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Staying on long-term antidepressants reduces risk of relapse

A new study by UCL researchers has found that staying on long-term antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse by 39% compared to those who stop taking them. The study involved 478 primary care patients and found that 56% experienced a relapse within a year if they discontinued their medication, while only 26% did so after a full year.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2021

Alcohol abuse, dental conditions, and mental health found to be the top causes of avoidable emergency room visits

A recent study found that 3.3% of all emergency department visits were avoidable, with the top causes being alcohol abuse, dental disorders, and depressive disorders. Increasing access to dental and mental health facilities could reduce these visits, providing treatment at a lower cost elsewhere.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·DateAug 31, 2017

Infections increase risk of mood disorders

A study of over 3 million Danes found that those admitted to hospital with an infection prior to a mood disorder diagnosis had a 62% increased risk of developing the condition. The immune system's impact on brain function may play a role in this connection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2013

Police and firefighters at higher risk for mental disorders following traumatic events

A new study led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that police and firefighters are at a higher risk of developing psychiatric disorders after exposure to traumatic events. Protective services workers who recently joined the profession were more likely to develop mood or alcohol use disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateFeb 26, 2013

Study examines psychotropic medication use among US adolescents with mental disorders

A recent study found that 14.2% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 years with any mental disorder reported being treated with a psychotropic medication in the last 12 months. The study also revealed that antidepressants were most frequently used among those with primary mood disorders, while stimulant use was most common among those with ADHD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 3, 2012

Landmark survey reports on the prevalence of personality disorders in the United States

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) survey found that over 16 million Americans had a personality disorder, with avoidant, dependent, and paranoid disorders more prevalent among females. The study highlights the importance of addressing these conditions to prevent further impairment.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateAug 2, 2004