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Initiative seeks to bridge research and care related to mental illness

A new initiative brings together findings from mental health research and clinical care to develop better treatments for psychological disorders. The National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria provides a framework for this approach, which is highlighted in an article about RDoC-oriented research.

SourceWiley·JournalPsychophysiology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Why you should never use the term 'the mentally ill'

Researchers found that people showed less tolerance toward those referred to as 'the mentally ill' compared to 'people with mental illness.' The study involved college students, non-student adults, and professional counselors, showing that language choice can influence attitudes towards mental health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJan 26, 2016

Should psychiatric hospitals ban smoking completely?

Experts argue that banning smoking in all areas of psychiatric hospitals can lead to better patient engagement with treatment and improved mental health. Studies show that patients with serious mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 4, 2015

New study links drinking behaviors with mortality

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found that social and psychological problems caused by drinking generally trump physically hazardous drinking behaviors when it comes to overall mortality rates. Light drinkers reported surprisingly high percentages of problems, with 48% experiencing some issue with alcohol in t...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 28, 2015

Education may not improve our life chances of happiness

A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that all levels of educational attainment have similar odds of high mental wellbeing. High mental wellbeing is defined as feeling good and functioning well, with surprising results including increased odds among Afro-Caribbeans, particularly men.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 25, 2015

Sickness and health between men and women

A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateFeb 19, 2015

Does illness make people lonely?

A Concordia University study found that chronic illness is often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, even in people with long-term partners. The research suggests that self-protective strategies can reduce stress and prevent feelings of loneliness.

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateFeb 11, 2015

Long working hours linked to increased risky alcohol use

A new study published in The BMJ found that employees who work more than 48 hours per week are more likely to engage in risky alcohol consumption. The study analyzed data from 333,693 people across 14 countries and found a significant association between long working hours and increased risk of higher alcohol use.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 13, 2015

Most mental health disorders not increasing in children and youth: Large Canadian study

A large Canadian study published in CMAJ found that symptoms of mental illness in children and adolescents are not increasing, contrary to popular media perceptions. The study suggests a decline in depression and anxiety, as well as suicidal behavior among youth, while hyperactivity increased in younger age groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2014

Sexual fantasies: Are you normal?

Researchers define sexual deviation by identifying common and rare fantasies in a general population survey. The study found that men have more and more vivid fantasies than women, while women distinguish between fantasy and desire more clearly.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateOct 31, 2014

Treatment of substance abuse can lessen risk of future violence in mentally ill

A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests that reducing substance abuse has a greater influence on reducing violent acts by patients with severe mental illness. The study found that treating substance abuse was more effective in decreasing aggression than improving psychiatric symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateOct 1, 2014

Public feels more negative toward drug addicts than mentally ill

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people are more likely to have negative attitudes toward those suffering from drug addiction than those with mental illness. The researchers suggest that society often perceives substance abuse as a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateOct 1, 2014

Eating five a day may keep the blues away

Fruit and vegetable consumption consistently associated with high and low mental wellbeing, suggesting potential role as driver of mental health in the general population. High mental wellbeing linked to healthier lifestyle habits, while low mental wellbeing strongly linked to mental illness and physical diseases.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 23, 2014

Forgetting is actively regulated

A team of scientists has found a molecule that actively regulates memory loss, revealing the process of forgetting is not passive but rather an active process. The discovery could lead to new treatments for mental disorders such as Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·DateMar 13, 2014

Study shows mentally ill more likely to be victims, not perpetrators, of violence

A study by North Carolina State University researchers found that nearly one-third of adults with mental illness are at risk of being victims of violence, while those who commit violence tend to do so in residential settings. The study also highlights the need for stronger public health interventions to protect individuals at risk

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 25, 2014

Diabetes, epilepsy and asthma increase risk of self-harm

Research identifies moderate risk of self-harm among patients with diabetes, epilepsy, and asthma, as well as other physical illnesses. The study emphasizes the need for physicians and mental health workers to be aware of associated risks to better identify at-risk individuals.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2014