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Using AI to predict suicidal behaviours in students

A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Study assesses the prevalence of mental illness during the pandemic among folks aged 50-80

A recent study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals aged 50-80 in São Paulo, Brazil, found that the prevalence of depression and anxiety remained relatively stable. The study, which involved over 2,000 participants, revealed a decrease in symptoms of both conditions during the pandemic period.

How experiencing diverse emotions impacts students

Experiencing diverse positive emotions improves student engagement with cognitive, behavioral, and emotional components. Students with greater positive emodiversity have a more diverse emotional life, enabling better adaptation to various school situations.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Psychology·DateJul 8, 2021

Multiple long-term physical health problems increase risk of depression later in life

A large-scale analysis of over 150,000 middle-aged people found that those with two or more physical health conditions were at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety. The study confirmed the importance of integrating mental health support into care plans for individuals with multiple physical health conditions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 22, 2021

Commercial video games could help treat mental illness

Researchers at Lero found that commercial video games could be used as an effective and stigma-free alternative for treating depression and anxiety. The study suggests that these games can be accessed at a low cost or for free, making them a viable option for people with limited access to mental health care.

SourceLero·JournalJMIR Serious Games·DateJun 17, 2021

Online mental health therapy significantly aids the isolated, immunosuppressed in pandemic

Researchers found that online mental health intervention improved anxiety and depression in people with scleroderma, a disease causing skin and connective tissue tightening. The four-week program offered group mental health intervention from trained peer support leaders, resulting in significant improvements six weeks later.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateJun 16, 2021

Olfactory virtual realities show promise for mental health practices and integrative care

A study published in the Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences found that scent-enhanced virtual reality technologies can improve therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Participants reported significant reductions in anxiety levels after OVR sessions, with improvements lasting up to three hours.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Medical Research and Health Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021

Otago study helps explain how religious beliefs are formed

A University of Otago study found that anxiety enhances recall of supernatural agents, leading to the formation of religious beliefs. The research suggests that anxious individuals are initially attracted to the scary traits of gods and other supernatural concepts due to their alarming effects on our expectations.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateMay 23, 2021

Health anxiety in childhood and adolescence can become chronic

A new study from Aarhus University finds that symptoms of health anxiety are common in childhood and adolescence, often resulting in persistent and significant problems. Children who experience these symptoms may require specialized psychological treatment, and parents play a crucial role in supporting their mental health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 3, 2021

More exposure to political TV ads heightens anxiety

A new study by Cornell University researchers has found a positive association between exposure to televised campaign ads and reported diagnoses of anxiety among U.S. adults. The study analyzed two large national datasets and found that increased ad exposure was linked to higher odds of being diagnosed with anxiety.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateApr 13, 2021

Pandemic-related anxiety in pregnancy

A survey of pregnant Japanese women and fertility patients found higher levels of anxiety related to health monitoring and social isolation. The study suggests improving communication to help pregnant women cope with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateMar 10, 2021

When peeking at your brain may help with mental illness

A meta-analysis of 17 studies found that participants could regulate neural activity in targeted regions using rtfMRI-NF, with a moderate impact during training and increased impact later without feedback. The study suggests a positive impact on brain and behavioral outcomes, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateMar 4, 2021

Identifying risk factors for elevated anxiety in young adults during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that children with high behavioral inhibition in toddlerhood were more likely to experience worry dysregulation and elevated anxiety in young adulthood. This research could help predict who is at greatest risk of developing anxiety during stressful life events and inform prevention efforts.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2021