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Head out to the ski slopes, for happiness' sake

A study by Hyun-Woo Lee and colleagues found that skiing and snowboarding experiences enhance happiness and satisfaction. Flow, or losing oneself in the activity, had the greatest direct impact on satisfaction, followed by involvement. The research supports positive psychology's benefits of physical activity in enhancing well-being.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 2, 2013

Birth gets the brain ready to sense the world

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that birth in mice causes a reduction in serotonin levels, triggering the formation of neural circuits in sensory maps. This finding suggests that birth plays an active role in preparing the newborn for survival outside the womb.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 14, 2013

Early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease prevents psychological and behavioral symptoms

A recent study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease can significantly reduce psychological and behavioral symptoms. Persons with a very mild Alzheimer's disease diagnosed at an early stage are better able to manage their daily activities than those diagnosed at a...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateJul 18, 2013

Mental health and NCDs

Collaborative care models integrate NCD care and mental health services in primary care settings, strengthening healthcare systems and reducing costs. Implementation of these models requires investments in human resources and research to address the global burden of mental health and non-communicable diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 14, 2013

Media coverage of mass shootings contributes to negative attitudes towards mental illness

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health confirms that news stories about mass shootings involving a shooter with mental illness contribute to negative perceptions of mental illness. Reading such articles raised readers' support for both gun restrictions for persons with serious mental illness and policies to ban ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2013

Pain from the brain

Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with psychogenic disease, which is caused by emotional or mental stresses. The study suggests that understanding these underlying mechanisms could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateFeb 24, 2013

Study examines autism law, financial burdens

A new study by Susan Parish found that families living in states with parity laws spent significantly less on healthcare needs for their children with autism. Families in these states incurred lower out-of-pocket costs, averaging $500 annually, compared to those without such legislation, where costs were much higher.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateJul 16, 2012

A new MCAT for tomorrow's physician

A new medical college admission test (MCAT) is proposed to prioritize knowledge of behavioral and social sciences. The authors argue that this shift will help practicing physicians address modifiable behaviors contributing to premature deaths in the US.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 4, 2012

Implementation of suicide recommendations across England and Wales led to decreased suicide rates in the decade after implementation began

Researchers analyzed data from England and Wales, finding that services implementing recommended interventions saw a significant decrease in suicide rates. The provision of 24/7 crisis care was associated with the largest reduction in fatalities, while local policies on patients with dual diagnosis and multidisciplinary reviews also sh...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 1, 2012

A vaccination against social prejudice

A new study published in Psychological Science found that vaccination and hand washing can reduce bias against stigmatized groups, including immigrants and the obese. The researchers conducted three experiments, which showed that people who felt secure through these measures exhibited less prejudice towards out-groups.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 1, 2011

Rates of suicide attempts and hospitalizations in children and adolescents

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that children and adolescents in foster care are at increased risk of suicide attempts and hospitalizations, but rates decrease after they enter care. Children with psychiatric disorders had the largest decrease in attempted suicides and hospitalizations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 17, 2011

Rebooting psychotherapy

Several prominent scientists respond to a call for rethinking the current approach to mental health care, highlighting innovative programs like those developed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The authors emphasize the need to reduce the burden of mental illness in the United States through improved treatment and accessibility.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateSep 13, 2011

First study to be based on a nationwide homeless register shows large differences in mortality rates and life expectancy in homeless people compared with general population

A nationwide homeless register study found that homeless men and women have significantly higher mortality rates, with six times the risk of death compared to the general population. Homeless individuals also had lower life expectancy, particularly among younger men and women.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 13, 2011

Childhood psychological problems have long-term economic and social impact, study finds

A new study found that childhood psychological problems can have significant negative impacts on an individual's life, including reduced earnings and decreased chances of establishing long-lasting relationships. The study, which followed a group of British residents for 50 years, found that family income was approximately one-fourth lo...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2011

Unexplained childhood disorders

A study explores the experiences of parents whose children have undiagnosed learning disorders, developmental deficits, and congenital abnormalities. The researchers identify frustration as a common theme, adding complexity to the parenting journey. The findings highlight the need for support and understanding for these families.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateOct 13, 2010

Feeling insecure in relationships may predispose people to later health problems, says research

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people with insecure attachments in relationships may be at higher risk for cardiovascular problems. Those with anxious attachments were particularly associated with a range of health conditions, including chronic pain and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers al...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJul 20, 2010