Women with mild to moderately severe depression exhibit altered immune systems due to lower levels of physical activity, according to a recent study. The researchers found that physical activity accounted for up to 63% of the differences in specific immune functions between depressed and non-depressed women.
New research suggests that depression may not play a significant role in increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death after an acute heart attack. The study found that increased social contact with family and friends during the time of the heart attack may actually heighten the risk, while participation in pleasurable activities lowers it.
Research from The Netherlands reveals that individuals with high work overcommitment scores may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease due to an impaired natural blood clot-dissolving system. This association suggests a potential physical mechanism behind the observed link between work-related stress and heart disease.
A new study by Canadian scientists found that highly stressed patients with ischemic heart disease do not respond as well to medications for their condition. Higher levels of stress resulted in lower effectiveness of treatment, with more highly stressed patients experiencing a greater reduction in episodes of angina.
Behavioral and social factors contribute to nine out of ten leading causes of death in the US. A recent report by the Center for Advancing Health found that NIH spent only 9% of its research training funds on behavioral and social sciences, highlighting a need for increased funding and opportunities.
Researchers found that smokeless tobacco users exhibited slower learning and adjustment to new requirements, more jerks, and less accurate overall performance compared to non-smokers. Tobacco use on the job can reduce an individual's capability to learn new visuo-motor mapping.
A recent study found that nearly half of South Bronx adolescents feel unsafe at home due to exposure to violence, including physical and emotional abuse. The young people reported taking proactive steps to mitigate the violence, such as resolving conflicts peacefully and seeking protection from friends.
Researchers from Brown University School of Medicine and Miriam Hospital found that individuals with a history of depression can successfully quit smoking, with an average reduction in smoking rate by 80%. However, those who quit may be at a higher risk of later relapse if depressive symptoms persist.
A new survey of 8,865 Texas middle school students found that parents' attitudes towards fighting have a significant impact on their children's aggressive behaviors. The study also identified three other family factors and practices that are indicative of how likely kids will be involved in fighting and aggressive behaviors.
A recent study found that leisure physical activity buffers the effects of minor stress, but aerobic fitness does not. This suggests that exercise may help minimize stress-related symptoms by distracting from stressors or instilling a sense of accomplishment.
Researchers conducted an extensive review of recent studies on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), noting a lack of consensus on its definition and treatment. Studies estimate that up to 380 out of every 100,000 people in the US suffer from CFS, primarily affecting middle-aged women.
Researchers found that individuals with current or past alcohol problems were less likely to quit smoking after participating in a cessation program. Those with past alcohol issues also smoked more cigarettes per day and had difficulty quitting compared to those without alcohol problems.
African-American adolescent boys who received emotional support during conflict situations had higher blood pressure reactivity than those with problem-solving or no support. Emotional support may be perceived as negative by these adolescents, leading to increased cardiovascular reactivity.
A new study reveals that social network characteristics and healthcare provider recommendations significantly influence women's breast cancer screening practices. The research found that women who perceive regular mammography as common among their peers are more likely to get screened regularly.
A study of 292 breast cancer survivors found that involvement in decision-making about follow-up tests improved physical and emotional health, but did not affect post-cancer survival rates. Leading cancer experts recommend mammography and clinical breast exams instead.
A recent study of 4,462 male U.S. Army veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found a higher rate of heart disorders, including past heart attacks, compared to other veteran subjects. The study's results suggest that long-term severe psychological distress may cause coronary heart disease.
A new study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that depressed mood is significantly related to increased mortality risk among people with congestive heart failure. Patients with severe depression were four times more likely to die within two years than those without depression.
A recent study of first-year medical students found that female students are more patient-centered in their approach to medicine, prioritizing equal partnerships and shared decision-making. This patient-centered attitude is also associated with a greater desire to practice in community and primary care settings.
A national survey found that one in four female veterans experienced military-related sexual assault, leading to significant symptoms of depression and problems with alcohol. The study highlights the importance of addressing these issues for veterans' mental health care.
Research published in Heart shows that over 400 heart attacks occur annually among young women smokers and could be avoided with cessation of tobacco use. The risk of heart attack increases significantly with daily cigarette consumption, with even light smokers facing more than double the danger.
A study of 11 young men found that sleep debt increased glucose concentrations in the blood, while altering cortisol levels and thyroid hormone regulation. The research suggests that persistent sleep debt may exacerbate age-related chronic disorders.
Research reveals high symptoms of depression among mothers caring for inner-city children with chronic conditions. The study suggests therapists and educators can help these mothers cope by acknowledging limitations and modifying unrealistic expectations.
Research found that babies who used newer-style walkers with large trays took longer to sit upright, crawl, and walk compared to those who didn't use walkers. These delays were attributed to the restricted visual feedback from seeing their moving legs.
Children with leukemia who received central nervous system chemotherapy are at risk of learning difficulties later in life, according to a new study. The treatment may cause cognitive decline and academic struggles, particularly in reading, spelling, and arithmetic.
