
Harvard Mental Health Letter
Mental health disorders affect more than 20% of the population. Whether your interest is professional or personal, finding answers about these mental health issues is important and it’s even more important to find those answers from a trusted source.
And what better source for mental health information than the doctors and researchers at Harvard Medical School. The archives of the Harvard Mental Health Letter is a resource for professionals and a growing number of lay people alike who are fascinated by the mysteries of the human mind.
Search back issues of the Harvard Mental Health Letter to find out about important topics in the field of mental health.
- Research that is altering the mental health landscape
- Drugs and promising new uses for old drugs
- Therapies and treatments that show real success
- Intelligent discussion of hotly debated issues such as substance abuse, the use of antidepressant in children and adolescents, and more.
You’ll discover the most promising approaches to conditions such as:
- Attention Deficit Disorder: The use of stimulant drugs as treatment, as the debate over medical vs. social problems continues
- Schizophrenia: Insights from brain imaging and from family, adoption and twin studies on how this serious brain disorder develops
- Antisocial Personality: Diagnosis, treatment, and social precautions to protect therapists as well as family members
- Depression: Early detection in primary care coupled with depression management programs may improve outcomes
Plus, you'll find answers to questions such as:
- How much therapy is “enough”?
- Is it depression, or an early sign of dementia?
- Can an alcoholic ever return to moderate drinking?
- Do the benefits of electroconvulsive therapy outweigh the risks?
The archives of the Harvard Mental Health Letter give you straight answers on complex issues and keep you enlightened on the changes in the field of mental health.
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Articles in the January 2012 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Obsessions and compulsions in youths
- Schizophrenia and epilepsy
- Recognizing and managing delirium
- Taming the frenzy in your brain
- In Brief: Updated guidelines issued for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- In Brief: Mindfulness training helps people quit smoking
- Ask the doctor: What is interpersonal therapy?
- References for "Obsessions and compulsions in youths"
- References for "Schizophrenia and epilepsy"
- References for "Recognizing and managing delirium"
Articles in the February 2012 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Depression and heart disease in women
- Exploring the mysteries of hypnosis
- The life-changing potential of neuroplasticity
- Why stress causes people to overeat
- In Brief: Study suggests best way to treat a painkiller addiction
- In Brief: More evidence that regular exercise is good for the brain
- Commentary: ADHD drugs and heart risk for children
- References for "Depression and heart disease in women"
- References for "Exploring the mysteries of hypnosis"
- References for "Why stress causes people to overeat"
Articles in the March 2012 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Eating disorders in adult women
- Anxiety and gambling
- Why coffee perks people up
- In Brief: Encouraging news about ADHD drugs and heart risk in adults
- In Brief: Medicaid analysis reveals trends in depression care
- Ask the doctor: Is it possible to prevent vascular dementia?
- References for "Eating disorders in adult women"
- References for "Why coffee perks people up"
Articles in the January 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Mental illness and violence
- Painkillers fuel growth in drug addiction
- Anxiety and heart disease
- In Brief: Fish, omega-3 fatty acids, and pregnancy
- Ask the doctor: What is metacognitive therapy?
- References for "Mental illness and violence"
- References for "Painkillers fuel growth in drug addiction"
- References for "Anxiety and heart disease"
Articles in the February 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Motivating behavior change
- Overcoming insomnia
- Smoking increases later risk of dementia
- In Brief: Options for treating adolescents with anorexia nervosa
- In Brief: Social relationships and longevity
- Commentary: Did Lou Gehrig have Lou Gehrig's disease?
- References for "Motivating behavior change"
- References for "Overcoming insomnia"
- References for "Smoking increases later risk of dementia"
Articles in the March 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Options for managing conduct disorder
- Understanding the stress response
- New insights into treatment-resistant depression
- In Brief: Alzheimer's drug proves ineffective for delirium
- In Brief: Mindfulness may rival medication at preventing depression relapse
- Ask the doctor: Stuttering and a king's speech
- References for "Options for managing conduct disorder"
- References for "Understanding the stress response"
- References for "New insights into treatment-resistant depression"
Articles in the April 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Breaking free from nicotine dependence
- Medications for Alzheimer's disease
- Treating intermittent explosive disorder
- In Brief: Large study finds that the combination of diabetes and depression ups mortality risk
- In Brief: Antidepressant may help ease hot flashes
- Commentary: A biomarker for PTSD risk?
- References for "Breaking free from nicotine dependence"
- References for “Medications for Alzheimer’s disease”
- References for "Treating intermittent explosive disorder"
Articles in the May 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Women and depression
- Assertive community treatment
- New insights into the nocebo response
- In Brief: Study strengthens evidence that early marijuana use increases risk of psychosis
- In Brief: After high school, youths with autism spectrum disorders lose access to services
- Ask the doctor: What is agoraphobia?
