A yearlong study found that early depression and anxiety predicted later economic hardship, while financial strain went on to predict worsening depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Economic hardship was consistently associated with a higher likelihood of clinically significant depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
A new analysis in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that permanent standard time is the preferred choice for health, as it preserves morning light and aligns with human circadian biology. This can lead to improved sleep, mood, and overall health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, adolescents, and...
A study found that muscle dysmorphia symptoms are associated with seven of eight sexual difficulties, including anxiety during sex and difficulty reaching climax. Greater appearance-related distress and body dissatisfaction are particularly linked to these issues.
A recent study found that nearly half of lawyers reported high or very high burnout, with burnout strongly associated with workplace conditions and psychological distress. The study also revealed high levels of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among lawyers, as well as hazardous drinking.
A study of mental health stigma in Japan found that high levels of social distancing toward people with mental illness serve as a barrier to care. However, a sense of 'mattering' may encourage treatment. Prior treatment experience and beliefs about treatment efficacy were also associated with greater treatment-seeking willingness.
A study published in the Journal of Mental Health found that colouring on devices is as effective as traditional colouring in reducing stress and anxiety in young people. The research, led by the University of Southampton, used digital colouring applications and found significant improvements in wellbeing and mindfulness.
Four APA journals feature special issues on neuromodulation, precision therapeutics, and various psychiatric topics. Research highlights include studies on esketamine, psychotherapy, and mental health tools.
A study of over 5,500 adolescents found that those who took more daily steps had fewer mental health problems a year later. Higher step counts were associated with differences in brain areas linked to movement and mood, explaining the link between physical activity and mental health.
A study found that family caregivers who write immediately after a stressful event or while with the care recipient tend to focus on emotional expression, whereas those who wait or change their environment exhibit more objective reflection and problem-solving. The researchers hope their findings will encourage caregivers to recognize t...
A new review of research from across sub-Saharan Africa found that food insecurity is linked to depression, suicide attempts, HIV vulnerabilities, and poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes among adolescent mothers. The study suggests that addressing hunger may also help reduce depression and other mental health burdens.
A behavioral economics study of nearly 15,000 South Koreans over six years found that people are more likely to report suicidal ideation when their life is perceived to be getting worse relative to their recent past. The study's key findings suggest that loss aversion is a stronger predictor of suicide risk than life circumstances.
The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center, operating nurse-led clinics in West Palm Beach, has earned a federally funded FQHC designation, allowing it to strengthen services and reach more patients. The center provides care regardless of ability to pay and serves nearly 1 million people nationwide.
A new study found that children of mothers with depression have a higher risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, regardless of antidepressant exposure. The study followed over 167,000 children and found a significant association between maternal depression and special educational needs in children.
A study of 100,000 young adults found that those using generative AI for health questions are more likely to screen positive for anxiety and depression, with odds increasing by 52% for anxiety and 46% for depression. The study suggests an association between AI use and mental health but does not establish causation.
A Colorado study found nearly 1 in 10 petitions for extreme risk protection orders involved service members or veterans, often involving suicide threats, violence, and mental health crises. Temporary ERPOs were granted in 47 cases, with 76.6% being extended to full 365-day orders.
A national survey of Ukrainian residents found that 31.2% met criteria for PTSD or complex PTSD, with factors including being female, older age, and displacement due to the war. The study emphasizes the need for sustained mental health support in ongoing conflicts.
A new review found that insomnia is associated with a 26% higher risk of stroke and 28% higher odds of hospital admission. The study also linked insomnia to depression, suicidal behaviors, and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a soft, reusable smart contact lens that measures serotonin levels in tears, shedding light on stress-related physiological changes. The device, part of a broader tear bioelectronics platform, detects serotonin at low concentrations, enabling the tracking of small changes in stress levels.
A SWPS University study investigated the potential of using humour to treat depressive states, finding humour can improve mood and boost resilience, but not during acute phase, when it can worsen mood. The study highlights the importance of tailored humour interventions and caution when using humour with individuals with depression.
A preliminary study led by UC San Francisco found that reducing ultra-processed food intake significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants, who reduced their intake by over 85%.
