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#mentalhealth

618 posts382 participants96 posts today
Public
Healthcare IT Security Robot

DATE: April 11, 2025 at 04:32PM
SOURCE: HEALTHCARE INFO SECURITY

Direct article link at end of text block below.

#Medical Testing Lab Hack Affects 1.6 Million #Planned Parenthood Patients, Others t.co/2rvBYXQGr0

Here are any URLs found in the article text:

t.co/2rvBYXQGr0

Articles can be found by scrolling down the page at healthcareinfosecurity.com/ under the title "Latest"

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

Healthcare security & privacy posts not related to IT or infosec are at @HIPAABot . Even so, they mix in some infosec with the legal & regulatory information.

-------------------------------------------------

#security #healthcare #doctors #itsecurity #hacking #doxxing #psychotherapy #securitynews #psychotherapist #mentalhealth #psychiatry #hospital #socialwork #datasecurity #webbeacons #cookies #HIPAA #privacy #datanalytics #healthcaresecurity #healthitsecurity #patientrecords @infosec #telehealth #netneutrality #socialengineering

Public
LisaH

You know, once I get past this moving/garage sale I'm having Sunday (despite swearing I would never ever do this again), I may even relax for a day #mentalhealth #stress #DontWantToTalkToAnyone

Aside from the 4 biggest items (TV, huge framed Aboriginal painting, futon and feather bed) everything is basically packed #sisyphus

However I am not going to pay $65 for 2 boxes and foam corners to pack the painting. I will find some cheaper way to protect it in the shipping pod #MovingIsARipOff

Public
Brent Pruitt :: Artist

in the few moments i have slept recently, it was nice to have dreamed of art & architecture for the first time in a _long_ while, instead of the ptsd-infused capitalist nightmare that has dominated my life of late

🎨🧑🏽‍🎨🧠💸

if you'd like to assist in the ethereal momentum, consider a donation or art purchase on kofi

ko-fi.com/post/things-i-need-a

thx ♥️

#MentalHealthMetaphor #MentalHealth #Art #ArtMarketplace #MastoArt #FediArt #QueerArt #Gay #MutualAid @MutualAidVisibility @mutualaid @mutual_aid

Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

DATE: April 11, 2025 at 04:00PM
SOURCE: THE CENTER FOR DEPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY

Direct article link at end of text block below.

Spreading sleep health awareness at the USU Wellness Fair! CDP's Jaime & Sebastian joined Dr. Glickman to share research & strategies, showcasing light's effect with a blackout booth. t.co/1qRIX4izMs

Here are any URLs found in the article text:

t.co/1qRIX4izMs

Articles can be found by scrolling down the page at deploymentpsych.org/ under "Latest News".

-------------------------------------------------

Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE: subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin

It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

-------------------------------------------------

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

X (formerly Twitter)The Center for Deployment Psychology (@DeploymentPsych) on XSpreading sleep health awareness at the USU Wellness Fair! CDP's Jaime & Sebastian joined Dr. Glickman to share research & strategies, showcasing light's effect with a blackout booth.
Public
Calishat

#activism #protest #MentalHealth #politics

'In my work, reducing anxiety and increasing distress tolerance are part of the process. When it comes to political anxiety, I know that it can be healthy to have a bit of a rant, but then you need to switch into action mode.

There are many ways to do this, but my favorite method is to use the 5 Calls App. Whoever designed this App deserves a Nobel prize! '

mirthmaven.blog/2025/04/10/red

The Lighter Side of Transformation · Reduce Political Anxiety: Use the 5 Calls App (free)The singer/songwriter Joan Baez said it best, “Action is the antidote for despair.” Worrying is not going to help you, or this situation. Taking actions will reduce your anxiety. It wil…
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Every healing journey begins with a single step

See how this Veteran took back control of her life with help from therapy and VA women’s clinics. []

[Make the Connection](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Watch: Army Veteran Urges Women Veterans To Get Support](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Army Veteran Urges Women Veterans To Get Support](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

While in the Army, Jess was sexually assaulted by a fellow soldier. The experience took a toll on her mental health, and she began to [drink heavily](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) and [behave recklessly](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht). Jess eventually made an appointment to [receive treatment](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) through VA. The supportive environment of women’s clinics and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy taught Jess tools to manage her PTSD, depression, and anxiety so she could reclaim her life.

[Watch: Army Veteran Urges Women Veterans To Get Support](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[WATCH HER STORY NOW](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comMake the Connection | Videos & Info for Military VeteransConnecting Veterans with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives.
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Your April mental health updates are here

Find VA mental health resources for military sexual trauma, anxiety, and more. []

[Office of Mental Health](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Mental Health Topics](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[April 2025](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Support for MST Survivors](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men respond “yes” when asked whether they experienced sexual harassment or assault during military service. VA has resources to help Veterans heal from military sexual trauma (MST). Whenever you are ready—no matter how long ago the MST occurred—VA is here to support you.