- References for "Women and depression"
- References for "Assertive community treatment"
- References for "New insights into the nocebo response"
Articles in the June 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Recognizing depression in men
- The psychology of risk perception
- In Brief: Premenstrual mood disturbances increase chances of relapse in women with bipolar disorder
- In Brief: Nicotine replacement therapy may ease agitation for hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
- Commentary: Safe use of social media: Guidance for parents
- References for "Generalized anxiety disorder"
- References for "Recognizing depression in men"
- References for "The psychology of risk perception"
- American Academy of Pediatrics statement on children and social media
Articles in the July 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- How addiction hijacks the brain
- When depression starts in the neck
- Expressive writing for mental health
- In Brief: Long-term results of deep brain stimulation for depression
- In Brief: More evidence that exercise aids the brain
- Commentary: FDA: No link between food colorings and hyperactivity in most children
- References for "How addiction hijacks the brain"
- References for "When depression starts in the neck"
- References for "Expressive writing for mental health"
Articles in the August 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease
- No "magic pill" for autism spectrum disorders
- Metabolic syndrome and mental illness
- Delusions of infestation
- In Brief: Sedentary lifestyle can be a heart-stopper in people with depression
- In Brief: Antipsychotics are overprescribed for nursing home residents
- References for "New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease"
- References for "No 'magic pill' for autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Metabolic syndrome and mental illness"
- References for "Delusions of infestation"
- Commentary: Can painkillers cap antidepressant effect?
Articles in the September 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Beyond the "baby blues"
- Protecting youths from online harassment
- Educating and empowering families
- Becoming a better perfectionist
- In Brief: Study suggests cognitive behavioral therapy may help with chronic fatigue syndrome but is no panacea
- In Brief: Secondhand smoke and the brain
- Ask the doctor: Bath salts - a new way to get high?
- References for "Beyond the 'baby blues'"
- References for "Protecting youths from online harassment"
- References for "Educating and empowering families"
- References for "Becoming a better perfectionist"
Articles in the October 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Autism spectrum disorders revisited
- Natural supplements for mental health
- Mind over matter
- In Brief: Study tests electronic messages as a way to improve depression care
- In Brief: More evidence that varenicline harms the heart
- Commentary: Dr. Aaron T. Beck's enduring impact on mental health
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders revisited"
- References for "Natural supplements for mental health"
- References for "Mind over matter"
Articles in the November 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- In Praise of Gratitude
- Depressed parent, depressed child?
- Seven common memory problems
- In Brief: Study suggests how nicotine suppresses appetite
- In Brief: Weighing psychotherapy options for social anxiety disorder
- In Brief: Encouraging news about borderline personality disorder
- In Brief: Study suggests a link between sleep-disordered breathing and later cognitive decline
- Ask the doctor: Is it possible to become addicted to chocolate?
- References for "In praise of gratitude"
- References for "Depressed parent, depressed child?"
- References for "Seven common memory problems"
Articles in the December 2011 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Understanding grief and loss
- The normal process of grieving
- Beyond the five stages of grief
- A guide to getting through grief
- Coping with complicated grief
- In Brief: Handling holidays and difficult times
- Ask the doctor: How long does grief last?
- Ask the doctor: Surprised by anger
- References for "Understanding grief and loss"
- References for "The normal process of grieving"
- References for "Beyond the five stages of grief"
- References for "A guide to getting through grief"
- References for "Coping with complicated grief"
Articles in the January 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Addiction in women
- Encouraging patients to take medication as prescribed
- Are rates of autism spectrum disorders increasing?
- In Brief: Treating depression in adolescents
- In Brief: Mental health parity update
- In Brief: Second-generation antipsychotics cause weight gain in youths
- Commentary: Concussions in football
- References for "Addiction in women"
- References for "Encouraging patients to take medication as prescribed"
- References for "Are rates of autism spectrum disorders increasing?"
Articles in the February 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Mental health problems in the workplace
- Vitamins unlikely to revitalize the mind
- Experts urge caution in using deep brain stimulation
- In Brief: Combined nicotine replacement therapy provides best chance of smoking cessation
- In Brief: Cognitive behavioral therapy may be an option for treating seasonal affective disorder
- Questions & answers
- References for "Mental health problems in the workplace"
- References for "Vitamins unlikely to revitalize the mind"
- References for "Experts urge caution in using deep brain stimulation"
- Resources for employees and companies
Articles in the March 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Treating social anxiety disorder
- Neurofeedback for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Get the lead out
- In Brief: Study finds that combining an antidepressant with an omega-3 supplement does not benefit people with heart disease and
- Ask the doctor: What is a medical home?
- Ask the doctor: Is it normal to grieve for months when a pet dies?
- References for "Treating social anxiety disorder"
- References for "Neurofeedback for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"
- References for "Get the lead out"
Articles in the April 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Medical marijuana and the mind
- Autism spectrum disorders and the gut
- Options for mild or moderate depression
- Morphine and traumatic memory
- In Brief: Addiction terminology affects clinicians' attitudes towards patients
- In Brief: Disease-modifying drug fails in Alzheimer's study
- Ask the doctor: What tests monitor the metabolic risks of antipsychotics?
- Ask the doctor: What is sensory processing disorder?
- References for "Medical marijuana and the mind"
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders and the gut"
- References for "Options for mild or moderate depression"
- References for "Morphine and traumatic memory"
Articles in the May 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Pain, anxiety, and depression
- Cultivating a "winner's brain"
- Preventing depression in adolescents
- In Brief: Preventing relapse in bipolar disorder
- In Brief: The Quirky Brain: Why songs get "stuck" in people's heads
- Ask the doctor: How does someone overcome fear of dogs?
- Ask the doctor: Why are patients with body dysmorphic disorder so self-critical?
- References for "Pain, anxiety, and depression"
- References for "Cultivating a 'winner's brain'"
- References for "Preventing depression in adolescents"
Articles in the June 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Treating borderline personality disorder
- Schizophrenia treatment recommendations updated
- Antidepressants and tamoxifen
- In Brief: The Quirky Brain: Chewing gum and memory
- Ask the doctor: Is it better to stop smoking abruptly or gradually?
