Horses lead the way in helping children heal from trauma
Research reveals that equine-assisted interventions can transform a child's emotional world, promoting trust, emotional safety, and healing through horse interactions and natural settings
Mental Health
Articles tagged with Mental Health
Publicly insured patients with opioid addiction are less likely to receive treatment services
A Rutgers analysis of medical records reveals that Medicaid and Medicare patients with opioid addiction tend to receive behavioral health care services less often than those with other types of funding. Patients with public insurance alone were less likely to utilize treatment services compared to those with multiple funding sources.
Early intervention changes trajectory for depressed preschoolers
A 4-year-old intervention program has been shown to effectively treat depression in young children, with a majority of participants achieving remission. The treatment, called PCIT-ED, helps parents interact with their children differently in the emotional domain, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
Move to improve: Exercise eases depression and anxiety in kids
A new study from the University of South Australia found that structured exercise programs improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in children. The study, involving 38,000 young people across 375 clinical trials, suggests benefits can emerge quickly, even for short periods of time.
Tackling depressive symptoms in high school students by honing emotional and social skills
A year-long intervention program in Japan has shown promising results in reducing depressive symptoms among high school students. The Mastery of Interpersonal Relationships and Emotional Skills (MIRaES) program addresses practical constraints to provide a feasible universal prevention approach for school settings.
More staff addressing mental health in schools buffers toll of growing up in disadvantaged communities
A new study from Mass General Brigham found that greater access to mental health staff in schools can help lower risk of mental health conditions among students growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Higher school mental health staffing ratios counteracted the effects of neighborhood deprivation on anxiety and depressive symptoms, ...
Genetic markers for depression reveal consistent patterns in psychiatric treatment outcomes
Research synthesizes evidence from dozens of studies on polygenic scores and their clinical implications, revealing consistent patterns that could contribute to personalized psychiatric care. Higher genetic risk for depression correlates with poorer treatment outcomes, including nonresponse to antidepressants and mood stabilizers.
New insights in women's mental health: Hormone-linked brain circuit offers hope for postpartum depression treatment
Researchers have identified a specific brain circuit, including vasopressin-producing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus, as critical drivers of depressive-like symptoms. Silencing these cells improves mood measures, while activating them exacerbates depressive-like behaviors.
Autoimmune disease linked to doubling in depression, anxiety, bipolar risks
A large UK study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and persistent mental health issues, with higher risks in women. Chronic exposure to systemic inflammation may explain the associations, researchers suggest.
Military discharge is a time of challenge and opportunity
A recent study found that nearly 400 former Australian Defence Force members experienced negative discharge experiences, with many feeling disrespected, mistreated, or abused. The research highlights the need for reform to prevent long-term psychological harm and provides preliminary evidence suggesting that transition-related identity...
Military discharge is a time of challenge and opportunity
A study of nearly 400 former Australian Defence Force members found widespread dissatisfaction with their discharge experience. Many veterans felt disrespected, mistreated or abused during their discharge from the ADF, leading to long-term psychological consequences.
US Muslims’ attitudes toward psychedelic therapy
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
ADHD link to severe premenstrual disorder uncovered in women
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that women with ADHD are significantly more likely to suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Women with high levels of ADHD symptoms and impairment were over four times more likely to have PMDD, emphasizing the need for screening in females with ADHD. The findings high...
Emotional outbursts in children linked to depression in teen years
A study from the University of Edinburgh found that young children with difficulty managing intense emotions are more likely to experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety as teenagers. The research suggests that helping children develop emotion regulation skills early on could reduce these issues in adolescence.
Hope is the key to a meaningful life, according to new research
A new study by the University of Missouri researchers demonstrates that hope is a powerful emotional force that gives life meaning. The team found that only hope consistently predicted a stronger sense of meaning, which is linked to various positive outcomes, including happiness, quality relationships, and better physical health.
Racial and ethnic differences in mental health service use among adolescents
A cross-sectional study of 23,000 adolescents found significant racial and ethnic disparities in mental health service use among minority groups. Adolescents from minority groups were less likely to receive mental health visits or psychotropic medications, underscoring the importance of improving access for these populations.
Addictive use of social media, not total time, associated with youth mental health
A new study has found that addictive use of social media, but not total screen time, is associated with worse mental health among preteens. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,300 children and found that high or increasingly addictive screen use was linked to increased risk of anxiety, depression, aggression, and suicidal behaviors.
Preschool intervention linked to high school performance
A recent study published in Child Development found that early social-emotional learning curriculum led to improved teen behavior and mental health. The intervention, which focused on developing friendship skills and emotional knowledge, had a positive effect on students' social adjustment and parent involvement.
Addictive screen use trajectories and suicidal behaviors, suicidal ideation, and mental health in US youths
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
Exposure to multiple extreme climate events during pregnancy may have a cumulative effect on child brain development
A study found that children whose mothers experienced Superstorm Sandy during pregnancy showed distinct brain differences that could affect their emotional development. Prenatal exposure to extreme heat and climate events rewrote critical emotion regulation centers in the developing brain.
