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Patients benefit from caregiver involvement in hospital discharge intervention

A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care found that patients with family caregivers present during recruitment had significantly higher consent rates and completion rates for a post-hospital transitional care coaching intervention. Family caregiver involvement was associated with improved health outcomes, including low...

SourceCare New England·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 5, 2014

'Protecting' psychiatric medical records puts patients at risk of hospitalization

A Johns Hopkins study reveals that keeping psychiatric medical records separate from primary care doctors' access can lead to increased hospital readmission rates. The researchers found that patients whose records were shared with non-psychiatrists had a 40% lower risk of readmission within the first month after discharge.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateJan 2, 2013

More casinos does not mean more gamblers

A new survey by the University of Iowa found that gambling rates among residents in eastern Iowa have decreased overall, with a rise in non-gamblers and a stabilization in problem gambler numbers. The study suggests that the number of casinos has not led to a corresponding increase in gamblers.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2012

A national mental health policy for Uganda

The Ugandan government has created a comprehensive national mental health policy aimed at addressing the country's growing mental health crisis. The policy provides guidelines for mental health care and services, including hospitalization, treatment, and community-based interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 2, 2012

Prior hospitalization for mental illness increases death risk in patients with chest pains

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization have a higher rate of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease compared to those without such a history. This increased risk was seen across both men and women, particularly among younger individuals.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 30, 2011

McLean: Improvements are needed for accuracy in gene-by-environment interaction studies

A comprehensive review of the first decade of gene-by-environment interaction research in psychiatry found that novel findings were more likely to be published but also more likely to be false positives. The study suggests a focus on replication is necessary to confirm accurate correlations between genes and environmental variables.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 8, 2011

Study shows that counselling-led by a lay person works well for depression and anxiety in public health facilities in Goa, India (MANAS trial)

A cluster randomised trial found that a collaborative stepped-care intervention led by lay health counsellors significantly improved recovery rates from common mental disorders among patients attending public primary care facilities. The intervention showed a greater effect in public facilities compared to private ones.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 13, 2010

The crime of mental illness

The article highlights the prevalence of mental health issues among prisoners and emphasizes the importance of training correctional staff, treatment programs, and community prevention programs. The editorial argues that society's values and understanding of mental health disorders contribute to this issue.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 31, 2010

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

New mental health help for juvenile offenders

The new guidelines aim to improve psychiatric evaluation, screening, and treatment for juvenile offenders. They recommend educating clinicians on unique system issues and refer juveniles with mental health or substance abuse disorders for systematic evaluation and treatment.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 2005

Genes and violent suicide

Researchers found a significant association between the L/S and S/S alleles of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region and suicidal tendencies in individuals with unknown psychiatric diagnosis. The study suggests that genetic factors, such as the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, may contribute to autoaggressive behavior and violent suicide.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2000

Mononucleosis-Depression Link Disproved

Researchers followed 144 HMO patients with mononucleosis for six months, finding transient psychological distress common but few met psychiatric criteria. The study suggests postviral depression is rare, often caused by new stressful life events rather than viral effects.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalGeneral Hospital Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 1999

New Gene For Mental Illness

Researchers have confirmed a link between a specific gene mutation and increased risk of depression, hospitalization, and suicidal attempts. The discovery aims to improve psychiatric diagnoses and treatments by enabling more precise identification of genetic predispositions.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 11, 1998