Research on psychological wellbeing and how to protect it. Covers depression and anxiety, stress, cognitive-behavioral programs, screening, and the effects of exercise.
A University of East Anglia study found that trauma-focused CBT significantly improved PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and emotion regulation in children with multiple traumas. The therapy was effective and safe, even for those with complex and severe symptoms.
Researchers found that playing virtual reality sports games can promote psychological well-being by helping players feel connected to others and engage in real-time communication. The positive effects of feeling socially present were even stronger for those experiencing loneliness.
A global review of firearm violence and mental health found three key mechanisms: cultural reliance, psychosocial pathways, and ecological levels. The study highlights the need for multilevel interventions to address these complex issues.
A systematic review of 53 studies found that machine learning algorithms for predicting suicidal behavior have low accuracy. The algorithms were poor at identifying individuals who would later self-harm or die by suicide, while exceling in detecting those who would not.
A new form of electric brain stimulation, HD-tDCS, has been shown to be effective and faster than traditional treatments for depression. Participants who received the therapy reported significant improvements in mood scores, which were sustained during follow-up assessments.
A 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or cognitive/mental health impairments, but reduced cannabis craving. Regular physical exercise may be a potential strategy for managing cannabis use disorder.
A study from India found that mothers who received primary support from their own mothers experienced improved postpartum wellbeing. In contrast, women whose mothers-in-law provided primary care reported significantly lower overall wellness levels.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
A new longitudinal study by York University found that young adults using both substances in times of high stress and emotional distress reported more negative life consequences. The study suggests that understanding combined use can help young adults mitigate the risk and seek healthier coping mechanisms.
A comprehensive review of anxiety and depression reveals abnormal neural circuits as a crucial biological mechanism. The study highlights key brain regions and networks involved in these disorders, providing new targets for neuromodulation and circuit-based therapies.
The RenewU program provides evidence-based interventions to prevent burnout and promote resilience in healthcare providers. The toolkit offers mental health support, stress management, and physical wellness resources, including yoga and exercise guides.
Research published in BMJ Mental Health found a strong association between the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of dementia. The study analyzed data from 3688 patients with one or more psychiatric disorders, finding that those with four or more disorders were 11 times as likely to develop dementia.
New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.
Problem gambling in minors is linked to a higher risk of suicide, substance use disorder, theft, and assault. The Canadian Medical Association Journal urges the federal government to expedite legislation to regulate sports betting advertising and protect young people from its harms.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that exergame training improved cognitive performance, memory, and structural brain changes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests a potential causal effect of the training on disease-modifying effects and plans for longer-term studies are underway.
The study highlights the importance of support networks during adolescence, including family connectedness and school and peer relationships. Stronger connections are associated with better mental health outcomes, lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and increased resilience.
A nationwide study of secondary school pupils in England found that bright children from poorer backgrounds are twice as likely to be admitted to hospital with mental health problems. They are also more likely to be treated for alcohol and drug use, self-harm, and pregnancy-related issues.
Food insecurity is associated with increased caregiver stress and household instability in rural families. The study highlights the negative impact of food insecurity on child mental health, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that autistic individuals identify loneliness, hopelessness, and feelings of worthlessness as key factors contributing to their suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the need for improved access to support services and reduced stigma within society.
The study found sex differences in age at diagnosis, treatment onset, illness duration, illicit drug use, and smoking among individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Females showed better functioning and neurocognitive performance than males, while males had higher rates of substance use.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
The latest issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services feature research on psychiatric genetics, telehealth prescribing of controlled substances, and trends in ADHD medication. Highlights include a new APA Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Treatment of Delirium.
A study of over 4,400 Australian children found that those experiencing tooth loss were more than four times as likely to be bullied. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas were disproportionately affected. The researchers highlight the need for improved access to dental care and prevention programs.
A new meta-analysis of six prospective controlled studies found that access to the GeneSight Psychotropic test significantly improved response and remission rates for adults with major depressive disorder. The study included 3,532 unique adults who had at least one prior treatment failure.
Professor Siegfried Kasper reveals biological bases of psychiatric disorders alongside psychosocial determinants, influencing treatment protocols globally. His pioneering research transformed approaches to treatment-resistant depression, improving millions of lives.
Researchers found that chronic stress triggers the release of immune cells in the brain's protective layer, contributing to depression symptoms. Blocking these cells' signaling pathway shows promise for improving behavior and alleviating depressive symptoms.
Researchers found neglected children had abnormalities in critical brain regions, including right corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus, linked to behavioral difficulties. These findings provide objective markers for identifying children affected by neglect.
A new report from Emory University reveals that certain mental health conditions can raise the risk of developing heart disease by 50-100% and adverse outcomes from existing heart conditions by 60-170%. The study emphasizes a bidirectional relationship between cardiovascular disease and mental health, highlighting the need for an integ...
A UCLA study reveals how a region of the medial prefrontal cortex integrates information across the brain to coordinate physiological and behavioral responses. The findings could help develop targeted therapies for stress-related and social dysfunction disorders.
High ventilation breathwork with music is linked to altered states of consciousness, reduced negative emotions, and increased blood flow to the right amygdala and anterior hippocampus. The study found that breathwork practices can induce profound psychedelic states similar to those evoked by psychedelic substances.
Researchers found that people with emotional insecurities react strongly to their partner's phone use, reporting lower self-esteem and greater resentment. Simple steps like creating phone-free zones can help protect relationships.