- Ask the doctor: What is temper dysregulation disorder?
- References for "Treating borderline personality disorder"
- References for "Schizophrenia treatment recommendations updated"
- References for "Antidepressants and tamoxifen"
- References for "Chewing gum and memory"
Articles in the July 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Pessimism about pedophilia
- Dementia syndromes in the elderly
- The evolving understanding of stigma
- In Brief: Treating depression along with alcohol dependence
- In Brief: The Quirky Brain: Why people hear voices
- Ask the doctor: How does health care reform affect mental health parity?
- References for "Pessimism about pedophilia"
- References for "Dementia syndromes in the elderly"
- References for "The evolving understanding of stigma"
Articles in the August 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Pathological gambling
- Alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy
- Stress and the sensitive gut
- In Brief: Large study finds brain training does not improve overall cognitive fitness
- In Brief: The Quirky Brain: Why addiction causes craving
- Ask the doctor: What is the choking game?
- References for “Pathological gambling”
- References for "Alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy"
- References for “Stress and the sensitive gut”
Articles in the September 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Merits of psychodynamic therapy
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- In Brief: Study suggests there is a silver lining to the "golden" years
- In Brief: The Quirky Brain: Why cell phone conversations distract drivers
- Ask the doctor: What is catatonia?
- References for “Merits of psychodynamic therapy”
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Transcranial magnetic stimulation"
Articles in the October 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Violent video games and young people
- Cognitive enhancement therapy for schizophrenia
- Managing dental phobia
- Second-step treatments for adolescent depression
- In Brief: Advice about living with bipolar disorder
- The Quirky Brain: Why eating slowly helps make people feel full
- Ask the doctor: Do antidepressants cause cataracts?
- References for "Violent video games and young people"
- References for "Cognitive enhancement therapy for schizophrenia"
- References for "Managing dental phobia"
- References for "Second step treatments for adolescent depression"
Articles in the November 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease
- Helping couples deal with medical challenges
- Research suggests new drug targets for depression
- In Brief: Survey finds that mental illness affects the wallet as well as the brain
- The Quirky Brain: How depression may alter visual perception
- Ask the doctor: What is the blood-brain barrier?
- References for "Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease"
- References for "Helping couples deal with medical challenges"
- References for "Research suggests new drug targets for depression"
Articles in the December 2010 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Augmentation strategies for depression
- Reconsidering the placebo response
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep
- The Quirky Brain: Theories about what causes chemobrain
- Ask the doctor: What is hypomania?
- References for "Augmentation strategies for depression"
- References for "Reconsidering the placebo response"
- References for "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep"
Articles in the January 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Options for treatment-resistant depression
- In brief: Post-discharge counseling helps hospitalized smokers quit
- Commentary: Treatment that works for anxious children
- In brief: MRI scans reveal altered brain response to criticism in patients with social phobia
- Benefiting from mental health parity
- Alcohol abstinence vs. moderation
- In brief: Screening patients with heart disease for depression
- References for "Options for treatment-resistant depression"
- References for "Benefitting from mental health parity"
- References for “Alcohol abstinence vs. moderation”
- Harvard Mental Health Letter January 2009: Further information
Articles in the February 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Brain imaging techniques for Alzheimer's disease
- Failed efforts to thwart Alzheimer's disease raise questions
- Cytochrome P450 enzymes and psychiatric drugs
- When children with bipolar disorder grow up
- In brief: Cell phone use more distracting to drivers than chatting with passengers
- In brief: Improving outcomes for opioid-addicted youth
- Commentary: Mental health at a reasonable cost
- References for "Failed efforts to thwart Alzheimer's disease raise questions"
- References for "Cytochrome P450 enzymes and psychiatric drugs"
- References for "When children with bipolar disorder grow up"
Articles in the March 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Overcoming cocaine or stimulant addiction"
- References for "Treating obsessive compulsive disorder"
- References for "Understanding the risks of antipsychotic treatment in young people"
- Understanding the risks of antipsychotic treatment in young people
- Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Overcoming cocaine or stimulant addiction
- In brief: Study suggests how to tailor cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with eating disorders
- In brief: Brain scans indicate that depression can increase pain perception
- Questions & answers
Articles in the April 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder"
- References for "Rare diseases offer insights into autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Yoga for anxiety and depression"
- References for "More evidence on risks of antipsychotics in adults"
- Mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder
- Rare diseases offer insights into autism spectrum disorders
- Yoga for anxiety and depression
- More evidence on risks of antipsychotics in adults
- In Brief: Type 2 diabetes may slow thinking ability early on
- In Brief: Reducing teens' risk on the Internet
- Questions & answers
Articles in the May 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Conditions that affect fertility
- Male Infertility
- Take a deep breath
- Testing for male and female infertility
- Using Clomid to treat infertility
- Endometriosis and infertility
- Treating blocked fallopian tubes
- Appendicitis and female infertility
- Follow The Fertility Diet?
