting as sending or receiving a naked or semi-naked image or video of oneself. Participants answered questions about their own experiences with sending and receiving these images. They also reported whether they had ever asked for such images or been asked to provide them. The survey specifically inquired about whether the other party involved was a current romantic partner or someone else.</p>
<p>The results indicate that sexting is not a universal behavior among American teens. Approximately 24 percent of the respondents reported that they had sent a sext at some point. A slightly larger group, about 32 percent, reported receiving a sext. These figures suggest that while the behavior is present, a distinct majority of adolescents are not participating in it.</p>
<p>“I think the assumption by many is that all or most teens are participating in sexting,” Patchin told PsyPost. “Our research suggests that is not true.”</p>
<p>Despite the fact that most teens abstain from sexting, the outcomes for those who do participate are concerning. Among the youth who reported sending a sext, 46.8 percent stated that their image was shared with others without their permission. This finding highlights a significant breach of trust in these digital interactions. It suggests that the expectation of privacy is frequently violated.</p>
<p>The study also shed light on the prevalence of sextortion. Among those who had sent a sext, nearly 50 percent reported being the target of sextortion. This means someone threatened to share their private images if they did not comply with certain demands. This rate of victimization is alarmingly high relative to the number of participants.</p>
<p>“The high rate of sextortion and nonconsensual sharing of images definitely surprised us,” Patchin said. “We knew from other research that these behaviors have been increasing lately, but seeing that nearly half the time a teen shares an explicit image something bad will happen really surprised us.”</p>
<p>The researchers analyzed how these behaviors and risks varied across different demographic groups. Male adolescents reported higher rates of involvement than females. Males were more likely to send and receive sexts. They were also more likely to report that their images were shared without permission.</p>
<p>The data further indicated that males were more frequently the targets of sextortion compared to females. Approximately 55 percent of males who sent sexts reported being targeted, compared to roughly 40 percent of females. This contrasts with some public perceptions that frame females as the primary victims of image-based abuse.</p>
<p>Sexual orientation also played a role in the findings. Non-heterosexual youth reported higher rates of sending and receiving sexts compared to their heterosexual peers. However, heterosexual youth reported higher rates of having their images shared without consent. Heterosexual youth were also more likely to engage in the nonconsensual sharing of others’ images.</p>
<p>One of the most significant findings from the study relates to the relationship between the sender and the recipient. The researchers examined the odds of negative outcomes based on who received the image. The analysis showed a strong correlation between sharing images with non-partners and experiencing harm.</p>
<p>Teenagers who sent sexts to someone who was not a current boyfriend or girlfriend faced substantially higher risks. These individuals were more than 13 times as likely to have their image shared without permission compared to those who only shared with a romantic partner. This suggests that the lack of a committed relationship removes a layer of protection and trust.</p>
<p>The risk of sextortion followed a similar pattern. Youth who sent explicit content to non-partners were nearly five times more likely to be targeted by sextortion schemes. This aligns with reports from law enforcement regarding criminals who target minors online to extort money. These perpetrators often feign romantic interest to acquire images before making their threats.</p>
<p>“The amount of sextortion and nonconsensual sharing of images should be alarming,” Patchin told PsyPost.</p>
<p>As with all research, there are some limitations to consider. The data relies on self-reporting from adolescents. It is possible that some participants did not answer truthfully about sensitive topics due to embarrassment or fear. While the researchers assured anonymity to encourage honesty, underreporting is a common challenge in research on risky behaviors.</p>
<p>Additionally, the study is cross-sectional, meaning it captures data at a single point in time. This prevents the researchers from establishing a definitive causal order for all observed associations. For instance, it is difficult to determine if certain psychological factors predispose teens to both sexting and victimization.</p>
<p>“We will continue to track the trends in these behaviors over time,” Patchin said. “We are hopeful that other researchers will also focus on this problem so corroborate our results.”</p>
<p>The findings have practical implications for parents, educators, and policymakers. The results suggest that “everyone is doing it” is a misconception. Correcting this social norm could help reduce peer pressure. If teenagers understand that sexting is not the standard behavior for their age group, they may feel less compelled to participate.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the high rates of nonconsensual sharing indicate a need for education on digital consent and privacy. “The results speak to the importance of talking to teens about their online behaviors,” Patchin said. “They also raise the question about whether we should consider formally teaching teens about ‘safe sexting.'”</p>
<p>The researchers <a href="https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(19)30509-9/fulltext" target="_blank">have previously argued</a> that traditional fear-based and punitive approaches to preventing teen sexting are largely ineffective and may actually exacerbate harm by discouraging youth from seeking help. Drawing a parallel to the limitations of abstinence-only sex education, they advocate for a “harm reduction” strategy that accepts digital sexual exploration as a reality for some adolescents and seeks to minimize negative outcomes. </p>
<p>This “safe sexting” curriculum would equip teens with practical knowledge to reduce reputational and legal risks, such as the importance of excluding identifiable features like faces or tattoos from images, rather than simply forbidding the behavior.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.12.253" target="_blank">When Sexting Goes Wrong: The Extent of Nonconsensual Sharing and Sextortion Among U.S. Teens</a>,” was authored by Justin W. Patchin and Sameer Hinduja.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/cannabis-use-associated-with-better-decision-making-skills-in-people-with-bipolar-disorder/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Cannabis use associated with better decision-making skills in people with bipolar disorder</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 16th 2026, 06:00</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03718-4" target="_blank">Translational Psychiatry</a></em> suggests that chronic cannabis use may not be associated with cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder, contrasting with its effects on healthy individuals. The findings indicate that people with bipolar disorder who use cannabis moderately may possess better decision-making skills than those with the disorder who do not use the drug. This research offers a potential explanation for why many individuals with this condition turn to cannabis for symptom management.</p>
<p>Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts typically range from periods of extremely energized behavior, known as manic episodes, to very sad or hopeless periods, known as depressive episodes. Beyond these emotional symptoms, the disorder is frequently accompanied by cognitive deficits.</p>
<p>Individuals with bipolar disorder often struggle with goal-directed behaviors. This includes difficulties with decision-making and inhibitory control. These cognitive impairments can lead to impulsive actions and engagement in risky behaviors. These deficits can severely impact social relationships, occupational stability, and overall quality of life.</p>
