The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Axsome Therapeutics' drug Auvelity for the treatment of agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. This approval marks a significant development in addressing a common and challenging symptom for patients and caregivers, offering a new therapeutic option in the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has released draft guidance to assist researchers in designing clinical trials for psychedelic drugs. The document provides recommendations for studying serotonin-2A receptor agonists, such as psilocybin and LSD, aimed at treating serious mental health conditions, marking a significant step in regulatory support for this emerging field of medicine.
Veerle Hegge, wife of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, has publicly detailed her past struggle with a near-fatal eating disorder in her new book. The memoir provides an intimate look at her recovery journey and the impact of anorexia, aiming to raise awareness about the condition and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
Ohio legislators have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing social media addiction among minors. The proposed bill would mandate that platforms deemed addictive display prominent warning labels, marking a significant effort by the state to regulate digital content and protect young users from potential mental health impacts associated with excessive platform use.
On World Health Day, PSSM France announced it has officially trained 300,000 mental health rescuers across the country. This initiative aims to equip citizens with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health issues, marking a significant step forward in national mental health awareness and community support efforts in France.
The Greek government is exploring potential measures to restrict social media access for children under 15. Officials have cited concerns regarding the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health and safety, prompting discussions on how to implement age-appropriate regulations in the country.
Juries in California and New Mexico have reached verdicts finding major social media companies liable for contributing to youth mental health crises. These legal developments mark a significant shift in accountability for platforms accused of designing addictive features that negatively impact children's safety and well-being across the United States.
A recent study by DAK-Gesundheit and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf indicates that over a quarter of German children and adolescents exhibit risky or pathological social media use. Approximately 350,000 young people are considered addicted, highlighting an alarming trend in digital media consumption and its potential impact on mental health.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently allocated $794 million in block grant funding across the United States and its territories. These funds are designated for community-based mental health services, as well as substance abuse treatment and prevention programs, aiming to address critical behavioral health needs nationwide.
General practitioners in New Zealand have commenced prescribing stimulant medication for adult ADHD patients as of February 1, 2026. This significant policy change aims to improve access to diagnosis and treatment, reducing previous barriers like long waitlists and high specialist costs.
European School Luxembourg I has become one of the first schools to train all its staff in mental health first aid, proactively addressing growing youth mental health challenges. The initiative, proposed by the Parents' Association, equips staff to identify and support students experiencing psychological distress, covering conditions like depression and anxiety.
Luxembourg's Members of Parliament have unanimously approved a motion to establish a unified national suicide prevention hotline. The initiative, supported across party lines, aims to provide a single, easily accessible number for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, enhancing coordination among existing mental health services.
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Latvia violated the rights of a mentally ill woman, identified as M.A., by keeping her in prison for months despite a court order for her transfer to a psychiatric hospital. The ruling cited a breach of Article 5 § 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights, ordering Latvia to pay 9,000 euros in compensation.
A new initiative, 'Smartphone Free Childhood Gibraltar,' has been launched by local parents to support delaying smartphone access for children. The group aims to foster a community for parents concerned about the impact of early smartphone use and excessive screen time on children's well-being, aligning with a growing international movement.
Lithuania is set to offer vital rehabilitation and psychiatric services to Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia and have since returned to Ukraine. The initiative, expected to begin this autumn, will provide medical and psychological support to approximately 150 children annually, addressing the profound impacts of their experiences.
The Grand and General Council of San Marino debated and ultimately rejected Istanza n.27, a proposal to integrate psychological support services into basic medical clinics. The government, led by Secretary Mariella Mularoni, maintained that existing services provided by the Territorial and Social-Health Department are sufficient, citing a multidisciplinary network of 16 professionals established by Delegated Decree 171/2024.