- Female Infertility
- References for "The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment"
- References for "Advice about which antidepressant to choose first"
- References for "The glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia"
- References for "Commentary: Providing rewards for smokers who want to quit"
- Advice about which antidepressant to choose first
- The glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia
- In Brief: The stress of waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis
- In Brief: Updates about mental health parity
- The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment
- Commentary: Providing rewards for smokers who want to quit
Articles in the June 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Two-way street between depression and heart disease
- Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Coping with the stress of caregiving
- In Brief: Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder may share genetic origins
- In Brief: Some brain effects of stress may be reversible
- Questions & answers
- References for "Two-way street between depression and heart disease"
- References for "Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"
- References for "Coping with the stress of caregiving"
- Reference for "Questions & answers"
Articles in the July 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Sleep and mental health"
- References for "Manipulating memory to overcome fear"
- References for "Treating fibromyalgia in the mental health setting"
- References for "Commentary: The pleasure we take from other people's pain"
- Sleep and mental health
- Manipulating memory to overcome fear
- Treating fibromyalgia in the mental health setting
- In Brief: Alcohol abuse may lead to depression
- In Brief: Lithium may reduce risk of dementia
- Commentary: The pleasure we take from other people's pain
Articles in the August 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Treating anorexia nervosa"
- References for "Heavy heart, thin bones?"
- References for "Infectious health behaviors"
- Treating anorexia nervosa
- Heavy heart, thin bones?
- Infectious health behaviors
- In Brief: Divalproex is not effective for children with bipolar disorder
- In Brief: Factors that affect risk of dementia
- Commentary: The importance of recess
Articles in the September 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Treating generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly"
- References for "Treating bulimia nervosa"
- References for "Taking on school bullies"
- Treating generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly
- Treating bulimia nervosa
- Taking on school bullies
- In Brief: Mental performance during perimenopause
- In Brief: Depression screening in adolescents
- Questions & answers
Articles in the October 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Infection, inflammation, and mental illness"
- References for "Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder"
- References for "Lithium-induced kidney problems"
- References for "Questions & answers: Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder"
- Infection, inflammation, and mental illness
- Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Lithium-induced kidney problems
- In Brief: Drug fails to subdue repetitive behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders
- In Brief: Supplement may ease compulsive hair pulling
- Questions & answers
- Correction to "Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder"
Articles in the November 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for "Recognizing and managing ADHD in adults"
- References for "Supporting survivors of suicide loss"
- References for "Treating somatoform disorders"
- Recognizing and managing ADHD in adults
- Supporting survivors of suicide loss
- Treating somatoform disorders
- In Brief: One question may help screen for unhealthy alcohol use
- In Brief: The psychological cost of foreclosure
- Editor's note
- Commentary: The Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and cognitive health
Articles in the December 2009 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Managing chronic depression
- Challenges in preventing schizophrenia
- Helping compulsive hoarders
- In Brief: Intervention reduces dating violence perpetrated by boys
- In Brief: Cholesterol levels in middle age affect dementia risk
- Commentary: Internet-based insomnia treatment
- References for "Managing chronic depression"
- References for "Challenges in preventing schizophrenia"
- References for "Helping compulsive hoarders"
Articles in the January 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Psychological aspects of bariatric surgery
- Using lithium to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder
- Seafood and brain development
- In Brief: Topiramate may be effective at treating alcohol dependence
- In Brief: Location of spinal cord injury may affect mental health scores
- In Brief: Possible blood test for Alzheimer's disease
- Commentary: Strains on the heart
- References for “Seafood and brain development”
- References for “Using lithium to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder”
- References for “Psychological aspects of bariatric surgery”
- How stress affects your body
Articles in the February 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Recognizing and treating depression in the elderly
- Measuring empathy during psychotherapy
- Medication Update: Tamoxifen investigated as mania treatment
- Medication Update: Research raises questions about long-acting antipsychotics
- Medication Update: SSRIs may increase risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
- Exercise, estrogen, and executive function
- In Brief: Unmet mental health needs
- In Brief: Cognitive behavioral therapy improves outcomes in depressed adolescents
- Commentary: Brain function and political attitudes - political science or science fiction?
- References for “Exercise, estrogen, and executive function”
- References for “Recognizing and treating depression in the elderly”
- References for “Measuring empathy during psychotherapy”
Articles in the March 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- The hazards of hookah
- Learning how to say "I'm sorry"
- Hypnosis as mental health therapy
- In Brief: Thimerosal exposure and neuropsychological development
- In Brief: Exploring the mechanisms of self-sabotage
- Questions & Answers
- References for “Hypnosis as mental health therapy”
- References for “Learning how to say ‘I’m sorry’ ”
- References for “The hazards of hookah”
Articles in the April 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Treating preschoolers with psychiatric disorders
- Getting help for post-combat mental health problems
- In Brief: Asthma may increase risk of anxiety and depression
- In Brief: Metformin and lifestyle changes help people taking antipsychotics lose weight
- Questions & Answers
- References for “Getting help for post-combat mental health problems”
- References for “Mild cognitive impairment”
- References for “Treating preschoolers with psychiatric disorders”
Articles in the May 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Positive psychology in practice
- Psychiatric genetic tests raise concerns
- Behavioral cognitive therapy for addictions
- Dealing with sexual side effects
- In Brief: Music therapy may help depression
- In Brief: Chromosome "hot spot" linked to autism
- In Brief: Mood and anxiety disorders more likely in people with arthritis
- Commentary: Song lyrics, stress, and substance abuse in adolescents
- References for “Positive psychology in practice”
- References for “Psychiatric genetic tests raise concerns”
- References for “Dealing with sexual side effects”
- References for “Behavioral cognitive therapy for addictions”