<p>A significant number of people with bipolar disorder report using cannabis. Statistics suggest that over 70 percent of individuals with this diagnosis have a lifetime history of regular use. Patients frequently report using the drug to self-medicate. They claim it helps alleviate specific symptoms such as racing thoughts or hyperactivity.</p>
<p>Medical professionals have historically viewed this high rate of use with concern. In the general population, chronic cannabis use is typically linked to cognitive decline. Regular use is often associated with worse memory, reduced attention, and poorer decision-making. The researchers wanted to investigate whether these negative effects hold true for the unique neurobiology of bipolar disorder.</p>
<p>“People with bipolar disorder face a difficult life-long illness that sees them shift from mania to depressive episodes with regularity, massively disrupting lives and likely contributing to 1/3rd attempting suicide, reducing life expectancy up to 20 years, in addition to the toll on their and friends and families lives,” said study author Jared W. Young of the University of California San Diego and VA San Diego Healthcare System.</p>
<p>“Current treatments are obviously insufficient so novel treatments are needed. We observed that people with bipolar disorder use cannabis at a rate three times higher than the general population. When queried, many with bipolar disorder described using cannabis to alleviate their symptoms, slowing them down when they feel too energetic, and help them manage their thinking. We sought to determine whether cannabis may have unique or even beneficial effects on thinking and behavior in such people, despite evidence for negative effects in healthy people.”</p>
<p>To explore this, the scientists recruited 87 participants between the ages of 18 and 50. They divided the participants into four specific groups to allow for detailed comparisons. The first two groups consisted of healthy individuals: those who did not use cannabis and those who did.</p>
<p>The remaining two groups consisted of participants diagnosed with bipolar disorder. One group was comprised of non-users, while the other was comprised of chronic cannabis users. The researchers defined “chronic” use as using cannabis at least four times per week for the past 90 days. Non-users were those with minimal lifetime exposure and no recent use.</p>
<p>The study employed the Iowa Gambling Task to measure decision-making abilities. This is a computerized psychological test designed to simulate real-life decision-making. Participants are presented with four decks of cards and asked to draw from them to win play money.</p>
<p>Two of the decks are considered “risky.” They offer high immediate rewards but also come with large penalties that result in a long-term loss. The other two decks are “safe.” They offer smaller immediate rewards but also smaller penalties, leading to a long-term gain. The test measures how well a person learns to avoid the risky decks in favor of the safe ones.</p>
<p>The researchers also assessed functional capacity using the UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment. This test involves role-playing scenarios to evaluate everyday life skills. The study focused specifically on medication management. Participants had to plan a complex medication routine involving multiple prescriptions to demonstrate their ability to adhere to a treatment plan.</p>
<p>The results showed a clear divergence between the healthy participants and those with bipolar disorder. Healthy participants who used cannabis performed worse on the gambling task than healthy non-users. This confirms previous research showing that cannabis tends to impair decision-making in the general population.</p>
<p>However, the pattern was reversed for the participants with bipolar disorder. Those who did not use cannabis exhibited deficits in decision-making. They frequently chose from the risky decks and failed to adjust their strategy after losing money.</p>
<p>In contrast, the participants with bipolar disorder who used cannabis performed better. Their scores were not only higher than the non-using bipolar group, but they were also comparable to the healthy non-users. This suggests that cannabis use was associated with a normalization of decision-making abilities in this specific clinical population.</p>
<p>The researchers also analyzed the frequency of use. They found that these cognitive benefits were primarily associated with moderate use. Moderate use was defined as using cannabis between four and twenty-four times per week. Heavy use, defined as twenty-five times or more per week, was associated with worse performance.</p>
<p>“It is important to note that only moderate cannabis use was associated with improved function, whereas heavy use worsened functioning in people with bipolar disorder,” Young told PsyPost. “This finding supports the need to identify what component of cannabis and what dose is likely driving the beneficial effects.”</p>
<p>The functional assessment yielded similar results. Participants with bipolar disorder who did not use cannabis struggled with the medication management task. Those who used cannabis demonstrated better functional skills. Their ability to manage a complex medication schedule was statistically similar to that of the healthy participants.</p>
<p>The scientists propose a biological mechanism involving dopamine to explain these findings. Bipolar disorder is often linked to an excess of dopamine transmission in certain brain areas, which can drive impulsive behavior. Chronic cannabis use is known to reduce dopamine transmission over time. The researchers suggest that cannabis might be correcting the dopamine imbalance in people with bipolar disorder, thereby improving their decision-making.</p>
<p>“In short, cannabis use may improve cognition in people with bipolar disorder, though there are caveats,” Young said.</p>
<p>The research was cross-sectional, meaning it looked at a single point in time. It shows an association but cannot prove that cannabis caused the improvement. It is possible that individuals with better cognitive functioning are simply more likely to use cannabis.</p>
<p>The sample size was also relatively small. There were roughly twenty participants in each of the four subgroups. This limits the statistical power of the analysis. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.</p>
<p>“Care must be taken in simplistic interpretations, given that this work is associative – those choosing to use cannabis perform better, they may simply have better performance than those that do not,” Young explained. “Hence, more research is needed to test if potential cannabinoid-based treatments improve cognition in non-cannabis users with bipolar disorder.”</p>
<p>The researchers caution against interpreting these results as a clinical recommendation. While decision-making seemed improved, cannabis can still have detrimental effects on other aspects of bipolar disorder. It has been linked to increased risks of mania and psychosis in some patients.</p>
<p>“Even though we observed potential beneficial effects here, cannabis use can still have harmful effects on other aspects of bipolar disorder and free use of cannabis should not be encouraged as yet,” Young told PsyPost. “Finally, it cannot be emphasized enough that this study was only associative as mentioned – in other words we cannot say that cannabis caused this as we only compared people who used cannabis vs. those that did not, we need studies where we assign people to doses in a randomized blinded manner.”</p>
<p>“Our long-term goal for this line of research is to investigate the biological mechanisms that underlie the potentially beneficial cannabis effects in people with bipolar disorder using parallel human and animal experiments (translational studies). We also hope to investigate the effects of specific cannabis use patterns (e.g., use frequency and cannabinoid types) on other bipolar disorder symptoms to better understand the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use in bipolar disorder.” </p>