[Find Your Path to Healing →](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Military Sexual Trauma](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Find Recovery For Unhealthy Alcohol Use](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Unhealthy use of alcohol can damage your work performance and family relationships, and it can lead to legal problems. It can also put you at higher risk for certain types of physical and mental health conditions. Explore VA support to help change unhealthy drinking habits.

[Begin Your Recovery Today →](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Substance Use: Alcohol Use Disorder](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[“Don’t Wait To Ask For Help”](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Nick, an Army Veteran, felt a hole in his life when he came home from serving in Iraq. He tried to fill it with excessive drinking, which drove his family away. A crisis call to a friend became his turning point, leading to treatment that helped Nick become sober and be present as a dad. Today, through music, Nick shares that it’s OK to ask for help.

[Learn How Nick Changed His Tune →](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Read: “Don’t wait to ask for help.” A Veteran Shares His Path to Healing and Sobriety](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Loosen Anxiety’s Hold With VA Support](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

If you consistently find yourself worrying, feeling restless, or having difficulty sleeping, it may be a sign of anxiety. Almost one-third of adults will experience some form of anxiety at some point in their lifetime. VA can help support you, so you don’t have to face your anxiety alone.

[Find Your Team of Support →](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Anxiety Overview](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Your 2025 Benefits Guide Is Here](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Have you applied for VA care, benefits, and services? Unsure what else you may be eligible for? VA’s 2025 benefits guide contains a list of resources and services, including those to support your mental health. Don’t miss out on what you’ve earned—check it out today.

[Understand Your VA Benefits →](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Spread the word: The 2025 Veterans Benefits Guide is now available](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comVA.gov | Veterans AffairsApply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

PTSD Research Quarterly (RQ) VOLUME 36/NO. 2, 2025

The PTSD Research Quarterly (RQ) is an electronic newsletter produced by the National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs.
[]

[RQ Online](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Editorial Director
Paul Holtzheimer, MD

Bibliographic Editor
David Kruidenier, MLS

Managing Editor
Heather Smith, BA Ed

National Center for PTSD
US Department of Veterans Affairs

PTSD Research Quarterly

VOLUME 36/NO. 2, 2025

The latest issue of the PTSD Research Quarterly is now available:

[Suicide Risk in U.S. Military Veterans: Insights from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Ian C. Fischer, PhD; Brandon Nichter, PhD; Peter J. Na, MD, MPH; and Robert H. Pietrzak, PhD, MPH

Suicide among Veterans remains a key priority for VA. In this issue of the PTSD Research Quarterly, Ian Fischer and colleagues offer a bibliography of literature on the topic derived from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a longitudinal cohort study of Veterans that began in 2011.

Tell a friend so they can subscribe to the [PTSD Research Quarterly Online (RQ)](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht).

Sign up for the [PTSD Monthly Update](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) or [other publications](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) from the National Center for PTSD.

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comVA.gov | Veterans AffairsApply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Register for this month's lecture on addressing complexity

Explore free resources on our website []

[PTSD Consultation Program logo]

A NEWSLETTER FOR PROVIDERS WHO TREAT VETERANS

- [Our Next Lecture](#link_3)
- [Upcoming Lectures](#link_4)
- [Featured Article](#link_2)
- [Free Resources](#link_1)

[Our Next Lecture]

Addressing Complexity: Treating PTSD When Dissociation and Somatization are Present

Abigail Angkaw, PhD and Brittany Davis, PhD

Wednesday, April 16 at 2:00pm ET

[therapist with client]

Photo by Timur Weber

[VA Providers: Register in TMS](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Non-VA Providers: Register in TRAIN](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Join without continuing education credit](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

About the Topic

Complex presentations of PTSD, particularly dissociation and somatization trauma reactions, sometimes lead both clinicians and patients to hesitate to engage in a trauma-focused treatment for PTSD. The 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD recommends evidence-based trauma-focused psychotherapies, such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as first-line of treatment for individuals with PTSD; and has identified several additional options as second-line of treatment for PTSD (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Present Centered Therapy (PCT), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET)). This course will help clinicians to identify and conceptualize dissociation and somatization presentations as trauma reactions within a PTSD case conceptualization framework. We will share measurement tools to encourage assessment of symptoms and diagnosis and review clinical suggestions to support first-line and second-line evidence-based PTSD treatment for Veterans with these complex presentations.

