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People with mental disorders lose years of their working life

A new study from Aarhus University found that people diagnosed with mental disorders work 10.5 years less than the general population. The researchers analyzed data from over 5 million individuals in Denmark and found that all types of mental disorders are associated with a substantial loss of working life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2022

University of Cincinnati study examines medication hesitancy to treat childhood anxiety disorders

A recent study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that only about 10% of children and adolescents who didn't improve with cognitive behavioral therapy opted for medication treatment. Patient characteristics, such as racial and ethnic minorities, younger patients, and expectations of treatment effectiveness, were identifi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

In utero exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety symptoms in adolescents

Researchers found that higher levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pregnant women were associated with increased anxiety scores in their children at age 12. The study suggests that exposure to flame retardants during early brain development may be a risk factor for developing anxiety symptoms in early adolescence.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalDepression·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

Autistic women have increased risk of mental illness

Researchers found that autistic women are more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions and hospitalization than men, with a higher risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and self-harm. The study suggests that healthcare needs to be expanded for young adults, especially autistic women, to detect mental illness in time.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 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

Mental health issues in quarantined cruisers

The study found anxiety, insomnia, and depression were prevalent mental health issues among quarantined individuals. Around 70% of mental health issues resolved with brief counseling sessions, highlighting the need for targeted support in disaster responses.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 11, 2022

New research shows children exposed to natural disasters in the womb have higher rates of developmental psychopathology in a sex-specific manner

Researchers found that children prenatally exposed to Superstorm Sandy had substantially increased risks for depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorders. Male children had elevated risks for attention deficit and disruptive behavioral disorders, while female children had elevated risks for anxiety disorders.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

Looking at images of people smiling at you extends antidepressant effects of ketamine

A clinical trial found that using positive words and images during the window of heightened brain plasticity after a single ketamine treatment can help maintain depression relief for at least one month. Researchers developed an automated intervention to pair ketamine with computer-based training, showing promising initial findings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 21, 2022

COVID-19 took serious toll on Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander mental and physical health

Two UC Riverside-led studies found 30% of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders diagnosed with COVID-19 and nearly 1 in 5 reported a close family member's death due to the virus. The research also highlighted high levels of substance use, depression, anxiety, and unmet treatment need among NH/PIs during COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPublic Health Reports·TypeSurvey·DateSep 16, 2022

Studying the OCD cycle

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new model of obsessive-compulsive disorder based on principles of reinforcement learning. The model suggests that imbalanced learning between reinforcement and punishment can lead to disordered behavior in OCD. This work helps explain how OCD develops and may be used t...

Minorities bore disproportionate mental health impact of pandemic

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that racial and ethnic minorities bore a disproportionate mental health burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. After controlling for various factors, Black participants were 1.16 times more likely to screen positive for depression, while Hispanic participants were 1.23 times more likely to do so.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 10, 2022

Veterans Health Administration aims to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions for people 75 and older

A new study within the Veterans Health Administration system identified effective strategies to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions for older adults. The researchers found that initiatives focusing on passive strategies like education and patient identification have limited success in lowering prescription rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 26, 2022

A ‘factory reset’ for the brain cures anxiety, drinking behavior

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that gene editing can reverse epigenetic changes in the brain caused by adolescent binge drinking, leading to a decrease in anxiety and excessive drinking behavior. The study used CRISPR-dCas9 technology to manipulate histone acetylation and methylation processes at the Arc gene.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022

New study challenges stereotypes surrounding mental illness

Researchers at the University of South Florida conducted a comprehensive review of data on 25,000 Canadians and found that long-term well-being is a realistic goal for some patients with mental illnesses. The study revealed that symptoms only correlate modestly with well-being, and that earlier treatment may improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Gastrointestinal issues linked with anxiety, social withdrawal for kids with autism

A new study found a bi-directional relationship between gastrointestinal issues and internalized symptoms in children with autism, highlighting the importance of the gut-brain axis. The research aims to develop personalized treatments for individuals with autism experiencing gastrointestinal problems.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 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

