Institut für Psychologische Beratung, Business Coaching u. Training

14/11/2025

No Evidence the Gut Microbiome Causes Autism

New analysis argues there is no reliable scientific evidence that the gut microbiome causes autism, despite years of speculation and media attention.

The authors reviewed observational studies, mouse models, and clinical trials, concluding that each contains major flaws such as small sample sizes, poor statistical methods, and inconsistent results.

They emphasize that autism is strongly genetic, and that any microbiome differences are more likely driven by factors like diet rather than a causal mechanism.

The team calls for shifting research priorities toward rigorous genetics-focused work instead of continuing down a dead-end hypothesis.

07/11/2025

Women are redefining how we understand menopause. Beyond the familiar hot flashes and night sweats, they’re speaking more openly about a broader range of symptoms, and researchers are examining how these changes unfold in the brain. Although some studies suggest hormone therapy could help ease cognitive symptoms, the evidence remains limited.

Learn more about how menopause transforms the brain and what scientists are uncovering: https://on.natgeo.com/4hHSA0K

30/10/2025

29/10/2025

Work. Online therapy 👩🏻‍💻

25/10/2025

🧠 An ADHD brain is not working improperly. It's wired differently.

A growing body od research shows ADHD comes with many overlooked advantages: an intense, impulsive drive to seek out new information — what is called "hypercuriosity."

Instead of viewing ADHD only as a disorder marked by distraction and impulsiveness, researchers are beginning to explore how those same traits might actually fuel curiosity and creativity.

Rather than being easily distracted, people with ADHD might be neurologically tuned to chase curiosity and uncover unexpected links. Studies suggest this curiosity and impulsivity share similar brain pathways, both light up reward centers in the brain, much like hunger or craving chocolate.

This drive to explore could have been useful in our evolutionary past, especially in unpredictable environments where risk-takers had an edge. In modern settings, though, it can be seen as disruptive, especially in classrooms and offices where sitting still and following rules is the norm.

Research shows people with ADHD often act like "busybodies" online, bouncing from topic to topic, but once they find something that excites them, they can hyperfocus like laser-focused "hunters." While this pattern seems messy, it often leads to creative thinking. The challenge is that modern education and work settings often try to suppress these behaviors with structure or medication, which may also suppress curiosity. That could mean we’re losing out on unique ways of thinking.

source:
European College of Neuropsychopharmacology. "New research reveals how ADHD sparks extraordinary creativity" oct 13, 2025

24/10/2025

🧠 People with ADHD really do have different brains – and now scientists can finally prove it.

Thanks to a better way of reading brain scans, researchers have found clear evidence that children with ADHD have smaller brain volumes in areas linked to focus, emotion, decision-making, and memory.

These structural differences were hard to see before because each hospital uses different scanning machines, which can distort results. But a team in Japan used a clever technique to remove that technical "noise", scanning the same people on multiple machines to figure out how much of the difference was due to the equipment. Once that scanner bias was removed, the patterns became clear: ADHD brains really are built differently.

This discovery could lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses and better, more personalized treatments. Another study showed that people with ADHD are much more prone to boredom, not because they’re lazy, but because of how their brains handle attention and memory. Poor working memory and trouble focusing can make everyday situations feel dull or frustrating. This ties into the Cognitive Theory of Boredom, which says that boredom isn’t just a mood, it’s what happens when your brain can’t stay engaged. And for people with ADHD, that’s often tied to the way their brains are wired. Psychologist John Eastwood, who helped develop this theory, says boredom is actually a message – a sign you may need more purpose or control in your day-to-day life. For people with ADHD, learning to manage boredom with active strategies like mindfulness or gamifying tasks may be more helpful than just trying to avoid it.

Source:

Shou Q., Mizuno Y., et al. “Brain structure characteristics in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder elucidated using travelling-subject harmonization.” Molecular Psychiatry. August 2025.

Also: Orban S.A., Blessing J.S., Sandone M.K., Conness B., Santer J. “Why Are Individuals With ADHD More Prone to Boredom? Examining Attention Control and Working Memory as Mediators of Boredom in Young Adults With ADHD Traits.” Journal of Attention Disorders. 2025

21/10/2025

🧬 Your cells can clean themselves to work better and live longer. It's called autophagy.

Here's how to make it happen.

Autophagy, often described as the body’s cellular recycling system, plays a vital role in keeping cells clean, efficient, and healthy.

This process allows cells to break down old or damaged components and repurpose them into usable building blocks. It’s triggered when cells experience stress—such as nutrient deprivation or physical exertion—prompting them to "self-devour" in order to survive. This not only improves cell function but may also help clear out pathogens, reduce waste buildup, and potentially slow aspects of aging by keeping cells operating at peak performance.

Researchers are exploring how disruptions in autophagy are linked to a range of diseases, including Parkinson’s, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. While animal studies suggest fasting, calorie restriction, and exercise can induce autophagy, health experts caution against jumping into extreme routines without medical guidance.

Autophagy may one day be key to unlocking new treatments or preventative strategies, but it’s not yet a proven shortcut to longevity or disease prevention. For now, the best approach remains balance, informed choices, and consulting with a healthcare provider before making major lifestyle changes.

Source: Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Autophagy: What it is and how it works.

21/10/2025

19/10/2025

19/10/2025

Research into the facial feedback mechanism finds an interesting impact on how the brain registers emotions.

16/10/2025