About the Presenters

[Abigail Angkaw, PhD]

ABIGAIL ANGKAW, PhD is a clinical psychologist and the National Mental Health Director for Psychosocial and Behavioral Interventions in the VA Office of Mental Health, Veterans Health Administration Central Office. She is also a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego and a researcher in the VA San Diego Healthcare System. She was previously a consultant in the PTSD Consultation Program through the National Center for PTSD. Dr. Angkaw is personally invested in helping providers through complex clinical and administrative challenges to provide high quality care for Veterans. She joined VA in 2008 to complete her psychology internship and then postdoctoral training at VA San Diego and received her PhD at the University of Cincinnati.

[Brittany Davis, PhD]

BRITTANY DAVIS, PhD is a consultant for the PTSD Consultation Program, a clinical psychologist in the PTSD Clinical Team at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at the University of South Florida. Her clinical and research interests include best practices for the treatment of PTSD and addictions, and novel treatments to address trauma-related guilt, shame, and moral injury. She specializes in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure (COPE). Dr. Davis has conducted research and worked in a variety of treatment settings. Dr. Davis received her PhD from Alliant International University in San Diego, California and completed her predoctoral internship and a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in PTSD and comorbid substance use disorders at VA San Diego.

[Contact Us](mailto:PTSDconsult@va.gov?subject=Question%20from%20newsletter&body=Dear%20PTSD%20Consultation%20Program,)

[Learn More](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Subscribe](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Upcoming Lectures]

April 16

Addressing Complexity: Treating PTSD When Dissociation and Somatization are Present

Abigail Angkaw, PhD and Brittany Davis, PhD

May 21

What’s the Latest in Cognitive Processing Therapy? Updates in Research and Practice

Jennifer Wachen, PhD and Ellen Healy, PhD

June 18

Supporting Clients Following Disasters or Mass Violence

Patricia Watson, PhD

July 16

Moral Distress among Healthcare Workers

Sonya Norman, PhD

August 20

Treating Comorbid PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder: An Update

Melanie Harned, PhD, ABPP

September 17

Personalizing Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD Using a Case Formulation Approach

Tara Galovski, PhD

October 15

MDMA and Psilocybin Therapies for PTSD Treatment: Updates and Future Direction

Leslie Morland, PsyD and Josh Wooley, MD, PhD

November 19

Delivering Prolonged Exposure for PTSD in 60-Minute Sessions

Sheila Rauch, PhD, ABPP

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

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It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

20 questions led to healing from alcohol misuse

Read about the wake-up call that put this Vietnam Veteran on a path to recovery. []

[Make the Connection](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Read: Finding Joy After Trauma](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Finding Joy After Trauma](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

A traumatic experience in Vietnam left Bud, an Army Veteran, with [PTSD symptoms](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) and a [drinking problem](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht). A short questionnaire in a psychologist’s office was the first step in his journey to sobriety. “From that time on, my life has been getting continually better,” he says. Find out what Bud did to change his life.

[Read: Finding Joy After Trauma](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[READ HIS STORY NOW](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

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It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comMake the Connection | Videos & Info for Military VeteransConnecting Veterans with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives.
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Depression and healing | Women Veterans speak out

Hear how 5 women found a community of support and therapies that worked for them. []

[Make the Connection](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Watch: Women Veterans’ Voices on Managing Depression](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Women Veterans’ Voices on Managing Depression](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Hear from women Veterans who have [experienced depression](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht). They talk about challenges that are unique to women, the symptoms they experienced, and what led them to [get the help they needed](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) to improve their mental health.

[Watch: Women Veterans’ Voices on Managing Depression](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[WATCH THEIR STORIES NOW](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comMake the Connection | Videos & Info for Military VeteransConnecting Veterans with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives.
Public
Military Psychology News Robot

TRIGGER WARNING: Military Psychology

Brain injury is not the end of the story

Read how 3 Veterans reclaimed their lives after TBI. []

[Make the Connection](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Read: Life After TBI](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[Life After TBI](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

Michelle, Ryan, and Patrick each [sustained a TBI](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) that left them with serious lasting effects. Read [how therapy helped](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht) each of them manage their symptoms and find a fulfilling path forward.

[Read: Life After TBI](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

[READ THEIR STORIES NOW](links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/ht)

--------------------------------------
Private, vetted email list for mental health professionals: clinicians-exchange.org

NYU Information for Practice puts out 400-500 good quality health-related research posts per week but its too much for many people, so that bot is limited to just subscribers. You can read it or subscribe at @PsychResearchBot

Since 1991 The National Psychologist has focused on keeping practicing psychologists current with news, information and items of interest. Check them out for more free articles, resources, and subscription information: nationalpsychologist.com

EMAIL DAILY DIGEST OF RSS FEEDS -- SUBSCRIBE:
subscribe-article-digests.clin

READ ONLINE: read-the-rss-mega-archive.clin
It's primitive... but it works... mostly...

