Research on adult health and behavior. Covers suicide risk, regulated psilocybin, alcohol and cannabis use, and family and life choices.
A WVU researcher argues that more validation is needed for the increasing number of gallbladder surgeries performed for biliary dyskinesia, a functional gallbladder disorder. The researcher suggests that a combination of factors must come together to diagnose and select patients who would benefit from surgery.
A new study reveals that chicken, ketchup, and even morning lattes can contribute to overconsumption of saturated fat and added sugar. The analysis of data from 35,000 US adults found that these 'stealth' sources add up to a significant risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership. Individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction were more likely to own firearms as adults, possibly due to heightened vulnerability to physical violence.
Researchers found that 49% of respondents experienced a moderate to extreme impact on their mental or emotional wellbeing after encountering negative experiences in virtual environments. The study highlights the need for metaverse companies to instill clear regulatory frameworks for safe virtual spaces.
A new study found that job strain and effort-reward imbalance at work increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. The research suggests that recognizing and addressing psychosocial stressors at work can foster healthy environments.
A new study found that routine laboratory tests are not reliable for diagnosing Long COVID, with no biomarker among 25 clinical laboratory values providing a clinically useful diagnosis. The researchers suggest treating symptoms rather than relying on lab results to diagnose the condition.
A cohort study found that childhood and adolescent depression symptoms were associated with impaired adult psychosocial functioning. The study highlights the importance of screening and monitoring children and adolescents for depression to inform policymaking regarding young adult mental health and psychosocial outcomes.
A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.
Research highlights life course impact of neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage on premature mortality. Persistent low socioeconomic status from young to middle adulthood significantly increases risk of early death.
Researchers found that adults prioritize cognitive cues over vocal signals when evaluating a child's intelligence or negative emotions, while vocal cues dominate for assessing happiness or helplessness. This study provides insights into the complex dynamics of caregiver-child interactions and their evolutionary roots.
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
The latest issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on PTSD, phobias, and psychiatric vulnerabilities. A special issue on eating disorders is also highlighted in the August issue of Psychiatric Services.
A 50-state survey of US adults reveals decreased trust in physicians and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower levels of trust were associated with a lesser likelihood of pursuing vaccination, highlighting the importance of restoring public trust in healthcare.
A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.
Researchers found that adults' faces can be matched to their names at above-chance levels, but not in children. Machine learning algorithms revealed greater similarity between adult faces sharing the same name. The study suggests a 'self-fulfilling prophecy,' where social expectations shape physical appearance over time.
The AHA PREVENT equations could reduce eligibility for statin and antihypertensive therapy among 15.8 million US adults due to lower atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk predictions. This change may impact treatment guidelines and recommendations.
A new study found that adults with diabetes who meet the recommended physical activity guidelines may offset the increased mortality risk associated with excessive sitting time. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 adults with diabetes and found that those who were physically active had a lower risk of death compared to those who s...
A recent study found that people who experienced losses in childhood or adolescence showed signs of older biological age compared to those who hadn't experienced such losses. The research suggests that experiencing multiple losses, particularly in adulthood, is linked to faster biological aging.
A survey of 5,991 participants found presumptive PTSD to be prevalent long after mass violence incidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive screening efforts. The study suggests that MVIs have persistent impacts on communities, particularly those with prior exposure to trauma.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that mothers' mental health suffers when their families lack food resources, especially if they are the ones going without food. The study highlights the need for strategies to help moms or caregivers manage their mental health during times of food insecurity.
A new study sheds light on fatty liver disease MASH's pathology, revealing T cell activation and growth in response to poor diet. The research holds promise for developing a biomarker test to track disease progression before it's at a late stage.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a simulation model to examine how public health interventions affect fatalities among teens and young adults. The study found that a single measure is not effective in reducing alcohol-related crashes; instead, a combined strategy with three key tenets is necessary.
A study found that sexual minority and gender minority adults are more likely to avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians, highlighting the need for affirming care. Health care discrimination scores were also higher among these groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender adults.
Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.
Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increased screening rates among low-income minority patients. The clinic's strategy, including patient tracking and selective eye dilation, reduced the insufficient exam rate and improved detection rates.
A study reveals that sexual and gender minority adults in the US have a higher risk of developing epilepsy due to unique biological and psychosocial factors. The findings highlight the need for protected access to medical care for this population.
A comparative study evaluates three digital interventions as supplemental tools in healthcare systems. The findings suggest these digital interventions can support patients during waiting list-related delays in care.
A substantial increase in adults vaping for longer than six months has been reported, particularly among young adults, since 2021. Disposable e-cigarettes have played a significant role in this trend, with half of long-term vapers now mainly using these devices.
A new study found that children who move multiple times between ages 10 and 15 are 41% more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those who don't move. This effect is stronger than growing up in an income-deprived neighborhood, suggesting a settled home environment may protect against future mental health issues.
Medical debt exacerbates the mental health treatment gap among US adults, particularly those with depression and anxiety. The study highlights the need for new policies to protect against this financial barrier and ensure access to mental health care.
