Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Eczema in early childhood and psychological problems

A prospective birth cohort study of 5,991 children found that early childhood eczema was associated with increased risk of psychological abnormalities and emotional problems at age 10. Children with persistent eczema beyond the first two years were more likely to develop mental health issues.

OHSU researchers study the idling brain

Researchers use MRI to identify brain regions that activate while at rest, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools for ADHD and other mental health disorders. By analyzing brain activity in typically developing subjects versus those with disorders, the team aims to pinpoint distinct functional differences.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 7, 2009

With mental health insurance, price matters

A new study found that when the price of mental health services is equivalent to primary care co-payments, more people will seek follow-up care after an initial hospitalization for a mental illness. This leads to improved quality of care and reduced costs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 23, 2008

Eye divergence in children triples risk of mental illness

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that children with misaligned eyes are at a significantly increased risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood. Children with exotropia (eyes that diverge outward) were three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than those with normal eye alignment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 26, 2008

Elsevier launches Asian Journal of Psychiatry

The Asian Journal of Psychiatry aims to bridge a knowledge gap in psychiatric research and development across Asia, focusing on regional mental health issues. The first issue includes reports on psychosocial responses to disasters, highlighting the need for evidence-based literature on psychiatric disorders in the Asian continent.

Adverse events in hospitals occur 3 times more among patients with communications problems

Researchers found that nearly 2400 patient records from 20 hospitals in Quebec revealed a significant correlation between communication problems and preventable adverse events. The study found that patients with comorbidities, psychiatric disorders, or multiple health issues were more likely to experience adverse events.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 2, 2008

Green tea compounds beat OSA-related brain deficits

Researchers found that green tea polyphenols administered through drinking water improved spatial learning and memory in rats with intermittent hypoxia, mimicking OSA. This suggests that GTPs may represent a potential interventional strategy for patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 15, 2008

No place like home: Katrina's lasting impact

A study found that severe housing damage is a key factor behind socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress after Hurricane Katrina. The research also revealed that blacks were substantially more likely to experience serious psychological distress, with almost one-third reporting high levels of distress.

A call for action

The Lancet Global Mental Health Group urges governments, agencies, and donors to scale up mental health services worldwide due to inadequate treatment rates. The cost is estimated at $2-$4 per person in low-income countries, a modest investment compared to other global disease burdens.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2007

Mental health: Neglected in the UK

UK mental health wards are criticized for being counter-therapeutic and unsafe, while a survey shows fewer people in England favor more tolerance towards mental illness. The Lancet editorial highlights the need for a substantial shift in public and ministerial attitudes to address these issues.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 12, 2007