- Q &A -- The impact of stress
Articles in the June 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Improving outcomes in bipolar disorder
- Combination therapy for panic disorder
- Drinking, smoking, and quitting
- In Brief: Regular family meals may reduce risk of eating disorders in girls
- In Brief: Stimulant treatment for ADHD may not increase risk of substance abuse
- In Brief: Top reasons for seeking medical care
- Commentary: Handguns and health
- References for “Improving outcomes in bipolar disorder”
- References for “Combination therapy for panic disorder”
- References for “Drinking, smoking, and quitting”
Articles in the July 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Revisiting the CATIE schizophrenia study
- Protecting children and teens from cyber-harm
- Moving from one stage of addiction recovery to the next
- In Brief: Abdominal fat boosts later dementia risk
- In Brief: SSRIs and risk of postpartum hemorrhage
- Commentary: The value of regret
- References for "Revisiting the CATIE schizophrenia study"
- References for "Protecting children and teens from cyber-harm"
Articles in the August 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Finding the right depression medication
- Involuntary outpatient commitment
- Alzheimer's and driving ability
- In Brief: Anti-inflammatory drugs may not protect cognitive function
- In Brief: Study suggests bipolar disorder is overdiagnosed
- In Brief: Psychotherapy for early childhood obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Questions & answers: Munchhausen's syndrome
- References for “Alzheimer’s and driving ability”
- References for “Involuntary outpatient commitment”
- References for “Finding the right depression medication”
Articles in the September 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- School-based safety interventions
- Helping psychiatric patients to stop smoking
- The "forgotten bereaved"
- In Brief: Bright lights may improve dementia symptoms
- In Brief: Money can buy happiness - if you give it away
- Commentary: Social networks and memory function
- References for “School-based safety interventions”
- Additional resources for “School-based safety interventions”
- References for “Helping psychiatric patients to stop smoking”
Articles in the October 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- In brief: Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome
- Copy number variation: The new genetic frontier
- Herbal and dietary supplements for depression
- Treating ADHD in children and adolescents
- References for “Treating ADHD in children and adolescents”
- References for “Herbal and dietary supplements for depression”
- References for “Copy number variation: The new genetic frontier”
- In brief: Sildenafil may improve sexual functioning in depressed women
- Questions & answers
Articles in the November 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for “Treating ‘first-episode’ schizophrenia”
- References for “New treatment options for seasonal affective disorder”
- Bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder
- Treating "first-episode" schizophrenia
- Dealing with the emotional aspect of conflict
- New treatment options for seasonal affective disorder
- In brief: Who is prescribing antidepressants?
- In brief: Suicidal thoughts in college
- In brief: Psychiatrists offering less psychotherapy
- Commentary: How undecideds decide
Articles in the December 2008 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- References for “Preventing driving accidents involving teenagers”
- References for “Psychological challenges of surviving cancer”
- References for “Prescribing during pregnancy”
- Prescribing during pregnancy
- Psychological challenges of surviving cancer
- Preventing driving accidents involving teenagers
- In brief: Phone psychotherapy for depression
- In brief: Antipsychotic choice in early-onset schizophrenia
- Commentary: The value of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy
Articles in the January 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Separation anxiety
- Addiction and the problem of relapse
- In Brief: The stigma of borderline personality
- In Brief: Alcohol before birth: New studies
- Commentary: Compulsive buying
- Moods and markets
- Questions & answers: Compulsive hoarding
Articles in the February 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Electroconvulsive therapy
- The risk for PTSD: New findings
- In Brief: The social voice of conscience
- In Brief: Obesity and depression
- In Brief: Act, don't think, to relieve depression
- In Brief: Thwarting alcoholism in the brain
- Questions & Answers
Articles in the March 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Couple therapy
- Folate for depression
- Antipsychotic drugs: The costs and benefits
- In Brief: The evolution of romance
- In Brief: $ is for self-sufficiency
- Questions & Answers: Who is helped most by transference interpretations?
- References for “Couple therapy”, March 2007
- References for "Folate for depression", March 2007
Articles in the April 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Dependent personality disorder
- When children assault children
- In Brief: Efficacious, yet ineffective
- In Brief: Depression at menopause
- In Brief: Names will often hurt you
- In Brief: Schizophrenia and physical illness
- Questions & Answers
- References for “Dependent personality,” April 2007
Articles in the May 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Bipolar disorder in children
- Thyroid deficiency and mental health
- In Brief: Depression in China: Finding a translation
- In Brief: Williams syndrome in Japan: The interplay of genetics and culture
- In Brief: Addiction treatment, ready or not
- Questions & Answers: How important is a good breakfast for children?
- Questions & Answers: Advantages of Cymbalta for depression?
- References for “Bipolar disorder in children,” May 2007
- References for “Thyroid deficiency and mental health”
Articles in the June 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- The use and misuse of self-esteem
- The treatment of schizophrenia: Making it work
- In Brief: Uncovering diagnostic biases
- In Brief: Alternative medicine for depression
- Questions & Answers
- Depression - theme and variations
- References for "The treatment of schizophrenia," June 2007
- References for "The use and misuse of self-esteem," June 2007
- Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
Articles in the July 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Antidepressants and suicide
- How Alcoholics Anonymous works
- In Brief: Finding the right treatment: Attachment as a guide
- In Brief: Therapeutic alliance and treatment preference
- Commentary: Drug diversion by adolescents
- References for “How Alcoholics Anonymous works,” July 2007
- References for “Antidepressants and suicide,” July 2007
Articles in the August 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Rethinking posttraumatic stress disorder
- Antipsychotic drugs in dementia
- In Brief: Treatment for bipolar depression: New studies
- In Brief: Torture by any other name
- Commentary: The Clock gene and bipolar disorder
- References for "Rethinking posttraumatic stress disorder"
- References for "Antipsychotic drugs in dementia"
Articles in the September 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Preschool attention deficit disorder
- Endophenotypes
- Farewell to the voices
- In Brief: Domestic violence: Not always one sided
- In Brief: The mystery of muscle relaxation
- In Brief: Victories over borderline personality disorder
- Commentary: Children, depression, and the FDA
- References – Attention Deficit Disorder in Preschoolers
- Farewell to the voices - References
- Endophenotype references
Articles in the October 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer's: Hope or hype?