<p>“What we also hope to understand and are currently studying is whether similar things happen in other conditions where cannabis is also used to manage symptoms, like in people with HIV,” Young continued. “We believe that this kind of research will help us do better at making more specific recommendations for people who use cannabis, in terms of how much might help them but how much is too much.”</p>
<p>“It is vital that future studies should test the actual cannabis products used by people with bipolar disorder versus administering cannabis in a controlled laboratory setting in both single and multiple dosing treatment studies. We conduct this research because we want to help people with bipolar disorder manage their disease and hopefully better interact with their friends, families, and society at large. More studies are needed to determine whether this approach will be beneficial long-term, and we hope to continue these studies.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-025-03718-4" target="_blank">Chronic cannabis use in people with bipolar disorder is associated with comparable decision-making and functional outcome to healthy participants</a>,” was authored by Alannah Miranda, Benjamin Z. Roberts, Breanna M. Holloway, Elizabeth Peek, Holden Rosberg, Samantha M. Ayoub, Daniele Piomelli, Kwang-Mook Jung, Samuel A. Barnes, Steven Rossi, Mark A. Geyer, William Perry, Arpi Minassian, and Jared W. Young.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/neuroscientist-reveals-how-the-brain-functions-without-a-minds-eye/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Neuroscientist reveals how the brain functions without a mind’s eye</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 20:00</div>
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<p><p><strong><em>PsyPost’s PodWatch highlights interesting clips from recent podcasts related to psychology and neuroscience.</em></strong></p>
<p>On Wednesday, January 28, the Speaking of Psychology podcast, hosted by Kim Mills, released an episode featuring Joel Pearson. Pearson is a cognitive neuroscientist and professor at the University of New South Wales, where he directs the Future Minds Lab. The episode investigates the science of aphantasia, a condition characterized by a blind “mind’s eye,” and examines how researchers verify this invisible experience.</p>
<p>At roughly the 3-minute mark, Pearson defines aphantasia as the inability to voluntarily create mental images. He notes that while the concept was first described by Francis Galton in the 1880s, it was only formally named in 2015. This new label sparked a wave of public interest, leading many people to realize for the first time that their lack of internal imagery was not the norm.</p>
<p>Pearson estimates that this condition affects at least 4 to 5 percent of the population, though the real number could be higher. He explains that standard questionnaires often fail because people with aphantasia may believe that “visualizing” is merely a figure of speech. These individuals are often surprised to discover that others literally see pictures in their minds.</p>
<p>To gather more accurate data, scientists have developed objective tests that do not rely on personal opinions. One method involves binocular rivalry, a visual illusion where a different image is shown to each eye at the same time. Pearson found that if a person imagines one of the patterns beforehand, their brain is usually prepared to see that specific image, but this effect does not happen for those with aphantasia.</p>
<p>Researchers also use physiological tracking, such as measuring pupil dilation. When a typical visualizer imagines a bright light, their pupils constrict to protect the eye, just as they would in actual sunlight. Pearson points out that people with aphantasia do not exhibit this reflex, which provides physical evidence that no image is being generated.</p>
<p>The conversation also addresses physical differences in the brain. Pearson explains that strong visualizers often have a larger visual cortex and lower levels of “noise,” or baseline neural activity, in that area. He suggests that a quieter background state in the brain might be necessary for clear mental pictures to form.</p>
<p>Finally, Pearson discusses how a lack of imagery can influence emotional regulation. He describes mental visualization as an amplifier that makes memories and stories feel more intense. Because of this, people with aphantasia may feel less fear when reading scary novels and could be less prone to the vivid flashbacks associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.</p>
<p>You can listen to the full interview <a href="https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/aphantasia" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/gender-affirming-hormone-therapy-linked-to-shifts-in-personality-traits/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Gender-affirming hormone therapy linked to shifts in personality traits</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 18:00</div>
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<p><p>A new study published in <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2026.100338" target="_blank">Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology</a></em> suggests that gender-affirming hormone therapy may influence specific personality traits in transgender individuals. The findings indicate that medical transition can shift certain emotional and behavioral patterns toward those typically associated with the individual’s identified gender. While personality is often viewed as a static set of characteristics, this research provides evidence that sex hormones might play a role in shaping how people think, feel, and behave.</p>
<p>The relationship between hormone levels and personality traits remains a complex area of study. Previous research on cisgender populations (people whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth) has documented average differences in personality traits between men and women. For instance, women tend to score higher on traits related to agreeableness and neuroticism compared to men. The researchers wanted to determine if altering hormone levels through medical treatment would cause personality shifts in transgender individuals.</p>
<p>“This investigation was part of a larger study regarding possible effects on the brain from gender-affirming hormonal treatment. For us, who are clinically active in transgender care, it is obvious that sex hormones have effects on the brain in an extent not totally acknowledged. So the deeper aim was to investigate the effects of sex hormones on personality traits, something usually believed to be rather static,” explained study author Mats Holmberg of the Karolinska Institutet.</p>
<p>The research team conducted a prospective study involving adults referred for gender-affirming hormone therapy at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. To ensure the results specifically reflected hormonal changes rather than other factors, the scientists excluded individuals with known psychiatric disorders, autism spectrum disorder, or those taking antidepressant medications. This helped minimize variables that could skew the personality assessments.</p>
<p>The final group of participants consisted of 58 individuals. This included 34 people assigned female at birth who were prescribed testosterone and 24 people assigned male at birth who received anti-androgens and estradiol. Anti-androgens are medications that block the effects of testosterone.</p>
<p>The researchers used the NEO-PI-R inventory to assess personality. This is a comprehensive questionnaire based on the Five-Factor Model, often called the “Big Five.” This model categorizes personality into five main dimensions: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Neuroticism refers to the tendency to experience negative emotions like anxiety or sadness. </p>
<p>Extraversion describes sociability and enthusiasm. Openness involves curiosity and a willingness to try new things. Agreeableness relates to how cooperative and compassionate a person is. Conscientiousness reflects organization and dependability. Participants completed this assessment twice: once before starting hormones and again after at least six months of treatment.</p>
