Anxiety among young people is rising in a world saturated with smartphones, but experts warn that technology alone does not explain the trend. New analyses show multiple factors—from parenting approaches to social expectations and digital habits—shape mental health in today’s youth. Research summarized by journalists highlights that while screens matter, the root causes are broader and complex.

Children often opt for tablets over in-person interaction, and teens binge on social media during moments that could be shared as a family or community activity. This pattern is seen not only in Western nations but also in Thailand, reflecting a global shift in how young people connect and cope. Yet studies from researchers at San Diego State University indicate that the trend began before smartphones became pervasive, tied to changes in parenting styles since the 1980s. Overprotective approaches emerged from fears over autonomy and safe play, inadvertently shaping emotional development.

A newer thread in psychology examines “communal narcissism,” where people appear deeply involved in community work yet chase recognition. Unlike the classic image of a grandiose ego, communal narcissists mask self-interest with acts of service, challenging assumptions about benevolence in public life.

In this concept, individuals invest effort in charity and civic projects, but their primary aim is admiration and status. While they may seem like ideal community pillars, experts note that the motivation is the attention they receive for being helpful rather than a steadfast commitment to the cause. Thai observers may recognize similar patterns where visible volunteering is court for public praise rather than sustained impact.

The United States is currently examining its federally funded human data repositories in response to an executive order that reevaluates the inclusion of gender identity descriptors. As reported by The Transmitter, the initiative aims to align with Executive Order 14168, signed by President Trump in January, which mandates the exclusion of gender identity considerations inconsistent with an individual’s sex assigned at birth. This development raises questions about the future scope of research involving gender and health, affecting both U.S. data policies and potentially influencing global research paradigms, including in countries like Thailand.

A policy review underway in the United States is reexamining federally funded human data repositories to determine whether gender identity descriptors should be included. The initiative aligns with an executive order to ensure data about individuals reflects their sex assigned at birth when appropriate. The move could shape research on gender and health and may influence data practices in other countries, including Thailand.

Experts caution that removing gender identity details from datasets could affect studies that seek to understand health disparities among transgender and gender-nonconforming people. A former director of the National Institute of Mental Health has warned that excluding these data points might hinder research aimed at supporting populations at higher risk of mental health challenges and suicide.

Air hunger is a lesser-known anxiety symptom that can quietly disrupt daily routines. It describes the feeling of not getting enough air even when oxygen levels are normal. Medically, this condition relates to dyspnea, but its link to anxiety makes the sensation distinct and more complex. Recognizing air hunger helps people understand a frustrating, often misunderstood experience.

For readers in Thailand, the message resonates amid Bangkok’s fast pace and air quality challenges. Stress can trigger the body’s “fight or flight” response, a familiar concept for those facing exams, presentations, or high-pressure work. In modern life, this reflex can overshoot, contributing to episodes of air hunger rather than protecting us.

In a world where mental health awareness is gaining momentum, understanding depression—its symptoms and treatments—remains crucial. Depression, clinically known as major depressive disorder, profoundly affects how individuals feel, think, and manage day-to-day activities, according to recent insights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The article by Hannah Yasharoff for USA Today highlights the pervasive impact of depression and the advances in treating this complex condition.

Depression is characterized by a myriad of symptoms, including fatigue, concentration difficulties, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and physical complaints such as unexplained headaches or digestive issues. Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, in her conversation with USA Today, underscores the importance of recognizing these symptoms which can vary across individuals.

In a world dominated by smartphones and digital interaction, a surge in anxiety levels among the youth has become a pressing concern. Recent research highlights that while technology plays a significant role, other factors contribute to this worrying trend. As Pilar Jericó’s insightful piece from El País reveals, the root causes of increased anxiety are multifaceted, encompassing parental practices, societal expectations, and digital usage.

The spotlight often falls on technology’s impact, with instances like children preferring to engage with tablets over face-to-face interactions, and teenagers absorbed in social media during what could be communal moments. This scenario is prevalent not only in the West but also observable in countries like Thailand, reflecting a global shift in youth behavior. However, Dr. Jean M. Twenge’s studies from San Diego State University suggest that the problem’s foundation pre-dates widespread device use, tracing back to evolving parenting styles from the 1980s. This era marked the onset of overprotective parenting, stemming from fears that curtailed children’s autonomy and playtime.

Financial anxiety is rising and people are feeling its toll on both health and daily decision-making. While research on money-related stress often centers on the United States, the implications are global. Economic uncertainty can ripple into physical well-being and cognitive performance, including focus and problem-solving abilities that matter at work and in daily life.

