LA Police Unit Intervenes To Get Mentally Ill Treatment, Not Jail Time
When cops in Los Angeles encounter people who may be mentally ill, there's a specialized unit that can offer help on the spot.
Mental Health
Charleston Reporters Tell The National Story Of Local Violence
The staff of hometown paper The Post and Courier feels the emotional toll of covering the church shootings and other traumatic events.
Of All U.S. Police Shootings, One-Quarter Reportedly Involve The Mentally Ill
In compiling a database of fatal police shootings, The Washington Post took an extra step — finding details about the mental health of the deceased. Reporter Kimberly Kindy relates what she learned.
Coping While Black: A Season Of Traumatic News Takes A Psychological Toll
Research on the psychological effects of racism, especially on people of color, is still in the early stages. But psychologists warn that events like the Charleston shooting can cause serious stress.
Antipsychotics Too Often Prescribed For Aggression In Children
Drugs intended to treat psychosis are also used to treat behavioral problems in children with ADHD. Less risky behavioral treatments and medications should be the first choice, researchers say.
To Master Stage Fright, Practice Makes Imperfect OK
Most people suffer stage fright when speaking or performing in front of a group. One pianist found she could manage the anxiety if she practiced often for an audience, even at the airport.
To Ease Pain, Reach For Your Playlist
Music can energize, soothe or relax us. And it can also help reduce pain. Researchers found that listening to a favorite song or story helped children manage pain after major surgery.
Auditory Hallucinations May Vary Across Cultures
For people with schizophrenia, hearing voices can be terrifying. But that's not necessarily true everywhere in the world. Stanford University anthropologist Tanya Luhrmann tells NPR's Arun Rath about her research, which suggests that people with psychotic disorders hear voices differently, depending on their social and cultural environments.
Why Some Teen Brains May Be Hardwired To Make Risky Choices
Individual differences in the brain's working memory could help explain why some teens are especially impulsive about sex. Having engaged parents helps reduce the risk.
Science Of Sadness And Joy: 'Inside Out' Gets Childhood Emotions Right
Pixar's animated fantasy takes viewers inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. Psychologists say the film offers an accurate picture of how emotions and memories help make us who we are.