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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

Folate deficiency creates hitherto unknown problems in connection with cell division

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found that folate deficiency creates far more damaging chromosomal abnormalities than previously known. This can lead to problems with cell division and DNA replication, increasing the risk of diseases like infertility, mental health disorders and cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2018

People in Canada have good health, are living longer: Global Burden of Disease Study trends

A recent study found that Canadians have good overall health, with a high level of health-adjusted life expectancy. The leading causes of death and disability are noncommunicable diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The study also shows an aging population, with people over 65 years outnumbering younger Canadians.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 5, 2018

Experts recommend new way to describe cognitive changes after anesthesia, surgery in elderly patient

Experts recommend changing the way clinicians and patients describe cognitive changes experienced after anesthesia and surgery, particularly in elderly patients. The new nomenclature suggests Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder (PND), which includes delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and mild or major neurocognitive disorder.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateOct 16, 2018

Reducing mutant Huntington disease protein can restore cognitive function in mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that reducing mutated Huntington disease protein can restore cognitive and psychiatric impairments in mice. This breakthrough offers new hope for preventative treatment, as approximately one in seven thousand people in Canada suffer from the debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 3, 2018

White mass shooters receive sympathetic media treatment

A new study found that white mass shooters are 95% more likely to be described as mentally ill in media coverage compared to black shooters. The research analyzed 219 mass shootings and found that whites were often framed as sympathetic characters, while black shooters were portrayed as dangerous and a menace to society.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateJul 17, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report, March-April 2018

Experts argue that scientific progress can generate harm, while researchers propose a revised standard for disclosing incidental findings. Bioethicist Daniel Callahan also suggests delaying technological innovation to consider its consequences. Additionally, experts like Sean Philpott-Jones advocate for concrete policy measures on gun ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 5, 2018

Health check can spot psychologically vulnerable persons

Aarhus University's study found that 9% of participants in a health check were psychologically vulnerable and lacked assistance from medical doctors or psychologists. The study suggests that including mental health assessments in health checks can help identify those in need, enabling targeted support and prevention.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateMar 22, 2018

Feel anxious? Have trouble sleeping? You may be traveling for business too often

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that frequent business travelers experience more symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study also showed a link between extensive business travel and unhealthy behaviors like smoking, sedentary behavior, and substance abuse.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 8, 2018

Social interactions override genetics when birds learn new songs

Researchers found that young male songbirds can overcome their genetic predisposition to sing like their fathers with enriched early experience. The study used Bengalese finches and found that exposure to a computerized tutor or live adult males reduced the genetic contribution to complex behaviors like birdsong.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 26, 2017

Has the Mental Health Act had its day?

Experts argue that a non-discriminatory legal framework governing involuntary treatment could replace unjust discrimination against people with mental ill health. Critics, however, worry that changing the law without proper resourced services could lead to reduced rates of compulsion and decreased care for vulnerable individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 15, 2017

Shifting attitudes on pre-planned death raises new questions for clinicians

Clinicians must consider alternative modes of responding to challenges posed by pre-planned deaths, where decisionally capable individuals choose the time, place, and manner of their death. The concept raises questions about dignity, care, and terminology surrounding physician-assisted suicide and patient-initiated, self-conducted deaths.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 14, 2017

Smartphone app may help older adults manage serious mental illness and chronic health conditions

A new study in The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that middle-aged and older adults can successfully use a smartphone-based intervention to self-manage their serious mental illness. The app takes patients through 10 sessions over three months, covering topics such as stress vulnerability and medication adherence.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2017

Study addresses misconceptions about electroconvulsive therapy

A new study has found that patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric disorders have a positive experience, with 80% viewing the treatment as useful and 70% finding it more efficacious than drug therapy. The study aims to validate ECT as a less frightening option by improving its administration standards.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2017

Using a patient's own words, machine learning automatically identifies suicidal behavior

A new study uses machine learning algorithms to classify patients into one of three groups: suicidal, mentally ill but not suicidal, or neither. The tool achieved up to 93% accuracy in identifying suicidal behavior and has the potential to support clinicians and caregivers in suicide prevention.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateNov 7, 2016

The Lancet Psychiatry: First field trial supports removing transgender diagnosis from mental disorders chapter within WHO classification

A study of 250 transgender people in Mexico City found that distress and dysfunction were more strongly predicted by experiences of social rejection and violence than by gender incongruence itself. The researchers suggest that removing the diagnosis of transgender identity from mental disorders classification could improve health care ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 2016