https://sole.hsc.wvu.edu/Apps/News/rss/SchoolofMedicine/Behavioral-Medicine-and-Psychiatry50 most recent storiesen-USce606e2e-7e90-4abe-860a-8a6141492e8bhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wellwvu-s-420-panel-slated-for-april-15The WVU community is invited to attend WELLWVU's seventh annual 420 Panel scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-04-08T15:14:58-04:0005934194-4137-4979-9524-db551d72675bhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-innews-medical-cannabis-use-grows-in-west-virginia-research-opportunities-may-shed-more-light-onWest Virginians' demand for medical cannabis continues to grow. Meanwhile, the national conversation reveals the ongoing debate over the value of cannabis – with a recent presidential executiveorder and a New York Times editorial heading in opposite directions. A WVU Medicine addiction specialist shared some resources on the issues behind that conversation. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-03-26T12:50:48-04:00e779d4f2-0777-4cff-8346-9e1a6505f16dhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=cultivate-your-inner-garden-at-bewell-s-monthly-wellness-event-march-12Take a break and grow something meaningful. Join BeWell for their monthly wellness event: Cultivate Your Inner Garden, where you'll have the chance to plant your own flowers while learning how a growth mindset can help you thrive in the face of challenges.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -04002026-03-11T09:21:06-04:00f5d95eda-cdcd-415e-a1a5-340878f25446https://wvpublic.org/wvpb-podcast/podcast-west-virginia-morning/the-differences-between-methadone-and-suboxone-this-west-virginia-morning/On this West Virginia Morning, millions of people are addicted to opioid pain medication. Some use medication-based treatment for their addiction. But that has created a divide in the world of recovery. On the latest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay talks with Dr. James Berry who studies opioids at WVU's Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. Berry explains the difference between an early medication called methadone and suboxone, which is often used now. Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-03-02T08:52:12-05:000ac12487-d598-4f16-bd93-4644fbc77fcbhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=biddle-named-coordinator-for-bewellsomenagaeMaxx Biddle has been named coordinator for WVU Health Sciences BeWell.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-03-05T09:13:34-05:00a27972a4-4e07-469c-93ae-0e0942b7e96ehttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=ease-winter-blues-with-mindful-steps-to-seasonal-change-workshop-announcementJoin this interactive workshop to explore how mindfulness can alleviate the psychological and physiological challenges that often arise during the long winter months, fostering a steadier and more compassionate approach to daily life.Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -05002026-01-13T16:37:38-05:00c954e0b1-22f5-4c07-ad70-7dad49faf09fhttps://www.thepostathens.com/article/2025/12/solutions-stories-opioid-epidemic-appalachia-athens-ohio-university-west-virginia-university-monongalia-county-cdc-noac-drug-overdose-ratesTo move beyond the statistics and examine what is being done in response, and whether those efforts are working, The Post traveled to West Virginia University in Morgantown to compare its approach, and that of Monongalia County, with Ohio University and Athens County. Both towns sit in the heart of Appalachia, and both face similar challenges, but their responses reveal how policy, resources and community partnerships can shape recovery in markedly different ways.Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-12-15T09:17:10-05:00d1e4e801-2dca-4be6-82a7-5e9f23f60bd0https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2025/12/solutions-stories-opioid-epidemic-appalachia-athens-ohio-university-west-virginia-university-monongalia-county-cdc-noac-drug-overdose-ratesThe opioid epidemic has quietly shaped daily life across Appalachia for decades. Although addiction touches every corner of the U.S., the burden in Appalachia is heavier and more persistent. At the start of the 2000s, overdose death rates in Appalachian counties mirrored the rest of the nation. By 2017, those same counties saw overdose death rates 72% higher than non-Appalachian areas, according to the 2019 Opioids in Appalachia report by the National Association of Counties and the Appalachian Regional Commission.Tue, 09 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-12-15T08:46:15-05:00682869f5-f060-4d6a-9cdb-ece7b0d57a2chttps://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a69555343/best-sad-lamps/The days get shorter and it gets dark earlier, making daily life more challenging if you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a subtype of major depressive disorder. It's marked by a feeling of sadness in fall and winter, and typically eases in spring and summer.Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-12-04T10:33:12-05:00c11e1969-4829-4760-9f52-b4d61ac35721https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-innews-dr-patrice-harris-recognized-for-exceptional-leadership-and-advocacy-by-aacpThe American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has named Patrice Harris, M.D., as the 2025 Virginia Q. Anthony Outstanding Woman Leader. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Harris's dedication and advancements in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, as well as her groundbreaking leadership within the medical profession.Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-17T14:59:43-05:00b21d5bda-2b01-4d48-a65a-3ad624e83d18https://www.wdtv.com/2025/10/30/changing-clocks-tied-seasonal-depression-expert-says/According to Stephanie Cox, a behavioral medicine and psychiatry professor at the WVU School of Medicine, shorter days could lead to seasonal affective disorders, a type of depression affecting millions of Americans.Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-10T13:19:10-05:008ddea4ae-0053-4f3a-be00-4fbd3046ff65https://neurosciencenews.com/season-affective-disorder-psychology-28983/As daylight fades, many experience fatigue or low mood—but for millions, these symptoms signal seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a serious form of depression. Reduced sunlight disrupts serotonin, melatonin, and the body's circadian rhythm, leading to feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, and sleep or appetite changes.Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-04T10:26:31-05:00ec2294dd-6054-473f-a52d-e5d6fdf20709https://www.statnews.com/2025/10/30/covid-vaccine-health-care-workers-under-65/The discussion around health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s changes to Covid vaccine recommendations have focused on two things: the exclusion of pregnant women and infants, and the restrictions on anyone under 65 without an underlying condition getting the vaccine.Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -05002025-11-04T10:27:00-05:00a06eae00-fb79-431c-bbba-13afaea795ebhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/media-center-blog/2025/10/29/expert-pitch-wvu-psychologist-says-seasonal-affective-disorder-is-serious-but-treatable?utm_source=cision-expert-pitch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=general&utm_id=strat-comm&utm_content=gen1033someducateA West Virginia University clinical psychologist cautions seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that affects millions of Americans and should be taken seriously. Stephanie Cox, professor in the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, part of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute at the WVU School of Medicine, is available to discuss how to identify the causes and symptoms of SAD, as well as treatments that can provide relief.Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-31T12:46:50-04:00d202847d-98a3-4814-b634-a0e8d87a5986https://wvumedicine.org/news-feed/news-article/WVU-Medicine/Front-Page/wvu-medicine-children-s-named-west-virginia-s-top-children-s-hospital-by-u-s-news-world-report/U.S. News & World Report released its 2025–26 Best Children's Hospitals rankings today (Oct. 7), naming WVU Medicine Children's the top children's hospital in West Virginia for the fifth consecutive year and one of the best in the Mid-Atlantic region.Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-10-07T10:55:02-04:008fc94259-f28d-4977-8a4b-d882f38bcd0dhttps://mississippitoday.org/2025/09/15/lacking-state-guidance-cities-counties/Dr. Judith Feinberg, a West Virginia University behavioral medicine and psychiatry professor, co-authored a guide with other public health professors that lays out how states can use opioid settlement money to prevent more deadly overdoses.Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-23T08:46:47-04:008e91eb4a-0716-4544-9219-a429e5ce57behttps://olliatwvu.wpcomstaging.com/archives/17350The 19th annual Irving Goodman Aging Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Marc W. Haut, director of the Memory Health Clinic at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, at 1 p.m. Sept. 17 on Zoom.Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-18T13:59:39-04:00d23cc086-75a0-4211-8ce3-a3f62cbbbc46https://www.healthday.com/health-news/pregnancy/substance-use-during-pregnancy-can-harm-a-fetus-experts-warnUsing alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other substances during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus, even when the risks are not always obvious, a West Virginia University psychiatrist warns.Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-09-09T08:45:16-04:0078d42dfb-ff01-48c6-b29d-60fbe171c95chttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=school-of-medicine-announces-faculty-promotions-for-2025The West Virginia University School of Medicine recently awarded more than 60 faculty members across 20 departments promotions that were effective July 1, 2025. Department faculty members awarded associate professor and professor status are as follows:Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-22T09:24:48-04:00c0b96aab-5a44-4ac3-ab12-cda26c9aba9dhttps://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/as-wv-celebrates-decrease-in-fatal-overdoses-experts-urge-caution-more-focus/article_fc735953-6a64-4f3e-bbe8-43dfb1762a58.htmlAs WV celebrates decrease in fatal overdoses, experts urge caution, more focusTue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-07-22T08:41:29-04:0017ac5322-3158-4862-85b3-9a1f737da55bhttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=dr-ankit-chalia-named-2024-2025-eastern-campus-educator-ofyear-by-studentssomeducateAnkit Chalia, M.D., has been voted the 2024-2025 Eastern Campus Educator of the Year by students on the West Virginia University School of Medicine's Eastern Campus.Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-05-30T15:01:36-04:004a0c092b-57ad-4a36-822f-9335456fe5fdhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-outlook/202503/the-good-news-about-overdose-deaths-in-the-usNew data from the CDC's National Vital Statistics System released in February 2025 revealed nearly a 24% decline in drug overdose deaths in the United States for the 12 months ending in September 2024 compared to the previous year. Provisional data shows there were about 87,000 drug overdose deaths from October 2023 to September 2024, down from 114,000 the previous year. This is the fewest overdose deaths reported in any 12-month period since June 2020.Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-03-11T07:25:12-04:00943e0ece-9b67-4ce9-aa15-d8f08427760ehttps://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2025/mar/07/how-probiotics-protect-your-mental-health/Q: My nutritionist told me that there are probiotics and foods that can actually make me feel happier. Is there any truth in that? -- Pat R., BostonMon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-03-11T08:42:15-04:002b0b44d1-4c11-4c9c-b0a5-4ee7e9d5edb6https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2025/03/08/covid-self-care/stories/202503090021When the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, so did our access to many of the traditional ways we cared for ourselves. Gyms, salons, spas and even playgrounds were suddenly off-limits.Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -04002025-03-11T08:41:57-04:006ba7845d-e1cc-4722-b4b2-478458bf0ac7https://thedo.osteopathic.org/2024/11/addiction-in-the-lord-of-the-rings-and-the-real-world-insights-for-physicians/The DO shares information about a presention by Dr. James Berry and Lisa Coutras Terris exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and addiction.Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-11-18T12:56:12-05:006a23646c-37d8-41bd-b2f3-74cd7aaf80b2https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/addiction-outlook/202408/smoking-hard-drugs-is-now-killing-many-usersDr. James Berry contributes to reporting from Psychology Today about a shift in drug overdose deaths.Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-05T08:36:13-05:00035a1245-076f-40a0-8941-d632d945c216https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=wvu-announces-first-physical-medicine-and-rehabilitation-residency-program-in-west-virginiasomhealThe West Virginia University School of Medicine has received approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to offer West Virginia's first medical residency program in physiatry.Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-04T09:24:56-05:00b10fd326-35b3-4262-9f67-21cac1795dfchttps://www.wesa.fm/health-science-tech/2024-10-28/pittsburgh-harm-reduction-overdose-reversal-drugsDr. Judith Feinberg contributes to reporting from WESA about overdose reversal medication.Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-05T08:36:57-05:0036b5998d-55c1-4423-8425-31e939a8c066https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/10/28/legislation-will-allow-wvu-researcher-to-study-buprenorphine-at-new-martinsville-clinic/West Virginia Watch reports on a buprenorphine study to be conducted by Dr. Laura Lander.Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-05T08:38:06-05:00d1ece561-2c39-4a83-bdfa-03c9785058a0https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/10/28/wvu-rockefeller-neuroscience-institute-receives-state-funding-to-expand-research-and-treatment-for-food-addiction-and-post-traumatic-stress-disordersomempowerThe West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute will initiate first-in-the-world clinical research studies using focused ultrasound neuromodulation to treat food addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions, thanks to a $2 million supplemental appropriation approved during a recent special session of the West Virginia Legislature.Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-04T09:26:12-05:009c29a059-6af5-48bc-9457-5f5f476686e8https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20241023/video-frontline-expert-sees-parallels-between-medicinal-cannabis-and-opioid-epidemicWith Healio, Dr. James Berry discusses the risks associated with chronic use of cannabis.Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-10-28T10:33:13-04:001bdb9d50-cad1-4c31-abc2-ac3ebc4bbb7bhttps://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/natural-cure-for-hep-c-is-there-one/Dr. Judith Feinberg contributes to reporting from Everyday Health about hepatitis C treatment.Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-11-18T12:55:54-05:00b459daba-4076-49d7-a8b2-1685e71eb0d5https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-10-01/american-workers-are-burning-out-in-what-experts-call-a-great-exhaustionIn an interview with WCBU Radio, Dr. James Berry weighs in on why Americans are feeling worn out, even when working from home.Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-10-21T11:32:42-04:0053728843-041d-42c9-9967-0c8cb0b6f436https://themainemonitor.org/needle-waste-challenges/Robin Pollini, a professor in the WVU School of Medicine and School of Public Health, contributes to reporting by The Maine Monitor about syringe exchange programs.Sat, 28 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-10-15T08:23:22-04:0064a4bc0d-df42-4b2e-8913-2bd916533109https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/narcan-for-all-west-virginias-role-in-the-largest-free-naloxone-day/article_8b9e8b02-7a7d-11ef-8865-7f62b6847040.htmlDr. James Berry, director of addictions at the WVU School of Medicine, contributes to reporting from Charleston Gazette-Mail about Save a Life Day. Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-09-30T08:33:48-04:00975b7534-fd8b-4acf-9352-e68ed1953f9ahttps://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/news/story?headline=lander-appointed-to-expert-panel-for-wv-first-foundationLaura Lander, MSW, AADC, an associate professor in the West Virginia University School of Medicine's Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry and Department of Neuroscience, was recently appointed to the statewide expert panel of the West Virginia First Foundation.Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-21T11:45:01-04:00d8d26a2c-1c8a-4e4a-8fd5-8e4200c08fdchttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/08/us/baltimore-overdose-deaths-lawsuit-silence.htmlRobin Pollini, professor in the WVU School of Medicine and School of Public Health, contributes to reporting from The New York Times about opioid overdoses.Thu, 08 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-12T09:01:12-04:00bff7d5fa-410c-478e-8b8b-7e87872dbaa2https://wvpublic.org/has-fight-over-syringe-exchanges-impacted-west-virginias-hiv-outbreak/Robin Pollini, professor in the WVU School of Medicine and School of Public Health, contributes to reporting from WV Public Broadcasting about syringe exchange programs.Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-12T09:02:10-04:0035c5d10c-da78-4872-81b0-5194ef835b2ehttps://www.upi.com/Health_News/2024/08/05/netherlands-mental-exertion-thinking/2701722810331/Stephanie Cox, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine, tells UPI it makes sense that, when given other choices, most people avoid demanding pursuits.Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-12T09:01:50-04:00a50245e9-4f00-4cbc-9574-3a7c362511e0https://westvirginiawatch.com/2024/08/05/in-west-virginia-a-ban-on-certain-services-brings-barriers-to-building-trust-with-people-who-use-drugs/Dr. Judith Feinberg, professor in the WVU School of Medicine, contributes to a report from West Virginia Watch about the ongoing drug and overdose epidemic.Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-08-06T08:57:12-04:00da1bd802-faf9-4904-9370-6490405336d4https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2024/07/03/alzheimers-drug-kisunla-fda/stories/202407030091Marc Haut, director of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Memory Health Clinic, contributes to reporting by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about a new Alzheimer's drug.Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-09T09:13:40-04:00b69f3b65-99c7-4aef-889f-8f480567c15ehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/addiction-outlook/202406/fentanyl-overdoses-may-cause-brain-injuryDr. James Mahoney, associate professor in the WVU School of Medicine, contributes to reporting by Psychology Today about fentanyl overdoses.Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-07-01T10:13:25-04:00242b956a-3390-400a-991e-c92bce3bcbafhttps://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/06/05/wvu-to-induct-six-into-order-of-vandaliaFor their loyalty and service to West Virginia University, six Mountaineers will be inducted into the Order of Vandalia during a Friday (June 7) ceremony.Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-06-05T10:35:35-04:00df339a92-c3c1-4e16-a122-f47770eaa490https://www.wvuf.org/news-publications/news/2024/03/25/-2m-encova-grant-aids-focused-ultrasound-research-at-wvu-rockefeller-neuroscience-instituteA $2 million grant from the Encova Foundation of West Virginia is advancing focused ultrasound research by the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute with the potential to transform addiction treatment.Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-03-25T15:16:22-04:00ab2c7fa2-e0c8-449e-b375-d529e25ce99ahttps://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2024/03/23/expert-insights-an-es/stories/202403080070In a piece for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WVU School of Medicine Clinical Psychologist Jonathan Perle explains cyberbullying and what parents can do if their child is affected.Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-01T12:02:06-04:00ccd853c1-31ef-4aa9-900a-96fa57550f2chttps://www.specialtypharmacycontinuum.com/Online-First/Article/03-24/Government-Makes-Pandemic-Era-Flexibilities-on-Remote-MOUD-Prescribing-Permanent/73232Dr. James Berry, chair of the WVU School of Medicine Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, contributes reporting from Specialty Pharmacy Continuum about updated regulations governing opioid treatment programs.Fri, 22 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-04-01T12:03:57-04:003ecf4396-8f24-4bb0-b756-d6fef8cdedc6https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/next-gen-smart-pills-will-transform-personalized-care-2024a10004tm?src=&form=fpfJames Mahoney, associate professor and clinical neuropsychologist in the WVU School of Medicine, contributes reporting from Medscape about using smart pill technology to help identify early indications of an overdose. Thu, 14 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-03-18T13:20:51-04:002f049416-638c-4fa8-b959-e149e6933b12https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/west-virginia-opioid-overdoses-fourth-wave/Robin Pollini, professor in the WVU School of Medicine and WVU School of Public Health, contributes reporting from KFF Health News about the opioid epidemic.Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -04002024-03-16T19:40:14-04:000cddf157-1751-4af3-916d-eef623606a1chttps://www.cnn.com/2024/02/21/health/us-adults-overdose-survey/index.htmlIn reporting from CNN, WVU School of Medicine and School of Public Health Professor Robin Pollini describes the "collective trauma" overdose deaths cause.Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-02-22T12:44:05-05:00beb0debf-8972-4939-9814-b97f8c09c0dfhttps://theconversation.com/healing-from-child-sexual-abuse-is-often-difficult-but-not-impossible-215415Writing for The Conversation, WVU School of Medicine Assistant Professor Maria Khan explains the healing process for survivors of child sexual abuse.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -05002024-01-30T09:02:27-05:00