Breaking Barriers: From Self-Compassion to Sleep Science in Mental Health

Welcome to TheraPulse Insider,

Your trusted source for cutting-edge research and insights in mental health and therapeutic practice. Delivered every Thursday in a bite-sized, easy to understand format.

In this edition, we explore five groundbreaking studies from the first week of January 2025 that showcase the intricate connections between mental health, physical well-being, and therapeutic interventions.

At a Glance - In This Issue:

• 🧠 Antidepressants & Vertigo: New genetic links discovered

• 💗 Self-Compassion: A key tool for healing childhood trauma

• 😴 Sleep & Memory: How poor sleep affects intrusive thoughts

• 🤝 Loneliness: Biological impacts on heart health and immunity

• 🦠 Language & Disease: How pathogens affect our word choices

Let's dive in...

Antidepressants and Dizziness: How They Can Cause Vertigo in Patients

This study investigates the causal relationships between depression, antidepressant use, and benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV), which is a common cause of dizziness. Using a genetic analysis technique called Mendelian randomization, the researchers found that while BPV and depression do not have a direct genetic link, there is a significant genetic association between the use of antidepressants and the development of BPV.

Key Points:

• There is no genetic evidence that depression directly causes BPV or vice versa.

• Antidepressants, however, show a genetic causal relationship with BPV, suggesting that these medications might increase the likelihood of developing BPV in patients.

• Clinicians should be cautious when prescribing antidepressants to patients with BPV, as these drugs could potentially contribute to dizziness related to BPV.

• It's important to assess the mental health of BPV patients early and explore psychological interventions before opting for antidepressant medication.

The study emphasizes that therapists should consider the potential impact of antidepressant medication on BPV patients and work with mental health professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Liao, Y., Zhou, K., Guo, Z. et al. Mendelian randomization analysis reveals causal relationship between depression, antidepressants and benign paroxysmal vertigo. Sci Rep 15, 837 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-85047-y

How Being Kind to Ourselves Helps Overcome Childhood Trauma in College Students

This study examines how early negative experiences, like childhood trauma, affect college students' mental health. It focuses on the role of attachment styles (how people relate to others) and self-compassion (being kind to oneself) in developing complex PTSD (CPTSD).

Researchers found that students with anxious or avoidant attachment styles, often stemming from adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), are more prone to CPTSD symptoms. However, self-compassion plays a crucial role in reducing these symptoms, especially those related to self-organization and emotion regulation.

The study suggests that fostering self-compassion might be an effective way to mitigate the negative impacts of insecure attachment and childhood trauma, making it a valuable focus for therapeutic interventions.

Peng, Y., Ishak, Z. Self-compassion as a mediator of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and complex PTSD in college students with adverse childhood experiences. Sci Rep 15, 786 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-84947-3

How Sleep Deprivation Impairs Memory Control and Emotional Health

This study explores the link between sleep deprivation and difficulties in managing intrusive memories. It reveals that lack of sleep impairs the brain's ability to suppress unwanted memories due to reduced engagement of certain brain regions. The study emphasizes the importance of sleep, particularly REM sleep, in restoring the brain's memory control functions and suggests that sleep deprivation may lead to cognitive and emotional challenges.

Key Points:

• Intrusive Memories: People often experience unwanted memories, which can become problematic for those with mental health issues.

• Memory Suppression Role: Memory suppression is crucial for reducing the frequency of intrusive thoughts and maintaining emotional well-being.

• Effects of Sleep Deprivation: Lack of sleep disrupts the ability to suppress memories, leading to more frequent intrusive thoughts.

• Brain Regions Involved: The study highlights the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) and hippocampus in memory suppression, which are less active during sleep deprivation.

• REM Sleep Importance: REM sleep helps restore memory control, revealing a potential target for therapy in mental health disorders related to sleep problems.

• Practical Implications: Therapists may incorporate sleep hygiene strategies into treatment plans to help patients manage intrusive thoughts and improve mental health outcomes.

‘Memory control deficits in the sleep-deprived human brain’ is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Loneliness can directly influence protein levels, impacting brain regions tied to emotions

This study explores the biological connection between loneliness, social isolation, and health risks. By analyzing over 42,000 participants in the UK Biobank, researchers found that feelings of loneliness and being socially isolated are linked to changes in certain blood proteins. These proteins are associated with increased inflammation and immune response, which are related to higher risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and susceptibility to infections.

The findings suggest that loneliness can directly influence protein levels, impacting brain regions tied to emotions and social interactions. Understanding this link could help develop better public health strategies to mitigate these health risks.

Shen, C et al. Plasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality. Nat Hum Behav; 3 Jan 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-02078-1

Study Shows That Germs Make Us Use More Words About Senses

This study investigates how pathogens, like infectious diseases, affect cognition and semantic processing. Researchers examined data from 43 countries and historical records from four countries (US, UK, Italy, China) over the past century. They found that increased pathogen severity enhances the sensory-motor focus in language and thought, meaning people use more words related to senses and actions when disease threats are high.

Key points:

1. Cognitive Impact: Pathogens increase sensory-motor focus in language and cognition, highlighting immediate sensory experiences during high disease prevalence.

2. Universal Reaction: This response appears universal, suggesting an inherent cognitive adaptation to health threats across different cultures.

3. Sociocultural Effects: These changes may lead to sociocultural shifts, affecting societal behavior and cohesion.

4. Relevance to COVID-19: Insights from this research help understand post-pandemic cognitive and behavioral adaptations, useful in therapeutic settings and for interventions during health crises.

Fu, Z., Chen, H., Liu, Z. et al. Pathogen stress heightens sensorimotor dimensions in the human collective semantic space. Commun Psychol 3, 2 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-024-00183-5

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Closing Thoughts

As we conclude this edition of TheraPulse Insider, these studies remind us of the intricate connections between mental and physical health, and the evolving nature of therapeutic practice. From understanding medication side effects to recognizing the power of self-compassion, each insight offers new possibilities for enhancing patient care.

Thank you for being part of the TheraPulse community, where we transform research into practice.

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