Italian neuroscientist links childhood trauma to lifelong brain consequences
Sara Poletti's research reveals how childhood trauma triggers persistent neuroinflammation pathways and alters brain structure, creating lifelong vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Her work identifies biological markers of trauma and explores prevention strategies to reduce mental illness odds.
Let’s all club together for better mental health
A new study by Flinders University highlights the importance of a 'whole-club' approach to youth mental health promotion in sporting clubs. The research found that initiatives often focus on coaches alone, but must be embedded in club culture and routines to create lasting change.
People with COVID-like symptoms took up to nine months post-infection to regain mental well-being
A new study found that people with COVID-like symptoms took up to nine months post-infection to regain mental well-being, but physical well-being returned after three months. Up to 20% of patients continued experiencing suboptimal overall health-related quality of life one year after infection.
Too busy to focus on your happiness? Try daily micro-acts of joy
A week-long web-based wellbeing intervention boosted participants' happiness through daily micro-acts, including sharing inspiring moments and performing kind acts. The Big Joy Project tested the effectiveness of a simple yet impactful approach to improving well-being.
Personality disorder pioneer reveals half-century journey transforming psychiatric classification
Dr. John Oldham's contributions have fundamentally reshaped personality disorder classification, moving from rigid categories to a more nuanced dimensional system. His Alternative DSM-5 Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) has marked the most significant epistemological shift in psychiatric diagnosis for decades.
Peripheral cues may amplify emotional distress in individuals with depressive symptoms study finds
A new study by researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds that people with higher levels of depressive symptoms are more susceptible to the emotional influence of negative surrounding images. This effect was not mitigated by positive imagery, highlighting an asymmetry in how depression affects emotional processing.
Investigating how stress may cause sleep and memory deficits
Researchers discovered that stress activates neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, leading to impaired sleep and memory. Inhibiting these neurons reduced stress-related memory issues while slightly improving sleep.
Mood disorders in late-life may be early warning signs for dementia
Research found that approximately 50% of participants with late-life depression and bipolar disorder showed tau accumulation in their brains, compared to only about 15% of healthy controls. The study suggests that neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, can initially manifest as psychiatric symptoms.
US workers’ self-reported mental health outcomes by industry and occupation
A cross-sectional study found significant differences in poor mental health among US workers by sociodemographic categories and industry/occupation groups. The findings suggest that work-related factors may contribute to mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Brain mechanisms that distinguish imagination from reality discovered
A new study published in Neuron has identified a brain region, the fusiform gyrus, as key to distinguishing between real and imagined experiences. The region's strength of activity can predict whether someone judges an experience as real or imagined.
Study shows how obesity can affect care provision
A new study found that obesity can lead to feelings of judgment, isolation, and stigma in older adults when seeking social care. The research highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to address unmet needs and increase awareness among healthcare professionals.
Weight stigma—not BMI—has the biggest effect on mental health after weight-loss surgery
New research shows that weight stigma and not weight itself have the biggest impact on mental health and healthy behaviors in patients after weight-loss surgery. This reduction in weight stigma is linked to improvements in both mental and physical health, including lower levels of anxiety and depression.
Talking therapy could be effective treatment for stroke survivors
A new study by UCL researchers found that stroke survivors who attend talking therapy sessions are more likely to recover from their psychological symptoms. The study analyzed data from 1.9 million patients, including 7,597 stroke survivors, and showed that 71% experienced reliable improvement in depression and anxiety.
Self-harm in adolescence: young people report on strategies to alleviate mental suffering in a booklet
A recent study by Luiza Cesar Riani Costa and Diene Monique Carlos has provided insights into non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents. The booklet, featuring photographs and experiences of young people, offers a low-cost therapeutic and educational tool to address mental health concerns.
Evidence to support state policies regulating teen use of social media is limited, study finds
A study published in the Milbank Quarterly found that evidence supporting state policies regulating teen social media use is limited. The authors analyzed 69 state social media legislative initiatives and concluded that while there is some association between social media use and adverse adolescent outcomes, the causal effects of harm ...
Study identifies personality traits associated with bedtime procrastination
A new study reveals that bedtime procrastination is associated with specific personality traits, including neuroticism and low conscientiousness. This finding suggests that emotional health may be a potential target for interventions to address bedtime procrastination.
How useful are states’ adolescent social media laws?
State policies on adolescent social media use have significant limitations, according to research published in The Milbank Quarterly. While there is evidence of negative outcomes from excessive social media use, particularly among vulnerable youth, the current research cannot definitively establish causal effects.
ECT sessions shape depression treatment outcomes
A comprehensive review reveals that early ECT sessions show substantial improvement, but subsequent sessions may lead to diminishing returns and cognitive side effects. The researchers propose a response-guided sequential treatment strategy, categorizing patients into three groups based on their response patterns.
How good money habits make cents for mental health
Researchers found that individuals with regular savings habits and on-time credit card payments had better mental health. The study also showed that even small amounts of saving can lead to positive outcomes.
