Cornell Chronicle Reports: Quick Summary New research on serotonin could ultimately lead to new therapeutics for anxiety and depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that mediates behaviors such as feeding, sleep, mood and cognition. Drugs that alter serotonin levels are the main weapon for treating psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Key Points Researchers thought that serotonin was made by one specific molecular pathway and then quickly degraded. Research discovered a second, parallel biosynthetic pathway that accounts for about half of the total serotonin production.

Keremeos Review Reports: Quick Summary The Canadian Paediatric Society has new advice for clinicians on how to assess and manage anxiety in children and adolescents as the pandemic escalates concerns over mental health. While mental health was an increasing problem before the pandemic, it heightened pressures on children. Medical professionals should have clear advice on how to differentiate between an age-appropriate response to stress and something more serious. Key Points People are generally aware that the treatments for anxiety are medications and therapy.

Medical Express Reports: Quick Summary Researchers have created a therapeutic videogame seeks to alleviate depression symptoms. The game is not entertainment but a medical software device for health care, and it will be evaluated accordingly. For example, that the game must be clinically proven efficacious and must not compromise patient safety. Ideally, players will both benefit from the game and enjoy playing it. Key Points Although mental health is a cornerstone of well-being, it is faltering in today’s societies for many reasons.

Time Reports: Quick Summary Technology has transformed how friendships play out. Social media intensifies the burdens that come along with being a good friend. Too often, these dynamics hit teens hard in ways that are lost on adults. We need that to change. Key Points Public health data signals a genuine crisis in adolescent mental health. Social media networks are ever-expanding because there’s a sense that being “nice” means by default accepting follow requests from acquaintances and friends-of-friends.