<p>Before treatment began, the researchers observed specific differences between the two groups. Participants assigned female at birth scored higher in the dimension of Agreeableness compared to those assigned male at birth. They also scored higher in specific sub-categories, known as facets, such as excitement seeking and straightforwardness. These baseline differences suggested that even prior to hormonal intervention, the groups displayed distinct personality profiles.</p>
<p>After six months of testosterone therapy, the participants assigned female at birth showed distinct changes. Their scores for Neuroticism decreased significantly. Within this dimension, they reported lower levels of depression and vulnerability. Simultaneously, this group showed an increase in the facet of “Actions,” which falls under the Openness dimension. This suggests a greater willingness to try different activities or behaviors. The reduction in Neuroticism aligns with patterns seen in cisgender men, who generally score lower in this trait than cisgender women.</p>
<p>The group assigned male at birth, who received feminizing hormones, experienced different shifts. These participants showed an increase in the “Feelings” facet of the Openness dimension. This indicates a greater receptivity to one’s own inner emotional states. Unlike the testosterone group, they did not show significant changes in the broad dimensions of Neuroticism or Extraversion. The increase in emotional receptivity mirrors findings in cisgender women, who typically score higher in this specific facet.</p>
<p>The scientists also looked for relationships between the amount of hormone change in the blood and the degree of personality change. In the group assigned male at birth, higher increases in estradiol levels correlated with lower scores in several traits, including Openness and Agreeableness. This finding was unexpected and somewhat contradictory to general sex differences, indicating a complex relationship between estrogen and personality that requires further study.</p>
<p>The comparison between the two groups after treatment revealed a divergence in the trait of vulnerability. Following six months of therapy, the group treated with testosterone showed a significant reduction in vulnerability. The group treated with estrogen did not show a corresponding increase or decrease. This resulted in a larger gap between the two groups post-treatment than existed beforehand.</p>
<p>While the study offers new insights, the researchers caution against drawing broad conclusions due to several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, which makes it difficult to generalize the findings to the entire transgender population. Additionally, the study did not include a control group of individuals not receiving hormone therapy. This makes it impossible to distinguish clearly between the biological effects of the hormones and the psychological effects of social transition.</p>
<p>The relief of treating gender dysphoria—the distress caused by a mismatch between gender identity and physical sex—could naturally improve mood and reduce neuroticism, regardless of specific chemical changes. The act of living authentically and being perceived correctly by others likely impacts personality expression as well.</p>
<p>The researchers also noted that the study only covered the first six months of treatment. It remains unknown if these personality changes persist, evolve, or revert over a longer period. Personality is generally considered stable in adulthood, so observing changes within such a short timeframe is notable. However, longer-term data is necessary to see if these shifts are permanent.</p>
<p>Future research requires larger groups of participants followed over several years to confirm these initial observations. The scientists emphasize that these results do not validate conservative gender roles but rather highlight that sex hormones may influence brain function and personality formation more than previously understood. They suggest that understanding these potential changes can help patients better anticipate the effects of medical transition.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2026.100338" target="_blank">The effect of gender-affirming hormonal treatment on personality traits – a NEO-PI-R study</a>,” was authored by Mats Holmberg, Alex Wallen, and Ivanka Savic.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/targeting-toxic-protein-chains-could-slow-neurodegenerative-disease/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Targeting toxic protein chains could slow neurodegenerative disease</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 16:00</div>
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<p><p>For decades, researchers have worked to untangle the biological causes of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. A primary focus has been the accumulation of misfolded proteins that clump together in the brain and damage neurons. A new study reveals that specific repetitive chains of amino acids, known as polyserine domains, can damage brain cells and worsen the accumulation of toxic protein clumps associated with these diseases. </p>
<p>The findings suggest that these repetitive chains may be a driver of neurological decline. The research was published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2527425122" target="_blank">Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</a></em>.</p>
<p>To understand this study, it is necessary to understand a protein called tau. In healthy brains, tau serves as a stabilizer for the internal skeleton of nerve cells. It helps maintain the tracks used to transport nutrients and molecules within the cell. In diseases collectively known as tauopathies, which include Alzheimer’s, tau molecules detach from this structure. They then chemically change and stick together. These sticky clumps, or aggregates, form tangles that choke the cell and eventually kill it.</p>
<p>Researchers are working to identify what causes tau to transition from a helpful stabilizer to a toxic clump. Previous investigations have observed that certain other proteins often appear alongside tau tangles in the brains of patients. These accompanying proteins often contain long, repetitive strings of the amino acid serine. Scientists call these strings polyserine domains.</p>
<p>Additionally, these polyserine chains are produced in specific genetic disorders. Diseases such as Huntington’s disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 are caused by errors in the genetic code where a small segment of DNA repeats itself too many times. These genetic stutters can result in the production of toxic repetitive proteins, including those rich in serine.</p>
<p>Meaghan Van Alstyne, a researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder, led the study to determine if these polyserine domains are merely bystanders or active participants in brain disease. She worked with senior author Roy Parker, a distinguished professor of biochemistry at the same university. The team sought to answer whether the presence of polyserine alone is enough to harm a mammalian brain. They also wanted to know if it accelerates the problems caused by tau.</p>
<p>To investigate this, the team used a common laboratory tool known as an adeno-associated virus serotype 9. This virus is modified so that it cannot cause disease. Instead, it acts as a delivery vehicle to transport specific genetic instructions into cells. The researchers injected newborn mice with this viral carrier. The virus delivered instructions to brain cells to produce a protein containing a long tail of 42 serine molecules.</p>
<p>The researchers first observed the effects of this polyserine on normal, wild-type mice. As the mice aged, those producing the polyserine developed clear physical and behavioral problems. They weighed less than the control group. They also displayed difficulties with movement and coordination.</p>
<p>The team tested the motor skills of the mice using a rotarod assay. This test involves placing a mouse on a horizontal rotating rod that spins faster over time. The mice must keep walking to avoid falling off. It is similar to a lumberjack balancing on a rolling log. From four to six months of age, the mice expressing polyserine fell off the rod much sooner than the control mice.</p>