Psychiatry residency program to launch in Imperial County
The new residency program will train 16 psychiatry residents to strengthen mental health resources in Imperial County, addressing a significant shortage of mental health professionals. The program is designed to provide high-quality behavioral health treatment, innovation, and research, with medical leadership from UC San Diego Health.
Low calorie diets linked to heightened risk of depressive symptoms
Research finds that following a low-calorie diet is associated with a heightened risk of depressive symptoms, especially in men who are overweight. The study analyzed data from over 28,500 adults and found that calorie-restrictive diets were linked to higher cognitive-affective symptom scores in men.
Study reveals the beneficial nature of greenspace exposure for brain development in early adolescence
Researchers found that greenspace exposure is associated with widespread patterns of structural brain development during early adolescence, leading to better academic and mental outcomes. This study highlights the importance of integrating natural environments into urban and educational settings.
Mental health sessions in schools can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms
New analysis led by UCL researchers found that whole-class mental health sessions can significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-informed sessions were more effective at reducing anxiety symptoms than mindfulness-based classes.
Attachment theory: A new lens for understanding human-AI relationships
Attachment theory is used to understand human-AI relationships, revealing anxiety and avoidance tendencies. The study suggests AI chatbots can be tailored to meet users' emotional needs, promoting psychological well-being.
Digital games facilitate learning about mental illness
A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that digital games can effectively teach people about depression, reducing stigma and increasing empathy. The study showed that participants who watched gaming videos on the topic reported improved knowledge, emotional responses, and motivation to learn more about depression.
WVU student discovers long-awaited mystery fungus sought by LSD’s inventor
A WVU microbiology student has discovered a new species of fungus, Periglandula clandestina, that produces effects similar to the semisynthetic drug LSD. The fungus is highly efficient at making ergot alkaloids, which can be used therapeutically to treat conditions like depression and addiction.
Chatbot system simulates group therapy to manage premenstrual syndrome
A research team has designed a chatbot system to simulate group therapy for managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a common disorder among women. The system provides simultaneous support for understanding, coping, and connections with peers, improving engagement and language convergence with participants.
Experiences with discrimination may raise rise of early psychotic episodes: NYU study
A new NYU study suggests that experiences with discrimination, racial inequality, and police violence may contribute to the development of psychosis in low-income young adults of color. The research found a higher incidence of psychotic episodes among Blacks, Latinos, and Indigenous respondents compared to white respondents.
How social media influencers impact FOMO in young consumers
A new study at Ohio State University found that young consumers who shop online and experience fear of missing out (FOMO) tend to feel lower levels of social, psychological, and financial well-being. However, having a stronger attachment to a social media influencer is linked to improved feelings of well-being in those areas. The study...
Mother’s warmth in childhood influences teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety
A new UCLA Health study found that maternal warmth in early childhood predicts better physical and mental health outcomes for teens by shaping their perceptions of social safety. Children who experience more maternal warmth at age 3 have more positive social safety schemas, leading to improved health outcomes at age 17.
Adolescents in India whose mothers experience domestic violence face significantly increased risk of anxiety and depression
Adolescents in India whose mothers experience domestic violence are at a significantly increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. The study highlights the importance of addressing this issue, particularly in Indian communities where domestic violence is prevalent.
Mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries among the top causes of death and disability for millions in the ASEAN region
The study reveals alarming increases in mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, smoking, and road injuries across the ASEAN region. Mental disorders affect over 80 million people, while cardiovascular diseases claim 37 million lives, with smoking and road injuries exacerbating the problem.
Little free library use may improve rural mental health access
A little free library was placed near a rural primary care clinic to increase access to anxiety, depression and PTSD resources. Patients who take books complete a survey to assess resource usefulness, allowing for future evaluation of the intervention's impact.
Peer support groups make a difference in nurse wellbeing
Research by Dr Alannah Cooper found that peer support groups promoted social support in the workplace, leading to improved wellbeing scores among mental health nurses. The intervention addressed underlying issues with workplace conditions, highlighting the importance of flexible attendance and supportive nurse managers.
Study finds significant declines in maternal mental health across US
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals a concerning decline in self-reported mental health among mothers in the US between 2016 and 2023. The percentage of mothers reporting excellent mental health dropped sharply from 38% to 26%, while those rating their mental health as fair or poor increased by 63.6%.
One in three youth with mental health crisis spent over 12 hours in emergency department waiting for psychiatric bed
Approximately one in three pediatric mental health ED visits resulted in prolonged stays exceeding 12 hours, with over half due to suicidal thoughts or aggressive behaviors. The study highlights significant issues with access to mental health care for children and adolescents.
New strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients, study shows
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
Positive expressive writing consistently improves wellbeing, but not all techniques are created equal
A systematic review found that positive expressive writing interventions improve psychological wellbeing, including measures of happiness and life satisfaction, but effects on physical health vary across individuals and intervention types.
Cannabis use disorder is increasing rapidly, especially among older adults and people living with HIV
A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.
Digital mental health tools need human touch - study
A study by the University of Reading found that digital mental health tools can improve outcomes when combined with human interaction. Participants rated live interviewers as more empathetic than automated versions, suggesting hybrid models may be the most effective path forward.