Children with migration backgrounds less likely to receive recommended psychiatric treatment, Swedish study shows

A Swedish study found that children with migration backgrounds are less likely to receive recommended psychiatric diagnoses and treatments for conditions like ADHD and depression. They were 40% less likely to receive certain diagnoses and 30% less likely to receive psychotherapy or ADHD drugs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Two in five adults with ADHD are in excellent mental health

A new nationally representative study found that two in five adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were in excellent mental health. Being married, physically active, free from chronic pain, and having no history of depression or anxiety were associated with complete mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Positive Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

The hidden cost of firearm injuries

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that people who survive firearm injuries face greater risks of mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and pain in the year following injury. The analysis showed significant increases in healthcare spending, with gunshot survivors averaging $2,495 more per month compared...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2022

Hugging a “breathing” cushion to ease anxiety

A new, touch-based device has been developed to ease anxiety in students by mechanically simulating breathing. The 'breathing' cushion was found to be equally effective at reducing anxiety as guided meditation in a study of 129 volunteers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2022

ADHD linked to hoarding behaviour – new study

A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with ADHD are significantly more likely to exhibit clinically significant hoarding symptoms. Approximately 19% of participants displayed hoarding symptoms, which can lead to distress and difficulties in everyday life.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2022

Extreme heat linked to increase in mental health emergency care

A nationwide study found that days with higher-than-normal temperatures during the US summer season were associated with increased rates of emergency department visits for any mental health-related condition, particularly substance use and mood disorders. The impact of heat on mental health was similar across age groups and regions, hi...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2022

COVID-19 survivors face increased mental health risks up to a year later

Research reveals that people who have had COVID-19 are more likely to experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, within a year after recovery from the virus. The study found that COVID-19 survivors were 60% more likely to suffer from mental health problems than those who were not infe...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

Study shows link between child poverty and mental health disorders in adulthood

A study by the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Childhood Psychiatric Disorders found an association between child poverty and externalizing disorders in adolescence and early adulthood. Child poverty was particularly harmful to women, increasing their risk of developing mental health problems and affecting educational attainment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2022

Risk factors linked to anxiety disorders differ between men and women during the pandemic

A Canadian study found that the pandemic-related risk factors for anxiety differ between men and women, with 13.6% of Canadians experiencing clinically significant levels of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Men's high anxiety was linked to exposure to COVID-19 misinformation, while women's anxiety was tied to precarious employment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Suicides by drug overdose increased among young people, elderly people, and Black women, despite overall downward trend

A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2022

Botox injections may reduce anxiety

Researchers found that Botox-treated patients reported anxiety significantly less often than those undergoing different treatments for similar conditions. The data used was from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System and showed a 22-72% lower risk of anxiety for four out of eight conditions and injection sites.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2021

Anxiety in children and adolescents could lead to young adult psychosis

A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Virtually guided exposure therapy improves outcomes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, preliminary study finds

A pilot study found that virtually guided prolonged exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms more effectively than traditional exposure alone, using real-time psychophysiology to tailor stress levels. Most patients saw a clinically significant reduction in their PTSD Checklist score after 10-12 sessions.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Almost all asylum-seeking children and parents who had been forced to separate at the US-Mexico border were subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, depressive and/or anxiety disorders, even after reunification

Forced family separation on the US-Mexico border led to a high incidence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety disorders in asylum-seeking children and parents. Reunification did not alleviate these symptoms, highlighting the need for continued support and intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2021

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021

Anxiety effectively treated with exercise

A study led by University of Gothenburg researchers found that both moderate and strenuous exercise significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety in patients with the disorder. Exercise intensity was also found to impact improvement, with higher intensity exercising resulting in greater symptom reduction.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 9, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals new insights into how the infant microbiome impacts early childhood behavior in boys and girls

A new Dartmouth-led study found a direct association between the infant microbiome and early childhood behavioral health, with sex-specific differences. The study characterized the species of microbes present in each participant's gut and their functions, establishing that microbiome changes occur before behavioral changes.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPediatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021