- Beating the blues by treating sleep apnea
- The spiritual side of recovery
- In Brief: Treatment rates for alcohol abuse and dependence remain low
- In Brief: Repeat autism screening recommended for at-risk children
- In Brief: Researchers provide insight into the chemistry of fear
- Questions & Answers: Is internet addiction a distinct mental disorder?
- References for “Beating the blues by treating sleep apnea”
- Disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer's: Hope or hype?
Articles in the November 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Protecting the heart while treating the mind
- Searching for early signs of autism spectrum disorders
- The perils of perfectionism
- In Brief: Children's mental health care costly for families
- In Brief: Preventing depression in people with age-related macular degeneration
- In Brief: Writer's cramp is partly in your head - but where?
- Questions & Answers: Nocturnal binge eating
- References for “Protecting the heart while treating the mind”
- References for “The perils of perfectionism”
- References for “Searching for early signs of autism spectrum disorders”
Articles in the December 2007 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Making the most of psychiatric advance directives
- Helping teens stop smoking
- Postconcussion syndrome
- In Brief: Study finds ADHD is diagnosed and treated less than half the time
- In Brief: Mice provide new clues about obsessive-compulsive disorder
- In Brief: Research suggests why stress may add pounds
- Commentary: The rise of pediatric bipolar disorder
- References for “Making the most of psychiatric advance directives”
- References for “Postconcussion syndrome”
- References for “Helping teens stop smoking”
Articles in the January 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Client-centered therapy
- The duty to protect
- Update on St. John's wort
- A comparison of antipsychotic drugs
- Questions & Answers: What is vagus nerve stimulation?
- References for “Client-centered therapy”
- References for “The duty to protect”
- References for “Update on St John’s wort”
Articles in the February 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Mind and mood after a heart attack
- Attention deficit disorder: Old questions, new answers
- Clarification
- Contingency management
- In brief: Treating complicated grief
- Questions & Answers: Is addiction hereditary?
- References for “Mind and mood after a heart attack,” February 2006
- References for “Contingency management,” February 2006
- References for “Attention deficit disorder”, February 2006
Articles in the March 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- First aid for emotional trauma
- Outpatient commitment
- The therapeutic alliance: Its effect on other relationships
- In Brief: Comparing the antidepressants
- In Brief: Exposing the myth of national character
- In Brief: The risk of cocaine addiction
- Questions & Answers: Are antidepressants safe during pregnancy?
- References for Outpatient commitment, March 2006
- References for First aid for emotional trauma , March 2006
Articles in the April 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Parent training
- Deep brain stimulation
- The therapeutic relationship: What patients want
- In Brief: Psychodynamic therapy passes a test
- In Brief: Fatal injuries in children: Comparing households
- In Brief: Controlling control groups
- In Brief: Brain pathways to fear
- Questions & Answers: How important is early care for schizophrenia?
- References for “Parent training”, April 2006
Articles in the May 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Drug treatment of bipolar disorder
- Epilepsy and psychiatric disorders
- In Brief: Treating depressed children: Limits of psychotherapy
- In Brief: As a man (or woman) grows older...
- Commentary: Caregiver stress: When helpers need help
- References for “Epilepsy and psychiatric disorders”
- References for “Drug treatment of bipolar disorder”
Articles in the June 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Borderline personality disorder: Origins and symptoms
- Antidepressants for children and adolescents: An update
- In Brief: Gays' mental health: New data
- In Brief: Variable schizophrenia
- In Brief: Predicting successful marriages
- In Brief: BMI and suicide
- In Brief: Placebos are not all alike
- Commentary: When the unconscious knows best
- References for “Borderline personality disorder”, June 2006
Articles in the July 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- The negative symptoms of schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder: Treatment
- In Brief: Genetic counseling in psychiatry
- In Brief: Equal treatment for mental health: Costs and benefits
- In Brief: When is an experience traumatic?
- Questions & Answers: What are the signs that a person will be happy in retirement?
- References for "Negative symptoms", July 2006
Articles in the August 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Commentary: Diagnosing personality disorders
- In Brief: Treatment of alcoholism: New results
- In Brief: Fighting fear with a stress hormone
- Mental health courts
- Cognitive reserve
- Your brain and psychotherapy
- References for “Mental health courts,” August 2006
- References for “Cognitive reserve,” August 2006
Articles in the September 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Improving care for depression
- Solution-focused therapy
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- In Brief: The genetics of autism
- In Brief: Why drug addicts die
- In Brief: When expectation fails
- Questions & Answers: Is anorexia ever a problem for men?
