Research identifies significant barriers in ER care for patients with mental health and substance use disorders, including emotional, diagnostic, and logistical challenges. Broad changes are needed to improve emergency care for this patient population.
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 ...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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...
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'...
A randomized trial found that a video game with biofeedback can help youth learn to regulate their anger, leading to reduced aggression and oppositional behavior. The game trains kids to stay calm during stressful situations, and its effectiveness was validated in parents' and clinicians' reports.
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.
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 '...
A new study found that prisoners with mental illness were significantly more likely to be placed in extended solitary confinement. The study, which examined data from over 155,000 men, found that having a mental illness increased the likelihood of being placed in solitary by up to 170%.
Researchers found a significant association between prior psychiatric diagnoses and increased mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study evaluated the link between pre-existing mental health conditions and COVID-19-related deaths, providing new insights into the impact of psychiatric diagnosis on patient outcomes.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 317 US mental health units in correctional facilities, finding that most units offered group therapy and had dedicated staff. The review suggests that smaller unit sizes and more individualized services could improve outcomes for inmates with serious mental illness.
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.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released interim guidance on infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities to prevent COVID-19 spread. The guidance emphasizes early detection, personal protective equipment use, and cleaning measures.
A Finnish study of 6.2 million people from 1996 to 2014 found that lower household income is associated with a higher risk of first psychiatric hospitalization for mental disorders. The research used national registry data to examine the relationship between household income and mental health outcomes.
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 ...
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that the 2008 parity law increased Medicaid acceptance rates for substance use disorder treatment centers by more than 10 percentage points. The increase was attributed to an 8.4% boost in 2009, with higher acceptance rates in the Northeast and lower rates in the South and Southeast.
A study found psychiatric illnesses are prevalent in children and adults with kidney failure, with hospitalizations associated with a higher risk of early death. The prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses increased over time across age groups.
Researchers found that enhanced medical rehabilitation, which incorporates motivation during therapy sessions, leads to a 25% improvement in functional recovery among patients. The approach focuses on specific goals important to individual patients, resulting in better outcomes.
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.
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.
A recent Ohio University study found that American hospitals have seen a decline in opioid abuse treatment programs, despite the growing opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 3,365 acute-care hospitals and found that many hospitals dropped these programs between 2010 and 2015.
Researchers found that psychiatric readmissions occur later in the postpartum period, with younger women and those with multiple gestations at increased risk. Obstetric care providers should be aware of these risk factors to optimize postpartum care for at-risk women.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that only 36.1% of US outpatient treatment centers offer medication treatment for opioid use disorder, with significant variation among states. Treatment facilities in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to offer medication treatment.
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.
A recent study by the University of Waterloo found that mental health patients unable to perform basic activities experience significantly longer discharge delays. Researchers identified cognitive impairment, age, and socio-demographic factors as key predictors of delayed discharges.
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 ...
Research found that patients discharged between 1300-0100 were more likely to be readmitted compared to those discharged during earlier or later hours. Smoking cessation education also played a role in reducing readmission likelihood, with former smokers being more prone to rehospitalization.
Researchers found that conditional release programs often work for individuals found not guilty by reason of insanity, with 66% maintaining their release and only 1 out of 81 having a new non-violent offense. The HCR-20 tool, commonly used to assess violence risk, was also found to be less effective in predicting recidivism.
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.
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.
A new study found that sustained cannabis use is associated with an increase in violent behavior in young people after discharge from a psychiatric hospital. Chronic cannabis use also leads to deficits in the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that inhibits impulsive behavior.
Research from Aarhus University found that 29% of referred women over 18 have been prescribed psychiatric medicine before vaccination, compared to 17% for HPV vaccinated women. Women referred to HPV centers often had mental health issues before receiving the vaccine.
Following Anders Breivik's Norwegian parliament bombing and Utøya massacre in 2011, Danes saw a significant increase in trauma- and stressor-related disorders, with 2,736 extra cases reported. The study suggests media coverage played a crucial role in amplifying the negative effect on mental health.
Patients discharged from psychiatric facilities face a marked risk of suicide in the immediate period and for years afterward. The study's findings suggest that mental health professionals should prioritize post-discharge care to mitigate this risk.
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.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that people with mental illnesses suffer from severe social stigma, anxiety, and stress. Most mentally ill individuals are not violent, but their symptoms and treatment can influence the public's perception of danger.
A study of 185,419 depression diagnoses in Denmark found that the transition from daylight saving time to standard time leads to an increase in depression diagnoses, affecting all severity levels. The researchers suggest that the loss of morning sunlight and shorter days may contribute to this effect.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that psychiatric patients wait significantly longer in ERs than non-psychiatric patients, often being transferred elsewhere. The shortage of psychiatric inpatient beds and limited outpatient mental health facilities contribute to this issue.
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.
A study found that patients with a larger hippocampus are more likely to respond to exposure-based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers examined the relationship between hippocampus volume and response to treatment in 50 participants with PTSD.
Despite a significant increase in telemedicine visits, only 0.7% of rural Medicare beneficiaries received a telemedicine visit in 2013, according to a study published in JAMA. The majority of visits were for mental health conditions, and rural beneficiaries who received telemedicine were more likely to be younger or have disabilities.
A comprehensive review of studies on detainees' health found that most Canadians in correctional facilities have mental health and substance abuse issues. The vast majority of people in custody attempt or complete suicide, and more than half report childhood abuse.
A new study from UMass Amherst found that older adults report feeling more serenity and having a richer concept of what it means to feel serene. They also exhibit fewer depressive symptoms and less shame associated with negative emotions compared to younger adults.
A study in Medical Care journal reveals that overcrowding in Israeli psychiatric wards is associated with higher rates of problem incidents, including falls and aggressive behavior. The research found a 'dose-response' effect, where increasing overcrowding leads to an increased risk of incidents.
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.
Most drug residues discharged to wastewater originate from private households, according to a study by Leuphana University. The researchers found that health care facilities, such as hospitals and psychiatric clinics, emit significantly lower levels of contaminants, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on medication disposal.
A study found that RWHAP-funded facilities provided more comprehensive services, including case management and mental health support, compared to non-funded facilities. Despite this, nearly 75% of patients at RWHAP-funded facilities achieved viral suppression, while some subgroups benefited from these services.
A new study reveals that almost one in four psychiatric patients in Ontario hospitals are restrained using control interventions. This can damage therapeutic relationships and stigmatize patients, with health-care providers administering medication to manage dangerous situations.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that caring parent-adolescent relationships reduce the likelihood of suicidal thoughts leading to attempts. Adolescents with a history of suicide attempts reported lower parental care than non-suicidal adolescents.
A survey of 348 psychiatric hospital workers found that 99% experienced verbal conflict with patients, while 70% reported being assaulted in the previous year. The study highlights the need for improved strategies to address conflicts and assaults in these settings.