A stable childhood home environment has been shown to have a protective association against adult depression. Policies supporting settled childhoods should be promoted to reduce adulthood depression risk.
The study found that massage therapy has moderate-certainty evidence for some conditions but rare conclusive evidence of its superiority over other treatments. The review highlights the need for more research in this area.
A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...
A follow-up study found that COVID-19 infection accelerated the progression from pre-symptomatic to clinical type 1 diabetes in youth, with no observed effect in adults. Further research is needed to determine whether vaccination and monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms can help prevent or delay this progression.
A new study highlights the importance of friendships in supporting young people who self-harm, while also considering the potential negative impact on friends' own mental wellbeing. The review recommends that adults should extend support to young people who disclose a friend's self-harming behavior.
A new system developed by researchers at Binghamton University uses local computing power to analyze sensor data from everyday devices like smartphones and laptops, detecting abnormal movements with high accuracy. The Rapid Response Elderly Safety Monitoring (RESAM) system aims to cut reaction times and improve safety for older adults,...
Researchers found that removing the choroid plexus leads to a reduction of newly born immature neurons and fewer repairing damage caused by a stroke. The study suggests that the choroid plexus keeps regenerative cells ready to deploy to injured areas in animal models.
Tirzepatide was associated with significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. Future studies are needed to explore differences in other outcomes.
A new study found that bupropion is associated with the least amount of weight gain among common antidepressant medications, with users being 15-20% less likely to gain clinically significant weight. The research also highlights the varying weight gain effects of different antidepressants.
A six-year study found that consuming diets more closely aligned with the Mediterranean and DASH diets can lower levels of harmful blood markers and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. These dietary patterns emphasize plant-based foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and low intake of processed foods and sugars.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, low-income adults experienced improved health care affordability, resulting in reduced income-based disparities. Prescription medication affordability also increased across all income groups, suggesting a potential widening of existing inequities if safety-net policies are unwound.
A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.
Research by a University of Virginia undergraduate may help explain recurrent Crohn’s disease in children and open the door to new ways to treat or even cure the devastating condition. Children with relapsing Crohn’s had persistent disruptions of their microbiomes even after inflammation was successfully controlled.
Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher need for help with lost independence in later life. Traffic-related sources generate the largest and most consistent increases in risk, suggesting controlling air pollution may delay or divert care needs.
A large US cohort study found no association between multivitamin use and reduced mortality risk. The study included over 200,000 participants and analyzed data from three prospective cohorts.
A study found that individuals with stable employment have better identity synthesis and experience less identity confusion compared to those with unstable employment. Those with higher identity synthesis also report higher life satisfaction regardless of employment status.
Researchers found associations between childhood cognition, adolescent crystalized intelligence, and midlife fluid intelligence with DNA methylation age acceleration. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT was associated with a 0.048-year decrease in aging.
A study by JGU found that adolescents (14-20 years) are more satisfied with being single than their counterparts ten years ago. The researchers attribute this to the growing normalization of singlehood and changing attitudes towards romantic conventions among younger generations.
A cohort study of 10,634 participants reveals that childhood risk factors are associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of intervening in childhood to reduce the incidence of adult CVD, particularly for body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that transgender and gender-diverse adults in the US experience over 2-fold increases in frequent mental distress and depression. The population also faces significant health inequities compared to cisgender counterparts.
A randomized clinical trial found that an intermittent fasting plan consisting of two nonconsecutive fasting days and five days of meal replacement diet improved glycemic outcomes and weight loss in the short term compared to metformin or empagliflozin. The study suggests a promising initial intervention for type 2 diabetes management.
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
A randomized clinical trial found that both electronic cigarettes containing nicotine and varenicline were effective for 6-month smoking cessation. The study results suggest a potential new approach to smoking cessation.
A recent study found that mid-life inflammation is associated with slower late-life mobility, even among healthy adults. The link was strongest for individuals with sustained high inflammation over two decades.
Prolonged β-lactam antibiotic infusions associated with reduced 90-day mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock. This standard of care approach is now supported by high certainty evidence.
Patients with anorexia nervosa have a 4.5-times higher risk of dying compared to the general population, with psychiatric conditions doubling this risk. The presence of these conditions is also associated with a 1.9-fold higher risk of 10-year mortality in individuals diagnosed at age 6–25 years.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.
A cohort study found lower moderate to vigorous physical activity levels linked to increased cardiovascular disease or mortality in normoglycemic Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults. Adults with prediabetes may gain from reducing sedentary behavior and improving lifestyle factors beyond exercise alone
Research published in the Stroke journal found that teenage women who were overweight or obese had a higher risk of ischemic stroke before age 55. The study analyzed data from over 50 years and suggested that even temporary excess weight may have long-term health effects.
By 2050, at least 61% of US adults (184 million people) are projected to have some type of cardiovascular disease, with total costs tripling to $1.8 trillion. Population shifts, high blood pressure, and obesity will drive this increase.