Researchers found that patients with high levels of depression and anxiety had poorer results in reducing blood sugar levels, even after practicing relaxation techniques. However, those without these conditions experienced significant improvements in blood sugar control.
Research suggests that decreased perception of pain, or hypoalgesia, may precede the onset of hypertension in individuals at high risk. The study found that men and women with hypertension are more likely to suffer an unrecognized myocardial infarction due to suppressed chest pain during episodes of myocardial ischemia.
Research suggests that maternal depression may alter frontal brain activity associated with positive emotions in infants. The study found that infants of depressed mothers exhibited less left frontal EEG activity compared to right frontal EEG activity, indicating a potential impact on emotional processing.
A study of 1,037 inner-city boys found that those with behavioral problems in kindergarten became better adjusted as they grew older. High levels of hyperactive behavior were not linked to increased risk of juvenile delinquency.
Millions of patients mix prescription medicines with alternative therapies without informing their doctors, raising concerns about herb-drug interactions. Studies have shown that herbs like St. John's wort and ginkgo can be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and memory problems, but may also cause side effects.
A new study published in Health Psychology contradicts long-held notions about the connection between breast cancer and psychological factors. The researchers found modest associations with certain psychosocial factors, but emphasized that biology remains the primary factor in breast cancer development.
A recent study found that only 11% of young adults use condoms solely for AIDS prevention, while 41% use them exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The majority (48%) use condoms for both purposes, indicating a pragmatic approach to risk reduction.
A meta-analysis of 37 cardiac rehabilitation studies shows significant positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol and physical exercise. Rehabilitation programs can help patients change risk behaviors and improve their quality of life.
Research shows that moderate levels of worry about breast cancer motivate women to get screened, but high levels may inhibit use. Educational programs that focus on raising worry and fear alone may not be effective without an action plan.
A new study found that adolescents' beliefs about refraining from sex, positive views on abstinence, and self-efficacy significantly influence whether they delay or rush into their first sexual experience. The research also revealed a strong association between early first intercourse and parental education levels.
A study of 318 men found that high levels of stress and low social support are associated with higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, a marker for prostate cancer. The research suggests that psychosocial factors may promote prostate disease through direct physiological pathways.
Research finds that mothers with unwanted births experience depression, unhappiness, and lower quality relationships with their children. These effects persist throughout the children's lives, impacting all family members.
A new study found that workplace substance use has significant negative consequences for employees, including morale problems, increased injury risk, and poor communication. The researchers developed a team-oriented training to help work groups address co-worker substance use and promote employee well-being.
A study of over 7,000 people found that job complexity affects substance use, with those in complex jobs using more substances and those in simpler jobs using less. The researchers suggest assessing workers' cognitive abilities and reassigning or restructuring jobs to match their skills.
A study found that adolescents emulate their parents' overall health-risk lifestyle and adopt specific behaviors. Parents' health-risk behaviors are linked to their children's adoption of similar habits.
A new study finds that depressed workers can be a significant drain on employers' resources, with worker absenteeism resulting in $17 billion a year in costs. Implementing mental health benefits and encouraging treatment could lead to a substantial increase in productivity and cost savings.
Third-year medical students who completed an ethics course showed a deeper understanding of medical issues and made more informed decisions. The course improved their ability to consider patients' capacity for informed choice and evaluated the benefits of physician-assisted suicide, according to lead author Risa P. Hayes.
Cancer patients who participate in regular physical exercise programs show significant improvements in physical and mental health, including enhanced stamina, muscle strength, and pain management. The studies found that exercise has a positive effect on quality of life, including functional, psychological, and emotional well-being.
A majority of Americans believe certain types of mental illnesses cause violent behavior, with over 90% linking stress as a cause. This stereotype persists despite recognition of mental illness and its causes, leading to social distance and reluctance to interact.
A recent study found that older adults with strong social connections have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease. In contrast, those with low social support experience higher resting blood pressures, even at a younger age.
A new national survey reveals evidence of stigma toward mentally ill individuals, viewing them as less competent and more violent. The study found that people with schizophrenia are viewed as more unable to manage daily affairs than those with depression.
Smokers who switch to lower tar or nicotine cigarettes for 'health reasons' are more likely to quit smoking compared to those who continue to smoke regular cigarette brands. Researchers found that 'switchers' were less dependent on nicotine and had a higher intake of fruits and vegetables.
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome experience significant improvements in physical condition, symptom reports, and mental state when using non-drug treatments like exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Non-drug techniques were found to be superior to medication alone in reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.
Research highlights the importance of sleep in managing childhood chronic pain, including its effects on physical health and mental well-being. Behavioral treatments such as relaxation techniques and distraction methods can also help improve children's sleep and reduce pain symptoms.
Newborn infants who experience painful and stressful treatments exhibit long-term effects on their pain perception and stress response. These effects can be permanent, altering the infant's physiological and behavioral reactions to pain.
A new study found that anger expression fluctuates according to situational factors, rather than being a stable personality trait. State measures of anger expression were significantly associated with the person triggering anger, location, mood, and appraisal variables.