A Tulane University study found that loneliness and social isolation can cost people nearly six years of life free from mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The study, published in Nature Communications, also found a smaller but still significant toll on physical health.
Experiencing childhood trauma increases likelihood of smoking, substance use, and unhealthy eating habits due to behavioural problems in adolescence. Early interventions addressing these mental health difficulties may reduce long-term physical health consequences of childhood trauma.
A survey of 78 student-athletes found nearly 40% reported having suicidal thoughts, highlighting the need for suicide prevention training. The athletes expressed a desire for more widespread information on mental health and want resources to be readily available.
A Northwestern University study found that 20 minutes of calming music significantly improves clinician energy levels and mood, increasing from 56% to 83% after the intervention. The music, designed to slow brain activity and promote relaxation, may provide an easy and practical way to support clinicians' wellbeing.
A Texas A&M University study found that employees who consumed more negatively perceived political information experienced higher anxiety and lower work engagement. Conversely, consuming positive political information was associated with greater hope, stronger engagement, and higher helping behavior towards co-workers.
A national study finds that over half of US adults have experienced physical violence and nearly half have experienced sexual violence, with stark disparities in who experiences violence and its link to economic hardship, mental health, and substance use. The study highlights the need for a broader strategy to prevent violence, address...
A comprehensive review of 20 years of research involving over 80,000 carers found that many deprioritise and dismiss their own emotional needs, highlighting the need for psychological support-seeking among carers.
Researchers propose using carefully designed combinations of approved drugs to create a more convincing placebo, limiting participant disclosure, and rigorous testing to ensure effective masking. This approach, called UMBRAA, aims to overcome the challenge of distinguishing between psychedelic effects and the power of expectation.
A new study found that emergency room visits for gambling disorders increased by 154% among males aged 10-29 and 116% among males aged 30-44 after the expansion of online gambling in Ontario. The study suggests that the concentration of this increase among younger males is particularly concerning.
Researchers tracked language usage in books and news media, finding a recent surge in identity-first language usage, reversing a long-held trend towards person-first language. The study suggests changing attitudes towards autism and identity.
Researchers at UCI are developing a countywide system of care to identify youth at risk of psychosis and connect them with support, with the goal of preventing first episodes. The four-year initiative aims to provide treatment and coordinated care to over 150 young people, with outreach to families, schools, and community organizations.
Researchers found that mind-body interventions, including mindfulness-based cancer recovery and tai chi/qigong, improved symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in cancer survivors. The study, which included over 500 participants, highlights the value of a whole-person approach to cancer survivorship care.
A study from the University of California, Davis, shows that interacting with miniature horses and donkeys can improve adolescents' mood and reduce loneliness and sadness. Teens who recognized the animals' body language cues, such as lip-wriggling and walking away, showed bigger reductions in these emotions.
The study validated the Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) in the Greek context, examining its relationship with attitudes toward mental illness. The Greek CASS demonstrated high internal consistency and construct validity, with moderate correlations between cancer stigma and attitudes toward mental illness.
A new study found that nearly 50,000 children and young people on child protection plans and 84,000 in care are at risk of mental health difficulties. Only 9-18% of these children had contact with mental health services in a given year, highlighting the need for increased support and referrals.
Research suggests air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and noise pollution may increase risk of death by suicide and suicidal thoughts. Environmental exposures are considered modifiable risk factors in suicide prevention strategies.
The University of Cincinnati is part of a new $18 million Ohio initiative to expand the behavioral health workforce. The Ohio Behavioral Health Scholarship (OBHS) Program offers full tuition coverage to graduate students in high-need clinical fields. Students must commit to working in underserved Ohio communities for the duration of th...
Reading for pleasure is associated with better mental health, greater empathy, and a lower risk of dementia, according to scientists. Research highlights the benefits of reading for enjoyment at any age, with benefits extending to adults and children.
A study published in Nature Communications found that living in hotter, more polluted neighborhoods with limited green space increases the risk of frailty, PTSD, and depression among World Trade Center responders. In contrast, greener environments were associated with lower risks of these conditions.
State funding for suicide prevention has increased over the past five years, with spending growing from an average of $1.05 per resident in 2021 to $6.55 in 2025. States with telecom fees allocated significantly more funds to crisis services, suggesting a promising strategy to enhance infrastructure.
