Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Calls for improved support about menstruation changes during perimenopause

A new study highlights how perimenopausal women's periods may become unpredictable, heavy, and cause worse premenstrual symptoms. The research suggests that improved education and support are needed to manage these changes, including extra support in the workplace, emotional support from loved ones, and access to support groups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPost Reproductive Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 20, 2023

High levels of maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children’s behavior problems

Research found that women experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression, or stress during pregnancy had children with increased symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggressive behavior. The study suggests providing mental health care and support during pregnancy can help prevent childhood behavior problems.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation

A study by the University of Plymouth and Nottingham Trent University found that reading and writing poetry had a substantial positive impact on participants' wellbeing during the pandemic. Poetry helped reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting social and cultural recovery.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Poetry Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2023

Key Medicare payment model fails to improve mental health

A nationwide Medicare program aimed at promoting better healthcare and reducing costs by tying payments to quality and cost outcomes has shown no improvement in mental health care. The study found that patients with depression or anxiety received inadequate treatment, with those in accountable care organizations getting even less care.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Teenagers are most likely to seek help for anxiety or depression at the start of the school year, says new study

A new UK study found that teenagers are more likely to visit their GP about depression and anxiety at the start of the school year. The research analyzed data from over 5 million people in England and suggests that support for adolescents around mental health issues should be focused during the autumn.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2023

Communities of color experienced fear and mistrust of institutions during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that communities of color in Inland Southern California experienced fear and mistrust of institutions due to historical, cultural, and social traumas. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to address these traumas and promote community-based approaches for ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCulture Medicine and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2023

Depression, anxiety common among college students

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that depression rates were significantly higher among students who were not the same race as their peers at predominantly white colleges. First-generation students also experienced higher levels of depression compared to non-first generation students. Investing in diversity, equity, a...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateOct 17, 2023

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2023

Mental health issues in Latinx middle schoolers may increase risk of sleep problems, obesity and unhealthy behaviors

A new study found that Latinx middle schoolers with depression or anxiety are more likely to develop sleep problems, unhealthy weight gain, and sedentary behavior in high school. Prompt mental health treatment may help teens overcome these issues and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 10, 2023

Gaza electricity crisis creates major mental health problems - study

A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2023

Repetitive requests for patient intake forms could lead to inaccurately reported health conditions

A retrospective analysis of EHR data found that repetitive screening questions may compromise accuracy, especially in high-risk populations. The study suggests that prioritizing repetition for performance metrics can lead to administrative burden and low-value care, diverting clinical capacity from other essential services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Study shows millions of people live with co-occuring chronic pain and mental health symptoms

A new study found that nearly 1 in 20 adults in the US experience co-occurring chronic pain and anxiety or depression, resulting in functional limitations. The study analyzed data from 31,997 people and found that approximately 12 million people, or 4.9% of the adult population, have co-occurring symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalPain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

All work and no play will really make a dull life - new research reveals

A study across three countries found that individuals who prioritize achievement over enjoyment experience lower happiness the next day. In contrast, those who value freedom report a 13% increase in well-being, including better sleep quality and life satisfaction. Relaxation and hobbies also lead to a significant boost in well-being.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Targeted ultrasound can change brain functions for up to an hour after intervention

A new study suggests that transcranial ultrasound stimulation can be used to change specific types of activity within the brain, paving the way for targeted treatments of mental health conditions. The research found that TUS induced significant changes in GABA concentration and altered communication between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Study sheds light on increased reports of suicidal behavior in teens

A recent analysis of data from New Jersey found that the rate of hospital visits for self-harm and suicide attempts remained relatively stable, but diagnoses of suicidal ideation increased significantly over a 12-year period. The study suggests that changes in healthcare screening recommendations and coding regulations may be driving t...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

Culture-friendly therapies for treating anxiety and depression in Japanese youth

Researchers found that culturally adapted Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are effective in treating anxiety and depression in Japanese youth. The studies highlight the importance of cultural adaptation, user-centered design, and careful implementation of CBT programs to improve learning and treatment outcomes.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalClinical Child and Family Psychology Review·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 7, 2023

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels

Medical cannabis use in Australian patients with chronic health issues is linked to significant improvements in overall health-related quality of life and fatigue levels. Patients also report clinically meaningful reductions in pain and moderate-severe anxiety and depression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2023

People who are in good shape take fewer mental-health related medication

Research based on the Trøndelag Health Study found that people in good physical shape fill fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression medications. The study suggests that improving physical fitness can help prevent anxiety and depression, with men experiencing greater benefits from exercise than women.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Talk therapy with other moms an effective treatment for postpartum depression, McMaster research shows

Researchers at McMaster University found that peer-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered online significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. The model has the potential to substantially improve access to effective treatment for mothers with postpartum depression.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 31, 2023

Potential employers view job candidates differently if they post online about mental health

A new study by North Carolina State University reveals that posting about mental health challenges on LinkedIn can affect how potential employers perceive job applicants. Researchers found that disclosures about anxiety and depression led to viewers viewing candidates as less emotionally stable and less conscientious.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

Innovative therapy for anorexia nervosa shows promise

Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.

SourceLaureate Institute for Brain Research·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2023

Immune cells linked to anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease

A study suggests that immune cells, particularly regulatory T cells, play a role in anxiety and depression, with reduced expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 associated with major depressive disorders. Depletion of these cells leads to increased anxiety-like behaviors in mice, highlighting their potential link to these conditions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Poor report card for children’s wellbeing

A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Science backs mind-body tools like meditation and music for cancer-related anxiety

National guidelines recommend mindfulness meditation, yoga, and music therapy for cancer patients experiencing anxiety and depression. The guidelines are based on strong evidence from clinical studies, providing a comprehensive approach to managing these common side effects of cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 15, 2023

Cancer organizations recommend mindfulness-based interventions to treat anxiety and depression in patients

The Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommend mindfulness-based stress reduction, meditation, and mindful movement to treat anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients. These interventions have strong evidence supporting their benefits.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 15, 2023