Mental Health

Science & Technology

Meet the 'glass-half-full girl' whose brain rewired after losing a hemisphere

Jon Hamilton

Mora Leeb was 9 months old when surgeons removed half her brain. Now 15, she plays soccer and tells jokes. Scientists say Mora is an extreme example of a process known as brain plasticity.
Science & Technology

CTE is rare in brains of deceased service members, study finds

Jon Hamilton

Despite a high risk of brain injuries, military personnel rarely develop a disabling brain condition often found in former boxers and football players.
Health

For Many Who Were Present, The 9/11 Attacks Have Had A Lasting Mental Health Impact

Rhitu Chatterjee

Some who witnessed the attacks on the World Trade Center are still suffering from PTSD and depression from the trauma. Help and treatment are available through a special federal program.
Health

Exercising To Ease Pain: Taking Brisk Walks Can Help

Patti Neighmond

Never mind a runner's high — the buzz some people say they get after a run. Neuroscientist Benedict Kolber was more interested in how to generate pain relief via a brisk walk. It can really work.
Health

Pediatricians Call For Universal Depression Screening For Teens

Allison Aubrey

The nation's leading group of pediatricians has updated its guidelines for tackling teen mental health issues. One recommendation: Annual depression screening for all adolescents 12 and older.
Health Insurers Are Still Skimping On Mental Health Coverage

Jenny Gold / NPR

Behavioral care is four times more likely to be out-of-network than medical or surgical care, a nationwide study shows. That can make treatment unaffordable even for people who have health insurance.
Health

Student Athletes Who Specialize Early Are Injured More Often, Study Finds

Allison Aubrey

High school athletes who tended to focus on one sport were 50 percent more likely to get hurt than those who hadn't specialized. Injuries included ankle sprains, knee tendonitis, and stress fractures.
Health

Forest bathing: A retreat to nature can boost immunity and mood

Allison Aubrey

Today is International Day of Forests. And it turns out trees are good for our health. Studies show immersing yourself in nature — especially a forest — can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Health

'Combat Medicine:' Afghanistan Vet Seeks To Help Others Through Hip-Hop

Elizabeth Blair

A new hip-hop album by a veteran of the war in Afghanistan drops Wednesday. His target audience: fellow vets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Health

Depression Strikes Today's Teen Girls Especially Hard

Patti Neighmond

A study tracking depression rates among U.S. teens from 2005 to 2014 finds an increase — especially among girls. A steady diet of harsh judgments from social media may play a role, researchers say.