Know Your Mind

Spirituality

Understanding the Power of Conspiracy Theories

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on April 5, 2017

‘Post-truth’ society provides the perfect conditions for dubious theories to flourish. But are some people more susceptible to conspiracy theories?

‘Post-truth’ society provides the perfect conditions for dubious theories to flourish. But are some people more susceptible to conspiracy theories?

Health

Why Virtual Reality Could Be a Mental Health Gamechanger

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on March 27, 2017

We’re still a long way from from being able to provide timely treatment to everyone who needs it, but we could be on the brink of dramatic change thanks to VR.

We’re still a long way from from being able to provide timely treatment to everyone who needs it, but we could be on the brink of dramatic change thanks to VR.

Health

How Virtual Reality Could Transform Mental Health Treatment

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on May 13, 2016

The results of our experiment paint a very striking picture of the power of therapy involving VR in treating patients with persecutory delusions.

The results of our experiment paint a very striking picture of the power of therapy involving VR in treating patients with persecutory delusions.

Paranoid delusions have traditionally proved stubbornly resistant to treatment. Could we now be on the verge of a breakthrough?

Happiness

How Do Our Levels of Happiness Change as We Age?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on July 7, 2015

Aging doesn’t mean a steady descent into misery—evidence suggests that happiness is likely to increase as we head towards old age. But is it that simple?

Aging doesn’t mean a steady descent into misery—evidence suggests that happiness is likely to increase as we head towards old age. But is it that simple?

SSRIs

Mindfulness Versus Antidepressants: Which Works Best?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on April 27, 2015

Antidepressants don’t suit everyone, and side effects are common. Could mindfulness-based cognitive therapy be a viable alternative?

Antidepressants don’t suit everyone, and side effects are common. Could mindfulness-based cognitive therapy be a viable alternative?

Fear

Feeling Paranoid?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on March 5, 2015

Paranoid fears are common and have a variety of causes, but new research shows specific-issue cognitive behavior therapy can produce benefits.

Paranoid fears are common and have a variety of causes, but new research shows specific-issue cognitive behavior therapy can produce benefits.

Suicide

Why Are Men More Likely Than Women To Take Their Own Lives?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on February 3, 2015

Efforts to prevent suicide must take into account some apparently paradoxical differences between men and women

Efforts to prevent suicide must take into account some apparently paradoxical differences between men and women

Fear

Cannabis Really Can Cause Paranoia

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on July 16, 2014

The largest ever study of the effects of the main psychoactive component of cannabis suggests that it can cause paranoia in vulnerable individuals

The largest ever study of the effects of the main psychoactive component of cannabis suggests that it can cause paranoia in vulnerable individuals

Health

Mental Illness in the Happiest Nation on Earth

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on May 19, 2014

It's high time we faced up to the fact that mental illness is commonplace and no more shameful than physical illness.

It's high time we faced up to the fact that mental illness is commonplace and no more shameful than physical illness.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Dispelling the Nightmares of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on April 20, 2014

Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can typically take months, but an intense course of CBT may relieve symptoms in just a week

Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder can typically take months, but an intense course of CBT may relieve symptoms in just a week

Psychosis

Can Cognitive Therapy Help People with Schizophrenia?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on March 12, 2014

For many, the side-effects of antipsychotics are worse than the symptoms they're meant to treat. Could cognitive therapy offer a viable alternative?

For many, the side-effects of antipsychotics are worse than the symptoms they're meant to treat. Could cognitive therapy offer a viable alternative?

Experiment in virtual reality shows that reducing a person's height can increase feelings of vulnerability and raise levels of paranoia.

Psychoanalysis

Are All Psychological Therapies Equally Effective?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on January 27, 2014

The claim that all forms of psychotherapy for mental illness are winners, known as the Dodo Bird Verdict, has been dealt a blow by new research into treatment for bulimia nervosa.

The claim that all forms of psychotherapy for mental illness are winners, known as the Dodo Bird Verdict, has been dealt a blow by new research into treatment for bulimia nervosa.

Anxiety

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on January 13, 2014

Worry plays a role in causing a wide range of psychological problems. Could it be the so-called "p factor" of mental illness?

Worry plays a role in causing a wide range of psychological problems. Could it be the so-called "p factor" of mental illness?

Psychosis

What's Wrong with the Concept of Schizophrenia?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on November 18, 2013

Schizophrenia isn't a specific, rare or rigorously defined illness. Instead, it covers a wide range of often unrelated conditions, all of which are also seen in people who are not mentally ill

Schizophrenia isn't a specific, rare or rigorously defined illness. Instead, it covers a wide range of often unrelated conditions, all of which are also seen in people who are not mentally ill

Jealousy

Jealousy: Is it in Our Genes?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on November 3, 2013

To what degree is jealousy hard-wired into our DNA? And what can we do to control it?

To what degree is jealousy hard-wired into our DNA? And what can we do to control it?

Health

Women and Mental Illness: The Silent Struggle

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on October 22, 2013

What does the shooting of Miriam Carey in Washington DC reveal about society's view of mental illness?

What does the shooting of Miriam Carey in Washington DC reveal about society's view of mental illness?

Sleep

Afraid of Spiders? Try Sleeping on It

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on August 13, 2013

The therapist's couch may make an unexpected comeback—for taking a nap after sessions for phobias, anxiety and depression.

The therapist's couch may make an unexpected comeback—for taking a nap after sessions for phobias, anxiety and depression.

Health

How Much Do People Know About Men, Women, and Mental Health?

Daniel Freeman, Ph.D. and Jason Freeman on July 17, 2013

The issue of gender and mental health doesn’t get a lot of attention from professionals. And we don’t tend to talk about it in wider society. Now a new survey finds out what we really think about men, women, and psychological problems.

The issue of gender and mental health doesn’t get a lot of attention from professionals. And we don’t tend to talk about it in wider society. Now a new survey finds out what we really think about men, women, and psychological problems.