The link between money worries and health is well established, but recent work highlights a deeper impact on cognitive function. People under financial pressure report higher anxiety, which can create a psychosomatic loop that worsens mental health, affects judgments, and reduces overall life satisfaction. In an era of rapid change and debt scrutiny, this matters for everyone, including Thai households navigating post-pandemic recovery and rising living costs.

Rising Financial Anxiety Takes Toll on Health and Intellectual Capacity

In recent findings, heightened financial stress is emerging as a critical factor adversely affecting not just the physical well-being but also the cognitive functions of individuals. This trend, prominently observed in the United States, underscores the global importance of understanding the far-reaching consequences of economic pressures on health and intelligence.

The nexus between financial stress and health issues is not novel, but recent studies have emphasized a more profound impact on cognitive performance, such as IQ levels, which traditionally have been considered relatively stable over adulthood. As financial uncertainties grow, individuals report increased anxiety levels, leading to a psychosomatic cycle that exacerbates mental health challenges, affects decision-making, and diminishes overall life satisfaction.

In times of economic uncertainty, financial anxiety is a reality that looms large for many people. A recent New York Times article explores the heightened financial stress faced by Americans amidst ongoing economic upheavals, providing actionable strategies to alleviate anxiety. This discussion is especially relevant now as global markets experience significant fluctuations, impacting not just the U.S. but economies worldwide, including Thailand.

Understanding the root of economic anxiety is crucial. The article highlights a survey by Discover revealing that a whopping four out of five Americans express concern about their financial situations. Key worries include inflation, everyday expenses, and the broader economic climate. The looming threat of a recession and erratic stock market behavior only exacerbate these fears, leading to increased financial insecurity.

The pervasive presence of digital screens in the lives of adolescents is increasingly seen as a contributing factor to sleep disruptions and rising depression rates, particularly among teenage girls. A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden delves into these associations, emphasizing that reducing screen time could alleviate mental health issues in young people.

The research tracked over 4,810 Swedish teenagers, aged between 12 and 16, over a one-year period. The study meticulously documented their screen usage, sleep patterns, and depressive symptoms. The findings were clear: increased screen time was linked to poorer sleep quality and timing, which in turn predicted depressive symptoms.

Financial anxiety is a growing concern as markets swing and inflation remains stubborn. A recent discussion among financial health experts emphasizes practical, calm approaches to manage stress and protect long-term well-being. With Thailand increasingly intertwined with global markets, these insights are highly relevant for Thai households seeking stability amid volatility.

Understanding the roots of financial worry is essential. A survey reported by researchers shows that a large majority of people are anxious about their finances, citing inflation, everyday expenses, and an unsettled economic climate as top fears. The possibility of a recession and unpredictable stock markets can amplify these concerns, fueling insecurity and rash choices.

A large Swedish study links rising teen depression to heavy screen use and disrupted sleep. Researchers from Karolinska Institutet tracked thousands of adolescents and found that more screen time was associated with poorer sleep, which in turn predicted higher depressive symptoms.

The study followed 4,810 Swedish youths aged 12 to 16 over one year. It carefully measured daily screen use, sleep patterns, and mood. Results showed a clear pattern: longer screen time correlated with later bedtimes and lower sleep quality, and these sleep problems were connected to greater depression.

The bustling world of A.D.H.D. diagnosis and treatment has come under fresh scrutiny as new research questions long-held beliefs about the disorder’s nature and treatment. A detailed New York Times article by Paul Tough, “Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong?,” dives deep into the evolving understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (A.D.H.D.) and how it is frequently addressed through medical treatments, challenging the current paradigm with emerging scientific insights.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is undergoing re-examination as new research questions long-held assumptions about its nature and treatment. A recent New York Times piece by Paul Tough, Have We Been Thinking About ADHD All Wrong?, probes how the disorder is identified and managed, challenging prevailing approaches with fresh scientific insights.

ADHD diagnoses rose sharply in recent decades, from about 3% of American children in the early 1990s to roughly 11% today. The surge coincates with the 1990s, when stimulant medications such as Ritalin became widely prescribed. The landmark Multimodal Treatment of ADHD (MTA) study initially supported stimulant use for symptom relief. Yet long-term follow-ups raised questions about the durability and scope of medication benefits, with researchers including psychologist James Swanson highlighting evolving concerns.

