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Rats avoid to hurt other rats

In a study published in Current Biology, researchers found that rats exhibit harm aversion, stopping use of their preferred lever when it would cause pain to a neighboring rat. This phenomenon is linked to the same brain region associated with empathy in humans, suggesting that harm aversion is deeply ingrained in our biology.

New measure for excessive buying problems

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new measure for excessive buying problems, the Excessive Buying Rating Scale (EBRS), to assess severity and predict predictors of problematic buying. Strong beliefs about the benefits of buying were significant predictors, while gender and age also played a role.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMar 4, 2020

Regular walnut consumption linked to health and longevity in women, according to new study

A new epidemiological study found that women consuming at least two servings of walnuts per week had a greater likelihood of healthy aging compared to those who did not eat walnuts. The study, supported by the California Walnut Commission, suggests that adopting simple habits like snacking on walnuts can help slow down the effects of a...

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalJournal of Aging Research·DateFeb 25, 2020

Investigating the full spectrum of suicide

A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 15, 2019

Scientists predict the areas of the brain to stimulate transitions between different brain states

Researchers developed a method to characterize brain states and simulate brain activity, enabling prediction of stimulation effects on brain state transitions. The study found that systematic external stimulation can awaken the brain in sleep states and may enhance recovery from psychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

Cause of rare, fatal disorder in young children pinpointed

Researchers prove the psychosine hypothesis correct by showing that mice with genetic mutations causing both Krabbe and Farber diseases do not develop Krabbe disease. They then test a drug known to inhibit acid ceramidase, carmofur, which modestly extends the lives of mice with a model of Krabbe disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

When a diseased liver disrupts the brain

Researchers have discovered that chronic liver diseases can cause cerebral molecular disturbances as early as two weeks after liver malfunction, even without physical symptoms. The study found two new molecules involved in the disease process: creatine and vitamin C.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateAug 19, 2019

Study: 'Conversation-based' activities reduce mental illness stigma among college students

A new study by Indiana University found that college students who participate in conversation-based activities are less likely to stigmatize people with mental illness. The study, led by Bernice Pescosolido, suggests that such efforts can drive significant reductions in stigma and improve campus climate.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 13, 2019

Body and mind need care in mental illness

A new study by University of Queensland researchers found that patients' physical health is often overlooked in pursuit of treating mental illness. Conditions like diabetes serve as a stark example, with rates twice as high in those with mental illness compared to the general population.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 17, 2019

Global commission into health inequities of mental illness gives blueprint for change

A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Articles focus on psoriasis, risk of mental health disorders

Two studies found a significant association between psoriasis and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in Denmark and South Korea. The research highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 8, 2019

The art of the circus

Research from the University of South Australia reveals that circus skills programs deliver significant mental health benefits for Australian children, with a 7:1 return on investment. Children participating in these programs showed improvements in stress relief, self-esteem, confidence, and socialization.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of the Sociology of Leisure·DateMay 8, 2019

Hearing loss before 50 may mean higher risk of drug and alcohol issues

A national study reveals that young and middle-aged adults with hearing loss are twice as likely to misused prescription opioids and other substances compared to their hearing peers. Health care providers may need to take special care when treating pain and mental health conditions in deaf and hard-of-hearing patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 25, 2019

Certain psychiatric drugs linked with elevated pneumonia risk

A review of published studies indicates that use of benzodiazepines and related drugs may increase the risk of pneumonia. The analysis found a 1.25-fold higher odds for developing pneumonia among current and recent BZRD users compared to non-users.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2019

Study examines primary drivers of increased hospitalizations of homeless individuals

Researchers analyzed over 185,000 hospitalizations for homeless individuals and 32 million for non-homeless individuals between 2007 and 2013. The study found that more than 50% of hospitalizations among homeless individuals were related to mental illness and substance use disorder, differing starkly from non-homeless individuals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 21, 2018

Convincing Chinese smokers to kick the habit -- by text

A 12-week-long mobile phone-based intervention encouraging Chinese smokers to quit resulted in a 6.5% success rate, significantly higher than control group rates. Researchers suggest this approach could improve population health and be considered for large-scale use in China.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 18, 2018