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A virtual trip to the museum can improve the health of seniors stuck at home

A randomized controlled trial found that virtual museum visits significantly improved the health of seniors stuck at home, reducing social isolation and improving well-being, quality of life, and frailty. The study recruited 106 participants aged 65 and older who attended guided tours online once a week for three months.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2022

​​​​​​​Researchers gain insights into the genetic and molecular machinery that predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's disease

A team of researchers from The Mount Sinai Hospital has made a groundbreaking discovery into the genetic and molecular mechanisms that predispose individuals to Alzheimer's disease. They identified 21 candidate risk genes, including SPI1, which regulates microglia and AD risk.

23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness, according to analysis of 2015-2018 data

Analysis of 2015-2018 data reveals that 23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness. The study found a significant correlation between immigration detention and increased healthcare utilization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 3, 2022

How service dogs reduce PTSD symptoms: factors and mechanisms

A new analysis of service dog-veteran pairs found that lower dog excitability and closer relationships between veterans and their dogs are associated with reduced PTSD symptoms. Better mental health outcomes were also linked to perceptions of easy care for the dog and more frequent interactions initiated by the veteran.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022

Ukraine war and refugee health

The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 11, 2022

Study shows link between cyberbullying and suicidality in early adolescence

A study found that young adolescents who were targets of cyberbullying were more likely to report suicidal thoughts and attempts, distinct from traditional offline bullying. Cyberbullying was associated with an independent risk factor for youth suicidality, highlighting the need for online screening and interventions.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

Groundbreaking study shows substantial differences in brain structure in people with anorexia

A new study by an international group of researchers has found substantial reductions in grey matter in people with anorexia nervosa, a condition characterized by severe food restriction and low body weight. Early intervention and treatment can help the brain repair itself, according to the research team led by Dr. Paul M. Thompson.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 14, 2022

COVID-19 increases risk of psychiatric diagnoses in the months after infection, OSU study finds

A recent Oregon State University study found that COVID-19 patients had a 25% increased risk of developing a psychiatric disorder in the four months following their infection. The study matched 46,610 COVID-19 positive individuals with control patients and found a significant increase in anxiety disorders but no change in mood disorders.

SourceOregon State University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2022

June issues of American Psychiatric Association Journals cover mental health disparities and structural racism and collaborative response to behavioral health emergencies

The June issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services address mental health disparities and structural racism. These journals provide a platform for collaborative responses to behavioral health emergencies, shedding light on important topics in the field.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJun 1, 2022

Blood adenosine levels as a potential biomarker of white matter disease in a selected population of very low birth weight premature infants

A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pediatric Reviews·DateMay 13, 2022

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Two years after infection, half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom, follow-up study suggests

A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

New study challenges stereotypes surrounding mental illness

Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

High cardiovascular risk is associated with symptoms of depression

A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that high and very high cardiovascular risk are associated with depressive symptoms, especially in women. The researchers used data from a Mediterranean Diet trial and found that participants with higher cardiovascular risk had lower depressive status scores after following the diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Grey matter volume could inform treatment decisions for developing mental health disorders

A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

Sri Lankan twin study finds one-third of variation in depressive symptoms is genetic; two-thirds is environmentally influenced - and symptoms are strongly associated with health-related quality of life

A recent Sri Lankan twin study reveals that genetic factors contribute to approximately one-third of the variation in depressive symptoms, while environmental influences account for around two-thirds. The study also found a strong association between depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2022

Integrating behavioral health in community-based primary care improves access and treatment for racially and ethnically diverse children

A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 29, 2022

New computational model proposed for Alzheimer's disease

Mayo Clinic researchers propose a novel computational model that links Alzheimer's disease symptoms to brain anatomy, revealing a complex relationship between mental processing and brain function. The model uses machine learning to analyze patient brain imaging data and compresses complex brain anatomy into a conceptual framework.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes

According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Huntington's disease: Astrocytes to the rescue!

A recent study found that stimulating reactive astrocytes promotes the elimination of toxic protein aggregates in Huntington's disease. This cooperative mechanism between neurons and astrocytes holds promise for potential treatments.

SourceCNRS·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2022

People without jobs or secure housing have worse outcomes when treated for depression

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that individuals without jobs or stable housing experience worse depression symptoms when treated with therapy or antidepressants. The researchers analyzed data from nine studies involving over 4,800 participants and discovered that unemployed patients had 28% poorer outcomes compar...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Bárány Society introduces a new education initiative to improve the care of patients with vestibular disorders

The Bárány Society has developed a comprehensive curriculum to promote high-quality vestibular training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum sets out a framework of suggested topics and skills, covering anatomy, physiology, and physics, as well as history taking, bedside examination, ancillary testing, disorders, treatment, and...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vestibular Research·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022

Association of mental disorders with dementia

Researchers found a significant association between mental disorders and dementia in a 30-year New Zealand study involving 1.7 million citizens. The study suggests that individuals with mental health conditions may be at higher risk of developing dementia, highlighting the importance of mental health care in preventing cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 16, 2022

Alcohol use linked to lower connectivity in brain areas that process emotions

Researchers found lower functional connectivity between brain areas involved in social and emotional processing in individuals at risk of developing alcohol use disorder. This impairment may affect their ability to interpret facial expressions and respond to their environment, increasing the likelihood of disordered drinking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateFeb 8, 2022

February issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new research on disparities in the opioid crisis, new practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors, more

The February issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services highlight new research on the opioid crisis, with a focus on improving treatment outcomes. Additionally, the latest issue of Focus features articles on novel neurotherapeutics and practice guidelines for peer specialists and supervisors.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2022

CHOP researchers use deep learning to find genetic causes of mental health disorders in frequently understudied African American population

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used deep learning to analyze whole genome sequencing data from African American patients with mental disorders. The model demonstrated over 70% accuracy in distinguishing between disorders and identifying multiple disorders.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

The link between alcohol consumption and epilepsy: An update from scientists from Pusan National University

A team of scientists from Pusan National University conducted an updated meta-analysis to clarify the relationship between alcohol consumption and unprovoked seizures and epilepsy. They found that overall, alcohol drinkers were at a significantly higher risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-drinkers.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2022

Study finds Rwandan genocide chemically modified the DNA of victims and victims’ offspring

A study by USF Genomics program found that prenatal exposure to the Rwandan genocide was associated with epigenetic modifications in genes linked to mental disorders. These 'chemical' changes can have a rapid response to trauma across generations, suggesting a possible link between historical trauma and modern-day mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalEpigenomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2022