<p>Behavioral changes also emerged. The researchers placed the mice in a maze that is elevated above the ground. The maze has two enclosed arms and two open arms. Mice naturally prefer enclosed spaces because they feel safer. The mice with polyserine spent more time in the open arms. This behavior suggests a reduction in anxiety or a lack of natural caution.</p>
<p>The team also tested memory using a fear conditioning assay. In this test, mice learn to associate a specific sound or environment with a mild foot shock. When placed back in that environment later, a mouse with normal memory will freeze in anticipation. The polyserine mice froze much less often. This indicates they had severe deficits in learning and memory.</p>
<p>To find the biological cause of these behaviors, Van Alstyne and her colleagues examined the brains of the mice. they found a dramatic loss of a specific type of neuron called a Purkinje cell. These are large, distinctively shaped neurons located in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordinating voluntary movements.</p>
<p>The viral delivery system used in the study is known to be particularly effective at targeting Purkinje cells. In the mice receiving the polyserine gene, these cells were largely wiped out. The loss of these cells likely explains the coordination problems observed in the rotarod test.</p>
<p>Alongside the cell death, the researchers observed signs of gliosis. This is a reaction where support cells in the brain, known as glia, become overactive. It is a sign of inflammation and damage. The brain was reacting to the polyserine as a toxic presence.</p>
<p>The researchers then investigated where the polyserine went inside the surviving neurons. They found that the protein did not stay in the main body of the cell. Instead, it accumulated inside the nucleus. The nucleus is the control center of the cell that holds its DNA. The polyserine formed large clumps within the nucleus. These clumps were tagged with ubiquitin, a small molecule the cell uses to mark garbage for disposal. This suggests the cells were trying, and failing, to clear the toxic protein.</p>
<p>After establishing that polyserine is toxic on its own, the researchers tested its effect on tau. They used a specific strain of mice genetically engineered to produce a mutant form of human tau. These mice naturally develop tau tangles and neurodegeneration as they age.</p>
<p>The team injected these tau-prone mice with the polyserine-producing virus. The results showed that polyserine acts like fuel for the fire. The mice expressing both the mutant tau and the polyserine died significantly younger than those expressing only the mutant tau.</p>
<p>When the researchers analyzed the brain tissue of these mice, they found elevated levels of disease markers. There was an increase in phosphorylated tau. Phosphorylation is a chemical change that promotes aggregation. The study also found more insoluble tau, which refers to the hard, tangles that cannot be dissolved.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the team measured the “seeding” capacity of the tau. In disease states, misfolded tau can act like a template. It corrupts normal tau and causes it to misfold, spreading the pathology from cell to cell. Brain extracts from the mice with polyserine showed a higher ability to induce clumping in test cells. This indicates that polyserine makes the tau pathology more aggressive and transmissible.</p>
<p>Finally, the researchers asked if this effect was unique to serine. They compared it to other repetitive amino acid chains often found in genetic diseases, such as polyglutamine and polyalanine. They introduced these different chains into human neurons grown in a dish.</p>
<p>The results showed a high level of specificity. Only the polyserine chains recruited tau molecules into their clusters. The polyglutamine and polyalanine chains did not. This physical interaction between polyserine and tau appears to be the mechanism that accelerates the formation of toxic tau seeds.</p>
<p>There are caveats to consider in this research. The study used a virus to force the cells to make high levels of polyserine. This might result in higher concentrations of the protein than would naturally occur in a human disease. Future research will need to determine if lower, natural levels of polyserine cause the same degree of harm over a human lifespan.</p>
<p>The authors also noted that while they saw massive cell death in the cerebellum, other brain areas like the hippocampus seemed more resistant to cell loss, despite containing the protein. Understanding why some neurons die while others survive could offer clues for protection.</p>
<p>This study provides evidence that polyserine is not just a passive marker of disease. It suggests that these repetitive domains are active toxins that can kill neurons and worsen tauopathies. This opens a potential new avenue for therapy. If scientists can block the interaction between polyserine and tau, they might be able to slow the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s.</p>
<p>“If we really want to treat Alzheimer’s and many of these other diseases, we have to block tau as early as possible,” said Parker. “These studies are an important step forward in understanding why tau aggregates in cells and how we can intervene.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2527425122" target="_blank">Polyserine domains are toxic and exacerbate tau pathology in mice</a>,” was authored by Meaghan Van Alstyne, Vanessa L. Nguyen, Charles A. Hoeffer, and Roy Parker.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/scientists-confirm-non-genital-orgasms-are-biologically-real/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Scientists confirm non-genitally stimulated orgasms are biologically real</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 14:00</div>
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<p><p>A new case study provides biological evidence that a post-menopausal woman can induce orgasms solely through the use of pelvic floor muscle exercises, without any direct genital stimulation. The findings indicate that these non-genitally stimulated orgasms trigger a surge in the hormone prolactin, mirroring the physiological response seen in typical sexual climaxes. This research was published in the <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2608697" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International Journal of Sexual Health</a></em>.</p>
<p>Orgasms typically result from direct physical stimulation of the genitals, but evidence indicates they can also occur through mental imagery or specific muscle movements. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Previous research demonstrated</a> that a premenopausal woman could induce orgasms using tantric techniques, a practice involving deep breathing and mental focus to control bodily sensations and sexual energy.</p>
<p>This earlier case was confirmed by a rise in plasma prolactin, a hormone released during sexual climax. However, it remained unclear whether this ability relied on the higher levels of ovarian hormones found in younger women or if it could occur after menopause. Consequently, the researchers aimed to determine if a post-menopausal woman could achieve these outcomes using a systematic routine targeting the pelvic floor.</p>
<p>The pelvic floor is a hammock-like group of muscles at the base of the pelvis that supports internal organs like the bladder and uterus, and plays a primary role in sexual response and control. The team sought to validate the experience using objective biological markers rather than relying solely on the participant’s description. Confirming the physiological reality of these experiences provides evidence for potential new therapeutic avenues for women facing difficulties with orgasm.</p>
<p>“I am generally interested in the neurobiology of sexual function, and in particular how the brain is organized for sexual arousal, desire, orgasm, sexual pleasure, and sexual inhibition. Recently, I started studying people who can have orgasms without genital stimulation (Non-Genitally Stimulated Orgasms, or NGSOs),” said study author <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Pfaus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James G. Pfaus</a>, an assistant professor at <a href="https://psychologie.fhs.cuni.cz/FHSTVP-53.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles University</a> in Prague and the director of research for <a href="https://www.nudz.cz/kontakty/detail-osoby/james-pfaus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Center for Sexual Health and Interventions</a> at the Czech National Institute of Mental Health.</p>
