Elevate mental health wellness
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It can be really exciting to come across research offering insight into new techniques . . .
. . . particularly when the method allows us to reach more people than we usually can.
A team of researchers out of the Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden, led by Jan Sundquist, MD, PhD, wanted to compare the outcome of mindfulness-based group therapy against that of individual-based cognitive therapy (CBT).
This article reviews the ways in which cognitive and behavioral treatments for depression and anxiety have been advanced by the application of mindfulness practices. Research on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) has increased exponentially in the past decade. The most common include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBIs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety and depression symptom severity in a broad range of treatment-seeking individuals. MBIs consistently outperform non-evidence-based treatments and active control conditions, such as health education, relaxation training, and supportive psychotherapy. MBIs also perform comparably to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The treatment principles of MBIs for anxiety and depression are compatible with those of standard CBT.
Mind-body interventions have gained increasing popularity for use with anxiety symptoms; however, it is unclear what role they play in the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Although psychopharmacology and psychotherapy treatment interventions are available, mind-body interventions may be low-stigma options that can serve as effective alternatives. The goal of this review is to provide clinicians with an overview of high-quality studies for the most well researched mind-body interventions. This review involved a search of the primary literature, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), that evaluated mind-body interventions for the treatment of anxiety disorders. When published evidence was limited, lower-quality studies were reviewed. Overall, data were limited on the efficacy of most mind-body modalities for anxiety disorders.
Read more: Anxiety and Stress Related Disordershttps://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.focus.20200042
Group mindfulness treatment is as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with depression and anxiety, according to a new study from Lund University in Sweden and Region Skåne. This is the first randomized study to compare group mindfulness treatment and individual cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with depression and anxiety in primary health care.
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental disorders. Due to their negative impact on work capability and performance, mental disorders have received widespread attention. When young people go to college, they experience a variety of stressors, such as leaving home and becoming independent, assuming new responsibilities, and embracing new academic challenges (1). In addition to the effects of academic and social lives and personal habits, this sudden independence brings numerous choices to students. As a result, many college students report increasing levels of stress and an inability to cope with their stressors, thus leading to an overwhelming feeling (2). Frequently, college students make sacrifices in some major aspects of life, and sleep quality is thus often neglected. To this end, early psychological interventions may contribute to the prevention of mental disorders (3). Moreover, the prevalence of mental health disorders varies widely among university students; in some countries, the prevalence of depressive symptoms reaches up to 50% (4). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a simple, economical, feasible and effective intervention for addressing mental health issues among university students.
Have you ever…
Forgotten what you were about to say — while saying it?
Walked into the kitchen and stood there like, “Hmm. Refrigerator… why?”
Lost your place mid-conversation and had to pretend you were totally listening the whole time?
You’re not alone. That’s your working memory at work — or maybe, on break.
Let’s unpack what working memory really is (no memory required), and how to make it stronger.
Working memory is your brain’s sticky note. It holds information temporarily so you can use it.
It’s how you:
But for those with ADHD — or anyone under stress — working memory can feel more like a slippery note that won’t stick.
A lot, actually. Working memory is sensitive to both internal and external factors, including:
If you’re experiencing working memory challenges, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
Working memory is crucial for:
When it’s weak, even simple tasks feel like juggling jellyfish. That’s frustrating for kids, adults, everyone.
Yes! Working memory is a trainable skill. Thanks to neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change), you can strengthen working memory at any age.
But you don’t get there by drilling flashcards or playing random brain games. You need targeted, consistent practice that builds the right mental muscles.
That’s where Play Attention comes in. We use NASA-inspired technologyand personalized coaching to help people of all ages strengthen their cognitive skills — including working memory.
Here’s what our customized neurocognitive training includes:
This isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a tailored approach to help you build the cognitive skills that matter most in daily life.
This isn’t about “trying harder.” It’s about working smarter — with a system built for the ADHD brain.
Working memory issues can lead to some truly relatable moments:
It’s okay. Laugh about it, learn from it, and train for better.
This article was reposted from the Play Attention Blog. To read the original article and more, go to the Play Attention blog
This article was published by PlayAttention to read the article on their blog site click on the link below.
Living with ADHD often feels like riding an emotional rollercoaster, and for those affected by Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), the highs and lows can be especially intense.
RSD is a lesser-known but profoundly impactful aspect of ADHD. It’s characterized by an extreme emotional response to perceived rejection or criticism, often leading to feelings of shame, anger, or despair.
For couples, navigating this emotional terrain can be challenging — but understanding RSD is the first step toward creating a more supportive and resilient relationship.
RSD isn’t just about being sensitive; it’s about feeling rejection on a much deeper, almost visceral level. A small comment or action that might seem insignificant to one person can feel devastating to someone with RSD. This isn’t an overreaction — it’s the brain’s way of interpreting social interactions differently, often leading to:
In relationships, RSD can lead to misunderstandings. A well-meaning remark like “You forgot to pick up the groceries” may be interpreted as “You’re a terrible partner.” These misinterpretations can spark conflicts or lead to withdrawal, creating emotional distance between partners.
For both the person with ADHD and their partner, RSD can feel like walking on eggshells. The person experiencing RSD may feel constantly on edge, anticipating rejection, while their partner may struggle to express their needs without triggering an emotional reaction. Over time, this dynamic can erode trust and intimacy, making it harder to communicate effectively.
Common patterns include:
The good news is that with understanding and proactive effort, couples can navigate the challenges of RSD together. Here are some strategies to foster connection and reduce the impact of RSD on your relationship:
1. Practice Compassionate Communication
2. Create a Safe Space for Emotions
3. Learn to Identify Emotional Triggers
4. Focus on Reassurance
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Managing RSD and ADHD in relationships is no small feat, but it’s absolutely possible with the right tools and support. By understanding the emotional landscape of RSD and committing to open, compassionate communication, couples can strengthen their bond and find joy even in the face of challenges.
Want to learn more about navigating the emotional complexities of ADHD and RSD in your relationship? Our upcoming webinar will explore actionable strategies for handling conflict, managing emotions, and fostering a deeper connection. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you approach emotional challenges together.
Register Here.
In summary, Play Attention offers an alternative to medication, emphasizing cognitive training and behavior interventions. Medications provide rapid relief but come with potential side effects. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the most effective strategy for each person’s unique situation.
This article was taken from ADHD Reviews. You can see the complete article and additional references by selecting the link below