- References for “Intermittent explosive disorder,” September 2006
- References for “Improving care for depression”, September 2006
Articles in the October 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Complicated grief
- ADHD update: New data on the risks of medication
- Reviving the study of hallucinogens
- In brief: Racial diversity and jury deliberations
- In brief: A new sleeping pill
- In brief: Schizophrenia and the metabolic syndrome
- Commentary: Violence as a medical issue
- References for “Complicated grief”, October 2006
Articles in the November 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Men and depression
- Assertive community treatment
- In Brief: When is it epilepsy?
- In Brief: Counting your blessings and keeping up with the Joneses
- In Brief: Children of depression
- Commentary: Human pheromones
- References for “Assertive community treatment,” November 2006
Articles in the December 2006 issue of Harvard Mental Health Letter include:
- Insomnia in later life
- Resilience
- In Brief: Off-label drug use
- In Brief: Who is homosexual and the difference it makes
- Commentary: Older father, autistic child
- References for “Resilience”
- References for “Insomnia late in life”
From the editors of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. The following are links to online information mentioned in past issues of Harvard Mental Health Letter or to extra information we couldn't fit into the printed version.
March 2012
February 2012
- References for "Depression and heart disease in women"
- References for "Exploring the mysteries of hypnosis"
- References for "Why stress causes people to overeat"
January 2012
- References for "Obsessions and compulsions in youths"
- References for "Schizophrenia and epilepsy"
- References for "Recognizing and managing delirium"
December 2011
- References for "Understanding grief and loss"
- References for "The normal process of grieving"
- References for "Beyond the five stages of grief"
- References for "A guide to getting through grief"
- References for "Coping with complicated grief"
November 2011
- References for "In praise of gratitude"
- References for "Depressed parent, depressed child?"
- References for "Seven common memory problems"
October 2011
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders revisited"
- References for "Natural supplements for mental health"
- References for "Mind over matter"
September 2011
- References for "Beyond the 'baby blues'"
- References for "Protecting youths from online harassment"
- References for "Educating and empowering families"
- References for "Becoming a better perfectionist"
August 2011
- References for "New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease"
- References for "No 'magic pill' for autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Metabolic syndrome and mental illness"
- References for "Delusions of infestation"
July 2011
- References for "How addiction hijacks the brain"
- References for "When depression starts in the neck"
- References for "Expressive writing for mental health"
June 2011
- References for "Generalized anxiety disorder"
- References for "Recognizing depression in men"
- References for "The psychology of risk perception"
- American Academy of Pediatrics statement on children and social media
May 2011
- References for "Women and depression"
- References for "Assertive community treatment"
- References for "New insights into the nocebo response"
April 2011
- References for "Breaking free from nicotine dependence"
- References for “Medications for Alzheimer’s disease”
- References for "Treating intermittent explosive disorder"
March 2011
- References for "Options for managing conduct disorder"
- References for "Understanding the stress response"
- References for "New insights into treatment-resistant depression"
February 2011
- References for "Motivating behavior change"
- References for "Overcoming insomnia"
- References for "Smoking increases later risk of dementia"
January 2011
- References for "Mental illness and violence"
- References for "Painkillers fuel growth in drug addiction"
- References for "Anxiety and heart disease"
December 2010
- References for "Augmentation strategies for depression"
- References for "Reconsidering the placebo response"
- References for "Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and sleep"
November 2010
- References for "Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease"
- References for "Helping couples deal with medical challenges"
- References for "Research suggests new drug targets for depression"
October 2010
- References for "Violent video games and young people"
- References for "Cognitive enhancement therapy for schizophrenia"
- References for "Managing dental phobia"
- References for "Second step treatments for adolescent depression"
September 2010
- References for “Merits of psychodynamic therapy”
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Transcranial magnetic stimulation"
August 2010
- References for “Pathological gambling”
- References for "Alternatives to antidepressants during pregnancy"
- References for “Stress and the sensitive gut”
July 2010
- References for "Pessimism about pedophilia"
- References for "Dementia syndromes in the elderly"
- References for "The evolving understanding of stigma"
June 2010
- References for "Treating borderline personality disorder"
- References for "Schizophrenia treatment recommendations updated"
- References for "Antidepressants and tamoxifen"
- References for "Chewing gum and memory"
May 2010
- References for "Pain, anxiety, and depression"
- References for "Cultivating a 'winner's brain'"
- References for "Preventing depression in adolescents"
April 2010
- References for "Medical marijuana and the mind"
- References for "Autism spectrum disorders and the gut"
- References for "Options for mild or moderate depression"
- References for "Morphine and traumatic memory"
March 2010
- References for "Treating social anxiety disorder"
- References for "Neurofeedback for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"
- References for "Get the lead out"
February 2010
- References for "Experts urge caution in using deep brain stimulation"
- References for "Vitamins unlikely to revitalize the mind"
- Resources for employees and companies
- References for "Mental health problems in the workplace"
January 2010
- References for "Addiction in women"
- References for "Encouraging patients to take medication as prescribed"
- References for "Are rates of autism spectrum disorders increasing?"
December 2009
- References for "Managing chronic depression"
- References for "Challenges in preventing schizophrenia"
- References for "Helping compulsive hoarders"
November 2009
- References for "Recognizing and managing ADHD in adults"
- References for "Supporting survivors of suicide loss"
- References for "Treating somatoform disorders"
October 2009
- References for "Infection, inflammation, and mental illness"
- References for "Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder"
- References for "Lithium-induced kidney problems"
- References for "Questions & answers: Preventing post-traumatic stress disorder"
- Correction to "Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder"
September 2009
- References for "Treating generalized anxiety disorder in the elderly"
- References for "Treating bulimia nervosa"
- References for "Taking on school bullies"
August 2009
- References for "Treating anorexia nervosa"
- References for "Heavy heart, thin bones?"
