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November issues of APA journals feature research on substance use disorders, suicide prevention, peer-run approaches, and more

The November issues of APA journals focus on research related to substance use disorders, including a special issue on the topic. The American Psychiatric Association has published several studies and guidelines on these topics, providing valuable insights for mental health professionals.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: New Commission calls for regulatory reform to tackle the health impacts of the rapid global expansion of commercial gambling

Commercial gambling poses a threat to public health, with 448.7 million adults worldwide experiencing risk gambling and 80 million experiencing gambling disorder. The new Commission report calls for increased regulation to tackle these harms, particularly among children and adolescents.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 24, 2024

At-home brain stimulation for depression is safe and effective, according to research from UTHealth Houston, King’s College London, and University of East London

A new study found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and effective treatment for depression when administered at home. Researchers reported significant improvements in depression severity and remission rates compared to a placebo control group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 21, 2024

Hoarding disorder: ‘sensory CBT’ treatment strategy shows promise

A novel sensory CBT treatment strategy has demonstrated its potential in a pre-clinical study, improving participants' ability to discard items and reducing anxiety and distress. The study found that imagery rescripting was more effective than other techniques in promoting discarding behavior and reducing negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 3, 2024

New research identifies critical gaps in mental health care for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

New research identifies critical gaps in mental health care for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experience high rates of comorbid conditions, such as major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that only 26% received minimally adequate treatment.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 23, 2024

Researchers achieve a significant advancement in early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents

Researchers report significant strides in enhancing early diagnosis of bipolar disorder in adolescents by combining multimodal MRI with behavioral assessments. This approach reveals specific changes in brain networks signaling early-stage bipolar disorder, potentially leading to better and more personalized treatments. The study's find...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Autism spectrum disorders linked to neurotransmitter switching in the brain

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Risks of anxiety, suicide attempt may rise significantly after cardiovascular hospitalization

A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 31, 2024

Children with conduct disorder show widespread brain structural differences – new international study

Children with conduct disorder show significant reductions in brain surface area and volume of subcortical regions compared to typically developing children. These findings suggest that the development of the brain is different in individuals with CD, highlighting the need for further research into this under-recognized condition.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

New guidance for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use

The University of Toronto has introduced comprehensive guidelines for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults. These guidelines focus on assessment and harm reduction strategies to better support young individuals engaged in the use of these supplements. Healthcare professio...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 10, 2024

How do high-profile incidents of racial discrimination affect the eating habits of Black women?

Researchers found that Black women living near areas of unrest experienced higher levels of emotional eating and stress, while those in safer neighborhoods engaged in cognitive restraint. The study suggests that vicarious racial discrimination can lead to race-based traumatic stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 27, 2024

Specific bacteria in your gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity

A study published in Gut reveals that specific bacteria in the gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity, with a beneficial bacterium called Blautia showing protective effects. The research also highlights the role of microRNAs in food addiction and suggests potential new treatments involving beneficial bacteria and dietary sup...

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Confronting trauma alleviates chronic pain among older veterans

A study led by UCLA Health found that emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET) significantly reduces chronic pain among older adults compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. EAET helps patients confront and release traumatic emotions, leading to a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2024

Quality over quantity for screen time - study

A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

An international sample of adolescents shows almost 17% experience weight-related bullying online, especially for social media users—with almost 70 percent of Twitter users reporting being bullied

A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2024

New treatment could transform the mental health of children with epilepsy

A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2024

Study: New treatment method helps reduce suicide among military and veterans

A study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that crisis response planning can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts among U.S. military members and veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. The intervention was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 157 participants, with promising results.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 14, 2024

Mount Sinai study shows that circulating immune cells drawn to the brain during stress can control emotional behaviors

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered that circulating immune cells can be drawn to the brain during stress and alter emotional behavior. The study found that these immune cells release an enzyme called MMP8, which breaks down proteins in the brain and impairs social behavior.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood

A study in rats found that excessive adolescent stress alters genes associated with energy metabolism, leading to behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The prefrontal cortex's response to stress was also affected, suggesting a link between mitochondrial function and emotional regulation.

Perinatal depression and risk of suicidal behavior

Women with perinatal depression are at a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, with persistent elevations throughout 18 years of follow-up. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring to support this vulnerable group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 9, 2024