#psychology #counseling #socialwork #psychotherapy @psychotherapist @psychotherapists @psychology @socialpsych @socialwork @psychiatry #mentalhealth #psychiatry #healthcare #depression #psychotherapist #military #militarypsych #militarypsychology #militarycounseling #APA #Division19 #militaryhealth #DeploymentPsychology #UniformServicesUniversity

links-1.govdelivery.comMake the Connection | Videos & Info for Military VeteransConnecting Veterans with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives.
Public
Psychology News Robot

DATE: April 11, 2025 at 02:00PM
SOURCE: PSYPOST.ORG

** Research quality varies widely from fantastic to small exploratory studies. Please check research methods when conclusions are very important to you. **
-------------------------------------------------

TITLE: Scientists uncover hidden rhythm between breathing and vision

URL: psypost.org/scientists-uncover

You have probably heard the saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul, but now it turns out that they are also connected to how we breathe. Scientists have long studied the size of our pupils to understand attention, emotion and even medical conditions. But now, new research has surprisingly revealed that they change size in sync with our breathing.

Our pupils are never static; they constantly adjust in response to both external and internal factors. The most well known is that they control how much light enters the eye, just like a camera aperture.

You can easily test this yourself: look into a mirror and shine a light into your eye, and you’ll see your pupils shrink. This process directly affects our visual perception. Larger pupils help us to detect faint objects, particularly in our peripheral vision, while smaller pupils enhance sharpness, improving tasks like reading.

Indeed, this reflex is so reliable that doctors use it to assess brain function. If a pupil fails to react to light, it could signal a medical emergency such as a stroke.

However, it is not just light that our pupils respond to. It’s also well established that our pupils constrict when focusing on a nearby object, and dilate in response to cognitive effort or emotional arousal.

As the German pupil-research pioneer Irene Loewenfeld once said: “Man may either blush or turn pale when emotionally agitated, but his pupils always dilate.”

For this reason, pupil size is often used in psychology and neuroscience research as a measure of mental effort and attention.

The fourth response

For many decades, these three kinds of pupil response were the only ones that scientists were sure existed. Now, myself and our team of researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and the University of Groningen in the Netherlands have confirmed that breathing is a fourth.

In what will now be known as “pupillary respiratory phase response”, pupils tend to be largest during exhalation and smallest around the start of inhalation. Unlike other pupil responses, this one originates exclusively in the body and of course happens constantly. Equally uniquely, it covers both dilation and constriction.

There had in fact been anecdotal hints of a connection between breathing and our pupils for more than 50 years. But when the team reviewed past studies the evidence was inconclusive at best. Given how widely pupil size is used in both medicine and research, we realised it was crucial to investigate this further.

We confirmed through a series of five experiments with more than 200 participants that pupil size fluctuates in sync with breathing, and also that this effect is remarkably robust. In these studies, we invited the participants to our lab and recorded their pupil size and breathing pattern while they were relaxing or performing tasks on a computer screen.

We systematically varied the other key pupil-response factors throughout the study – lighting, fixation distance and mental effort required for tasks. In all cases, the way that breathing affects the pupils remained constant.

Additionally, we examined how different breathing patterns affected the response.

Participants were instructed to breathe solely through their nose or mouth and to adjust their breathing rate, as well as slowing it down and speeding it up. In all cases, the same pattern emerged: pupil size remained smallest around the onset of inhalation and largest during exhalation.

What now

This discovery changes the way we think about both breathing and vision. It suggests a deeper connection between breathing and the nervous system than we previously realised. The next big question is whether these subtle changes in pupil size affect how we see the world.

The fluctuations are only fractions of a millimetre, which is less than the pupil response to light, but similar to the pupil response to mental effort or arousal. The size of these fluctuations is theoretically large enough to influence our visual perception. It may therefore be that our vision subtly shifts within a single breath between optimising for detecting faint objects (with larger pupils) and distinguishing fine details (with smaller pupils).

In addition, just as the pupillary light response is used as a diagnostic tool, changes in the link between pupil size and breathing could be an early sign of neurological disorders.

This research is part of a broader effort to understand how our internal bodily rhythms influence perception. Scientists are increasingly finding that our brain doesn’t process external information in isolation – it integrates signals from within our bodies, too. For example, information from our heart and gastric rhythms have also been suggested to enhance or hinder the processing of incoming sensory stimuli.

If our breathing affects how our pupils change, could it also shape how we perceive the world around us? This opens the door to new research on how bodily rhythms shape perception – one breath at a time.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

URL: psypost.org/scientists-uncover

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PsyPost · Scientists uncover hidden rhythm between breathing and visionBy Martin Schaefer
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