<p>“Women seem to be able to do this better than men, and the ability seems to come from training of the pelvic floor muscles and breathing exercises, either through tantra or pelvic floor therapy. An obvious question is whether these orgasms are ‘real,’ meaning whether they are accompanied by objective markers similar to those found during genitally stimulated orgasms (GSOs). We used the hormone prolactin as our objective measure, since it increases at orgasm (and the only other reasons it would go up would be a pituitary tumor, nursing, or extreme stress).”</p>
<p>“This occurs because at orgasm the neurotransmitter dopamine is instantly inhibited by both opioid and serotonin release. Dopamine in the hypothalamus keeps prolactin inhibited, so when it is inhibited, prolactin is released from inhibition. Prolactin increases reliably in both men and women during orgasm and stays elevated for at least an hour after.”</p>
<p>The new study focused on a 55-year-old woman who had undergone a hysterectomy and was not taking hormone replacement therapy. She had trained in a specific method called the “Wave Technique,” which involves rhythmic flexing and relaxing of the pelvic floor muscles. This training originally involved using a small jade egg to sensitize the muscles, but the participant had advanced to performing the movements without any device.</p>
<p>The experiment took place in a private hospital room where the participant remained fully clothed. The participant engaged in three distinct testing sessions, each separated by 48-hour intervals to ensure her hormone levels returned to baseline. These sessions included a 2.5-minute orgasm induction, a 10-minute orgasm induction, and a 10-minute Pilates workout which served as a control condition.</p>
<p>To measure physiological changes, a registered nurse drew blood samples fifteen minutes before each session, immediately afterward, and fifteen minutes post-session. The scientists analyzed the blood for prolactin to see if the muscle-induced orgasms triggered the expected hormonal release. They also measured levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone to track other potential endocrine changes.</p>
<p>In a separate session, the participant used a Bluetooth-enabled biofeedback device called the Lioness 2.0 to record muscle activity. The researchers modified the device to prevent any vibration or direct clitoral stimulation. This ensured the device only recorded pressure changes inside the vagina generated by the participant’s muscle movements.</p>
<p>The blood analysis revealed hormonal shifts following the muscle-induced orgasms. After the 2.5-minute session, prolactin levels rose to 110 percent of the baseline measurement. Following the 10-minute session, prolactin levels increased even further, reaching 141 percent of the baseline.</p>
<p>The findings indicate that “NGSOs are real from a physiological and psychological standpoint, and that probably all women can be trained to induce them, regardless of their hormonal status (pre-versus post-menopausal),” Pfaus told PsyPost.</p>
<p>In contrast, the Pilates workout resulted in a 12 percent decrease in prolactin levels. This differentiation suggests that the hormonal spike was specific to the sexual release and not merely a result of physical exertion. While exercise can affect hormones, it did not mimic the prolactin surge associated with orgasm in this context.</p>
<p>The researchers also tracked testosterone levels during the sessions. Testosterone increased slightly after the 10-minute orgasm session and the Pilates workout. This aligns with known data suggesting that acute physical exercise can elevate androgen levels in women.</p>
<p>Data from the Lioness sensor provided a visual representation of the physical activity during the orgasms. The device recorded rhythmic contractions occurring at intervals of roughly 7 to 15 seconds throughout the session. These contractions appeared as spikes in muscle tension that matched the participant’s subjective experience of climax.</p>
<p>During the Lioness session, the participant reportedly experienced over thirty distinct peaks within ten minutes. The sensor data showed a pattern of “push and pull” contractions that built up tension leading to each spike. The researchers noted that the participant vocalized during these peaks, signaling the moment of release.</p>
<p>“It is likely that the pelvic floor muscles are tensing around the nerves that carry information from the clitoris, vagina, and cervix into the spinal cord, and that women who learn this are sensitizing the nerve fibers to the abdominal and pelvic floor stimulation,” Pfaus explained. “So it is a very real phenomenon, and one that offers new vistas for women with orgasm difficulties.”</p>
<p>“Likewise, we have recently conducted a similar experiment on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf068.054" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hypnotically induced orgasms</a>, which show the same increase in prolactin. These orgasms are more likely to be ‘top down’ than ‘bottom up,’ although all women and men who show them have abdominal and pelvic floor reactions as the orgasm occurs.”</p>
<p>“The practical significance is that probably all women have this ability and it is just a matter of learning how to control the abdominal and pelvic floor musculature. It means that orgasm is not something your partner ‘gives’ you, but something you control in your own body and brain.”</p>
<p>A primary limitation of this research is that it is a case study involving a single participant. While the results provide strong biological evidence for this specific individual, they may not universally apply to all women. The participant was highly trained in a specific technique, which may be difficult for the average person to replicate without instruction.</p>
<p>Despite the small sample size, the study challenges the common misconception that orgasms without genital touch are fake. “It is common to disbelieve women who can have NGSOs induced by fantasy or the kind of pelvic floor movements we observed here. Likewise, it is common to think that orgasms induced by hypnosis are a party trick, and that people having them are simply faking it for the hypnotist. You cannot increase your prolactin at will. It is an objective marker of orgasm, so it is not faked.”</p>
<p>The scientists suggest that future research should involve a larger group of participants to verify these findings across a broader population. The researchers express an interest in studying men and women who can induce orgasms through other non-contact methods, such as hypnosis. Expanding the participant pool would help determine if this ability is a general human trait or specific to certain individuals.</p>
<p>Another goal for future study is to use functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, to observe brain activity during these non-genitally stimulated orgasms. Comparing brain scans of these experiences with those of standard orgasms could reveal how the brain processes different types of sexual pleasure. Such imaging could map the neural pathways involved in generating orgasm through muscle movement alone.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the researchers hope to investigate whether teaching these pelvic floor techniques could help women who suffer from lifelong difficulties achieving orgasm. If women can learn to sensitize their pelvic nerves through exercise, it might offer a non-pharmaceutical treatment for sexual dysfunction.</p>
