Category: Neuroscience/Mental Health
Videos Said to be “Proof” that Nonverbal Autistics Can Communicate by Spelling
The father of nonverbal autistic child believes videos constitute proof that other children with autism can communicate by by pointing to letters on a board held by a facilitator to spell out words. He is wrong.
Antivaxxers misuse the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database to demonize COVID-19 vaccines
Over the last couple of weeks, a claim that the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED) shows that COVID-19 vaccines have caused a massive increase in cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases in military personnel has gone viral. A closer look shows that the increases are almost certainly spurious and due to underreporting in previous years.
Using AI Technology To Treat Mental Illness
AI will likely play a big role in treating mental illness in the future, but quack uses are also likely to proliferate.
Culture-Bound Psychosomatic Syndromes
In her book Sleeping Beauties, neurologist Suzanne O'Sullivan travels the world to investigate fascinating stories of mass psychogenic illness where social and cultural factors result in symptoms that give voiceless people a way to be heard.
Mini-Brains for Disease Research
New research on organoid "mini-brains" highlights the potential of this new kind of scientific research.
Neurological Manifestations of COVID
The more we study COVID, the more apparent it is that neurological symptoms are common and can be long lasting.
Genetic Testing for Selection of Psychotropic Medications
GeneSight is a blood test to determine which neuropsychiatric medications are indicated for an individual based on genetic analysis. The test is expensive and not likely to be helpful for most patients.
Mayim Bialik’s Neuriva Commercials Make Questionable Claims
Mayim Bialik is a neuroscientist. In her TV commercials for Neuriva Plus she asserts that it is backed by strong science. I don't think so.
Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier’s Irreversible Damage (Part One)
Irreversible Damage, a controversial 2020 book by Abigail Shrier, has enjoyed renewed attention in the last several weeks. Shrier appeals to her audience’s emotions by voicing their deepest fears to create uproar against an already marginalized community. The claims presented do not meet scientific rigor, yet have been praised and upheld by many, effectively pushing back against equal rights for gender minorities,...
Long COVID
Medical experts are just starting to bring long COVID into focus, but there is still much we don't know.