New research from the University of Exeter found that greater independence is not automatically associated with better wellbeing in children. The study highlights the importance of creating conditions that make independence possible, including safer communities and support for parents.
Researchers found that music produced a distinct reorganization of communication between auditory regions and key stress-related areas, including the insula and thalamus. Music was associated with improved positive mood and faster physiological recovery from acute stress.
A study found that infants expect caregivers to comfort crying babies, and that this expectation is associated with the mental health of mothers. Infants as young as 6 months old showed surprise when caregivers ignored their crying, but not when they were comforted.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has been awarded $6 million to develop new treatments for people with severe mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide. The research focuses on cognitive flexibility, which can help individuals adjust to changing situations and improve their mood and overall wellbeing.
A new study suggests that fear-based education around pornography is failing young people, as it fails to reflect how teenagers actually encounter sexual media. The researchers propose a new framework called 'safe uncertainty', which encourages open and structured discussions about pornography.
A nationwide birth cohort study found that negative feelings about pregnancy are associated with child developmental delays, while social support reduces risks. Mothers who reported 'no specific feelings' when learning of their pregnancy had the strongest association with developmental delays, highlighting the importance of identifying...
A study of 826 young men found a dose-response relationship between workplace stress and erectile dysfunction, with a 54.37% prevalence in the high-stress group. Working hours and supervisor support were found to impact erectile function through cortisol and testosterone levels.
A randomized clinical trial found that nurses experiencing mental distress benefited from combining mental health screening with a digital cognitive-behavior skills-building program, resulting in significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The program also improved healthy lifestyle beliefs and behaviors.
A study found that just 10 minutes of very slow running improves mood and executive function, activating the prefrontal cortex. This suggests that even low-intensity exercise can have cognitive benefits.
A study of 323 women found that thinspiration content increased self-objectification and worsened mood, while body-positive content boosted mood, despite still increasing self-objectification. Body-positive content strengthened positive mood effects in women with high self-objectification tendencies.
Research at Kyushu University found that using Igusa mats increases brain activity related to concentration and engagement. Participants reported reduced tension and anxiety after using Igusa mats, indicating potential benefits for stress resilience.
A new study identifies astrocytes in the brain's fear center as a key player in stress response and anxiety. The research found that restoring the antenna-like structure on these cells can ease stress behaviors, and a potential treatment target has been identified.
The integration of psychology into primary care in Canada has the potential to improve access to care, support physicians, and save billions of dollars. Studies have shown that integrated primary care reduces wait times, patient engagement, and improves outcomes for mental health conditions.
Teenagers from lower-income households are more likely to have eating disorders, contrary to common stereotypes. The study found that family income showed the strongest correlation, with two-thirds of studies indicating that lower-income families were more likely to have eating disorder symptoms.
Research suggests that deep sleep strengthens resilience to stressful situations in mice by reorganizing brain activity in the prelimbic cortex. The study found that mice who experienced more deep sleep were better able to cope with stressful social situations.
Anhedonia, a common symptom of depression and other mental health conditions, may not be solely explained by dopamine pathways, according to a new international expert report. The report calls for more precise definitions, biological markers, and clinical trials targeting anhedonia as a primary outcome.
A large Europe-wide study has found that smoking leads to increased loneliness, with current smokers reporting higher levels of loneliness and social isolation. The study suggests that smoking damages psychosocial health in addition to physical effects, and highlights the need to challenge the social norms surrounding smoking.
A Stanford Medicine study found that pop-up messages warning of social media harms, such as mental health consequences, can reduce young people's use and boost their knowledge of risks. The study, which tested 14 warnings, found that messages on overall mental health harms, depression, and anxiety resonated most with young people.
A new study found that US children's emergency visits for mental health crises increased by 74% between 2016 and 2022. Half of these visits occurred in hospitals with low pediatric volume, highlighting the need for specialized resources and training.
Emergency visits by children with suicide-related crises increased by 74% in hospitals with lower pediatric volume, often lacking specialized resources. These EDs often struggle to provide timely, effective, and equitable care to children in mental health crises.