A 12-week online program has been shown to be effective in treating bulimia nervosa, with a significant reduction in binge eating and compensatory behaviors. The study found that guided internet-based CBT can help people who struggle to access specialist care.
A new UCLA-led study finds that government housing assistance reduces the risk of medical bill stress by nearly seven percentage points among US renters with cancer, leading to improved quality of life and reduced poor physical and mental health outcomes.
A new study suggests that the 'unhappiness hump' has disappeared globally, with declining mental health among younger people being a key factor. This shift is in contrast to past trends, where mental ill-being typically peaked in midlife and declined with age.
Research reveals neuroglia play active role in brain function, driving disease progression through atrophy and functional decline. Therapeutic strategies targeting neuroglial signaling may prevent damage following brain injury or protect against neurodegenerative processes.
A cross-sectional study found that greater lean mass and fitness are associated with fewer anxiety and depression symptoms in preadolescent children. Higher visceral adipose tissue, on the other hand, is linked to increased symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
A study involving over 2,000 Brazilian students found that changing school shifts does not significantly improve academic performance for students with ADHD. However, afternoon classes only improved the performance of students with few or no symptoms of ADHD.
A systematic review found that high-concentration delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) cannabis products are linked to unfavorable mental health outcomes, including psychosis and schizophrenia. The review of 99 studies suggests that higher THC concentrations increase the risk for adverse mental health effects.
A new study from UC Davis found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life were about 28% less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia. Purpose helped the brain stay resilient with age, even for those with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that firearm suicides are rising sharply among older women, with nearly 40% of suicides involving firearms in 2014-2023. The trend outpaces older men, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to mitigate firearm suicides among all older adults.
A study suggests that children's depression may contribute to worsening maternal depression, rather than the other way around. This finding highlights the need for family-centered approaches to mental health care.
A study found that disaster-induced displacement from home was associated with increased depression and anxiety symptoms, especially among those who never returned home. This highlights the urgent need for mental health care for displaced populations, particularly socially vulnerable groups.
A new study reveals that extreme heat and air pollution during pregnancy may alter hormone levels and increase behavioral difficulties in children. The research suggests a biological pathway through which environmental stressors can influence mental health and well-being.
A national study has found that LGBTQIA+ college students living in conservative US states experience poorer mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Colleges are urged to implement inclusive policies and provide resources to support these students.
Researchers envision AI-powered systems that identify patients at risk of mental health struggles, provide continuous psychological monitoring and tailor interventions. AI can also overcome barriers to mental health care by delivering support exactly where and when it's needed, including rural areas.
A study by University of New Hampshire researchers found that communities with higher walkability scores experienced a 4% reduction in average pandemic-related mental health deterioration. The study analyzed national census and survey data to measure the impact of walking on mental health during the pandemic.
A significant amount of mothers experience strong symptoms of worry and insecurity after childbirth, which is now being recognized as a natural part of parenthood. The study aims to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations between new mothers and healthcare professionals about their emotional challenges.
A study of over 10,000 teenagers found that sleep problems at age 14 were directly associated with self-harm behaviour at both ages, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sleep health in adolescents. The research also suggests that poor sleep can have long-lasting impacts on mental health.
A new study found that nearly half of US adolescents with major depressive episode received no mental health care in 2022. The odds of specialist treatment were lower among marginalized groups, including males, Black youth, and those living in rural areas or without insurance.
A study analyzing acute and chronic stress on rat brains reveals distinct effects on mental health. Acute stress triggers anxiety-like behaviors, primarily in males, whereas chronic stress is linked to depressive symptoms.
Researchers from the University of Bath and University of Hong Kong found that additive advice bias is common in conversations, social media, and AI chatbots. This bias can leave people feeling more overwhelmed than helped, with well-intentioned tips piling on extra tasks.
A Canadian national study found that older adults living in greener neighborhoods were less likely to experience depression during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to nearby green spaces acted as a mental health buffer, especially for those without a prior history of depression, lower-income Canadians, and individuals ...
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that avoidant coping plays a key role in lowering the quality of life for mental health providers. Long-term training in adaptive coping strategies and fostering an internal sense of control can improve provider well-being and client outcomes.
Adults with a history of cancer are significantly more likely to use depression and anxiety medications than noncancer survivors. Non-Hispanic Black patients exhibit decreased medication use, highlighting disparities in mental health treatment.
A new study found that highly sensitive people are more likely to experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The research also suggests that sensitivity is a significant risk factor for various mental health conditions, and that tailored treatments may be more effective.
A new study published in JMIR Serious Games reveals that playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and watching Studio Ghibli films can significantly improve young people’s overall happiness and sense of purpose in life. The study found that immersing oneself in these activities can nurture essential human capacities, including e...
A review of systematic reviews finds a consistent association between youth vaping and subsequent smoking, marijuana, and alcohol use. Vaping is also linked to various respiratory and mental health issues, including asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and suicidal outcomes.
A pilot study found that a four-week nature-based programme, Roots and Shoots, improved mood, mindfulness, and reduced stress in adults. The programme, led by the University of Exeter, empowered individuals to spend more time in nature and improve their wellbeing.
A recent study has found a significant positive relationship between sensitivity and common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Highly sensitive individuals are more likely to benefit from treatment plans involving applied relaxation and mindfulness.
A new study published in Environmental Research has found a link between traffic noise and mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in young adults. The study suggests that exposure to traffic noise above 53 decibels increases the risk of developing these conditions.