- References for "Infectious health behaviors"
July 2009
- References for "Sleep and mental health"
- References for "Treating fibromyalgia in the mental health setting"
- References for "Commentary: The pleasure we take from other people's pain"
- References for "Manipulating memory to overcome fear"
June 2009
- References for "Two-way street between depression and heart disease"
- References for "Diet and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"
- References for "Coping with the stress of caregiving"
- Reference for "Questions & answers"
May 2009
- Conditions that affect fertility
- Male Infertility
- Take a deep breath
- Testing for male and female infertility
- Using Clomid to treat infertility
- Endometriosis and infertility
- Treating blocked fallopian tubes
- Appendicitis and female infertility
- Follow The Fertility Diet?
- Female Infertility
- References for "The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment"
- References for "Advice about which antidepressant to choose first"
- References for "The glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia"
- References for "Commentary: Providing rewards for smokers who want to quit"
April 2009
- References for "Mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder"
- References for "Rare diseases offer insights into autism spectrum disorders"
- References for "Yoga for anxiety and depression"
- References for "More evidence on risks of antipsychotics in adults"
March 2009
- References for "Understanding the risks of antipsychotic treatment in young people"
- References for "Treating obsessive compulsive disorder"
- References for "Overcoming cocaine or stimulant addiction"
February 2009
- Brain imaging techniques for Alzheimer's disease
- References for "Failed efforts to thwart Alzheimer's disease raise questions"
- References for "Cytochrome P450 enzymes and psychiatric drugs"
- References for "When children with bipolar disorder grow up"
January 2009
- References for "Options for treatment-resistant depression"
- References for "Benefitting from mental health parity"
- References for “Alcohol abstinence vs. moderation”
- Harvard Mental Health Letter January 2009: Further information
July 2008
- References for "Revisiting the CATIE schizophrenia study"
- References for "Protecting children and teens from cyber-harm"
December 2008
- References for “Psychological challenges of surviving cancer”
- References for “Preventing driving accidents involving teenagers”
- References for “Prescribing during pregnancy”
November 2008
- References for “New treatment options for seasonal affective disorder”
- References for “Treating ‘first-episode’ schizophrenia”
- Bright light therapy for seasonal affective disorder
October 2008
- References for “Herbal and dietary supplements for depression”
- References for “Treating ADHD in children and adolescents”
- References for “Copy number variation: The new genetic frontier”
September 2008
- References for “School-based safety interventions”
- Additional resources for “School-based safety interventions”
- References for “Helping psychiatric patients to stop smoking”
August 2008
- References for “Alzheimer’s and driving ability”
- References for “Involuntary outpatient commitment”
- References for “Finding the right depression medication”
June 2008
- References for “Combination therapy for panic disorder”
- References for “Improving outcomes in bipolar disorder”
- References for “Drinking, smoking, and quitting”
May 2008
- References for “Positive psychology in practice”
- References for “Psychiatric genetic tests raise concerns”
- References for “Dealing with sexual side effects”
- References for “Behavioral cognitive therapy for addictions”
- Q &A -- The impact of stress
April 2008
- References for “Getting help for post-combat mental health problems”
- References for “Mild cognitive impairment”
- References for “Treating preschoolers with psychiatric disorders”
March 2008
- References for “The hazards of hookah”
- References for “Learning how to say ‘I’m sorry’ ”
- References for “Hypnosis as mental health therapy”
February 2008
- References for “Recognizing and treating depression in the elderly”
- References for “Exercise, estrogen, and executive function”
- References for “Measuring empathy during psychotherapy”
January 2008
- References for “Using lithium to reduce suicide risk in bipolar disorder”
- References for “Seafood and brain development”
- References for “Psychological aspects of bariatric surgery”
- How stress affects your body
December 2007
- References for “Helping teens stop smoking”
- References for “Postconcussion syndrome”
- References for “Making the most of psychiatric advance directives”
November 2007
- References for “The perils of perfectionism”
- References for “Protecting the heart while treating the mind”
- References for “Searching for early signs of autism spectrum disorders”
October 2007
- References for “Beating the blues by treating sleep apnea”
- Disease-modifying drugs for Alzheimer's: Hope or hype?
September 2007
- References – Attention Deficit Disorder in Preschoolers
- Farewell to the voices - References
- Endophenotype references
August 2007
- References for "Rethinking posttraumatic stress disorder"
- References for "Antipsychotic drugs in dementia"
July 2007
- References for “Antidepressants and suicide,” July 2007
- References for “How Alcoholics Anonymous works,” July 2007
June 2007
- References for "The treatment of schizophrenia," June 2007
- References for "The use and misuse of self-esteem," June 2007
- Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale
May 2007
- References for “Bipolar disorder in children,” May 2007
- References for “Thyroid deficiency and mental health”
April 2007
March 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
- References for “Intermittent explosive disorder,” September 2006
- References for “Improving care for depression”, September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
- References for “Epilepsy and psychiatric disorders”
- References for “Drug treatment of bipolar disorder”
April 2006
March 2006
- References for Outpatient commitment, March 2006
- References for First aid for emotional trauma , March 2006
February 2006
- References for “Contingency management,” February 2006
- References for “Mind and mood after a heart attack,” February 2006
- References for “Attention deficit disorder”, February 2006


