Shock tactics: Treatment or torture?
Ed Pilkington visits the Boston school that uses electric shock as a treatment for children and adults with severe autism or emotional problems
Having children helped my depression
Having experienced depression, Viv Groskop feared that motherhood would make the condition worse. But, for her, family life has had the opposite effect
Sick note: Faking illness online
Why would someone fake a serious illness online? Jenny Kleeman on the strange world of Münchausen by internet
Dr Luisa Dillner’s guide to . . . Marriage and health
Studies show that being in a happy marriage is good for your health
Dementia drama
Dementia Diaries, a new play by Maria Jastrzebska, looks at how the illness affects those who have it, as well as their family and carers
Your Voice in My Head by Emma Forrest — review
Emma Forrest's account of mental illness is frank and frequently funny but bears the scars of self-obsession, writes Julie Myerson
How to be happy: a psychotherapist’s view
Early relationships alter our brains before we learn to speak. How does that affect our happiness, asks psychotherapist Philippa Perry
Psychotherapy needs regulation like any other profession
Response: Protecting the public from a minority of therapists who abuse their position is our aim, says Anna van der Gaag
Dr Luisa Dillner’s guide to . . . choosing a therapist
You need to ask yourself if you can be open with this person, tell them private things, trust them
Benefits helped me turn my life around
Seaneen Molloy: I'm bipolar, and benefits aren't just a handout – they allowed me the time I needed to manage my illness and build for the future
Therapy shows us life is not neat or safe. So why judge it by those criteria?
Darian Leader: A proposed regulation of talking therapies would impose market values on a practice that aims to free us from such judgments
We need to involve girls in decisions about their health
The government's plans to improve public health include strengthening local engagement in decisions, but it will have to work hard to allow young people to participate meaningfully
The ultimate guide to surviving Christmas
It's supposed to be the happiest day of the year – so plan ahead and share the load to enjoy a stress-free holiday
In praise of the daily walk
A brisk half hour walk a day will keep you healthy – and sane – say researchers. Eight people reveal what walking means to them
The real happiness index
If the government wants to assess the nation's wellbeing, they have to ask the right questions