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New treatment could transform the mental health of children with epilepsy

A new treatment has been shown to reduce mental health difficulties in children with epilepsy compared to standard care. The Mental Health Intervention for Children with Epilepsy (MICE) treatment uses a modular approach to treat multiple conditions simultaneously, reducing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders by 40%.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2024

Physical fitness in adolescence linked to less atherosclerosis in middle age

A Swedish study of over 9,000 men found that those who were physically fit in adolescence had a lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. The researchers used advanced imaging technology to examine plaques in the coronary arteries and found associations with both good cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in youth.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Avid appetite in childhood linked to later eating disorder symptoms

A new study found that high food responsiveness in early childhood is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Children who exhibited high levels of hunger and desire for food were more likely to develop binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Daily intake of tree nuts, including pistachios, does not lead to weight gain, body fat gain, or changes in energy intake in Millennials

Millennial-aged adults who snack on pistachios and other tree nuts experience better weight control and more efficient use of dietary fat as an energy source. The study's results support the inclusion of tree nuts as part of a healthy self-care routine in 2024.

SourceAmerican Pistachio Growers·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 2024

Obesity and alcohol are contributing to increases in bowel cancer rates among young adults

Experts predict a significant increase in bowel cancer death rates among young adults in the EU and UK, driven by rising obesity and heavy alcohol consumption. Death rates are predicted to rise by 26% in men and nearly 39% in women in the UK, with similar increases seen in Italy and other European countries.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 28, 2024

Studying the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in young adults

A study published in ScienceDirect reviews the overlap between cannabis use and psychosis, highlighting the potential risks of cannabis on neurobiology. The study suggests that cannabis can exacerbate psychosis symptoms and impact motivation and attention, but also notes some potential benefits of cannabis use for social functioning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychiatric Clinics of North America·DateJan 23, 2024

Sexual minority young people in Canada more likely to experience harmful police contact

A new study published in the Annals of Epidemiology found that bisexual individuals reported higher levels of police contact and law enforcement harassment in Canada. The study's authors call for greater police training to improve interactions with sexual minority persons and intervention efforts to support them after adverse experiences.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateJan 22, 2024

Participation in Vermont’s linking learning to careers program increases engagement with a wider array of vocational services and boosts earnings

The study found that participants in the LLC program used more preemployment transition services and vocational rehabilitation services, resulting in higher earnings. Demographic variation was minimal, with no significant differences in service uptake among groups.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

Do symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder facilitate substance use as a coping method among children after a natural disaster?

A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that certain symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are associated with a higher risk of substance use among children after a natural disaster. The study identified irritable behavior and angry outburst symptoms as being linked to the greatest risk for coping through...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateJan 10, 2024

Real-world analysis: COVID-19 vaccine strongly effective for children and adolescents during delta and omicron

A real-world study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in protecting children and adolescents from infection, with 98% reduced risk during the delta variant phase. Vaccine effectiveness slightly declined during the omicron wave, but still provided strong protection against severe illness and cardiac complications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

New study explores how young people with early-onset psychosis view substance use and interventions

A new study by Southern Methodist University's Neely Myers found that young people with early-onset psychosis are ambivalent about stopping substance use. Participants offered feedback on ways to improve care, including more information about substance use and strategies for addressing psychological and physical pain.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalEarly Intervention in Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateDec 19, 2023

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients needed for them and their babies – and situation could worsen with plant-based foods

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that 90% of pregnant women in high-income countries lack key vitamins necessary for healthy pregnancies and fetal development. The situation is expected to worsen as more people adopt plant-based diets, leading to increased risk of nutrient deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

Trends in adult smoking prevalence

A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 1, 2023

Do extracurricular activities always give children a head start? Research says maybe not

A study by Dr Lixin Ren found that extracurricular activities have a limited impact on math skills in preschool children, with effects dependent on behavioral regulation and approaches to learning. For children with poor self-regulation skills, structured activities can improve early math skills.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of School Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

E-cigarette use among adults

E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023

Youngest children in class with ADHD as likely to keep diagnosis in adulthood as older pupils, find scientists

Children diagnosed with ADHD at a young age are just as likely to retain the diagnosis in adulthood as their older peers, according to a new study. The research, which examined data from over 6,500 patients globally, suggests that the youngest children in class are not more likely to lose the diagnosis over time.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 26, 2023