<p>“Studies on orgasm are very difficult to get approved by institutional research ethics boards,” Pfaus noted. “There is a general fear that bad things could happen studying something so personal and intimate. And this is true even if, for example, the person’s partner is stimulating their genitals in a totally private space. NGSOs of course do not require direct genital stimulation and occur when the participant is fully clothed. So, in addition to their clinical significance, NGSOs may open the door for more study of orgasm function (e.g., in fertility) and the neurobiology of orgasm in general.”</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2608697" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Non-Genitally Stimulated Orgasms Increase Plasma Prolactin in a Menopausal Woman</a>,” was authored by James G. Pfaus, Roni Erez, Nitsan Erez, and Jan Novák.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/exercise-rivals-therapy-and-medication-for-treating-depression-and-anxiety/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Exercise rivals therapy and medication for treating depression and anxiety</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 12:00</div>
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<p><p>A new, comprehensive analysis confirms that physical activity is a highly effective treatment for depression and anxiety, offering benefits comparable to therapy or medication. The research suggests that specific types of exercise, such as group activities for depression or short-term programs for anxiety, can be tailored to maximize mental health benefits for different people. These findings were recently published in the <em><a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2026/02/02/bjsports-2025-110301" target="_blank">British Journal of Sports Medicine</a></em>.</p>
<p>Mental health disorders are a growing concern across the globe. Depression and anxiety affect a vast number of people, disrupting daily life and physical health. While antidepressants and psychotherapy are standard treatments, they are not always sufficient for every patient. Rates of these conditions continue to rise despite the availability of traditional cares.</p>
<p>Health experts have explored exercise as an alternative or add-on treatment for many years. However, previous attempts to summarize the evidence have faced challenges. Earlier reviews often mixed data from healthy individuals with data from patients suffering from chronic physical illnesses. This made it difficult to determine if mental improvements were due to exercise itself or simply a result of better physical health.</p>
<p>To address this uncertainty, a team of researchers conducted a “meta-meta-analysis,” also known as an umbrella review. This is a highly rigorous study design that sits at the top of the evidence hierarchy. Instead of running a new experiment on people, the researchers analyzed data from existing meta-analyses.</p>
<p>A meta-analysis pools the results of many individual scientific experiments to find a common truth. This umbrella review went a step further by pooling the results of those pools. The goal was to provide the most precise estimate possible of how exercise impacts mental health.</p>
<p>The research team was led by Neil Richard Munro from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. He collaborated with colleagues from institutions in Australia and the United States. Their primary aim was to isolate the effect of exercise on mental health by excluding studies involving participants with pre-existing chronic physiological conditions.</p>
<p>This exclusion was a key part of their methodology. By removing data related to conditions like heart disease or cancer, the team removed potential confounding factors. They wanted to ensure that any observed benefits were due to the direct impact of exercise on the brain and psychological state.</p>
<p>The researchers searched five major electronic databases for relevant literature. They gathered data from studies published up to July 2025. The scope of their search was massive, covering children, adults, and older adults.</p>
<p>The final dataset included 63 umbrella reviews. These reviews encompassed 81 specific meta-analyses. In total, the analysis represented data from 1,079 individual studies and involved 79,551 participants.</p>
<p>The sheer volume of data allowed the researchers to look for subtle patterns. They examined different types of exercise, such as aerobic activities, resistance training, and mind-body practices like yoga. They also analyzed variables like intensity, duration, and whether the exercise was performed alone or in a group.</p>
<p>The overarching finding was clear and positive. Exercise reduced symptoms of both depression and anxiety across all population groups. The magnitude of the benefit was described as medium for depression and small-to-medium for anxiety.</p>
<p>For depression, the study found that all types of exercise were beneficial. However, aerobic exercise—activities that get the heart rate up, like running or cycling—showed the strongest impact. This suggests that cardiovascular engagement may trigger biological pathways that fight depressive symptoms.</p>
<p>The social context of the physical activity also appeared to matter greatly for depression. The data indicated that exercising in a group setting was more effective than exercising alone. Similarly, programs that were supervised by a professional yielded better results than unsupervised routines.</p>
<p>These findings regarding group and supervised settings point to the importance of social support. The shared experience of a class or team environment may provide a psychological sense of belonging. This social connection likely acts as an additional antidepressant mechanism alongside the physical exertion.</p>
<p>The study identified specific demographic groups that responded particularly well to exercise. “Emerging adults,” defined as individuals aged 18 to 30, saw the greatest benefits for depression. This is a critical age range, as it often coincides with the onset of many mental health challenges.</p>
<p>Another group that saw substantial benefits was women in the postnatal period. Postpartum depression is a severe and common condition. The finding that exercise is a highly effective intervention for this group offers a promising, non-pharmaceutical tool for maternal mental health.</p>
<p>When analyzing anxiety, the researchers found slightly different patterns. While aerobic exercise was still the most effective mode, all forms of movement helped reduce symptoms. This included resistance training and mind-body exercises like yoga or tai chi.</p>
<p>The optimal parameters for anxiety relief were notably different than for depression. The data suggested that shorter programs were highly effective. Interventions lasting up to eight weeks showed the strongest impact on anxiety symptoms.</p>
<p>Regarding intensity, the findings for anxiety were somewhat counterintuitive. Lower intensity exercise appeared to be more effective than high-intensity workouts. This could be because high-intensity exertion mimics some physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart, which might be uncomfortable for some patients.</p>
<p>The researchers compared the effects of exercise to traditional treatments. They found that the benefits of physical activity were comparable to those provided by psychotherapy and medications. This positions exercise not just as a lifestyle choice, but as a legitimate clinical intervention.</p>
<p>Despite the strength of these findings, the authors noted several caveats. The definitions of exercise intensity varied across the original studies, making it hard to set precise boundaries. What one study considers “moderate” might be “vigorous” in another.</p>
<p>There was also a potential sign of publication bias in the anxiety studies. This refers to the tendency for scientific journals to publish positive results more often than negative ones. However, the sheer number of studies analyzed provides a buffer against this potential distortion.</p>
<p>Another limitation was the overlap of participants in some of the underlying reviews. The researchers used a statistical method to check for this duplication. While some overlap existed, particularly in studies of youth and perinatal women, the overall quality of the evidence remained high.</p>
<p>The authors emphasized that motivation remains a hurdle. Knowing exercise helps is different from actually doing it. Future research needs to focus on how to help people with depression and anxiety stick to an exercise routine.</p>