A new form of self-importance is gaining attention: communal narcissism. Unlike the flashy, self-centered stereotype, communal narcissists project themselves as champions of the community and benevolence. Yet experts say their motivation is to attract praise and status, not true concern for others.

Researchers identify communal narcissism with a person who presents themselves as the community’s backbone. The aim is to gain validation and esteem from others. As a leading psychology professor explains, this type of narcissism wears a mask of moral virtue, turning acts of kindness into a vehicle for personal prestige.

In an era where altruism and humanitarian efforts are celebrated, it might be surprising to discover a type of narcissism that thrives under the guise of good deeds. Recently, the concept of ‘communal narcissism’ has gained attention for its unique characteristics. Unlike the stereotypical narcissist who is overtly arrogant and self-centered, communal narcissists often appear deeply invested in community and charity. However, their underlying motivation is attention rather than genuine concern for others, a trait confirmed by experts in psychology and behavior.

A new study from leading U.S. universities finds a link between certain brain circuits and how intensely people engage in political activities. The research suggests that extreme expressions of political views may reflect neural pathways, not ideology alone, providing a fresh perspective on mind and behavior for Thai audiences.

Historically, scientists have noted connections between mental health factors and aggressive political actions, but the brain’s exact role was unclear. The latest findings, published in Brain, address this gap by examining neural circuits that may shape political actions.

A recent investigation led by Harvard Medical School has uncovered a compelling link between repeated exposure to shock waves in military settings and hidden abnormalities in soldiers’ brains that could have long-term implications. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the invisible injuries sustained by elite soldiers, potentially redefining assessments and treatment protocols for brain trauma.

For Thailand, where military service is obligatory for many young men, these findings could prompt a re-evaluation of how we monitor and care for soldiers exposed to blast environments. The study involved 212 US special operations forces, both active and retired, who had a history of blast exposure. Researchers identified significant differences in the brain’s functional connectivity among those with high exposure to blasts compared to those with lesser exposure and healthy controls. Functional connectivity refers to how different brain regions communicate, and disruptions in this network were linked with more severe symptoms on neuropsychological tests, revealing problems often associated with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

As global challenges continue to multiply, the presence of stress seems inescapable for many. Even if we ourselves aren’t the direct victims of conflicts, economic instability, or personal setbacks, the ubiquity of such issues through media and personal networks often leaves us sharing the stress of others. New research highlighted by the Washington Post delves into the phenomenon of stress contagion—where stress spreads between individuals just like a virus—and offers strategies to help shield oneself from its grip.

In a climate of heightened economic uncertainty, marked by tariffs and volatile stock markets, financial anxiety has become a pressing issue not only for Americans but for individuals globally, including in Thailand. A recent article from the New York Times highlights strategies to manage the stress that often accompanies sudden economic shifts. As these international economic tremors can affect global markets, understanding how to preserve mental and financial well-being is essential.

Stress is increasingly unavoidable as global challenges multiply. Even without direct exposure to conflicts or economic shocks, people feel the ripple effects through media and social networks. New research summarized by major outlets highlights stress contagion—the spread of stress between people like a virus—and offers practical steps to shield oneself.

In our hyper-connected era, constant news and social media amplify stress. Negative reporting often fuels a cycle of worry and shared tension. Research from a senior psychologist at a leading university notes our tendency to focus on troubling news, which can propagate stress within communities. Data from the same body of work emphasizes the need for mindful media consumption to protect mental well-being.

A new study from a leading medical research center shows that repeated exposure to blast waves can alter brain networks in elite soldiers. The research highlights hidden injuries that may not show up on standard scans but are linked to memory problems, mood changes, and PTSD symptoms. This could influence how brain trauma is diagnosed and treated in the future.

The study followed 212 U.S. special operations veterans, active and retired, with a history of blast exposure. Researchers found significant differences in functional connectivity—the way brain regions communicate—in those with high blast exposure versus those with lower exposure and healthy controls. Disruptions in this network correlated with more severe scores on neuropsychological tests, pointing to risks commonly associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Harvard, Stanford, and Northwestern University have discovered a significant connection between specific brain circuits and the intensity with which individuals engage in political activities. This revelation marks a vital step in understanding the neurological underpinnings of political behaviors, showing that intense ideological expression might be attributed to particular neural pathways rather than political ideology itself.

Historically, science has acknowledged the links between certain mental health disorders and aggressive political actions. However, the precise role the brain plays in these behaviors has remained largely unexplored. The latest study, published in the journal “Brain,” has addressed this gap by examining the neural circuits that potentially influence political actions.