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Patients with treatment resistant depression at higher risk of death

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry finds that patients with treatment-resistant depression have a 23% higher risk of death, as well as significantly more outpatient care and hospitalization days. The researchers emphasize the importance of identifying patients at risk of developing treatment-resistant depression to improve their ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2022

New research highlights lack of follow-up care for youth and young adults after hospitalization or ER visit for mental health

A study of over 100,000 emergency room visits and 95,000 mental health hospitalizations found that less than half received follow-up care within 30 days. Having established primary care and mental health care before an acute psychiatric service use is crucial for improving follow-up rates.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

BU study: increasing mental health staffing may reduce suicides among veterans

A new Boston University School of Public Health study found that increasing mental health providers at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities likely reduced suicide-related events among veterans who recently returned from active service. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 veterans and found a significant reduction in su...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness, according to analysis of 2015-2018 data

Analysis of 2015-2018 data reveals that 23.3% of hospital admissions of detained immigrants in Louisiana and Texas relate to infectious diseases, while 16.6% arise through psychiatric illness. The study found a significant correlation between immigration detention and increased healthcare utilization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 3, 2022

July issues of American Psychiatric Association journals highlight neuroscientific advances in treatment; provision of care among underserved populations

The July issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature new neuroscientific advances addressing major depression, anhedonia, and cognitive deficits. Research reports highlight the provision of care among underserved populations, including Hispanic communities with declining mental health services.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 5, 2022

Parental depression screening beyond the postpartum period has the potential to identify families needing support

A Rutgers study found that parental depression affects about one in five US families and can have severe consequences on children's health. The research suggests that increased screening for parental depression across a wider age range has the potential to identify families in need of resources.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Policies regarding police involvement in the care of students in mental distress at Ontario universities differ widely

A new study reveals that police involvement in student mental health transfers at Ontario universities differs significantly, with some universities using handcuffs routinely and others reserving them for rare circumstances. The study recommends engaging police only in high-risk situations to minimize restraints during transfers.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalCMAJ Open·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

People who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been less likely to seek help and have found it harder to access in-patient treatment, according to study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens

A study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens found that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to seek help and faced difficulties accessing in-patient treatment. The research used linked electronic health records to investigate healthcare contacts with self-harm during this period.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2022

Where the mind is without fear: Scientists discover mechanism behind the chemically induced suppression of fearful memories

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science identify brain regions and signaling pathways involved in fear extinction via delta receptor activation. The study suggests a potential therapeutic agent for post-traumatic stress disorders by suppressing fearful memories.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Antidepressants linked to lower suicide risk among 75+ in residential care

A study published in International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that antidepressants were associated with a lower risk of suicide among residents aged 75+, who had a significantly increased risk if taking sleep medication or having a history of self-harm. The research highlights the need for early recognition and quality care ...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2022

Tackling an epidemic

The opioid crisis in the US has reached epidemic levels, with over 100,000 drug overdose deaths reported for the first time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention attributes the rise to abuse of synthetic opioid fentanyl and the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 2, 2022

Trans people accessing acute mental health care more likely to experience marginalization

A new study by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reveals an association between trans individuals' need for acute mental health care and experiences of marginalization. Transgender individuals who access acute mental health care are twice as likely to be diagnosed with personality disorders than the general population.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateDec 8, 2021

Study finds excess use of non-emergency restraint among older psychiatric patients

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that older psychiatric patients are more likely to be restrained in non-emergency situations than younger adults. The research examined over 226,000 Ontario inpatient records and found a significant association between age, risk of falls, physical disability, and psychiatric symptoms...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2021

Experiences in prison reduce perceptions of corrections officers’ fairness, regardless of time served

A new study found that most incarcerated individuals' in-prison experiences lessen their perceptions of procedural justice and fairness, regardless of the length of time served. The research used a nationally representative sample of over 31,000 adults and examined various in-prison experiences on inmates' perceptions of staff members'...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateOct 22, 2021

Psychiatric patients at increased risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality

A large meta-analysis of 33 studies from 22 countries found that psychiatric patients are twice as likely to die or be hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and those receiving antipsychotic or anxiolytic treatments are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-associated mortality.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 16, 2021

Patients value staff dedication most when evaluating substance use treatment facilities

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to analyze online reviews of substance use treatment facilities, finding that staff dedication and professionalism were key qualities that drove patient satisfaction. The study identified 16 recurring themes in reviews, with 'dedicated staff' and '...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2021

Gut microbiome influences ALS outcomes

Researchers identified a new gut-brain connection in ALS, finding that altering the gut microbiome can prevent or improve disease symptoms in mice with a common genetic mutation. The study suggests that the gut microbiome may influence disease severity and could be a target for therapy.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 13, 2020

Online reviews reveal need for specialized drug treatment facility assessments

A study from Penn Medicine researchers analyzed online reviews of 539 Pennsylvania facilities to identify common themes associated with high-quality and low-quality care. The analysis found that five-star reviews were more likely to mention focus on recovery, staff helpfulness, and compassionate care, while one-star reviews were often ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 21, 2019

Can we still have fun if the UK goes carbon neutral?

Researchers from the University of Surrey found that ideal leisure activities for happiness and carbon reduction include goal-oriented pastimes like sports, reading, and socializing. However, these activities can be done in low or high carbon ways, emphasizing the need for a two-pronged approach to address long-distance travel.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Public Mental Health·DateJun 14, 2019

Exercise: Psych patients' new natural prescription

A new study suggests that physical exercise can alleviate patient symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, potentially reducing time spent in acute facilities. Practitioners are now considering exercise as a fundamental treatment option, alongside pharmacological interventions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019

Paramedics can safely evaluate psychiatric patients' medical condition in the field

Researchers found that paramedics can effectively identify acute psychiatric crises and divert them to specialized psychiatric facilities, reducing wait times for treatment. Over a five-year period, 22,000 psychiatric patients were treated at these facilities after being medically cleared by paramedics.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateDec 21, 2018

New guidelines on best practices for videoconferencing-based telemental health

The American Psychiatric Association and the American Telemedicine Association have released new best practices for videoconferencing-based mental health services, covering topics such as emergency situations, technical considerations, and patient selection. These guidelines aim to enhance the delivery of effective and safe telemental ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateOct 29, 2018

Payment incentives to psychiatrists in Ontario do not increase access for new patients

Research published in CMAJ found that payment incentives introduced in Ontario in 2011 did not increase access to care for new patients. Despite a 15% premium and $200 annual fee, psychiatrists showed no significant change in the number of monthly visits for those discharged from hospital or with previous suicide attempts.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 11, 2017

Study on integrative medicine in military health finds extensive offerings, widespread use

A new study reveals that most military treatment facilities offer at least one type of complementary and alternative medicine, with an estimated 76,000 patients using integrative health services each month. The most commonly used modalities are acupuncture and stress management/relaxation therapy for pain and mental health conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateNov 13, 2017

Using drugs to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

After psychiatric hospital discharge, many patients are still taking multiple antipsychotic drugs

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 10 patients discharged from state psychiatric hospitals continue to take multiple antipsychotic drugs. The high rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy is attributed to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and extended hospital stays, highlighting the need for revised standards and definitions.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateJul 19, 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