<p>The study supports a shift in how mental health is treated clinically. The authors argue that health professionals should prescribe exercise with the same confidence as they prescribe pills. It is a cost-effective, accessible option with few side effects.</p>
<p>For public health policy, the implications are broad. The study suggests that guidelines should explicitly recommend exercise as a first-line treatment. This is especially relevant for young adults and new mothers, who showed the strongest responses.</p>
<p>Tailoring the prescription is key. A “one size fits all” approach does not apply to mental health. A depressed patient might benefit most from a running group, while an anxious patient might prefer a gentle, short-term yoga program.</p>
<p>The authors concluded that the evidence is now undeniable. Exercise is a potent medicine for the mind. The challenge now lies in integration and implementation within healthcare systems.</p>
<p>Mental health professionals can use these findings to offer evidence-based advice. They can move beyond vague recommendations to “be more active.” Instead, they can suggest specific formats, like group classes for depression, based on rigorous data.</p>
<p>Ultimately, this study serves as a comprehensive validation of movement as therapy. It strips away the noise of co-occurring physical diseases to show that exercise heals the brain. It offers a hopeful, empowering path for millions struggling with mental health issues.</p>
<p>The study, “<a href="https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2026/02/02/bjsports-2025-110301" target="_blank">Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis</a>,” was authored by Neil Richard Munro, Samantha Teague, Klaire Somoray, Aaron Simpson, Timothy Budden, Ben Jackson, Amanda Rebar, and James Dimmock.</p></p>
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<td><a href="https://www.psypost.org/genetic-risk-for-anhedonia-linked-to-altered-brain-activity-during-reward-processing/" style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing:-1px;margin:0;padding:0 0 2px;font-weight: bold;font-size: 19px;line-height: 20px;color:#222;">Genetic risk for anhedonia linked to altered brain activity during reward processing</a>
<div style="font-family:Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align:left;color:#999;font-size:11px;font-weight:bold;line-height:15px;">Feb 15th 2026, 10:00</div>
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<p><p>A study in Germany found that individuals with higher polygenic risk scores for anhedonia showed specific patterns of brain activity when processing anticipated monetary rewards. More specifically, they showed decreased activation in the bilateral putamen and left middle frontal gyrus during anticipation of rewards and decreased activation in the right caudate while receiving feedback. The research was published in the <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.120900"><em>Journal of Affective Disorders</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>Anhedonia is the reduced ability to experience pleasure or interest in activities that are normally rewarding. It is a core symptom of major depressive disorder but also appears in other conditions such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and bipolar disorder.</p>
<p>Anhedonia can involve diminished pleasure during activities (consummatory anhedonia) or reduced motivation and anticipation for rewards (anticipatory anhedonia). People with anhedonia may withdraw from social interactions, hobbies, or goals they once enjoyed. Neurobiologically, it is linked to dysfunction in brain reward systems, particularly pathways involving dopamine.</p>
<p>Psychological factors such as chronic stress, trauma, and negative cognitive patterns can contribute to its development. Anhedonia is associated with poorer quality of life and worse clinical outcomes when it persists. It can make treatment more challenging because reduced motivation may limit engagement in therapy or daily activities.</p>
<p>Study author Nicholas Schäfer and his colleagues investigated the role of a polygenic risk score for anhedonia in functional brain activity during the monetary incentive delay (MID) task. The MID task is a paradigm that requires participants to respond quickly to cues signaling potential monetary gains or losses. A polygenic risk score is an estimate of an individual’s genetic predisposition to a trait or disorder created by aggregating the effects of many genetic variants across the genome.</p>
<p>Study participants were individuals participating in the MooDs and IntegraMent studies. These were multisite neuroimaging studies recruiting a total of 974 individuals; this specific study analyzed data from 517 of them. The sample included 57 patients with major depressive disorder, 39 with schizophrenia, and 48 with bipolar disorder. The remaining 373 participants were healthy controls (a group that included 243 healthy individuals and 130 healthy first-degree relatives of patients).</p>
<p>Study authors calculated participants’ polygenic risk scores for anhedonia using their genotype data. They also assessed participants’ anhedonia scores using a questionnaire (derived from the SCL-90). Participants completed the monetary incentive delay task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of their brains. In this task, participants were presented with arrows that indicated either a potential monetary reward, a potential loss, no reward, or a cue for verbal trials. This was the anticipation phase. </p>
<p>Participants then had to react to a visual target by pressing a button (except in the neutral trials where no action was required). After this, they received feedback about whether they lost or won 2 EUR, or received neutral or verbal feedback (e.g., “You reacted slow”). This was the feedback phase of the task.</p>
<p>Results showed that individuals with higher polygenic risk scores for anhedonia tended to show decreased activation in the putamen region of the brain in both brain hemispheres and in the left middle frontal gyrus during the anticipation phase of the task. They also showed lower activation in the right caudate region during the feedback phase (specifically during reward feedback). </p>
<p>Participants with higher polygenic risk scores for anhedonia also tended to show lower activity in the left middle frontal gyrus while anticipating financial loss and during salience processing (deciding how important the events at hand are).</p>
<p>However, while participants were receiving feedback about losing 2 EUR, individuals with higher polygenic risk scores for anhedonia tended to show heightened activity in the bilateral putamen and right caudate regions.</p>
<p>The right caudate nucleus of the brain is involved in goal-directed behavior, reward-based learning, and the integration of motivation with action selection, while the left middle frontal gyrus supports executive functions such as working memory, planning, and top-down cognitive control. The putamen primarily contributes to motor control and habit formation, and it also plays a role in reinforcing learned actions through reward processing.</p>
<p>“Our results highlight the importance of the striatum and prefrontal cortex in the context of a genetic risk for anhedonia,” the study authors concluded.</p>
<p>The study contributes to the scientific understanding of the neural basis of anhedonia. However, it should be noted that studies of neural correlates of psychological characteristics often yield inconsistent results. There are often pronounced individual differences in brain activities associated with specific psychological characteristics. Further studies are needed to verify and corroborate the reported findings.</p>
<p>The paper, “<a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.120900">Associations between polygenic risk for anhedonia and functional brain activity during reward processing,</a>” was authored by Nicholas Schäfer, Swapnil Awasthi, Stephan Ripke, Anna Daniels, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Heike Tost, Andreas Heinz, Henrik Walter, and Susanne Erk.</p></p>
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<p><strong>Forwarded by:<br />
Michael Reeder LCPC<br />
Baltimore, MD</strong></p>
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